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<title>Engadget HD - Comments for Ask Engadget HD: Which digital TV converter is the one to buy?</title>
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<generator>Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/</generator><item><title><![CDATA[Comments on Ask Engadget HD: Which digital TV converter is the one to buy?]]></title><link>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</guid><description><![CDATA[I bought an Insignia box last week. As of now, with a passive indoor antenna from my home in the mountains about 22 miles away, I get the three digital channels offered by Denver's public television station. The pic looks great when the antenna is pointed just right. I would probably have more channels if I went for a roof mounted active antenna instead.  <br><br>The box seems to work fine and is built solidly . Auto tune and other menu items are easy to figure out. Even comes with a remote. I just wish it passed the analog signals through as well because I get several commercial stations the old fashioned way at least until Feb. 2009.]]></description><dc:creator><![CDATA[epa]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mar 26th 2008 12:12PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comments on Ask Engadget HD: Which digital TV converter is the one to buy?]]></title><link>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</guid><description><![CDATA[I have a samsung box and it is great but it really needs a button to switch between letterbox, stretch, and zoom... I like watching my "HD Shows" in a letterbox format on my non HDTV and it is a pain to go into the menus to switch it back to zoom mode when a show is not in HD.]]></description><dc:creator><![CDATA[Dayton Guy]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mar 26th 2008 12:33PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comments on Ask Engadget HD: Which digital TV converter is the one to buy?]]></title><link>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</guid><description><![CDATA[I'm OK, since I've got a Samsung HDTV converter, but I'm hoping that Echostar/Sling's TR-40 hits the market before my mom and grandmother's vouchers expire. If not, then it looks like the Insignia or maybe the Zenith, but they're $20 more. I'm seriously looking into the TR-50 (HD DVR) to replace my 11 year old ReplayTV, since it's only got another 10 1/2 months of real use left.]]></description><dc:creator><![CDATA[TVGenius]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mar 26th 2008 1:00PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comments on Ask Engadget HD: Which digital TV converter is the one to buy?]]></title><link>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</guid><description><![CDATA[TV Genious: You can call and cancel the vouchers and re-order new ones to extend the vouchers.  Just make sure that they DO NOT EXPIRE, as you cannot get new ones after the original expiration date. I did this to wait for the Echostar---]]></description><dc:creator><![CDATA[Ron C.]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Apr 6th 2008 9:13AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comments on Ask Engadget HD: Which digital TV converter is the one to buy?]]></title><link>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</guid><description><![CDATA[The reply from Ron C<br><br>"You can call and cancel the vouchers and re-order new ones to extend the vouchers"<br><br>seems to be wrong.  I called 1-888-DTV 2009 on Apr 28 and they said<br>you CANNOT cancel and re-order.<br><br>But you can complain via snail mail to <br><br>Coupon Complaints<br>P.O. Box 2000<br>Portland Oregon 97208<br><br>and if enough people write in they MIGHT extend the cards.<br><br>]]></description><dc:creator><![CDATA[Dave Fredricks]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Jul 11th 2008 7:50AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comments on Ask Engadget HD: Which digital TV converter is the one to buy?]]></title><link>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</guid><description><![CDATA[fyi the insignia box picture is built for best buy by LG... ]]></description><dc:creator><![CDATA[JoN]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mar 26th 2008 1:23PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comments on Ask Engadget HD: Which digital TV converter is the one to buy?]]></title><link>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</guid><description><![CDATA[The zenith one is also the same box as the insignia made by LG, just with different branding.]]></description><dc:creator><![CDATA[milrtime83]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mar 26th 2008 2:08PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comments on Ask Engadget HD: Which digital TV converter is the one to buy?]]></title><link>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</guid><description><![CDATA[LG owns Zenith :)]]></description><dc:creator><![CDATA[JoN]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mar 27th 2008 2:22AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comments on Ask Engadget HD: Which digital TV converter is the one to buy?]]></title><link>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</guid><description><![CDATA[Your mom is built for best buy by LG.]]></description><dc:creator><![CDATA[James]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Apr 3rd 2008 1:24PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comments on Ask Engadget HD: Which digital TV converter is the one to buy?]]></title><link>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</guid><description><![CDATA[LG? This is sufficient reason in itself to go with the RCA unit.]]></description><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeff]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Apr 13th 2008 10:44AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comments on Ask Engadget HD: Which digital TV converter is the one to buy?]]></title><link>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</guid><description><![CDATA[For the most part it won't really matter. Probably 70%-80% of them will have the same quality components and tuners. The main differences will be in ease of use, menu, and feature quality. Get a name brand one and get more time spend on menus and ascetics. But when it comes to quality of the tuners and reception the main difference will come from the antenna you use with it.  ]]></description><dc:creator><![CDATA[Josh Haagen]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mar 26th 2008 1:45PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comments on Ask Engadget HD: Which digital TV converter is the one to buy?]]></title><link>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</guid><description><![CDATA[I would just buy the one that looks best with my other components and call it quits]]></description><dc:creator><![CDATA[Josh Haagen]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mar 26th 2008 1:44PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comments on Ask Engadget HD: Which digital TV converter is the one to buy?]]></title><link>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</guid><description><![CDATA[But the zenith box looks pretty good]]></description><dc:creator><![CDATA[Josh Haagen]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mar 26th 2008 1:45PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comments on Ask Engadget HD: Which digital TV converter is the one to buy?]]></title><link>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</guid><description><![CDATA[I posted my experience and performance comparison of the Insignia box and my MDP-130 here:<br><br><a href="http://www.seantorbett.com/2008/03/18/dtv-coupon-converter-box-put-to-the-test-does-it-work/" rel="nofollow">http://www.seantorbett.com/2008/03/18/dtv-coupon-converter-box-put-to-the-test-does-it-work/</a><br><br>If anyone is curious...]]></description><dc:creator><![CDATA[Sean T.]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mar 26th 2008 1:46PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comments on Ask Engadget HD: Which digital TV converter is the one to buy?]]></title><link>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</guid><description><![CDATA[i've got the insignia one from best buy, seems pretty good. clear picture and good menus<br>given that these are pretty basic (the coupon eligible ones) how different can they all be?]]></description><dc:creator><![CDATA[Dan]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mar 26th 2008 2:04PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comments on Ask Engadget HD: Which digital TV converter is the one to buy?]]></title><link>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</guid><description><![CDATA[I thought this was an HD forum....why do any of us care about these?  My Grandma might need one.]]></description><dc:creator><![CDATA[Ryan]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mar 26th 2008 3:02PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comments on Ask Engadget HD: Which digital TV converter is the one to buy?]]></title><link>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</guid><description><![CDATA[Ummm... maybe because at least around here, only one of our local stations is actually pushing anything through in HD, so it's hard for me to justify my mom and grandma (who have Dish and DirecTV) spending $170 on a HD converter when the government will get them ones for their secondary TVs for $20 or less, and they'll see the same 480i signal as I get.]]></description><dc:creator><![CDATA[TVGenius]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mar 26th 2008 4:00PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comments on Ask Engadget HD: Which digital TV converter is the one to buy?]]></title><link>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</guid><description><![CDATA[Whichever one requires the least out of pocket.]]></description><dc:creator><![CDATA[Big Sam]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mar 26th 2008 4:38PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comments on Ask Engadget HD: Which digital TV converter is the one to buy?]]></title><link>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</guid><description><![CDATA[Has anyone checked out the Channel Master that was on Engadget last week? How does it perform?]]></description><dc:creator><![CDATA[TimB]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mar 26th 2008 5:49PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comments on Ask Engadget HD: Which digital TV converter is the one to buy?]]></title><link>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</guid><description><![CDATA[Purchased the Insignia at Best Buy the day my coupons arrived. Had a DirecTV TiVO feeding my legacy SD TV's but it just bit the dust, so this is a good alternative until I get a replacement. About 15 to 20 miles away from Twin City stations, using a Channel Master 4220 antenna installed in garage rafters. Digital picture quality on the Insignia is great, on par with the SD signal from the DirecTV TiVO and so much better than analog. Set up is a snap, channel search much faster than my Sony HD TV. Channel changing is a little sluggish and the guide is fine, but only offers info on shows playing and shows coming next. Remote is good and does let you load your TV on/off function into it. So far very satisfied with the Insignia. <br>]]></description><dc:creator><![CDATA[ScrawlHD]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mar 26th 2008 6:45PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comments on Ask Engadget HD: Which digital TV converter is the one to buy?]]></title><link>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</guid><description><![CDATA[I got the Zenith DTT900 at the local Circuit City 2 weeks ago, after doing some research about coupon-eligible converters. During my research I found out that LG (who holds patents for ATSC broadcasting) owns Zenith, and the DTT900 is supposed to include their latest "6th generation" tuner. The Insignia is (as previous posters noted) the same box rebranded for Best Buy. <br><br>I hooked it up to our 6-year-old Sony 32-inch 4:3 Wega tube TV with a coax cable and a Terk TV50 indoor/outdoor antenna. Setup was ridiculously easy and tuning was fast. Picture quality had some waviness at first, but after changing the channel to 4 (since we have an NTSC channel 3 in town) got rid of the artifacts. Even with the coax connection, the picture quality is much better compared to NTSC analog. We live just behind a hill, with a water tower nearby so there used to be ghosting with some analog channels. We're about 5 miles away from the cluster of Madison WI towers.<br><br>Even though this box does not have an analog pass-through, I found a cheap solution: The antenna goes to our Sony VCR coax in. The VCR coax out goes to the Zenith converter box. The converter box coax out goes to the TV. The converter box composite/stereo outputs (yellow-red-white RCA jacks) go back to the VCR "line in" RCA inputs. The VCR "line out" RCA outputs go to our Sony receiver. The receiver composite video output goes to the TV. Convoluted? Yes. But it works! This will allow us to continue to use our VCR with NTSC analog (for the next 11 months anyway) or with ATSC DTV. It also gives us the option of simplicity (just watching TV with audio through the TV) or higher quality (audio through our receiver). ATSC audio is downmixed to 2.0 stereo, but that's OK for us since our 10-year-old Sony receiver doesn't support 5.1 anyway. I have not noticed any left channel audio distortion reported on other discussion boards (google Zenith DTT900).<br><br>The remote is fairly well laid-out and can control your TV as well. However we have a Logitech Harmony 550. Logitech has codes for the Zenith DTT900 and it was easy to add it to the system. <br><br>The menus on the DTT900 are easy to use, well laid-out, and (dare I say) "pretty" as interfaces go. The simple electronic program guide only provides the "current" and "next" programs.<br><br>Overall I'm pleasantly surprised with the Zenith DTT900's ability to extend the life of our antiquated Sony home theater system and the ease with which it was able to integrate into our system.]]></description><dc:creator><![CDATA[Tony Chang]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mar 26th 2008 7:39PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comments on Ask Engadget HD: Which digital TV converter is the one to buy?]]></title><link>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</guid><description><![CDATA[None unless you live in the country.<br>You don't need one if your using sat or cable.<br><br>The commercials are misleading.....]]></description><dc:creator><![CDATA[mda20]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mar 26th 2008 8:24PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comments on Ask Engadget HD: Which digital TV converter is the one to buy?]]></title><link>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</guid><description><![CDATA[I agree and when the hell can we expect all HD all the time? 2099??? ]]></description><dc:creator><![CDATA[Joebnsd]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mar 26th 2008 10:23PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comments on Ask Engadget HD: Which digital TV converter is the one to buy?]]></title><link>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</guid><description><![CDATA[How come no one has posted what these cost?  Is there some rule about listing price?  I got my $40 coupon and want to know what this is going to cost me out of pocket.  What are prices are people seeing on these boxes?]]></description><dc:creator><![CDATA[Adam]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mar 27th 2008 12:14PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comments on Ask Engadget HD: Which digital TV converter is the one to buy?]]></title><link>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</guid><description><![CDATA[The Insignia converter box I bought went for $60.  With a $40 coupon it would only cost $20 out of pocket.<br><br>I bought mine at Best Buy, but all the big box stores should have them in stock and the "coupon eligible" boxes will be around the same $60 price since their features and capabilities are restricted by the government coupon program.]]></description><dc:creator><![CDATA[Sean T.]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mar 27th 2008 12:27PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comments on Ask Engadget HD: Which digital TV converter is the one to buy?]]></title><link>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</guid><description><![CDATA[I just looked at all the features and compared and contrasted them... check it out.<br><a href="http://www.hdtv.biz/Article-DTV_converter_boxes_compare_and_contrast.shtml" rel="nofollow">http://www.hdtv.biz/Article-DTV_converter_boxes_compare_and_contrast.shtml</a><br>I decided to go with the rca unit because or reports that it has a great tuner, has channel up/down and power buttons on the unit (unlike the magnovox) and has a smart antenna input if i decide to get a smart antenna. it also is one of the cheaper units for the money. and the remote controls the tv power and volume, too which is also a plus. HDTV.biz was very informative to help me find the box that fits my needs, and they all have differences, as little as cosmetic to functions such as universal remotes, to control buttons and smart antenas and one even has s video outputs on it for better picture quality.]]></description><dc:creator><![CDATA[eric]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mar 27th 2008 2:06PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comments on Ask Engadget HD: Which digital TV converter is the one to buy?]]></title><link>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</guid><description><![CDATA[Thank You;   The hdtv.biz compare site you suggested was great.<br>I have a rotary antenna. The Digtial Stream DTX9900 has a feature that<br>sounds like what I need. Thank You,<br>                                              Donald]]></description><dc:creator><![CDATA[Donald]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Apr 24th 2008 3:05PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comments on Ask Engadget HD: Which digital TV converter is the one to buy?]]></title><link>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</guid><description><![CDATA[There's a big thread over in AVS forum discussing the same topic:<br><a href="http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=980052" rel="nofollow">http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=980052</a><br><br>Unfortunately there still does not seem to be any conclusion yet. I'll be waiting another month or so and hopefully winners will be clearer before my coupons expire.]]></description><dc:creator><![CDATA[Josh Wardell]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mar 27th 2008 4:18PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comments on Ask Engadget HD: Which digital TV converter is the one to buy?]]></title><link>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</guid><description><![CDATA[I have recently received my $40 coupons. I have read through the reviews. I need two different converters since I have a VCR and TV in the same room both on the same tower antenna, so I purchased both units. The Zenith from Circuit City and the Digital Stream from Radio Shack.<br><br>Here are my comparisons...<br><br>Both pick up the same number of stations and have about the same signal strength/loss. Both are fairly easy to setup. I have found that I favor the Digital Stream.<br><br>1. Its smaller (about the size of a standard vcr tape.)<br>2. It works better with my remote (could not get the Zenith to turn on from my remote, off, but not on. go figure.).<br>3. The remote that comes with the DS is nicer. It has (TV) on/off, (TV)input button, (TV)vol Up and (TV)vol Down. Right on the top of the remote. So for a simple remote on an existing TV is is great.<br>4. EPG - The guide is a lot better. It shows TV shows for hours ahead, and if you push the select button on any of the future shows, it displays a detailed message stating what the show will be about. This feature only shows for the channel you are on, but it is more complete. The Zenith will show only the current show and 1 hour ahead. It will try and show multiple channels, but only if you have previously viewed each channel. On the Zenith when you turn on the box it will only show info for the channel you are on (for others it instructs you to click on though the channels before info will show).<br>5. The DS also will show 14:9 which I find fills 90% of the screen most often. I find a lot of channels where this is perfect. You can switch to 16:9 when needed by just hitting the zoom button. It also has Zoom (Cropped) and Anamorphic.<br>6. It has settings for emergency alerts. This feature is either missing from the Zenith or not adjustable.<br>7. The Info button shows program info and signal strength in one display. There is also a Meter button, that shows it separately.<br>8. It has a factory re-set. (If you put in a PIN number it will not re-set until it is entered. Keeps it safe from the kiddies.)<br><br>Ok, there were a few negatives, but, they are not as important.<br><br>1. no composite cable, only antenna.<br>2. No way to add channels manually. you have to use the auto scan, but you can remove any you do not want easily.<br><br>So there you go... my 2 cents worth.]]></description><dc:creator><![CDATA[vger7]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Apr 1st 2008 3:25PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comments on Ask Engadget HD: Which digital TV converter is the one to buy?]]></title><link>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</guid><description><![CDATA[I purchased the Zenith DTT901 today from Circuit City. It is the successor to the DTT900. It came with RCA stereo and video cable. Setup was very easy. As soon as it was powered on, it went through the setup procedure and scanned available channels. The video and audio quality was very good. The RCA video was better than coax video. Coax video on channel 3 seemed a little better than on channel 4. Coax pass thru works. When the converter is turned off my analog tv is able to function as before. EPG shows current and next show and it's easy to flip through all the channels and see what shows are available or coming next. It is not a big deal for me to know what shows are coming further in the future. I care more about quality and stability than I do about fancy features I will rarely use. I am extremely pleased with this converter box.]]></description><dc:creator><![CDATA[sam]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Jun 17th 2008 1:52AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comments on Ask Engadget HD: Which digital TV converter is the one to buy?]]></title><link>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</guid><description><![CDATA[This site has a lot of information about converter boxes, retailers, prices and comparisons.<br><a href="http://www.ezdigitaltv.com/Converter_Box_Retailers.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.ezdigitaltv.com/Converter_Box_Retailers.html</a><br><a href="http://www.ezdigitaltv.com/Additional_Features_Matrix.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.ezdigitaltv.com/Additional_Features_Matrix.html</a>]]></description><dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Apr 3rd 2008 8:29AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comments on Ask Engadget HD: Which digital TV converter is the one to buy?]]></title><link>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</guid><description><![CDATA[I myself got two Insignia converters.  They work wonderfully.]]></description><dc:creator><![CDATA[Blair]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Apr 11th 2008 3:47PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comments on Ask Engadget HD: Which digital TV converter is the one to buy?]]></title><link>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</guid><description><![CDATA[With an indoor antenna, my TV reception is perfect on every channel.  As crisp, sharp and vivid as my neighbor's HD.  On a low fixed income in a semi-rural area, I bought an RCA converter at Walmart b/c that was all they had and with coupon only had to pay $10.  Well, all I get is snow.  The RCA manual says to get a "Smart Antenna" whatever the hell that is.  Does the government give coupons for Smart Antennas?   I am disgusted with the whole thing.  Leave it to the politicians to take away free choice.]]></description><dc:creator><![CDATA[dv]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Apr 21st 2008 3:14PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comments on Ask Engadget HD: Which digital TV converter is the one to buy?]]></title><link>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</guid><description><![CDATA[It’s me again, replying to dummy myself as an amending update and to let everybody know the RCA converter works on my Toshiba TV after all.  Just needed to hook up audio/video cables (Option 2 in the instructions for TVs with the color coded jackholes or whatchamacallits, I thought it was an option meaning choice not mandatory)  as well as the antenna (Option 1—two mandatory “options”) and then just started hitting buttons and forgot following instructions (isn’t that usually the case?). <br><br>Good thing I had a set of Phillips Digital Gold Series cables on hand, honestly didn't know what I was buying when I bought them a few years ago when I got the new TV with the color coded whatchamacallits & discovered didn’t need the cables for the TV to work as vivid and sharp as HD without them.  Didn’t know an analog from a digital then & thought the digital cables were an “option” instead of the indoor antenna.  Or something.  <br><br>I admit I’m as dumb about today’s technology as a computer nerd about the mechanics of a car.  Dumb or not, still say the quality of reception is not as good as the old analog. I did try readjusting settings for color, sharpness, contrast, etc., but didn’t help much. I just get more channels, most of which I set on skip in the channel list since they’re in a foreign tongue and the converter box doesn’t lingually translate, folks. <br><br>In any case, the RCA converter works probably as good as it gets (for today’s money—$50, ten dollars out of pocket with coupon card) and with my old indoor antenna.  Just remember, folks, with color coded audio/video jackamathings (red, yellow, white connectors) in your TVs, to have the cables handy (speaking for the RCA).  Relieved don’t have to spend any more money on some kind of antenna smarter than I am, just to have a boob tube.  Now to find out where to get rid of my old, old TV in this smalltown hodunk place where we stick to guns and religion b/c Washington DC ignores us, and believe me I was about to pull out the old pistola and start shooting at the Toshiba and that black box and God even.  Glad it didn’t have to come to that, Obama and all you other Senators and the Congressmen who voted to force almighty DTV on the People.  Next contention—Blu-ray.  :)<br>]]></description><dc:creator><![CDATA[dv]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Apr 21st 2008 3:32PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comments on Ask Engadget HD: Which digital TV converter is the one to buy?]]></title><link>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</guid><description><![CDATA[I need a dtv converter with 5.1 analog outputs<br>do any exist <br>unless one comes out<br>I may never have broadcast tv again<br><br>]]></description><dc:creator><![CDATA[Robert Reed]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Apr 25th 2008 2:44AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comments on Ask Engadget HD: Which digital TV converter is the one to buy?]]></title><link>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</guid><description><![CDATA[I believe the boxes with the 5.1 outputs would not be eligible for using the coupon, but it's been a while since I went through the criteria. So yeah, you can get one, but you will be paying full price for it. That is the situation I'm in. I will need to replace my Sony terrestrial HD DVR that I'm 99.9% sure will lose its program guide next February. At least that is my understanding, that it receives its program guide via analog PBS station signals. ]]></description><dc:creator><![CDATA[joe]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Apr 29th 2008 11:07PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comments on Ask Engadget HD: Which digital TV converter is the one to buy?]]></title><link>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</guid><description><![CDATA[How does this FCC mandated signal change-over going to affect TV stations broadcasting from  across the border (Mexico)?  <br> We have  stations broadcasting from Mexico that a lot of people along the Rio Grande River are watching. <br> Thank you for your time/comments]]></description><dc:creator><![CDATA[Santi Abrego]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Apr 27th 2008 11:28PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comments on Ask Engadget HD: Which digital TV converter is the one to buy?]]></title><link>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</guid><description><![CDATA[Actually, the FCC didn't mandate the February 17, 2009 change to DTV - Congress did.  The FCC is responsible for implementation of the law and the NTIA for the DTV converter boxes.  To answer your specific question, Mexican and Canadian analog stations will not be affected by the US change and will not go to DTV until required to do so by their governments.  One other point, analog TV translator stations and Low Power TV stations are not required to switch to DTV on February 17, 2009.  So, if you watch television on these types of stations, you'll want to get a DTV box with an analog pass through.]]></description><dc:creator><![CDATA[Allen Myers]]></dc:creator><pubDate>May 1st 2008 12:25PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comments on Ask Engadget HD: Which digital TV converter is the one to buy?]]></title><link>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</guid><description><![CDATA[We have 4 digital receivers; three 'set top boxes' and one 'all-in-one' that my wife uses to play tapes, DVDs and watch the 50 or so digital channels that we get in our location (all are 40-60 miles away) with a CM4228 and Phillips preamp on a 50 ft. tower.<br><br>The Panasonic all-in-one DVD recorder is the pits. It won't record digital programs to tape; it doesn't have zoom for DVDs or off-the-air programs.<br><br>The cheapest unit, the Magnavox unit from Wal*Mart is OK but the remote has tiny buttons almost all alike and (they say) it does not power itself off automatically. At 8 watt that'd cost 75 cents a month just to have the thing plugged in. (All your other devices that use remotes cost you money to have them ready to go too). The Magnavox is made by Fiami or something like that, no relatin to Phillips or Magnavox.<br><br>The Zenith, Digital Stream, etc. unit from Radio Shack (they were the most helpful and interested so they get the plug) is well worth the extra $10.00. It turns off automatically in 2, 4 or 8 hours, or you can disable that feature. It can be turned on and the channels can be changed from the box itself without using the remote. The remote has the volume control (missing from the Magnavox) right by your thumb, and on the other side the channel changer. Right in the middle between the two is an Info button which shows the program, its times, rating and signal strength. The unit also has a tiny button that shows signal strength only... and it doesn't 'time out' so you can play with your rotator or whatever. The Digital Stream has a mute button, right by the volume control - that alone is worth $10.00 to me. But it also 'learns' what television you are using and will turn that on and off, change the input and change the volume on the TV too. The zoom button is right by the channel control, so if you tune in a station that has a tiny picture with an enormous black border all around it... presto, it fills the screen. The Magnavox can change the aspect (zoom) but takes 26 button depressions in the setup menu. And I like the feel of the Digital Stream remote; I've never picked it up upside-down. The only thing that  don't like about the remote is that it uses two AAA batteries. The Magnavox uses AA batteries.<br><br>Our third unit is an orphaned US Digital receiver that we bought three years ago when Wal*Mart cleared them out for $40.00. No coupons then. That was worth the price just to see what we were missing; we got about 35 stations then; some are now defunct. But to get these absolutely perfect HDTV signals for free over the air is wonderful. Even VHS tapes made with an HDTV signal look great on our 32" Panasonic 480i television. Our 20 year old 72" projection TV isn't quite up to displaying high definition, but it is a blast seeing 24 hour weather and an on air program guide on the 30 year old television that we have in the basement.<br><br>Lets get everybody receiving free television over the air.<br><br>Jesse Ritz]]></description><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jesse Ritz]]></dc:creator><pubDate>May 7th 2008 6:09PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comments on Ask Engadget HD: Which digital TV converter is the one to buy?]]></title><link>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</guid><description><![CDATA[Actually, the DTV box not powering off is a desirable "feature" if you want to record to a traditional VCR while at work. You can still only record one channel, but you can leave the box on and tuned to the right station and record the proper input on your VCR's timer. Good enough for me until I figure out a DVR for me. Unfortunately, the Digital Stream I bought has a maximum power off time of 8 hours. Don't know about you, but I'm at work longer than 8 hours.<br><br>Anybody know a better box than the Magnavox that doesn't have an automatic power off, or at least let's you disable it?<br><br>I'm open to a good, under $200 DVR that has an antenna input if you've got one.]]></description><dc:creator><![CDATA[Bill]]></dc:creator><pubDate>May 20th 2008 11:17PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comments on Ask Engadget HD: Which digital TV converter is the one to buy?]]></title><link>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</guid><description><![CDATA[Having neither roof nor balcony access I purchased the "picture frame" HD antenna on line after seeing it on one of the morning shows; two days later I found a DIY version online! Rats! $40 down the drain, but the DIY looked like a Boy Scout merit badge/loving hands at home... you get my drift! <br><br>Well all of my analog sets had gone south and I was left with my Olevia 20" and the "picture frame" which to give it credit worked beautifully. I'm in LA and if anyone is familiar KCBS, channel 2 is and always has been problematic even with cable at times. With the "HD picture frame" on straight 2 it was a trifle snowy but better than my regular antenna, on 2.1 it was positively brilliant! Case and point "CSI Miami", the Fox Admin building  never looked better (you didn't seriously think it was relly Miami?)<br><br>This thread is about boxes. A friend gifted me with his 13" Sony Wega which went to my kitchen. I ordered the coupon, recieved same and got the Digital Stream from Radio Shack, built the bowtie DYI (ugly as sin, hidden high!). The setup a cinch!<br><br>My only problem is controlling the TV through the remote as the instructions are sparse and picto graphic. <br><br>I applaude the gentleman who forewent (?) getting the coupon for the sake of others. Personally I simply refuse to pay the horse theives who run the cable companies.]]></description><dc:creator><![CDATA[tom rtandol]]></dc:creator><pubDate>May 8th 2008 3:11PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comments on Ask Engadget HD: Which digital TV converter is the one to buy?]]></title><link>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</guid><description><![CDATA[Would like to know where to find instructions for the DIY antenna you spoke of.Living on very tight fixed income and now find I need a new antenna to go with the converter box.]]></description><dc:creator><![CDATA[cw]]></dc:creator><pubDate>May 24th 2008 11:24AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comments on Ask Engadget HD: Which digital TV converter is the one to buy?]]></title><link>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</guid><description><![CDATA[2. No way to add channels manually. you have to use the auto scan, but you can remove any you do not want easily.<br><br>#2 is incorrect -- you can add channels manually on the DS box by entering a period followed by the RF channel number. Not elegant or intuitive, but it works.]]></description><dc:creator><![CDATA[Stanislav]]></dc:creator><pubDate>May 10th 2008 8:42AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comments on Ask Engadget HD: Which digital TV converter is the one to buy?]]></title><link>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</guid><description><![CDATA[If you are looking for the most sensitive tuner between the Zenith and the Digital Stream; the Zenith wins. I love the better interface, remote, and program guide of the Digital Stream; but the Zenith exhibits better reception, and faster channel scanning. This is observed using the same outside Winegard antenna. The Zenith will regularly pick up 2 stations 90 miles away that the Digital Stream can't touch. Other stations that are weak(50-70 miles) drop out on the Digital Stream, but the Zenith stays locked in. I have noticed an oddity with the sound on both units that seems to be a result of 5.1 transmission. DC Channel 4 sounds thin and slightly distorted on most network fed shows, while the exact same progarm sounds fine on Baltimore 11. It seems to be on happen mostly on network fed shows on other channels also. Anybody else noticed this?]]></description><dc:creator><![CDATA[Glen]]></dc:creator><pubDate>May 16th 2008 10:26PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comments on Ask Engadget HD: Which digital TV converter is the one to buy?]]></title><link>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</guid><description><![CDATA[We set up the Insignia Converter from Best Buy on our 36" Toshiba last night.  We plugged it directly into the TV with the provided red white and yellow AV cables and it was amazingly sharp--really amazing.  There are a few channels in our area still only broadcasting in analog and we cannot get those until we do, but we get 8 SF and San Jose pbs channels, 3 abc channels, 3 CBS  & nbc channels etc.  Including dedicated weather and dedicated news channels.  We have a rotating antenna on the roof (One of the few in our town--but hey it's free and we only watch TV rarely and then only the news and pbs most of the time.  We wanted to be able to vcr record though and only had coax cable on hand to go from the vcr to the TV but it does work--just that the TV and the VCR have to be left on channel 3 and the converter-provided remote used to change channels--the picture is still sharper than we received with analog.  We will get another set of AV cables so we can go in and out of the vcr.]]></description><dc:creator><![CDATA[nancy carolyn]]></dc:creator><pubDate>May 29th 2008 1:48PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comments on Ask Engadget HD: Which digital TV converter is the one to buy?]]></title><link>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</guid><description><![CDATA[Can we expect digital reception to improve when the analog transmitters are switched off? Our antennas are still being bombarded by the analog stations in the same UHF band as the digital stations. The presence of these strong signals might be causing the automatic gain controls on amplification and receiving equipment to lower its broadband "front end" gain. Lowering the gain would also attenuate the digital signals. Mast-mounted preamplifiers and indoor antennas having built-in amplification probably have automatic gain controls to keep powerful signals from clipping or distorting and to keep from damaging components downstream. I am not familiar with the circuitry in the front ends of converter boxes or digital tv sets, but they might also have automatic gain controls built in and suffer the same effect. <br>      I am 45 miles SE of DC stations, which are supposedly currently using their ultimate transmitting power and antenna locations for digital. I use highest-gain Winegard UHF-only antenna, highest-gain UHF-only mast preamp, rotator atop 35-foot tower, magnavox converter box (which DOES have the capability to disable auto power shutoff). I can always get a digital channel but never know which it will be. I often can get several channels. My reception is so iffy that I am hoping the switching off of the analog transmitters will set me free.]]></description><dc:creator><![CDATA[sm_vermn]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Jun 10th 2008 8:44AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comments on Ask Engadget HD: Which digital TV converter is the one to buy?]]></title><link>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</guid><description><![CDATA[You shouldn't even need an amp at 45 miles out. I am 45 miles from Baltimore, & only 4 miles south of the powerful DC analog and digital transmitters. All the Baltimore channels are full strength, except 24 & 67; with no amp and no tower(91-XG antenna & 75 feet of RG-6). You are either overloading your amp, or have a fulty hookup. I am getting a 60-70 mile range and located down in a hole.]]></description><dc:creator><![CDATA[Glen]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Jun 12th 2008 11:35PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comments on Ask Engadget HD: Which digital TV converter is the one to buy?]]></title><link>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/26/ask-engadget-hd-which-digital-tv-converter-is-the-one-to-buy/</guid><description><![CDATA[I was told by a sales person RadioShack that there are units that dont come with a remote which has to be purchased separatly, is this true?]]></description><dc:creator><![CDATA[Rich]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Jun 18th 2008 4:38PM</pubDate></item></channel></rss>