DTV converters: Best performers from our tests

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DTV converters: Best performers from our tests
[SIZE=-1] We tested 14 of the first digital converter boxes on the market, and the preliminary results are in: The models we tested?all of which are approved for use with the government's $40 coupon and thus have a basic set of features in common?didn't differ significantly in performance.
And, pricier models aren't necessarily better than those that cost less.
We're working hard to gather all the data from our hands-on reviews and present the information in a comprehensive report on ConsumerReports.org soon. Coupled with our expert advice?as found in our "Digital TV Transition" section?along with the questions and comments here on our Electronics Blog and DTV discussion forums, we hope to assist consumers through the analog-to-digital switchover.
But for those who face a looming DTV coupon expiration date or are looking for a Father's Day gift, here are some DTV converter box recommendations and guidelines that should help right now.
Focus on features

Every one of these set-top DTV boxes converted broadcast digital signals pulled in by our rooftop antenna (a standard residential model) into analog signals an older TV can accept. They can receive both high-definition and standard-definition digital broadcasts but will down-convert programs transmitted in HD (such as prime-time network fare) to a resolution a standard-def TV can display. When supplied with a strong signal, all produced acceptable picture quality?although some were better than others?plus good sound, and they were capable of detecting a similar number of digital channels. (Note that your location and other variables will determine how many channels you can get with any of these boxes. You can check reception in your area at AntennaWeb.org, a site co-sponsored by the Consumer Electronics Association and the National Association of Broadcasters.)
While you can't go too far wrong with any of the models we tested, there are several we would consider first, based on a combination of picture quality, features, and pricing.
Some add optional features that increase convenience. For example, the electronic program guides on some have only minimal information while others give you fuller descriptions for more channels and cover a longer period of time. The ability to change the appearance of closed captions to make them more or less visible is another handy feature.

We also like boxes with a universal remote that can control your TV as well as the box; button controls on the box you can use if you misplace the remote; and an easy way to add individual digital channels that weren't detected when you scanned for all channels.
Some suggestions
That said, here are the models that stand out. (Prices shown are what we paid. Several models appeared to be "twins" made by the same manufacturer, with differences noted.)

• Tivax STB-T9 $50, available from Solidsignal.com and FreeDTVShop.com
• Microgem MG2000 $65, available from Solidsignal.com and FreeDTVShop.com
• Insignia NS-DXA1 $60 (See image above left), available from Best Buy and FreeDTVShop.com
• Zenith DTT900 $60, available from Circuit City, Radio Shack, and hhgregg
• Philco TB100HH9 $47 (See image above right), available from DSI Systems and SummitSource.com

Read on to see what made these models standouts and for a list of the other models tested.
About the stand-out models we tested
Tivax STB-T9 $50, available from Solidsignal.com and FreeDTVShop.com.
This box was among the best for picture quality, with images that come close to those of a DVD. It had a minor flaw that only the fussiest might notice: If you're watching a down-converted HD program letter-boxed to fit your squarish screen, images are stretched vertically to a slight extent. It has an informative program guide, a few nice convenience features, and comes with A/V cables (composite-video and stereo audio) in addition to the usual RF cables.
Microgem MG2000 $65, available from Solidsignal.com and FreeDTVShop.com.
The Microgem is one of the smallest units we've seen. It too was among the best for picture quality and has the same issue as downconverted HD images. Its program guide lists the program title and run time for several hours' worth of programming for the currently tuned channel but does not provide show descriptions. It has an informative program guide and a few nice convenience features

Insignia NS-DXA1 $60, available from Best Buy and FreeDTVShop.com.
Zenith DTT900 $60 (See image at left), available from Circuit City, Radio Shack, hhgregg.
The Insignia (Best Buy's store brand) and Zenith were very similar both functionally and stylistically. Picture quality was a small step below that of the top boxes but still impressive, better than most analog broadcasts. The program guides presents a limited amount of information. Both boxes are loaded with convenience features and come with A/V cables (composite-video and stereo audio) in addition to the usual RF cables.
Philco TB100HH9 $47, available from DSI Systems, SummitSource.com
The Philco stands out as the lowest-priced of the models we tested and the only one to offer analog pass-through. This allows broadcast analog signals to be passed through from the antenna to the box to the TV, along with converted digital signals. Picture quality was a small step below that of the top boxes but still impressive, better than most analog broadcasts. Although the stereo left/right audio output provides good audio, the RF outputs audio volume is quite low, which results in a noticeable hiss when you raise the TV?s volume to compensate. The program guide presents a limited amount of information. It has fewer features than the other boxes recommended.
Other DTV converter boxes
Here are the other boxes we tested, in alphabetical order. They might be worth considering, especially if the features and price suit you. We will be testing more boxes as they become available and posting results soon after on ConsumerReports.org.
Artec T3A Pro, $55. Picture quality was a small step below the best. A decent choice, though it lacks a few useful features of recommended boxes.
Digital Stream DSP7500T, $70. Picture quality was generally comparable to that of a good analog broadcast, but with noticeable flaws. Has many useful features, including a good program guide.
Digital Stream DTX9900, $60. Picture quality was generally comparable to that of a good analog broadcast despite minor flaws. Has many useful features, including a good program guide.
GE 22729, $80. Picture quality was generally comparable to that of a good analog broadcast despite minor flaws. Has many useful features, including the best program guide.
GE 22730, $70. Picture quality was generally comparable to that of a good analog broadcast despite minor flaws. Has many useful features, including the best program guide.
Lasonic LTA-260, $55. This was among the best for picture quality. Has a very basic program guide that gives minimal information and lacks many useful features. Functionally and stylistically similar to the Sansonic.

Magnavox TB100MW9, $50 (See image at right). Picture quality was a small step below the best. Functionally and stylistically similar to the Philco but lacking the analog pass through feature. A decent choice, though it lacks a few useful features offered by some recommended boxes.
RCA DTA800B, $65. Picture quality was a small step below the best. Lacks some useful features.
Sansonic FT300A, $60. This was among the best for picture. Has a very basic program guide that gives minimal information and lacks many useful features. Functionally and stylistically similar to the Lasonic.
?Eileen McCooey
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