A question about this thread... does it just cover converter boxes that output ATSC channels converted to NTSC for display on analogue TV sets? Or does it also include standalone tuners that output high-def via DVI/HDMI and/or component? As tuners get newer, superior chipsets, some people may want to consider getting a new tuner, rather than replacing their entire TV set.

Yep, this thread covers any standalone ATSC set top box that does not record, whether that means a high end HD box or a low end coupon box. :)

As tuners get newer, superior chipsets, some people may want to consider getting a new tuner, rather than replacing their entire TV set.

Certainly a good idea, but unfortunately there aren't very many HD boxes to choose from and I don't know if any of them use a 6th generation decoder chip yet.

Does anyone know where we can buy these boxes online in Canada? I've been looking for weeks now and all the sites selling ATSC boxes are in the US.
There are a few on eBay (US) as well but postage is a bomb.

Does anyone know where we can buy these boxes online in Canada? I've been looking for weeks now and all the sites selling ATSC boxes are in the US.
There are a few on eBay (US) as well but postage is a bomb.

paid 15 shipping through USPS from Texas to Montreal. not my definition of expensive.

Friko keep checking the threads in this forum, particulary the Online OTA Gear thread:

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=164

and ask your question there. :)

At this date and time, are there cheap (under 50$) ATSC STBs out on the market? or do I have to wait mid-2009 to start seeing price drops (in the US anyway)? I know that "you get what you pay for" when it comes to everything nowadays, but I was wondering if the price of the STB will directly affect quality on-screen (or on signal strength)... does the "brand" matter that much, it those respects...

I can wait until mid-2009 that's for sure, but eventually I will need at least 1 ATSC STB for one of my older TVs... but I am planning on buying a new flatscreen TV sooner or later, and it should have an ATSC tuner in it.

At this date and time, are there cheap (under 50$) ATSC STBs out on the market? or do I have to wait mid-2009 to start seeing price drops (in the US anyway)? I know that "you get what you pay for" when it comes to everything nowadays, but I was wondering if the price of the STB will directly affect quality on-screen (or on signal strength)... does the "brand" matter that much, it those respects...

There are a few that are in the $40-50 range but the boxes do differ in quality. Some of the issues people have found are:

Reliability (some units run hot and can stop working)
Sensitivity (ability to deal with weak signals)
Noise Immunity (ability to deal with different types of interference)
Picture Quality (some units seem to give a better picture than others)
Features (Ease of use, Ability to add new channels, On Screen Guide, Analog Passthrough, etc.)


Price is no guarantee of quality, but you often do get what you pay for. From what I have read, I would recommend paying the extra $10 and get the Zenith DTT-901 or its Insignia equivalent for most people. Personally, I don't think the price will go down further in 2009. In fact they may be harder to find after February. Industry Canada seems to think they will be available here in Canada in 2009 for about $100.

There are a few that are in the $40-50 range but the boxes do differ in quality.Agreed - as with all consumer electronics, it seems that you get what you pay for. In the reviews and other info posted to this thread about the CECB coupon boxes in the U.S. I can't say that I'm really impressed with most of them, but then again they are meant to be a low cost. low hassle "bridge" over the gap between analogue and digital reception for people with older gear. If you buy one, expect to get cheap results.

In that sense, a person looking for a good/great ATSC STB should stick to a Samsung DTB-H260F (http://www.samsung.com/us/consumer/detail/detail.do?group=audiovideo&type=digitalsettopbox&subtype=hdtvtuners&model_cd=DTB-H260F/XAA) for now, or maybe one of the PVR or FTA boxes out there.

I have also read in some of the comparison reviews that the quality of these transition boxes is questionable in order to fit the $50 profile. People who are buying them for analog sets have probably put up with crappy, snowy pictures and unless they are in close proximity to transmitter sites, I think many will be disappointed with their channel lineup, forcing them into cable service.
Reviews I have read are suggesting that newer and more reliable units are in the pipeline but will fetch a higher price once these transition boxes are gone and I might just wait a little longer to see what comes on line.

In that sense, a person looking for a good/great ATSC STB should stick to a Samsung DTB-H260F for now

The DTB-H260F is only good if your TV has a component or HDMI input as the S-VIDEO and Composite outputs do not display the menus, making it very difficult to setup and operate.

the quality of these transition boxes is questionable. People who are buying them for analog sets have probably put up with crappy, snowy pictures and unless they are in close proximity to transmitter sites,

I have the cheap 50$ DTT-901 on an old JVC tv, I'm 115 miles away from transmitter... and I get all available channels with good picture and the OTA electronic program guide.

:rolleyes:

picture quality is a lot better than any analog CABLE service I ever had and is similar to regular satellite picture quality.

so far the DTT-901 (http://www.zenith.com/products/set-top-atsc-digital-to-analog-converter-box/DTT901/) and the CM7000 (http://www.summitsource.com/product_info.php?ref=18&products_id=6772&gclid=CIz--5awvZYCFQ2LDQodMFquKw) are the boxes of choice for analog tvs and both are good performing transition boxes.

Personally I've read enough here now to say that if I was buying a converter box it would be a Zenith DTT-901. For those who don't know, the Zenith brand has belonged to LG since the late 1990s.

Has any one ever done a shootout with these 2 converters? I am looking for 1 that will lock in fringe area signals. I have the DTT900 which does pretty well. I keep hoping to find a converter that will do better. If some could advise on this, that would be great. 73's

sparkman386, What is the date code on your DTT900. The older DTT900s had a slightly better tuner, but had a problem with stereo audio.

From what I have read, the CM7000 has a more sensitive tuner than the DTT901 and newer DTT900s, but I am not sure how it compares to the older DTT900s. The DTT900/901 is slightly better at dealing with interference however.

Has any one ever done a shootout with these 2 converters? I am looking for 1 that will lock in fringe area signals. I have the DTT900 which does pretty well. I keep hoping to find a converter that will do better. If some could advise on this, that would be great. 73's

I'm in a "forget-about-it-deepest-of-the-deepest-fringe area" and the Zenith DTT-901 pick every signal available; see my signature for more details.

But Smog, you are also way up high in the Laurentians. ;) Altitude is an amazing signal improver!

OK, here is my 2 cents.
I have a CM-7000, an Artec T3A PRO,a Pany DMR-EZ485V and a ViewSonic N1930w all being feed by the same antenna system. I'm about 75 milles from my USA HD stations and get solid reception on all units, and this even when many of these stations went to low power in the last weeks due to tech probs. So my take on this is ur antenna system is more important than ur DTA box when it comes to deep fringe reception.

Hi,

Can anybody suggest a good convertor box and a place in West Toronto to buy for my old Citizen CRT Television?

Thanks.

So my take on this is ur antenna system is more important than ur DTA box when it comes to deep fringe reception.

HI, I'm Smog and I approve this message.