Greetings!

I recently installed a digital to analog converter for a senior citizen and here are a few things I found lacking.

…. A remote control that is well layout and easy to use and “not to small” making hard to handle, especially seniors.

… AC switched outlet to power on\off the TV set. I don’t think any model has this? This would be a big plus again for seniors. Has anyone found a convert box with feature?

The one convert that looks pretty good is BB Insignia.

… One thing I like compared to other models that I seen is the power supply incorporated into the unit and plugs directly into the AC.

… Antenna input pass thru connection. So us Canucks can still receive the old analog stations on TVs, as were not scheduled to go digital for couple years later.

Anyone no if BB plans to be selling them in the Canadian Stores any time soon and if our government might give us Canucks some discount coupons like our US cousins? :confused:

I don't believe any of the CECBs, let alone none of the other ones, have a switched output. Some have universal remotes, so you could use it to turn the TV on and off and control the volume, for TVs that have a remote.

Some of the later ones have APT. Most of them have built in power supplies with an AC cord.

There will not be a coupon program in Canada anytime soon, nor do I think Canadian retailers will sell them just yet.

Some have universal remotes, so you could use it to turn the TV on and off and control the volume, for TVs that have a remote.
I am trying to help out the seniors in our area with there setups and make it as simple as possible for them operate.

Could you please tell me the names and models that come with universal remotes? I assume in the initial installation you most likely have program the converters remote to control the basic functions on the TV set.

The next question is have you found any generic brands of converters on sale hear in Ontario (including Made China products) available in Canada. I am trying to acquire the best product for lowest cost. I might have to take a trip over to Buffalo and purchase there.

What an opportunity for BB to increase the sales in Canada, when Feb 17 2009 comes around. I am sure a lot of people who don’t have a satilite or cable connection will still want to watch the US channels.

Maybe when Canada goes Digital the government might offer something, but wouldn’t hold my breath on it :confused:

Thanks for response!

Stampeder and all... first let me say this is a great forum... i've learned more than i ever wanted to know about OTA DT :)

Anyone know where i can pick up a Zenith DTT-901 converter in montreal/laval or surrounding areas? I've searched through all the threads and can't seem to find anything. I've got a PM-HDTV3 and figured I would give it a shot and see what i can pick up if I can find a STB for under $100 (I only have an analogue TV, and no plans to pick up a new tv for a while).

Thansk in advance for any tips....

Anyone know where i can pick up a Zenith DTT-901 converter in montreal/laval or surrounding areas?

I ordered mine from ebay.us but you can get a Channel Master CM7000 from Montcalm on Boulevard des Laurentides (it's also a top of the line box)

http://www.montcalmelectronique.com/

http://www.montcalmelectronique.com/atsc.htm

If you live in east montreal, Raybel sell the CM-7000 , I bought one
it perform very well

Raybel
9712, rue Notre-Dame Est
:D

thx! ... i'll take a trip to montcalm

Had a chance to test one this week. Reception was very impressive. Virtually 100% reception on everything. Even MyTV was 80%. It's easy to setup, add/remove channels, and has a channel by channel guide that updates very quickly. Also nice zoom features for a 4:3 screen. Good choice if you're keeping a tube TV. Available in Canada online Sensuz and xtek.

I'm not familiar with that brand or box, and its never been mentioned in this thread before, so check out their return policy and maybe take it for a test drive. :)

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/electronics-computers/tvs-services/digital-tv-converter/ratings/dtv-converter-boxes-ratings.htm

TigerDirect seems to be selling 2 converters:
AccessHD 1080D Digital TV Signal Converter
and
Apex DT502 Digital TV Converter Box
others models from those companies are listed in the guide, but not these specific models.

Just visited local Bestbuy and found half a dozen Insignia NS-DXA1-APT in stock. Quick check of website and they're available there too.

Just visited local Bestbuy and found half a dozen Insignia NS-DXA1-APT in stock. Quick check of website and they're available there too.

yup I have the Zenith DTT-901 that is the same as this box and it perform very well in my situation. It's also a top rated box on various forums (along with the channel master CM7000).

Other no-name boxes are like shooting in the dark; you may end up with a crappy product; please make sure you find reviews from actual box owners before buying.

Just visited local Bestbuy and found half a dozen Insignia NS-DXA1-APT in stock.I have one hooked up to my 8 year 27 inch JVC. Although only an indoor loop antenna, what I see on CBCHD & CFTOHD is gorgeous

Quick check of website and they're available there tooYou found them on bestbuy.ca? I cannot seem to find them on there.

It is under the categories:
Home > Computers > Computer Accessories > Cables & Connectors > Adapters

Found it there, thanks!

I just searched for "NS-DXA1-APT" on the Canadian site.

At least they finally realized they might have a market in Canada.

I have one question :

Why so much love for ATSC STBs that output only to 480i composite or to NTSC RF jacks ?

Without any coupons or other perks, they are not that cheap and can easily cost about 10-20% of a 42"+ HDTV with tuner and easily ~50% of a smallish LCD TV equipped with ATSC tuner.

The bad part is once you know what the HD contents from DTV stations are actually like on an HDTV, there is no going back. Even the lowest end LCD when tuned to an HD channel is far far superior to any equivalent sized CRT showing 480i content.

The cost of a new HDTV is out of reach for many people. For other folks, the additional cost of a second or third HDTV for other parts of the house is a no-go.

The point of converter boxes is simply about the economics of keeping perfectly good NTSC TVs into the digital OTA era. :)

Fairly new member here, but have been lurking about for a few months now. This site is filled with a wealth of information, especially in regards to DTV. After living with a coat hanger wired into the TV long enough, I just finished building my first 4 bay bowtie antenna using the info here and will be building an SBGH next.
I first came to this site to learn more about ATSC convertor boxes, because my wife will tolerate some expenses ($60 - 100) in my crusade against the cable companies, however there is NO way I can convince her that I have to replace all 3 perfectly functioning SD CRT tv's, just to watch the nightly news and a couple of other programs.
So in summary, it is far cheaper (and peaceful on the home front) to spend a little money on an STB than a new ATSC capable TV.

ps. Glad to see BB is carrying STB's, however had to laugh to see "current stock: 0"

Vince "Pyro" Berns