My status changed today. Now the message says "Your coupons have been mailed. You should receive them within two to three weeks if you haven’t already."
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DTV converter boxes selling fast?
- Thread starter Mediafrog+
- Start date
Just got my coupons in the mail, and decided to go shopping today.
My first choice was the Zenith DTT900, since I heard so many good things about it. I went to Radio Shack. Every store in town was sold out of them, but they had quite a few of some other model for the same price (Digital Stream DTX9900). I had never heard of it, and was wary since I didn't do any research on this obscure model. The sales clerk said they were selling very fast, and the Zeniths would be in stock within a week or so.
I went to Best Buy for my backup option - the Insignia (which I knew they had in stock). They had quite a few, so I grabbed it. The clerk was also saying that they were selling quite a few of these. Needless to say, I'm impressed with the Insignia box. I had doubts that it would pull in a great number of channels, since analog reception was basically crap with my chintzy antenna. I hooked it up, did the setup wizard, and scanned for channels. It pulled in 22 different ones (including the many various side-channels - the local PBS operation has 9 between their two stations). I even pulled in the local Ion channel, which I had never gotten. The only station I didn't get initially was the local CW outlet, which I was surprised at. I looked it up online and tuned in their DTV allocation (ch. 61). It pulled it in immediately and switched to its mapped allocation.
One thing I noticed about the Insignia box is that it allows individual channel settings, for 4:3 and 16:9 layout, and for normal, letterbox or stretched picture (for 4:3 layouts). Picture and sound are great! I'm impressed.
Also has a channel guide (though it only lists current show and the one following). And it works well with a very mediocre amplified rabbit ear antenna. All in all, pretty nice.
One weird side effect was that occasionally, the remote would turn on my stereo unit.
My first choice was the Zenith DTT900, since I heard so many good things about it. I went to Radio Shack. Every store in town was sold out of them, but they had quite a few of some other model for the same price (Digital Stream DTX9900). I had never heard of it, and was wary since I didn't do any research on this obscure model. The sales clerk said they were selling very fast, and the Zeniths would be in stock within a week or so.
I went to Best Buy for my backup option - the Insignia (which I knew they had in stock). They had quite a few, so I grabbed it. The clerk was also saying that they were selling quite a few of these. Needless to say, I'm impressed with the Insignia box. I had doubts that it would pull in a great number of channels, since analog reception was basically crap with my chintzy antenna. I hooked it up, did the setup wizard, and scanned for channels. It pulled in 22 different ones (including the many various side-channels - the local PBS operation has 9 between their two stations). I even pulled in the local Ion channel, which I had never gotten. The only station I didn't get initially was the local CW outlet, which I was surprised at. I looked it up online and tuned in their DTV allocation (ch. 61). It pulled it in immediately and switched to its mapped allocation.
One thing I noticed about the Insignia box is that it allows individual channel settings, for 4:3 and 16:9 layout, and for normal, letterbox or stretched picture (for 4:3 layouts). Picture and sound are great! I'm impressed.
Also has a channel guide (though it only lists current show and the one following). And it works well with a very mediocre amplified rabbit ear antenna. All in all, pretty nice.
One weird side effect was that occasionally, the remote would turn on my stereo unit.
The Insignia (Best Buy house brand) and Zenith converters boxes are identical units, except with different logos and graphics on the cardboard box.
I bought the Zenith version at Circuit City in February, and was very impressed. Originally I was able to receive 29 channels. Now I get 30 after a low power channel in my area signed on in my area (WWME-LD Chicago), which has to be one of the first LP digital stations in the country.
So remember to occasionally use the 'Easy Add' feature in case any new channels go on the air, on any existing digital channels move to a different number.
A previous message stated that the RCA boxes are a Wal-Mart exclusive. In my area, the Wal-Marts NEVER had this model. I have gone to about 10 Wal-Marts, and all of them have planty of the Magnavox units but no RCA's. I guess I have to travel to another state if I want to buy an RCA converter box at Wal-Mart!
I bought the Zenith version at Circuit City in February, and was very impressed. Originally I was able to receive 29 channels. Now I get 30 after a low power channel in my area signed on in my area (WWME-LD Chicago), which has to be one of the first LP digital stations in the country.
So remember to occasionally use the 'Easy Add' feature in case any new channels go on the air, on any existing digital channels move to a different number.
A previous message stated that the RCA boxes are a Wal-Mart exclusive. In my area, the Wal-Marts NEVER had this model. I have gone to about 10 Wal-Marts, and all of them have planty of the Magnavox units but no RCA's. I guess I have to travel to another state if I want to buy an RCA converter box at Wal-Mart!
avtosalon said:
I wondered that myself. They both look identical and have the same features and dimensions.
I also discovered a little geek feature - a button on the remote that when pressed, displays signal strength. Works well for positioning the antenna, as one station in my area is a bit spotty (surprisingly).
My new Philips 27" Sdtv doesn't get all the Portland Dtv channels.
My antenna isn't an amplified one.
Do you get more chanels with the set top box, than my new tv?
I guess i will buy a $50 indoor antenna.
I'm used to not paying Comcast now!
;D
My antenna isn't an amplified one.
Do you get more chanels with the set top box, than my new tv?
I guess i will buy a $50 indoor antenna.
I'm used to not paying Comcast now!
;D
Radio Shack had 3 on the shelf. One was sold while I was looking at the Box.
Best Buy had over 60 Boxes.
Wal-Mart had 50 RCA Boxes... No Magavox Boxes.
I received my Digital TV Converter Box $40 "Coupons", which are actually credit card shaped plastic cards.
They are valid through June 24th, a little less than 90 days from now.
The letter than comes with the cards lists 4 chains and 8 specific locations closest to me.
A complete list of participating retailers for coupon redemption is available at www.DTV2009.gov
3 Radioshack
1 Circuit City
2 Best Buy
2 Wal-Mart
The there's a separate page that lists Brands and Model numbers.
For the most recent list go to www.NTIADTV.gov/cecb_list.cfm
I viewed 3 boxes, at Wal-Mart, Best Buy, and Radio Shack. They all retail for $59.
All come with remotes, which can be programmed to turn your TV set On and Off.
The DTV box can be programmed to not show certain channels, or your favorite channels.
You can select the picture for Standard TV or Widescreen.
Each box has a Standard Cable In and Out port.
Also each box has an RCA Output (Left, Right, and Video).
The RCA box at Wal Mart also a "Smart Cable" port.
I do not know what the Standard Warranty is, but the stores will Gladly sell you a "Repair Policy"...
All this is to watch the various "Digital" Channels on "Over-the-Air" transmissions.
You can use any Standard TV Antenna with the DTV Converter Box.
Some, but not all DVT Boxes are also capable of passing through analog TV signal to the TV set.
The DTV Box --IS NOT-- an HDTV Convertor. To View TV Programs in HD, you need an HD Converter AND an HD TV, or an HDTV with a built in converter.
Best Buy had over 60 Boxes.
Wal-Mart had 50 RCA Boxes... No Magavox Boxes.
I received my Digital TV Converter Box $40 "Coupons", which are actually credit card shaped plastic cards.
They are valid through June 24th, a little less than 90 days from now.
The letter than comes with the cards lists 4 chains and 8 specific locations closest to me.
A complete list of participating retailers for coupon redemption is available at www.DTV2009.gov
3 Radioshack
1 Circuit City
2 Best Buy
2 Wal-Mart
The there's a separate page that lists Brands and Model numbers.
For the most recent list go to www.NTIADTV.gov/cecb_list.cfm
I viewed 3 boxes, at Wal-Mart, Best Buy, and Radio Shack. They all retail for $59.
All come with remotes, which can be programmed to turn your TV set On and Off.
The DTV box can be programmed to not show certain channels, or your favorite channels.
You can select the picture for Standard TV or Widescreen.
Each box has a Standard Cable In and Out port.
Also each box has an RCA Output (Left, Right, and Video).
The RCA box at Wal Mart also a "Smart Cable" port.
I do not know what the Standard Warranty is, but the stores will Gladly sell you a "Repair Policy"...
All this is to watch the various "Digital" Channels on "Over-the-Air" transmissions.
You can use any Standard TV Antenna with the DTV Converter Box.
Some, but not all DVT Boxes are also capable of passing through analog TV signal to the TV set.
The DTV Box --IS NOT-- an HDTV Convertor. To View TV Programs in HD, you need an HD Converter AND an HD TV, or an HDTV with a built in converter.
I got the RCA one from one of the 4 Wal-marts we have here. Actually I got 2 with the coupon cards. I like the RCA one because the TV in my Living Room is an RCA, and so the remote works for both the TV and the Unit. After that, the reception and the options on the box are standard (I already have DVD recorder with DTV tuner to compare with). I really like that the RCA gives you a menu so you can actually see whats on and whats comming up (just like cable, hey)!
rockhitsradio said:
The converter box will receive all digital TV signals (provided you can get a strong enough signal). Your TV would receive the same digital signals IF it has a digital tuner. And IF it has a digital tuner you don't need the converter box.
Whether you will receive more channels depends upon the channels being broadcast by your local TV stations. Most have their primary programming on x.1 (where 'x' is the old analog channel number) and secondary programming (weather, music, etc.) on x.2, x.3 etc. Not all stations have secondary programs yet.
Look around your neighborhood and see what everyone else has for antennas. An indoor antenna may not be good enough for your to receive Portland from McMinnville - or it might be. A digital signal will be watchable or not, it won't have 'snow' like an analog signal.
The Wal-mart stores in Hobart & Schererville Indiana only sell the Magnavox models, and locally they sell for $49.87 The model# on mine is TB100MW9 I got my cards in early March and mine had an expiration date of June 13. My local Wal-mart has been selling them, but they're not flying off the shelves due to most people locally having Comcast, DirecTV, or Dish Network. I haven't had a chance to get up on the roof to work on the big antenna, but the other antenna I have doesn't pickup all the analog, and does worse for digital. I only get Chicago 9 (DT-19), 20 (DT21), 26 (DT27), 32 (DT31), 56 (DT17 and the digital comes in better than the analog), and 66 (DT53). I used to get 38 (DT43) 44 (DT45), and 62 (DT36, but the digital kept breaking up a lot), but they're currently not coming in at all.
TheRover said:
I have now also purchsed the Zenith DTT900 DTV Box. It was $59 ay Circuit City. (Minus the $40 with the Coupon).
I must say... it was WELL WORTH the additional $10 over the RCA Box's price !
I enjoy the features of the Zenith box more, and, the Zenith box has that beautiful blue light that glows when it's in use. I like how when you enter just the main channel, like "8" for instance, that all of the "8" channels appear on the screen in a display box, and you can select which one you'd like to watch.... You can ounch through to any channel, as well.... I actually think the digital picture is clearer with the Zenith box, than with the RCA box...
The Philips amplified indoor antenna MANT510, pulls in the stations nicely in the DFW area.
The Zenith remote controls the volume through the Zenith box. There is, however, a drawback to the Zenith remote, that the RCA remote does not have. The RCA remote can change the TV channels and get to video inputs. The Zenith remote cannot. The Zenith remote can ONLY turn the TV ON and OFF.
I have returned the Philips amplified antenna MANT510 to Circuit City, becuase the gain setting kept going back to zero after the antenna had been on for awhile. It's not supposed to do that. It is an issue, as others on the AVS Forum have so stated.
I opted for the Philips amplifed antenna MANT410. It costs $27 at Wal-Mart, and it pulls in all of the digital stations that the other more expensive antenna did.
I'm a Happy Camper Now ! ;D
I opted for the Philips amplifed antenna MANT410. It costs $27 at Wal-Mart, and it pulls in all of the digital stations that the other more expensive antenna did.
I'm a Happy Camper Now ! ;D
For a complete comparison of Coupon Eligible Set top DTV boxes, click on this link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_CECB_units
It appears that the boxes from Zenith, Insignia, and Digital Stream (sold at Radio Shack), are pretty much the same, with tuner and MPEG chip decoders by LG, and based on reviews I've seen, all perform very well.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_CECB_units
It appears that the boxes from Zenith, Insignia, and Digital Stream (sold at Radio Shack), are pretty much the same, with tuner and MPEG chip decoders by LG, and based on reviews I've seen, all perform very well.
I checked the status again a few weeks back and the notice changed to where it said that the coupon would be mailed on 4-11 and it would take 2 to 9 days to arrive. As of today it still hasn't come in. Has anyone else had this problem?
Accoding to the dtv website, my coupon was mailed out 04/11 and I received it on 04/21 - two days ago. It was mailed from Portland, OR and I applied for it January 22nd. Now I could be somewhat cynical in saying this, but if it took 3 months from the day I applied to send me the coupons, with the many reports of DTV reception issues I see on this board, imaging how long it will take for the broadcasters and government to finally get high quality DTV without the reception issues! Now that I feel better saying that, I can go on in life being a pleasant person again.
Here in the greater Phoenix area mail delivery seems to be impacted more by local sorting and delivery issues than cross-country transport. Over the past few years I have noticed several trends.
On Saturdays mail is generally delivered very early in the day compared with other delivery days and usually consists of nothing more than direct mail, no first class. That would seem to indicate the carriers are not receiving or sorting 'regular' mail at the end of the business week and are merely picking up junk mail for their Saturday routes.
Noting that the coupons are being mailed 'standard' versus 'first class' might be the reason they are taking so long to reach their destinations once mailed. I'd never heard of 'standard' delivery before reading it on the coupon web site but it apparently is similar to the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th class of mail we usually associate with junk mail and/or newspapers.
Apparently I was one of the first to register because my coupons reached me in a bit over 5 weeks after submitting the request. Subsequent submittals for some of my relatives are taking much longer.
There isn't much to watch on the digital subs yet anyway so it isn't something to get excited about. And the UHF digital picture isn't a great improvement, if any, over the analog VHF picture we've been used to. Plenty of time before analog gets flushed. Me? I'm waiting to see if the PQ improves once the digital sigs revert to VHF.
On Saturdays mail is generally delivered very early in the day compared with other delivery days and usually consists of nothing more than direct mail, no first class. That would seem to indicate the carriers are not receiving or sorting 'regular' mail at the end of the business week and are merely picking up junk mail for their Saturday routes.
Noting that the coupons are being mailed 'standard' versus 'first class' might be the reason they are taking so long to reach their destinations once mailed. I'd never heard of 'standard' delivery before reading it on the coupon web site but it apparently is similar to the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th class of mail we usually associate with junk mail and/or newspapers.
Apparently I was one of the first to register because my coupons reached me in a bit over 5 weeks after submitting the request. Subsequent submittals for some of my relatives are taking much longer.
There isn't much to watch on the digital subs yet anyway so it isn't something to get excited about. And the UHF digital picture isn't a great improvement, if any, over the analog VHF picture we've been used to. Plenty of time before analog gets flushed. Me? I'm waiting to see if the PQ improves once the digital sigs revert to VHF.
landtuna said:
Other than 1st class mail... the Post Office, can take longer to deliver mail. Certain items have low rate -- to be delivered during a two week period, for example. (You'll see on those "Requested for Home delivery -- with the dates given". So this huge bulk shipment of junk mail comes in, and the PO delivers it when it's better for them, like on a Saturday, when they don't have Business mail to deliver like they do duting the week.....
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My OTA (Over The Air) Digital Reception in the DFW Area with the Philips MANT410 and the Zenith DTT900 Box:
The numbers at the end of each listing is the actual frequency the digital signal is being sent over. The numbers following that in parentheses are where the digital signal will be broadcast, after the Feb. cutover in 2009.
2.1 KDTN - DAYSTAR - 43
4.1 KDFW - FOX 4 - 35 (To - 9)
4.2 KDFW - FOX 4 WARN WEATHER RADAR
5.1 KXAS - NBC 5 - 41
5.2 KXAS - NBC WEATHER PLUS
8.1 WFAA - ABC - 9 (To - 8)
8.2 WFAA - XPRESS 8.2 WEATHER
8.3 WFAA - DFW AIRPORT TOWERCAM
11.1 KTVT - CBS - 19 (To - 11)
13.1 KERA - PBS - 14
21.1 KTXA - TXA 21 (CBS) - 18
23.1 KUVN - UNIVISION - 24 (To - 23)
27.1 KDFI - MY 27 TV NETWORK (FOX) - 36
29.1 KMPX - INDEPENDENT - 30
33.1 KDAF - THE CW - 32
33.2 KDAF - LATV
39.1 KXTX - TELEMUNDO (NBC) - 40
47.1 KTAQ - PROMISELAND - 46
49.1 KSTR - TELEFUTURA (UNIV) - 48
52.1 KFWD - INDEPENDENT (BELO) - 51
54.1 KLDT - INDEPENDENT - 54 (To - 39)
58.1 KDTX - TBN - 45
58.2 THE CHURCH CHANNEL
58.3 JCTV
58.4 ENLACE USA
58.5 SMILE OF A CHILD
68.1 ION - 42
68.2 QUBO
68.3 ION LIFE
68.4 THE WORSHIP NETWORK
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