DTV converters-Which brand is best?

Question

What user functions and outputs should I look for? I know that a good antenna is the top priority. I suspect that some brands are better than others in how they handle that signal and how they interact with the user-( firmware programming).

Answer 1

As of today (25 Apr 2008), there are really only two tiers of digital TV converters: the real HD ones, which Samsung has pretty much all to themselves, and the coupon eligible ones where LG, Funai, and Digitalstream, among others, sell boxes with very basic controls and functions.

No need to review the real HD boxes: like I said there's really only one out there to get. The Coupon eligible boxes I can only comment on the LG (branded as Insignia and Zenith) and the Funai (branded as Magnavox). Also, there are reviews by Consumer Reports and others on these basic boxes. So far the consensus pick is the Insignia/Zenith box. It also is the box I have. RF and composite outputs, front panel power and channel up/down, simple menus.

Most of the coupon eligible boxes do not allow analog signal passthrough, important if you intend to view low-power TV stations past 19 Feb 2009. If you wait long enough there should be more analog passthrough-capable boxes.