In general are all DTV boxes the same?

Question

Like do they all just have the digital stations and have the same quality (picture)? Or are some boxes have analog?

Answer 1

No they are not the same.

All of the converters that you can use the $40 off coupons with have to meet certain minimum government standards. But the feedback from people buying the early boxes is that some are way better than others.

None of the converters includes an analog tuner, but some of them have "analog pass". In most cases that means that  when the converter is shut off, analog signals can go through the converter's coax connectors so you can watch analog channels on your TV.

The three to look at the closest are the

Zenith DTT901- also sold as Insignia NS-DXA1-APT

Apex DT250  - just starting to show up at Best Buy

                        includes s-video

DTVPal          -supposed to show up in next couple of months

                        only model with "VCR Timer" so you can

                        program channel changes.

Answer 2

In order to qualify for the Government coupons, they must all have the same minimum set of features.  However, those are minimum standards.

Some of the higher priced boxes are made better with more sensitive tuners (they can work with weaker signals).  Also, some have "analog pass through" that will allow the analog signals to pass through to the TV with the box still connected between the antenna and TV.

None of the boxes have analog, though.  They are trying to kill off analog . . .

I hope this helps.  Please return and select a Best Answer from all of those submitted.