What brand converter box should i buy?

Question

I heard rca is the best but i cant find it sold out everywhere my coupons expire in two weeks ahh.

Answer 1

There really aren't any "best." The regulations behind the coupon program have seen to that, they are pretty much restricted to being a box that will convert ATSC signals to 480i output, and make them browseable including the EPG via a remote.

There are vastly more Digital Stream boxes around than any other, and you might as well get one of those. It's the one I settled for when I finally nailed one down at Radio Shack (the only model they offer, which is something the government should not let them get away with)

It outputs s-video and composite, and, well, picks up all the channels with a good, though boring, menu system.

What I am hoping for with the Digital Stream is that some intrepid soul will figure out how to modify it to output the signal in its original form instead of converted to 480i. Which the coupon program of course doesn't allow, the idea is they don't wanna help out with the digital switch unless you're poor as dirt, so the rule is no ouput above 480i. Even though that adds production expense, it was easier than having income limits for getting the coupons.

Answer 2

The link below has a good comparison chart of coupon eligible converter boxes.  As you have discovered, very few are actually available, and those are usually sold out, especially at coupon expiration time.  I myself only got to use only one of my coupons.  I feel your pain.

I got the Apex Digital DT250 at BestBuy the Thursday their shipment came in.  They were sold out, but had more on order, the following Monday.

The Zenith DTT901 is also a way to go.  I  Have seen some nice reviews.  I don't know who might them have them.

Answer 3

Z.z

Common sense tells you to google converter boxes and find the second best product.I advise you to find the close test store that sells converter boxes and purchase one.