Consumer Reports Rates 14 Digital Converter Boxes

Consumer Reports Rates 14 Digital Converter Boxes

Tests Show That Higher Price Doesn't Guarantee Better Performance

YONKERS, N.Y., June 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In anticipation of the digital television transition in February 2009, Consumer Reports recently tested 14 models of digital converter boxes and found that there were differences in performance, though not dramatic, with price not necessarily an indicator of quality. In fact, some of the less expensive models offered better picture quality than higher-priced models.

Consumers who do not have a digital TV and currently rely on over-the-air-broadcasts for news and entertainment will have to purchase a digital converter box in order to receive digital signals from U.S. television stations.

"Anyone with an analog TV hooked up to an antenna will need a converter box when broadcasts go all digital next February," said Paul Reynolds, Electronics Editor of Consumer Reports. "We want to help consumers find a model that will give them the best viewing experience for the best price."

For those considering a DTV converter, Consumer Reports advises first choosing models with better picture quality, and then narrowing choices down to those that have desired features. The Tivax STB-T9, $50, was among those with the best picture quality. The Microgem MG200, $65, also stood out in Consumer Reports' tests for its picture quality. When judging picture quality at home, however, consumers should also consider other variables that can affect picture quality - the quality of the video transmitted by stations and the quality of the television set, either of which can often be the weak link in the picture quality chain.

Another characteristic to consider is tuner sensitivity, the ability to receive channels when signal strength is weak. Consumer Reports found that the tuners in all boxes performed comparably in tests of their ability to pull in digital stations. The tests were conducted at Consumer Reports' headquarters in Yonkers, NY using a standard residential rooftop antenna. Though the results are a rough indicator, it suggests that any of these boxes should be able to detect a similar number of channels. However, reception can vary for each user, depending on location, local terrain, signal strength, and the type of antenna being used, as well as the number of stations broadcast in the area and their signal strength.

Consumer Reports recommends choosing a digital converter box that allows for individual channels to be easily added. This feature eliminates the need for consumers to perform the more time consuming "scan-for-all-channels." Additionally, if no signal is found on a particular channel, some boxes have on-screen signal meters that allow viewers to monitor signal strength while optimizing the antenna position. Signal strength meters are available on all boxes but are typically active only on channels that have already been found.

Also consider the electronic programming guide. These guides range from very basic to more comprehensive. Analog-pass-through will allow the TV to continue receiving available analog, as well as digital, signals, including those from lower-power TV stations, which may continue to broadcast in analog after the February 2009 deadline.

Currently, there are only about 25 models of digital converter boxes available, all of which cost more than $50. Consumers can apply for two $40 government coupons towards the purchase of these devices. The 14 models Consumer Reports tested are available for purchase either online or at stores including Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Circuit City, and Radio Shack and have been approved for the government's converter box coupon program.

"Consumers are finding few choices in their local stores," said Joel Kelsey policy analyst for Consumers Union, nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports. "This is a consumer Catch-22. Those who acted early in requesting coupons face limited or expensive choices in converter boxes, but can't wait for more options because their coupons are expiring."

The Government Accountability Office recently released survey data indicating that although over half of Americans may know about the government coupon program, many of them do not know where or how to obtain the coupons. Because many retailers only have a few models in stock, Consumers Union, the nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports, is advocating for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to allow consumers to reapply for coupons if they are unhappy with the converter box choices in their local market. These coupons expire 90 days after they are issued.

"Even the government concedes consumers are confused. The digital TV switchover will be one of the first challenges the next President will face. We hope the nation will be better prepared next February than it is now," added Kelsey.

For more information on the digital television conversion and Consumer Reports' Ratings of digital converter boxes, visit www.ConsumerReports.org/DTV.

JUNE 2008

Consumers Union 2008. The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for commercial or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports(R) is published by Consumers Union, an expert, independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to work for a fair, just, and safe marketplace for all consumers and to empower consumers to protect themselves. To achieve this mission, we test, inform, and protect. To maintain our independence and impartiality, CU accepts no outside advertising, no free test samples, and has no agenda other than the interests of consumers. CU supports itself through the sale of our information products and services, individual contributions, and a few noncommercial grants.

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Source: Consumers Union

CONTACT: Lisa Bruno of Catalyst Public Relations, +1-212-300-2407,
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