Guide to the Ratings

DTV converter boxes

Overall picture quality
Expert judgment of picture quality from downconverted high-definition content and standard-definition content using composite-video output. Picture quality from the RF output was typically a bit lower than with the composite-video feed, with some loss in resolution. Picture quality from the S-video output (available only on the Channel Master CM-700 and Apex DT250) is a bit better than with the composite-video output. When tuned to channels with full-screen standard-definition content, picture quality was generally found to be quite good on most boxes. We found more variation when tuning to downconverted high-definition programs. Best picture quality is capable of images that are comparable to that of a good DVD. Better picture quality is a small step below the best but better than most analog broadcasts. Acceptable picture quality is generally comparable to a good analog broadcast despite minor flaws, typically on downconverted HD.

Program guide
Indicates how much information the onscreen program guide provides. Basic guides have the most limited information, typically for the tuned channel for the current and sometimes next show. Better guides give you either information for all channels for the current and next shows, or information for the tuned channel for several hours. The best guides provide program descriptions for all channels for several hours.

Configurable closed captioning
Closed captioning text and background (font size, color, and transparency) can be adjusted to make it easier to read.

Universal remote control
The provided remote control can be programmed to operate certain functions (power, source, and/or volume) of most analog TVs.

Aspect ratio button on remote
Remote has a dedicated button for changing a program's aspect ratio (whether the picture appears as a squarish 4:3 image of a more rectangular 16:9 one), more convenient than models that require you to go into the onscreen menu.

Auto aspect ratio
Will automatically change the aspect ratio of an incoming program based on its transmitted format.

Easy to add new channels
Allows you to directly add a new digital channel to the channel list without having to perform a time-consuming "scan-for-all-channels."

Analog pass-through
Allows analog antenna signals received via the converter box's RF input to be passed through to its RF output along with converted digital signals. This feature will allow your TV to continue tuning to available analog channels. (Note: To view digital TV signals in this configuration will require the TV to be tuned to channels 3 or 4.) Analog pass-through may be most useful now, when some channels may not yet be available in digital form. It could continue to be useful in areas served by low-power stations that are not required to discontinue analog broadcasts in February 2009. This feature simplifies wiring setup in such situations, but is not an essential feature if you wish to view digital and analog stations. You can also buy a splitter to split the signal from the antenna and feed one cable to the box for digital broadcasts, the other directly to the TV for analog.

Control buttons on box
Boxes with controls on the console allow you to control basic functions without using the remote, a plus if you misplace it. Buttons typically include power on/off and channel up/down. Artec T3A Pro and Kingbox K8V1 also have volume up/down.

A/V cable included
In addition to the RF cable included with all boxes, this model also comes with A/V cable (RCA connectors for composite-video and left/right audio).

Note on availability
Availability of a specific model might be spotty. As we went to press, some models were not available at any of the retailers we checked. But indications are that new inventory might arrive soon. For a list of online retailers, use the NTIA link: https://www.dtv2009.gov/VendorSearch.aspx. At that site, you can also enter your ZIP code to find local merchants. Check a retailer's policy on returns and exchanges before making a purchase.