Jun 19, 2008 4:48 pm US/Eastern
Consumer Reports Tests Digital Converter Boxes
(KDKA)
For months now, consumers have been hearing about the digital television conversion that takes place next February, which will make any television that is operating on rabbit ears or a rooftop antenna obsolete.
Those viewers will need to buy a digital converter box in order to receive the new digital signal.
Consumer Reports has tested 14 of the most widely available models to see which were the best and find some of the best buys.
The switch from analog to digital TV is confusing enough, now consumers who don't have cable or a satellite dish have to figure out which converter box to buy.
When it comes to picture quality, Consumer Reports says their tests discovered two boxes that stood out: the Tivax STB-T9 for $50 and the Microgem MG-200 at $65; although, all 14 boxes had acceptable picture quality.
"Because the picture quality is so similar we really think that some of the consumer convenience features that the boxes have will impact the choices of the consumers in the marketplace," said Joel Kelsey, of Consumer Reports. "The two we think will be winners among consumers are the universal remove control and the ability to add new channels easily."
The biggest problem that Consumer Reports says they found is the fact that not all retail and online stores carry all the different models of converters.
"Although, there are 25 boxes available nationwide, many consumers we're hearing from are facing limited choices in their retail stores, they may only have one or two choices," said Kelsey.
That's why Consumer Reports is recommending shopping around first and then applying for the $40 coupons the federal government is giving out to help consumers pay for the conversion.
That way, you won't run the risk of your coupon expiring before you find the box you want.
More: 
ConsumerReports.org/DTV | 
Understanding the Move To Digital TV
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