The Best DTV Box

While we’re just days away until the big DTV switch, there are still several individuals out there that haven’t purchased their DTV boxes to continue viewing over-the-air signals. Now if you’re on cable or using satellite, you don’t have to worry. You’ll be unaffected by this change. To those of you out there that have purchased a box, did you know there are different variations of over the air DTV box?

Let this guide be your blueprint to selecting that perfect DTV Box! Only items recommended for users are featured here.

Channel Master CM-7000:

From the makers of the Channel Master line of assorted aerial antennas comes their first DTV box. This box features a 12-hour guide per each channel. You click the guide, and the data will slowly load just for that channel. It also offers S-Video capabilities to offer the best video quality possible. This also offers the Scan Add feature. With Scan Add, it locks in the channel signal allowing you to save it while you turn your antenna rotor to another setting to search for additional channels without ear. The drawback is if you stray too far from the previous setting, the previously stored channels may not come in. This works great if you are located in the fringe areas where reception may not be that great. It is also a great deal as the manufacturer recently dropped the price on this item.

Compatible with $40 DTV Government Voucher: Yes

DTVPal Plus:

Echostar, the inventors of the Dish Network, developed this box as a low cost alternative to what was actually featured. This box is smaller in size compared to the others. You want to be careful handling it as it is feels quite light. The picture is of impressive quality, and even on the oldest TV, it looks great! The menus are lengthy, and it may require you to select several options before you pick the one you want. For example, getting to the scanning menu did take a little bit of time to find. The guide could feature up to a week’s worth of programming depending on the local channel’s listing distributor. Otherwise, you’ll have to settle for 12-24 hours of listings. A nice feature with the DTVPal Plus is a VCR timer. If you connect your VCR to this box, you’ll be able to record your favorite shows. The VCR timer will switch your box to record the show that you selected. It may be wise to set the timer to record one minute early and to allow extra time at the end to make sure you get that program. The display feature of the DTV Pal Plus informs you how strong the signal is coming in. Anything under 59% will display a low signal message. The tuner on the DTV Pal Plus is highly sensitive. This box would work best in those areas where there may be a struggle to pick up local stations.

Compatible with $40 DTV Government Voucher: Yes



Insignia NS-DXA1:

This box is the same as the now defunct Circuit City’s featured Zenith DTV 900 box. It has a great picture and offers great sound. It offers a very basic guide as it informs you what’s currently on and what is coming up next. The AutoScan features are easy to use, and they also allow you to add channels without losing your current ones. It offers a superior tuner that can pick up distant stations. There is a signal indicator button that can be pressed, but the annoying tone can be a distraction. The remote control has larger buttons, so it is ideal for those individuals who have a hard time seeing the numbers and functions on a remote control. There are no S-Video capabilities, but it can be connected with RCA jacks. This a great DTV box for anyone, if you can find it! It is available in limited quantities, but it can be found!

Compatible with $40 DTV Government Voucher: Yes

Tivax: STB-T8:

This box is one of the cost effective boxes. It also is EnergyStar certified. It won’t drain electricity, and it is about the same cost as running a nightlight to operate. The program guide isn’t superior to the other models, but it gets the job done. It does provide an aspect ratio on the remote. So if you are not satisfied with the size on your TV screen, you can change that. The sound quality is standard, but it’s not groundbreaking. It does utilize a SmartAntenna, which allows the antenna to switch to provide the best possible signal. This box also has an onscreen signal meter to help with those manual scans. This is a good box for someone that is looking to have a good picture without spending a lot of money on a box. You’d be better off with a Channel Master CM-7000, but it is a nice alternative.

Compatible with $40 DTV Government Voucher: Yes

DTV Pal DVR:

This box is the same as the DTV Pal Plus, but there’s one minor modification. It has a DVR. This is the first and only over-the-air DTV DVR out there without a monthly fee. If you are purchasing this item, make sure the update is F206 or later. There were several problems with the first version of this device, but those problems can be taken care of through a download off the website. The guide could also feature up to a week’s worth of television programming depending on the local channel’s listing distributor. Otherwise, you’ll have to settle for 12-24 hours of listings. The tuner is as sensitive as the DTV Pal Plus. The DTV Pal DVR lets you watch a HD channel while you record another one; this will record two different shows, either through a manual record or by setting a timer. You can also use instant replay, pause, and rewind all while watching live programming. If you change the channel, you won’t be able to retrieve previous programming. The unit will only replay what you are currently watching. The DVR recording capacity is 30 HD hours and 150 SD hours. If a program is broadcasting in HD, it will utilize the HD hours. One drawback is the unit will delete older unprotected programming when there are less than 2 hours left on the hard drive. If you’re a TV enthusiast, then this is the DTV box for you! Another drawback is that it’s not eligible for a DTV government voucher. That means you’ll have to pay the full fee, and it’s not cheap. It is quite costly with a manufacturers’ suggested retail price of $250.00.

Compatible with $40 DTV Government Voucher: No


Search for one of these boxes at the retailers mentioned at this link: https://www.dtv2009.gov/VendorSearch.aspx

Remember only purchase your box through these outlets featured on the website. They are authorized to sell the various boxes.

For best DTV reception, make sure you have a reliable aerial antenna! Also, you may need to rescan your box from time to time. New channels and new channel positions may occur during this time of transition. For more information, contact, 1-888-CALL-FCC or visit: http://www.dtv.gov.

Programming Changes

PCR caught some changes here in the late night hour. OC is moving back to Wednesdays. Yes, it will air on Thursday as well, but the Rich List is oh, so, dead for now. Rich List most likely will be held out for summer or on Friday nights after Vanished ends in a month. Happy Hour is well, unhappily not coming back. If you're a rich person and you want to bet on a cancellation, go with Til Death. It won't be back in January. The latest word going in as that American Idol may be going to Wednesdays and Thursdays. Well, it depends on Standoff. If Standoff drops in ratings, Idol returns in January on Tuesday and Wednesday. So the bottom line is Til Death is gone! Guaranteed! Happy Hour is dropped, and who knows if it will be back! As for the ABC side of things, Six Degrees is gone! Kidnapped is available on Fridays on NBC.com. Yes, you need the internet to watch it! And that's the inside viewpoint!