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Winegard's battery-powered RCDT09A DTV converter box gets reviewed


Are you a big fan of camping? How's about tailgating prior to the big game? If you're currently infatuated with your battery-powered TV for either of the previously mentioned reasons (or any reason, actually), you've probably been trying to find some kind of tiny generator to make one of those newfangled DTV converter boxes work in the wild. Thankfully, Winegard has stepped in to put a stop to all of that nonsense, as the RCDT09A is the first battery-operated (and coupon-eligible) box to convert those digital OTA signals into analog waves that your current set can digest. CNET recently acquired one for review, and overall, it fared pretty well. The sheer fact that the sleek, compact unit could be powered by six D-cell batteries earned it major points, though prospective buyers should know that they'll need an RF or composite AV input on their TV. Winegard claims the device can last 18 hours with those half-dozen batteries, and it even includes front panel buttons for changing the channel in case your remote disappears. Worth nearly $70? Depends on your needs.