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DISH Network's DTVPal DVR unboxed and previewed
For the longest while, we couldn't figure out who let the standalone HD DVR die. To this day, we're still scrambling to find an answer, but thankfully DISH Network has stepped in to revive the niche while the search continues. The outfit's DTVPal DVR has been circulating for almost a century now (okay, just a year and change, but there's hardly a difference in the grand scheme of things), and Mr. Dave Zatz has done us the honors of unboxing one and setting it up. The unit actually doubles as a DTV converter box and an HD DVR, and Zatz found setup to be almost too painless. Everything seemed to be humming along just fine at last check, so feel free and have a look at the gallery in the read link below before pulling the trigger.
Ask Engadget HD: DTV converter, or a new TV?
Hard to believe, but in just over two months, analog signals will be a thing of the past in the USA. Okay, so we're sure a small grace period will be enacted, but the digital TV transition is coming at a furious pace. Devin has written in this week with a question that we reckon many are pondering, so here's your shot at discussing it: "I know I could redeem my $40 voucher for a digital TV converter, but I'm beginning to wonder if that's the best thing for my garage TV. I'm not really fond of cluttering the area up with another set-top-box, and really, I'm wondering if this is the perfect excuse to pick up a small HDTV. I'm wondering what other readers in this situation are doing, and if so, which small HDTV should I pick up to replace my existing analog set?" Sure, we should all feel absolutely terrible about junking that perfectly good analog set and using this as an opportunity to get yourself a new HDTV, but hey, why not donate the old set, take a tax write-off and get a warm, fuzzy feeling in exchange? That's our advice, what's yours?Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Two-thirds of OTA households have requested DTV coupons
There's no doubt that the CEA and NTIA have been spreading the word about the 2009 digital TV transition as hard as they can, but some folks still aren't taking the time to listen. 'Course, 62% is way better than what we've seen in the past, but that still leaves a full third of OTA-reliant American households sans a government-issued voucher with under 100 days to go until analog slides under the guillotine. Currently, 17 million homes have requested 33.5 million coupons (in other words, most folks are requesting the maximum of two) and 13.5 million have been redeemed. For those with a strange curiosity to know even more, it's stated that a number of eastern cities have the highest coupon application rates, while folks in Hawaii and Alaska could apparently care less. Can't blame 'em given the scenery, eh?
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.
DISH Network intros DTVPal Plus digital-to-analog converter box
For those procrastinators out there who've been meaning to pick up one of those DTVPals, your "master plan" may have just paid off. DISH Network has surprisingly rolled out a refreshed version under the name DTVPal Plus, which is essentially a DTVPal with an "enhanced digital tuner for optimizing weak signal areas." That bonus will cost you an extra $10 over the non-Plus model, meaning that you'll be laying out $69.99 (MSRP) or $29.99 with one of those fancy government-issued vouchers.
Apex DT250 DTV converter box gets reviewed
It's been awhile since we've seen a DTV converter box on the test bench, and while the Apex DT250 isn't anything extraordinary, we figured it prudent to pass along CNET's review and remind you that February 2009 is drawing ever closer. That being said, critics found that this box produces remarkably good image quality, and the S-Video output / analog pass-through were also smiled upon. Unfortunately, it managed to pull in fewer stations than rival boxes, and neither the bundled remote nor the EPG were top-shelf material. Still, if you're close enough to towers that signal strength won't be an issue, it may be worth looking at if you value stunning SD quality. Whatever that means.
CNET pans the GE 22730 digital converter box
No need to worry about how you're going to stack equipment on the curvy GE 22730 digital converter box -- it won't be staying in the system that long. At least, that's the recommendation from CNET. They were hard pressed to find anything to like about the unit, and even the eight-day EPG suffered from an unintuitive layout. Frankly, we're a little surprised that such a simple device could come up short in so many areas; the poor video quality and sub-par number of channels pulled in are especially glaring. We guess there's something to be said for Microtune's complaints, so even converter box coupon holders should do a little research before cashing in.[Via TVSnob; Image courtesy CNET]
Microtune blows the whistle on converter boxes
Did you get a DTV converter box yet? If so, Microtune, a company that makes tuners used in some of the boxes, may have some bad news for you. In a test of five different boxes (off the shelf) that did not employ its tuners, all five showed interference problems. Unfortunately, there's no detailed description of the observed problems, but in a letter to the NTIA, the company's President said that the units did not meet the FCC requirements for coupon-eligible converters. Sure, the fact that Microtune is the only U.S. manufacturer of tuners used in any of the DTV converters puts an air of skepticism over the whole matter. But we're in agreement with the company's contention that trouble-free operation is well worth a marginal cost increase to the consumer. Hopefully the company will come forth with a more detailed description of its findings so we'll know whether to add "has a Microtune tuner" to the list of criteria for DTV converter selection.[Via TVSnob]
Ask Engadget HD: Which digital TV converter is the one to buy?
Given the smorgasbord of choices when it comes to picking up a digital TV converter to prepare for the looming 2009 cutover, there hasn't been much said about which one actually performs the best. Quite frankly, we're assuming said comparison hasn't been done simply because of the inordinate amount of work that would be required, but we aren't underestimating the power of the people. Check out what's been on Roberto's mind:"With the analog shutoff coming in less than a year, I have to start worrying about 2 TVs in my house which will need tuner crutches (ATSC receivers). I would normally postpone the expense as much as possible, but my federal $40 coupons will expire in about two months now, and I want to get the most bang for my buck. Anyways, do any of you, TV gurus, know which of the US government-approved ATSC receivers had the best tuner and the best interface? Where do I get one? I don't want to bring one home and realize it only tunes 3 channels and it is a pain to operate."There's no doubt each DTV converter will operate slightly differently, and we're hoping that by now, a number of you have been able to procure one and can give your opinion on it. So, tell the world how you feel about your recently purchased converter -- good and bad, we want to hear it all.Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
