Best Digital TV Converter Boxes

By Randy Key

Published: September 17, 2008

UNDATED—Mary Linkowski was stunned when she learned her analog TV would go black in February 2009. She doesn’t want to pay for cable or satellite, so her son’s getting her something that costs a lot less.

Mary Linkowski: “He promised that he would get me one of those converter boxes.”

Consumer Reports tested two dozen converter boxes costing from around $50 to $80, but they’ll cost you less if you get a $40 coupon from the government.

The tests found all the boxes produced picture quality ranging from acceptable to outstanding. One of the best is the Tivax STB-T9, which costs just $10 with the government coupon. But, even though it’s one of the best converter boxes tested...be aware, a number of factors can affect performance.

Jim Wilcox, Consumer Reports: “Where you live, the local terrain, the number of stations that are broadcasting in your area, signal strength, and the type of antenna that you’re using.”

Digital converter boxes all come with the same basic features, including a remote control.

Jim Wilcox: “But, some boxes also have buttons on the unit, itself, so you can operate them in case you lose the remote.”

Some also provide a comprehensive program guide with details about upcoming shows. And, you may want to look for one that lets you adjust closed captioning, to make it bigger and easier to read.

The get the government’s $40 coupon for a digital converter box...call 888-388-2009, or visit DTV2009.gov.