Is a digital converter even worth having?

Question

I have cable and don't need the converter box, but all my TVs are analog. I have the coupon for a converter box but now I can't decide whether to get it or not. I have read good and bad reviews online from people who have bought these boxes. Most problems with them is that they are running hot, the remote doesn't work or doesn't control everything, (VCR/DVD) the box itself doesn't work, and the audio/video didn't improve. Some of these reviews are for top brands. Is it just better to get a digital TV than the converter box?

Answer 1

As long as you continue to subscribe to cable you shouldn't need a converter box at all, even after February 2009.

It's my understanding that converter boxes are only needed by those people who have analog TVs that receive broadcasts thru the air waves (not satellite, not cable, just free broadcast TV) and don't plan to get a digital TV to use after Feb 2009.

As long as you have cable you shouldn' need a converter box unless for some reason you want to have broadcast TV available after Feb 2009.

For now I wouldn't spend the money for a converter box, but remember,if you do decide to buy one using the coupons, the coupons expire 6 months after you ask for them, so don't wait too long.

Answer 2

The coupon type converter boxes are for use with antennas and were designed so they are of no use with any major cable system.



The "change" in Feb 2009 only effects over the air broadcasts and has nothing to do with cable TV service.



Unless you want one as a backup for your cable service, it would be of no use to you.



Most of the problems you read about are related to early product that was rushed to market. The latest Zenith/Insignia & RCA models are quite good. The Insignia models I have work great. I'm looking for a RCA DAT 800B1 for am elderly person because its remote control is more elderly friendly.



You can't sell your coupon but you can give it to someone who needs it. They only send out up to 2 coupons per household and quite a few households need more than two of them.



>Is it just better to get a digital TV than the converter box?



The over the air tuners in the Zenith/Insignia box is as good as any you will find in a new TV.

Answer 3

You can try the all-in-one DVD and video software, meet all your needs. It converts DVDs and videos to play on iPod touch/classic/video/nano, iPhone, Zune, PSP, video capable MP3 players, video capable mobile phones, and Pocket P.C., etc.

http://www.freedvdripper.org/dvdvideoconverter/cucusoft-ultimate-dvd-video-converter-suite.html

Here is a step by step guide to rip DVD and convert any videos to other video formats and audio formats for iPod touch/classic/video/nano, iPhone, Zune, PSP, video capable MP3 players, YouTube, Myspace, etc. Meanwhile, it can also support output almost any audio/video format including Video format (H264, MP4, WMV, AVI, MOV, RM, 3GP, flv, SWF, mpeg-1, mpeg-2, VCD, SVCD, DVD, etc.) and Audio format (AC3, AAC, MP2, MP3, MP4, RA, WMA, etc.). It is easy-to-use and the converting speed is fast!

http://www.freedvdripper.org/dvdvideoguide/dvd-video-conversion-guide-with-ultimate-dvd-video-converter.html

Also, you can find some other software:

http://www.ask.com