Choices,Choices what converter box to buy

**gpat** · 06-24-2008 07:15 AM

Seems like none of the threads on converter boxes are very organized as a review.
So Im thinking that between myself and a buddy of mine we will get different ones and compare.
Choices at Rat Shack are the Zenith 901 and the DS 9950.
Im really leaning towards the Apex DT250 but cant find any in the area.
So anyone care to add to this for a review of these models only?

**gpat** · 06-25-2008 05:35 PM

picked up a Zenith 901 at RatShack Y day.
I have nothing to compare it to so maybe Ill try a
DS 9950 too.

**navychop** · 06-25-2008 05:57 PM

If you wait a week or two, you'll probably be able to the the DTVPal from Dish, AKA TR40. I expect you'd be happiest with it. There are threads on it.

**gpat** · 06-25-2008 10:19 PM

coupon expires 4th of July cant wait.

**Zorak** · 06-26-2008 02:20 AM

I've picked up and played with a couple Insignia boxes (original design - OK product), The Channel Master (disappointed with sensitivity, channel adding and S-video quality for the price but a nice guide), The Venturer (good basic cheap portable box) and the Digital Stream that has analog pass through (9550?). I found the Digital Stream to be the most sensitive and liked many of the features even though the box does not look very high quality or stylish. I'll try to get more details up when time allows. Apex DT250 is postponed until August I belive based on the Apex website. Happy hunting!

**Zorak** · 06-26-2008 02:40 AM

CORRECTION! Is it August? Originally Apex DT250 was due in June based on some dealer websites. The June date disappeared and the Apex site was changed to reflect August availability. The rumor was that shipments arrived and sure enough Apex now points to Best Buy for availability and the BB site says in store only for the moment and a couple other threads refer to the DT250 and some initial reviews here. Sorry for the confusion but do a search here for more DT250 info.

**jayn_j** · 06-26-2008 10:11 AM

Originally Posted by gpat

coupon expires 4th of July cant wait.

Actually, I let my coupon expire. Couldn't find anything that was worth $40 less than the asking price

I'll pay the real price once the better units arrive.

**jgantert** · 06-26-2008 12:00 PM

So far the Zenith and Digitalstream boxes have been good for me. Much more sensitive tuners than previous HDTV tuners (including the Tivo HD box).

**gpat** · 06-26-2008 07:03 PM

called BB and they havent a clue when they are getting their Apex

**jgantert** · 06-26-2008 08:35 PM

IMHO, I wouldn't hold out for an Apex box (or any other s-video box). Just based on the inital reviews, plus my personal experience of using the other boxes out there. Digital SD is still SD. I would take program guide and universal remote capability over S-Video. And maybe the VCR timer (if you need that) feature as well.