Here is an updated list of currently available DTV converters that are eligible for the government issue $40 coupon. The DTV converter will allow your non-digital TV sets to display digital broadcast signals. If you are still using rabbit ears on your old set, read on for more information.
At midnight on February 17, 2009, analog television signals will cease to exist. Sounds so dramatic doesn’t it? In their place, broadcasters will be sending out all digital signals which are sharper, more reliable, and take up less bandwidth. Most broadcasters are already transmitting digital signals in preparation for the transition.
You can get two converter coupons per household but you have to use the coupons within 90 days. I’ve found that most converters run about $60, so you end up paying about $20 per converter. I’d say the converters, which look sort of like mini receivers, are generally overpriced. But with the coupon, they are a bargain at $20.
Here is the current list of NTIA-approved CECBs available in retails stores and online.
- ALPHA DIGITAL AT2016
- APEX DT250 *
- Access HD DTA1020D
- Access HD DTA1020U
- AccessHD DTA1010D
- AccessHD DTA1010U
- Apex DT1001
- Artec T3A
- Artec T3APro
- CADENCE DTVC-9
- COSHIP N9900T
- COSHIP N9988T
- CRAIG Electronics International Ltd. CVD506 *
- Channel Master CM-7000
- DIGITAL STREAM DSP7500T
- DIGITAL STREAM DSP7700T *
- DIGITAL STREAM DTX9900
- DIGITAL STREAM DTX9950 *
- DIGITAL STREAM DX8700 *
- DISH Network DTVPal *
- GE 22729
- GE 22730
- Goodmind DTA1000
- Gridlink GLT-200
- Insignia NS-DXA1
- Insignia NS-DXA1-APT *
- Kingbox K8V1
- Lasonic LTA-260
- Lasonic LTR-260
- Magnavox TB-100MG9 *
- Magnavox TB100MW9
- Memorex MVCB1000 *
- MicroGEM MG2000
- Philco TB100HH9 *
- Philco TB150HH9 *
- RCA DTA 800B
- RCA DTA800B1 *
- Sansonic FT300A
- Sansonic FT300RT
- Tivax STB-T9
- VENTURER STB7766G
- WINEGARD RC-DT09
- ZINWELL ZAT-970
- ZINWELL ZAT-970A *
- Zenith DTT900
- Zenith DTT901 *
- Zentech DF2000
*The manufacturer has indicated that these models are capable of passing analog signals through to the TV set.
If you want more information about the transition visit https://www.dtv2009.gov/.
Don’t get ACCESS. The warranty info states: “To locate your nearest authorized service center, warranty and parts, or for general customer service, please call 1-800-393-1246”. All you get is a recording that tries to sell you a new antenna; or a recorded repeat of the steps that are spelled out in the instruction booklet. There is absolutely no mention of service centers, warranty or parts. Customer service is just a recording and a sales pitch. The only human contact offered is to purchase the antenna.
RCA DTA 800b1 available for $59.99 FREE SHIPPING from NTIA certified online retailer BSAT e-shop http://dtv.bsat.net
They also sell DTVpal for $49.99