In an effort to cut through the mumbo jumbo, we’ve done the homework for you and come up with the following list of eligible digital TV converters. These are the best tv converter boxes available. We have partnered with Summit Source Electronics and Amazon.com to bring you the best deals available on these digital TV converters. Both of these retailers have been in the business for decades so they know what it takes to satisfy customers. And, since they both accept the NTIA coupons, they are truly a one stop shop for your digital TV changeover needs.
We have tested out these units and below you will find a link to each of their full reviews to help with your decision. We’ve done all the hard work for you, so you can just sit back and bask in the glory that is digital TV. If you’ve already picked up your digital TV converters, you’re not finished yet. You also need a good digital TV antenna to get great digital TV channels for free. We’re reviewed all the top models ranging from the smallest indoor digital TV antennas to the best outdoor HDTV antennas that can pull in stations from up to 70 miles away. Pick up one of these, and there will be no more blacked out games for you.
CECB or Coupon-Eligible Converter Box is a specification for DTV converter boxes eligible to receive subsidy coupons through the NTIA DTV Converter Box Coupon Program. This program was put into place in order to provide over-the-air TV viewers with an affordable means with which to continue to receive free television services after the digital transition takes effect. The specification was developed by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), with input from the broadcast and consumer electronics industries, as well as public interest groups.
There are a few absolute requirements which must be met:
- CECBs must convert all ATSC formats to NTSC.
- The units must support a 4:3 center crop of a 16:9 transmitted image, and a letterbox rendition of a 16:9 transmitted image.
- An RF output, as well as baseband video and stereo audio outputs must be supplied.
- All CECB’s outputs must produce video at an ITU-R BT.500-11 quality scale of Grade 4 or higher.
- CECBs must include a remote control and be controllable by universal remote controls.
- Must support decodeing of Emergency Alert System (EAS) messages and Parental Control (V-Chip) descriptors and Closed Captioning streams.
- Program and System Information Protocol (PSIP) data must be decoded, and the units must provide the user with tuned channel and program information.
- CECBs must consume no more than an average of 2 watts of power when passive (no video or audio display).
- CECBs must provide an automatic powerdown feature [that can be turned off] when operator input has not been detected for a certain time.
- Various RF sensitivity and interference rejection performance parameters are also required.
So there you have it. A list of the top digital TV converter along with easy links to buy online so you can save gas. You need to act quickly, as the digital TV changeover date is coming soon. Don’t be left with a blank TV come February.
