As you’ve probably heard, the digital TV changeover is baring down on us. In just a little over a month, any analog TVs you have will go blank if you are watching OTA stations. There is someting you can do about it; if you pick up a digital TV converter you will still be able to recieve these free broadcasts. Many will be in full HDTV all for free. These TV converter boxes really are one of the best gadgets ever; you can get full DVD quality video and crystal clear audio absolutely free. Compared to $100+ per month for cable or satellite, you could really save some money.
Today we are reviewing the Zinwell Zat-970A TV converter box. This is one of the coupon eligible digital TV converters, not a bad unit really. It’s been reviewed by several places, and seems to do well each time. If you have analog TVs in your home, it can ensure that they are still useful after the digital TV changeover is complete.
Zinwell ZAT-970A Picture Quality
The picture quality of the Zinwell ZAT 970A digital converter box rates in the 2nd tier. Its picture quality is a step below that of the absolute top TV converter boxes but is still pretty good. The ZAT-970A TV converter boxes picture quality is an upgrade from that of analog television, but most viewers will be happier with the output from a different model such as the Tivax STB-T8.
Zinwell ZAT-970A Audio Quality
The sound quality of the Zinwell ZAT-970A analog digital converter is just as good as most of the top TV converter boxes. When using this digital analog converter you get crystal clear sound. In some instances, the audio is a bit muted although in testing it was hard to determine if this was because of the TV converter box, or an issue with our test channels. While the audio isn’t quite as clear as the Zenith DT901, it was still high quality and better than most analog broadcasts.
Zinwell ZAT-970A Product Features
The Zinwell ZAT TV converter box comes with a nice screen program guide that provides show times and descriptions. This TV converter also comes with scan for all channel tuning and all of the closed captioning settings are adjustable. This DTV converter does come with an analog passthrough so you can contiue to pickup analog stations if there are any left in your area. This feature is also found on other models such as the Philco TB100HH9.
Overall, this TV converter is a pretty good one. This TV converter box does not have any specific features that make it stand out as a better choice than the others but it is a decent all around performer. Many viewers will be happier with other models mentioned above or a great all around unit like the Channel Master CM7000.
If you want more information, feel free to browse the rest of our digital converter box reviews. 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 or fuzzy channels for you.
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9 Comments
Thanks for the great review. A lot of people have been asking for a thorough like the one you made. I also want to say that I agree with you in your recommendation for the Tivax-T8 box. That is one hot property and it’s almost impossible for retailers to keep them on the shelves.
Thanks again for the review.
I got a couple of these with my coupons. The function that sold me is the 8-event timer that keeps an analog VCR from becoming a paperweight.
which tv converter box will let you record with a vcr and watch another channel at the same time.
Thanks ever so much William Smith
Unfortunately, none of the boxes will allow you to do this by themselves. But, if you check out our article on digital to analog converter box and vcr setup, it will help you with a work around. Basically, you can use 2 of the dtv converter boxes hooked to 1 TV and achieve it. Not to difficult, but the article has pics and whatnot if you get stuck.
I don’t understand how you can say “This TV converter box does not have any specific features that make it stand out as a better choice than the others”. It is likely the best performer among the few boxes that offer a timer for recording. It has the ability to program the converter box to turn itself on and change the channel for up to eight programmed events thus allowing unattended recording with a VCR or DVD recorder. This is the reason that I am buying this box.
Good morning Joyce. Unfortunately, those of you who will actually use the timer feature are pretty few and far between; at least in my research. That being said, your are 100% correct that it is the best box with a timer function. The only other that I know of with this feature is the DTVPal, and in my experience it has had more than its share of problems.
COULD YOU TELL ME WHAT STORES CARRY THE ZINWELL CONVERTER BOX OR CAN YOU ONLY BUY IT ON-LINE?
Where in Milwaukee,Wi. can I purchase a Zinwell ZAT-970A VCR timer/converter box?
I’m not sure, as that’s just a “bit” out of my area. I know that some CVS stores have carried them as well as some Radio Shacks & Meijer locations. The easiest thing to do would be call a list of the participating stores in your area and ask. This link will let you find retailers in your area, and the Zinwell ZAT-970A UPC code is 8-7440900089-9 if you need it. Good luck in your search.