The Digital Revolution Reviews Blog

TV Converter Box Alternatives: Satellite, Cable, Netflix, Hulu, & More

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 05:59:00 +0000

The digital transition has come and gone and although converter boxes were a short term fixed that helped many people make the transition without spending a bunch of money, they have largely been a failure. Many of them worked for awhile been ended up breaking and people have been forced to purchase new ones or find an alternative way through which to meet their television viewing needs. As of the digital transition consumers didn't have a ton of options outside of getting a paid service, but over the last few years the market has exploded with different options. There are of course still the traditional paid services such as cable and satellite but there is much more now. If you are looking to get away from your TV converter box or simply make a switch in your services you can see the abundance of different options below. Over the last several years the market has absolutely exploded with hundreds of different choice and we have merely scratched the surface with some of the most popular ones.

Alternatives To Getting A TV Converter Box

Subscribe To Satellite TV Service - One of the quickest, easiest, and best alternatives is to simply subscribe to satellite TV service with either Dish Network or DirecTV. With super quick and easy professional installation you can make the switch in just a couple days with ease. No more messing with reception, digital antennas, wires, or broken converter boxes. With satellite you also get some of the best programming options in the world with up to 200 channels, the most HD channels, exclusive programming packages including movie channels and NFL Sunday Ticket, along with much more. Satellite provides the most features of any paid television service, but of course it comes at a price. You can get service starting at $19.99 per month and it ranges all the way up to around $125 for a premium package. You are also expected to sign a two year contract in order to get your equipment and installation for free. Both Dish and DirecTV offer slightly different packaging and prices so it's important to check out a comparison of them if you do decide to go with satellite TV.

Subscribe To Cable TV Service - Another option that is very similar to satellite is to get service with your local cable provider. The two largest companies in the United States are Comcast and Time Warner cable. Generally each residence has only one cable provider so you will be limited on what company you can go with. Cable setup is very easy and your company will provide professional installation that will allow you to be up and running right away. With cable you will have alot more programming options than free over-the-air broadcasting but it is generally less than you get with satellite. Cable will however can cost quite a bit with smaller 70 channel packages costing 40-$60 per month and premium packages costing well over $100 per month. Cable providers often offer bundled cable, home phone and internet service which allows you to get a substantial discount and combine all of these services into.

Subscribe To A Fiber Optics Television Service - Many people don't know exactly what these are yet but they have been around for a few years now. Most people think they are another form of cable, and they are close but the technology behind their delivery is different. They include services such as Verizon Fios TV, AT&T Uverse, and CenturyLink Prism TV. They are very similar to cable and satellite services in regards to their programming options and pricing structure. The major players specialize in giving you a good deal by packaging three services (TV, internet, and phone) into one lower monthly bill than if you were to get each of them separately. The service is super easy to setup and uses a box that is just like a satellite receiver or cable box. You can either set it up yourself or choose professional installation. The benefits of fiber optic services over cable include more HD channels and quicker speeds for internet, digital phone, and streaming services that will continue to grow rapidly over the next decade.

Subscribe To An On Demand Streaming Service - This isn't exactly television but it's the next best thing. Hulu offers a very basic free service that includes older shows that have aired some time again along with various movies. Beyond that you can get Hulu+ or Netflix which offer new TV shows and a large number of recent and popular movies. You won't get any movies that were just released but generally when they become available on DVD you can find them on Hulu Plus or Netflix. Again, they don't have every title and you can never be 100% certain what they are going to get, but they have a pretty wide selection of various stuff. Hulu Plus and Netflix both cost just $7.99 per month. Netflix also offers a more expensive family plan for $11.99 per month that allows for it to be used on up to 4 devices at once. Sharing this service with four friends is a great way to reduce your cost. Netflix and Hulu can be watched via your computer along with there being several ways to get the stream onto your television: either directly via your computer and HDMI, by using a set top box (see below), or straight through your TV apps if you have a newer wifi enabled television. They are a great option to augment free over-the-air channels or an excellent cheap alternative to cable or satellite. Netflix also offers a rental program for $7.99 per month where you can rent unlimited DVDs that automatically mailed to you with prepaid, pre-addressed return envelopes. Another streaming option is Amazon prime and Amazon Instant Video. Amazon prime offers similar services but at a yearly rate of $79. This averages out to $6.59 per month but the consensus it that their selection of shows and movies is much smaller and it is worth the extra $1.50 per month to go with Hulu or Netflix. Amazon Instant Video gives users the option to pay for 24 hour or lifetime rentals of various movies and next day television shows. These generally run at around $2-$3 for one day rentals and $15 for lifetime access.

Buy A Set Top Box - The streaming services discussed above are a great segue into set-top boxes, which are generally used to help users access all of their media services through a single platform. Things seems to get a little confusing here as they can be used to access your streaming services, cable, satellite, and over-the-air signals. You can basically pick and choose what different forms of media you want and access all of them via the boxes platform. It's essentially a way to take any type of streaming that is on your computer and put it onto your TV, quickly and easily. I actually know someone that uses a set-top box and subscribers to both Netflix and Hulu Plus along with making rentals via Amazon Instant Video and Blockbuster on Demand. They also have an outdoor digital antenna that they use for watching local channels. It's actually a very simple setup that gets them local channels and everything Hulu and Netflix have to offer for just $16 per month. This is all done through one of the more popular set-top boxes knows as the Roku streaming player. Of course there are many different ones to choose from and we have highlighted two of the more popular ones below.

Roku Box - With the Roku you can stream or watch any of the services above along with many other free streams such as HBO GO, Pandora, Spotify, MGO Movies & TV, Crackle, Watch ESPN, PBS, Fox New streaming, NBC news, and much much more. Basically put, just about anything that is streamed over the internet can quickly and easily be pulled up for your viewing via the Roku platform. There are four different Roku boxes, the Roku 1, Roku 2, Roku 3, and Roku LT. Each of them varies just a bit but generally provides the same functions. The service does not come with a subscription fee but rather it is a one-time cost just to purchase device. Depending on which model you choose the price ranges from $50-$100.

Apple TV - Apple TV allows you to stream anything directly to your television from Netflix, Hulu, HBO GO, Youtube, WSJ Live, Watch ABC, Skynews, MLB Soccer, NBA, NHL Gamecenter, Vevo, Vimeo, and much more. Their abundance of options is very similar to Roku but there are a few added benefits to the Apple TV if you have other Apple products. For example, if you have a Mac or any iOS device such as a iPhone or iPad you can automatically show it on your TV by using Apples AirPlay technology. It is super small and efficient, using very little energy and fitting in the palm of your hand. It is also very easy to setup, just plug the power cord into an outlet and the Apple TV to your television using an HDMI cable. With Apple TV you can also purchase shows and movies from iTunes and watch them directly on your TV. The device comes at a one-time cost of $99.

Get Google Chromecast - Google has come out with the Chromecast which allows you to stream from Netflix, YouTube, and Google Play directly from your laptop, desktop, smartphone, or tablet and put it straight onto your television screen. Google Play's extensive online movie and music libraries make it very appealing and provide a wide range of programming options. At this point it is simply a more basic version of the Apple TV or Roku and as such it costs just $35. One drawback with Chromecast is that you cannot play any locally stored media of your own as you can with most other set-top boxes.

Get An Android TV Box or Dongle - Android TV appears to be Googles replacement to their failed experiment with Google TV and it is similar to both Chromecast and set-top boxes in that it can function as either. You simply need a box or HDMI stick that runs the Android operating system and you can start using Android TV. Each dongle is essentially a mini computer that allows you to run the Android operating system directly on your TV and basically turns it into a computer. This allows you to access movies, android games, Youtube, Showbox, Netflix, Hulu, XBMC, and the Google Play store. It also allows you to access the Internet, Twitter, Facebook, Skype, 1Channel, Icefilms, Whatsapp, Enamel, MSN, Spotify, and much more. There are many different Android TV dongles ad boxes that can be used with their prices varying greatly.

Use Your Video Game Console - Newer video game consoles are more limited than set-top boxes but they are able to do a lot of the same things. For example, Playstation 3, Playstation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Nintendo Wii, and Wii U all allow you to stream anything from Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, Vudu, or any other compatible video apps. You can also play any local media that you have by putting in on a USB stick. In fact, the new Xbox One got its name after being touted by the company as a truly all-in-one entertainment system for games, movies, music, sports, and live TV.

Dish Network Satellite TV Review: Is Dish Network Legit Or A Scam?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 08 Feb 2022 22:24:00 +0000

Product Rating: 4.5

The second and only other Satellite TV provider in the United States is Dish Network. Previously we did a review of DirecTV and today we will be taking a long and detailed look at Dish. If you are considering satellite over cable then these two companies are your only choices. Choosing between the two can be very difficult and it's generally a good idea to check out a Dish Network vs. DirecTV Comparison to better understand the confusing differences between the two services. Dish Network is the smaller of the two companies with just over 14 million subscribers as of writing this post, while Direct TV has over 20 million subscribers. Despite a smaller subscriber base Dish services are very comparable and the choice between the two companies comes down to choosing the one that is cheaper while also meeting your viewing wants and needs.

What Is Dish Network?
Dish Network is a nationwide U.S. based satellite TV service provider that is available to nearly all residents across the country. They do not provide any international services. The company has over 14 million subscribers, coming in as the second largest and only other satellite service provider in the country.

How Much Does The Service Cost?
The price for service varies greatly depending on which programming package you choose but it is generally thought to be cheaper than DirecTV. Although this is partially true it is certainly not the whole truth. Dish offers the cheapest introductory package at just $19.99 per month, which is nice for those just looking for basic TV. However, this is a bare bones package that includes only 40 channels. On a sliding scale up from here their packages are cheaper than DirecTV but generally with the cheaper price comes a few less programming options. Also, Dish does not build local channels into their packages and often charges an extra fee for these. If you don't want local channels this is a better deal, however if you do, then it actually makes Dish more. They also charge a couple dollars more per month for extra receivers than does DirecTV.

Signing an 18-24 month contract gets you a significant discount for the first year of service. For the first year you can get the first or second tier packages for just $19.99, and prices range all the way up to $89.99. This top package includes over 320 channels and free access to all premium movie channels. For the second year of your contract the price goes up to the standard rate. The normal rates range from $19.99 at the lowest to $124.99 for the top package of 320+ channels. One thing Dish does allow for is signup without a contract, whereas DirecTV requires all customer to sign a 12-24 month contract. Getting month-to-month service can be great for some but it does not allow for any special discounts and also requires that you pay an installation fee.

How Much Does Installation And Equipment Cost?
Getting satellite TV means that you will need a satellite dish that will be attached to the outside of your home, along with a digital receiver for each room that you want to watch TV in. Dish offers a free satellite dish and free professional installation to anyone that signs a 24 month service contract. For shorter contracts you may be required to pay for equipment and installation. For month-to-month contracts you will be required to pay for the satellite dish and all installation fees. These fees vary widely so you need to check directly with dish to see what you will have to pay if you choose not to go with a standard 2 year contract.

What Add On Packages Are Available And How Much Do They Cost?
Dish Network offers a bunch of various add on packages that individuals can subscribe to based on their personal preferences. Some of these packages are automatically included with the more expense programming packages. If not included they can be added for a monthly fee. For those interested in one or two specific add-on packages it may be best to subscriber to a cheaper plan and add what you're looking for. However, for those that plan to add a bunch of different movie or sports packages, it's usually cheaper to simply upgrade to a higher tiered preset package. One drawback to Dish Network is that they usually provide local channels as an add-on that costs $5 per month, something that generally comes for free with most TV service providers.

When you sign a new contract with Dish you get free movie channels for the first three months. After three months the monthly cost for Cinemax, Starz, or ShowTime is $14.00 each per month. For HBO they charge $19.00 per month. They also offer a wide range of A La Carte options including an outdoor sports package, Epix package, Encore movie pack, the Heartland package, Al Jazeera America, Verla, and more. These packages range from $4-$7 per month. Other more expensive A La Carte options include Fox Soccer Plus for $15 per month, the Playboy channel for $16.00 per month, and Race Track TV for horse racing for $50.00 per month. Beyond these they also offer a large selection of International packages that can be added for various monthly fees.

How Much Does A DVR Cost?
The device itself is generally free as long as you are agreeing to a two year contract. Often times Dish will run specials where you get the first several months of DVR service for free and then they charge a monthly fee for the rest of the time that you use their services. Generally this fee ranges from about $7-$25 depending on which DVR you choose, and how many you want. You will need a DVR for each TV unless you choose their top-of-the-line Hopper DVR that works with multiple TVs as once (mini Joey receiver required).

How Many HD Channels do they have?
Currently Dish is a little bit behind DirecTV in their offering of HDTV but not that far really. They have made great strides in the last several years to catch up and are getting close. They openly state that they have over 200 HD channels but further research shows that this isn't quite true. Yes, they have over 200 channels but some of these channels do no broadcast HD full-time where as DirecTV has over 195 channels that are fully HD compliant 100% of the time. Even with the part-time channels they are still far and away ahead of the majority of cable companies with their high-definition offerings. In the past they have charged for HD but currently they are offering free HD for 24 months when you sign a contract.

Do They Require All Customers To Sign A Contract?
No. One unique feature that Dish offeres is the ability to get month-to-month service. This can be a good deal for those that might be moving soon, but for those that are going to stay put a contract is generally better. With month-to-month service you will not get free equipment or installation, and you will not get the first year discounted prices on your monthly bill.

What Type Of Picture Quality Do Subscribers Get?
All channels are broadcast in a high quality 100% digital signal. Along with all digital, a large portion of their channels are in HD as long as you request an HD receiver.

Will They Check My Credit If I Am A New Subscriber?
Yes, they run a credit check on any new customers or current customers that are looking to renew their contract. Since they invest a lot of money upfront in providing free equipment and installation they require a certain credit score rating in order to be sure that you will be able to pay your monthly usage charges.

Does Dish Offer Any Other Services Outside Of Satellite TV?
Currently they only offer satellite TV. From time to time they have special offers with partners in the Internet and telephone industry that allow you to package your services together to further reduce prices.

Are There Any Issues With The That Current Or Former Consumers May Have Experienced?
Generally users should be aware that a 24 month contract will come with a early termination fee if they want to cancel it before the full two years is up. Generally this is $20 per month for the number of months remaining on the contract. Consumer should not plan on getting out without paying the fee, and don't let any customer service rep tell you otherwise. If it's in writing that they can charge you an ETF they will do it, end of story. If you do move you however can take your service with you to your new address to avoid the cancellation fee. There are very few instances where you can get out without a fee, with the only regular one being if you move somewhere where they do not offer satellite TV service. Again, do not assume anything you are told, and if you are told anything by an employee of Dish be sure to get it in writing. If it's not in writing, don't expect it to hold up.

Dishnetwork customer service is known for being very good and very similar to that of DirecTV and the average cable provider. Both companies claim they are rated #1 in customer service so it's hard to tell. When signing up for service or calling for billing or technical support be prepared. They run a typical call center with low pay, low energy, and low enthusiasm workers who have been taking calls all day long day after day. You should be able to get any issues resolved, it just might take a little more effort on your side of things when calling.

Finally, as far as complaints go, the web is flooded with them. They are everywhere, and it's often hard to find the stories about satisfied customers. It's not the happy ones that usually go and leave reviews, it's the angry and unsatisfied customers. The bottom line is that Dish provides very adequate customer service and when you have over 14 million subscribers you're bound to have complaints and it's downright impossible to keep everyone happy. As a percentage however, complaints are extremely low

Do You Have Any Reviews, Good Or Bad From Current And Former Customers?
Yes, we have had various reviews submitted via email and some of them have been included here for your convenience.

Anonymous said...

'I just spent the week from hell trying to get my Dish set up. Although the people at the store were very nice they new little about Dish. They could not answer my questions about On Demand and special channel options, this should have been a clue.

When the techs came to install Dish network it took over 4 1/2 hours and they were all over my house creating a giant mess! Just as I was about to sign off on the install papers I asked about how my On Demand worked and I was informed I would have no On Demand services. I told the techs that I had been promised at the store that I would have On Demand. Needless to say I did not sign the install agreement.

I spent the following week trying to get get my service to work correctly, during which time I had no TV even though the tech promised to be back the next day to fix it. Warning -- they lie, the techs, customer service reps, account set up reps. Anything to get you to sign the Dish contract and lock you into a two year plan.

I will not torture you with the rest of the horrible details but I did get out of the contract only because I did not sign the install agreement. However they still have not come to remove the dish from my roof. They say it is mine now but I don't want it. I am still trying to get them to remove it but I will wait to see if that happens.

My words of advice, if you are thinking about switching do not do it!!! Dish Network is a pain and their customer service is the bad."

Phil said...

"I just recently had Dish installed at my home and also in my son's home. We have had nothing but trouble at both addresses. First, they lied to me about getting a specific channel. I asked about it right off in there sales pitch and the guy said they had the channel (cbc windsor station) In fact, he got all excited and said "oh, I know exactly what channel your'e talking about".

I also setup auto pay, so we could get the $100.00 visa card they offer. When doing this I asked what exact date the withdrawal would be and was told it would be the 6 or 7th of the month, my spoken concern was for it not be before that time because social security is posted on the 3rd of month and wanted it there a few days before Dish took there payments out. I received my bill summary along with my customer agreement today stating they will be taking payments on or about the third of the month,

When I asked about cancellation time they said we had 24 hours after installation to cancel, but iI do not see that anywhere on the install papers.I am prepared to contact the attorney generals office on this matter and I will pursue it with the BBB also. I just read an article where a guy from New York contacted his senator and Dish suddenly decided to let him out of his contract. It may not do me any good but I'm prepared to go to all those levels if I have to. They may not let me out but they will know that I'm a dissatisfied customer for the next 24 months and anyone I come in contact will know what they have done to me"

Tara said...

"It's great to see so many negative reviews against Dish. I signed up with them for 12 months (was never told I was signing a 2 year contract) and the "get you to sign up price" would only last the first 12 months.

Within these first 12 months I had several billing issues with this company. Bogus charges, over charges for services not received, etc (I think enough people have expressed these same issues). I called on my 13 month to see if there is anything they can do for me as a continuing customer (since they are offering a REALLY low offer to new customers) and looooooong story short - there is NOTHING they can do, and if I want to cancel my service? $20/month for every month left on the contract...so $200 to cancel?? Wow. I'm speechless."

9 Common Common Types Of Digital TV Antennas

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 06 Feb 2022 19:28:00 +0000

When doing research and trying to decide which TV antenna to purchase the first and most important step is to educate yourself on the different types available. Without having an idea of whats out there there is no way anyone could possibly be able to pick the one that best suits their needs. It is not until you do this that you should even begin to look at TV antenna reviews and think about purchasing one.

There are a bunch of different types to choose from and each type has different features and characteristics that make it better for certain situations. There are different subsets of features that come with antennas including the type of signal they pick up, where they can be placed, and their signal gain strength. As far as signaling goes antennas can be made to pick up UHF, VHF, or digital signals. For placement you can get either an indoor or outdoor antenna. Finally, you can choose between a standard non-amplified or amplified antenna with the amplified one having better signal gain. There are also smart antennas, which we will be going over below. Below we have provide a short explanation of a bunch of different types in order to give you an idea of which one will best suits your needs.

Our suggestion is that you purchase a digital VHF/UHF dual band antenna no matter what. It is nearly a given that you need it to have these three functions. Beyond that you will need to research your needs regarding the amount of signal gain you will need in dB or miles. This will tell you whether you will need an indoor or outdoor antenna and whether you need the extra power of an amplifier or not. As far as signal strength gains go an indoor non-amplified usually gives you the least gain and an outdoor amplified usually gives you the most gain.

It is very important to note that the majority of antennas encompass at least several of these different types into one design. If you can find one that meets the standards for all or nearly all different types then that is the way to go.

UHF
The letters UHF stand for ultra high frequency and was first used for television in 1952. When the FCC made UHF signals available for television channels they first dedicated 70 different channels to it but eventually switch 13 of these channels from television to cell phone use. Within the next several years more of the UHF band is going to be switched over from TV to cell phone use. At this time the UHF band will consist of channels 14-51. Most TV channels use the UHF band so it is important to get one that can pick up UHF signals. It is also important to note that a lot of HD broadcasts are on the UHF band so it is good to get an antenna that picks up UHF signals if you are interested in HDTV.

VHF
The letters VHF stand for very high frequency and these types are what we all know as rabbit ear antennas. Standard ones are very basic and serve little purpose in today's digital only television world. Thy usually only work if you are very close to the TV tower because they lack signal gain power. VHF are generally separated into different channels frequencies (2-6 and 7-13) so you need to be sure to get one that can pick up the channels you need. You can get powerful VHF antennas but they are generally very large, cost a lot, and are difficult to install. VHF are still of use today because VHF signals are still used by local stations, you just have to be sure to get one that isn't so basic that it doesn't help at all.. It is usually a good idea to get one that has some sort of VHF capabilities but VHF isn't as important as UHF. Often times you can get a UHF antenna that comes with weak yet present VHF capabilities too.

Digital
Digital antennas are designed for today's post digital transition television environment that we are all becoming accustomed to. Most digital channels broadcast in the UHF band but there are some that broadcast in VHF. This one is a must since there are very few channels that are still broadcasting in analog. A converter box coupled with a digital VHF/UHF dual band antenna has been working very well for people who were suffering signal loss after the digital transition.

HDTV
There are tons of antennas out there that are advertised as HD but there isn't really an HDTV antenna. You get HDTV by having an HDTV tuner, not from having an HDTV antenna. There are some characteristics that make them a little better at picking up HDTV signals but in general any high powered UHF type will do a very good job. Companies began using the word HDTV in order to make their product sound spiced up and better but it really doesn't mean much at all.

Smart Antennas
All smart antennas are digital. The special thing about smart antennas is that they can remember your antenna location for each specific channel and then automatically move when you switch channels. This allows you to get the best reception without having to manually adjust whenever you change the channel. They are specifically designed to work with smart antenna compatible converter boxes.

Non-Amplified
Non-Amplified generally provide less signal gain. They are good in situations where you only need a minimal amount of gain in order to get the channels you want/need. There is no need to get a high powered amplified antenna if you are just barely out of the stations signal range.

Amplified
Amplified provide a higher amount of signal gain than non-amplified ones and they are specifically designed for areas where you are further away from the signaling tower. When you purchase an antenna usually retailers provide a description including the amount of signal gain in dB and miles so that you can see if it will be strong enough to pull in a signal from your location.

Indoor
Indoor antennas are a lot like non-amplified in that they do not provide as much gain as their opposite, outdoor ones do. They are generally better for someone that only needs minimal signal gain. They would be good for someone that doesn't need the extra power of an outdoor antenna and can almost get all the channels they need as is.

Outdoor
Outdoor antennas very much like amplified in that they provide a lot more signal gain than indoor ones. They are a good option for someone that needs more signal gain because they are extremely far away from the signaling tower. When purchasing one of these you can check each product description and see how much signal gain (in dB and miles) each one has.

Flat Panel TV Wall Mount Pre Installation Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 30 Jan 2022 02:29:00 +0000

If you already looked through the different types of TV wall mounts, done your research, and made your purchase then you should now be ready to install your TV wall mount. When it comes to installation we are not experts because we focus on the on the retail side of things.

Despite this we managed to piece together a few tips that we feel everyone should consider before they try to install their new wall mount. These tips are designed to help you make sure that everything is just right before you go through the mounting process. Nothing would be worse than mounting your TV and then having to take it down and redo everything.

Tip 1 - Make sure that your TV size is compatible with your new wall mount
Before starting your wall mounting project we highly recommend that you check to make sure that your plasma TV is compatible with the mount that you purchased. These days most wall are somewhat universal but be sure that you didn't get a one that works for 30"-42" televisions when you have a 46" television. It would really stink to get it installed, including holes in the wall, and then have to take it down because it wasn't compatible with your TV.

Tip 2 - Make sure that your TVs weight is below the recommended maximum for your wall mount
The second most important thing is the be sure and check the weight if our TV and make sure that it is below the maximum recommended weight of the wall mount you bought. Nothing would be worse than to get your TV completely installed only to have it fail, fall, and break your TV because it was too heavy. If this happened you would not only need a mount but also a new TV.

Tip 3 - Confirm that the type of TV wall mount you purchased will meet your viewing needs
The third step is to be sure that the wall mount you bought will work well with your viewing needs. If you place the TV in a location where you might need to turn it to different viewing angles often then you better be sure you didn't purchase a fixed one that can't be turned.

Tip 4 - Determine Beforehand How High You Want Your Television
The fourth step before mounting your TV is sit in the several most common spots where you will be watching this TV from and determine how high you want to be. This is most important with a fixed mount because it cannot be tilted down. The best recommendation, as said before, is to sit in the most common viewing places and look at the wall where it will be mounted.

Tip 5 - Determine Whether Your Desired Placement Is Glare Free
The fourth step is to check the light inside and outside light that is going toward the place where you plan on mounting your TV. This is tricky because you cannot see if there will be a glare for sure unless someone holds the TV up in the spot were it is going to be mounted. I actually suggest getting a few friend to help hold it up so you can take a look at it.

Tip 6 - Decide Where You Want The Cables To Run To
The sixth step is to decided where you want the cables to run to. You need to be sure that there is a good path that they can take that will be hidden out of view. If you cannot do this you will probably need to run the cables through holes that you make in your wall. The most important thing is to realize that you might have to start cutting holes in your wall in order to hide the cables.

If you follow these six tips above you should be well on your way to successfully installing your TV wall mount on your first attempt. This list is merely tips to help you avoid some of the common mistakes that people make which require them to redo the mounting job several times.

DIRECTV Satellite TV Review - Is Direct TV Legit Or A Scam?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 28 Jan 2022 00:08:00 +0000

There are two satellite TV providers in the United States, DirecTV (often misspelled Direct TV) and Dish Network which means that you will have to choose between then two if you have decided to go with satellite. The largest of these two is DirecTV with over 20 million subscribers and availability in just about every city in the United States. Both satellite providers have been in fierce competition for market share over the years with DirecTV leading the way for quite awhile now. For information on the other option for satellite television check out our review of Dish Network.

What Is DirecTV?
They are a nationwide company that provides television viewers with a paid satellite TV service. They have over 20 million subscribers as of January 2014 and also provider the most HD channels. They not only provide more HD channels than Dish but also more than any cable providers in the United States.

How Much Does Service Cost?
The price varies quite a bit but in general is a little bit more expensive than their competitors at Dish. Usually you are require to sign a two year contract which comes with a significantly lower price for the first year of service. Once you get into the second year of service the cost goes up to the normal price.This is exactly how Dish operates as well. Despite these concerns there are still generally less than cable while providing better programming options. Currently packages for the first year of service start at $29.99 for 140 channel and go all the way up to $91.99 per month for their top tier program. This package includes over 285 channels and all of the special add on packages such as movie channels, sports channels, a HD DVR, and free NFL Sunday Ticket for the following season. During the second year the lowest package goes up to $49.99 with the top tier package going up to $129.99. As you can see, satellite is pretty cheap for a low end package but you can also end up spending a lot more than cable if you want all of the extras.

How Much Does Installation And Equipment Cost?
In order to get DirecTV satellite television subscribers need a satellite dish and a receiver for each room where they want to watch TV. In most cases new customers can get all of the equipment for free by agreeing to a 24 month contract. This also includes free installation by a professionally authorized agent. If you do not sign a contract installation and equipment will generally cost you several hundred dollars. Generally, upgrades to a DVR or HD receiver are also free with a 24 month agreement.

What Add On Packages Are Available And How Much Do They Cost?
Direct TV has several exclusive packages that can only be purchased through their company, mainly NFL Sunday Ticket. Others include Nascar HotPass and NCAA Mega March Madness. They always have the largest selection of sports channels to choose from. With them it's all about choosing and paying for what you want. Outside of the standard packages you can find various lower tier packages that cost less, with the option to simply add on specific premium channels for the specified monthly fee. Of course if you have a lot add-ons it will be cheaper to get them as part of a top tier package. Another thing to note is that the company use to get a bad rap for offering very poor access to local channels and even charging an extra $5 for them. This is no longer the case and any 2 year agreement includes local channels free of charge.

All new contracts give you three free months of movie channels. Once this is up it costs $17.99 for HBO, $12.99 for ShowTime Unlimited, $12.99 for the Starz Superpack, and $12.99 for Cinemax. If you are looking to get several of these packages you can usually save on your monthly bill by simply upgrading to a pre-set package that has them built into the price. They also have a large number of different sports packages that you can add. You can get NBA League Pass For $30 per month for the 4 month NBA Seasons, NFL Sunday Ticket (see price info below), ESPN Full Court for college basketball at $83 for the two months it airs. They also offer NHL Center ice for four monthly payments of $29.99 and Fox Soccer Plus for $14.99 per month.

How Much Does A DVR Cost?
The device is generally free with a service contract of 24 months. As far as a monthly fee for use, that depends on what package you have and the DVR you chose. The top tier packages sometimes have the monthly fee built into their price, while lower tier plans generally require you to add DVR for a monthly fee. In general depending on which receiver you choose you can expect to pay anywhere from $5-$25 per month. Their top of the line receiver, the Genie will cost you the most money but will give you the most features as well.

What Is NFL Sunday Ticket?
NFL Sunday Ticket is an exclusive rights programming option that you can only get by being a DirecTV subscriber. The NFL only broadcasts 2-3 games on Sunday in each city but with NFL Ticket you get all of the games. This means that no matter where you live you can watch your favorite team or that marquee matchup every single week. The service normally costs several hundred dollars but with a new contract you get it for free for the first year. In subsequent years you will automatically be billed and renewed at the then market price. If you do not want to renew no worries, you can cancel before, or once you see the charge on your bill you can call in and then will remove the service and adjust your amount due.

A new service they recently began offering is NFL Sunday Ticket Max. Ticket Max offers everything you get with the regular service plus the Red Zone Channel, On Demand viewing after games, player trackers for fantasy football, and also the ability to watch any game anywhere via your computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Sunday Ticket costs $39.99 per month for the 6 month season ($239.94 total) and Sunday Ticket Max costs $54.99 per month for the full season ($329.94 total).

How Many HD Channels Will I Get?
Broadcasts for all channels is in digital form, which means that you get the best picture quality available. Currently they boast the largest number of HD channels in the television industry. Basically put, if the channel broadcasts in HD, you can get it in HD with Directv.

Do I Have To Sign A Contract?
No. But if you don't you will have to pay all installation fees along with missing out on the first year special that new subscribers get. This special is usually up to half off. No contract satellite TV is generally the worst thing you can do when switching to a paid service. Either get the discounts provided by committing or go with a different type of service.

Will They Run A Credit Check?
Yes, the company has a fairly strict policy regarding who can be accepted for a service contract. Credit checks are ran on all new subscribers before they are accepted.

Do They Offer Any Other Services Besides TV?
Not directly, but they do give you the option when signing up to bundle your service with a third party Internet and/or phone service provider in order to reduce costs. Their website says they work directly with Verizon, AT&T, Century Link, Exede Internet, Cincinnati Bell, HughesNet Gen 4, and Windstream.

Do You Have Any Reviews From Current Customers?
We have had a handful of people email us with their comments regarding the service, which you can see several of below. For further comments from users you can also see our comment section at the bottom of this post.

Barb said...

"I switched from Time Warner Cable to Direct TV and we love it. I'll never go back to cable. I've now convinced by two daughters and their husbands to do the same. Great service, programming is outstanding, what's not to like? There is good and bad in every company and none are perfect, (I was a Time Warner employee for 13 plus years) trust me!"

Ryan said...

"I have been a customer for over 10 years, and I will attempt to be as "down the middle" as I can be.

First the good: Great programming. I am a transplant and I love the sports programming. You get a ton of channel options and everything is available in HD.

Now the bad: I have had many issues with directv. From a sloppy install to rude techs to lazy techs. I recently moved from MD to AZ and scheduled my install the day I arrived. My window for install was 12-4 and I arrived at 11am. I put away all my boxes and waited. Around 330 I went to check my phone to make sure the volume was up. I noticed I had just missed a call from DTV, they left a voicemail saying they didn't have my apt number. I called back right away and tried to give them the number. The first person I spoke with claimed they didn't have any info on an install, and that the tech was at my old location, I said that can't be, and she patched me to someone else. The next operator told me it was too late and we had to reschedule. I said the office just called and said to please call ASAP with the number. The operator told me he couldn't get in touch with the tech.

Now I have never done their job before, but my immediate reaction was if they don't have my apt number they can call my cell (every time I have had them out they have called to give me a status update, usually it was hey we are running late, but they called.) The other option was to walk into my leasing office and ask what apt do I live in? Don't those sound like two reasonable solutions? However this tech didn't seem to think of it. So there really are only 2 excuses. The tech was lazy, or stupid.

I spoke with DTV office after and they gave me $10 off for the first 6 months, which I thought was insulting. 60 bucks for all the confusion? I filed a compliant with the BBB and nothing was really done. Just a canned apology.

My advice is this, if you aren't a sports nut then cable and dish network are better options. The customer service here is poor, the service is worse, and bottom line is they are just a very poorly run business. Now I know this is one persons opinion but just let me just give a quick run down of the installs I have had and the issue and you be the judge.

2011- They installed but didn't check to see if receiver worked in upstairs bedroom. They came back out and then split the cable so picture would cut out from time to time. They sent another tech out who yelled at me cause I didn't hear him knock the first time

2010- After being told I could freeze my account for a year, it turned out they could only do it for 6 months. When I tried to reactivate service because I was in an area that had the proper angle, one of their operators sold me on completely new service. He said that was what we were doing yet I now had two accounts with DTV. I called to complain and they corrected the issue, again offering me the same stupid $10 off for 6 months.

2008- They came out to install and the first tech just sat it his truck and eyeballed the specs and said I didn't have a proper angle, again I called up and miraculously they were able to find a signal.

2007- I scheduled an install, and was told to get a pole to set the dish on, when tech arrived he said pole was too small, yet it was the specs I was told on the phone.

There is the body of work, you can now judge for yourself if its worth getting involved with this company."

Tanner said...

"I love my DirecTV. Needing faster internet, I've done a lot of research and talked with a lot of people. I find my AT&T DSL and DirecTV appear to remain the best buy. I've had DirecTV for 8 years and it has been out maybe 4 hours total.

Their website looks great, but is absolutely useless, but my TV is always there, looks and sound great (HD 720P or 1080P + 5.1 surround). Alas, I guess I will stay with slow AT&T DSL because no one I can find seems to have better service than DirecTV. UVerse and Cable have great internet and lousy TV. Talk to all your neighbors before you sign any contract. I did and mine all say stick with DirectTV. A ROKU box for $99 is also a good deal, and it works amazingly well with my slow DSL, although you only get Stereo Sound and maybe 720p picture. Again, talk to your neighbors. Every neighborhood seems to be different."

Sergey Chernokov said...

"Beware of DIRECT TV's sneaky policy. They are designed to avoid giving you benefits they have promised. I was never able to get the promotional rate I was promised. When I signed up through AT&T, the website said I will pay $34.99 for the first year for the $64.99 package. This was the only reason I could justify signing 2-year agreement.

On the first statement I didn't see the promotional rate. I saw $64.99. I called AT&T because I receive the bill from AT&T not direct TV. I ended up in the promotional rate departments and the automated machine told me it takes up to 3 months to receive the promotional rate. I waited 3 months then I called. Then I ended up being transferred to DIRECT TV agents. They told me that this is not promotional rate but a rebate that has 90 days expiration. Since, I was late to file the rebate I was not longer qualified for the discount. They told me that they sent me an email with the explanation on how to get the rebate. I don't recall getting an email. Besides, email should not be used for such important things without my consent.

Nowhere it was mentioned that this is a rebate. VERY MISLEADING. I am very upset and will switch to anything but DIRECT TV when my agreement expires."

Are There Any Red Flag Issues That Current Or Former Subscribers Have Ran Into?
All customers should be aware that there will be a early termination fee if you decide to cancel your service before your contract is up. One thing that we have noticed is that some customers seemed to have thought that they would be able to easily get out of their contract if they moved. Getting out of any contact with them is going to be difficult and everyone should be careful before committing for 24 months. If you are concerned that you may be moving to an area where their service isn't available you need to check the terms of the contract before you sign it. Generally if they can't provide service you can get out, but if it doesn't say that in your contract then don't count on it. Don't count on it even if an uninformed customer service rep told you that you could get out of your contract if you moved. The only thing you can count on it what is written in your contract.

Another issue to check out is whether you have a clear view of the southern sky. If you do not then you shouldn't even bother getting their service. This is a requirement for getting a good signal with any satellite provider. Without a good signal you will get bad reception and at times you may get no reception at all. If you do sign up and the installing agent can't find a suitable place to install the satellite dish then he won't perform the install and you will be denied service through the company.

As far as customer service goes, if you have any issues you should be able to get your problems worked out but it may take a bit longer than it should because you may get an incompetent or unenthusiastic rep on the phone. In general the company does a good job of dealing with most customer service issues. You however will see a ton of complaints on the Internet, partially because some people are just out to complain, partially because no company is perfect. When you have over 20 million subscribers you are bound to have a high number of complaints. They key indicator however is that on a percentage basis they have an extremely low complaint rate.

5 Most Common Types Of TV Wall Mounts

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 21 Jan 2022 01:43:00 +0000

When doing research and trying to decide on a TV wall mount the first step is to decided which type will look and work the best in your home and with your plasma or LCD TV. Once you make a decision about which kind you want then you can begin to take a look at different TV wall mount reviews to see which ones are of the highest quality.

In general there are five different types of flat panel mounts. There are other types out there but for the sake of time we will touch on the five that make up the majority of all sales. If you are looking for some sort of alternative to a wall mount we highly recommend that you consider either a TV lift cabinet or a TV stand of some sort.

Fixed TV Wall Mounts

The first and most basic type is called the fixed TV wall mount. Fixed mounts function exactly as the name sounds. With this type your TV is fixed on the mount and it cannot be moved in anyway. The only way to move your TV is to move the whole wall mount, not an easy feat in itself. This type allows for the least amount of flexibility because you cannot adjust the angle, tilt, or direction. They are cheapest type on the market and are a great buy for the budget minded shopper. These types of mounts are great for any room where there is only one or two primary seating locations for viewing. Despite lacking flexibility if you can get your television in the right location you can still have a great viewing experience with this type. Fixed wall mounts can be had for as little as $30 or you can spend over $100 on a top of the line overprice one.

Tilt TV Wall Mounts

The second type is called the tilt TV wall mount. Tilt mounts again function just as the name sounds. With this type your TV is, for the most part in a fixed position. The only difference is that the piece your television is connected to can be moved in order to change the tilt or angle. You cannot move your television up and down or from side to side but being able to change the angle is a very nice feature. Changing the angle comes in handy when trying to get rid of a glare or if you sit at different levels often (in a chair sometimes and on the floor at other times). Being able to change the tilt allows you to be able to put the TV at the best angle for your current viewing position and thus enhance your viewing experience. Tilt TV wall mounts are a middle of the road product in regards to price and usually price out above fixed ones but below the other two kinds. They can be purchased for as little as $30-$40 but you can also spend several hundred dollars if you choose to go with a top of the line one.

Swivel TV Wall Mounts

The third type is called the Swivel TV wall mount. Swivel mounts come with the ability to change their tilt/angle in order to get the best possible view of your television. The added benefit of this type of mount is that it allows your TV to swivel (pivot or turn) to the left and to the right. The only draw back to this type is that your TV will sit somewhat far away from the wall when attached to its mount. Swivel TV wall mounts are considered to be a step above tilt ones and with that comes a higher price. They are generally consider to be the second most expensive and can be had for as little as $50-$60 and for as much as a few hundred dollars if you want to go for a best in industry one.

Articulating TV Wall Mounts

The fourth type we are going to be discussing today is called the articulating TV wall mount. Articulating mounts have all of the features of the formerly mentioned kinds. These features include the ability to swivel to the left or right and also the ability to change your televisions viewing angle. The added benefit of this type is that it also allow you to turn your TVs tilt to the left or to the right. If you were to think about this movement it is exactly the same as changing the tilt/angle but in a side to side motion as opposed to an up/down motion. This simply allows you to change the left to right viewing angle so that you can turn the TV if you are sitting on the far left or far right in a room. It is simply an added benefit that enhances the swivel motion and allows for greater viewing flexibility. Again, the only drawback of this type is the fact that when your TV is attached to it it ends up quite far away from the wall. They are one of the more expensive ones on the market and generally price out $75-$100 but can also be purchased for as much as a few hundred dollars.

Full Motion TV Wall Mounts

The fifth and final type we will be discussing today is known as a full motion TV wall mount. Full motion wall mounts are relatively new and provide the absolute most flexibility among TV wall mounts. With this type you can not only angle the tilt, and move the TV to the left and to the right but the swivel arm mechanism allows you to move the TV in a full 360 degree circle. This means you could potentially watch your TV from several different rooms if it happens to be in a position where a wall is not obstructing your view. The only draw back is how far your TV can end up away from the wall while using this type. Full motion wall mounts are generally the most expensive type on the market and can be found for $75-$150 but can also go for as much as several hundred dollars.

Top Residential VoIP Service Providers

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 15 Jan 2022 23:18:00 +0000

If you are interested in saving money on your home phone line the VoIP may be a good choice for you. For some a cell phone will do the trick and you can do away with your home phone, but many out there want to keep the number they have had for years and like the peace of mind of having a home phone. Prices and features amongst different providers vary greatly and it's important to do you due diligence before making a decision about which company you want to go with.

The main considerations at hand are price, features, and quality of service. Some providers are expensive, but offer the very best in voice quality along with every feature you could ever imagine. However, other providers look like a great deal, until you delve into the details and find out they have a ton of complaints about the quality and features the provide.

Below we have provided a list of some of the top VoIP providers as of today. This is by no means close to complete and merely touches on some of the top names within the industry in regards to price, features, and/or number of subscribers. In fact, there may be a few little known providers out there that are better than the larger companies listed below. For more information we have a reviews section where we provide a detailed write up on the companies listed below plus many others that have been brought to our attention.

Vonage: Vonage is one of the largest home phone service providers in the United States and is a pioneer within the industry. They are known for providing high voice quality and above average customer service. Their service comes with more features that most smaller companies but also costs a little bit more. Despite not being the cheapest Vonage prices are extremely affordable, generally ranging from $10-$30 per month, depending on your needs. If you are serious about making the switch and want to go with a 'name brand' as the risk of paying a few extra dollars then they are a great choice.

Magic Jack: magicJack is an interesting company and their business model is quite different than most. Instead of charging a monthly fee they charge just $29.95 for a full year, which comes with unlimited local and long distance calls, along with cheap international prepaid minutes available for purchase. They operated as an As-Seen-On-TV product for years but have recently gone through a major brand refresh and completely revamped their image and marketing plans. It comes with all of the same features you get with most other providers. One major difference is the device itself, which is quite a bit smaller than most, at slightly bigger than a USB flash drive. The company has refreshed their product several times, each time improving the devices processor and thus greatly improving voice quality. The most current most is the magicJack plus 2014, with the other versions being the original magicJack, and magicJack Plus. The cheap price does mean inferior customer service that is only available via online chat. At under $3 per month they are one of the cheapest full service providers in the industry.

Xfinity Digital Voice: Xfinity comes from Comcast, one of the largest cable and Internet providers in the United States and is now providing its customers with the change for triple play service through their private VoIP network. As a large company they provide reliable service and adequate customer support but they are certainly not the cheapest company out there. Prices range from $30 to $45 depending on which plan you chose. They do have a nice add on feature the allows for 300 minutes to a long list of international countries for just $14.95 per month. Yes, Xfinity is expensive, but for those that already subscribe to Comcasts Xfinity Internet and TV you get a nice discount when you bundle the three services together. Not to mention the convenience of once company and one bill for all three services. Comcast Business also offers some packages for companies that are looking for large scale business service.

Time Warner Home Phone: Time Warner Digital Phone is just like Xfinity in that it's calls stay on their private network and never reach the public airwaves. They are one of the nations largest cable and Internet providers and do a great job of offering bundled services to their customers at excellent prices. They are another massive company that general provides reliable service and adequate customer support. Right now you can get their service for just $10 per month for the first year and $20 thereafter. If you bundle services you can usually get it for even less. There service includes unlimited local and long distance calls along with a $3 and $20 add on features that allow for a certain number of international minutes.

Skype: Skype is not like the traditional companies listed above and people often do not think of them as a VoIP provider although they very much are. Skype is very widely known and is generally used as a free software application for instant messaging, skype-to-skype voice calls, and skype-to-skype video calling. The company makes its money by charging for calls to both cell phone and landlines. Many people pay as they go with a different per minute fee (as low as $0.01) but they now offer subscriptions. You can get an US, North American, or Worldwide unlimited plan for anywhere from $2.99 to $13.99 per month. Of course these calls are made through your computer, not through a regular phone. They also offer the ability to send messages to other peoples cell phones via their software application, these messages come through to others just as if they were text messages. Skype is an excellent service and one that we recommend to anyone who wants to get the cheapest deal out there but doesn't mind not having their calls not ring through a traditional phone.

Lingo: Lingo is an up and coming VoIP service provider that is slowly growing and capturing segments market. Lingo, like most providers offers fairly decent voice quality and excellent prices. The reliability and brand recognition of Lingo may not be quite as high as that of some of the other service providers but they make up for it by offering their service at a lower price. From time to time Lingo offers extremely low introductory prices for new customers and usually their rates are below competitors. Lingo has recently be rated as one of the better home phone providers in the industry and their brand has been gaining traction in the market. They offer U.S only plans for as low $9.95 per month all the way up to unlimited international plans for around $60. In between these package are many other options to suit different peoples needs.

VoIPo: VoIPo is another popular company, it is smaller and specializes in VoIP but customers seem to have pretty good things to say about it. They offer you the ability to pay for two years of service up front for just $149, and this includes an adapter so that you can use it with your current phone. This averages out to under $6.50 per month and is a great deal. The two year plan comes with unlimited calling within the United States and Canada. They have a pretty full feature set similar to the carriers above. They also provide business class service for those interested.

Phone Power: Phone Power is a quickly growing company that has received very good ratings from its customers. They again are smaller, but no matter here. You can get one year of service for Canadian and US calls for $199 and right now that advanced payment gives you a bonus 2nd year for FREE! If you want to pay monthly it's $14.95 for a two year contract. For month-to-month no contract plans it will cost $19.95. They also have a World International plan that runs at $24.95 per month. They do offer a full 30-day money back guarantee so if you aren't satisfied you can return everything and cancel your service at no charge. Another cool feature that they give you for no extra cost is a second phone line, the second line includes a second number so two people can use the service at one time.

RingCentral: Another small company, RingCentral is small on features. They offer service anywhere in the US including services for residential and business needs. They emphasize that their plan offers voice, fax, text, conferencing, and HD video meetings, all included for free. Prices range from $24.95 to 44.95 depending on how many lines and minutes you need. They appear to be more business focused but individuals can certainly get their service too. They also offer an app which allows you to make calls via your smartphone, whenever you are connected to the Internet.

ITP: Rated highly by a few sites out there, we don't know a lot about ITP but look forward to doing a complete review in the future. From a quick look around the Internet they have mixed reviews. A bunch of really good ones, and a handful of bad ones too. They offer a wide range of plans starting at $9.99 for basic residential and going all the way up to $48.99 for a Global Unlimited two line plan. You can also get a 'home office' plans for $49.99 if you run your business out of your house.

ViaTalk: ViaTalk was clearly not publicized or pushed by large VoIP reviews sites that we visited but their product looks pretty good to us. It's another company we don't know a ton about but are looking forward to doing a full review of. The offer both personal and business plans to meet all customer demands. For personal service you can get their VT unlimited plan for $15.75 per month or $189 if you pay for a full year in advance. The $189 advanced payment averages out to $15.75 per month but it comes with a bonus second year for free so you cut your price in half. Both plans offer a specified amount of free international minutes each month.

Voip.com: Voip.com prices are a little more expensive, but they are also a more well known brand that has been around for awhile and built up a good brand reputation. You can get plans starting at $14.95 with a 24 month agreement, 16.95 for a 12 month agreement, and $19.95 for a month-to-month plan. You can also pre-pay for a full year for $149.95 which is actually a good deal averaging out to $12.95 per month. They offer a full line of features comparable to the other companies above, free setup, and a 30-day money back guarantee. It also comes with a free second line and an hour of free international calls each month.

AT&T U-Verse Voice: Last but not least for top VoIP providers is U-Verse provided by ATT. Their branding was a little unclear with some calling is AT&T CallVantage but the site using the name we chose to call it by. The service costs just $20 for unlimited nationwide calling and is simple to install. The home based wireless unit automatically connects to any AT&T cell tower and then you wire it to your phone. This is one of the few providers we have found that you don't actually need to have Internet for. It is a unique competitive advantage that this cell company can offer their service in this manner. Although nowadays just about everyone has Internet so it may not matter. They also offer small business service and Enterprise plans for very large companies.

VoIP Phone Service Information Guide

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 14 Jan 2022 19:25:00 +0000

Are you looking to make the switch to VoIP phone service or interested in seeing what this home and business phone alternative is all about? Do you want to know how much money you can save and if it is a good idea to switch from your traditional land line to Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP)?

If so then you have found the right place. Below you will find links that will provide you with the information that you are looking for about the technology, the best VoIP providers, reviews, and any other information we deem helpful. Before getting to the info section we wanted to briefly go over some details about VoIP phone service.

VoIP has become increasingly popular over the past several years due to the amount of money you can save by switching. It is basically a technology that allows voice communications to be routed over an IP network such as the Internet, through a gateway of sorts. It has been around since 2004 and its popularity has increased rapidly primarily because it is a cheap alternative to a traditional land line.

The major advantage to VoIP is its cost. If you subscribe to a VoIP service you generally pay a small monthly fee and get unlimited free calls to both local and long distance number. The monthly fee is a lot less than what people pay to a landline company and usually VoIP companies are also able to offer international calls for a pretty good price.

Some of the disadvantages of VoIP service include service during power outages and sound quality. With a traditional land line you can continue to use your phone during a power outage but with VoIP this can't be done. You can continue to use your phone as long as you have an Internet connection to your computer but once your modem dies you will be out of luck and not be able to make calls. The sound quality of most VoIP services is lower than that of an old school land line but sound quality is rapidly improving on VoIP networks as technological advances are made.

All of the providers that we have reviewed and plan to review are nationwide companies and are considered to be the top providers out there. When trying to decide on a company we highly recommend that you educate yourself on the quality of service, customer service, and sound quality of each provider in order to be sure you choose a company that you will be happy with. Prices vary widely so it is also important to consider price who choosing a company.

If you have any questions our VoIP guide or any of the companies we have reviewed please leave a comment below and we will get back with you.

VoIP Phone Service Frequently Asked Questions

Top Residential Service Providers

NoNoh Free VoIP Phone Service Reviews - Is NoNoh Legit or Scam?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 01 Jan 2022 18:52:00 +0000

Product Rating: 2.5

What Is NoNoh?
NoNoh is a VoIP phone service that allows people to make free or nearly free VoIP calls to others all over the world. NoNoh is free to select countries and is extremely cheap to those where calls aren't offered for free. The software allows you to make calls to not only other VoIP phones but also regular phones for the free or at extremely low rates. For countries that are not free you are required to purchase credits, sort of like you would with a prepaid cell phone.

How Do Free Calls Work?
In order to get the 120 days of free calls to the free countries you will have to buy roughly $10 in credits. These credits however will only be used if you make calls to the non-free countries. All of the free countries will continue to be free for 120 days. Once the 120 days is up you can again buy $10 worth of credits and you will be given 120 days of free calls. This means that if you only make calls to the free countries it will actually cost you $10 for 4 months, or $2.50 per month. However if you also make calls to the non-free countries then your credits will be used for those calls. Credits never expire.

Are There Any Limits On The Number Of Free Calls?
Currently NoNoh has a limit of 200 minutes of free talk time per week. Once your free minutes are used up normal rates apply.

What Countries Do They Offer Free Callings To?
They currently offers free calls to many different countries. We were unable to find a complete listed on the NoNoh website but we did find one chart that did list most or all of the countries that were free as of August of 2009.

Argentina
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Brazil
Bulgaria
Canada
China
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany

Greece
Hong Kong
Hungary
Ireland
Japan
Latvia
Malaysia
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Panama
Peru
Poland
Portugal
Puerto Rico

Romania
Russian Federation
Singapore
Slovak Republic
Slovenia
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Thailand
Turkey
United Kingdom
United States
Venezuela

*Free Countries Are Subject To Changes And Do Change Often. Check the official NoNoh website for a current list of free countries.

How Exactly Does NoNoh Work?
In order to use the service you first need to visit the official website. Once there you can make calls immediately but only short calls that last several minutes. If you want to make longer calls you will need to sign up for an account and download the NoNoh application. Once you have the application all you have to do is open up the program and follow the on-screen instructions to make a phone call. It works by calling you first and once you answer then it will connect you with the person you are trying to call.

Are There Any Know Issues With The Service?

There have been reports of customers being charged for calls to free countries. Irate customers attribute this to NoNoh having scamming tactics while NoNoh claims that in the past they have had billing system issues and that these problems have been corrected.
There have been a large number of customers that claim that NoNoh stops workings for them after awhile. Perhaps this is related to kinks in the new technology or it could be errors on the users end. Regardless it can't hurt to try out the free service and hope that it keeps working for you.

Customer with problems have said that it is very difficult to get in contact with customer service in order to get billings or technical problems resolved.

A lack of good payment options for purchasing credits.

Do You Have Any Real User Reviews Of Nonoh?
We have one user who has submitted a review as of now, see it below.

Margaret Said...

"I have been using Nonoh for about 9 months with great success, I only use the phone to phone which means it rings my ordinary phone first & then rings the person you are calling second, I also use it with the same account as my smartphone with reasonable success, it cost me about $2/month and on top of that I have a data plan for my mobile which cost me approx $8.5/month."

The NoNoh Bottom Line
NoNoh is a VoIP service that provides extremely cheap or free calls to countries all over the world. They offer some of the lowest rates worldwide and their service appears to work pretty well. There however have been some issues with customer service and for some users the service doesn't work very well. Their voice quality is on par with most other VoIP service providers and it good enough. Overall, they appear to be in the same boat as most other providers in that they provide an extremely cheap alternative to a traditional landline and decent voice quality, but also have technical glitches that make the service inconvenient for some users. If you want very basic VoIP service then NoNoh could be a good choice for you with their cheap rates. However, some customer service issues including accusations of credit card fraud are troubling. It might be in your best interest to go with a larger more trusted VoIP service provider such as magic Jack. It is however important to note that all accusations are just that, accusations that have not been substantiated.

Magic Jack Phone Review - Is Magic Jack Legit Or A Scam?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 05:58:00 +0000

Product Rating: 4.5

What Is magic Jack?

magicJack, in its most basic sense is a telephone service provided by VocalTec Communications. Generally used as a home phone service, it can also be used for business lines. The phone service runs over VocalTec's private VoIP network and can be used by anyone that has purchased one of their devices, has an active subscription, and a high-speed Internet connection. It provides subscribers with unlimited local and long distance calling to both the United States and Canada all for one low yearly fee of $29.95.

How Does magic Jack Work?
The service works pretty simply. First you will need to purchase one of the companies three devices - the original magicJack, magicJack Plus, or magicJack Plus 2014. The first generation device hooks directly into any computers USB port and requires a small software install in order to register the device and begin making calls. The second and third generation devices work by hooking them directly into any modem or router and an electrical outlet. Once the device is hooked up simply attach any regular telephone to the other end and you can begin making calls right away. Don't forget, a high-speed Internet connection is needed in order to use the service.

What Features Does The Service Come With?
It comes with unlimited local and long distance calling to anywhere in the United States or Canada for one low yearly fee. Standard features that come for free include everything you are use to getting from traditional land line providers. This includes caller ID, call waiting, voicemail, call forwarding, free conference calling, free 411 directory assistance, and much more.

How Much Does The Device Cost?
The original magicJack has been discontinued but it was originally sold for $39.99 for the device and one year of phone service. The second generation device, the magicJack Plus can be purchased for $50 (plus shipping and handling) which includes the device and one year of service. It is no longer available through the magicJack website but can still be purchased from various third party retailers online.

The newest device, the magicJack Plus 2014 can be purchased directly from the official company website for $49.95 and includes 6 months of free telephone service. All purchases comes with a 30-day risk free trial that allows for full no questions asked returns for any reason whatsoever.

How Much Does The Service Cost?
Regardless of which of the devices you are using, once your subscription is up you can renew for just $29.95 for one year or you can get a five year plan for just $99.75 ($19.95 per year). At a super low price of under $3 per month magicJack phone service is an amazing deal. The daily cost comes out to under $0.10 per day for a fully functioning home phone. Yep, its under a dime a day and a lot less than you are probably paying for your land line right now. Gone are the days of spending $50 per month for home phone service.

Can I Make International Calls With magicJack?
Yes you can make international calls but they are not free. In order to calls outside the U.S. and Canada you will have to purchase prepaid minutes. Although not free the company does provide very competitive and often times some of the cheapest international calling rates around.

Can I Keep My Old Number If I Switch To magicJack?
Most numbers can be ported over to the companies telephone service, although they do not guarantee that any and all numbers can be switched over. If you are thinking about getting magicJack and keeping your number is important to you then you should contact customer service before purchasing.

Can The Service Be Used With Smartphones?
Yes! VocalTec released the magicJack App in 2012 and it can be used for FREE with any IOS devices including the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. It can also be used with any Android devices and is expected to be coming to the Blackberry platform in the near future. Use of the service is super easy. Just download the app from iTunes or the Google Play Store and you can begin making calls within minutes. After download you can make calls instantly without a phone number or you can sign up for a free account and the app will automatically assign you a number. Current magicJack subscribers have the option to login to the app with their account which enables them to take their magicJack home phone number on the go with them. The company is expected to begin charging for use of the app sometime in 2014 along with adding additional features such as texting. Paying subscribers are expected to be able to use the app for free while current free users will be charged one super low yearly fee just like regular subscribers.

How Does The Service Work And How Is It So Cheap?
Magic Jack technology is simple; it takes any traditional land line phone call and re-routes it over the Internet via the companies dedicated VoIP server. The callers voice is transferred into data packages on one end, then sent through the network, and ultimately spit back out as the callers voice on the other end of the line. The result is that neither you nor the person you are calling will be able to tell any difference at all. In fact, nowadays voip voice quality has actually improved to the point where it is usually better than through traditional telephone lines. Speaking of telephone lines and infrastructure, that's where the cheap price comes in. Without the need for expensive lines stretching miles and miles across the country magicJack is able to keep its fixed costs down and in turn passes this along to the customer.

Does the Magic Jack Really Work?
YES! In fact, magicJack was the winner of the 2013 Frost & Sullivan North American Consumers' Choice Award as best overall VoIP service provider. Millions of individuals use the magic Jack each and every day, in fact the company says they have sold over 15 million devices, and there is a reason for that. The reason is simple, because the Magic Jack works, and very well. When the original device came out there were a lot of questions about its call quality but the VoIP industry as a whole has come a long way since it's release in 2007. With each subsequent device release the company has improved call quality by more than doubling the processor speed of the device and also adding various features such as HD Voice and Echo Control. The company also has and continues to pour money into its private dedicated VoIP network, with the aim at providing the best call quality possible.

What Do Users Have To Say?
In the past there were quite a few users that complained about technical difficulties and poor customer service. With a new CEO, new management, and a renewed focus on the customer the majority of these customer service issues are in the past. As far as technical difficulties go, most of them have been eliminated as a result of upgrades to the magicJack network along with the new devices that simply work better. When magicJack first came out voip technology was rather new and it has taken some time for companies to perfect to technology. The newer magicJack Plus 2014 not only provides better call quality but really ups it's game in regards to ease of you. Past devices required you to plug the device into your computer and go through a registration and install process but with this new device it's as simple as plug and play straight out of the box.

The biggest thing to remember when reading about the device is that the when any company has sold in the neighborhood of 15 million devices they are bound to have some complaints and unsatisfied customers. And we all know its always the unsatisfied customers that are going to complain, while the happy ones aren't even thinking twice about the service or that they should go and give it a glowing review.

Do You Have Any Reviews Submitted By Users That I Can Read?
Yes, we have a large number of reviews that have been submitted by email and also left in the comment section. We have listed several reviews here and suggested you scroll down to the bottom in order to see more in the comments.

Shawn said...

"My father purchased a Magic Jack device a few years ago and my nephew brought it over and we tried it out. It worked the way it was supposed to. We made some phone calls with it, but since I had cell phone service at the time, with nationwide calling, it really wasn't that practical for use in my home, but it was cool to try for the moment.

With that out of the way, I work for a company, which shall remain nameless just to keep on topic, which deals with electronics and services and deals with millions of customers. I get calls all day long about this and that about how great things work and how crappy things work. It's electronics people. Made by HUMANS! Show me one human that doesn't make a mistake or who's head isn't always screwed on tight! People tell me to guarantee them they will have trouble free service. I cannot, nor can anyone guarantee that I will not hit a deer on my way home from work.

The Magic Jack for all intense and purposes does what it is supposed to do, make phone calls. If it doesn't work right, then there's either something wrong with the phone, computer, the internet, internet provider, the Magic Jack itself or something else. That doesn't make the company a crappy company or the the Magic Jack device a piece of crap either. To me $46.95 is a lot of money for the first time buy, but within a year, $46.95 is a drop in the bucket compared to regular phone service and will not change my life if the Magic Jack, which I just made a purchase for yesterday and awaiting the shipment, doesn't work properly all the time."

Trevor said...

"I just installed a magic jack on a computer with a Suddenlink high speed cable connection. It connected and installed perfectly. There were only a limited number of locations for my phone number, and all were long distance. (I live in rural NE Texas) Still it worked perfectly. I have installed it on a tablet PC that was gathering dust in my closet, and I plugged it into my Panasonic phone system. It is now line 2 on my phone system and is working from all of my phones in my house. At least for me, this device is working great and saving me lots over my previous line charges."

Wil said...

"We live in Thailand and travel all over the world for work. MagicJack allows us to have an Indianapolis number while in Thailand or anywhere else we travel. We have one unit dedicated to our home here and one that we take with us on the road. Since we have a unit at our Thailand place that lists as an US number, we can call from Australia, Europe, or China back to Thailand for free. The system thinks it's a call from the US to the US when in fact we're calling transcontinental. AMAZING product that we've convinced all of our friends to purchase and utilize."

Denise said...

"Let me start out by saying I am the most skeptical person you will ever meet! I recently purchased my first home and where it is located I don't have great cell phone service. Some parts of my house it's great, other parts I have to sit up against the window to get service! I contacted my cable carrier to see how much it would be to bundle and add phone on my existing cable/internet package. Of course it was an additional $39.99 and that was for local calling only.

As I was thinking about it that's an extra $480.00 a year, not to mention additional charges for long distance. I was prety upset when I heard that. So I thought about the magic jack. I remember all the infomercials about it and kept thinking there has to be a hidden charge, or it can't work that easily. So I went to my local Radio Shack and talked to the sales rep there. She said that the only complaint is that if the power is off on your computer it will go to voicemail, and there isn't always a local number available.

I thought ok I keep my computer on all the time so no problem there, and everyone I know has a cell phone, so the local/long distance wont matter. So I decided to purchase it. I got it home plugged it in, and followed the on screen prompts, I got the same area code as I live in.

It was VERY easy to set up, and I had service within minutes! I have been using it now for about a month and it is awesome!!! I forward all my cell phone calls to my magic jack and I have no problems what so ever!!! I can't believe I actually love something I was so skeptical about!!! This is a wonderful product!!.. By the time my house is paid off I will have saved well over $15,000.00 on phone service!!!! Thank you so much to the creators of MAGIC JACK!!!!"

Chevron7 said...

"This has to be one of the best purchases of my life!!!! I bought it at Wal-Mart for $39.95. That includes 1 year of free service. It is extremely easy to install on my computer. I did not have to use a credit card - so they don't have my credit card information. It's like I never had my regular phone shut off. It works great! I have call waiting, caller ID, call forwarding, voice mail, it's AWESOME!

I registered it with my e-mail account so when I'm not at home, I will get an e-mail and I can actually listen to my messages at work on my computer. How handy is that! Who cares if you have to dial the area code every time you call someone, it's a FREE call!

So far I have no complains. I had phone service within 10 minutes, installation was so simple a child could do it. I went immediately and registered my new phone on donotcall.org that way I won't have pesky telemarketers calling me.

They are up front and explain everything in detail on their website and I'm not disappointed at all with my purchase. In fact,it's the best purchase I've ever made. We were paying $900 a year for unlimited long distance and local calling and I thought THAT was a good deal. Now I can use that money for vacation every year!"

Ryan said...

"I have had a Magic Jack Plus for a few months now, and save for a minor installation difficulty at first (now fully resolved), it's been a great device. The calls are clear as a landline and sound great, and the cost can't be beat by any other telco.

Let me explain about that install difficulty I had: When I first got my MJ+ and got it hooked up to my phone & router, there was an awful noisy hum in the audio, in the phone's receiver ear piece. Since I didn't have any problems with the phone when I previously had it connected to a landline a few years ago, I assumed it was the MJ+ that was on the fritz.

I went and exchanged it for a new unit, but had the same problem again! So, I decided to try a different telephone set to plug into the MJ+, and lo and behold, it worked perfectly! The noisy hum was gone, just crystal-clear calls to be had! So, the MJ+ does tend to be a bit picky as far as the kind of telephone set you have connected to it. If you have a phone on you MJ+ that has bad hum in the audio, try a new set, it might solve the issue.

Besides this hiccup (and the common consensus that MJ's technical support is lacking, which fortunately I have not had to contact yet), the magic jack plus is a very good product and quite a money-saver. I was originally thinking about getting a landline again from my incumbent telco (CenturyLink), but MagicJack is a much better deal. I'd rather spend $30 a year than $18 a month."

So What's The Catch?
There is no catch. It's really quite simple. VoIP uses a completely different technology than traditional land line companies and with significantly less overhead and fixed costs VocalTec has chosen to pass this savings on to users like yourself. They run a very simple "Do The Math" ad campaign with a clear goal of being a price leader within the VoIP industry.

The only truly notable issues lies with the company's customer service. In the past the company got a lot of complaints about their chat only customer service and customers inability to get the device to work. Again, the majority of these issues have been resolved with upgrades to the new devices and new management has also began to address these issues quite aggressively. In fact, in early 2014 the company hired a new Vice President of Customer Experience, whose job is to completely revamp the customer service department. The company is looking into providing more than just chat support but at such a low price point it's not yet clear if they will be able to do this.

During this transition its important to take the savings and just remember if you are one of the unlucky few who have trouble, that you are saving $500 per year on your phone service! In a few cases users have blown their complaints way out of proportion and claimed that the service is a scam, of course in reality it is far from this. Any claims that magic Jack is a scam are quickly squashed by checking its rating with the Better Business Bureau, which is currently an A rating, with all complaints resolved.

What's Next For Magic Jack?

The company released the magicJack Plus 2014 in late 2013 and it is still a mystery as to exactly what they plan to offer through the device. Currently it doesn't do anything that the old magicJack Plus can't do but it does have new wifi and SDIO slots that aren't functional to this point. It has long been rumored that the company wants to expand their services and provide both Internet and TV through the device for one low yearly fee. If magicJack can come to some sort of agreement with a 3G or 4G provider this may be a possibility but it doesn't likely to happen any time soon. The company has yet to release any official word regarding triple play service or how it plans to use the new wifi and SDIO slots so for now it's a guessing game. The company has stated that it plans to add texting capabilities to the magicJack App at some point in the near future along with charging for its use.

The Magic Jack Bottom Line
magicJack phone service is a great innovation within the home phone market and it offers all consumers an excellent way to keep their home phone line while not paying the outrageous monthly fees that traditional phone companies charge. With cell phones dominating today's market the land line phone appeared to be headed for extinction but with the magic Jack people can now keep their landline for only $29.95 per year. In fact, it is so good and so cheap that it has its competition panicking at the thought of everybody making the switch. If you are thinking about getting the Magic Jack we recommend that you give it a try and don't doubt you'll be satisfied. Of course, in the unlikely event that you are one of the few that isn't you won't be risking anything since magicJack is offering a 30-day risk free trial to all new customers.

Frequently Asked Questions About VoIP Phone Service

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 20:16:00 +0000

What Is VoIP?
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is a technology that routes voice traffic over IP networks. They were first developed years ago for data transmission but their popularity sparked the idea of using them for voice transmissions. VoIP technology transfers voice data into digital signals and routes them through the IP network and then converts them back to a voice transmission on the other end. It allows for calls directly from a PC or through a traditional phone by using an adapter. Some others common names for the service include voice over IP, broadband phone, internet phone service, and digital phone.

What Are The Benefits Of VoIP?
The biggest benefit is the high competition between companies which results in an extremely low cost. In most cases service providers charge a monthly fee that includes unlimited local and long distance calls and a less than average rate for international calls. It is also cheaper because there are currently no government regulatory fees associated with this type of phone service. Another great thing about it is that it can be taken anywhere. When you are making calls over the Internet it doesn't matter where you are as long as you have a broadband Internet connection and can access your VoIP software. This also allows you to require any area code that you would like, which can come in hand for businesses that operation nationwide.

How Much Does It Cost?
The price for service vary widely. You can get a popular service from a nationwide company such as Vonage for as little as $10 per month for a limited nationwide plan while unlimited international plans from them run at $26.99 right now. There are several companies out there that actually offer free service, albeit on a very limited plan though. magicJack is one of the largest providers in the country and they charge a yearly fee of just $29.95. Generally you get what you pay for and the cheapest providers come with poor voice quality and limited features, while the more expensive ones provide the same quality you have gotten from a land line company for years. The bottom line is to do your research and read reviews from some of the top service providers before making a choice.

What Features Does Service Come With?
It as the ability to come with all of the usual feature that we have come to expect from traditional land line companies. This includes caller ID, call waiting, 3-way calling, conference calls, voicemail, call blocking, 411 directory assistance, last number re-dial, call forwarding, E911 service, and much more. Of course the features you get depends on what company and level of service you subscribe to. VoIP also comes with several features that we are not use to seeing with traditional service. One neat feature is the ability to have your voice mails sent to you as an attachment through email. This is a pretty simple feature but creates and easy way to keep up with voicemail messages while checking your email.

What Equipment Is Needed To Get Started?
First and foremost you will need a broadband internet connection. Beside that the only equipment that is usually needed in order to setup service is a VoIP phone or adapter from you service provider for your regular phone. Generally you hook the adapter up to your modem or router and then the other end up to your phone. With a VoIP phone the phone hooks directly into the router and you bypass the need for an adapter. In the future there are hopes for adapters that work via wi-fi so that a connection to your router/modem is no longer needed. You will need the companies software if you want to use your computer for calls.

Is A Computer Required?
In most cases no computer is needed. However remember, it does require a high-speed Internet connection, modem/router, and the VoIP adapter (provided by the company you subscribe with).

How Do I Make A Phone Call?
Making calls with this service is exactly the same as you have been doing for years. Simply pick up your phone, dial a number, and the phone will begin ringing. An added bonus however is that you can get on your computer and make a call directly via your providers software program. This is quite convenient if you are traveling and have your computer with you but not your phone or adapter, if you are on the go and you don't have your phone with you.

What Is The Difference Between Residential And Business VoIP?
Residential services are cheaper and are setup to work with a small number of phones within your home. They can be used with multiple phones that are setup throughout your house but only one telephone number and line is provided. Business VoIP services are more expensive, can be complicated to setup, and are designed to work with a large number of telephones. Generally they come with multiple numbers and telephone lines up to whatever number a business may need to meet their needs. Although expensive on a full package basis, they are still much more affordable than paying for a bunch of land lines.

Are There Differences Between Local, Long Distance, And International Calling?
In most cases free local and long distance calls come with your subscription. Some providers offer cheaper plans that limit minutes and long distance and/or internationals calls. It's really up to you, you can usually get whatever type of plan suits your needs.

Are There Any Disadvantages?
One past disadvantage that has been solved was related to 911 emergency services. Technological advancements have allowed for an E911 service that is comparable to what you get with a regular land line. If any land line company tries to talk you into keeping their expensive service please know that this information is out of date and VoIP offers excellent 911 protection.

One real disadvantage though is the possibility of not being able to use your phone when there is a power outage. If the power is out and your Internet and/or computer is not working then you will not be able to make calls. In most cases this seems to be of little concern anymore with nearly everybody having a cell phone these days. If you go with a cheaper company that has an out-of-date network then you are likely to experience call quality issues an experience a good amount of static. VoIP technology has improved rapidly over the past several years and most companies have kept up, but there are those out there that offer inferior service.

Digital Television Transition FAQs

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 05:50:00 +0000

Why The Conversion? We are here today to give you all some answers about the digital broadcasting transition and explain the reasons and benefits of the digital transition. Hopefully these answers will help you all to see why the digital TV broadcasting transition is a good thing for all of us and not just another way for big corporations to make more money.

As we have said before, on February 17th, 2009 at midnight all full-power television stations will switch to a 100% digital broadcasting signal and will no longer provide any analog TV signals. The reasons for this broadcasting transition are listed below.

Better Picture Quality and Sound Quality?
After the transition most viewers should see improved clarity and color. This is indeed true for anyone that has a digital Television but this could be untrue for anyone that is using a converter box. For those using an box the results have been mixed. Some have found that they get a better picture while other have found that they no longer get some channels. Still again, others have found that they get more channels.

More Programming Options?
Comcast has said that digital broadcasting will open up the opportunity for additional channels and multi casting. This means that channels will be able to provide sub channels at no extra costs to the consumer. For example, channel 4.0 might be able to also provide channel 4.1 that airs its most popular shows at different times of the day. Then it could also provide channel 4.2 for the airing of local weather forecasts all day.

Digital television broadcasting will also allow for significantly better closed-captioning options that are not available currently.

Improved Emergency Services Communications?
After the transition some of the analog airwaves, known as the spectrum, will be opened up to emergency services such as police and firefighters. The plan here is to use these airwaves to help emergency services provide citizens with better communications.

Those are the three main benefits of digital broadcasting. The most obvious benefits include a better picture and more programming options.

If you have an old analog television and want to see the full benefits of the digital broadcasting you will need to purchase a new television. You can also get a converter box or subscribe to a paid service like cable or satellite but it will have to be the more expensive digital services since there is no digital cable converter boxes at this time.

What is the digital transition and when will it occur?
The digital television transition will officially occur on February 17th, 2009 at 12:00 a.m. midnight. At this time all full-power television stations with discontinue their television broadcasts in analog tv and will switch over to 100% digital broadcasting. Once the transition has been made it should provide consumers with better picture quality, better sound, more programming options, and it will also open up airwaves for emergency services.

How will the transition (DTV) affect me?

If you currently watch television on any analog TV that is not connected to satellite or cable then you will need to do something about it before February 17th, 2009 or it will affect you. If you do not act on February 17th, 2009 you will no longer be able to watch television stations. You will however still be able to use your TV for the viewing of DVDs, VHS, and the playing of video games.

Why is the transition taking place?
The digital transition is taking place for a couple of reasons. The first reason being that it will provide a few benefits to consumers. It will allow consumers to get better picture quality and also will provide them with more programming options. The transition will also allow analog airwaves to be opened up to the police and fire department. The remaining airwaves will then be auctioned off to provide new wireless services.

Will the transition affect me if I have cable or satellite?
No, if you have cable or satellite services you will still be able to use your analog television. Paid services will not be affect, it's only free over-the-air TV that is changing.

How do I know if I have an analog television?
If your television does not have a digital tuner in it then you will need to do something before February 17th, 2009. In order to find out if your TV has a digital tuner I would suggest consulting your owner's manual. If you do not have this anymore you can check on the internet for information about your specific model. If none of these options work then try taking a look at your television and see if it has an input connection for a "digital input" or "ATSC" (Advanced Television Systems Committee).

Are there any guidelines to follow to quickly figure out whether my television is analog or digital?
All TV sets that were made before 1998 are analog. Any big screen televisions made between 1998 and 2004 could possibly have a digital tuner built into them. Usually though this is only the case with TVs of 42 inches or larger. If it was made after 2004 there is a significantly better chance that it has a digital tuner built in. If it is one of the older sets that does not have a build in digital tuner you will of course need a converter box to continue using your television.

What can I do to continue watching shows on my analog TV after February 17th, 2009?
You can either keep your television and get an digital converter box, subscribe to cable or satellite services, or purchase a new television that has a digital tuner.

What is a digital TV converter box?
Digital TV converter boxes are brand new products that just came on the market in early 2008. They are made to hook into your TV and convert digital signals so that they will be displayed on your analog television. Without one your TV will no longer work after the switch.

Who is sponsoring the coupon program?
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) was appointed by Congress to handle the DTV converter box coupon program.

How do you install a converter box?
They are installed by simply hooking them into a hookup spot on either the front or back of your television. TV converter box installation should be very easy and should only take a few minutes. Don't throw your antenna away either because you will need to use it in conjunction with your converter box. Sometimes however it does work better to get a specific antenna.

How much does a converter box cost?
The price for most boxes ranges from $50 to about $70.

Where can I purchase a digital converter box?
Converter boxes can be purchased from most electronics stores like Best Buy. They can also be purchased at Amazon, Wal-Mart and Target. There have been a lot of complaints and problems with the initial models so I would suggest searching reviews to make sure you get one that will work well.

Are there any coupons available that can help reduce the cost?
Yes there are coupons available to reduce the cost. As I said before the cost to purchase most converter boxes is $50-$70 but you can actually get a one for about $10-$20. This is because the government has set aside roughly $1.4 billion to help Americans pay for them. If you go to the government transition website you can apply for a coupon for $40 off your purchase. The only catch is these coupons expire after 60 days and there are a limited number of them. If you are interested in getting a coupon and savings $40 on your purchase I would suggest going to the website today to request a coupon card.

How many coupons can I get?
The government has set a limit of 2 coupons per household. If you want or need more coupons you will have to use an alternate address or purchase one on eBay.

Is there anything else I can do besides purchase a converter box so that my television will continue working?
No, there is nothing else you can do to allow your current analog TV to continue working. The only other option is to by a new television that is made to pick up digital signals. The converter essentially converts older televisions so they operate off digital signals like all new TVs.

Is there anything else I need to know about the dtv transition?
You should look at reviews to see how different converters are working. As I said before, I have read about there being many glitches and problems with many of the initial models.

Satellite TV vs. Cable TV Comparision Chart

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 11 Jun 2021 03:35:00 +0000

Below we have provided a comparison chart that lists the differences between satellite and cable television. Each of these services has its own advantages and disadvantages. In general you get mostly the same programming with each, however there are some subtle differences that could make all the difference depending on your viewing habits. Do you want more HD channels? Is sports programming the most important thing to you? Or are you looking for simple and basic TV that doesn't require any cable box, receiver, DVR, satellite dish or any other equipment? These are all important things to consider when making a decision. Still, for some it won't make much of difference at all. It is in your best interest to look into all options carefully before making a decision. Especially if you decide to go with satellite, since it generally requires a contract.

The process of choosing a television service provider can be quite difficult and confusing and our chart should make things just a bit easier for you. Of course, going with a paid service is not a must, and you could always settle for free over-the-air TV with a digital TV converter box or a newer TV with a built in digital tuner..

*This chart has been updated as of February 2014. All Information Contained Within This Chart Is Deemed Reliable But Not Guaranteed Due To The Ever Changing Nature Of The Television Industry. We will however make every effort to update this chart whenever changes occur.

	Satellite TV	Cable TV
Total Number Of Subscribers	Over 30 million subscribers	40 million subscribers
Signal Technology	100% digital	Analog and digital
Equipment Needed	Satellite dish and receiver	Analog - none, digital - cable box
Start up Costs	All equipment and installation free with a 2 year contact	Free or small activation fee
Contract Options	Contract almost always required - Includes discounted prices for the first year of service	Generally month-to-month with discounted prices for the first 6-12 months
Number of HD Channels	200 full-time HDTV channels	Up to 200 HD channels but generally less than Satellite
Programming Packages	Prices starting at $20 for as little as 55 channels and ranging all the way up to over 285 channels for $92.99 per month (Reg. $129.99)	Prices starting at $30 for as little as 15-20 channels and ranging all the way up to over $100 for 200+ channels.
Pricing Comparison	Lower intro packages and lower on a per channel basis. Higher overall bill if you go with the premium or several add on packages.	Generally more expensive on a per channel basis.
Average Price For 100 Channel Package	$30	$50
Movie Packages	HBO The Works, STARZ Super Pack, Showtime Unlimited, Cinemax	HBO The Works, STARZ, Showtime, Cinemax
Sports Packages	Clear leader in sports program offerings with Sunday NFL Ticket, MLB Extra Innings, NCAA Mega March Madness, NBA League Pass, NHL Center Ice, ESPN Full Court and MLS Direct Kick.	Wide range of various local, regional, and national sports packages. More limited than satellite offerings
Local Channels	Included for free with all packages	Included for free with all packages
Geographical Availability	Available anywhere nationwide via satellite signals	Only available where wiring and infrastructure is already set up
Customer Service Availability	Outsourced. 24 hours per day via email, chat, or phone. 7 days a week. (phone hours limited)	Walk In Stores. 24 hours per day via email, chat, or phone. 7 days a week. (phone hours limited)
Customer Service Rating	Fairly high but limited without the ability to walk into a store meet directly with customer service reps	Rated higher than satellite due to storefronts that provide the ability to meet directly with service reps
Equipment Warranty	Usually 12 months	6-12 months
Special Discounts	Extremely aggressive discounts in the first year for all two year contracts with regular prices for the second year	Often offers an introductory special for 6-12 months then regular price for the rest of the time you have service
Online Streaming Options	Streaming of some live and previously aired programs	Very limited streaming options
DVR Options	Standard and Premium DVR services offered for an additional fee	Standard and Premium DVR services offered for an additional fee
Online Streaming Options	Stream most shows the day after they air along with thousands of on demand programming options.	Thousands of live and on demand options
Cost For Additional Receivers/Digital Box	$5-$7 per month	$5-$10 per month

Features Comparison Chart Of 100s Of Different TV Converter Boxes

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 09 Jun 2021 22:08:00 +0000

Brand	Model	S-Video	Analog pass Through	Smart antenna	Universal Remote	Other features
Access HD	DTA1010-U	No	No	Yes	Yes	D, L, -N, V
Access HD	DTA1010-D	No	No	Yes	No	D, L, -N, V
Access HD	DTA1020-U	No	No	No	Yes	D, E, L, -N, V
Access HD	DTA1020-D	No	No	No	No	D, E, L, -N, V
Access HD	DTA1020A-U^†	No	Yes	No	Yes	D, E, L, -N, V
Access HD	DTA1020A-D^†	No	Yes	No	No	D, E, L, -N, V
Access HD	DTA1030-U^†	No	Yes	No	Yes	D, E, L, -N, V
Access HD	DTA1030-D^†	No	Yes	No	No	D, E, L, -N, V
Access HD	DTA1050-U	No	Yes	No	Yes	D, E, L, -N, V
Access HD	DTA1050-D	No	Yes	No	No	D, E, L, -N, V
Access HD	DTA1080-U	No	Yes	No	Yes	D, E, L, -N, V
Access HD	DTA1080-D	No	Yes	No	No	D, E, L, -N, V
Airlink 101	ATVC101	No	No	No	No	C
Airlink 101	ATVC102	No	Yes	No	No	C
ALPHA DIGITAL	AT-2016	No	Yes	Yes	No	D, V
AMTC	AT-2016	No	No	Yes	No
Apex	DT250	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	C, D, L, V
Apex	DT502	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	C, D, L, -N, R, V
Apex	DT1001	Yes	No	Yes	No	C, U
Apex	DT250A	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Apex	DT502A	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Apex	DTA250A	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Apex	DT1002	No	No	No	No
Apex	DTA205A	No	Yes	No	No
Apex	DT150	No	No	No	No
Apex	DT500	No	Yes	No	No
Artec	T3A	No	No	No	No	D, E
Artec	T3AP	No	Yes	No	No	C, D, E
Artec	T3Ap Pro	No	Yes	No	No	D, E
AVION	ATB 7707	No	No	No	No
CADENCE	DTVC-9	No	No	Yes	No
CASTi	CAX-02	Unknown	Yes	Unknown	Unknown	C, P
CASTi	CAX-01	No	No	No	No	C, D, P, V
CASTi	CAX-03	No	Yes	No	Yes	C, D, L, V
CASTi	CAX-04	No	Yes	No	Yes	C, D, L, V
Channel Master	CM-7000	Yes	No	No	No	D, L, V
Clear Tech	CTDCB100	Unknown	No	Unknown	Unknown
COSHIP	N9900T	No	No	No	No
COSHIP	N9988T	No	No	No	No	D, L, V
Craig	CVD508	No	Yes	Yes	No	D, V
Daewoo	DAC-100	No	No	No	No	D
Daytek	CAX-01	No	No	No	No	C, D, P
Denca	NL8118	Unknown	No	Unknown	No	C, P
Denca	NL8119	Unknown	No	Unknown	No	C, P
Denca	TBX1005A	Unknown	No	No	Unknown
Digital Stream	DX8700	Unknown	Yes	Yes	Unknown	C, P

Brand	Model	S-Video	Analog pass Through	Smart antenna	Universal Remote	Other features
Digital Stream	DSP6500R	Unknown	No	Unknown	Unknown	C, P
Digital Stream	DSP7700T	No	No	Yes	Unknown	C, P
Digital Stream	DSP7700P	No	Yes	No	Yes	C, P
Digital Stream	DSP7500T	No	No	No	Unknown	C, P
Digital Stream	DTX9900	No	No	No	Yes	C, D, L, P, V
Digital Stream	DTX9950	No	Yes	No	Yes	C, D, L, P, V
DISH Network	DTVPal	No	Yes	No	No	D, E, T, R, V
DISH Network	DTVPal Plus	No	Yes	No	No	D, E, T, R, V
EchoStar	TR-40 CRA	No	Yes	No	No	D, E, T, R, V
Falcon	FT-200^†	Unknown	Unknown	Unknown	No	C, P
Fuyai	ATSC 630	Unknown	No	No	Unknown
GE	22729	No	No	Yes	No	C, D, L, R, V
GE	22730	No	No	No	No	C, R, V
GE	23333	No	Yes	Yes	No	C, D, L, R, V
GE	23334	No	Yes	No	No	C, D, L, R, V
Goodmind	DTA980	Unknown	No	Unknown	No	C
Goodmind	DTA900	No	No	No	No	C
Goodmind	DTA1000	No	No	Yes	No	C
Gridlink	GLT-200 GLT-200	No	No	No	No
Gridlink	GLT-300	No	No	No	No
iNET Access	SSR1921	No	Yes	Yes	No	D, L
Insignia	NS-DXA1	No	No	No	No	C, D, L, P, -S, V
Insignia	NS-DXA1-APT	No	Yes	No	No	C, D, L, P, V
Jiuzhou	DTT6000	Unknown	No	Unknown	No
Jiuzhou	DTT9001	Unknown	Yes	Unknown	No
jWIN Electronic Corp	JD-TV1000	Unknown	No	Unknown	No
Kingbox	K8V1	No	No	No	No
Kingbox	K8V8	No	No	No	No
Lasonic	LTA-260	No	No	No	No
Magnavox	TB100MG9	No	Yes	No	No	D, L
Magnavox	TB100MW9	No	No	No	No	C, D, L, P
Magnavox	TB100MW9A	No	Yes	No	No	C, D, L, P
MaxMedia	MMDTVB03	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
MaxMedia	MMDTVB02	Unknown	Unknown	Unknown	No
MaxMedia	LuTRO	No	Yes	No	No	T
MicroGEM	MG2000	No	No	No	No	D, E, L, V
Microprose	MPI-500	No	No	No	No	E, V
Microprose	MPI-500PT	No	Yes	No	No	E, V
Mustek	MAT-K50	No	No	Yes	No
Olevia	DTA100	Unknown	No	Unknown	No
Philco	TB150HH9	No	Yes	Yes	No	D
Philco	TB100HH9	No	Yes	No	No	C, D, L
RCA	DTA800A	No	No	No	No	C, -N, P
RCA	DTA800B	No	No	Yes	Yes	C, D, L, -N, P
RCA	DTA800B1	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	C, D, L, -N, P
RCA	DTA809	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	C, D, L, P
RCA	DTA809L	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	C, D, L, P
RCA	STB7766G1	No	Yes	No	Yes	C, D, L, P
Sansonic	FT300RT	No	No	No	No	C, E, P
Sansonic	FT300A	No	No	No	No	C, E, P
Skardin	DTR-0727L	Unknown	Yes	Unknown	No	C, P
Sunkey	SK-801ATSC	No	Yes	No	No	D, E, C, L, V
SVA	DAC100	Unknown	No	Unknown	No
Synergy Global Supply	SYN2009	Unknown	No	Unknown	No
TATUNG	TDB3000	No	No	Yes	No	E
TATUNG	TDB3001	No	Yes	Yes	No
Tivax	STB-T9	No	No	Yes	No	D, E, L, V
Tivax	STB-T8	No	Yes	Yes	No	C, D, L, V
Tunbow	E60010	No	No	No	No
Venturer	STB7766G	No	No	No	Yes	E, L
Venturer	STB7766G1	No	Yes	No	No	E, L, V
Winegard	RC-DT09	No	No	No	No	C, D, E, L, -S, V
Winegard	RC-DT09A	No	Yes	No	No	C, D, E, L, -S, V
Zenith	DTT900	No	No	No	No	C, D, L, P, -S, V
Zenith	DTT901	No	Yes	No	Yes	C, D, L, P, V
Zentech	DF2000	No	No	No	No	C, D, E, L, V
Zentech	DF2000L	No	Yes	No	No	C, D, E, L, V
Zinwell	ZAT-756A	Unknown	No	Unknown	No
Zinwell	ZAT-736	No	No	No	No
Zinwell	ZAT-856	No	No	No	No
Zinwell	ZAT-950	No	No	No	No	C, D, E, L, T
Zinwell	ZAT-857	No	No	No	No
Zinwell	ZAT-950A	No	Yes	No	No	C, D, E, L, T
Zinwell	ZAT-970	No	No	No	No	C, D, E, L, T
Zinwell	ZAT-970A	No	Yes	No	No	C, D, E, L, T

Tivax STB-T8 Digital TV Converter Box Reviews

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 09 Jun 2021 00:30:00 +0000

Product Rating: 4.0

For a very long time we suggested this as one of the top three converter boxes on the market and were very happy with it's performance when hearing from customer. We still believe this but unfortunately it has sold out and you can't find it at retailers anymore. You can always check out auction sites, as it seems there are always a few floating around. As an alternative, there is the new Tivax STB-T12 which is very similar but has a few added features such as s-video output.

Product Details: Today we will be taking a look at the Tivax STB-T8 which is an updated version of the Tivax STB-T9. The new version is almost exactly the same as the old one, except for that it has been updated to include analog pass-through. As far as the picture goes it is the same as the previous version of itself. This means that it is near the top rated and is better than what you can get with most other options out there. It's not up to par with a DVD, but it's not all that far off either. As far as audio sound goes it's also excellent and rates as one of the best. Our reviews showed that at most places you can get it for $55-$65 which makes it pretty cheap.

Features: It comes with a program guide that is above average but not the most robust. Some boxes show details for shows up to 7 days in advance but you don't quite get that here with less the 24 hours in advance as the norm. When setting it up you can manually select channels or all the box to do all the work for you via its automatic tuning function. In the manual mode it has a nice signal strength meter which makes it easier to set channels. Coming with analog pass-through is what makes this box what it is. All reports have shown that it's reliable and easy to use, but then add in this must-have feature and you are good to go with this digital tv converter box. In fact, this is the one that we are recommending to all family and friends that ask us which one they should purchase.

Update April 2014

Real User Reviews: See below for a few real reviews submitted to us from real users of this converter box. Almost all reviews we got regarding this box were very good.

Bob Said...

"Just purchased the Tivax STB-T8 and tried it out on a 4-inch analog screen (No kidding) attached to a very old wind-battered rooftop antenna. It pulled in 33 digital channels over the air. Even for central New Jersey, I thought that was a lot. The analog channels also came through even better than before. Caveats: You have to put the Tivax in standby mode in order to get the Analog pass-through. The online channel guide is minimal compared to others. Bottom line --- for $50 (- coupon) you get a great little box that gives good quality pictures even on crummy equipment."

John Said...

"I bought a very high-priced digital TV Tuner about 4 years ago - and I hesitated to buy any more since I live in downtown Chicago and have buildings obstructing the antenna - so I was not expecting much. I bought the STB-T8 not expecting very much. However, this little box really brought in the signals. I am very impressed and would highly recommend this converter box as it surpassed all my expectations and I am very happy with it."

Mantaman Said...

"Hello People: I just bought the Tivax stb-t8 and I love it. Once my digital antenna, HD 360 digital with built-in rotation, was installed, on a 45 foot pole it worked great. I am getting 20 digital channels and 8 analog channels. I live just north of Richmond Hill in Ontario Canada. The analog picture is great and the digital picture is better than cable. I have just ordered three more."

Features & Specs

Analog Pass-Through For Low Power Stations

V-Chip Locks For Parental Control Setting

Configurable Closed Captioning - Set It How You Like It

Electronic Program Guide For Future Shows

On Box Buttons For Your Convenience

On Screen Signal Strength Meter For All Manual Tuning
Smart Antenna Port (unable to confirm)

Energy Star Compliant

English, French, and Spanish Language Support

Compact Size

75 ohm Connector

6.3”W x 1.8”D x 8.7”H (Approximate)

What Is Included With Your Purchase?

Converter Box

Remote Control

Remote Control Batteries

RF Cable

AV Cable

Zinwell ZAT-970A Digital TV Converter Box Reviews

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 00:59:00 +0000

Product Rating: 4.0

The Zinwell ZAT-970A has been reported by many to be one of the best on the market. There have been little to no complaints regarding it. It is also one of very few that has remained in stock and available for sale even several years after the digital transition. If you need to purchase a new converter box this is the one we recommend that you get.

Product Details: Reports on the picture provided by the ZAT-970A have shown that it is clearly not the best, but not many boxes rate up there with the top three. This means, in literal terms, that its picture quality isn't up to DVD standards but it's not all that far off. It is also a clear and obvious upgrade from analog TV. The audio output for this box rates up near the top. When using it you get crystal clear sound. This converter box sells for $55-$60 which is a very good buy.

Features: It comes with an on screen program guide that provides show lengths and descriptions. It also comes with a scan-for-all channel tuning option or the ability to manually tune channels, along with adjustable closed captioning for the hearing impaired. The key feature on this box is that it does come with analog pass-through. This means that you will still be able to pick up lower power analog television stations that aren't yet required to make the switch.

This DTV converter box is one of the best all around converter boxes on the market. It has a bunch of excellent features and sells at a great price. This box is one we highly recommend to all.

Update April 2014

Real User Reviews: For more in-depth information about this box we have complied a list of user reviews that were submitted to us in the comments section or via email. For further information beyond these, please see the comments section below this post.

JDMB Said...

"This unit does indeed have 8 programmable timers, which is why I bought it some months ago (for use with my VCR). It's proven extremely reliable in all aspects, and easy to set up and use. I occasionally have programming glitches which I suspect are my fault, not the unit's. I also bought a Dish network DTV-Pal at the same time to compare (only 2 models then available with timers), and the timer on that one is SO unreliable as to be essentially worthless - timers get erased arbitrarily no matter how you set them up. I wish I could get my money back on that one. The Zinwell is FAR superior."

Stan Said...

"My two Zinwell ZAT-970s have been very good to me! I plan to buy two more to replace a chicken-splat Sunkey that lasted only a couple of months. I hate digital TV in general though, bring back my TV ghost!"

John Said...

"I've had Apex as well as Tivax converters. The Apex went out (it was rarely used) so I chose a Zinwell. The remote to this nice unit works so much faster than the Apex and Tivax sets when you change channels - I am amazed! It also picks up all the channels quickly and without having to mess around with the antenna. Picture comes in really nice. The only thing I find that can be improved on the Zinwell is the GUIDE. The Tivax program guide is much nicer and gives you 2 hours of what is coming on the next hour etc."

Features & Specs
Analog Pass-Through For Lower Power Stations
8 Event Timer For Recording Shows
Configurable Closed Captioning For Those With Hearing Impairments
Electronic Program Guide With Advanced Program Previews
English, French, and Spanish Language Support

What Is Included With Your Purchase?
Converter Box
Remote Control
Power Adapter
User Manual

Dish Network TR-40 CRA Digital TV Converter Box Reviews

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 05:24:00 +0000

Product Rating: 4.5

This was one our favorite boxes to recommend based on the simple fact that it could be had for free after using the coupon, but it was the only $40 box where you didn't have to sacrifice important features in order to make the transition at no cost. Unfortunately it is out of stock and can no longer be purchased. We have seen a few of them floating around eBay and Amazon from private parties, but they have been vastly overprice ($75-$100) since they are so good and their supply is so limited.

It is basically a slightly dumbed down version of other boxes from Dish, intentionally designed with affordability in mind. If you are interested in the more expensive upgraded version you can check out the enhanced Dish Network DTVPal Plus.

Product Details: Like other Dish boxes this one provides one of the best pictures out of all available options. When comparing tits picture quality to others there were only several that were comparable. These ones included the DTVPal Plus, Channel Master CM-7000, and Tivax STB-T8. When watching television with this converter box you get a picture quality that is just about as good as a DVD and way way better than any analog broadcast. The sound quality that you get is also great. We had nothing to complain about here. It rates near the top for sound quality and provides viewers with the crisp clear sound that they desire.

Features: It has some of the best possible features available among all converters. It comes with just about every feature you could imagine. It has one of the best electronic programming guides with information up to 7 days in advance of shows airing and rivals the guide you get with their paid. It also comes with three easy to set aspect ratio settings. Another great thing about it is that it is only one of a few that comes with a VCR tuner so that you can record shows in tandem with your converter box and watch them later. You will of course need a VCR and tape in order to do this. The only downside is that it comes with just one tuner so you cannot record one show while watching another.

This is one of the best converter boxes money can buy. It comes with a ton of excellent features and the best picture quality available. If you are looking for a great digital converter box this one should be your choice, without a doubt.

Update: April 2014

Real User Reviews: We have received a large number of reviews on this converter box, with the majority of them being very good. See some of the user submitted reviews below. For even more reviews check out the comment section of this post.

Mel Said...

"I bought two of these after I decided to distribute my roof top antenna signal (Just bought a Antennas Direct DB-4 HDTV UHF antenna which works quite well in my not-so-great location for OTA signals)and satellite feed throughout my home (via a combiner) to my older analog TV's and dump my cable service. These converters are very impressive in terms of PQ and sensitivity and even remote control sensitivity. I have an old BUD system with OTA/DVB receiver I use for HD OTA and these converters pull in all the stations much stronger. I was able to hide the converter boxes since no line of sight appears to be necessary for the remote control to function; its that sensitive. This is a good thing since the green power light is pretty bright. I will be picking up another two of these for the rest of my TV's if they are available."

Tom Said...

"Are these guys talking about the TR40? I have two of these units since DAY 1 of the conversion to Digital TV. Working fine for almost 2 years now, there are no hiccups with this unit to date. The VCR timer function works great. The only thing I found is that you have to unplug/replug the power line to reset the converter when the batteries go dead in the hand held remote control."

Lains Said...

"Thank you SO much for your review. I used this along with 2-3 other reviews before deciding to buy this box. I got it in the mail yesterday and can't believe how amazing the picture is. The channel that came in the worst for me is crystal clear now! I was getting around 5-6 stations whereas now I get over 20! My Logitech remote works with it too (although it required manual button syncing)."

Features & Specs
Analog Pass-Through
V-Chip Lock Parental Control Setting To Lock Adult Rated Channels
Configurable Closed Captioning For The Hearing Impaired
Electronic Program Guide With 7 Day Advanced Programming Information
Compact Size - Fits in small places

What Is Included With Your Purchase?
Converter Box
Remote Control
RF Cable
User Manual
Power Cord

Flat Panel TV Wall Mount Information Guide

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 15:08:00 +0000

Are you looking for a TV wall mount for your LCD, LED, or plasma television? Do you need information about the different types of wall mounts, which brands are the best, and how to mount your television correctly and with ease?

If so then you have found the right place. Below you will find links to all of the information that you are looking for related to TV wall mounts. We have done our best to provide a one stop shop for information on this topic and hope that you find it useful.

The Rise Of The Wall Mount
Wall mounts are a relatively new product that has become increasingly popular as more and more people purchase new flat panel televisions. Before the flat panel television explosion there was almost no need for a mount. There were a few bracket mounts out there for smaller tube televisions but those were often only sen in schools or colleges.

The space saving advantages of flat panel TVs is pretty obvious and the same goes for mounts. They look better, save a ton of space, and they are also a cheaper alternative to a stand. Not to mention that a lot of them are universal and you won't have to get a new one if you decide to upgrade or downgrade the size of your TV.

With them being rather new you may wonder how you can know the quality of different brands and we are here to tell you that mounts have actually been around for a long time, it's just now that they are getting popular. Flat panel TVs have been around and many wealthy individuals have had them for years, it's just in the last 5-7 years that they have become a mainstay in most Americans homes. So fear not, we have provided info on the companies that have been around the longest and assure you that they make a very highly product that you will be happy with.

Many of the wall mounts we have reviewed are universal and can be adjusted to fit the size of your television. Some though are not adjustable so you need to be sure that you choose one that fits your television size. There are also several types or options including fixed, tilt, swivel, and articulating wall mounts. When choosing one we recommend that you educate yourself well on all of the different features available before your make a purchase. Some of the major brands as of this post include Peerless, Sanus, Cheetah, Premier Mounts, Videosecu, Pro Mounts, CableTronix, Electrograph and VMP, just to name a few.

If you have any questions about information that we have provided please leave us a comment and hopefully we will be able to help out.

The 5 Most Common Types Of Flat Panel TV Wall Mounts

Pre-Installation Tips

Top Flat Panel TV Wall Mount Manufacturers

How To Choose The Best TV Converter Box?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 04:06:00 +0000

How much do most Converter Boxes cost?
They generally cost between $40-$60 but can be well over $100 if you buy a top of the line converter. If you use a coupon from the government sponsored program you can get $40 off and reduce the cost to roughly $10-$30. Unless you want a bunch of extra features that are necessary there is no reason to get a box over $60 at the absolute most. In fact, most of the top rated boxes sell for just $40-$50.

When will converter boxes be available for sale?
TV converter boxes began being sold at government approved retail stores at the beginning of 2008. When shopping for one it is best to check with the retailer by phone before making a trip to the store. In a lot of instances it will probably be better to purchase yours online and there seem to be better prices and a much better selection.

What does it mean when you hear that a box is "eligible"?
"Eligible" means that the box can be purchased by using the governments $40 off coupon that they are offering to all Americans (while funding lasts). For a box to be eligible it must meet certain performance standards that have been set by the NTIA. Click here to see a list of all eligible boxes. The list is very long and as you can see there are many different manufactures that produce eligible converter boxes.

How big are most boxes?
Generally they are about the size of a medium sized hardback book and should fit on your entertainment system shelves or on top of your TV. There are some bulkier ones but they come with no added advantage so you might as well get one that is small and compact.

What features are the most important?
When buying a box you want to make sure you get one that has very good ratings for both pictures and sound quality. These are very important. A lot of boxes are lacking analog pass through which is very important. Certain low power stations aren't required to make the transition for several more years and without the pass-through function you will lose these channels. You also want to look for box that is from a reputable brand so you know it will stand the test of time. Finally, if it's important to you, you should find one of the ones that comes with a top notch programming guide.

How can I find a box that all of what I'm looking for?
You best bet is to check reviews of the top rated boxes. Here you can get detailed information and be sure to get the box that is best for you.

If I get a TV converter box will I have to have someone come to my home to install it?
Having someone come to install your box shouldn't be necessary. Installation of your digital box should be very easy if you simply use the owner's manual that comes with your purchase. If you are having problems with your new box you should call the manufacturer about it. Do not call the NTIA or the government about it because they will not provide any technical support.

Can I use converter box in conjunction with my cable box?
No! Digital converter boxes only work with free over-the-air digital broadcasts and are not compatible with cable or satellite. However if you have cable or satellite you should be able to continue using your analog TV without doing anything.

If I have a small handheld television will it work after February 17th, 2009?
Nearly all, if not all, hand held televisions run off of the old analog signals so they will not work after the transition. Unfortunately, at this time there is no converter on the market that will work with a small analog TV. Your hand held TV will most likely become obsolete and worthless.

Can I begin using my box today or will I have to wait until after the broadcasting transition on February 17th, 2009?
Once you purchase your converter you can begin using it immediately. Most large television stations are already broadcasting in both analog and digital so using your box today should help you enjoy its benefits immediately. Switching should allow you to get a clearer picture and receive more channels.

Will a digital box allow me to get High-Definition TV (HDTV)?
No. Older analog television are unable to display HDTV type pictures. Currently there is no such thing as a HDTV converter box that allows someone to watch HDTV on their older analog TV. If you want to get HDTV you will need to upgrade to a new television.

Winegard RC-DT09 Digital TV Converter Box Reviews

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 04:55:00 +0000

Product Rating: 3.5

Update: Another box that has sold out at almost all retailers and without any plans for more of them to be produced. This one wasn't one of the best out there but it was good enough that people that had already bought it could certainly get by with it. With a quick online search you may be able to find it at 1-2 retailers but the further we get from the transition the less likely this is.

Product Details: The Winegard RC-DT09 is very similar to the old Winegard RC-DT09A. In this regard it comes with a picture quality that rates just below the first tier of boxes we have looked at. This means that it is a major improvement an compared to analog TV but that it could also be better, evidenced by what we've seen from other converter boxes. Sound quality is good too. Not the best we've see but pretty clear and of a high quality.

Features: This box comes with all of the standard features including a program guide, analog pass-through, adjustable closed captioning, parental controls, just to name a few. The only difference between this and the older Winegard box is that this one sells for less money and comes with analog pass-through. Funny how that works right? This one sells for $50 instead of the $65 that the older version costs. At $50 this is actually a pretty good buy. If you are interested in either of these I would recommend this one because of its extra feature. Analog pass-through is a very important feature that most people will need.

Update April 2014

Real User Reviews: We haven't seen much chatter about this box but listed below are the reviews that have been submitted to us thus far. Please check back in the future for more reviews.

Thomas Said...

"The receiver feels very solid and has a very good build quality. It is not too heavy for a receiver packing 95 watts/channel and does not get very hot at all, even after a three hour marathon watching Lord of the Rings III - The Return of the King. I particularly like the quick selection buttons that are like macro buttons you can program for events such as watching a dvd/blu ray movie or listening to the radio or a cd, etc..."

Jonas Said...

"The remote for the RC-DT09 is decent. It is adequate and feels solid in build quality with smallish buttons that are somewhat rubberized. The remote is also able to control some other gear such as tv's and dvd players which is nice, but it is definitely not a universal remote."

Specs
V-Chip Lock Parental Control Settings
Configurable Closed Captioning
Electronic Program Guide - Shows Current and Future shows
On Screen Signal Strength Meter For Easy Manual Tuning
Energy Star Compliant

What Is Included With Your Purchase?
Converter Box
Remote Control
Remote Control Batteries
RF Cable

Zentech EZTV DF2000L Digital TV Converter Box Reviews

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 16:50:00 +0000

Product Rating: 3.0

When this was available for sale it was a great option, but no surprise that it is now out of stock. The stock on this guy lasted all the way through the transition but the company stopped producing it after, thinking that there would be no more demanding for converter boxes. Unfortunately demand has been high for several reasons. One being that a lot of people didn't heed warnings about losing TV and waited to convert. The other being that a lot of various converter box models have proven to be unreliable and consumers have been forced to purchase a new one. We were unable to find this one at any retailers or even at any online auction websites.

Product Details: You get the fairly common second tier rating for both the picture and audio that this converter box puts out. Again, it's a significant improvement over your typical analog broadcast, but there are other boxes out there that provide even better improvements than this one. Still, it is sufficient at what it does and you could certainly do worse.

Features: As stated before this ones comes with the most important features, analog pass-through. It also has the three common and important different language options including Spanish, English, and French. It comes with its own remote control for your convenience and also an electronic program guide that gives you upcoming show details up to a week in advance. This makes it one of the best guides out there. This DTV converter box also comes with parental control settings so that you can monitor what your children watch. Finally, it comes with adjustable closed captioning and is energy star compliant.

If you are looking for a mid rated box that will get the job done but don't want to spend a ton of money then you can't go wrong with the Zentech DF2000L. It's clear that there are other converter boxes out there that are better but at the same time our review showed that this one is sufficient at supplying consumers what they need.

Update April 2014

Real User Reviews: At this time no users have submitted reviews about this TV converter box. Please check back from time to time as we will be sure to post any reviews that we do receive.

Specs

Accepts All ATSC Formats

Electronic TV Programming Guide

Closed Captioning -Personalize it

Parental Controls With V-Chip Technology

Analog Pass Through

Energy Star Certified

What Is Included With Your Purchase?

Converter Box

Remote Control

Power Cord

Owners Manual

Sunkey SK-801 Digital TV Converter Box Reviews

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 00:26:00 +0000

Product Rating: 2.5

This is another one of only a few boxes from the digital transition days that is still available for sale brand new. You can get it at Amazon (as of May 2014) but beyond that you will be hard pressed to find it.

Product Details: The picture quality of the Sunkey SK-801 falls somewhere in the middle range. It is still better than analog broadcasts but you can definitely get a better digital picture with other options. Albeit options that are no longer for sale. This product is like most other converter boxes in that it comes with great sound quality.

Features: A short list of some of the features you get include the program guide that lets you see current and upcoming show. It also is one of only a few that has a VCR timer for the recording of shows. It also comes with the ever important analog pass through function so you won't lose low power stations that aren't required to make the transition. Finally, it comes with composite video and RF outs. This box was government certified back in the transition days so that means it comes with a pretty good set of features as was required by the government. As of now it sells for just under $50. It is not a top rated box but also sells for a reasonable price considering its quality. If you don't want to spend a lot of money but want a converter box that will get the job done then this one will work for you.

Update April 2014

Real User Reviews: For further details regarding the use of this converter box by please see the user reviews below that were submitted to us via email and our comment section.

Sheryl Said...

"My Sunkey does not work after just 3 months of use. And the use was sparingly since I don't watch TV everyday. It quit working when I left the TV on for about ten hours while watching and then falling asleep. The green light comes on, but it does not pick up any channels, nor does the box responds to the remote."

Tony Said...

"This box wouldn't work for my sister so she gave it to me. I got it to work but it died after only a couple of months. The red light will come on if you want to turn the thing on but it will not go off without unplugging it. It doesn't get any channels anymore. It makes a nice paper weight though. It was used sparingly if at all. There's some really crappy electronics inside. I suspect that maybe it was made by Sony or Belkin as their products behave like this, in my experiences. I guess this Sunkey is my latest experience with crap consumer electronics. DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY! THIS IS THEFT!"

Anonymous Said...

"Same as the first post. My Sunkey quit working when I forgot to turn off the converter one night (the tv was off, but the box was on). Now, the green light comes on, but it does not pick up any channels, nor does the box respond to the remote. The only thing I can do is turn the light to red if I unplug/plugin the box."

Jerry Said...

"I have two Sunkey boxes, one died about a year ago, the other died last night. When I plug them in, the on/standby light lights up as red (which is what it should do). If I then press the on button on the box or on the remote, the light will change to green (which is what it should do). But there is no picture, that is, it transmits a black screen image to the TV. Once the light on the box has turned to green, there is no way to turn off the box except by unplugging it. Neither pressing the power button on the box nor on the remote control turns it off. Has anyone found a way to fix them? Can the boxes be reset by sending a specific signal to a connector in the converter box (perhaps to an internal connector after removing the lid)? My boxes never ran hot."

Specs
Works With Every Current ATSC Signal Format - (All 18)
Analog Pass For Lower Power Stations
V-Chip Lock Parental Control Setting To Control What Your Children Watch
Personalize Your Closed Captioning
Electronic Program Guide To See What Shows Are Airing
Signal Strength Meter For Tuning Channels Manually
Energy Star Compliant
English, French, and Spanish

What Is Included With Your Purchase?
Converter Box
Remote Control
Remote Control Batteries
RF Cable

Artec T3AP Digital TV Converter Box Reviews

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 06 Apr 2014 14:00:00 +0000

Product Rating: 3.0

This older version from Artec has been out of production and unavailable for purchase for quite some time now. This is not a major concern though because the company has done a good job of upgrading and keep new boxes in stock. The intention was to let this one go out of stock since they a newer version for sale that has more features. You can still find this box on auction sites but it's highly doubtful that you'll find a new one anywhere.

It has been upgrade several times, the upgraded versions in order from earliest to latest models are the Artec T3AP Pro, Artec T3AP-LL, and Artec T3AP-LS.

Product Details: The picture that you get here is great. When viewing free over the air broadcasts with it you can get a picture quality that is a small step below DVD quality. When you consider that it is truly free television we think this is pretty amazing. Its picture quality will give consumers a significant upgrade from the average analog broadcast that they have gotten use to over the years. In fact, its current quality is pretty reminiscent of what you get with a paid service like cable. The sound quality for this box is also up to par with our standards and the standards for most converter boxes. It allows you to get crystal clear sound without the static or interference that you may have become accustomed to in the past.

Features: The T3AP is very similar to all of the other Artec converter boxes on the market. It comes with an electronic program guide, on box buttons, multi-language functions, and even analog pass-through. It also comes with a remote control although not a universal remote so it can't be programmed with remote codes to work with your TV.

Overall our review revealed that this is a great option. This box comes with a bunch of excellent features, great picture and sound quality, and also sells for a very reasonable price of around $40-$50. If you are looking for a cheap yet high quality optin then this one would be a great choice.

Update April 2014

Real User Reviews: See below for several reviews that were submitted to us by consumers who have purchased and used this converter box.

Anonymous Said...

"This converter box is OK as long as your remote control does not break or does not get lost. The box is absolutely useless if the remote control is no longer available. There is only one button on my unit and that is for on/off. There is no other way to change the channel w/o the remote. Some of the new models have arrow buttons to the top, bottom, and sides which allows you to change the channel manually."

Sean Said...

"What a ripoff! I bought this from TigerDirect and it has good picture quality but the remote has a range of less than 5 feet (yes, I changed the batteries with known good ones and cleaned the windows). Which means it's pretty much TOTALLY USELESS unless I am using the TV for a stool. TigerDirect offers no exchange on it and just refers me to Artec. Artec has NOT answered any emails after two weeks! Very disappointed!"

Specs

Works With Every ATSC Format (All 18)

Sleep Timer

Analog Pass-Through For Lower Power Analog Stations

V-Chip Lock For Parental Control Settings - Set The Rating You Want To Be Blocked

Configurable Closed Captioning Fonts

Electronic Program Guide

Signal Meter On Screen For Tuning Channels

Energy Star Compliant And Certified

English, French, and Spanish Language Support

Compact Size

What Is Included With Your Purchase?

Converter Box

Users Instruction Manual

Remote Control

Remote Control Batteries

Airlink101 ATVC102 Digital TV Converter Box Reviews

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 19:18:00 +0000

Product Rating: 2.5

Another converter box that is out of stock unless you want to either get it used or pay a ridiculous price! Currently there are some used ones on eBay and Amazon and a couple sellers on Amazon selling new ones for over $150. We recommend that you look elsewhere if you are in need of a converter box.

Product Details: Great picture and sound are two staples of this Airlink box. When using it you can expect to feel as though you are watching a paid service such as satellite or cable. No static anymore, although remember, getting a digital antenna can go a long way in helping you to pick up channels consistently and even find new ones. Basically put, it does what you expect a converter box to do, not a whole lot more, and not less either.

Features: The Airlink 101 ATVC102 comes with a bunch of quite excellent features that are sure to satisfy. It comes with a program guide (TV Guide) that supplies you with most of the same program info that you get with a paid service. It also comes with a V-chip that allows for parental controls so that they can monitor the ratings that their children have access to. It even has adjustable closed captioning so that the hearing impaired and personalize their viewing experience. One extremely important feature for this box is that it comes with analog pass-through so you can keep channels that aren't required to make the transition yet. A remote control is another staple of this product and its on screen meter that displays signal strength helps immensely when trying to individually tune channels. As a last mention, it has three different language settings of English, Spanish, and French.

Update April 2014

Real User Reviews: If you have been wanting a real world opinion of this box then see the reviews below. They were submitted to us by actual users of the box and give the best representation of what you can expect from the box.

Njpski Said...

"When changing channels an opaque channel info screen takes up >50% of the screen and stays for several seconds. ANNOYING! Reception seems finicky compared to 3 other Models/Brands I own. This model does not pick up the local PBS channels (which all other models do). Front has only ON/OFF button. Lose the remote and you're toast without some other universal remote. I do like the signal button on remote. Signal strength numbers jump between 49% & 74%m as if any change automatically registers as 25% swing. Does pick up analog channels w/ analog pass thru.

Remote well organized. No support for TV ON/OFF function but does have volume, thru adjusting the ATVC102 box. I paid $0 for two units using the 2x$40 coupons via mail. Pass this one by unless you are getting 3rd 4th or 5th boxes and don't want to have to pay a dime. I like the ability to easily change the screen format at the touch of a button.

Compared to my 3 other brand boxes, this one gets the LOWEST marks. Was hopeful the AirLink101 website would give some aid regarding firmware installed and signal/tuner strength. Other than a general info page, they IGNORE the fact that they make these models. Something tells me their manufacture was an afterthought to tap into the US $40 coupon mark. Quick and dirty. GO elsewhere with your money. The one redeeming feature is the remote which lays out well, and has good button access and placement. Unfortunately muted signal strength puts the usefulness of a good remote into question."

Joe Said...

"Great unit, sound and video quality is superb, easy to setup, the previous review was not 100% correct - the red/green buttons do work for channel list. Get 3 PBS channels, received a total of 42 channels, a big surprise."

Anonymous Said...

"The Airlink101 AVTC102 is a very good converter box for the money. I am able to watch all of the channels available in Houston including three PBS channels. I would recommend scanning your box once a week to pick up additional channels. Also try getting a decent antenna to go with the box. You will get more channels and a clearer picture."

Sam Said...

"I Love this box! I paid nothing but the coupon for it and to my surprize this box works BETTER than my roomates RCA and Magnavox! Crystal clear picture and sound. No breakup like my roommates! Easy setup. I am going to use my second coupon to get another Airlink 101!"

Specs

RF Input, RF Output, RCA compatible Output

Size:: 182 x 118 x 36 mm (L x W x H)

Energy Star Certified

Displays All Of The 18 Used ATSC Formats

Analog Pass-Through

V-Chip Editable

Closed Captioning

Electronic Program Guide

Triple Language Support For English, French, And Spanish

1 Year Limited Warranty

What Is Included With Your Purchase?

Converter Box

Owners Manual

Remote Control

Batteries

RF Cable

Power Adapter

A/V Cable

Zinwell ZAT 950A Digital TV Converter Box Reviews

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 00:20:00 +0000

Product Rating: 4.5

Zinwell has put this box out of production intentionally because they have a better version that they have decided to keep stocked and available for the long term. Finally, we have found a company that plans to keep producing converter boxes and have them available for sale even after the digital transition has come and gone.

Product Details: Just like its older brother, (Zinwell ZAT-970A) this one comes with excellent picture quality. It is in the second tier of boxes for its picture quality which means that it is not quite as good as the very best but still a pretty big improvement from the average analog broadcast. Again, it is just like its older brother in terms of its sound quality. Using this converter box will give you crystal clear and crisp sound quality. It rates right at or near the top in regards to its sound quality.

Features: Some of these features include with this box are an electronic program guide, the ability to scan for channels, adjustable/changeable closed captioning, analog pass through, and much much more. The new 950A is better than the older version because it comes with a built in VCR timer so you can record television shows, a silicon based tuner for better signal gathering strength, and 8 ports so that it can work with your VCR for recording.

This is a great product brought to you by Zinwell. The older one was a good one and the Zinwell ZAT-950A is even better. The company really thought it through and provided some pretty neat and rare feature here. We have concluded that it deserves a very high grade. At a selling price of $64.99 it is also a good buy. Overall it is a great converter box and there are only a few other options that are as good as this one.

Update April 2014

Real User Reviews: For further reading on the quality of this product please read the real user reviews listed below. If this is still not enough check out the comments section as we are always getting new information from users.

Lance Said...

"Don't loose the remote. Without it you can't access main menu, this is no good seeing as mine is in sleep mode set for 90 min. It caused me to replace it with one that's more user friendly and loosing the remote on my new means turn on/off & channel changing requires more manual type effort or children are my go to method in my house. A universal remote was not the answer either as none I tried could communicate with this thing. Just buy one that can be used with or without the remote. That's my 2 cents, GOOD LUCK!"

John Said...

"The only complaint I have about this unit is that the timers sometimes change themselves. I may, for example, ask it to tune to CSI on 9-1 from 9-10 PM and it will instead change the timer to 67-3. One must check the timers regularly to make sure they haven't become corrupted.

Unfortunately this is just about the only converter box with a timer, so I'm stuck with the occasional misfire."

LisaRea Said...

"I bought myself a 950A back in September and am relatively pleased - it does tend to "lose" the channel, when I have the timer set for recording via my VCR. Mine has a "bypass" button: I can leave the unit powered-on, hit the 'bypass' and my analog reception is clearer (than just turning-off the Zinwell).

I recently purchased a 2nd unit for a friend. Same model BUT the remote HAS NO BYPASS button (despite the information being in the manual). So, I think I need to try a different product to see if it has a 'bypass' AND whether that makes a difference for my friend."

Specs

Pass-Through For Analog Stations That Aren't Required To Switch Over

8 Event Timer

Configurable Closed Captioning For Personalized On Screen Display

Parental Controls With V-Chip

Electronic Program Guide

English, French, and Spanish Language For Captioning And Operation

What Is Included With Your Purchase?

Converter Box

Remote Control

Users Manual
Power Adapter