What's the best digital converter box?

[TheInternal]

Hey everyone. I got my coupons in not long ago and realized that I have absolutely no idea what makes a good digital converter box, nor where to start on researching which one to get.
I don't watch much television, but would like having the option to watch local channels (especially PBS) if I so wished.
Are the converter boxes all following a strict standardized configuration of some sort? Which ones have the best reception and image quality? Does anyone know of where one can find some good reviews of converter boxes? Can anyone suggest any specific units for any particular reason?
I don't know if it's relevant or not, but I live closer to the east coast, in Columbia, SC (the capital... quite a few TV stations broadcast from here no less than 20 miles away).

 

[JaYp146]

Don't know which is the best, but I can tell you with absolute certainty that you need to avoid Magnovox's converter box. Decent menu system and mediocre reception, but the remote is just awful.

 

[TheInternal]

Good to know. Thanks, JaYp146. Considering that my TV's remote sensor died, a remote (even a bad one) would be nice.

Some additional questions that come to mind (as I Google around)...

do any of the boxes have audio out that supports 5.1 sound? does over the air digital tv even do 5.1, or just stereo? Apparently some of these things do TV listings... is that something built into the digital signals?

 

[TheInternal]

Well, I've found some info at consumer reports. I was hoping to get my box ordered today, but even if it's the government's money, I want to buy a good one XD

 

[zzuupp]

cecb list on wikipedia

I've got one of the Zenith units. My situation is similar to yours. I'm pretty close to the TV towers. I recommend it.

Also, over at avsforum they've got a thread about cecb reviews and questions

 

[TheInternal]

thanks for the link, zzuupp. I see there's a bit of info to comb through there. Consumer reports listed two Zenith units at "Acceptable" and "Above Average" picture quality. I'm guessing they only reviewed a fraction of the units on the market that are covered by the coupon program though

I'm leaning towards getting a box with an s-video connection, personally.

 

[Rio Rebel]

I don't know which one is the best, but make sure you don't do what I did...get the coupons and then procrastinate until they expire.

 

[Trashman]

If you have an older analog tv set just ignore this post, but if have one of the early "hd-ready" tv's check out the Samsung---->HERE looks like only used ones , probably got to search for new, consumers reports has review here
I had bought this for my brother last year and he loves it..........good quality and 5.1.

 

[TheInternal]

thanks for the replies. I have til April on my coupon, fortunately. Thanks for the link, Trashman, but I'm broke... hence my using the government coupons.

 

[mshan]

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1029256