Editorial Review

Digital TV Converter Box with Analog Pass-Through ... Read more

Reviews

comparison with dtvpal plus, November 17, 2008
I purchased the two major timer event schedulable/programmable converter boxes available as of this date: the Zinwell and the DTVPal Plus (enhanced version of the DTVPal or TR-40 CRA). These are some of the major problems and advantages of each.

The biggest problem I have with the Zinwell is that the remote control is the flimsiest and cheapest control I have ever seen with any product. The down arrow button is already having problems responding to pressing after only a few days. It usually takes several years before buttons on a remote control begin to go bad, and I am concerned that this one will not even be working a year from now. The text labels on the buttons are rubbing off and becoming harder to read.

The biggest problem with the DTVPal Plus is the reception. The Plus is supposed to have enhanced reception over the prior models which were famous for bad reception, but in my area it gets a couple less UHF channels than the Zinwell and often has severe breakup on the ABC affiliate and two other channels (even with an amplified antenna). Perhaps this will be less of an issue if digital signals get boosted in February.

The Zinwell has 8 timer events to 5 for the DTVPal Plus. The Zinwell lacks a recurring M-F weekday scheduling option. Both devices make you go through several menus to get to the timer scheduling. The DTVPal Plus has an awkward event scheduling process that takes you through two screens. The Zinwell has its own awkwardness-it makes you choose a channel from a list of station call letters rather than channel numbers! The Zinwell also requires confirmation at the end of the timer scheduling process, and defaults to Cancel making it easy to accidentally cancel your timer event, so watch out.

If you like on-screen program guides, the DTVPal Plus has a fuller one than the Zinwell, and you can even schedule timer events direct from the program guide with the DTVPal Plus. The DTVPal Plus has an annoying download each time you turn on the converter box, but you can cancel the download.

If you get a Zinwell, do not throw out the manual. Zinwell has unfortunately set a password on some of the channel functions, so you will need to look up the default password in the manual if you try to access these functions.

Do not expect much support. Both companies took several days to respond to an inquiry and gave canned answers that did not address my question. After supplying follow-up information, neither company got back to me. There are several other issues and quirks with both devices.

(--some updated notes 9/16/2009 after a few months of using--)

The Zinwell picture quality has been nice. Occasionally, I have had an issue with the Zinwell audio and video getting slightly out of synch (as also reported by some other reviewers)-but doesn't bother me and turning off and on puts them back in synch.

The biggest problem I have had with regular use of the Zinwell is that scheduled recurring events (weekly, etc.) get messed up regularly so I have to constantly monitor them. The Zinwell loses the channel on the recurring events and resets the channel to the highest station number. (I believe this is the most commonly reported major problem with this device.) Periodically it loses the recurring events completely and they need to be reentered. One-time events also get corrupted sometimes, although less often. Even the most popular 5 star review of this box by couchbum, in the Comments link, acknowledges that the timers fail periodically.

The DTVPal Plus tends to run hot, so I have propped it up at an angle to give it some cooling space. I have had a disturbing problem a couple of times where the DTVPal Plus would not power on-had to unplug it from the power source and plug it back in again, and then it resumed working.

Since they boosted the digital signals after the transition, the DTVPal Plus weaker reception has not been a problem and it now gets all the channels that my other converter boxes get. (However, I live in an urban area and have an amplified antenna, so the weaker reception may still be a problem for many people.)

The DTVPal Plus regularly loses timer events and is very unreliable. I have found two specific sequences of timer events that cause it to consistently drop events. The DTVPal Plus timer issues have been far more numerous and problematic than those with the Zinwell. I used several VCRs over two decades and never had a device malfunction on its timer events or spontaneously change the selected channel. Not sure why it is so difficult for these digital boxes.

I get the best results with both devices by setting timers the morning of the same day as the programs. Setting timers a day or more in advance of the programs increases chances for timer event corruption.

Although the on-screen station program guide for the DTVPal Plus is robust, it has an inadequacy. The normal program guide access turns off audio and video while you are browsing the guide, so you cannot hear or watch television as you peruse it. To view television as you browse the guide, you cannot use the Guide button on the remote but must use the directional buttons to access the guide-but the guide still overlays much of the screen (semi-transparent).

In the clock settings, the Zinwell has no daylight savings on/off, while the DTVPal Plus does allow you to control daylight savings. The Zinwell has the advantage that you can manually set the time, while the DTVPal Plus does not allow you to. If you manually set the time in the Zinwell, I found it loses 1-2 minutes per week and also loses the clock time completely if power goes out even for a second (most devices will hold the time for 2-3 minutes in a power outage). I have mine on a UPS (backup battery) to keep it from losing time in a brief power outage. At least the Zinwell allows you to control the time if you want to. (Early in the digital conversion both boxes were keeping erratic time so clock options were important, but digital time signals have improved enough now that using automatic time is generally fine. This has made the options of manual time setting and daylight savings much less important but I have included this info for those interested.)

The DTVPal Plus has one bright spot: it handles poor signal quality well. The two aspects of reception are signal strength and signal quality. While the DTVPal Plus does not pick up low strength well, it does handle poor signal quality very well. There are a couple of minor stations with poor quality (but adequate strength) that my Zenith and Zinwell cannot receive but that the DTVPal Plus picks up. In my experience, it also has less dropout from other things that reduce signal quality, such as splitting the antenna feed or electrical interference.

One other small plus I have found with the DTVPal Plus: it operates from my old universal remote (as a SAT box), which allows me to control all my devices-very, very handy. None of the other converter boxes that I have will work with this old universal remote, although I have heard that some of the newer universal remotes can control converter boxes. This somewhat makes up for the fact that the DTVPal Plus has no buttons on the box and can only be operated by remote control. (However, it may be too sensitive-it also turns on when I press the fast forward button on one brand of VCR remote!)

Very Nice. You can record different stations while away from home. Works great with a VCR, March 10, 2009
I only have an outdoor TV antenna. No cable or satellite. I too bought this converter for the built in timer. You can record different channels at different times while you're away from home with your VCR and TV antenna (However, you can not record one station and watch another station "at the same time"). You have to set your TV and VCR to channel 3 (always) and the timer in this converter is what you set for the time and channel to record. Make sure the clock time on the converter box matches the clock time on your VCR. Or you may miss part of your show. There is one problem that I haven't figured out yet. I hooked this converter to the TV in my living room. My outdoor antenna cable line continues on and goes to the bedroom and the TV in the bedroom only plays the channel that the converter box is on in the living room. I have 2 of these converter boxes and so I hooked the second one up in the bedroom. It receives no channel signals. Well, that didn't last long since I received my DVD recorder in the mail (Toshiba DR560 1080p Upconverting DVD Recorder with Built-in Tuner, bought on Amazon) and this DVD recorder has a built-in ATSC/NTSC/QAM digital/analog tuner. Meaning, I don't need a converter box in my living room now. This DVD recorder allows me to record one station and watch another station at the same time from my over the air, outdoor antenna. Just like a VCR. Awesome! Now the converter box works on the bedroom TV. Since the DVD recorder is allowing the signal to continue on through to the bedroom. I am a happy camper. I now have an extra converter box. Maybe I'll sell it on Amazon.


Over 3 years ago, I got rid of my cable (yes, the first 3 months was very difficult). I bought an outdoor TV antenna and lived with that for about a year. The reception wasn't good, lots of white specs or lines. Then I bought a "booster" for the antenna. A big improvement almost like receiving paid cable. This converter box allows me to receive more TV stations then the outdoor TV antenna alone. I haven't figured out yet what these stations are. I think they're cable or satellite channels. This converter box also improved the reception of all the TV stations. My new DVD recorder, as I mentioned above, also improved the reception even better then this converter box.

By the way, so far I've saved over 2 thousand dollars by getting rid of my paid cable and going to an outdoor antenna. Add up your monthly cable bill and times it by 12. That's what you're paying a year for paid cable.

VCR TIMER - good to keep your DVR or VCR working, September 13, 2008
The main reason I bought this product was for the DVR/VCR Timer. This feature allows you to program your favorite shows, and the box will automatically change channels to that show. You can then use your DVR or VCR to capture the video off the box.

Other boxes like the Zenith DTT901 have better reception capability, but lack the ability to operate with DVRs or VCRs.

The Zinwell also has analog passthru for people who will be watching Low Power or "clear air" stations after the February 2009 analog shutdown. If you're like me, and don't have any analog stations post-transition, then this feature has no real relevance.

The Zinwell's guide is rather poor, since it only tells you what program is on now, and what program will be on next hour. The Dish DTVpal has a full=featured guide upto 12 hours into the future, but I don't recommend that device due to poor quality build & software bugs that make it almost unusable.

Overall I'm satisfied with the Zinwell's DVR and VCR capability, although I still use the Zenith as my main box when watching live television.

Pretty good, but not outstanding, February 10, 2009
I've been playing around with three DTV converter boxes over the past three months (Magnavox DTV Digital to Analog Converter, TR-40 CRA by Dish Network, and this Zinwell), and none of them stands out above the rest. They all do about the same thing, providing excellent picture quality over their analog equivalents, and I can get 27/28 channels with a rooftop antenna in the Baltimore-Washington area. This Zinwell is the latest, and after about 2 months of testing it, here are my observations:

Pros:
- It has a power button and channel buttons on the front of the box in case you misplace the remote
- It displays signal intensity/quality meters each time you change the channel so you can adjust your antenna for best reception
- Internal firmware is upgradeable for future updates
- Built-in timer changes channels for extending the life of analog VCRs
- Great picture quality
- Analog pass-through (kind of)
- Volume control from this remote (based on TV's current max volume)
- Parental controls

Cons:
- Remote control is pretty flimsy
- Power cord is only 3' long so you may need an extension cord to reach a wall jack
- Analog pass-through signal is not as clear as without the box
- Picks up one less channel than the Magnavox on the same antenna
- Built in time clock slips a few minutes over a period of weeks; annoying if you're using it to provide programming to an analog VCR
- red LED to tell you it's "off" is an unnecessary waste of energy

Having spoken to others using various DTV boxes/setups, it seems like the deciding factor on how many channels you'll receive is what kind of antenna you're using. Those with rabbit ears inside the house get as few as 4-6 channels; my 18-year old stationary roof-top antenna gets 27-28 as of today.

DANGER! DANGER!, May 29, 2009
I've had my Zinwell converter box for two months and a few days ago, it simply stopped working. The unit powers up and five seconds later goes off. The real problem though is with Zinwell. When I called I went to the tech support line where I was told to leave a message only to find out the mailbox was full. After two attempts, I keyed in the customer service extension and same thing happened. THIS ISN'T BAD CUSTOMER SERVICE, IT'S ZERO CUSTOMER SERVICE. BUY AT YOUR OWN RISK.

2nd ZAT 970 arrived. Comments & TIP!, June 11, 2009
2nd Review:::

I reviewed the ZAT 970A earlier after a few days using it. It was good enough (AND offers an "Event Timer" option most other Converter Boxes (CBs) do NOT offer) that we ordered a 2nd unit - which just arrived!

Comments:

- ZAT's picture & sound quality remains as good as our highly rated Insignia/Zenith CBs. Each CB recognizes and displays the same channels w/ similar clarity/sound (or break-ups --- which always seems antenna-dependant!).

- I earlier mentioned the ZAT 970A's remote response were very slow! When our 2nd ZAT arrived, I installed it in a different room, different TV/antenna. The 2nd ZAT's remote responses were INSTANTANEOUS! So I swapped ZATs and tested again. The 2nd, FAST ZAT now responded SLOWLY to remote commands! I then swapped remotes -- SAME slow response! So I swapped and tested everything again -- SAME results!

IOW, BOTH ZATs reacted fast in one room/situation, but slowly in another room/situation. When each ZAT was slow, it sat atop our Tivo 1 unit. Maybe some electrical/hard disk interference slows ZAT down. Dunno, but I realized I can't blame ZAT for this.

TIP re: Editing Event Timers:::

We bought the ZAT ONLY because it's "Event Timer" option helps us record programs on Tivo/VCR.

I complained earlier that since we use ZAT's Event Timers DAILY to set up recordings of 8pm-11pm Prime Time TV (often editing 3 time periods!), it frustrated that:

--- ZAT's remote did NOT have 1-button access to Event Timers.

--- ZAT's Event Timer option is burried several layers deep in it's menus (AND below things you almost NEVER change: Language, Time Zone, Time etc.)

--- AND that if you edit an Event Timer then press "Exit" to save your edit (let's say Event #4), ZAT kicks you backwards several menus to "Progam Timer!!!" If you then want to edit, say, Event #5, you must press "Enter," "Down," "Down," "Down," "Enter," "Event," "Event," "Event" -- Ugh! Really, really, dumb programming!

TIP to Avoid That Ugliness: If you wanna edit 2+ Event Timers, INSTEAD OF pressing "Exit" to save each edit, move UP to "Timer #" (or whatever it's called - 1st option) then press ">" or "<" to move to another Event.

ZAT will ask: "Save?" Select "Yes," then ZAT will move to the next/previous Event -- WITHOUT taking you BACKWARDS several layers! This saves time & frustration when editing 2+ Event Timers.

Final complaint: I'm an adult, know what I'm doing and accept mistakes I make! I resent electronics and/or software treating me as a child, an idiot. For example, ZAT's default response to "Save?" is "No!" IMO, the default should be "Yes!" It frustrates and wastes my time (& batteries) to constantly have to undo ZAT's defaults. A GOOD programmer would have added an "Installation" option letting ME select "Safe" (Protect me from myself!) or "Fast" (Go for it!) modes!


==========
1st Review:::

Got the ZAT 970A CECB (Coupon-Eligible-Converter Box) 2 days ago. Amazon's price was perfect: $0!!! ($40 cost MINUS $40 Govt. Coupon Plus FREE Amazon Shipping = $0 cost delivered to our door! I ordered another for a spare unit/remote.)

We've used 2 highly-rated Insignia/Zenith CECBs for months. We bought the ZAT ONLY because it's "Timer Events" option lets us record programs on our aging Series 1 Tivo unit that we use only as a very smart VCR (Tivo no longer supports Series 1 units!!).

Pros:

*** Easy hook-up (as are all CECBs)
*** Picture/Sound Quality: The ZAT's picture/sound quality matches the Insignia/Zenith.

Cons (fatal? serious? frustrating!):

*** On day #1, we programmed all 8 of the ZAT's Event Timers to switch to different channels at specific times, then programmed Tivo to record Ch. 3 @ those times.

On Day #1, all programs recorded perfectly!

But on day #2, ALL Zat's Event Timers spontaneously changed to a channel we RARELY watch!!!

On Day #2, we started watching a program that had just started recording -- WRONG CHANNEL! We found that ALL 8 of ZAT's Event Timers had been changed to this same channel! This could be FATAL for our recording/time-shifting purposes. If this repeats, it will ELIMINATE ZAT's main advantage over other CECBs with NO Event Timer options.

*** Seriously deteriorating "Remote" responsiveness. ZAT's remote seems slow in general compared w/ other remotes. But last night it began taking 4-5 seconds for ZAT to respond to clicks of the Remote's buttons! I turned ZAT off, then back on again (when in doubt, Kick It!). The long delay disappeared, but it's still slow.

*** Really, really lousy software programming! We've developed software for decades and learned: grasp what's used often, then put that up FRONT and uber-EASY & uber-RELIABLE! IMO, folks will OFTEN (daily?) use ZAT's Event Timer option. It should have a dedicated Remote button, OR have it's own Menu item on TOP of other Menu options. But... NOT ZAT! ZAT buries "Event Timer" deep in the "Setup" menu (AFTER: Language, TV System, Time Zone/Time -- HOW OFTEN would you change THOSE?) Equally bad, when you edit an Event Timer and select "Save," ZAT takes you BACKWARDS several menus! So to edit another Event Timer, you must start all over! That's sad, user-UNfriendly software programming.

Comments re: Others' Comments:

*** Sure the remote is flimsy compared to the solid, heavy remote of our Sony Tivo's remote. But ZAT's remote is similar to the lightweight remotes that came w/ Insignia/Zenith CECB units. Can't complain.

*** Someone mentioned having to program things twice to record things: 1) The ZAT; and, 2) the VCR/Tivo. It may be much simpler. We erased ALL Tivo's/VCR's recording options and started over. We now record "M-F Prime Time shows" by telling Tivo to record WHATEVER comes over Ch. 3 between 8pm and 11pm M-F - simple! We then used 3 of ZAT's 8 Timer options to switch channels at: 8pm, 9pm & 10pm. Daily, we just "Edit" ZAT's channel option for each of those time slots - simple, and actually MUCH easier/faster than changing Tivo's recording options (no "Edit" option, you must start all over!)!

*** A couple folks mentioned the ZAT's Timer option offers a "Time ON" option, but NO "Time OFF" option (like most recording devices have -- they're not the same).

We found that "feature" to be a major advantage. If we set up a recording on one channel, then discover a better show on a different channel, we just change ZAT's channel - Tivo doesn't care, it just records what's coming thru Ch. 3!

In sum, ZAT offers an important feature (Event Timers) most CECBs lack. But ZAT seems fragile and, most important, unpredictable. $0's a great bargain, but not if it's untrustworthy. I hope ZAT settles down and becomes reliable (fingers crossed).

ZAT970A vs. DTVPal notes, December 31, 2008
A few notes about the differences:

Most importantly, the ZAT970A has an 8 event capacity, while the DTVPal has only 5 available events, a piece of information not available in the manual nor anywhere else, even on the Dish website. I wouldn't have bought it had I known. This is nearly as boneheaded as the rest of the available CECB boxes, which have none.

I have not found any notable reception differences between the two boxes; both have good sensitivity for the available stations within 30 miles. I am using a multiple antenna setup with amplifiers the same one I used for analog reception (necessary to pull in the furthest station), feeding 4 VCRs, 2 TVs, and one DVD recorder. For all stations, the signal strength and quality exceed 90% on either box.

The DTVPal's on-screen guide is far superior to the ZAT970A's, but still no great shakes; for serious time-shifters, the online TV Guide website is still a necessity. It should be noted that the DTVPal guide is also superior to the guide on the $180 (retail) Samsung HD receiver I bought to view live HDTV on my ~ 4 yr. old Samsung HDTV-ready (hah!) 32" CRT style 16:9 flat screen.

I haven't noticed any problems yet with the time settings, both are set to automatic Eastern time. Since I got them after the time change, any DST problems will show up next year.

The DTVPal remote is easier to use due to it's larger button size, but the buttons on the ZAT970A remote are not as small as some remotes I have had to use.

The DTVPal manual has larger print and illustrations, and is more thorough; the ZAT970A manual notes that to enter the Service Mode Menu to correct certain problems, the dealer should be contacted. This is a feat that will be difficult to accomplish since it is not sold in brick&mortar locations in most of the country.

Zinwell ZAT-970A Digital-to-Analog Converter Box, December 12, 2008
I chose the ZAT-970A for use with an analog VCR, since it provides for the setting of up to 8 timers. So far it has worked fine for that purpose, although I've not tested it extensively. The programming of a timer is somewhat unusual in that the start time is based on a 24 hour clock and no end time is requested; therefore, the box does not shut off at the conclusion of a timed event. (I've read that a ZAT-970A with more recent software utilizes AM/PM instead of a 24 hour clock.) Basically this converter box works well. The tuner detects the same stations as a Zenith DTT901 and has good picture quality. I chose it over the only other converter box with timers that qualifies for a government coupon.

Zinwell ZAT-970A falls short!, July 28, 2009
I have two Zinwell ZAT-970A units, and I'm having problems with both of them. The reason I bought them is because they can be programmed to pass programs to my VCR's.

There are many problems;

1. They do not always pass a good signal. My home has a TV antenna, with a signal booster, in the attic. On my main set-up, I have a splitter attached to my coaxial antenna cable. One signal goes to a Insignia Converter box which then goes to a A/B switch and then to the TV. This works fine. I need this set-up because we will often want to tape a show while watching another show at the same time.

The second signal goes to my Zinwell ZAT-970A unit, then to my VCR. The VCR is connected to the A/B Switch which then goes to the TV.

My problem is that my Zinwell units will, quite often, scramble the signal, sometimes for a half hour or more. It will also say "BAD SIGNAL" or "NO SIGNAL". At first, I thought I had a problem with my antenna set-up. But then I found out that, after switching over to the Insignia converter, the reception is fine...the Insignia box is not having any trouble with the signal quality or strength on any channel.

2. Once the Zinwell converter box has encountered what it thinks is a bad signal, everything is out of sync. Even if the picture clears up, the sound and the picture no longer match. The sound lags by 3 or 4 seconds. If this happens while you are watching, you have to power the unit off and on to get it back in sync. If it happens while you are recording a program, you are out of luck.

3. Another annoying habit that the Zinwell units have is that, every once in a while it will not start recording the program (channel) you programmed, it will jump to the last channel in your channel list and pass that channel to the VCR. Then, when you get home, surprise surprise, you have a recording of some obscure show, on a channel you never heard of.

4. We use closed captioning a lot. When you play back a program you recorded through the Zinwell box, the closed captioning is totally scrambled.

I purchased these units back when the initial HDTV switch was supposed to happen in January so my warranty may now be in question, but I need to get these issues resolved before the new season begins.

I have tried their Customer Service number 1-866-444-3739 many, many, many times. I have never been able to connect with anyone at their "CUSTOMER SERVICE" or "TECHNICAL SUPPORT" extensions, EVER. Go ahead, you try them. Do it BEFORE you buy. I sent emails to the two addresses they list on their web site. No answers so far. Are they still in business???????

Works as advertised!, February 2, 2009
I was looking for a converter box that I could use with my DVR/DVD recorder, since very few recorders of this type are available with an ATSC (digital) tuner. I found nothing comparable to my Panasonic DVD recorder with built in Hard Drive. You program your DVR to record at the desired time and then program the Zinwell ZAT-970A to come on at the that same time. If you want to change stations at a later time, you simply program another start time into the Zinwell ZAT-970A. (You can program up to 8 start times) The only drawback is that you cannot program an end time. However you set the overall run time for how long you want the unit to stay on and it will turn itself off after that amount of time. (I chose 2 hours) Since your DVR will stop recording at the end of it's program, leaving the converter box on longer doesn't pose a problem. (actually this is not so bad. you don't have to set a stop time in the Zinwell program) To be able to watch a different show than the one recording, I simply put an RF splitter on the coax cable coming in from the antenna then used the two outputs from the splitter for the TV and converter box. The unit has a video output that I use an the input to my DVR and recording quality, although not high definition, is very good.

The bottom line: It does everything that I want and saved me hundreds of dollars on a new DVR. I am purchasing another one for my DVD recorder that I have in my bedroom. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Digital-analog converter box enables analog TVs and digital ready TVs to receive free, off-air UHF and VHF eigital images. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Say goodbye to analog hiss and distortion, and hello to the diamond-sharp digital sound of HD Radio. With an ever-growing range of exciting new channels and program formats to choose from, HD Radio represents the future of free-to-air radio. And what better way to access this audio goldmine than with the UP-HT1 HD Radio tuner? The UP-HT1 sends high-quality digital audio via a single cable to your compatible Onkyo receiver’s Universal Port*. The same convenient cable also powers the tuner unit, saving on cable clutter. The tuner features 40 random presets for FM and AM stations, so there’s never any shortage of entertainment. Lastly, a rear-side Universal Port input gives you the option of “daisy chaining” a second compatible device, such as the new UP-A1 Onkyo Dock for the iPod.*Compatible models: TX-SR507, TX-SR577, TX-SR607, and later models from Onkyo’s 2009 A/V receiver range. ... Read more

Reviews

Does what it is supposed to do!!!!!!!!!!!!!, January 2, 2010
Hooked up easily.
Display is cool.
Even does OSD.
Pricey but works great.

Works, April 20, 2010
Works, but tuner seems a little weak. Stations I listened to regularly with the receiver's built in tuner drop out a lot with the HD tuner.

Worth it if you love radio and sound quality, December 5, 2010
This product has a really low star review for no reason except people can't objectively review something. (see rant below review)

It works and works great. The sound quality is amazing, like listening to radio on CD. If you are an NPR listener and your station supports HD, get this! It works, works well with the receiver I have and I have the Onkyo Ipod dock plugged into it too, (which also works flawlessly)

My only caution is to buy a powered external antenna ( I have a Terk that's a few years old). Most receivers will not pick up well enough for HD with the awful FM antenna (aerial to some) supplied, especially if you are far from the source. You've spent the money for an Onkyo HD Tuner, so buy an extra antenna. Hint: Many old TV "Rabbit Ears" will work, new or old.

Overall, a good investment if you like radio and like it clear. Yes, it's pricey, but think it was worth it. Get a good external antenna and you won't be disappointed.

Now, for the rant:

First off, don't give an item a bad review if it's DOA. Send it back, get a new one and then review it. Sometimes, you get a lemon, whether it's a car, appliance or an HD tuner! Yes, it's disappointing, but it happens. Make sure it works with your system before you buy it, the description lists which receivers it works with. If your situation doesn't allow you to return it, that's not the fault of the product, so don't give it a bad rating.

Sorry, had to get that out.

Onkyo UP-HT1 HD Radio, June 28, 2010
Did not work with my Onkyo receiver; had to return the item. On the up side: the return process with Amazon was wonderful. I provided the necessary documentation and followed the steps outlined on Amazon.com re: how to return an item, and the return went VERY smooth.

DOA, December 12, 2009
I got this device and it was dead on arrival. I did contact Crutchfield and they offered to make it right, but due to being hospitalized, I have not been able too. I am just now able to write the review.
Anyway, the people at Crutchfield seem very eager to want to help, so I can't give them a bad review. ... Read more

Editorial Review

This Artec T3APR-T Digital to Analog Converter Box features analog pass-through for receiving analog signals. Works with TV Guide on screen/Guide plus+ Product. Tunes And decodes sll 18 approved ATSC DTV broadcast formats. CH3/4 RF output for conventional analog TV sets. Full operation by remote control. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Up to 30 FM and 30 AM Programmable Station Memories / Digital Tuning / Multifunction Screen / Clock and Timer / Remote Control ... Read more

Reviews

Fills a market niche for an affordable, user-friendly tuner, September 14, 2005
Per comments in the other review on this tuner, no, the tuner market hasn't disappeared, it's just fragmemented. The trend towards home theater has really hit the stereo component market, pretty much killing the low and middle end sections of it (the high end audio market is still going strong, with plenty of tuners in the $500+ range available).

That's what makes the Teac TR-670 interesting. A low cost component aimed at the universe of music lovers who (a) don't own $5,000 level systems but (b) have a reasonably decent component stereo system and view it primarly as a music, not theater audio source.

The good news beyond price?

Selectivity (the ability of a tuner to pick up a specific station without other nearby channels crowding into it) is darn good for a "cheap" tuner, and that's given the acid test I gave this in a suburb of New York where the FM band is crammed.

Overload rejection and image rejection were also good, another important consideration for a listener like me who lives close to some stations' transmitters (poorly designed tuners run into problems with these stations, with the latter crowding out all the other nearby signals).

Sensitivity (the ability of a tuner to pick up distant, weaker signals) is also surprisingly good; I was happily surprised to actually capture strong signals from some stations in Stamford, CT (a good 100 miles away) that I'd previously never heard!

Like the previous reviewer, I also appreciated all the programming and utility features of this tuner, which are numerous.

First, the tuner allows the use to pre-set 60 stations (30 in both the AM and FM bands), and is also capable of doing auto pre-set tuning, where the tuner scans either the entire AM or FM band, automatically adding the strongest 30 stations on each to the pre-set memory.

It also comes with a remote, which really changes the nature of listening (think about how the addition of the TV remote changed the way we all watch TV, and you'll understand what I mean). Both the tuner itself and the remote allow you to tune a number of ways, including "direct access" (where you punch in the numbers for the station you want, ergo "103.9"), or scanning through the pre-sets, or general scanning. And for those who want to literally curl up on the sofa and fall asleep (or wake up) to the sound of music, the built in clock on the tuner even has timer and sleep functions.

Now, anyones' experience with a particular tuner depends, to a large extent, on the reception conditions in their particular area, as well as their antenna setup (I use an outdoor, three-element FM rooftop antenna, the signals it captures are sent to the tuner through a 75 ohm coaxial cable. Yeah, putting it up was somewhat involved, but for those who really want the best possible signal for an FM radio, this is the way to go).

Or stated another way, the best audio equipment on earth isn't going to get you good FM stereo if you live in the middle of nowhere, hundreds of miles from strong signals (those in that sort of situation really need to look into satellite radio). But for those in urban/suburban and even ex-urban areas, who have component systems and are looking to add or update a tuner, this is a small investment in happiness - for the fun involved in hearing all the new or forgotten music that's still on the airwaves.

One other note: the TEAC cassette deck I purchased back in 1984 is still going strong (yep, I pull out old tapes now and then, the cassette format isn't dead yet), so I have the sense this company builds equipment that stands up. Not that wear and tear is an issue here; outside a few switches, a tuner like this has no moving parts (the things that inevitably wear out), but still, my prior positive experience with TEAC is a significant part of the reason I purchased this tuner.

Good tuner, decent price, November 28, 2004
My old tuner recently gave up the ghost, so I got the Teac R670. Can't argue with the price, and it works pretty well. AM and FM reception are both pretty decent, although FM is not nearly as good as my Tivoli Model Two radio. AM is much better than the Tivoli.

All the modern conveniences are here - digital tuning, auto presets, etc. These all function, although the "seek" tuning is kind of irritating. I'd be fine with a good, old-fashioned knob. Hooking it up is simple as could be - one line output, and some antenna connectors. It comes with an AM loop antenna and a typical 300-ohm "T" antenna and a convertor to 75-ohm coax. This seems to me more than adequate if it's in a good spot.

Near as I can tell, the tuner sounds fine. There's really not much chance that the limitiation in the system is the equipment - FM radio transmission is a weak point, and as long as you can accurately tune the station, it's probably going to sound the same no matter what tuner you get. For AM, of course, there's nothing to say, fidelity-wise. There's a reason they only play oldies and conservative talk.

The unit looks very nice with blackened brushed aluminum faceplate, and an electroluminescent display.

The one thing that really surprised me was the *size*. This thing, while standard width, is HUGE. It's a good 3" high. Given that more features get stuffed into car radios, I simply can't fathom the need for the super-giant box. My dad's Heathkit was smaller, and at least they had an excuse - because 12ax7 tubes were 2" tall! I fit it in my rack OK, but I was taken aback by the size, as the tuner it replaced was about 1" high.

i guess the idea of a separate component tuner has become a little passe' (when I went to Circuit City they had NO IDEA what I was talking about "no, not a receiver, a TUNER. And yes, I know you can get a tuner AND amplifier in the same box"), but that's what I needed, and it works. For $117 it's pretty hard to argue with.

What a first class tuner..first class company, November 21, 2006
First about TEAC...the company. Can you belive that there are actual people at TEAC who....hold your breath...actually pick up the phone and talk to customers? What a concept! Seriously, my first experience with TEAC was great. I had a tech question about the r670 tuner before buying it and was able to reach "Jimmy" from their consumer audio group who was very helpful and knew exactly what I was talking about with respect to my specific tech question (re: RDS function on this tuner). It's rare these days to deal with a company who doesnt seemingly outsource customer service straight away. Such a pleasure to deal with!

Now for the tuner itself. While I am new to component tuners, I still
appreciate good gear being an Adcom system owner for years. Sure, it's not super hi-fi, but it's still worlds above the basic junk out there. Only a few consumer level companies make higher level components these days (Pioneer Elite, Onkyo Integra, etc.) and TEAC seems to be on par with these players. Once again, they're not Krells or Mark Levinson's but still pretty good. First, right out the box, the tuner felt substantial. Solid face plate, simple design, nice buttons etc.,. The packing makes it suspended in the box away from all sides so there's little chance for anything to dent/damage the chassis during shipping. Of course, hooking up a tuner is very easy...antenna tuning/placement aside. I got it up and running and while I was skeptical that "a tuner is a tuner", this thing was impressive. Sure, radio technology is quite mature but most people are used to car radio, handheld radio or radios integrated into their receivers. What a difference a dedicated component makes. It's not CD/SACD/Vinyl audio quality but what can you expect. For radio, it's darn good.

Also, the manual that comes with it is...hold your breath again...printed on nice glossy, card-stock 8.5 x 11 paper written in perfect english. No flimsy untra-thin copier paper here. The instructions are clear and there are supporting pictures for setting the clock, timers, presets etc.

Unlike the Denon TU1500 that I was considering, this TEAC comes with a remote. The Denon does not come with one...how strange. Also, the Denon looks/feels like a $79, plastic component. While it may be technically superior (just a guess based on price) I wouldnt go near it for what it costs (look it up..it ain't cheap).

The only thing missing from the TEAC r670 (IMHO), is a singal strength meter. That would be a nice addition. Oh, and perhaps to have the technical manual available in PDF on their website. Aside from that, this unit is top class and sits well in a system full of dedicated components (amp, DAC, CD transport etc.)

It's so nice to take a break from CDs and Vinyl and listen to hassle-free music.

hands down the best $150 tuner EVER...., April 26, 2007
I recently had to have a minor repair on my NAD 4155ST which I bought for about $400 at least 15 years ago. Figuring it would give up the ghost sooner or later I went looking for a replacement....what a shock....tuners are few and far between now, so when I spotted the TEAC at less than $200 I figured at the very least it would serve as a stopgap until I could find something more appropriate. I've stopped looking. This unit is the functional equivalent of my NAD, has great reception, and appears to be built like a tank. I'm actually shocked about some of the "audiophile" features included without fanfare (gold plated RCA jacks for example) along with extensive programing and preset options THAT YOU DON'T HAVE TO USE IF YOU DON'T WANT TO. The tuner has a clock and built in timer system and can store 30 AM and 30 FM stations to memory if you want to get real geeky about it. It also incudes a functional remote. An excellent tuner...highly recommended.

Excellent performance at reasonable price, December 10, 2009
My SONY FM tuner developed lots noise in listening to stations, so I began searching a replacement. I was concerned if I could ever find a component tuner. I was very pleased to find this TEAC model at Amazon. The sound is superb with 30 preset stations! Personally I think it has really pushed the envelope with so many presets. It was easy to use and set up. I am very satisfied with its performance and its price.

Very pleased, April 8, 2008
Oddly enough I still like to tape certain shows off FM radio. Just got this tuner. Very simple setup. Very clear sound - but not harsh. Beats the tar out of my (admittely low priced) Pioneer receiver's tuner. I have owned nice equipment before (ex: Cambridge Audio). I decided I wanted a * good * (dammit) but affordable tuner. This exactly fits my needs.

Storing channels is a piece of cake. The remote is sort of a frill and a bonus at this point. It may be that I come to rely on it. Tuner has a sleep mode, hmmm could be useful for some. While there's no tuning strength meter, once you are on the exact frequency two different red indicators appear: Stereo, Tuned.

P.P.S. If you want to rack mount it, I think there's rack mount ears available separately for it. Either that or you can buy one of those Middle Atlantic rack trays and take the feet off the unit, vecro the bottom of it to the tray - it works. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Supports either Bitstream or LPCMPlease note this will NOT convert Dolby.Our Digital to Analog Decoder takes audio encoded Digital Signal from your multichannel S/PDIF or TOSLINK digital audio source and converts it to L/R (Red and White Jack) analog audio -- without the need for any other external equipment! Features:- Converts S/PDIF or TOSLINK digital audio to L/R analog audio or 3.5mm Jack for Headphones- Digital interpolation filter and digital to analog converter (DAC)- Supports up to 6 channels (up to 5.1 Surround) of audio encoded digital audio- Frequency response : 44.1 - 192KHz Sample rate24-bit incoming bit stream on left and right channels- Allows listening to digital audio sources on legacy analog sound systems- Compact and easy to install PLEASE READ ------Questions and AnswersQ. Will this device convert Dolby Digital?A. No it will not convert Dolby Digital but on a lot of products you can change the settings. Let me explain. The most common problem we have seen is a change in setting on your device your trying to decode. As advertised this device converts LPCM is Linear Pulse Code Modulation, which is a method of encoding audio information digitally. Sometimes we have seen that customer have their systems set to Dolby Digital. THIS SETTING MUST BE CHANGEDon the device your trying to convert. PLEASE CHECK THIS BEFORE YOU ORDER.Most of DVD players and other devices support LPCM or other setting. You need to get into the menu of the device and adjust Dolby Digital to LPCM or other by using Remote control in most cases.Please check this before you order. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Digital converter boxes receive over-the-air digital TV broadcasts for viewing on TVs that do not have built-in digital tuners. If you wish to keep using your analog TV set, you must purchase a digital converter box. Digital converter boxes are available at Wal-Mart stores nationwide.This box receives over-the-air digital TV broadcasts for viewing on a TV that does not have a built-in digital (ATSC) tuner. Additional features include a trilingual on-screen display, audio/video output, antenna input (F-type connector), and remote control. ... Read more

Reviews

Decent Converter Box, February 2, 2009
Worked fine till it got a year old then stopped working all together. Usually I prefer my electronic devices to work longer than that. Call me crazy I guess.

D2A Box, October 17, 2009
It works. To get the same results attach antenna to the input and connect to TV via the output. Put batteries in the remote. Then plug the box into a hot wall plug. Box and TV must be on at the same time.

Magnavox TB110MW9 is a pile of JUNK!!!, September 1, 2009
I bought this as a gift for my daughter and her husband who have an old tv and are saving money by not having cable. I couldn't find one is a store locally.
They tell me it was easy to set up and now they get 6 channels. I bought a simple TV antenna at the same time and they tell me they work well together.

Won't pick up stations that my old box did..., September 11, 2010
Won't pick up stations that my old box did...even with a good antenna. No volume control. Would buy a different model/brand if I had to do it again. ... Read more

Editorial Review

How It Works - A coaxial or optical audio output on your digital audio source connects into the input on the Digital to Analog Decoder. Just plug in either a Coaxial (spdif) cable or a Toslink (optical) cable to the input side. The Decoder is connected to the included power supply. Analog RCA (Red and White RCA Cables) connectors on the Decoder output L/R analog audio to your stereo or input of your device.This type of device is also know as a D to A converter.Please note that Cables are not Included: Installation is easy -Simply run a short extension cable from an available digital audio output jack on your digital source device to the same type of digital input on the Converter. Then hook up your analog RCA-style left and right (red white) cables to the Converter's analog RCA jack outputs and plug in the converter and power up all equipment. That's it your done!Package Includes: (1) Digital to Analog Audio Converter (1) 12V DC Power Supply (1) Instruction Sheet Please note installation cables are not included.Note: This a one way directional digital to analog converter.PLEASE READ ------Questions and AnswersQ. Will this device convert Dolby Digital?A. No it will not convert Dolby Digital but on a lot of products you can change the settings. Let me explain. The most common problem we have seen is a change in setting on your device your trying to decode. As advertised this device converts LPCM is Linear Pulse Code Modulation, which is a method of encoding audio information digitally. Sometimes we have seen that customer have their systems set to Dolby Digital. THIS SETTING MUST BE CHANGEDon the device your trying to convert. PLEASE CHECK THIS BEFORE YOU ORDER.Most of DVD players and other devices support LPCM or other setting. You need to get into the menu of the device and adjust Dolby Digital to LPCM or other by using Remote control in most cases.Please check this before you order. ... Read more

Editorial Review

How It Works - RCA (Red and White RCA Cables) connectors from the audio output on your stereo or other output device connects into the input on the Analog to Digital Decoder. Just plug in RCA (Red and White RCA Cables) connectors to the input side. The Decoder is connected to the included power supply. Connect a Coaxial (spdif) cable or a Toslink (optical) cable connector on the Decoder output to your output device. This type of device is also know as a A to D converter. Please note that Cables are not Included: Installation is easy Simply hook up your analog RCA-style left and right (red white) cables from your stereo to the Converter's analog RCA jack Inputs.Run a short extension cable from an available digital audio input jack on your digital device to the same type of digital output on the Converter. Plug in the converter and power up all equipment. That's it your done! Package Includes: (1) Analog to Digital Audio Converter (1) 12V DC Power Supply (1) Instruction Sheet Please note installation cables are not included. Note: This a one way directional analog to digital converter. ... Read more

Editorial Review

HDT-1 HD/AM/FM Radio component Tuner adds HD Radio Technology to your Home Theater System with graphic LCD display, Program Associated Data Services, Display indicates call sign, channel frequency, data rate, radio text, audio mode, service mode, signal quality, signal strength, IR Remote Control, Line-out ... Read more

Reviews

Sangean HDT-1 is a winner, December 20, 2006
I like the HDT-1, it's easy to set up and use, I like it's high tech industrial design, I love the blue display, it looks like my satellite receiver. On stations that are not using the Ibiquity format (HD Radio), it will read the RDS data employed by many broadcasters. It's conventional AM and FM reception is good compared to other AM/FM tuners in it's price range, but it's HD reception is only adequate, at this juncture, there are no other HD tuners in this price range. I tested the HDT-1 tuner in a metropolitan area and it quickly located dozens of HD stations on the FM band and a few in the AM band. Not every market has a lot of HD station, check before buying an HD tuner. If you do not live in a metropolitan area, near the HD station, reception will be spotty and will require a roof top antenna, the included AM and FM antennae are for local reception only. When the HD signal is weak, the tuner switches to regular analog demodulation, where I live, 65 miles away from most of the transmitters, I only get four stations solidly in HD, and I have a good attic antenna system.

Please don't consider HD Radio High Definition, it is NOT high definition, it is a digital format that means terrestrial radio broadcasters may employ multi-casting, more than one program stream on the same frequency, and that's very cool. HD radio may provide a cleaner signal with no hiss on moderately weak stations. The audio is not CD quality but it's quite good, it employs MPEG encoding, it sounds like an iPod, if that's all you've heard, HD Radio is fine. MPEG is also used on satellite radio, it's the reason they can cram so much in a narrow band.

The following is an addendum to my original review.

The following contains some techno gibberish, don't sweat it, it won't hurt. The HDT-1 outperforms all my previous FM tuners, it hears stations my other tuners can't. Buried in the Info menu is a Signal Strength Indicator ( helps aiming your antenna! ), a Bit Error Rate display and a Carrier to Noise display all very interesting. I have found reception varies day to day, I now receive as many as 10 HD FM signals, on bad days only 4, HD Radio propagation is a very complex issue that taxes many Engineers, NPR's engineering department has posted some interesting data on that topic.

Some folks are suggesting things they want to add, though a TOSLINK output would be nice, I believe it is an imperative that Sangean add the ability to manually toggle HD demodulation since marginal signals bounce between the HD stream and analog, very annoying sometimes. End of dweeb rant.

Bottom line, this is a fine product, the Sangean HDT-1 is a winner.

Fantastic Tuner but Audiophiles beware, February 23, 2007
I had been researching HD Radio for some time and was eager to hear it but since no retail store seems to be able to actually demo the technology, I decided to purchase the HDT-1 from Amazon. Great price.

First off Amazon delivered the tuner in two business days - great job. The HDT-1 is easy to set up, simple to use and nice to look at. The remote works well. I have not noticed the problem with the display being too bright although I have noticed the clock lagging behind. Not a big deal.

As for the technology, the tuner tunes beautifully. I live outside of Washington DC in the Maryland suburbs and have had no trouble picking up all of the area radio stations and all with the strongest signal and in HD. There are lots of HD channels and secondary channels and virtually all of them come in with the strongest signal using the supplied antenna. As a comparison, the smooth jazz channel was inaudible on my regular stereo tuner but was crystal clear on the Sangean. This is a great piece of technology. But,

As for sound quality, I was concerned about the compression codecs used in this technology. I had read that HD radio encodes at 96kps and frankly this is what it sounds like. While crystal clear, the music is a bit dull and lacking in energy. It certainly is not "CD quality." In my opinion, 96kps is too much compression for someone who is into sound quality. I typically download my music at 256kps if not 320kps and there simply is no comparison in the quality of the mp3's streaming from ITunes wirelessly to the stereo and the HD radio direct connection. The mp3's encoded at 256 or above are far superior in sound quality to the songs encoded for HD radio. This is the unfortunate truth about HD Radio. At this point, while it is superior to satellite radio in sound quality, it is not ready for prime time audiophiles.

So, the Sangean HDT-1, while a great tuner, can only reproduce the quality of the radio source that goes into it. Thus, Audiophiles beware.

AT Last... An Affordable HD Tuner !, February 1, 2007
This is the first affordable tuner on the market that makes use of a new DIGITAL broadcasting system, developed by Ibiquity Digital. In a nutshell, local FM and AM stations can now broadcast a digital signal along with their analog signal. The digital transmission "fixes" a couple of long-standing reception problems, i.e. "multipath" distortion on FM and "static" and noise on AM. In addition, AM can be broadcast in stereo using this system. Additional information such as song title/artist etc. and Secondary channels may also be transmitted. For more info on this system visit Ibiqitys' website.

In the Portland area, for example, there are now 12 FM stations and 2 AM stations already transmitting in HD digital, and 9 of the FMs transmit a (for now, commercial free) secondary channel. See the Ibiquity website to obtain a list of stations transmitting in digital in your area. In addition, there is now a HD station in Eugene (slightly over 100 miles away) that I can receive in HD about 80% of the time (using an outside FM antenna). KZEL (96.1) is the FIRST non-Portland HD station in Oregon.

I have had the Boston Acoustics "receptor" table model for almost a year. While the receptor is a fine table radio, I really wanted a tuner to plug into my audio system. The HDT-1 is a perfect choice for this application. This tuner is very selective and sensitive. Remember, however that due to FCC restrictions, the transmitted power of the FM HD signal is only 1/100 of that of its "host" frequency, so tuner sensitivity and a decent antenna are both important in receiving HD signals.

Sangean HDT-1 tuner does a fine job of decoding the HD signals, including the secondary channels. When a station is selected, the normal analog signal is first heard for a few seconds, while the digital "buffer" is filled. When the radio switches over to digital, the improvement in reception is many times quite dramatic.

AM reception is not as good as it could be, but IMHO, it is better than the AM reception on the BA receptor. An external antenna can improve this. If the AM reception were slightly better, I would upgrade to 4.5 stars rating. In addition to AM HD Stereo, my HDT-1 DOES seem to support the old analog Motorola C-Quam AM stereo, at least I hear something that sounds like stereo on one station in Portland that is still using this system (KBPS-AM 1450).

Very good for the price, December 28, 2006
I'm impressed with HD Radio so far, and especially the HDT-1... Especially for the price. Features are plentiful, though there are a couple I'd like to see; specifically,
1. Digital output. The on-board digital-analog conversion is OK, and no where near as good as that found in most decent receivers or preamps. (Someone at Sangean told me this will be featured in the next tuner - due out around September, 2007). Also, the analog output seems "hot". A local classical station's (KUSC) HD feed breaks up at higher frequencies, and my speculation is that the output is overdriving the inputs to my Rotel preamp.
2. Preset scan. Geez, they've got so many other scan modes, but they missed this one!
3. Direct preset access - instead of having to press "preset" followed by a number (where a preset station is located).
4. A display dimmer! I know someone else already mentioned this... Man that thing is bright! Good news is that the display is very informative, and cool in blue. Note that turning down the contrast does help a bit.
5. Discrete ON and OFF commands. This is helpful if you use a learning remote control that uses macro-sequences. A toggling power button, as included on the HDT-1, is less than ideal.
Besides the above wish-list changes/additions, I think the HDT-1 is a hit. The secondary stations available in the LA area make FM worth listening to again. Now my wife is asking about adding HD to our cars...

An interesting tuner with outstanding selectivity., March 10, 2007
The HDT-1 is certainly an interesting and somewhat versatile product. The interior chassis is composed of two modules, one for signal processing and the other for power - taking about 1/10 the volume inside the empty cabinet. The exterior has a bluish-purple lcd display which is not dimmable and has a digital clock which does not keep accurate time as it is not locked to the 60HZ line frequency. There are direct entry buttons and 20 memory presets for AM and 20 for FM.The signal strength meter is almost useless as it varies with modulation on the analog stations.The C/N ratio feature on digital FM is a valuable feature and works well to determine antenna placement. The remote is very small and thin but can easily become lost in the chair cushion.

Now to the actual performance. There is a very strong blend imposed on any but the best signals which causes a great loss in separation but a clear signal which approaches mono in analog. The sensitivity is good but the unit definitely overloads easily in the presence of strong local signals - correctable with a variable L-pad but at a loss of ultimate sensitivity. The selectivity is simply outstanding as a very weak distant station can easily be heard just .2 MHZ or adjacent to a local. If you are looking to receive a weak station in a crowded station environment then this tuner is for you. I can receive a station 300 miles away with NO interference by an adjacent local. This is more than I can do with my two professional tuners on very narrow bandwith. This feature alone has sold me on this tuner.

The audio output is VERY high, far above the 600mv standard and it might overload some preamps. This makes comparison difficult as the audio is 2-3X louder than other components. The tuner automatically indicates the presence of HD signal on AM and FM but requires several seconds to load the digital buffer. The HD signal is better on some stations with improved separation and upper frequencies but on a few it is worse. It would be assumed that broadcasting quality in HD varies a great deal among stations but that the tuner is doing a good job in the expansion process. It definitely sounds better than satellite radio but it does not reflect the ads which indicate CD quality. Long distance stations frequently do not stay locked in HD, and if you are on HD-2 or HD-3 station, it falls back to analog and reloads on HD-1 - a great annoyance. The tuner has many display options and even an audio spectrum. None of the features have a detailed explanation in the instructions.
What would I like to see on this unit? I would like an optical output, a blend and high cut switch so I could make that decision on a weaker signal, a clock that keeps time or no time display at all, a more normal size remote, 30 presets on FM and 10 on AM if I am limited to a number and an AM stereo HD that really works - this one sounds poorly. DO not try to listen to a digital unit and a regular tuner at the same time as there is always delay in the digital processing.

I believe this tuner has many good features for the price of $199.00. It is definitely the most selective tuner I own - better than my Kenwood KT-9900 and Yamaha TX-950. Sure, there are always changes we would like but I am sure that a low price point was important to Sangean and I believe they made wise compromises except for the non-defeatable auto blend.

Good value, awkward controls, February 1, 2007
The original tuner that I bought from Amazon was apparently defective because it exhibited high distortion and a long delay in the sound. This was painfully obvious when another FM was turned on in a nearby room. Sangean kindly sent me another tuner which worked much better, and only exhibited a very slight delay. The slight delay in the sound could be annoying to families which tune to the same station in adjacent rooms, as it sounds like an echo.

The sound of the replacement unit was very similar to my NAD 4150. The local NPR station (KUHF) apparentely broadcast with more energy in the top high audio frequencies than they did on the regular FM signal. However when closely comparing HD with regular FM the HD had a subtle distortion and a very slightly more vague stereo image. I can not say if this is due to the station, the tuner, or to the HD format. The audible noise in HD was very similar in HD and regular FM. This is probably because of the signal processing by the local station. The Sangean did have excellent reception from the supplied look antenna while my regular FM tuner needs a directional roof antenna to get rid of multipath distortion. So the Sangean should be just the ticket in bad reception locations.

The clock does not keep time when the power is remotely tuned off, and the bright display might be obtrusive in a bedroom. There is no way do defeat the HD and listen just in FM. I found tuning between HD-1 and HD-2 awkward because it accomplished by the tuning button, but some may like it. Also the station selection buttons must be preceeded by an extra button push, which is also awkward. The box is fairly high, and it would have been nice to have a thinner one, as it is mainly empty space inside.

If the sound had been noticably better on the station that I listen to most, or the box had been much thinner, I probably would have kept the unit. Users with lower quality FM tuners or who are in poor locations will probably love the quality of the Sangean. The inclusion of extra channels on FM is also a plus, but they may degrade the sound on the primary HD-1 channel. The cost is quite low for a tuner capable of this quality of performance. But, I will wait until some of the transmission bugs are fixed before I consider buying again.

Excellent HD receiver!, May 8, 2007
Despite some of the flaws mentioned in other reviews concerning surfing through preset stations (that is a mechanical issue; an inconvenience), this HD receiver is excellent. Its sensitivity and capture of HD radio signals is superb. I live 50 miles north of NYC in high terrain and I still receive some of the HD stations locked in! I am using an indoor whip antenna (a marine antenna half the cost of the popular FM whip antenna) routed through a Magnum Signal Sleuth which amplifies, hones in and locks in the HD signal. Many say that amplification does harm to the HD signal and degrades it. Well if I did not have the Signal Sleuth I would not be able to listen to any HD station with perhaps one exception!! I would say that this setup is not perfect but reliable. I receive about 5 HD stations which in turn have "extra" stations HD2, HD3 daisy chained with a fair variety of musical format.
What makes me really like this Sangean is that when I turn off the amplification of the Signal Sleuth I am able to pick up yet another NYC HD station! This receiver is that sensitive with an excellent capture ratio. As far as the output being too loud for your receiver, I have not had that happen to me -- the sound level is normal! HD stations sound like "cd" quality and even the regular FM analog signals are clearer and cleaner than through a regular FM receiver. I also have found new FM stations that I did not receive before on my other radios -- I pull stations from CT and NJ and Long Island, too without distortion. To say the least, I am very happy with this receiver and I do own another product Radiosophy's MultiStream HD radio which is also very good but not as good as the Sangean! Go for it you won't be disappointed!!!

Sounds good and works very well, December 19, 2006
I recently bought the Sangean at a local store. So far I am very pleased. The Sangean sounds surprisingly good, considering the modest price. Using the supplied dipole antenna, I am able to cleanly tune 27 of the 31 HD channels available in the Houston area.

What I am hearing on the HD channels is a definite improvement over standard FM, although it falls significantly short of "CD quality". I don't have satellite radio, but suspect the quality of HD radio may be comparable. I hear significant differences in sound quality among the various HD stations. The bottom line is that I find HD radio fine for background listening, and I appreciate having classical music available at almost any time. The Sangean tuner has good sound quality and works well, but I would not use it for serious listening at higher volume levels. When you turn up the volume, the shortcomings of the format become evident.

Sangean HDT1 is the best tuner on the market, adds new digital life to an old stereo system!, February 2, 2007
This tuner will amaze you. It outdoes any audiophile tuner made. The selectivity and sensitivity are outstanding. You will pick up stations you never knew existed. Then you will pick up the second and third channels of new digital audio. No noise no interference from close stations!

This component tuner has brought new life to my living room. I can sit across the room and not only hear a new sound, but see it too. The Sangean has a cool large blue display, so that I can see station information, song title, and artist. The thing even has RDS text for regular analog FM stations. The remote control allows me to move up and down the band, seek all stations, or seek just the ones that have the extra HD channels.

Want a second opinion? check the on-line forums for the topic "HD radio", like AVS or Yahoo FM tuners. You will see that the tech heads are battling it out over the specs this tuner presents to their test equipment. No one can believe they get all of this technology for $ 199.99. The Sangean HDT1 even has a frequency spectrum display. My favorite screen on the display is the numeric signal strength meter, now I can aim my antenna with precision.

You won't be dissapointed with this tuner. You will truly be amazed. Can't wait till Sangean adds HD to one of their large portables.

Good tuner. Needs good antenna., March 14, 2007
As this is the only component HD radio currently available, you're either going to get it or you won't.

When the HD signal is strong, the sound quality is very good -- wide dynamic range and very little noise. If the signal is weak, then the tuner will switch between analog and digital versions of the signal, which is disconcerting as the acoustic "image" widens for HD and narrows for analog FM. To deal with this I would have prefered a way of telling the system to ignore HD signals below a certain signal strength. ... Read more

Editorial Review

This rack-mount digital tuner does one thing, and does it well: tuning AM/FM. Store up to 60 presets. Auto-scan through high-strength signal stations. Clock display shows you the time. You can even set a time for this unit to automatically turn on and off – perfect as an alarm or for the workplace. Includes a fully functional remote control. This unit runs on 110 or 220 V. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Samsung brings you great flexibility for delivering FREE over-the-air digital television signals to a DTVready television or DTV-capable computer monitors. Award-winning Samsung technology easily tunes and decodes all 18 ATSC Table 3 broadcast formats. With the Samsung DTB-H260F, you can view HDTV, SDTV, and listen to Dolby(R) Digital 2.0 stereo or Dolby(R) Digital 5.1 surround audio through your audio system. Samsung solves output worries with a wide selection of output options including 1080i, 720p or 480p/i DTV formats, and connection options including HDMI (1), Component (1),Composite (1), Audio-Right/Left, Dolby(R) Digital Optical. Attractive styling and affordable pricing make the Samsung DTB-H260F a perfect solution. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Digital converter boxes receive over-the-air digital TV broadcasts for viewing on TVs that do not have built-in digital tuners. If you wish to keep using your analog TV set, you must purchase a digital converter box. Digital converter boxes are available at Wal-Mart stores nationwide. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Designed for Samsung or any other HDTV ready TV monitor / Provides latest HDTV tuning capabilities ... Read more

Editorial Review

Guitar, Chromatic and bass tuner.
Compact and slim body for mostly portable use.
Wide screen LCD simulates a tuning meter. Easy-To-Read LCD meter acts like a real tuning meter: clearly shows how sharp or flat you are in cents.
Automatic power off - 3 minutes with no signal.
Powered by 2 AAA Batteries (Included) ... Read more

Editorial Review

The T-4555 multi-platform tuner gives you some tasty options, particularly if you're looking for the stunning quality of HD Radio or the eclectic programming of XM Satellite Radio and SIRIUS Satellite Radio. On any high-quality tuner, you want to protect the signal all the way from reception to output. That's why the T-4555 is housed in a robustly built chassis (with brushed aluminum finish) and graced with gold-plated audio outputs. Further accentuating sound quality, the T-4555 uses a high-quality transformer to promote signal purity.And thanks to its 12V triggers, RS232 port and IR inputs/outputs, the T-4555 can be integrated into the very best home entertainment systems. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Digital to Analog converter ... Read more

Reviews

Don't loose the remote!, July 7, 2009
The box works great, just don't loose the remote because there are no buttons on it. Power, channel, menu, etc....

Works well and antenna type matters, July 10, 2009
I bought the Magnavox converter box and have had no difficulties in using it with two of my TVs. As a matter of fact, the digital signal is better on my HDTV with the converter box than without due to the low antenna signal in my area. Like with many of the antennas and converter boxes, I am guessing that the quality depends on where you live and the strength of the over-the-air signal.

Magnavox TB100MG9, January 12, 2009
I purchased this converter box, Magnavox TB100MG9, but not from Amazon. It is good if you get a good signal but I much prefer the Insignia NS-DXA1-APT which is purchased from Best Buy as it is their brand. The analog-pass-thru for the Magnavox sucks big time, not important after the February 17th 2009 switchover but you may as well say that there is NO analog-pass-thru on this box as it sucks that much. The Insignia model has far better analog-pass-thru, almost as good as the box not being there. The Insignia costs around $10 more at Best Buy but in my opinion, it is worth it.

Not great, June 19, 2009
I purchased two of these converter boxes. I would not recommend them to any friends. One is for my kitchen TV that is using a very large outside antenna, the other in my craft room, using a `rabbit ear' antenna, purchased from Radio Shack. Neither of the TV's is useful anymore. They do not hold a signal and at best only two stations per TV. I called FCC and they said, after my description, it was the fault of the boxes. I called Magnavox to see what their solution would be. They are SURE it is NOT their converter boxes but the fault of the antennas. It's a good thing I got them with a coupon; I would be VERY upset if I had paid cash! Wish they could be useful as a paper weight or some sort of wall art; for sure they cannot be depended on for catching the new digital signals.

Decent converter box, August 11, 2009
I see some people had a lot of trouble with this unit, which makes me wonder about overall quality control. My experience was pretty positive. Setup was simple and my signal has been great. It's a no frills box: you have no buttons on the case, just on the remote (so don't lose it). You have five connectors on the back:

Audio Right
Audio Left
Composite Video
Ant In
Ant Out

The bad reviews would make me wary but I have nothing to complain about with mine.

Very good for the price, August 7, 2009
I got this product recently for the $40 its a great buy.TV signal around my place is not bad so i get all the possible channels .The only bad thing about this converter is that you can not see the programing guide for all the channls at the same time.But you can select the different time frames on individual channels . I would reccomend ...

Easy Setup! Great brand at a great price!, June 15, 2009
I didn't expect this product to be such a good buy at such a low price. I opened the box and less than 10 minutes later I was watching digital tv via my antenna. Everything is included and setup is quick and easy.

crap, June 20, 2009
I brought my box before the big change over and 1 day after the change over it stop working . Trying to talk or email Maxnavox about a replacment was and is a night mare. Please dont by the one's that Walmart sale you will be sorry!Buy any other brand but this one.

Magnavox converter works great, August 10, 2009
Was easy to set up out of the box. Instructions easy to follow. Works great. I would definitely recommend this unit.

Good for the price, September 20, 2009
This is a good value. Pros: Easy and quick set-up.
Con: Has a lower audio output for the RF connection. Using the RCA output corrects this problem. ... Read more

Editorial Review

The ST7001 continues the legendary Marantz tradition of tuner performance with a digitally-synthesized "front end" optimized for both high sensitivity and high selectivity. This makes the ST7001 a great choice for both urban and rural areas. The audio circuitry follows this same high-quality pattern with custom-selected parts in a meticulous layout to maximize signal quality while minimizing interference. In addition, the ST7001 boasts a wide variety of convenience features including 100-station programmability with custom naming to help you get to your favorite broadcasts easily. The sleep timer function lets you fall asleep to the station of your choice. The D-Bus connector and supplied remote control make this tuner a cinch to integrate with the most advanced custom designed systems. • XM-Ready (Connect and Play) • AM/FM Stereo Tuner • Triple IR Code Sets • Total 200 Station Pre-set Memory: 10 groups x 10 for AM/FM, 10 groups x 10 for XM • Editable Station Name • Discrete All XM channel codes • Dual Analog Audio Outputs • RS232C Connection for System Control • Direct IR Flasher Input • Detachable Power Code • Aluminum Front panel • Weekly Timer • Sleep Timer ... Read more

Reviews

I can't believe this is radio., September 16, 2009
I cannot believe this is radio.

I bought the Marantz ST7001 to fit into my hi-fi system after trying another, inexpensive digital tuner. My thought was to have the radio in the house sound as good as the radio in my car. I did not want to spend four figures on a radio component, which put Magnum Dynalab and Fanfare out of my league. I also did not want to make a hobby out of fussing with the technical details of radio. Thus, the many outstanding vintage tuners were of limited interest.

I did some research before buying this tuner. One important thing I learned was that antennas are important and that your tuner is only as good as its reception.

At the time of my decision I was aware of the following competitive mid-priced (under $500) component tuners available in the US market:

1. Marantz ST7001 - Reviewed as a little less detailed than some but with a fuller sound.

2. NAD C425 - Reviewed as highly detailed and transparent, a bit bright and thin sounding. This is consistent with what I have heard from NAD tuners.

3. Onkyo T-4555 Multi Platform Tuner - No meaningful review comments on sound quality, but reviews indicated lots of format capabilities. Sadly, they also indicated poor reliability and very bad customer service.

4. Yamaha TX-497 Natural Sound AM/FM Stereo Tuner - Only one review, which indicated an ordinary, cheap plastic tuner with ordinary sound.

5. Cambridge Audio 340T AM/FM Tuner - I know nothing about this tuner. I did not like the looks of it, and the absence of readily available comments from popular websites made me hesitate.

6. Denon TU-1500RD AM/FM Tuner - This is likely the closest competition to the Marantz, with one review indicating that they share some common parts. That review also indicated that the Denon is a little more detailed and has a less boomy bass, but at the expense of some warmth. I noticed that it is also has plastic panels. IMO Denon sometimes produces some very good equipment in its higher priced lines, this firm does not have the same reputation for audiophile candy that Marantz has.

7. Music Hall T25.2 AM/FM Tuner - I know nothing about this except that it is designed to aesthetically match the rest of the excellent Music Hall 25.2 system, and Music Hall is well regarded.

8. Jolida JD 402A AM/FM Tuner - Reviews indicated phenomenal potential for the knowledgeable person or the audiophile willing to swap tubes. As is consistent with Jolida's reputation in other components, there were some quality issues reported and the product was best suited to someone who doesn't mind tinkering a little bit. I mind.

Based on this research, it seemed to me that the Marantz had a premium look and well regarded sound. It was noteworthy enough to have been reviewed in several high-fi magazines in its native England, and several of the customer reviews from other tuners referred to this as a better choice, with comments like, `returned my whatever and bought the Marantz,' or `tuner X is hard to use, should be like the Marantz.' I got the impression that the Marantz had set an important standard for mid-priced tuners.

So, I bought one.

My initial efforts at antenna management have been imprecise. I connected a cheap, passive, wire type 300 ohm FM antenna (a fine example comes in the box). Then I crumpled it up, dropped it behind the credenza in a heap, and tuned in my local NPR station. NPR was broadcasting a recently recorded Dvorak symphony, and music filled the room like a CD. Instruments were precisely placed, I heard the weird fade you get in concert halls where it sounds like the walls are covered in blankets, and some dude coughed faintly to my right.

More importantly, I found the balance of the sound convincing and satisfying. When reception is good and the source broadcast is quality, this tuner sounds natural and open and full. Textures are rich and instruments sound like they should. I did not measure the sound with meters, but I have been to concerts and I know what live music sounds like. This sounds like that. Could I tell the difference with my eyes closed? Absolutely. But this radio cost less than a 6-concert pass at my local symphony orchestra ticket office.

I am totally happy with this tuner and consider it a significant bargain. The next step is to find a better antenna and really see what it can do.

RADIO!, September 6, 2008
FM tuners are an endangered species - there are very few available. It seems nobody listens to radio anymore, or there is not much demand for stand-alone high quality FM tuner components. The Marantz ST7001 has excellent FM reception and sound quality. It is also a very good looking tuner that is easy to use. I really like the rotary-dial that makes it easy to change stations. Almost all competing tuner have simply two push buttons for selecting the next/previous station. I have only two complaints about this tuner: First, it has only analog outputs, there is no optical digital connector. Second it cannot handle HD radio. (The $80 Sony XDRF1HD HD has a reception that is as good, if not better, than the ST7001 but it looks like a clock radio and has a horrible display/user interface.) In my view, Marantz should keep the excellent design and user interface (i.e., rotary dial) and add an optical port and HD Radio capability. ... Read more

Editorial Review

MODEL- IFM-PSPVENDOR- GRIFFIN TECHNOLOGYFEATURES- iFM Tuner for Sony PSPGive your PSP what it's missing -- Radio.iFM for PSP integrates FM radio tuning and a handy remote control ina tiny, unobtrusive enclosure. With iFM, your PSP becomes apowerful, portable stereo FM tuner with advanced features such asdigital auto station scan with wraparound and 6 station presets. ABand-Switch function allows switching between US, European, andJapanese FM bands for tuning anywhere in the world.iFM's large, easy-to-read LED makes tuning easy. The built-in pass- through port makes iFM convenient for headphones, and the belt clipmakes it convenient for carrying. Using the single button switch,listeners can enjoy their favorite FM stations or control musicright off their PSP. -- SPECIFICATIONs ------------------------------------TUNING RANGE - U.S.: 87.9 MHz ~ 107.9 MHz in 200kHz intervalsEuropean: 87.9 MHz ~ 108.0 MHz in 100kHz intervalsJapanese: 76.0 MHz ~ 90.0 MHz in 100kHz intervals FREQUENCY RESPONSE - 20Hz ~ 15kHz VOLUME STEPS - 16 MAX. OUTPUT POWER- 20mW each into 32 ohm speakers RF SENSITIVITY - 2uV MAX. SNR - 57 dB (Signal-to-Noise Ratio) STEREO SEPARATION- 27 dB HARMONIC DISTORTION- 0.4% MANUFACTURER WARRANTY:nbspnbsp1 YEAR MODEL- IFM-PSP VENDOR- GRIFFIN TECHNOLOGY FEATURES- iFM Tuner for Sony PSP Give your PSP what it's missing -- Radio. iFM for PSP integrates FM radio tuning and a handy remote control ina tiny, unobtrusive enclosure. With iFM, your PSP becomes apowerful, portable stereo FM tuner with advanced features such asdigital auto station scan with wraparound and 6 station presets. A ... Read more

Editorial Review

The Yamaha TX-497 Natural Sound AM/FM Stereo Tuner features direct phase-locked loop intermediate frequency count synthesizer tuning (PLL IF), which combines direct PLL tuning capabilities with a microprocessor-controlled IF count process to provide an exceptional lock onto stations and ensure a crystal-clear performance.The absolute linear phase IF amplifier maximizes interference rejection, phase linearity and stereo separation.The TX-497 also features 40-station AM/FM random access preset tuning, auto-search, multi-status station memory and a high-gain AW loop antenna. ... Read more