Basically forgot all about my coupons, now I have 14 days to decide. I'm not up on the current models. I'd like something that's reliable (failure reports of some models have been a little unnerving) and has good picture quality, especially with older TVs. Plus any features I should be aware of. Local availability would be a plus but not required.

Thoughts?

take a look here

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/electronics-computers/televisions/digital-tv-converter/ratings/dtv-converter-boxes-ratings.htm

The Zenith DTT900 is good IMO...have 2 of em, one isn't opened yet ! haha. No issues though .

So far, I have experience with two of them, the Digital Stream from Radio Shack and the RCA from Wal-Mart. Using the same type of antenna(common rabbit ears), the Digital Stream worked much better than the RCA. It costs $10 more, but from what I have seen so far, it is worth it.

I have had to reset the RCA after it quit receiving. In addition, in the same room of my house, the Digital Stream was receiving perfectly while the RCA was pixelating and cutting out. They were set to the same station using the same type of antenna.

I do not have experience with the other coupon eligible converters.

2 Zenith DTT-900's and a DTT-901 here, so far those are the only ones I've experienced but they are very good.

So far I have a Magnavox and a DigitalStream. The DS has more features and the analog pass-through is a worthy one.

I went to Circuit City :-) and bought two of the Zenith boxes with my coupons. Haven't mounted the energy to try either of 'em yet. In our deep-fringe suburban location -- well, I am only cautiously optimistic.