How long will we be able to buy ATSC-NTSC converter boxes?

[zenithfan1]

Thanks! I didn't even think of that. Last I remember, the book was a little dog eared and ripped anyway. Now to find that damn remote

[site123a]

Originally Posted by Ed in Tx

Only problem is, the shell housing of the remote is glued together, no clips or screws! So I had to bust the seams to get it open, and taped the damned thing back together after cleaning, which did restore full key functions.

If it's not too much trouble, could you post some photos of the remote's inside casing? I would like to take apart the remote control for my Insignia converter box, but I want to get a good idea where to start prying it apart so I can cause as little damage as possible... Thanks

[Ed in Tx]

Originally Posted by site123a

If it's not too much trouble, could you post some photos of the remote's inside casing? I would like to take apart the remote control for my Insignia converter box, but I want to get a good idea where to start prying it apart so I can cause as little damage as possible... Thanks

Start at the battery-end of the seam. On mine that area was not glued.

Here ya go with the picture ...

[Jeffhs]

I would suggest getting an All for One remote the next time you need to replace one, as I think the newer versions of these remotes have setup codes for ATSC->NTSC converter boxes. I have such a remote (an older one, pre-DTV) that uses one screw (inside the battery compartment) to hold it together; no glue anywhere--however, it will not operate both a VCR and a DVD player, so I haven't used it since getting my Memorex DVD over a year ago. By contrast, my GE universal that I use with my living-room video setup is glued together so well I'd be afraid to even try to pry it apart. Oh well. The thing only cost me $5 at Big Lots a couple years ago; at that price, it doesn't pay to mess with it when it goes bad or the buttons become intermittent.

[Zenith26kc20]

Now it's getting interesting to see how many "dead" OTA digital boxes are showing up. I just made two house calls for dead boxes. One was a Digital Stream and one was an Apex. I replaced them with Digital Stream boxes from "the shack". I took the Digital Stream apart and it is a ball grid array board so no chance of repairing it. Once these run out, ever wonder what next? I could use my 34 inch Sony to provide a signal to an RF modulator but it's OTA tuner is not as hot as most converter boxes.
From what I'm told, the boxes are not made anymore and when they are gone, they are gone. Any thoughts on this?

[Ed in Tx]

A quick search on ebay revealed over 160 DTV converters for sale. I have a couple new in the box. My two Zenith boxes have worked flawlessly so far. Probably a lot of people got one because of the coupon and never hooked it up, like the extra ones I have which were with coupons friends didn't use. After that, when all the remaining functional DTV boxes are selling as collector's items for many times their cost new (yeah right ) I reckon they expect most folks to have bought a TV with an ATSC tuner in it.

[rpm1200]

You can still get ATSC set-top boxes, they even output in HD, but they will cost more than the Coupon Eligible Convertor Boxes did:
http://www.samsung.com/us/consumer/t...ail&returnurl=

My first ATSC tuner was a Motorola HDT-100, first-generation HD STB, what a piece of junk, but I still use it. It came out before the CECBs were available.

[radiotvnut]

My two DS boxes that I bought when they first hit the shelves are still working OK, as is the Channel Master. I have a Magnavox (Funai) and an Apex stored away in the closet. That Apex gets hot enough to fry an egg on top of it; so, I wouldn't expect it to last long.

Radio Shack MAY still have the DS boxes; but, I think everyone else around here has stopped carrying them. So, we are getting to a point where ebay, some mail order outlets, yard sales, etc. will be the only place to find any such boxes.

Why are these being discontinued? I believe the answer is because they don't want you to continue using your old TV.

As for me, I need to obtain a few more decent boxes just in case I need them.

[electroking]

We in Canada will need them by august 31, 2011, so I hope somebody is
making/importing them...

[AUdubon5425]

I've noticed when the converter boxes pop up on Craigslist they seem to sell darn fast - haven't been quick enough to score one yet (for under $20).

[marty59]

Your local Radio Shack store may still have the Digital Stream model in stock...I just checked mine, as long as you don't mind paying the $59.95 for one!

[marty59]

I also went to the RS website and talked to a rep. For what it's worth, I was told that these are still being supplied by the manufacturer.

http://www.radioshack.com/family/ind...2032199&s=null

[NowhereMan 1966]

I have four myself, my aunt gave me the two she doesn't need since they got an HDTV last year. Three are in active service and one is in reserve. I have three Zenith DTT-900's and one DTT-901, the one in reserve is a DTT-900.

[pugs5061]

My Radio Shack just got a bunch of converter boxes in last week. Didn't catch the brand but I know they were $69.95 and not Apex. Probably Digital Stream but they are selling on Radio Shacks website for $59.95. I will update everyone after I ask for more info later in the week when I stop in.

[colorfixer]

The Walmarts near the borders in Canada have lots of them. They carry the magnavox branded funai product at $69 CAD each. The Walmarts in Washington State also have loads of them as well.