Give me thoughts on this converter box... (Access DTA-1010) - Videokarma.org TV - Video

Carmine · #1 06-21-2008, 08:33 PM

My dad chose this one to burn his coupons on, after some research. I haven't heard it mentioned on this site, but wanted to get your thoughts and give my review. It's from a local chain (ABC Warehouse) not a big-box.

Performance: I guess it gets whatever should be "available" in my area. Basically all the digital channels from the Detroit area. I live about 10 miles from most of the towers, but I get Toledo, OH pretty decent with my smallish rooftop antenna, not at all on digital.

Features: Several different screen modes; zoom, wide, cinema (?) and "normal". Most of this seems useless to me, but at least I can get rid of letterboxing on whatever channel decides to do that in the future. It has an on-screen signal meter, for whatever that's worth. (Lets me know when to expect the signal to disappear I guess?) Controlling volume on non-remote sets is nice. It has RCA and 75ohm outputs... I like that. Do all converter boxes have this feature? I think some do not.

Interference with set: Plenty if box is placed on top of the set as designed! Goes away if I move it. Nice job there!

Design: Looks "ok" I guess. Constant red LED when off is annoying. (Green when on) Remote design is typical Chinese-third world in that the keypad does not put the "0" key below the "8", so if you've gotten used to selecting channel 20 without looking at the remote, you'll now get channel 28. Brilliant.

Price: $50, so $10 I guess.

Heat: This piece of crap gets hot when left on, but I guess they all do. What garbage... I can see no reason for this kind of heat from a simple converterbox. My 30-year old Chromacolor II runs cooler.

What do you say, is this the one I should burn my coupons on?

Or is there something better out there?

Tony V · #2 06-21-2008, 09:10 PM

Where did ya get it from?

old_tv_nut · #3 06-21-2008, 09:46 PM

All must have RCA video and L/R audio plus channel 3/4 to qualify for the coupon.

The signal indicator is to help you tweak your antenna for max to keep as far away from intermittent signal failure as possible.

MRX37 · #4 06-21-2008, 09:46 PM

You can get HD from Toledo?

What channel?

(Damn I need to get my an antenna on the roof... need a rotor... >_<;;

kbmuri · #5 06-21-2008, 10:27 PM

Looks like a computer RS-232 serial port on back. What does that do? And the black square near the center looks like poosibly a phone/modem plug? What's that for?

I don't see ch3/4 switches on the Zenith/Insignia, nor the Magnavox/Philco, nor the Winegard. The DigitalStream has it though. None have the serial-port or modem-looking things. You might have some extra features that might be nice.

OvenMaster · #6 06-21-2008, 10:51 PM

That serial port is for software upgrades! Some boxes have 'em, but they're not mandatory. Uncle Sam said they're optional in case broadcast standards change or grow later on. Just last night I was looking at a website that had what the government and box makers had debated and agreed upon to be included or not with CECBs (Coupon-Eligible Converter Box).

http://www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/frn...nalRule_2e.htm

My Maggotbox converter has channel 3 RF output only. It also runs hot when on.

Tom

Carmine · #7 06-21-2008, 11:16 PM

Some of you might want to re-read my post...

The box is from a local chain (ABC Warehouse) not a big-box.

I can can only receive local, Detroit digital channels. I can receive analog channels from Toledo fairly well, but not good enough (apparently) for digital.

Here's a scan of the owners manual that shows what the connections are for. It does appear this box has some nice features, including the ability to set a period of inactive time after which the box will shutdown.

MRX37 · #8 06-21-2008, 11:42 PM

Hmm. I'd say it's a decent box, though if I had one, I would probably re cap it and rig up a small fan. I myself would prefer a VGA port to hook to a computer monitor... maybe one of those 21 inch CRT monitors that are selling for soo cheap now...

Toledo... used to be that 11 came in okay and 13 was unwatchable most of the time... now 13 comes in okay and 11 is almost unwatchable...

Carmine · #9 06-22-2008, 12:37 AM

Found something I really DON'T like...

I guess signals can't get through this thing very well when it's off. Here's the aforementioned Channel 11 (Toledo CBS) when tuned through the DTV box (off).

Believe it or not, there is just the faintest hint of a signal. Now here's the same set-up running the antenna straight through my VCR, then to the TV.

I'd say much better huh?

Keep in mind that as bad as it may look, it's damn hard to take a good shot of a TV with a cell phone! Here's a frame of reference... Local NBC Channel, looks crisp and typically Chromacolor perfect when viewed in person:

That might not mean much to you people who are watching 100% digital, but it means I'll have to do a lot of extra work to receive Canadian stations which are analog until 2011 (and do not appear to be broadcasting anything digital yet). Canadian TV carries some of my favourite programing.

OvenMaster · #10 06-22-2008, 01:36 AM

Some of those boxes do not pass analog signals through 'em, Carmine. This may be one of them.
Tom

MRX37 · #11 06-22-2008, 09:19 AM

Yeah. Another reason I want a rotor for my antenna is to continue to receive Canadian TV.

I'd want a convertor box that can easily pass through Analog signals even if turned off, though an A/B switch would be a workaround...

SirVette · #12 06-22-2008, 10:38 AM

Carmine
You would probably like the Zenith DTT901 with excellent PQ, reception,ability to add Ch. after scan, analog pass through when off, runs cool & nice small remote w/ 0 below 8.
Available at Circuit City.

OvenMaster · #13 06-22-2008, 10:42 AM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_CECB_units
No analog pass-through confirmed on your model, Carmine.

Tom

MRX37 · #14 06-22-2008, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OvenMaster

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_CECB_units
No analog pass-through confirmed on your model, Carmine.

Tom

Thanks for that link.

I think I'll get a DTV box with VGA output, even if it means I have to pay for it entirely out of my own pocket.

ChrisW6ATV · #15 06-22-2008, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MRX37

I think I'll get a DTV box with VGA output, even if it means I have to pay for it entirely out of my own pocket.

The only USA digital tuners with RGB/"VGA" outputs are some of the true HD ones, none of which are eligible for the coupons. The best ones are the Zenith/LG models and their clones. Several of them are combination over-the-air and DirecTV receivers, but you can set them up for OTA-only in the menus, or better yet install a dish and get free guide information without even subscribing to DirecTV. The good ones are Zenith's 420 and 520, Sony 200 and 300, Hughes HTL-HD, and several LG models (3100,3200,3410,3500/3510?). Others with RGB outputs include several Samsung models (150,160,360 and others) and the RCA DTC-100/Proscan PS-HD105. (Most model numbers above are not complete, but should be enough for a Google search.)