Channel Master CM-7000 Digital to Analog TV Converter Box with S-Video
by Channel Master
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Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: Channel MasterBrand: Channel Master
Edition: Electronics
Model: CM-7000
Color: Silver
Publisher: Channel Master
Studio: Channel Master
Music Label: Channel Master
Product features:
- Converts all HD(high definition) Digital video formats into SD(standard definition) format
- Easy installation and operation
- Electronic Program Guide (EPG) and On Screen Display
- S Video Output
- Closed Caption (CC)
- AmazonBasics 3RCA Component Video Cable (6 Feet)
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- AmazonBasics High-Speed HDMI Braided Cable (6.5 Feet/2.0 Meters)
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Channel Master CM-7000 Digital to Analog TV Converter Box with S-Video
Customer Review: Excellent reception, mediocre user interface
Summary: 4 Stars
Background: I am a techie who helped neighbors install converters. I evaluated this product and the Digital Stream DTX9950 for them. In Summer 2008, the DTX9950 was the best reviewed model available from local B&Ms, and I helped install several of them. The reviews of that time rated the DTX as a near equivalent of the Zenith which was then the most recommended choice. When the CM-7000 became (occasionally) available in late 2008, I hooked it up so I could easily switch between the two converter and used both extensively. The CM-7000 is the one I recommend, with qualifications, and is now on the set I use most.
Note: If you are a senior, or installing it for a senior (eg your parents or neighbors), pay attention to the user interface issues from the that specific user's perspective: They may outweigh the reception strength. But also recognize that some of this may be irrelevant, for example, for someone who already uses both hands to operate remotes, the ease of one-handed operation for this product is a non-issue.
Comparisons:
1. Reception strength: CM-7000 is _far_ better. Pulls in channels that were out-of-range for the DTX. On the DTX, channels that would "stutter" during bad weather (indicating they are near the "cliff") had no problems on the CM.
2. Picture quality: Using the coax connector on both, the CM has a moderately better picture, even on the strongest stations (factoring out effects attributable to how strong a signal each pulls in). For better quality, both offer RCA connections, but only the CM has S-video. However, this hasn't proven to be useful because the people I helped wanted their DVD player to use the S-video connector (if any) on the TV. Note: the potential differences in picture quality may not be fully realized because the sets to which they are connected are no longer able to render it.
3. Power-on delay (If you use a power strip to fully power-down your entertainment center while away): The CM is seriously inferior to the DTX: It takes 15-17 seconds vs 2-3.
4. Channel-switching delay (from remote): When using Channel-Up and -Down keys, the CM is slightly slower (about a second) than the DTX. When entering the channel by number, the CM is seriously inferior with a delay of 5-7 seconds vs 1-2. If you mis-key the number (eg remote isn't pointing directly enough at the CM), you have to wait and wait before the CM accepts a retry, even if you key in a full 3-digit channel (eg, 051 for 5.1). This delay can be very annoying (and confusing to some of my neighbors with no tech-savvy). For the techno-phobe (several of the seniors I helped), these delays can cause them to become flustered.
5. Channel-switching using converter box buttons: the Channel up-down on the CM are overly sensitive: Even a single quick push can skip 2-3 channels. On the DTX, they were quite reliable: The buttons had good tactile feedback and required distinct presses for each channel.
6. Volume control: The CM introduces a gap of about a second in both video and audio when you start adjusting the volume, but has no gaps if you continue to press the button to adjust the volume more. First button push is a small adjustment, followed by a delay and then larger steps. No interruption observed on the DTX and its volume adjustments are more evenly scaled.
7. Heat generated: The DTX runs very hot: I reset the Sleep interval down to 2 hours. The CM runs at a reasonable temperature (barely warm on cool days; definitely warm on hot days).
8. Sleep warning: The CM provides a configurable warning period when it is about to go to sleep. There is no warning available with the DTX. It can take some time before the user remembers that this could be the reason for the TV losing its picture.
9. On-Screen Display (OSD): The CM uses a small font that can be hard to read from various angles and distances. For example, if I am wearing my computer glass, I cannot read the display from six feet away. The DTX has a larger, and much more readable, font.
10. Channel Guide: The DTX has only the title, the CM has the title and the longer description (eg the episode title or a brief summary). But again the CM uses a small font.
11. Semi-Universal Remote: The DTX remote has a few buttons for the TV: On/Off, Volume, Channel Up/Down, TV/Video. The CM has none of these. The one that is really missed is the TV On/Off button. TV-Channel Up/Down is useful only until the DTV transition. However, if you switch between DVD Player (or VCR) and broadcast TV, the TV Volume control is useful if you get too high or low for the CM volume control.
Addition (2009-06-13): Needing a second remote to turn the TV set on/off is not as minor as one might think. I have heard of many seniors that are frustrated and confused by the two very similar remotes and which one does what. One senior responded by disconnecting all the cables in his "entertainment" center.
12. Button layout on the Remote: Neither remote has a well-thought out button arrangements. The DTX is slightly better than the CM. The CM has important buttons at the bottom row of the remote: Wide/Zoom, EPG (Electronic Programming Guide), Audio, CC/Subtitle. Although this is about the same distance from the physical bottom of the remote on both, the leverage/balance of larger CM remote makes it hard to reach these in one-handed operation (at or just beyond the reach of my thumb without shifting the remote in my hand). The DTX has its volume on the left side of the remote (more reachable), the CM at the lower right (the buttons most likely to be used require curling in your thumb).
13. Build: The CM - both the box and the remote - have a much more solid feel to them than the DTX. The remote for the CM is much heavier and broader - depending on the holder, these factors may be positives or negatives.
[Added 2009-06-17]:
14. When you scan channels, the DTX shows you the RF channel, but the CM doesn't. Some channels have a delayed move from the VHS frequencies to the UHF band, and this can tell you if any haven't moved yet (reportedly a few may stay in the VHS band). This also useful if you are planning to replace a VHS/UHF antenna with a UHF one (many UHF antennas can also handle the upper portion of the VHS band (ch 7-13)).
15. One both the "Favorite" channels have to be a subset of the active (selected) channels. I had hoped that Favorites could actually be a separate list (for his and hers). On the DTX, the "Favorites" key on the remote steps you through the Favorites list, similar to Channel-Up/Down. On the CM, the Favorites key brings up a _menu_ of all the active channels which you navigate with the menu keys. Moving Right takes you to the menu for the channels on the Favorites list. So far none of my neighbors are using this feature.
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Description of Channel Master CM-7000 Digital to Analog TV Converter Box with S-Video
The Channel Master CM-7000 Digital to Analog TV Converter has been rated "Best Picture Quality" by a leading Consumer Testing agency. The Channel Master by PCT CM-7000 is a high quality digital ATSC high definition (HD) to standard definition (SD) television converter box for direct terrestrial FTA HD reception allowing the user to view digital broadcast on analog TV sets. The combination of a CM-7000 Digital Analog Converter with a Channel Master digital antenna is a perfect solution for terrestrial reception in a very wide range of reception conditions and landscape relief. For energy saving, which is in compliance with NTIA recommendations, the Auto-Sleep Function activates Standby mode four (4) hours after last user entry from the remote control, but not before the end of a currently viewed event. For over 60 years, Channel Master has manufactured TV antennas relied upon by countless consumers. As the expert in TV antennas, Channel Master is the natural source for the analog to digital conversion.Digital Cameras & Photo Categories