Tivax STB-T8 Digital to Analog TV Converter Box
by Tivax
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List Price: Category: Home Theater See more product details |
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Customers in the UK,
Buy this product at amazon.co.uk
for British Pounds
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Tivax STB-T8 Digital to Analog TV Converter Box
Customer Review: A really great upgrade to analog TV
Summary: 5 Stars
After much research, including the previously mentioned Consumer Report recommendation as a best buy there, we ordered and installed this converter box about a week ago. Even with just an indoor amplified rabbit ears antenna, the quality of the picture of the channels is DVDesque and the other functionality such as the Signal (strength measuring) button are extras that help get the antenna oriented right, depending upon which channel you are trying watch. After getting everything hooked up (well illustrated in the User's Guide) I ran the Automatic Scan for the first time and instantly had more channels than before (4 PBS channels compared to one before, along with four of another Network that previously only had one using just analog). Then I pointed the antenna towards the one major city we live to the east of, ran the Update Scan and pulled in more channels without wiping out the previous channels found. Point the antenna towards the other major city we live west of, and more channels appeared rerunning the Update Scan. In all, about 26 channels with an indoor antenna that we've had for close to eight years. This converter also comes with both AV and RF cabling, unusual for most of these units. All and all, this a great solution to those who don't want to sell out... er... shell out a weekly food budget to cable every month.Customer Review: Excellent TV converter box
Summary: 5 Stars
I needed a converter box to use at our camper and chose the Tivax based on the good reviews it received. Overall I am completely happy with this product. I had borrowed a RCA DT800 box from a friend while waiting for my rebate cards, and the Tivax is hands down much better. The number of channels that it found was impressive. The picture quality is also excellent. I wish the remote was universal, but most are not. After you setup the box for the first time and adjust your TV volume, you don't really need the TV remote anymore anyway so it isn't a big deal. The buttons aren't huge, but certainly big enough not to be a problem. It has dedicated buttons to view signal strength and to change the aspect ratio. It is extremely nice NOT to have these buried inside menus because I find myself using them a lot. The info button shows you what program is on plus some other details (signal strength, resolution, time, etc.) and the guide button shows you the channels program schedule for the day including a description for what is on the show. Maybe this is standard on all boxes, but very handy and easy to navigate. The unit is small and comes with a coax and RCA cables so you can hook it up to your either the coax input or video input on your TV.
I would highly recommend this product if you need a converter box.
Customer Review: OVER-AIR DIGITAL TV CONVERSION BOX
Summary: 4 Stars
If you are as fed up as I am with the absolute mountain of drivel on TV, then this one's for you! Combine this with a Tivax antenna and you're good to go - and no monthly fees! This is one of the highest rated Consumer Reports boxes. The picture is as sharp as a tack. The full-feature remote allows for easy modification of picture size and a quick peek at the basics of what you are watching: time begun,; time ends; signal strength (rotate antenna to strengthen signal); and other info.
The small price you will pay is the occasional break-up of signal, especially if it's on the weak side to begin with, but then, I got some of that with my regular cable service. Proper scanning for channels is vital to pulling in signals. In my case - Tampa - I am limited to about 30 channels - after eliminating the religious shouters, home shopping scammers and Spanish (although you can get subtitles for, say, movies - a Clint Eastwood shootout is a riot!), I am quite happy with the 20-some left of 8 PBS, city and county council meetings, the 4 major nets and a movie channel, or two. You can keep the rest (and most of the junk on the nets too).
For those of you looking for a way to eliminate the worst of TV - especially the outrageously high prices - but still enjoy it for the basic utility it is, here's your chance.
Customer Review: Great "Bang for your Buck"
Summary: 4 Stars
I bought this unit expecting very little. There were only a few units available on Amazon at the time and this one seemed to be the least expensive.
I must say, I am SHOCKED at how beautiful the picture is through this little box: DVD-quality. Here in Chicago, I was able to pick up 34 channels from an inside bedroom on the lower floor of a brick-walled bungalow. The ONLY channels I am not receiving are the CBS stations (which are virtually impossible to pick up OTA in Chicago without a rooftop mounted antenna).
The only reason I rated this 4 instead of 5 stars is the remote. Seeing as this adds a separate unit and remote, I think they should have at least tossed in a simple programmable remote - something that could at least power my TV on and off. The volume control is a nice touch, but I still need the second remote to power on the tele. And not that it matters very much, but the remote could look a bit "snazzier". I know, it's an inexpensive unit, but it would have been a nice touch.
As far as doing it's job, though, this box scores top marks from me. Every single channel comes in crystal clear. This unit recognizes more channels than my Dish Network VIP622 high-definition receiver did (and holds a signal better to boot).
Customer Review: Excellent Product. One of the Best Converter Boxes.
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought the Tivax because the Zenith DTT901 was unavailable at the time and I'm glad I did. I have 3 of the Zenith boxes and they work great. They are very sensitive to weak signals, are well made, have a great picture, and easy to use. But the Tivax rivals the Zenith in every way and may actually exceed it. One thing I like about the Tivax is the Signal Meter. It is far better than the Zenith and may be the best among all the digital boxes. I made a list of all the TV stations I receive on the Tivax along with the signal strength. The Tivax has a large bar graph but also shows a number in percent, 100% being perfect. I was amazed how many stations were 90% to 100%, about 30 in all. The Zenith also has a bar graph, but it is smaller and only says Good or Bad for the signal strength. The Signal Meter button is located on the Remote Control on both units. Speaking of the Remote, the Tivax is by far the best. It is large and easy to use. The Zenith is not bad, but no where near as easy to use. Overall, I would say the Tivax is an excellent unit. It is slightly larger than the Zenith, but if you have the room, I would probably choose it over the Zenith, although I am still very pleased with the Zenith. Either way, you can't go wrong.