[RTC List] Consumer Reports - DTV converter ratings released today

[Sean McLaughlin]

Here's an item from a colleague at Consumer Reports:

The results of our tests on 14 digital converter boxes will go *live on 
our website tonight at 6pm*.  All of the content related to DTV -- 
including the ratings -- will be in front of the pay wall and accessible 
to everyone.  For more information on the digital television conversion 
and //Consumer Reports' //Ratings of digital converter boxes, visit 
_www.ConsumerReports.org/DTV <http://www.consumerreports.org/DTV>_.

You can find the embargoed press release below and attached.  Feel free 
to call or email with any questions.

Regards,

(...)

www.hearusnow.org <http://www.hearusnow.org>

www.consumersunion.org <http://www.consumersunion.org> 

 
 

**_EMBARGOED UNTIL_****: **6PM, ET, June 18, 2008

/*/ /*/

/*/ /*/

/*/CONSUMER REPORTS /*/**RATES 14 DIGITAL CONVERTER BOXES **

** **

/*/Tests Show That Higher Price Doesn't Guarantee Better Performance/*/

 

YONKERS, NY** --- **In anticipation of the digital television transition 
in February 2009, //Consumer Reports// recently tested 14 models of 
digital converter boxes and found that there were differences in 
performance, though not dramatic, with price not necessarily an 
indicator of quality.  In fact, some of the less expensive models 
offered better picture quality than higher-priced models.

 

            Consumers who do not have a digital TV and currently rely on 
over-the-air-broadcasts for news and entertainment will have to purchase 
a digital converter box in order to receive digital signals from U.S. 
television stations.

 

            "Anyone with an analog TV hooked up to an antenna will need 
a converter box when broadcasts go all digital next February," said Paul 
Reynolds, Electronics Editor of //Consumer Reports.  //"We want to help 
consumers find a model that will give them the best viewing experience 
for the best price."

// //

For those considering a DTV converter, //Consumer Reports// advises 
first choosing models with better picture quality, and then narrowing 
choices down to those that have desired features.  The Tivax STB-T9, 
$50, was among those with the best picture quality.  The Microgem MG200, 
$65, also stood out in //Consumer Reports' //tests for its picture 
quality.  When judging picture quality at home, however, consumers 
should also consider other variables that can affect picture quality -- 
the quality of the video transmitted by stations and the quality of the 
television set, either of which can often be the weak link in the 
picture quality chain.

 

Another characteristic to consider is tuner sensitivity, the ability to 
receive channels when signal strength is weak.  //Consumer Reports// 
found that the tuners in all boxes performed comparably in tests of 
their ability to pull in digital stations.  The tests were conducted at 
//Consumer Reports'// headquarters in Yonkers, NY using a standard 
residential rooftop antenna.  Though the results are a rough indicator, 
it suggests that any of these boxes should be able to detect a similar 
number of channels.  However, reception can vary for each user, 
depending on location, local terrain, signal strength, and the type of 
antenna being used, as well as the number of stations broadcast in the 
area and their signal strength.

 

//Consumer Reports //recommends choosing a digital converter box that 
allows for individual channels to be easily added.  This feature 
eliminates the need for consumers to perform the more time consuming 
"scan-for-all-channels."  Additionally, if no signal is found on a 
particular channel, some boxes have on-screen signal meters that allow 
viewers to monitor signal strength while optimizing the antenna 
position.  Signal strength meters are available on all boxes but are 
typically active only on channels that have already been found.

 

Also consider the electronic programming guide.  These guides range from 
very basic to more comprehensive.  Analog-pass-through will allow the TV 
to continue receiving available analog, as well as digital, signals, 
including those from lower-power TV stations, which may continue to 
broadcast in analog after the February 2009 deadline.

 

Currently, there are only about 25 models of digital converter boxes 
available, all of which cost more than $50.  Consumers can apply for two 
$40 government coupons towards the purchase of these devices.  The 14 
models //Consumer Reports //tested are available for purchase either 
online or at stores including Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Circuit City, and 
Radio Shack and have been approved for the government's converter box 
coupon program.

 

"Consumers are finding few choices in their local stores," said Joel 
Kelsey policy analyst for Consumers Union, nonprofit publisher of 
//Consumer Reports//.  "This is a consumer Catch-22.  Those who acted 
early in requesting coupons face limited or expensive choices in 
converter boxes, but can't wait for more options because their coupons 
are expiring." 

 

The Government Accountability Office recently released survey data 
indicating that although over half of Americans may know about the 
government coupon program, many of them do not know where or how to 
obtain the coupons.  Because many retailers only have a few models in 
stock, Consumers Union, the nonprofit publisher of //Consumer Reports//, 
is advocating for the National Telecommunications and Information 
Administration to allow consumers to reapply for coupons if they are 
unhappy with the converter box choices in their local market.  These 
coupons expire 90 days after they are issued.

 

"Even the government concedes consumers are confused.  The digital TV 
switchover will be one of the first challenges the next President will 
face. We hope the nation will be better prepared next February than it 
is now," added Kelsey.  

 

For more information on the digital television conversion and //Consumer 
Reports' //Ratings of digital converter boxes, visit 
_www.ConsumerReports.org/DTV <http://www.consumerreports.org/DTV>_.

 

--- 30 ---

** **

**JUNE 2008**

//© Consumers Union 2008. The material above is intended for legitimate 
news entities only; it may not be used for commercial or promotional 
purposes. Consumer Reports® is published by Consumers Union, an expert, 
independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to work for a fair, 
just, and safe marketplace for all consumers and to empower consumers to 
protect themselves.  To achieve this mission, we test, inform, and 
protect.  To maintain our independence and impartiality, CU accepts no 
outside advertising, no free test samples, and has no agenda other than 
the interests of consumers.  CU supports itself through the sale of our 
information products and services, individual contributions, and a few 
noncommercial grants.//


-- 
Sean McLaughlin
Executive Director
Access Humboldt
P.O. Box 157, Eureka, CA 95502
tel: 707-476-1798
dir: 707-476-2873
fax: 707-476-1702
cel: 707-616-2381
e: sean at accesshumboldt.net
web:  accesshumboldt.net

"Local Voices Through Community Media"


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