Consumer Reports DTV converter box buying guide

Consumer Reports as published a six page online buying guide to assist consumers when purchasing a DTV converter box for the coming DTV transition on February 17, 2009. Their buying guide includes ratings of 14 models of set top digital converter boxes for receiving over-the-air (OTA) free television programming. The converters have been evaluated for their picture quality, program guide, configurable closed captioning, compatibility with universal remote controls, ease of adding channels, whether appropriate cables are included and several other factors. Their buying guide covers Coupon Eligible Converter Boxes, those eligible for purchase with the $40 off digital converter box coupons provided by the US government.

Click here to go to Consumer Reports DTV Converter Box Buying Guide .

If you are buying an new HDTV instead of a converter box, you'll want to look at Consumer Reports' testing of new high definition televisions. Consumer Reports has tested 101 LCD, plasma, and rear-projection TVs in sizes up to 65 inches wide. Click here to visit their HDTV buying guide.

Big TVs & BBQs

Do you want to enjoy the game while you BBQ? Maybe you want to watch your favorite show while you garden. If so, Mike Yamamoto at CRAVE has a write-up about Suntronic big screen, all weather, outdoor televisions. Suntronic apparently has outdoor TVs that have 102" screens.

Go check it out at CRAVE

HDTV breakdowns mean “Buyer Beware”

People arerunning into problems with store brand and off-brand HD televisions. Watch out for the "too good to be true" bargains when buying your HDTV, you may not get much of a warranty and repair parts for off-brand televisions may not be available.

From the WTHR story:

With no parts available from the manufacturer, Biszantz can't fix the TV. More than likely, he says, that means it's headed for the garbage dump.

"I would never have dreamed that five years ago we would see thousand-dollar flat panel TV's that you just throw away because you just can't get a part for it," he said.

Read Emily Longnecker's article at WTHR Channel 13 Eyewitness News

NAB, CEA Launch Contest – Win a free HDTV Entertainment System

You can nominate somone, who relies on broadcast TV, to win a Zenith, GE, or Magnavox converter box and RCA flat antenna. Monthly winners will be chosen from the nominees. Monthly winners and those that nominate them are eligible to win the grand prize digital home entertainment system.

The grand prize winner will recieve a new flat-screen HDTV, Blu-Ray DVD player, and surround sound audio system.

To enter the contest, just submit a short story about someone you know who depends on over-the-air broadcasts of their local television programming, include their favorite shows, how they watch TV, and describe their television / entertainment equipment. Along with the story, make sure you submit a photo of the person and their TV set too.

This is a great way to help someone you know make the transition to DTV.

Go to the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) website to read the rules and enter the contest

Aspect Ratios Defined

The staff at Electronic House.com have put together a nice explanation on television aspect ratios that I thought everyone should see.

Aspect ratios just refer to the shape (or format) of the picture. An aspect ratio simply denotes the shape of the screen, in a ratio showing the width to the height. The most popular formats are:
April 26, 2008 | by EH Staff

Aspect ratios just refer to the shape (or format) of the picture. An aspect ratio simply denotes the shape of the screen, in a ratio showing the width to the height. The most popular formats are:

4:3 - Four units in width to every...

Read the full article at ElectronicHouse.com

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