Last Updated: 5-13-2010

We’ve put together a top 5 list for digital-to-analog converter boxes that not only meet the minimum requirements, but out perform other units based on DTV reception abilities, having a good electronic program guide, and having multifunctional remote control.

Best Converter Boxes for 2010

#1. Channel Master CM-7000

#2. Zenith DTT901 / Insignia NS-DXA1-APT

#3. Dish Network DTVPal Plus

#4. Digital Stream DTX9950

#5. RCA DTA-800B1

Breakdown of Our Converter Box Ratings

#1. Channel Master CM-7000

If you’re looking for top picture quality over any other feature on a converter box, then make sure to add the CM-7000 to your short list. Channel Master added an s-video output on the CM-7000, which, if your television set is equipped with an s-video input, will provide better quality by delivering video data over two separate signals vs. over composite (red, white, yellow connectors) which delivers data over one signal.  Read more about s-video at Wiki.  The CM-7000 is also packed with a feature rich menu, including a 12 hour EPG that’ll let you view current and future broadcasts (up to 12 hours ahead of time).  We’re very fond of the design on this box as well, making it one of the best looking with it’s brushed metallic outer finish.  Tuner sensitivity is slightly above average as we tested this box from approximately 14 miles away from broadcast transmitters with a set of rabbit ears, receiving every digital station after a channel scan.  The CM-7000 is also built with a nice “Update Channel” feature which allows you to manually add a channel without having to do another rescan.  One drawback to the CM-7000 is it’s availability in stores; we have yet to see it on store shelves in 2010.  Your best bet for purchasing this box is through eBay.

#2. Zenith DTT901 / Insignia NS-DXA1-APT

Both the DTT901 and NS-DXA1-APT have the same tuner chip which is why you often see the both of them tied together in reviews on other websites and forums. Lets make one thing clear about the duo converter boxes. Their channel program guide (EPG) is VERY basic in the fact that it displays only what’s on the current channel. There’s no multi-channel program information available which pushes these units to spot #2 on our list. What these units do have going for them is a strong tuner which is more apt at receiving digital signals from further distances. Speaking of APT, the APT on the end of the Insignia’s part # is the addition of the analog pass-thru feature which will allow you to also receive analog signals on said converter box. Unless you are one of the few that live next to low power TV broadcast towers, this option is completely useless now that the Digital Transition has occurred. The remote control, on this unit has the capability to power on and off your television set based on preprogrammed codes within the remote. Another positive item on these boxes is the great picture quality based on using the RCA cables, rather than the coax to connect into a TV. If the DTT901 and NS-DXA1-APT had a better EPG, they would have easily scored #1 on our top 5 list.

#3. Dish Network DTVPal Plus

A close runner-up with the #2 converter boxes, the DTVPal Plus offers THE BEST electronic program guide than any other converter box we’ve seen.  When Dish Network released the DTVPal Plus back in 2008, it was touted as having a better performing digital tuner chip which would receiver weaker DTV signals.  While we haven’t seen any documented proof of such claims, we are happy to report that the DTVPal Plus did receive all local channels from approximately 14 miles away from TV towers with rabbit ears.  Picture quality on this unit is slightly above average, but lesser when compared to the Channel Master CM-7000 and Zenith / Insignia duo.  Unfortunately for bargain hunters, this is another converter box that you won’t find in stores.  Turning to eBay will probably net you the greatest results, though be prepared to pay close to full price for used ones.

#4. Digital Stream DTX9950

We commend Digital Stream for adding universal functionality to the remote of the DTX9950, allowing owners to use a single remote for turning off and on their TV sets and flipping through channels but we’re just not completely sold on this unit.  If we were to sum up the DTX9950 in two words, it would be, “Good enough”.  Picture quality on this box is average when compared to converter boxes not on our top 5 list.  We were also dissapointed that reception was a bit spotty with the same bunny ears antenna we used with other boxes.  The EPG is below average showing what’s only currently on the channel you’re viewing.  If you want to view other channel program information, you’ll have to tune to that specific channel and press info.  Yes, the DTX9950 is an average performer, but good enough to convert your analog television for digital signals.

#5. RCA DTA-800B1

The DTA-800B1 is another average performer with good enough features to earn a spot on our top 5 list.  The remote is built with large, easy to use buttons, and also has universal capability with select TV sets.  We recommend this box for anyone who wants an easy to use, easy to set-up solution for their analog TV set.  Contrary to the top 4 converter boxes on our list, the RCA DTA-800B1 can still be bought at some Best Buy stores in 2010.