Question about DTV boxes

[Danny]

I posted this a few days ago to the wtfda list and didn't receive a single reply.

Most DXers agree that the Insignia/Zenith boxes are the best for DXing.

I use two boxes, one for VHF and another for UHF. During Es season, I also use the UHF box for Es by switching from the UHF antenna to the VHF distribution amp. This arrangement is becoming a little irritating during Es, trying to cover the front of one box or the other at the right time.

I want a box that doesn't use the same remote as the Insignia/Zenith boxes.
If the ATSC-11 wasn't so big, require a modulator, and run so hot, I would hook it back up. (That old workhorse has some features that I like for DXing. The lack of a signal meter is the worst feature.)

Is there anybody on this list who likes any of the new generation converters for DXing other than the Insignia/Zenith? Has anybody tried the new version of the Echostar (Dish) box that is supposed to be for weak signal areas?

[NN2E]

Sorry I can't help, Danny. I'm using two Zenith boxes, in separate rooms, so I don't have any of the remote control problems.
73, Ed NN2E
Owner / Operator - Murphy's Law Test Site & Thunderstorm Proving Grounds

[Danny]

Sorry I can't help, Danny. I'm using two Zenith boxes, in separate rooms, so I don't have any of the remote control problems.

Ed, you are not DXing with two DTV boxes in different rooms, are you? I assume nobody in the WTFDA likes any box other the Insignia/Zenith box.

[Robert Grant]

The Zenith/Insignia box is a fine performer for DTV DX, at least compared to the big old RCA boxes and my 2005 integral tuner Sylvania TV.

However, there are other CECB's I own, that all perform reasonably well.
None of them are significantly less sensitive than the Zenith/Insignia, and all are far more multipath tolerant than the Sylvania TV and the old RCA boxes (if not quite as good as the Zenith)

Philco TB100HH9 - darn near as sensitive as the Z/I, just as multipath tolerant, has an analog pass through that works fine at VHF, and a freeze frame button (signal meter is too slow, lacks up/down manual RF tuning, though allows random access), lacks any on-box controls.

Sansonic FT300A - good sensitivity and multipath tolerance, and has manual up/down RF tuning "mislabeled" "ANT LEVEL". Lacks direct entry of RF channel, and lacks on-box controls. Advantage: uses an external "wall wart" power supply, which means one can fashion a battery pack for portable uses (though the batteries need to be VERY fresh). Since the unit can be used with batteries (eliminating power supply RF noise) and has a metal cabinet (reducing microprocessor RF noise), this may be the best unit out there for DXing the lowband.

Zinwell ZTA-970A - like the Sansonic, it can be converted to battery power, at which it is far more tolerant to voltage drop, it has analog pass-through, and channel buttons on the box itself. Sensitivity and multipath tolerance seem to be very good. Disadvantage: no direct entry of RF channel, and its manual scan mode - which only displays a meter reading, and requires one to press "search" when and only when a signal is in, is a royal PITA for DXing.

[NN2E]

Hi Danny,
I really only DX with one of the Zenith boxes. The second one is on a bedroom TV hooked to the indoor antenna. I use it for local viewing, and checking WX radar sub-channels, when the big antennas are unhooked.
I did, briefly, try a Dish DTV Pal (not PAL) converter box. It was a dud compared to the Insignia / Zenith boxes. I've read that they've since come out with an updated model that's supposed to be better than the first one. Don't know any more about it.
73, Ed NN2E
Owner / Operator - Murphy's Law Test Site & Thunderstorm Proving Grounds