Woo-hoo! Got my converter box coupon...

[PeterB]

... finally; took over 8 weeks ...

Question now is which converter box to get. The MaxMedia one I wanted has apparently turned out to be either vapor-ware or fraud-ware... looking at this chart ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_CECB_units ), the next two best ones from my perspective are the Channel Master CM-7000 and the Apex DT1001. (I really need S-video, and preferably also analog passthrough.) Anyone know anything about either of those boxes, and/or where to buy them? And if neither of those two, has anyone had experiences (good, bad, indifferent) with any of the boxes on the approved list?

TiA

[mikebw]

My two coupons expire at the end of this month, so I need to get going on this as well.

[$tevie]

Uh oh, I didn't realize they expire. D'oh!
I also didn't realize there was any difference, I just thought a box was a box was a box.
I obviously have paid little to no attention to this.
I guess I should check tonight to see if I can even use my coupons at this point...

[mikebw]

Well pretty much any box will do, but some have different features that might be more desirable than others.

[PeterB]

mikebw, it would be VERY nice for me to have S-video, and also analog passthrough. That's why the MaxMedia one looked to be the best. Unfortunately, I can't find a retailer for either the Apex or ChannelMaster one... anyone know?

P.S. ... the fact that the coupons expire 90 days after mailing is ridiculous -- especially if they are taking eight weeks to arrive!

[Robert M]

Peter,

I remember seeing the Channel Master for sale at an online retailer and you could use the coupons to get it.

Robert

[Filliam H. Muffman]

As I understand it, the coupons were supposed to allow people on limited incomes to get basic access to Digital TV. I think you will need to spend your own money if you want a converter with advanced features.

I am wondering if there is someone that has started a directory of reviews. I found a couple of sites that have reviewed a couple of boxes each. There seem to be enough bad, non-existent, or limited stock of units that it is becoming a huge mess. I guess with the government in control it was to be expected?

[GGD]

[quote Robert M]Peter,

I remember seeing the Channel Master for sale at an online retailer and you could use the coupons to get it.

Robert
Was it Fry's?

http://shop1.frys.com/product/5488779

Not sure if/how the coupon applies.

[Filliam H. Muffman]

I found a retailer that has a good selection of boxes but they are not the cheapest.
http://www.freedtvshop.com/fdtv/converters.php

[Black Landlord]

[quote PeterB]... finally; took over 8 weeks ...

Question now is which converter box to get. The MaxMedia one I wanted has apparently turned out to be either vapor-ware or fraud-ware... looking at this chart ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_CECB_units ), the next two best ones from my perspective are the Channel Master CM-7000 and the Apex DT1001. (I really need S-video, and preferably also analog passthrough.) Anyone know anything about either of those boxes, and/or where to buy them? And if neither of those two, has anyone had experiences (good, bad, indifferent) with any of the boxes on the approved list?

TiA
Gave my recommendation last time you asked.
Not sure why you're asking the same thing over again?