Comments about Zenith Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box:

Thanks everyone for the tips on this forum. I went out and bought the DTT901 as was suggested and hooked it up. It was affordable and easy to install, but the product still doesn't work great for me. I am using it with a pair of amplified bunny ears and have moved them all around trying to get a good signal. Only a couple of mainstream channels like FOX come in very clearly (better than before I installed the converter) but most channels come in pixilated or distorted (digitized?). I get all channels only when I turn off the converter box and go back to watching TV with the antenna. I also can't figure out how to turn the TV on/off with the converter remote. Does anyone have any tips for me? Thanks much!

Comments about Zenith Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box:

I was asked by elderly neighbors to set this up for them. TV had the necessary audio/video jacks, so the biggest hassle was getting all the wires hidden behind the cabinet to satisfy the lady of the house. Menu setup was clear. I was able to show the couple the buttons they'd use most of the time on the remote. They were impressed with the quality of the picture, so I know it works!

Comments about Zenith Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box:

Be advised the DTT900 is the old model. The audio on the DTT900 unit is flat; really disappointing. LG rushed the product to market to fill the demand before it was ready. The new model DTT901, which was released only months after, has Dolby Digital 2ch Downmix, which is said to improve TV audio significantly. Great picture quality negated by poor audio does not make the DTT900 the model of choice. Most likely Radio Shack probably will have the DTT901 soon if not already. Thumbs down on the DTT900. Wait for the DTT901. Also the TV Guide leaves much to be desired, limited use.

Comments about Zenith Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box:

I have had this box for about 3 months now with no problems. I think this box does its job very well and I am much happier with the digital signal it delivers than the old analog. However, it has a few idiosyncrasies that it helps to know. Here are a few troubleshooting tips to respond to some of the previous reviews. 1. Turn the volume on the TV up to 90% or higher. Then use the converter box to adjust the volume up or down. If you do this, you can still get stereo audio without it sounding far away. 2. To record to VCR, here is what I have found: When I set up the VCR to record, instead of selecting the channel, I select Line 1, which is the input for the converter box (I run the Antenna to the box to the VCR to the TV to stereo speakers). You have to set the converter box to the channel you want to record. Then make sure the volume on the converter box is turned up to 90% or more, otherwise your audio on the recording will end up very soft. You can still use the timer on the VCR, but make sure the converter box is preset with the channel and volume as described above (and that the timed-off feature on the box is disabled.) Note: You cannot watch one channel and record another. If you want to do that, you will probably have to purchase a new DVD/VCR that has a built-in digital tuner. 3. This box does an excellent job locking in the signal. If you do get any distortion or "no signal", press the signal button on the remote and it will show you the strength of the signal. Adjust your antenna until the signal strength increases. I have found that I can get almost every channel with a certain placement, but that there are 1 or 2 channels where I need to move the antenna. I just use an old set of amplified rabbit ears.3. It does not offer Picture in a Picture, so I'm not sure why someone expected that.4. For best audio and visual quality, use the included RCA cables, rather than an old style coaxial cable. Other boxes do not include RCA cables.5. If it shows a black square frame around the picture, press the zoom button on the remote and select an alternative "view".This box is intended to be a cheap way for people to continue receiving broadcast television. It offers a much better quality TV experience than the old analog way. I think it is worth [$]. If you want more than this box offers, you will have to pay more. I haven't tested other boxes, so I can't say for sure, but I doubt that you will get more from the other options in this price range.

Comments about Zenith Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box:

This is a great box. The only thing i do not like about it is that the remote controls the tv power but not the volume. I have had two of these boxes for over 3 months and have had no problems with them.

Comments about Zenith Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box:

My dad got this one and the 901, the one with the analog pass through. And their both pretty decent. however, like all the converter boxes, the setup is a little long, and this one is larger than some of the others.

I bought the digitalstream 9950. it also has analog pass through, but it really improved the audio more. plus it is much smaller. the only problem with the 9950 is that its remote doesn't turn all tv's on and off.

Bottom line, I would recommend this zenith converter box to a friend, but only if they couldn't get a hold of a digitalstream one.

Comments about Zenith Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box:

When the unit stoped working, Zenith said since it was more than 3 months old it would cost [$]to repair but the parts would be free. So they are saying, go buy a new one. I guess you get what you pay for so I am buying a higher price new unit. (NOT ZENITH) Will never by Zenith again.

Comments about Zenith Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box:

Universal Remote is only for TV power On/Off

Comments about Zenith Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box:

The tuner in this converter is unbelievable. We live far from the stations and it picked up several channels that two other boxes we tried could not get.

No more static or snow!

Comments about Zenith Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box:

I bought the 900 and the new 901 model.The 901 model has the analog pass through feature.I gave my mom the 900 model and at her house she gets 11 channels except NBC which the support guy said would come through in Feb.2009.My 901 model gives me 21 channels.I have a dvd/vcr hooked up but it wont record the digital picture channels only the analog picture.I need one more for another tv.These converter boxes sell out as soon as they hit the stores in my area.I recommend the DTT901 model.

Comments about Zenith Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box:

The box brings in much clearer pictures but I may be forced to buy an antenna rotator to pull in stations whose towers are in different locations or with weaker signals. And we haven't figured out a way to record programs with our VCR using this box.
It appears we may be forced to buy at least one DTV and a DVD recorder/player to continue using an antenna - or be FORCED to buy cable or satellite.
This is NOT what I expected from my Zenith converter box!

Comments about Zenith Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box:

"Push" On type RF cable junk! Causes intermittant connection .I replaced it with a "Threaded type"
No more problems. Runs warm .Do not cover vents.
If your T.V. has RCA "in" jacks ..use them for better sound. I connected it thru my VCR.
You can turn T.V on/off from remote.
Use "Signal" function on remote to aim antenna for best picture.

Comments about Zenith Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box:

I have had this product about 2 months. I definitely does what is says it is supposed to. I have used it on two different TV's. As I suspected, we get better reception and more channels on the TV with the boosted antenna which matched our experiences with analog signals. My best guess is that if you only get few channels or they are choppy, it is your antenna and not the converter box.

Important features: Zoom button on remote is real handy as it seems like each show is broadcast in a different format, and programing list for next two programs.

Downfalls: Sound comes through very poorly. I have to turn the TV volume way up to hear decent audio. It helped to turn the audio signal on the converter box to mono from stereo, but it is still a hassle. Some of this is because the different stations are broadcast with different sound levels.

Comments about Zenith Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box:

I bought two of these [...] The Box looks great and works great. It was Very Quick and Easy to install. Remote works great and the change of channels is quickly responsive. You can hook it up with either The RF cable or Composite cables it comes with. A Quick note also... The sound is better if you change the audio option to Mono rather than Stereo. All in All I am very happy with the choice I made in purchasing a converter box.

Comments about Zenith Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box:

I wouldn't waste my money on it. When the signal comes in it IS good but over half of the time the signal isn't good. I don't know if it is the box or what but this HD is not as good as they say it is.

Comments about Zenith Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box:

I purchased two different brand name digital converter boxes. The un-named converter works great also sold by Radio Shack. The Zenith volume is very bad. Someone should notify Zenith and ask for a recall on these boxes until they can get it right or at least have a trade-in program for a converter box that works. I will to to email Zenith with this problem. Some else try also.

Comments about Zenith Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box:

this item basically does what it is supposed to do
i was able to set it up but when i wanted to attach the vcr/dvd player i had to call for tech support which was very clear
the channels i receive are very good however i have given up channel 13 and some others that i dont care so much about
i am hoping 13 will come back when all goes digital
i dont see where any of the others are better

Comments about Zenith Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box:

I have had a large digital HD TV for 2 years using an antennae located in my attic. I live 10 mi. N of Boston. I get very good reception most of the times but some breakup on bad weather days. I bought the 9900DTX for an old analog TV located over my treadmill. I connected it to a pair of rabbit ears located on top of the set. The reception and image quality are FANTASTIC! I get 2.1, 2.2, 4.1, 5.1, 7.1, 7.2, 25.1, 38.1, 44.1, 44.2, 44.3, 44.4, 56.1, 66.1 and a few others! I bought the radio shack $16 antennae especially for DTV but never bothered to connect it as the reception is so great. For $20 (after coupon) this is a no brainer.

Comments about Zenith Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box:

IT SUCKKS

Comments about Zenith Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box:

Had this unit hooked up to one TV and had the DTX9900 right next to it with the same antenna split to the two. Picture was identical, they did the samething, showed same picture, both cut out at the same time when it had poor reception. The only advantage this Zenith has is that it comes with composite video cables to hook it up to the television instead of a coax so thats why the picture looks better (Coax = 280 lines of resolution, Composite = 380 lines of resolution).
The reason they are so hard to find is because Zenith wants more money for these boxes than the other companies that make the converter boxes

Comments about Zenith Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box:

If you wanna use a VCR/DVD
Try getting a Splitter
splitter is a tool you can plug more that 1 coaxal cable into.

Comments about Zenith Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box:

Easy to set up. Great reception. Pulls in stations that were snowy in analog mode and makes them crystal clear. More powerful than the Digitalstream (I lost a channel with the DS, but got it back with Zenith). Radioshack should stock more of these.

Comments about Zenith Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box:

This is a great box, I tried to get 2 but the only store I could find that had one only had one. I have searched everwhere to try and find one been to numerous stores all over the area. If you find one in the metro detroit area buy it, its like Gold here.

Comments about Zenith Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box:

The unit is easy to set up with on screen instructions. I was able to receive all the local channels in the metro Richmond, VA with only moderate "break up" of the picture. Most of the time, all stations are crystal clear, far superior to the old analog tuner. I am using a cheap, set top antenna. I would recommend a more elaborate hookup if you plan to use this as your primary tv source. Several people have complained about audio. I dialed it up to Full or 100%, then I didn't have any trouble using the tv volume control. It also lets you adjust the picture to either a 4:3 ratio (most older sets) or the 16:9 (widescreen) format which I have. I primarily bought this as a backup for when the cable goes out, and I'm glad I did.

Comments about Zenith Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box:

Purchased the converter box today. It was easy to set up. The picture and sound are great! I get seven channels without it and eleven with it. However...I can't use the PIP (picture in picture) and can't record one station and watch another. It is a good product for what it does. I can only hope that in the future there will be a way to use the dvd to record!! Guess I can live without the PIP.

Comments about Zenith Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box:

I have a P.S. to my last review, if you do record from the VCR (instructions in last review) you have to make sure you turn the "sleep" feature off. Otherwise the Digital converter box will automatically shut off after 4 hours and then, when the VCR kicks in to record the show you programmed it to record, it will record a blue screen because no channel is broadcasting cause the converter box is off.

Comments about Zenith Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box:

This unit is IDENTICAL to the Insignia model. The ONLY difference is the name on the front and the design of the box.

Comments about Zenith Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box:

Here's the skinny on this converter:Pros:1) Great, great picture. Seems pretty good at locking onto and capturing weaker and/or problematic signals -- I live in an area with heavy multipath. this might be an issue for people like myself who are in apartments and heavy urban environments.2) Very easy setup. Less than two minutes easy!3) Simple, slim, nicely laid out remote.Cons:1) Lack of analog passthrough.2) The sound -- as noted in other reviews, there is a problem with the sound on this unit. The sound is very tinny, and on the stereo setting the sound is noticeably fainter than on the mono setting. (Yes, you could set it to Mono, but who wants Mono?) Also, there is a sound artifact -- as noted in previous reviews, when "S" is spoken, there is a chirping. Surprising that these units were allowed through production, considering this defect!3) I'm not sure about the previous reviewer who mentioned that it doesn't convert true HD signals. I'm watching PBS now, which I'm pretty sure is a true HD broadcast, and it seems to be working fine. Picture is fantastic.Overall, if I could do it again, I'd be tempted to try the Digital Stream, in order to see the differences... [...] My guess is that the Zenith and Digital Stream are probably about comparable, when you consider each of their relative strengths and weaknesses... these might matter to you if you are trying to decide between these two, and for example, you're a true audiophile and have a high-end audio system, or live in an area with hard-to-capture signals.

Comments about Zenith Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box:

I got improved reception after connecting the box. I have a roof antenna which isn't so hot so I wasn't getting all the channels but after connecting this box, I picked up better reception on the weak channels and picked up a few more channels. For instance, ABC has 7-1 (which is the regular channel) then 7-2, and 7-3 which is a weather channel and maybe 7-4. Setup was relatively easy but it only gives instructions on how to set up to a TV. The Antenna set up, which views through either channel 3 or 4 (depending on which station does not have a broadcast) does not have as good of a picture or sound as the AV set up (AV wires). Also, I have a VCR and had to call tech to find out how to set the box through a VCR. I got 4 people who all had different answers, one being that you CAN'T do it and another being that you can't record using the VCR once you Do connect it to the VCR. Finally I got a guy who knew his stuff. He told me how to set it up as well as record using the VCR. But here's the problem which I am sure will be the same for all the Digital converter boxes. Since you can only view the Digital converter channels through your TV on either channel 3 or 4 (Antenna set up) or through your AV channel (AV cable set up) this means that, if you want to do timer recordings using your VCR, you will have to program the show you want to record to either channel 3 or 4 or to your AV channel since the channels on the converter box only view through these two channels on your TV. Then, have your converter box set to the channel you want to record, (ex: the show you want is tomorrow at 9pm on channel 7-1. Since there are no broadcasts coming though your TV on any other channels except channel 3 or the AV channel, if you program your VCR to pick up channel 7 at 9pm, it will just record a blue screen. So you must have channel 7.1 viewing through your TV on channel 3 or the AV channel and when 9pm comes tomorrow, the VCR will record what ever channel the box is tuned to.) May sound complicated but it meant a lot to me to find this out cause I do a lot of recording. Another thing, you can no longer view another channel while you are recording from your VCR. Bummer.

Comments about Zenith Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box:

For local city reception, it does do a decent job of dealing with multipath issues. This means that it will do a good job in your city and its immediate suburb. If you want good DX capablilty for reception greater than 30 miles (even with good outdoor antenna) this one should be passed up. There are better units for this purpose.

Comments about Zenith Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box:

Ok , for all you so called tech savvy people. You cannot get surrond sound off an antenna with a non digital tv! The sound on this box is acceptable providing your are not a complete moron. You will not get surrond sound because it is impossible to do so since it does not have optical or digital coxial outputs. The only way to get true surrind sound is to get a digital cable box, sat receiver or a digital tv with the correct outputs. Sorry folks but running a pair of cheap RCA cables from the audio out of your analog tv isnt surround sound. The picture quality is good with a decent outdoor antenna and dont seem to have the issue with it locking up or hummiong the way the pieces of junk from [...] do.

Comments about Zenith Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box:

Use this converter in our Motorhome with a standard batwing RV antenna. Was getting only 4 channels here at home,now get 22. from 90 miles away. Very easy to set up,almost does it all itself.Does seem to be very sensitive to antenna direction but this may be due to antenna design. Recommend for all owners of older motorhomes with analog TV.

Comments about Zenith Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box:

Once I got both [$] coupons from the government, I had scoured the web on which set top box would fit my Panasonic PV-DM2799 27" TV/VCR/DVD Combo. I decided because I would by one box at a time, I'd try the Zenith DTT900. Consumer Reports rated it as slightly better in reception and resolution than the Insignia NS-DXA1, both which are manufactured by LG.Easy to setup, the Zenith includes the unit, remote control, RCA jacks, video and coaxial cables as well as a AAA battery. You can use a simple rabbit-ear antenna but can upgrade to a rooftop antenna if permissible.The on-screen menu guides you to setting up your channels, aspect ratio of wide screen or standard format, parental locks on programming and so on. I live in the 11373 area and can pick up 15 channels at this time of press. However, I could probably pick an additional ten if I modify or wait until the Feb 09 deadline. The bad side is I can't pick up WNET nor WLIW. Not yet anyway.The online program guide is very nice and has the time/date displayed along with SAP, caption and TV rating. The box itself is simple in design with a channel changer and power button. It's light indicator color changes from crimson red(off) to ion blue(on).Overall, I'm pleased so far but I'm certain once my last coupon expires, there's going to be a better model on the horizon.

Comments about Zenith Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box:

The First RadioShack I went to, they told me they have never sold this product in their store and tried very hard to sell me the Digital Stream one - She didn't even know who made it. I went to another, the sales were much smarter than the previous one and told me they were out and found that another store nearby had some. I went to pick up one. The setup is very easy if you only hook that up directly to your TV. I get much more channels than before - even a local Chinese channel. Images are very clear and much stable. Audio is just like the other reviewers noticed - noise from the TV set and the converter.One thing I haven't figired that out is to hook up to my VCR with the TV and converter at the same time so that I can record programs. [...]

Comments about Zenith Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box:

Great stuff. Make sure to use the ($40)coupon. The signal strength meter is a PLUS.

Comments about Zenith Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box:

Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box by Zenith KILLED MY TV.
MY TV NOW IS DEAD.

Comments about Zenith Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box:

I purchased two of the Zenith DDT900 unit?s one for installation on our 6 year old 55 inch projection TV and one on my wife?s 9 year old CRT 19 inch set. Our project TV has the normal DVD and VCR?s currently connected in addition to a General Instruments DSR-922 4DTV ?C? band 12 foot satellite system. We are currently utilizing a 64 elements Winguard roof antenna 35 feet above the ground with amplification. The entire installation for both sets required about 1 hour. Read the instructions and follow them to the letter. Both sets perform manifestly. We are of Seattle about 38 miles from the transmitters. The picture is greatly improved on channels 4, 5, 7 and 28. The sound is excellent via a Denon A/V unit through 36 JBL surround sound speakers. In addition we now receive 37 channels of digital where we only received 9 analog via the same antenna and equipment setup. I would highly recommend the Zenith DTT900 system purchased from Radio Shack. Even the remote was very easy to program to operate the TV. If I had any recommendation for changes it would be to install ?Monster Cables? brand in place of the cheap ones furnished with the unit. This does improve both the sound and picture clarity dramatically.

Comments about Zenith Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box:

Purchased this unit to use in our motorhome. Use it with the batwing antenna with power boast. Before,setting in my driveway I could only get 5 channels, now it will pick up 22,one from about 90 miles.Can`t wait to see what it will do when they all switch to digital. Setup is a breeze,almost does it all by itself. Would definatly recommend this converter.

Comments about Zenith Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box:

It was very easy to set-up. The on-screen setup wizard only took about a minute or two. The picture is absolutely AMAZING. My only complaint is that the sounds is terribly hissy with annoying, audible artifacts in the high end. You might not notice it on cheepy TV speakers, but you definitely will not be happy if you have a nice home theater sound system!!!

Comments about Zenith Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box:

Bought two converts and had both set up in 5 mins. The new remote also controls the volume of the TV. I was also able to program the remote to turn the tv on/off, so I only need to use on remote.

Comments about Zenith Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box:

The things that I was proud about this product was its design, user interface, easy setup, and improved picture and sounds. I like using this Zenith DTV converter box.

According to some people's review, they complained that there's a strange sound when watching a program. I only herd it a little bit. It's not loud enough that it bugs me. I don't even bother complain because its good enough.

I was able to only watch 10 analog channels with my Sony TV. However, when I scanned for digital channels, it drawed my attention that I had 22 digital channels. Digital is way better! You get more channels from the same broadcasters with digital, not in analog.

Yeah, I'd definitely recommend this product to all of my friends. Great work, Zenith!

Comments about Zenith Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box:

Installation and set-up were straightforward and simple. Results excellent; great picture quality.

My installation is slightly unusual. I already have a digital HD TV set. However, my VCR (of course) has no digital tuner, so I am using the DTT900 to feed the VCR. In Chicago, the PBS station 11.1 often does not show the same programming as their channel 11 or 11.2. I can now record those special programs to watch at my convenience (time shift), without waiting for the program to show up on 11 or 11.2 a week or so later.

For watching programs in real-time, I simply use the digital TV set, but I can send the signal from the DTT900 through to the TV for comparison. The DTT900 is an analog signal of course, not High Definition, but it has equally high quality as any of the direct analog programs. The Output from the box is being sent to the TV using the RCA Audio/Video cable, which should give better picture than using the RF Output ("F" Plug to Channel 3 or 4 on the TV).

I do have a fairly high quality roof antenna, so both the TV and the DTT900 have a strong signal to work with.

TIP - If your set-up will use a Splitter on the antenna cable, be careful to select the right splitter. There are splitters for Cable, Antenna, Satellite etc. Information on the packages is limited, confusing and sometimes outright wrong. Ask questions until you are fairly confident you are getting good answers. This is the cheapest component of the system, but it can have a profound effect.

My system uses only the roof antenna with a splitter dividing the signal between the TV set and the VCR/DTT900 combination. I am using the Radio Shack 15-1234 splitter with excellent results.

Comments about Zenith Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box:

Some people have complained about the high pitch on left channel but I have not noticed it. I own a Sony WEGA from year 2000 and found that TV audio and video settings are the key to get the most out of the converter. Note that this TV tunner is not an antenna, you need to have an antenna located where it can pick signals. Keep in mind this is just a cheap-low-cost-plain digital to analog converter, not a HD receiver. Since I just wanted to continue to use my old Sony WEGA TV, this converter has been doing its job very well. For[...](including tax and after $40 coupon) this has been providing CD-quality picture. You may not be satisfied with this converter specifications, in turn, you can spend $130 or more in a better receiver... I own two digital receivers and am happy with their job for what I paid for them. I'm in The Colony, TX... yes, I call it a town not a city (blink and you'll miss it), what I mean? I little far from TV stations and converter was able to pick as many channels as my two HD TV's. Remote control features are just what I need and work perfect. It turn on and off the TV's.

Comments about Zenith Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box:

Bought this digital TV converter to use with my 2 year old TV and rabbit ears. Depending on orientation, I can either get channels 7 and 24 or 11 and 56, but major networks (in L.A.) CBS2 and NBC4 are non-existent or unwatchable. Bought an amplified "HDTV" antenna and now I can't get 7 or 56 either (yes, reception got worse) however the antenna connected direct to my TV works okay for analog channels. I'm not at all impressed with digital TV at this point. No wonder the gov't had to mandate the change to get people off of analog TV.

Comments about Zenith Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box:

This is to follow-up an earlier review.
1) A call to LG tech support confirmed that
the DTT900 will NOT decode HD transmitted
signals. Only SD transmitted signals.
2) Compared to Magnavox: The DTT900 has MUCH
better sensitivity (MUCH better at receiving
weak/distant signals), and produces a
noticeably better image on the analog TV.

As much as I otherwise prefer the DTT900, the lack of HD decoding is for me a fatal flaw. I wish it were not the case.

I cannot recommend the DTT900 to anyone who wants to receive HD transmission.

Comments about Zenith Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box:

In my area, there are only three available: Magnavox, Zenith-made-by-LG, and one other "no-name". Reviews favored Zenith DTT900 - except for possible poor/distorted audio.

In my case, audio was quite good,and standard-definition (SD) digital signals were better than corresponding analog signals (a good antenna is needed, however).

I set the unit up using the RF output (output set to default Ch 3 for input to VCR tuner). The unit did not "see" digital channels 2.1 (SD),2.2(HD) and 2.3(SD), which are strongest in area. Using audio/video outputs, it saw these channels (curious) and added them to list of channels. Once added, they remained available, and were received, when returning to the RF input (more curious).

My main complaint is that it does NOT convert the one channel (Ch 2.2) thatis broadcast in true HD. The display image is broken, and it "stutters" timewise - is not useable. I had read in a review that unit converts HD to SD before the D/A conversion. This does not appear to be the case.

Unfortunately, HD Ch 2.2 is one that I watch regularly - and want the ability to record on my analog VCR via the D/A converter. The only saving consideration for me is that HD broadcast on Ch 2.2 are frequently simulcast on SD Ch 2.1 (the 2.x channels are public broadcast) - but this is not alway true.

My next step will be to try the Magnavox converter, to see if the issue is in the converter or the transmitted signal.

In summary, if the DTT900 works (which appears to be SD transmissions only), it appears to work very well. If one knows the limitations up front and can live with them, then I would recommend it.

Comments about Zenith Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box:

The DTT900 provides excellent digital performance, even in a severe multi-path environment. Very fast channel scan and easy to add new channels.
The lack of an analog pass through is an advantage, for improved RF sensitivity.
The DTT900 is by far the best ATSC tuner I have used so far. With an outside antenna, the scan picks up about 50 digital channels. Even indoors, with a RadioShack double bow tie antenna, it picks up digital channels 40 miles distant. I have tested seven HDTV ATSC tuners (built-in, PCI and STB types), none of these tuners worked satisfactorily indoors. Only the DTT900 provided usable indoor results.

Comments about Zenith Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box:

Bought one of these to try out to see how effective it would be and if it was the one we wanted. It was super simple to connect and the setup was a breeze. We live in a rural area, with an outside antenna, and ended up with several more channels than we had been getting. Only one channel that we got marginally before didn't come in better and it would have surprised us if it would have, since it is broadcast from quite a distance away. We do get more from the local PBS stations using this, and we are very happy about that!

Comments about Zenith Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box:

I live in the middle of Los Angeles, in the second floor of a 2-floor building with highrises less than a mile all around me. And all I have is a cheap (probable less than $5) indoor antenna that my brother used as a pretend sword when we were kids (twenty years ago). I now get 43 perfectly clear channels.

Things that I would advise: if you aren't getting some channels, move the box and antenna around while you have the Signal strength feature activated on a channel. I doubled my channels my messing with the placement of the antenna for about 10 minutes. And the volume function for the box seems a bit weak. It should be used with the tv's volume control.

Comments about Zenith Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box:

Seemed easy to set up but it was unable to pull in a signal - kept getting "weak signal" message - went back to radio shack and purchased a [$]antenna - still got weak signal message. Called Digital Stream tech support - they told me I needed to use the remote to access the menu and tell the converter to "update" (basically, rescanning for channels - seems it was remembering the weak signal from the old antenna and does not automatically rescan for channels unless you program it to do so). Once this update was done - took only a minute or two - it works great. Very pleased.