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| General Information |
| If you currently watch TV on an analog TV set that is not connected to a subscription TV service you will need to buy a converter box soon. The RCA DTA-800B1 DTV converter box with analog pass-through can be purchased using the $40 coupon available through the TV Converter Box Coupon Program. In order to qualify for the coupon, the converter box must be on the list of Coupon Eligible Converter Boxes (CECB). The DTA-800B1 digital converter box has the basic features found on most converter boxes along with a few extra features that can be very useful. You will not receive DVD quality pictures, but it does produce a better picture than the most analog television broadcasts. One option that we have not seen on any other DTV tuner is the ability to stand the the converter box vertically. It is equipped with a built-in stand that swings out from the side which can be handy if you are limited on space. RCA did a good job in providing a remote control with extra large buttons which makes it easier to see especially for people who have vision problems. Another bonus on the DTA800B1 remote control is the split feature for controlling the television and the converter box. The grey colored buttons on the left control the television, while the white buttons control the converter box. If you happen to misplace the remote control, you can still control the basic functions with the large power and channel buttons on the console itself. The electronic program guide (EPG) on the RCA converter box is very basic. It will show a “What’s on Now” and “What’s on Next” listing on nine channels at a time. It will also show a program description of the currently tuned channel. For the closed-caption text you can adjust the size and color of the font and change the background color. You have to use the set up menu in order to change the aspect ratio on the DTA800B1 and your only choices are letterbox (wide screen ratio) and zoom (standard 4:3 ratio). As for connecting the DTA800B1, the back of the console has an RF coax type connector input and one RF output. There is also a composite audio/video output which we recommend using for the best picture and stereo sound. Plus, a connection for a Smart Antenna which will automatically adjust for the best sound and picture quality. Overall, the picture quality was not as good as the Tivax STB-T8. However, the RCA DTA-800B1 does have pretty good picture quality and reception. With its EPG, Smart Antenna connection, and easy to use remote control the DTA-800B1 is a very good choice for a DTV converter box. |
| Product Details |
| RCA was founded as the Radio Corp. of America by General Electric in 1919. RCA founded NBC in 1926 to manage radio broadcasting operations for GE, AT&T, and Westinghouse. General Electric sold RCA’s consumer-electronics division in 1987 and is now owned by Thomson SA. Thomson is the world leading provider of solutions for the creation, management, delivery and access of video, for the Communication, Media and Entertainment industries. |
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| Consumer Feedback |
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| I just purchased a DTA800B1 using the $40 coupon from wal-mart this morning. The device works great EXCEPT that I am unable to program the STB remote to work with the RCA model T09081BC 9″ TV/VCR combo manufactured 1999. I have tried all 30 codes provided in the STB manual for RCA TVs at least two times each with no joy. | |
| actual user feedback from [avsforum.com] | |
| I really like mine. It was easy to set-up and I like the fact that I can still get an analog signal on my TV when I turn the converter off. Found out that I was able to get three additional channels on digital that I couldn’t get on analog TV. Also, one can control ones TV with the same remote as the converter. | |
| actual user feedback from [amazon.com] | |
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Pros: It is so user friendly that my 94 yr old mother isnt intimidated by the remote. Also, it is very easy to set-up. Cons: Haven’t found any. Summary: We own our DirectTV equipment so when the box in my bedroom stopped working this summer, and I received the $40. cards from the government, I got one at WalMart and hooked it to the TV with rabbit ears. The reception is so good, and I was able to get 23 channels, that we no longer have DirectTV or any other service in the house. |
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| actual user feedback from [cnet.com] | |
| Where To Buy | ||||
| RCA DTA-800B1 Digital To Analog Pass-through TV Converter Box at Amazon |
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 RCA DTA800b1 Digital TV Converter IN ORIGINAL BOX
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is there a remote control for the 800b with more features?
Unfortunately, these DTV converter boxes are what you see is what you get. These boxes are only really suppose to be temporary use items to get you by until you upgrade to a digital television. Most are pretty good products that should last until your TV goes on the blink or you finally decide to join the digital world.
By the way, the DTV Coupon program has run out of funding as we spoke about in an earlier article. Also, the converter boxes are getting harder to find as companies are running out of stock. I would suggest anyone needing one to get it ASAP.