Home > Consumer Reviews > Magnavox DTV Digital to Analog Converter

This is one of many similar devices that adapt over the air digital TV to non digital television sets. You get composite video, left and right audio, and RF in and out for those with TV sets that only have an antenna connector.

Set up is painless. The tuner is remarkably good; it picked up all stations in my area with just a pair of rabbit ears. Lack of S-Video out sorely missed, reds bloom a bit (adjust your TV set accordingly). The converter will zoom, letterbox or crop 16x9 content -- I have mine set for letterbox. The remote is poorly designed. Little teeny tiny channel up and down buttons, big buttons on the bottom for navigating through the electronic program guide or set up. Note the EPG only shows programs for the channel you are currently on. If you are on a channel, you can find out what is coming up on that channel for the next 3 hours, but not what is on other channels -- without switching to that channel. I would guess that all the converters will work this way.

The device itself is made by Funai, for what it is worth. It does do what it is designed to do, and again -- the tuner is quite good. I would look around at what else is available, though, at least for a nicer remote.

The Magnavox DTV Converter was easy to set up and, with at least a standard set of Rabbit Ears, received all the local digital TV channels. The image is good, though when DTV signals are weak the image freezes or the sound drops out (that's the nature of DTV signals). The problem with this unit is that changing the Zoom or Aspect ratio has to be done through the Setup function - there is no button on the remote to easily change this feature. This is critical since some programs are broadcast in Letterbox and others in the standard 4:3 dimensions. 4:3 programs appear as a small image in the middle of the screen. Again, to make it full screen, you have to go into the Setup function to "Zoom in". I returned this unit and purchased the Zenith DTT900. It has a Zoom button on the remote so I can change this ratio on the fly.

This convertor works just fine for me, get all the great new HD channels, but I regret getting this model.

It has a power switch but this is just the main power and doesn't actually turn it on. You MUST USE THE REMOTE with this box. There are no channel buttons on it. No remote = no TV.

I have purchased different models for my other TVs and this is my least favorite model.

I just purchased two of these. This was one of the least expensive converter boxes at the stores I shopped. Very easy to setup. Good brand name. Most importantly works on both of my older TVs with no problems. I have been using them for about 2 weeks and seems like a great purchase.

This box does what it is supposed to which is allow you to watch digital tv and that is about it. Few converter boxes on the market will control the volume of your tv and this box is one that will not, so you will need to use two remotes for your tv with this converter. The menus are not very user friendly, and neither is the remote that is included. If you have problems with small buttons, this is not the converter for you. The box tunes in channels without a problem and displays a nice picture, but that is about it. If your looking for a converter a lot more user friendly try the insignia or zenith branded converters. They will also at least allow you to turn the tv on and off with their included remote controls. This box would be my last resort choice, especially if using a coupon for purchase.