Consumer Reports Rates 14 Digital Converter Boxes

Tests Show That Higher Price Doesn't Guarantee Better Performance

YONKERS, N.Y., June 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In anticipation of the
digital television transition in February 2009, Consumer Reports recently
tested 14 models of digital converter boxes and found that there were
differences in performance, though not dramatic, with price not necessarily an
indicator of quality. In fact, some of the less expensive models offered
better picture quality than higher-priced models.

Consumers who do not have a digital TV and currently rely on
over-the-air-broadcasts for news and entertainment will have to purchase a
digital converter box in order to receive digital signals from U.S. television
stations.

"Anyone with an analog TV hooked up to an antenna will need a converter box
when broadcasts go all digital next February," said Paul Reynolds, Electronics
Editor of Consumer Reports. "We want to help consumers find a model that will
give them the best viewing experience for the best price."

For those considering a DTV converter, Consumer Reports advises first choosing
models with better picture quality, and then narrowing choices down to those
that have desired features. The Tivax STB-T9, $50, was among those with the
best picture quality. The Microgem MG200, $65, also stood out in Consumer
Reports' tests for its picture quality. When judging picture quality at home,
however, consumers should also consider other variables that can affect
picture quality - the quality of the video transmitted by stations and the
quality of the television set, either of which can often be the weak link in
the picture quality chain.

Another characteristic to consider is tuner sensitivity, the ability to
receive channels when signal strength is weak. Consumer Reports found that
the tuners in all boxes performed comparably in tests of their ability to pull
in digital stations. The tests were conducted at Consumer Reports'
headquarters in Yonkers, NY using a standard residential rooftop antenna.
Though the results are a rough indicator, it suggests that any of these boxes
should be able to detect a similar number of channels. However, reception can
vary for each user, depending on location, local terrain, signal strength, and
the type of antenna being used, as well as the number of stations broadcast in
the area and their signal strength.

Consumer Reports recommends choosing a digital converter box that allows for
individual channels to be easily added. This feature eliminates the need for
consumers to perform the more time consuming "scan-for-all-channels."
Additionally, if no signal is found on a particular channel, some boxes have
on-screen signal meters that allow viewers to monitor signal strength while
optimizing the antenna position. Signal strength meters are available on all
boxes but are typically active only on channels that have already been found.

Also consider the electronic programming guide. These guides range from very
basic to more comprehensive. Analog-pass-through will allow the TV to
continue receiving available analog, as well as digital, signals, including
those from lower-power TV stations, which may continue to broadcast in analog
after the February 2009 deadline.

Currently, there are only about 25 models of digital converter boxes
available, all of which cost more than $50. Consumers can apply for two $40
government coupons towards the purchase of these devices. The 14 models
Consumer Reports tested are available for purchase either online or at stores
including Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Circuit City, and Radio Shack and have been
approved for the government's converter box coupon program.

"Consumers are finding few choices in their local stores," said Joel Kelsey
policy analyst for Consumers Union, nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports.
"This is a consumer Catch-22. Those who acted early in requesting coupons
face limited or expensive choices in converter boxes, but can't wait for more
options because their coupons are expiring."

The Government Accountability Office recently released survey data indicating
that although over half of Americans may know about the government coupon
program, many of them do not know where or how to obtain the coupons. Because
many retailers only have a few models in stock, Consumers Union, the nonprofit
publisher of Consumer Reports, is advocating for the National
Telecommunications and Information Administration to allow consumers to
reapply for coupons if they are unhappy with the converter box choices in
their local market. These coupons expire 90 days after they are issued.

"Even the government concedes consumers are confused. The digital TV
switchover will be one of the first challenges the next President will face.
We hope the nation will be better prepared next February than it is now,"
added Kelsey.

For more information on the digital television conversion and Consumer
Reports' Ratings of digital converter boxes, visit
www.ConsumerReports.org/DTV.

JUNE 2008
Consumers Union 2008. The material above is intended for legitimate news
entities only; it may not be used for commercial or promotional purposes.
Consumer Reports(R) is published by Consumers Union, an expert, independent
nonprofit organization whose mission is to work for a fair, just, and safe
marketplace for all consumers and to empower consumers to protect themselves.
To achieve this mission, we test, inform, and protect. To maintain our
independence and impartiality, CU accepts no outside advertising, no free test
samples, and has no agenda other than the interests of consumers. CU supports
itself through the sale of our information products and services, individual
contributions, and a few noncommercial grants.

SOURCE Consumers Union

Lisa Bruno of Catalyst Public Relations, +1-212-300-2407,
lbruno@catalystpublicrelations.com; or Melissa Valentino of Consumer Reports,
+1-914-378-2432, mvalentino@consumer.org