Got this just in time to catch the Olympics (which, actually, was my primary reason for getting one...I had cable TV when they did the initial changeover to digital broadcasting, then got rid of the cable because of some issues with the provider...but didn't really miss the content, since I rarely had time for TV anyway...but on with the review...)

Easy to hook up, worked really well once I got it hooked up to a digital antenna (if you get this box and don't already have an antenna, plan on getting one). The set-up process is a little convoluted, but the owner's manual talks you through it pretty effectively and once you've been through it the first time, it's not too difficult to follow. The layout of the remote seems a little odd to me, and the inclusion of separate cursor buttons still throws me off after a month. The advantage to the shape of the remote is that I have no trouble being sure it's the right one, as it's a totally different shape and feel from my TV or DVD remote. But, for the price, I don't think you can really beat it. It's a bare-bones converter box, with minimal extras (that I never use, anyway), and if all you're looking for is something to let you see the digital broadcasts on your analog TV, and you aren't worried about PIP, DVR, and all the other bells and whistles, this is a really good way to go.

Overall, I am extremely happy with my Magnavox DTV Digital to Analog Converter purchase. I didn't want to spend much money to be able to use rabbit ears to pick up cable channels with my "older than 2004" analog TV, and this converter does the job well! I purchased the box, along with a cheap pair of bunny ears hoping to pick up a good enough signal to watch the major networks. I was a complete novice when it came to the "ears", I have previously always paid for cable, so I was hoping to find something quick and easy. For the price of one month's cable bill I now have access to the only channels I really need.

The box doesn't have a digital display, which is part of the reason its so affordable, but when you change the channel a display pops up on screen that tells you the channel it's picking up, and also the program its currently airing. IE "American Idol 15.1". I love this feature, it allows me to flip through channels and even when commercials are on, I can read what program is currently airing.

The only con I have is that there is not a flashback type button on the remote that allows you to flip to your previous channel with the touch of a button. That is a feature that I usually use to flip back and forth between 2 shows. However, that is a pretty minor complaint.

If you are looking for a well priced machine to "get the job done", and you don't require bells & whistles, then this is the converter box for you!

It's a standard definition converter box, and it works well. I understand there are better boxes out there, but this does a decent job and is going strong after two years of use. To compare, I have a portable TV that picks up almost nothing at all, even when connected to the same rabbit ears. This one gets about 75% of the channels in the area (the others would probably come in if I'd put up an outdoor antenna). As most new HDTVs have the tuner built in, the only reason you'd probably want a converter box is to watch over the air signals on an older TV set, which probably isn't HD compatible -- so this is a good solution. Remember that converters should be as far as possible from the rabbit ears. A lot of people don't realize this point because the older TVs with rabbit ears were usually right next to each other. Other devices such as lamps or electric blankets, if they're placed in the same area could also interfere with the signal, causing it to fade out. Now, specifically about the box, there is a feature that is programmed in to automatically shut down the converter after so many hours. You can change this, or turn the feature off (I have mine set for four hours...I figure that if I've left the TV on for that long, I'm probably not watching it anyway). This box also allows for secondary audio programming and has a limited EPG display. The EPG display often isn't large enough to see the entire program description, and is only displayed for individual channels (so no TV-guide type feature). However, as another person suggested, I usually go to a website such as Titan TV to see what's on. Over all, I am pleased and believe the unit was a good value. If you, like me, can't afford a brand new TV and don't want to spend money on satellite or cable TV, it's a great investment to breathe life into that old set (and with digital TV, the picture, even in standard definition, looks just as good, if not better, than satellite or cable).

I have tried several of these converters, but I still keep coming back to this one. Sure it don't have a power switch or a channel up or down button, but it makes up for all this with all the extras.
I have two televisions with the converter built in, and I swear this one picks up better and more. I love its on screen show guide. It usually tells what is coming up the next several hours, were as a lot of the others only tell what is currently on. I also love the part were it will actually tell the signal strength for the station. This is very important if your using a rotary antenna (as I do). I have not yet seen any other convertor do that.
Sure, it only gives you standard definition, but it does the job. And people swear that you can't get a universal remote to work with this convertor. That's total garbage, I only use my universal remote with both of mine. I see a lot of bad reviews for this product, and that's fine, but let those people go and try some of the rest of the junk on the market and they will love to have this baby back in order again. Trust me I know.
The only thing that I have seen first hand and have heard from others that is bad about this product, is that the life span is usually about a couple of years. Other than that, no complaints. And I also like how it zips through the stations unlike some of the others I have tried.

Simple to setup. Make sure you by quality, possibly a flat antenna and hang up high for strong reception. And maybe purchase a cable adapter to extend your Antenna cord. Free TV. Locally and some depending on your local broadcasting SIGNAL. It will save you money for the fixed income customers.