RCA DTA800 Digital to Analog TV Converter Box

I described the functionality of this product as less than basic, and that is why it is for $50 = $9.99 + $40 coupon.
My review is centered around 3 points.

1- Box doesn't have a Recall feature. So if you are watching Channel X and you switch to Channel Y, but you want to go back to Channel X, you can't. You have to input Channel X digits manually.
2- If you perform channel scan procedure and you realize that the box missed a Channel from the list, it's hard to capture that channel. So for example if you want to catch Channel 13-1 and the scanning procedure didn't capture it, you can't capture it. The box wouldn't let you enter Channel 13-1 manually so you go and change the antenna position to capture it. You can't force the box to latch to Channel 13-1.
3- Each time you use the menu, the box logs you out of what you are watching and takes you to the menu page where you can't see the TV program. So let us say if you want to change the font size, the system logs you out and takes you to the font page. If you choose a font with size large, and you realize it is not what you wanted, you cannot do it on the fly. You have to exit the TV program and go to the font page to reset it, then go back to the TV program.
I would not recommend this converter box at all. Pay $20 plus the coupon and get a better box. The ultimate way to discover the features above primarily is by looking at the remote control.

It had some problems from the beginning. It would receive one station with all the program data and a good signal, but still could not assemble a picture. Sometimes there would be audio, sometimes not. I thought it was the station, so I waited. A month later, it could not produce a picture or audio from any station. It will be my cost to send it in, so I may just scrap it. I have the Zenith now, and it is made better, has very nice menus, and more features. Time will tell on this one too.

I just spent about two hours trying to get this converter box working with two different televisions. I could get no signal whatsoever through either TV (I have a strong signal through a rooftop antenna). It looks as if it will be virtually impossible to record programs on a VCR, but I'll never know because my plan right now is to return this and forget about tv. Read more books and use high speed Internet for late-breaking news.

I lost half of all the TV stations I had with this unit. It does pick up some stations I never had, (Worthless "religion" stations) but its missing a couple major stations. Apparantly, you need a really good antenna or you need to make sure your getting strong signals. Otherwise, your TV is going to skip channels. And as another reviewer said, you cant manually add stations. I get all the stations back when I remove the DTV converter box and plug the antenna straight into the TV.

Have now guided multiple elderly (and not so elderly) family members in the purchase of this easy to use box. All of us have enjoyed the easy to use remote and the box's ability to lay flat or upright. Excellent reception and sound and doesn't overheat like the Magnavox did. People should use Antenna Web or TV Fool to know where to aim their antenna, and purchase what they recommend (TV Fool is better with terrain and if you need to have antenna elevated). Upstairs I use an eight year old Jasco Optima (GE make equivalent now) for stations up 45miles away, but down one flight have to use a Radio Shack 15-1892 directional amplified to get 'violet uhf' for the station 45 miles away. Unlike snowy screens on analog TV's if signal strength is <14% you get nothing. Roof top aerials may not work unless amplified with low noise next to antenna. Also digital reception easily blocked or messed up by metal in walls. Best if antenna is by window if inside or if outside aimed in best direction. RCA will release their 'Smart Antenna' this Fall of 2008; it will plug in the back of RCA DTA 800 boxes and automatically orient itself for best signal.