Apex DT-250 DTV Converter Box

This is one product to DEFINATELY stay away from. We bought two of these units several months ago. We didn't have any problems at first, but 5 months (almost to the day) after purchase, one just quit working completely. Many people have said these units run hot (up to 125 degrees F), so maybe it burnt out. I don't know. I returned it to the store I bought it from (not Amazon), and I had to include everything that came with the unit in the return--cables, remote, etc. Bad move. We exchanged it okay, but the remote that came with the new unit didn't work. Apparently from searching the web, this is a VERY common occurance. It's also a BIG problem, since you cannot do anything with the unit except turn it on and off without the remote. There are no other buttons on the unit itself. Well, to make a long story short, I went through a lot of hassles with a lot of different people, and I ended up having to buy a replacement remote from Apex's website. I decided to buy 2, just in case I lose a remote at some point or something happens. Well, I received the new remotes, and NEITHER of them work either!!! Apex says I can send the remotes back (at my expense). If they are found to be defective, I will be sent replacements. But if they somehow miraculously work at the factory, I will be charged a 10% handling charge, plus the cost of return shipping! How rediculous! It's not worth it. So after having spent about $20 on the unit (after gov't coupon), returning the unit once, then paying $28.73 for new remotes, I'm stuck with 3 remotes that don't work and a unit I can't use. Learn from my mistake, and stay away from this product and this manufacturer!!!

I only give this unit two stars because it actually does convert analog signals to digital. Otherwise, this unit is lacking.

Limitations to this device:
1) The remote control responds infrequently. I find myself having move the remote control all over the place to get it to work. When it does, it often does the wrong command, notably that when I want to change the channel up, it often does changes the channel down. The remote is a total crapshoot.

2) No auto zoom. The device does not automatically zoom have preset zooms specified for the channels, and as a result I frequently have to switch magnification as the image is too big or too small for the screen.

3) Channel preset. You cannot manually add channels to the device if it missed the auto preset.

Got product from Best Buy.
I have the best exterior roof attenna. Can receive analog signals like they are satelite sent.
Hooked unit up and the picture was scrambled and the pictured rolled on all channels.
Trouble shooting guide said had bad cable connection. Changed cable. Same problem.
Eliminated the converter box.
Picture is great.

Went back to Best Buy. Was told that this is a common problem with this unit.
Asked why they continue to sell the product even though they know the unit has a problem. Was told Best Buy had a CONTRACT TO SELL THE UNIT.

I am taking the unit back to Best Buy for store credit.

The remote does seem to have a very short range. I could forgive that but I don't care for the 20" picture on my 25 inch TV. No settings in the menu correct this.

Update: I returned the box and got another one that the zoom button actualy works on. I'm happier now.

it's fine as long as you don't expect to sit more than 2 ft. away, as this seems to be as far as the remote can be sensed. first i thought mine was just defective, so i exchanged it. the new one only worked marginally better (i.e., sometimes the remote works up to 4 ft. away. sometimes.) however, if you enjoy watching TV inches from the screen, then this is the box for you.