So is this the winner of the TV converter box wars :confused:

Maxmedia ATSC Features

* Excellent Picture Quality
* Designed with the latest DTVB core engine
* V-Chip parental control
* Closed captioning
* Fully functional remote control
* Energy Star Compliant
* Low Power Consumption
* SVIDEO and Composite


http://www.convertmy.tv/

Feature-wise, the MaxMedia looks promising. S-Video and Smart Antenna connections. I wish they had some reception performance specs. Price?

they said in a few days they will be up and rolling on everything. I hope they don't rush to market and make a bunch of junk

from customer service of convertmy.tv:
Dear Consumer,

The price will be $58.99 for a single converter box

or

$54.99 if you purchase 2 or more.


FREE SHIPPING!

Customer Service,
www.convertmy.tv

That is a really good price considering free shipping. Has anyone confirmed that the EPG only shows the current and next shows? If does have a full EPG, I think this one would be the one to buy.

I don't know why so many people think the Zenith/Insignia is a best buy, considering it lacks in so many features and there is no proof yet it has superior reception compared to the other CECBs.

I don't know why so many people think the Zenith/Insignia is a best buy, considering it lacks in so many features and there is no proof yet it has superior reception compared to the other CECBs.

I've never said it is a "best buy"; however I have said it is a basic box that works very well. It has a 6th generation chip and seems to pull in signals very well. I have tested it with a roof antenna point the wrong direction and with rabbit ears; it still works. Others have tested the box and are happy with it.

No question, it lacks S-Video and RF Pass through, so if those are important to you, DO NOT buy the Zenith DTT900!!!

As for any other boxes, I would like to see users reporting what they think about the box. Spec sheets are nice, but real world performance for users and user tests is what I care about.

My personal position is that there is NO ONE "Best Box", because "best" is subject to what someone considers "best"; Low Cost, S-video, RF Pass through, other features, ...

In the end, we are going to find that several different boxes are VERY GOOD and some will be not so good. Beyond that, it all becomes an endless debate which is the "best box".


Bob Diaz

$58.99-$40.00 is $18.99 and since its mail order most likely no tax for most states.

If it has S-video, I am sold on this box.

i'm waiting until april because that should give others time to test this box out. i thought the started a local sales tax collection for the internet buys?

I'll be doing at least 3 upgrades this year;

Zenith/Insignia for my Uncles

MaxMedia for Myself

that's because I have S-Video inputs on my old equipment
and I'm willing to invest the $100 in a smartantenna, while
my Uncle only needs an indoor UHF antenna to supplement
his roof VHF antenna with a signal combiner.

my point is, MaxMedia may be overkill for most people,
while Zenith/Insignia is available now, has a good menu
system, good remote, and good multipath tuning.

I'm proceeding to do my Uncle with Zenith/Insignia
while I suffer Analog a bit longer till MaxMedia ships.

my point is, both boxes will meet many people's need,
so it's not a matter of which box is better, just which
fits your needs best.

It sounds like a great box, but the now/next EPG would be a deal breaker for me. I really want a box with a full EPG. Plus does anyone really know anything about the Texas Instruments chipset? It could be pretty bad for all we know...

If your local Radio Shack has them, the Digital Stream DTX9900 supposedly has a better EPG - check http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=996043 for more details.

what is EPG

Electronic Program Guide

Good god man - what rock have you been hiding under ? :D

Electronic Program Guide

Good god man - what rock have you been hiding under ? :D

there is no such thing on broadcast tv, you cable people forget that :p

When will this box be available?

I need a box with SVideo!!

I'll be doing at least 3 upgrades this year;

Zenith/Insignia for my Uncles

MaxMedia for Myself

that's because I have S-Video inputs on my old equipment
and I'm willing to invest the $100 in a smartantenna, while
my Uncle only needs an indoor UHF antenna to supplement
his roof VHF antenna with a signal combiner.

my point is, MaxMedia may be overkill for most people,
while Zenith/Insignia is available now, has a good menu
system, good remote, and good multipath tuning.

I'm proceeding to do my Uncle with Zenith/Insignia
while I suffer Analog a bit longer till MaxMedia ships.

my point is, both boxes will meet many people's need,
so it's not a matter of which box is better, just which
fits your needs best.


I agree, IMHO, there is no "one ideal box or one size fits all box".

Likely there are going to be some poor boxes as well as some very good boxes. After that, it's all a matter of what do you want in a box and what best fits your needs.

In as much as I'd love to buy every box and test the **** out of them (as well as open them up), my wife would KILL me for spending around $3,000 on all the boxes. It would be fun, but pointless too.

So, I just watch the forum to see which boxes are good and which aren't so good.


Bob Diaz

there is no such thing on broadcast tv, you cable people forget that :p

Really? :confused:

I just got an e-mail from Maxmedia.

This box will have Analog Passthru and S-Video as well as RCA connection.

You guys know about the last 2. I wasn't sure of the Analog passthru. Now I am :-)

I just got an e-mail from Maxmedia.
This box will have Analog Passthru
and S-Video as well as RCA connection.


that would be cool, if we could verify it.
why else would they put an RF out port
unless it was for analog pass thru. You
already have 2 video outputs, so making
a third just for composite would be silly.

Box is still unavailable. Am interested in those who get this box if there is a Cable option in the menu settings for channel which indicates it has QAM.

The TI Chipset comes with the QAM already. The question is if it is missing from the menu options.

http://focus.ti.com/download/tidc/pdfs/asia/2007/TP_T3_4_SUMC_20070625_REV1.pdf

The Pass-thru was a known part of the TI chipset. The only unknown is the firmware and if it supports QAM by default.

that would be cool, if we could verify it.
why else would they put an RF out port
unless it was for analog pass thru. You
already have 2 video outputs, so making
a third just for composite would be silly.

That is odd considering that on the GOV site they don't mark it as having analog passthrough, but it wouldn't be the first time something was miss posted.

https://www.ntiadtv.gov/cecb_list.cfm

Note: Antenna Pass-Through: Pass through a NTSC signal
from the antenna to the TV receiver

Is this the same as RF Passthru?

Note: Antenna Pass-Through: Pass through a NTSC signal
from the antenna to the TV receiver

Is this the same as RF Passthru?

In this context - yes

jeez, mid march and still their site isn't working. who is dragging their feet here, the government or manufacture

Thank you for your e-mail regarding the TV Converter Box Coupon Program. We are now accepting applications and will continue until March 31, 2009, while supplies last. Consumers may apply for up to two $40 coupons per household: online at www.DTV2009.gov, by calling 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009); or by mailing an application to P.O. Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000. Coupons will be sent tohouseholds via U.S. mail. Please visit www.DTV2009.gov for answers to frequently asked questions. Sincerely, Television Converter Box Coupon Program Team

I'm looking forward to this box's availability, if it turns out to be quality. Both S-video output and analog pass-thru are important to me for an ED LCD I've got that can use S-video input and will also be useful for a couple of low-power stations remaining analog for a while after 2/2009. I wish more of the converter boxes would include those things.

i wrote the FCC to ask why the coupons only last 90 days when the switch over isn't until next year. I also pointed out most of the manufactures don't have their boxes out yet and the ones that do are getting bad reviews. I also sent one to the coupon web site and you can see what they sent back.

The reason the coupons are good for 90 days is that was what your representatives in Congress specified. It will take an Act of Congress to change that. Contact your Representatives.

Today I noticed that the NTIA website has begun listing online and telephone sales of converter boxes. So far only one source is listed for each of these type of transactions. Here is the NTIA link:

https://www.mydtv2009.gov/VendorSearch.aspx

Where can one of these be purchased? I tried to buy one from convertmy.tv and they said "Come back in mid-February when you have your coupon."

1) It is now early March.
2) I have my coupon.
3) I should not need a coupon to buy one as long as I am willing to pay full price.

I have found it to be the case that companies these days keep making it harder and harder for me to give them my money. Why are they in business at all?

-Chris

These companies may have 150,000 converter boxes in their warehouse but have not been able to find a retail chain to market them. Now they have to explore how to set up a method to direct market them to the general public. This entails a great amount of coordination in order to set up the website for financial transactions, coupon verification, packaging, shipping, etc.

I emailed their support about Step 2 (purchase) not working;

Their response: (and it was a very quick response 15minutes)


STEP 2 will be fully functional from this Sunday forward.

Thank you for contacting us.

Customer Service
www.convertmy.tv

This sunday there is going to be a rush to buy these boxes, hope it doesn't crash the web site or they sell out and take 4ever to restock.

I did hesitate to post their response. I thought about the same thing, that maybe I wouldn't be able to get in to order.

but I shared, so all of ya back off and i'll post when i make my order then you'all can.:rolleyes:

Now convertmy.tv (http://www.convertmy.tv) is stating that beginning March 11th they will be taking orders.

I e-mailed their customer service asking whether this converter box will feature a VCR timer similar to Echostar TR-40. The response I got was:

" Our Maxmedia converter does have an internal timer that can be synced with a VCR through SVIDEO, however, it does not have a standalone VCR timer.

The EchoStar TR-40 does not have a standalone timer either and it is not available for sale. We believe EchoStar never intended to sell the box in the first place, just get people to buy their Satellite service "

This internal timer that syncs with a vcr through s-video is odd. I see no relation between a timer and an s-video hookup.

That makes absolutely no freaking sense...S-Video only carries video...no controls:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S-Video

Echostar statement only confirms his specialty is "Purveyor of Misinformation"...

I have to agree with Holl. that's the second Maxmedia support quoted email that contained technically inaccurate and misleading statements. so either newbie posters are coming here and making this stuff up, or someone on the staff of Maxmedia needs some more training on their own products and this industry's technology.

so either newbie posters are coming here and making this stuff up, or someone on the staff of Maxmedia needs some more training on their own products and this industry's technology.

latter

You know just because something has s-video doesn't mean it will have the better picture and the smart antenna is a neat idea, but for most people all the local "reachable" stations near you will be in one direction.

You know just because something has s-video doesn't mean it will have the better picture

:confused: S-Video may not be noticeably better to some, than RCA-Video on the same analog equipment,
but S-Video is certainly better than the Composite Video coming off other no S-Video jack boxes.

the smart antenna is a neat idea, but for most people all the local "reachable" stations near you will be in one direction.

true - here in NYC a high gain narrow directional antenna would be best for most suburbanites.
however people in urban settings are often plagued with single source signals that get bounced from all directions by buildings interrupting that straight line path. thus a SmartAntenna's ability to deal with such MultiPath signals may be it's better application, than some rural person stuck between signal sources coming from multiple origins. Ideally a SmartAntenna would also be better and cheaper than a directional antenna plus Amp plus Rotor in many Urban and SubUrban applications. I say Ideally because there simply is not enough first hand experience available on the web yet for us to be certain. I bought a SmartAntenna to combat such MultiPath issues in an urban setting, but I won't install it till my $40 coupon comes in the mail, hopefully by Month's end. by then others will have tried the MaxMedia box, so I'll know if it lives up to the hype of it's impressive combination of specs.

You know just because something has s-video doesn't mean it will have the better picture and the smart antenna is a neat idea, but for most people all the local "reachable" stations near you will be in one direction.
I've analyzed www.tvfool.com results for many users in "The Official AVS Antenna Topic"
thread and elsewhere...MOST of them have DTV stations in multiple directions.

BTW: Even in Indianapolis, viewers have DTV stations coming in from multiple
directions both now and post-Feb2009. Of course YMMV, depending on where you live....
[To which you may respond you don't care about the stations you can't see....]

http://maxmedia-usa.com/index.php?option=com_fireboard&Itemid=23&func=view&catid=11&id=19#19

James B (Admin) at MaxMedia Support Forum:
The MaxMedia MDTVB03 has a advanced technology to actively scan channels and reposition for best channel reception.
Also there is no 20 min wait to scan channels.
To scan with Smart Antenna and Regular Rabbit Ear Antenna is the same time _frame_. about 2 - 3 minutes.

The MaxMedia MDTVB03 has a advanced technology to actively scan channels and reposition for best channel reception.

If this is true, this is the box for me.:) My 2004 Samsung HDTV needs something like this. Reception at my location is very poor, the signal strength reads full power but dropouts are common. I blame multipath and trees for this nightmare of mine. Also, I do have stations from different directions. I hope this will work as well as I envision it. I am planning on doing an RF split before the tuner box and have one go to the TV. Then the tuner box can act as a antenna control and be available for VCR use as well. I know I will have to turn off the power down timer and remember to set it to the right channel. If things work out I plan on getting a computer setup for a DVR later.

i can get every local digital channel in ny but NBC. channel 28 will not come in but channel 56 CBS does. 9:30 AM and still the web site isn't working

If this is true, this is the box for me.

don't get too excited. if you have not noticed, their Admin was very vague, and sounded like he was reading from a marketing brochure at some demo he witnesses, not a technical spec or in depth usage. he was not specific about whether he was talking about locking in a specific channel, or the setup scan of all available channels. considering the technical mistakes we have seen from other emails from MaxMedia support, I think the jury is still out on this box until someone with half a brain gets their hands on one (with a smartantenna and without) and really puts this thing through it's paces.

as for the site still not selling boxes. don't be surprised. they told me it would be up a week ago, yet here we are. just remember though we (early adopters) are anxious to try one, yet they are still at least 6 Months away from needing to be up and running, so they are not in any hurry to sell these.

From their web page, I want to buy it:
Please come back to this Step on March 11th, once you have received your coupons in the mail.

Great, but today IS March 11, 2008. I guess they are still not ready. :confused: :(

Bob Diaz

well a lot of people coupons will expire in a month or 2, they better get in a hurry

From their web page, I want to buy it:


Great, but today IS March 11, 2008. I guess they are still not ready. :confused: :(

Bob Diaz

That site is starting to remind me of a catalog mail order company that I used to work for in customer service...roughly 75% of their catalog was constantly on backorder, with expected delivery dates being constantly bumped up.

Even when/if this site starts taking orders, I'm going to be hesitant to use my coupon with them at this point.

That site is starting to remind me of a catalog mail order company that I used to work for in customer service...roughly 75% of their catalog was constantly on backorder, with expected delivery dates being constantly bumped up.

Even when/if this site starts taking orders, I'm going to be hesitant to use my coupon with them at this point.

I agree i was told last Sunday was the day. My confidence is slowly going away. I do not like company's that lie all the time.

I was promised a picture of the remote and that never happened either.

They need to stop promising things and not coming through.

It appears they haven't even received the finished product from their Chinese builders. Even if you can order it, chances are it isn't yet in this country.

I'm not holding my breath. It is in this company's best interest to keep us hanging on with wild promises so we don't expend our coupons on competing products.

Chinese builders ugh.

Well It either arrived or not?

Either passed customs or not

Either on a truck or not

If they made a promise and it is stuck in customs. Then they should know customs could take a long time if papers are not in order ect.

If you say March 11th then it better be in your own warehouse.

There are about 40 boxes on the CECB approved list that are in the same situation:
"FreakUs Boxus Availlabus Retardus (FUBAR)". Must be a gov't program.....

Am beginning to think that Jack Tramiel is alive, well, and spearheading the MaxMedia project. :)

Just checked and the date at the website has been bumped up another day--it now says to come back on March 12th.

Sorry for my stupidity, but I have a "HD Ready" Tv and was wondering if this box will allow me to get OTA HD. Do these converter boxes let you get all the digital channels(14-1 and 14-2 or just 14)? If I can't get HD with this box what is a good model of tuner that works well for fringe areas?

Sorry for my stupidity, but I have a "HD Ready" Tv and was wondering if this box will allow me to get OTA HD. Do these converter boxes let you get all the digital channels(14-1 and 14-2 or just 14)? If I can't get HD with this box what is a good model of tuner that works well for fringe areas?


You'll be able to receive your local digital stations - but NOT in High definition as outputs from these CECBs. If you want HDTV - you need something like the Samsung DTB-H260F

and they said Ecostar boxes would never come to market, what is this places excuse and that is what i wrote in my email to maxmedia. :mad::mad::mad:

I guessed at a url and found http://www.convertmy.tv/step3.html

Doesn't really work yet though.

maxmedia sent me an e-mail. We are looking at another 1 to 2 weeks. They are coming out with a two models. A Low end and High end model. They want to make sure BOXs work as they stated on website. So because of quality they do not want to RUSH the box to market

sorry for the BAD news guys. Guess we wait a little longer

Sorry for my stupidity, but I have a "HD Ready" Tv and was wondering if this box will allow me to get OTA HD. Do these converter boxes let you get all the digital channels(14-1 and 14-2 or just 14)? If I can't get HD with this box what is a good model of tuner that works well for fringe areas?
A small DTV may DISPLAY very little difference between
hi-rez 720p/1080i and low-rez CECB converter input.

A small DTV may DISPLAY very little difference between
hi-rez 720p/1080i and low-rez CECB converter input.

I don't remember "small" HD ready TVs sold - I'd say on anything above 20" the diff between real HD and CECB output would be noticeable. If one should spend $100+ for an HD STB vs. $10 for these subsidized boxes to see that diff is another issue...:cool:

I would say 20-inch and below and many 27-inchers (unless they
are flat panels) are prime CECB converter box candidates....

After all, the goal of small TV is to save money, not just space....

doesn't look like anyone's getting this box till April :(

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=13363227&postcount=657

Please come back to this Step on March 13th, once you have received your coupons in the mail. Really we mean it this time.

LMAO!

Hah! I guess they read this thread...

On March 12: This is really on the web page...
Please come back to this Step on March 13th, once you have received your coupons in the mail. Really we mean it this time.

Come March 13:
Please come back to this Step on March 14th, once you have received your coupons in the mail. We're almost there.

Come March 14:
Please come back to this Step on March 15th, once you have received your coupons in the mail. We're getting so close.

Come March 15:
Please come back to this Step on March 16th, once you have received your coupons in the mail. It's only one more day now.

...

:D :D :D

Bob Diaz

Hah! "Please come back to this Step on March 13th, once you have received your coupons in the mail. Really we mean it this time."

I was a bit harsh in an earlier post. I apologize. They COULD be taking money without having the merchandise available. So maybe they aren't evil... just um..slow.

I can't get their site to load at all this morning.

Loading fine for me. And it still says come back on March 13th...

who is maxmedia anyway?
They are coming out with a two models. A Low end and High end model. does this mean 1 works and 1 doesn't. DID they give a price for each box and what would the difference be

I was told yesterday that it will be another 1 to 2 weeks. So I don't get convert.tv and their BS on this date or this date and "WE REALLY MEAN IT THIS TIME" lol

I'd speculate the cheap box will adhere closer to the minimal government spec - so it qualifies for the $40 coupon.

Then the more expensive box will have a lot more of the TI chipset goodies enabled.
it won't make the box more expensive, but may disqualify it from the coupon credit.
OR
it may still qualify, but enabling the chipset gives MaxMedia the excuse to charge more.

on another note - it's a shame there are not boxes with USB or RS232 ports on them
so we could not only update the BIOS with Generation-7 logic, but hack them as well.

I'd speculate the cheap box will adhere closer to the minimal government spec - so it qualifies for the $40 coupon.

Then the more expensive box will have a lot more of the TI chipset goodies enabled.
it won't make the box more expensive, but may disqualify it from the coupon credit.
OR
it may still qualify, but enabling the chipset gives MaxMedia the excuse to charge more.

on another note - it's a shame there are not boxes with USB or RS232 ports on them
so we could not only update the BIOS with Generation-7 logic, but hack them as well.

What would tick me off is that they been telling us that the box will have s-video, analog pass through and smart antenna. If this turns out to be the more expensive box. i will be pissed. They now just mentioned the two box thing. this is the first I am hearing of it.

Could this be their high-end box?

StingRay - MMSR10
http://maxmedia-usa.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27&Itemid=40

Has anyone else seen the following reply when sending him a e-mail?
I looks like they either have a small e-mail box or are getting a lot of messages.

from MAILER-DAEMON@smtp28.prod.mesa1.secureserver.net
date 11 Mar 2008 20:02:43 -0000
subject failure notice
mailed-by smtp28.prod.mesa1.secureserver.net

We're sorry. There's a problem with the e-mail address(es) you're trying
to send to. Please verify the address(es) and try again. If you continue
to have problems, please contact Customer Support at (480) 624-2500.

<jamesb@maxmedia-usa.com>:
child status 100...The e-mail message could not be delivered because the user's mailfolder is full.

If anyone does end up ordering and receiving one of these boxes can you please post the FCC ID number that the box uses?

now the website says:

"Please come back to the step soon, once you received coupons in the mail"

I wonder what fun message is next?

What happened to today and they really mean it?

Maxmedia StingRay MMSR10


interesting... I would love to see the back of that box.
if they price it right, even without coupon qualification,
it would be a popular item with the right features like
a SmartAntenna port.

Could this be their high-end box?

StingRay - MMSR10
http://maxmedia-usa.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27&Itemid=40

Sounds good. I could use it to recycle my 17" monitor into a new HDTV garage TV.

If you use the "guessed-at" link that was posted:

www[dot]convertmy[dot]tv/step3[dot]html

and then click on the "add to cart" button, do you folks get a "This product combination does not exist" popup window? I did! :-P

(Sorry, still getting my 3 posts, I just signed up for the forum today.)

Another Convert My TV Step
Final (http://www.convertmy.tv/finish.html) - Enter you coupon numbers and submit each one. When valclassated they will mail your converter boxes direct to your door.
This Form does nothing yet.

MaxMedia rear view at http://www.convertmy.tv/MaxMedia_new.pdf

Malouff - is that an attempt at sarcasm, or really poor advice?
a lot of it made no sense, so I'm not sure which way to read it.

thanks richo... we've already seen it's back, just not it's remote.

valclassated? Google only returned one website, I'll let you guess what it was.
I guess Maxmedia is also in the business of making up words?

I am starting to have doubts about this company. I now might wait till someone gets one first and makes a review.

I do not like it when a company makes promises. IE: shipping dates, remote and EPS photos. Then they never deliver.

Makes me wonder what the boxes will be like.

Problem is what other boxes have smart antenna and analog pass through? The RCA box is not sold around here. I called them and they knew less then me.

Any one know what other boxes will have these features?

with all the time maxmedia is making us wait this box better not be a pile of junk. If they do come out with 2 boxes and the top stays at $58.99 then I'll pick that. I hope the prices remain $58 for 1 and $54 for 2. I think the next change on their web site should be the guy holding up one finger

they talk about the RCA box in the Magnavox TB100MW9 - Initial Impressions thread, doesn't sound promising but at lest wal-mart might give a 90 return which would extend the card 90 extra days befrom expiring.

In spite of comments about the cheap appearance, given the limited choices available in stores, I'm leaning more and more towards the Digital Stream converter. The images of its EPG look very impressive, and tuner sensitivity seems more than acceptable from the few hands-on reviews.

I want something, for now, that can decode both audio and video acceptably, without having to spend time waiting for a product that seems unlikely to materialize for awhile.

More and more, I'm losing confidence in the company that's behind the MaxMedia converter.

valclassated? Google only returned one website, I'll let you guess what it was.
I guess Maxmedia is also in the business of making up words?

I know exactly what happened there. Someone did a global replace of "id" by "class" a little too globally. Both are semi-interchangeable terms in CSS. If you look at the source code you will see a number of div class= tags, as well as table wclassth= etc.

-Chris

I am starting to have doubts about this company. I now might wait till someone gets one first and makes a review.

Starting? I've been having doubts for awhile.

Makes me wonder what the boxes will be like.

Problem is what other boxes have smart antenna and analog pass through?

I'm not so concerned about the smart antenna. The combo I want is s-video and pass-through. Still not seeing a whole lot of choices out there.

-Chris

In spite of comments about the cheap appearance, given the limited choices available in stores, I'm leaning more and more towards the Digital Stream converter. The images of its EPG look very impressive, and tuner sensitivity seems more than acceptable from the few hands-on reviews.

I want something, for now, that can decode both audio and video acceptably, without having to spend time waiting for a product that seems unlikely to materialize for awhile.

More and more, I'm losing confidence in the company that's behind the MaxMedia converter.

the Digital Stream is the same as zenith correct? If so it got OK results. I wanted Analog pass through. But if maxmedia is going to keep pushing back launch date to lets say April 15th. That will give us no time to test to see if this box is good and if not then go for another box before the coupons expire

Or is it the Insignia box is the same as Zenith? I am so confused

The Insignia is the same as the Zenith, it's just Insignia is a Best Buy brand.

The Insignia is the same as the Zenith, it's just Insignia is a Best Buy brand.
Ok so if LG makes the insigna/zenith brands. Who makes the digital Stream?

and thanks for the info

In spite of comments about the cheap appearance, given the limited choices available in stores, I'm leaning more and more towards the Digital Stream converter. The images of its EPG look very impressive, and tuner sensitivity seems more than acceptable from the few hands-on reviews.

I want something, for now, that can decode both audio and video acceptably, without having to spend time waiting for a product that seems unlikely to materialize for awhile.

More and more, I'm losing confidence in the company that's behind the MaxMedia converter.

I used one coupon on the Digital Stream DTX 9900, and I'm saving the other one for a Tivax box with serial port. *evil grin*

I like the DTX9900 so far, it displays good picture with signal as low at 40%, it'll even run on signal in the 30's, but then there are occasional audio drops and pixelation. The EPG is nice, and it's 8-hour, not Now/Next as some things state.

Does the Tivax box have Analog pass through?
http://www.tivax.com/converter.htm

Do you know where and when to buy them? I will try to e-mail them for more details

according to the website the price is $69.99

Does not look like they give you anymore then any other box?
https://shop.tivax.com/product_info.php?products_id=36&osCsid=gqkammktacle7fgsiu780fvl94

the Digital Stream is the same as zenith correct? If so it got OK results. I wanted Analog pass through. But if maxmedia is going to keep pushing back launch date to lets say April 15th. That will give us no time to test to see if this box is good and if not then go for another box before the coupons expire

Or is it the Insignia box is the same as Zenith? I am so confused

The Insignia is supposed to be identical to the Zenith...while browsing this forum earlier, though, I read a comment by someone else that the circuit boards inside of the Digital Stream model (based upon photos posted by a forum member) appear to be identical those of the Zenith and Insignia.

Features, though, are certain different to an extent, as the Digital Stream is supposed to have a program guide that extends several hours into the future, as opposed to the "on now" and "on next" guide provided by the Zenith and Insignia.

I used one coupon on the Digital Stream DTX 9900, and I'm saving the other one for a Tivax box with serial port. *evil grin*

I like the DTX9900 so far, it displays good picture with signal as low at 40%, it'll even run on signal in the 30's, but then there are occasional audio drops and pixelation. The EPG is nice, and it's 8-hour, not Now/Next as some things state.

I was hoping to find the Digital Stream at a nearby Radio Shack yesterday, but they only had the Zenith in stock.

Part of me wanted to wait and try a few more Radio Shack stores, but the impatient kid inside of me wanted a converter ***now***. :)

Since my only choices in the shopping area I was in at the time were going to be the Zenith and Insignia models, I opted to go to Circuit City for the Zenith converter...mainly because they had a stack on display and I could pick the box, as well as the date of manufacture (went with the latest I could find, which was January 2008).

Testing has been limited so far, but have quickly learned that my outdoor antenna is not going to work properly in this bedroom, because of the cabling length and two splitters that have to be used...this weakens UHF reception horribly, and have since found out (have had limited interest in digital OTA broadcasting until recently, so I haven't been keeping up with frequency allocations) that virtually all of our local stations in this market broadcast on UHF for digital.

10-12 inches of wire, one end inserted into the coax connector on the Zenith, actually brought in more stations, and stronger signal strength, than the outdoor antenna because of this. Look as if I'll have to go shopping for a basic indoor antenna for this room.

Does the Tivax box have Analog pass through?
http://www.tivax.com/converter.htm

Do you know where and when to buy them? I will try to e-mail them for more details

according to the website the price is $69.99

Does not look like they give you anymore then any other box?
https://shop.tivax.com/product_info.php?products_id=36&osCsid=gqkammktacle7fgsiu780fvl94

Here's an online merchant that offer the Tivax. They're NTIA certified, so the $40 coupon can be used there:

http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=STB-T9

I've got a Philco TB100HH9 coming from them, smooth as silk doing online ordering with my coupon.

I've got a Philco TB100HH9 coming from them, smooth as silk doing online ordering with my coupon.

If you don't mind, what made you choose the Philco? I'm shopping for a 2nd box.

Analog RF passthru was the big one. I'm going to have to see how it actually works, since my definition of analog passthru maybe somewhat different than the manufacturer's (this from reading the manual). It also looks like it may have a larger EPG than most. My idea on "analog RF passthru" is that when the unit is off, the RF passes thru. By the manual, there's 3 settings - channel 3, channel 4, and passthru. Channel 3/4 are self explanatory, but the definition of passthru seems to be "amplify the loss while the unit is on, but you have to use the A/V outputs for the box."

I've got a Philco TB100HH9 coming from them, smooth as silk doing online ordering with my coupon.

Please let us know if the philco turns out to be a clone of the magnavox tb100mw9 or sylvania tb100mg9 since all look the same and start with tb100.

This is MaxMedia thread....take it to either the Magnavox or Converter Comparison thread...

Scooper,

Will you please post a review with pictures and the FCC ID once you get the Philco?

Also does anyone know if the Sylvania TB100MG9 at Sears item# 05757778000 for $49.99 (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_05757778000P?keyword=digital+box) is the Magnavox rebranded and has Analog RF passthru?

This is MaxMedia thread....take it to either the Magnavox or Converter Comparison thread...

Thanks

Here's an online merchant that offer the Tivax. They're NTIA certified, so the $40 coupon can be used there:

http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=STB-T9
Are these available now? They are on sale now? If so why did no one get one and make a review?

thanks for info

Are these available now? They are on sale now? If so why did no one get one and make a review?

thanks for info

The website indicates that it's in stock/ready to ship the same day. Personally, the $9.95 shipping was enough to discourage me from placing an order with them...that and not wanting to deal with the hassle of mailing it back if the converter performed poorly.

The website indicates that it's in stock/ready to ship the same day. Personally, the $9.95 shipping was enough to discourage me from placing an order with them...that and not wanting to deal with the hassle of mailing it back if the converter performed poorly.

but they discounted the trivax box by $20 So $10 after coupon plus $10 shipping Equals $20. Thats the same as if you bought at a store. Of course if you have to ship it back you loose $10

but they discounted the trivax box by $20 So $10 after coupon plus $10 shipping Equals $20. Thats the same as if you bought at a store. Of course if you have to ship it back you loose $10

The hassle of shipping the unit back if there was an issue was one of the biggest reasons that I decided to purchase locally. If these were second or third generation products, I might have been quicker to have taken a chance with mail order.

Hey let's all get back to discussing the MaxMedia box.

Hey let's all get back to discussing the MaxMedia box.

Respectfully,

What is there to talk about? The fact that every e-mail I received from them was a lie?

I asked dates and was told different dates 4 times. Each one was a lie or a mistake

I asked for pictures of remote and EPS and was promised week after week only to be told at the end it would be on their site "soon"
Do you see it on their website? I sure the heck don't

Until they stop the lies and provide a box. What is there to talk about?:rolleyes::rolleyes:

I'll bet their boxes got stuck in customs or shipping from China.

I'll bet their boxes got stuck in customs or shipping from China.
That could take weeks or even be sent back to be fixed. Something as simple as a made in china label that is missing.

If not shipped yet then we are talking 2 weeks for delivery and how ever long it takes them to fix their problem with the quality

I agree with lexus2108 their is little to talk about.
All I can say is that the Spanish Step 2 says to come back mid-February.

Also has anyone tried to e-mail MaxMedia Support: support@maxmedia-usa.com

I did six days ago and got the following automated response:
Your Request for Support is very important for us. please allow up to 48hours for a reply. Though our desire is to answer support questions in a very quick manner sometimes due to the increase in support inquires we can take longer. However your request should not take more than 48 hours to reply.

Thank you for your Understanding.

Maxmedia Support Team

I so far have not got a response
They need to change the 48 hours to SOON like in Step2

I agree with lexus2108 their is little to talk about.
All I can say is that the Spanish Step 2 says to come back mid-February.

Also has anyone tried to e-mail MaxMedia Support: support@maxmedia-usa.com

I did six days ago and got the following automated response:
Your Request for Support is very important for us. please allow up to 48hours for a reply. Though our desire is to answer support questions in a very quick manner sometimes due to the increase in support inquires we can take longer. However your request should not take more than 48 hours to reply.

Thank you for your Understanding.

Maxmedia Support Team

I so far have not got a response
They need to change the 48 hours to SOON like in Step2

I never got that. I got a response right away with in 1 hour. James has been e-mailing me. We had a back and forth for weeks. I think he is a nice guy but the promises he made to me never came true. Thus resulted in my doubts in the company. I never got the pictures I was promised about 4 times

Here's what I got on Sunday night from their support about "Step 2"...

We have not been able to turn STEP 2 functionality on without final approval by several US Government entities and/or their subcontractors.

We apologize for the repeated delays.

We are being informed that we will be able to go 'live' by Tuesday March 18th ... latest! I hope this hard date sticks this time.

Thank you for your patience and understanding, we appreciate your business.

Customer Service,

Here's what I got on Sunday night from their support about "Step 2"...

We have not been able to turn STEP 2 functionality on without final approval by several US Government entities and/or their subcontractors.

We apologize for the repeated delays.

We are being informed that we will be able to go 'live' by Tuesday March 18th ... latest! I hope this hard date sticks this time.

Thank you for your patience and understanding, we appreciate your business.

Customer Service,

I am taking bets that They will not go "live" March 18th 2008. Maybe they mean 2009?

looks like a new excuse. I was told it was quality control. Then I was told the coupon government was holding them up. This looks like flavor of the day to me

As of 7:41 est. The website still says soon. Another date promised and gone

It makes me wonder if their supplier in China promised them a shipment, but lied to them, more promises, more lies, ...


Bob Diaz

In regards to the box being more expensive its my understanding it will not be any more expensive than the boxes available with less features. It should be priced rather reasonably. i am waiting for the convertmy.tv to get together I think they are gonna have some nice offers. With a name like that I would hope they do.

OrangeT

I talked with James, he was a pretty kind don't ask me how I got ahold of him but it seems like he knows his stuff. First he said he would like to apologize for the delay but there are some issues in regards to making sure the box that is released under maxmedia name will be of high quality. It would seem from talking to him that he could not disclose alot but t seemed from my conversation with him he is aware of what the consumer wants.

I will post a response he had to one of my emails.
Basically the demand is huge for this box. The first set of boxes have been slopped together by other manufacturers (this is why you have not seen our box yet) and have an alarming return rate. We believe this was in hopes to get people to purchase their boxes on sheer merit of hitting the market first. However it would seem from our research that people are not being taking advantage of that easily. I am glad they are not because I put myself in the place of the consumer all the time and I sure would not. Because of this we at Maxmedia are trying to create a competitive, feature rich box.

It has been said that companies who are late to the market may have a disadvantage. We are seeing this to be the exact opposite. If you refer to the beginning of this race MaxMedia was one of the First Approvde NTIA boxes but that no longer mattered the race that matters is who will have the box people want. The company that makes the best box for the best price with the best features that may not be the most inexpensive or the quickest to the market box but that provides all the overall requirements of the customer will win this race.

I thought his reply was pretty through and explains alot. It seemed as I spoke to him he mentioned integrity alot and that he was accountable to higher things. That was interesting.

i think i'll wait... too much of this world has this desire to move quick. He stated "Haste makes waste" and anyone who has the Magnavox model from Walmart will definitely agree.

OrangeTang

I talked with James, he was a pretty kind don't ask me how I got ahold of him but it seems like he knows his stuff. First he said he would like to apologize for the delay but there are some issues in regards to making sure the box that is released under maxmedia name will be of high quality. It would seem from talking to him that he could not disclose alot but t seemed from my conversation with him he is aware of what the consumer wants.

I will post a response he had to one of my emails.
Basically the demand is huge for this box. The first set of boxes have been slopped together by other manufacturers (this is why you have not seen our box yet) and have an alarming return rate. We believe this was in hopes to get people to purchase their boxes on sheer merit of hitting the market first. However it would seem from our research that people are not being taking advantage of that easily. I am glad they are not because I put myself in the place of the consumer all the time and I sure would not. Because of this we at Maxmedia are trying to create a competitive, feature rich box.

It has been said that companies who are late to the market may have a disadvantage. We are seeing this to be the exact opposite. If you refer to the beginning of this race MaxMedia was one of the First Approvde NTIA boxes but that no longer mattered the race that matters is who will have the box people want. The company that makes the best box for the best price with the best features that may not be the most inexpensive or the quickest to the market box but that provides all the overall requirements of the customer will win this race.

I thought his reply was pretty through and explains alot. It seemed as I spoke to him he mentioned integrity alot and that he was accountable to higher things. That was interesting.

i think i'll wait... too much of this world has this desire to move quick. He stated "Haste makes waste" and anyone who has the Magnavox model from Walmart will definitely agree.

OrangeTang

I am not saying I would like a box, but time is running out they have until April and then I will get another box.

James has e-mailed me the same response weeks ago. I am not saying he is not a nice guy he answers his e-mail very fast. When you talk "integrity" I have to laugh. I was promised pictures of the remote and EPS. So I can share with the board. I was promised in a few days then a week. Then tomorrow. Then We will put it on the website. I got excuses that it was on his camera. Then it was in his house.

When you tie this to the Convert.tv fiasco that promises the box this week then next week then " tomorrow we REALLY mean it this time"

It gets you guessing that the BOX is going to be made like Crapa if this is how they do business. I liked the Smart Antenna and pass through so I waited. If I find another box that has all these features. I will go to them.

IF demand is so great are they playing Date games to keep us hanging on and the real date is May?

I was going to be the first one to order one. In fact two boxes.

Now I am not sure

Am I the only one that is feeling this way?

I don't mean to be mean ,but I feel like I am being played and I don't like that.

Integrity: is keeping the promises you make.

I was going to be the first one to order one. In fact two boxes.

Now I am not sure

Am I the only one that is feeling this way?

I don't mean to be mean ,but I feel like I am being played and I don't like that.

Integrity: is keeping the promises you make.

I feel the same way...my faith in that site has dwindled considerably in recent days.

Personally, I'd feel better about them if some of the claims that are in these private emails that they're sending to potential customers would be posted on the site itself. Go there now and what do you see? Any explanations for the delay? No. "Come back later, when you get your coupons in the mail" is what customers waiting to make a purchase are greeted with. This doesn't encourage me to want to buy.

Well according to the lists provided me from this board (thanks guys)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_CECB_units

It seems that we have no choice but to wait for maxmedia if we want S-video, Analog passthrough, smart antenna

This is the only box that will have it. So I will wait and hope things work out.

Philco seems to be the closest. Only missing the S-video.

I think the MaxMedia people are watching our Threads. ;)
I got a picture Remote control sent to me from their support email.

support@maxmedia-usa.com
They replied rather quickly. They mentioned to me that they had a huge volume of requests and that emailing James directly would be difficult to get answer quickly because he is on business. Here is the picture of the remote. They stated the buttons will be bigger than the one pictured on attachment and that they are going to box the functional buttons on the outside of the directional. They also mentioned that the box will work with a universal remote with no problems. YEAH! I think I am gonna wait. Reminds me of an old Aesop Fable of the Tortus and the Hare. I think we know who ultimately won that one. :D

I cant figure how to attach an image..ohh well
maybe they'll put it on their site soon.

in an email to me they said some time tomorrow, well see. why do i have the feeling this is a government run company that is just hopping everyone wants until their coupons expire.

I cant figure how to attach an image..ohh well
maybe they'll put it on their site soon.
Forum requires you to post a minimum number of posts (Q: 5?) before you can
do attachments...or embed urls.

Clearly OrangeTang doesn't work for Maxmedia, at all... :rolleyes:

I think the MaxMedia people are watching our Threads. ;)
I got a picture Remote control sent to me from their support email.

support@maxmedia-usa.com
They replied rather quickly. They mentioned to me that they had a huge volume of requests and that emailing James directly would be difficult to get answer quickly because he is on business. Here is the picture of the remote. They stated the buttons will be bigger than the one pictured on attachment and that they are going to box the functional buttons on the outside of the directional. They also mentioned that the box will work with a universal remote with no problems. YEAH! I think I am gonna wait. Reminds me of an old Aesop Fable of the Tortus and the Hare. I think we know who ultimately won that one. :D

I cant figure how to attach an image..ohh well
maybe they'll put it on their site soon.

OMG what a tease lol J/k

Go to www.tinypic.com and host it there and copy and paste the URL they provide that has the [IMG] on the front and back

Clearly OrangeTang doesn't work for Maxmedia, at all... :rolleyes:

Oh...heaven forbid...:)

A quick Google search actually turned up another website for MaxMedia, as well as a support forum:

http://maxmedia-usa.com/index.php?option=com_fireboard&Itemid=23

Postings on the forum are very scant, but in a posting dated 12/28/2007, almost three months ago, James the forum administrator had this to say:

"Yes, Maxmedia's Box comes with a remote. Also our box will work with an existing universal remote control as well. Do you need the size of the retail box or the box itself? I can provide both for you shortly as we are getting ready for this box to ship."

Hey, wh5916. I went to MaxMedia's forum and it is about worthless. I see questions but no answers?

Dave E
NLR

Oh...heaven forbid...:)
well I still haven't received the pictures I was promised. I even went as far as to offer Orangetang to post the picture for him. No reply to my PM.

I guess I will give a few more days until I question his motives.

Could be the same as "Any day now you can order your Maxmedia box, We really mean it this time". lol:rolleyes:

The other thing that gets me is that James promised me a Picture of the remote and EPS for weeks then basically refused and said it will be on the website "soon" So i wonder how orangetang got it sent to him out of the blue?

Hey lexus2108. Here's url for Maxmedia website, with picture and stats on the
box.
http://maxmedia-usa.com/

Dave E
NLRock

Hey lexus2108. Here's url for Maxmedia website, with picture and stats on the
box.
http://maxmedia-usa.com/

Dave E
NLRock
You didn't understand me

1) there is no picture of the REMOTE or Stats on the remote

2) There is no pictures of the EPS or interface


I was promised this by James and it never happened.
:(

The MaxMedia converter box seems to be a nice piece of vaporware.

OK, lexus 2108. I gotcha. They talk a good game but seem to be a little lax in
getting information about their product out. THis SOUNDS like one of the best
STB's I have read about, but I am gonna wait and see. Seems like all the boxes on
the market so far are crap, something wrong with all of them....

Dave E
NLR

I'm going to report this company for fraud, they never were going to have a decoder box. Everyone know there was going to be a switch over to all digital years ago and these freaks can't get their box to market on time.

It appears that the Channel Master is the only available CECB with S-video output.

Hey, wh5916. I went to MaxMedia's forum and it is about worthless. I see questions but no answers?

Dave E
NLR

I did see a few answers this morning, but only a few. Maybe things will change now, as the impossible seems to have happened and they're apparently taking orders. Now, are they in stock or backordered? I hate to be cynical, but after 7 years of working for a catalog mail order company that I once nicknamed "Backorder City..." :)

well I still haven't received the pictures I was promised. I even went as far as to offer Orangetang to post the picture for him. No reply to my PM.

The other thing that gets me is that James promised me a Picture of the remote and EPS for weeks then basically refused and said it will be on the website "soon" So i wonder how orangetang got it sent to him out of the blue?

I've been wondering about that promised picture of the remote control as well...and now that they're taking orders, this box must certainly be finalized (maybe?), including the remote...will they finally post a picture of it on the site?

I'm going to report this company for fraud, they never were going to have a decoder box. Everyone know there was going to be a switch over to all digital years ago and these freaks can't get their box to market on time.
WAIT there is another thread saying site is up and running and taking orders but not coupons. Not sure if they updated pictures either I am going to look now

here is new thread link:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1009938

Well hold on to your seats ladies and gentlemen......but it appears the MaxMedia box is available from the website. If you click "I want it now" it actually takes you to step two for ordering. Now who is going to be the first one to order one of the long awaited boxes?

Todd

Well hold on to your seats ladies and gentlemen......but it appears the MaxMedia box is available from the website. If you click "I want it now" it actually takes you to step two for ordering. Now who is going to be the first one to order one of the long awaited boxes?

Todd

I'm scared of that site. :) My first coupon has already been redeemed anyway, and it will be weeks before the second one arrives. Hopefully, by then, some brave souls will have ordered from MaxMedia with positive experiences to relay. I'll be monitoring this forum closely, as it has already been a wealth of information in just a few short weeks.

UPDATE:

Not working for me at all. still says come back soon

UPDATE:

Not working for me at all. still says come back soon
Ok seems you need to go to about product then "I want it now"

Seems to wants to take my coupon

BUT seems they changed the price. The told some poster it was $19.99 for 1 or $30 for two ($14.99 each)

Now it shows
1 for $19.99
2 for $39.99

So if it is free shipping I might just order 1 and see if I like it.
Then either order another or a different box

The coupon didn't work for me. The site said it couldn't validate it and to try again but when I did it said the coupon had already been used (I assume from the first attempt). I've emailed them so BE CAREFULL!

I received an email this morning to try again.
I did and everything went smooth.

Just got this response:


we are working on that!!!

I will get back to you, we will have this resolved in the A.M. ... we
were
just approved to go live today ... it has been a long wait.

Thanks and look for my reply email in the morning .... I will let you
know
what to do.

Go for it and post the pics ....

I am getting accurate answers to your ????s and will get back to you in short order....

Our website hits are skyrocketing!!!!! We will work VERY HARD to make this site an awesome resource for everyone .... we are excited to be a part of this program!

Thanks and keep in touch,
Customer Service
www.convertmy.tv


PICTURES OF THE REMOTE JUST SENT TO ME:D:D:D
http://i31.tinypic.com/2jfgnwp.jpg

Hmmmmmmmmm.........from the look of the remote it does not appear to have any TV controls....my DTX9900 has TV power, TV volume, and A/V input select - not too big of a deal, but I'd really like the remote to have the A/V select button; my TV is only switchable through the remote - the buttons on the TV won't allow you to select input, and there is no menu option for it either (silly thing)!

Thank you for posting the image! The remote looks very similar to an LG remote, which someone posted as part of an early review for the Zenith DTT900 digital converter. Here's the url, a full image of the remote is roughly halfway down the page, image #3:

http://www.hdtvexpert.com/pages_b/Zenith_DTT900%20.html

The remote that's furnished with the LG-designed Zenith converter doesn't look anything like this. Apparently the reviewer received a pre-production sample.

The coupon didn't work for me. The site said it couldn't validate it and to try again but when I did it said the coupon had already been used (I assume from the first attempt). I've emailed them so BE CAREFULL!



I received an email this morning to try again.
I did and everything went smooth.

I just placed my order. After several sever time outs I finally got to the end (phew!). It took my coupon, $19.99 total (free shipping). I got an order number in the double digits ! Hopefully that means I'll see it soon.

gerhard911. Did you have as much trouble getting on their forum as you did ordering? I have been trying for 3 days to get registered and logged into MaxMedia forum, and
it just won't work for me. They gave me a new password and I tried it with the username they agreed on, then told me I was blocked. I just wonder if their Tech
Support would be as bad as their website and forum?

Dave E
NLRock

I just placed my order. After several sever time outs I finally got to the end (phew!). It took my coupon, $19.99 total (free shipping). I got an order number in the double digits ! Hopefully that means I'll see it soon.

I had no problem ordering this morning. I have not tried to use their forum. I included my email address and they sent me an order confirmation and an internet address to check the order status, which is currently "processing".

I think the picture of the remote shows the arrow keys marked channel +, channel -, volume +, volume-. I would have preferred that they post the manual. I am relying on the Wikipedia comparison. It is a bit of a blind purchase. But, I need the converter soon to use with our 10 digital over the air channels and an analog TV. So, for $19.99, I am a tester.

I was on their forum a week or so ago but have not tried it recently. I figured the ordering problems were due to the site being very busy but with the small order # I eventually got maybe not.

I figured I'd risk one of my coupons to be an early adopter for this since the features are enticing and hey, somebody has to be the guinea pig.

What is the warranty on this box? It seems many boxes go bad early. The Zenith is 1yr parts and only 90-days labor. Many only have 90-days total. They must expect them to go bad with such a short warranty.

MORE Answers to the Remote Questions
I am not understanding Answer 1a. Is he saying that the Remote will not work with a TV? But will a universal Remote work with Maxmediabox?

1a) It is safe to say that.. Our remote is reversed engineered to use with a universal remote however meaning that you can control the box from the remote and the power on the universal remote will shut the tv off.

[9:50:45 AM] 1b) The recommened remote is the Phillips Universal Remote control.
[9:51:23 AM] 2) Yes you can add stations manually and autoscan

We hope that helps.....
Customer Service
www.convertmy.tv

To make this post more Clear these are the questions that were asked

1a) From looking at the picture is it safe to say there is no button to turn off the TV? Only the Maxmedia box?

1b) Will this box work with a universal remote? IF so is their a special type to get? I would need to get one if your box wont turn off my TV.

2) Can you add TV stations manualy? Or do you have to autoscan? Or can you do both

This will be an interesting thread to watch as people get the box. I'm going to wait and see on this.

I broke down and ordered one also.

Does it bother anyone but me that the phone number (877-dtv-site) on the receipt doesn't work?

Holy crap I can't believe they're actually selling them now.

I just ordered one against my better judgement...Convertmy.tv isn't (yet?) showing up as an approved retailer- https://dtv2009.org/VendorSearch.aspx

I'd really like to see the user manual online and public documentation of the added features before ordering it.

From what I've read, substantial modifications (like adding pass-through of analog channels) require updated certification from NTIA to be eligible for the coupon program. The MaxMedia box isn't on NTIA's list of CECBs with analog pass-through, so this feature doesn't look like it was listed the first time it was certified.

Another concern I have is that for the most part, only vendors with experience selling to customers are supposed to be selling these CECBs. The ConvertMyTV site looks like it was created only to sell this CECB.

I'd really like this box if it works well because of all the features it has. The folks who have ordered these boxes already, however, are doing the rest of us a big favor by taking this gamble!

If you have some way of tracking when the box is actually supposed to get to you, let us know!

I'd really like to see the user manual online and public documentation of the added features before ordering it.

From what I've read, substantial modifications (like adding pass-through of analog channels) require updated certification from NTIA to be eligible for the coupon program. The MaxMedia box isn't on NTIA's list of CECBs with analog pass-through, so this feature doesn't look like it was listed the first time it was certified.

Another concern I have is that for the most part, only vendors with experience selling to customers are supposed to be selling these CECBs. The ConvertMyTV site looks like it was created only to sell this CECB.

I'd really like this box if it works well because of all the features it has. The folks who have ordered these boxes already, however, are doing the rest of us a big favor by taking this gamble!

If you have some way of tracking when the box is actually supposed to get to you, let us know!

Yes there is a LINK e-mailed to you after you order tell you the Status. Since all of us JUST ordered. It says In progress:rolleyes:

If you look closely on their site they are a Memsen company or something like that.

Had no problem getting on their forums it is pretty easy. You do have to confirm an email that is sent to you though. Check your spam maybe that is the problem.
Alot of these kind of forum sites do not want anon people on them. So they use an email
to confirm validity.

Yes there is a LINK e-mailed to you after you order tell you the Status. Since all of us JUST ordered. It says In progress:rolleyes:

What I mean is, if you're sent a tracking number and actually get an estimated date of delivery for the CECB, that'll be very interesting for all of us! (As opposed to a product that doesn't get sent to you for six weeks, by which time you've already paid your credit card company.) :eek:

Was there information about the warranty for this box or a trial period during the ordering process?

I just got an email that my MaxMedia converter shipped :)

Unfortunately, no tracking info was provided :(

Looking at my online order status it still says "in process" :confused:

:fingerscrossed:

FYI: www.ezdigitaltv.com added fol. on-line website who apparently takes coupons:
http://www.freedtvshop.com/fdtv/converters.php
MaxMedia MMDTVB03 ($59.99, $19.99 after coupon) is listed as "Backordered".

Website is run by Mosquito Productions, Blaine, MN...an A/V accessories distributor:
http://www.mosquitoproductions.com/main.html
They are INDEED LISTED in NTIA's "Participating Retailers" list:
https://www.ntiadtv.gov/info.cfm

FWIW: I couldn't find either convertmytv.com or MaxMedia in NTIA's list....

I just got an email that my MaxMedia converter shipped :)

Unfortunately, no tracking info was provided :(

Looking at my online order status it still says "in process" :confused:

:fingerscrossed:

Same message for me.

Same message for me.

Ok I didn't want to shock people. But these shipped messages (yes I got 1) seem to be a computer glitch imo. I got another e-mail today saying boxs are in production line and we should get them end of April. I hope the guy who e-mailed me is wrong.

I tell you guys now so all of you do not get false hopes.

I sent an e-mail and hope to get this all Cleared up.

Clearly someone is wrong. Either the shipped e-mail or the e-mail I got saying boxes won't be shipped till end of April.

The only reason I placed an order was because I reasonably thought that they would not take orders unless they had the product in stock and ready to ship. Any sane person would make that logical jump. I personally feel a note telling us this should of been on the website before we purchased the box.

Sorry for the bad news guys. I hope you guys can make contact to clear this up also.

I just want my box. :(:(

FYI: www.ezdigitaltv.com added fol. on-line website who apparently takes coupons:
http://www.freedtvshop.com/fdtv/converters.php
MaxMedia MMDTVB03 ($59.99, $19.99 after coupon) is listed as "Backordered".

Website is run by Mosquito Productions, Blaine, MN...an A/V accessories distributor:
http://www.mosquitoproductions.com/main.html
They are INDEED LISTED in NTIA's "Participating Retailers" list:
https://www.ntiadtv.gov/info.cfm

FWIW: I couldn't find either convertmytv.com or MaxMedia in NTIA's list....

The MaxMedia MMDTVB03 CECB *is* listed on the list of approved CECBs and was one of the first to be listed, but that NTIA certification was for a CECB that wasn't known to the NTIA to have analog pass-through.

I looked at the list of participating retailers and have to wonder if it's complete. Fry's Electronics isn't listed there but I seem to recall people buying a CECB from there. None of the Target Stores are listed there either, and I'd seen something about them planning to sell some CECBs. The deadline for the Retailer Certification Application is coming up at the end of this month, so there's not much time left.

Ok I didn't want to shock people. But these shipped messages (yes I got 1) seem to be a computer glitch imo. I got another e-mail today saying boxs are in production line and we should get them end of April. I hope the guy who e-mailed me is wrong.

I tell you guys now so all of you do not get false hopes.

I sent an e-mail and hope to get this all Cleared up.

Clearly someone is wrong. Either the shipped e-mail or the e-mail I got saying boxes won't be shipped till end of April.

The only reason I placed an order was because I reasonably thought that they would not take orders unless they had the product in stock and ready to ship. Any sane person would make that logical jump. I personally feel a note telling us this should of been on the website before we purchased the box.

Sorry for the bad news guys. I hope you guys can make contact to clear this up also.

I just want my box. :(:(

This was my biggest concern. People are getting their coupons...they want their converter..those coupons expire in 90 days...MaxMedia is becoming a laughing stock on this group...a poster by the name of Orangetang, sounding suspiciously like a MaxMedia shill posts here, encouraging folks to wait...and one day later, MaxMedia is suddenly taking orders.

I hope I'm wrong about this, but the word "backorder" has been in my mind since their site went live on Thursday. No reputable company would take orders without letting you know if the product is in stock...unfortunately, there are the exceptions. I once worked for a catalog mail order company, and during the first 8 months or so that I worked there they would fail you on a call monitorial if you told a customer that the item that he or she was trying to order was not in stock.

i ordered 1 but never got an email, my order # was 00025. i wrote on here i was going to report them as a fraud and then they started taking orders, humm. i wonder now if this isn't a scam just to grab credit card and personal info.

i doubt its a scam. A lot of effort went into getting the box certified. I imagine the operation just isn't being run as well as it could.

My guess is that all the companies are developing marketing strategies around the February 2009 change over. Maxmedia may have decided to target internet buyers looking for a little better converter box and they may want to get their product introduced early. They are obviously having some roll out pains. Some of the problem may be that the goverment TV converter box coupon program is not well planned and executed. I doubt Maxmedia is a scammer but their product may not be successful. The use of one of my two coupons and the $19.99 charge is a small gamble on an untested product.

About six years ago I bought a refurbished samsung set top box and used it for four years until it no longer was getting good reception. I am surprised samsung has not entered this market since they have a lot of experience building set top boxes.

I did get an email from Maxmedia's distributer saying the converter box has shipped and I have not yet gotten the email saying it has not shipped.

No reputable company would take orders without letting you know if the product is in stock...unfortunately, there are the exceptions.

Perhaps they realized that there is a sizable amount of coupons due to expire 5/23 or so, so they wanted to get people to order before that deadline. If that's true, it might be a bad sign for when they may actually ship...
I'm interested in the box too, but I'm waiting a few weeks to see if the early adopters here actually get one, and how it stacks up against the competition.

My question is can they legally Charge your CC and use up a coupon card and Not ship a box in a reasonable time. 6 weeks or longer does not seem reasonable.

Also most of us got e-mails saying the box was shipped? Something is wrong.

The MaxMedia MMDTVB03 CECB *is* listed on the list of approved CECBs and was one of the first to be listed, but that NTIA certification was for a CECB that wasn't known to the NTIA to have analog pass-through.

I looked at the list of participating retailers and have to wonder if it's complete. Fry's Electronics isn't listed there but I seem to recall people buying a CECB from there. None of the Target Stores are listed there either, and I'd seen something about them planning to sell some CECBs. The deadline for the Retailer Certification Application is coming up at the end of this month, so there's not much time left.
Only one of the several people buying CM-7000 at Fry's managed to get them
to take the CECB coupon....the others were all REFUSED.
While at S.D. Fry's, I looked at CM-7000 boxes...no mention of coupon discount.

Whether Fry's, Target and others are even trying to get on the list is unknown....
They could simply try to sell them at full price....or save coupons and try to
get gov't to accept later....

Perhaps they realized that there is a sizable amount of coupons due to expire 5/23 or so, so they wanted to get people to order before that deadline. If that's true, it might be a bad sign for when they may actually ship...
I'm interested in the box too, but I'm waiting a few weeks to see if the early adopters here actually get one, and how it stacks up against the competition.

You are correct. It will probably be a few weeks before the product ships. At least Jim was able to set it up so you could order one using the coupon and free shipping before your coupon expired and you were forced to get a different box that may not have all the features you wanted.

As far as the remote it does not have remote TV ON/OFF. I do like the way it is laid out and should be easy to use.

You need a learning remote to copy both remote functions in order to have one remote to control all.

I would rather have them put the money in their CECB so it is a sensitive and dependable unit.

They have a plug in power supply to supply voltage to the CECB so you do not have more heat produced inside the chassis.

Overall it looks to be a great unit.

I do a lot of work on MATV head ends and Distribution systems for my job and will do a complete review as soon as mine arrives. I have all the test equipment including a Spectrum Analyzer to do a proper job.

Otherwise everybody take a deep breath and chill out a little. I know some promises were made and Jim was not able to deliver on time. But all the logistics between here and where the product is made, things happen.

If you look at the big picture from a few weeks ago we now have our units ordered for the price that was quoted and free shipping. It will probably take up to 6 weeks before you get it. Most units come by boat from the Far East so there is at least 10-30 days there.

So with what you know now relax and lets keep the tread positive. Your unit will arrive.

You are correct. It will probably be a few weeks before the product ships. At least Jim was able to set it up so you could order one using the coupon and free shipping before your coupon expired and you were forced to get a different box that may not have all the features you wanted.

As far as the remote it does not have remote TV ON/OFF. I do like the way it is laid out and should be easy to use.

You need a learning remote to copy both remote functions in order to have one remote to control all.

I would rather have them put the money in their CECB so it is a sensitive and dependable unit.

They have a plug in power supply to supply voltage to the CECB so you do not have more heat produced inside the chassis.

Overall it looks to be a great unit.

I do a lot of work on MATV head ends and Distribution systems for my job and will do a complete review as soon as mine arrives. I have all the test equipment including a Spectrum Analyzer to do a proper job.

Otherwise everybody take a deep breath and chill out a little. I know some promises were made and Jim was not able to deliver on time. But all the logistics between here and where the product is made, things happen.

If you look at the big picture from a few weeks ago we now have our units ordered for the price that was quoted and free shipping. It will probably take up to 6 weeks before you get it. Most units come by boat from the Far East so there is at least 10-30 days there.

So with what you know now relax and lets keep the tread positive. Your unit will arrive.

First off Shipping electronics by BOAT is a bad idea. The salt air gets into boxes. Ruins the electronics. These boxes are not even made yet and will be coming by air (first bunch) so I been told by e-mail

BTW they had every right before we ordered to tell us it might be 6 to 12 weeks before we get boxes. The 6 weeks was info from e-mail and 12 weeks is my guess from years of importing. well I could make a safe bet and say 8 to 12. I would bet now 6 weeks will never happen imo

This is a new company correct? All they have is their reputation. By breaking promises they ruin that reputation. The price for two was quoted to someone for $54.99 that was changed. Which i am glad I now just ordered one because of price change.

We all had a right to believe they had stock if they begun to take orders. How would you like to go to Macdonald's and they take your money and say come back in 6 weeks or more

" lets keep the tread positive. " The negatives are coming from the company not us imo

respectfully,
Lex

Overall it looks to be a great unit.


On paper it does, but so have a lot of the other units at least not looked too bad.

Remember, the initial wave of reports of even user reviews raved about the Zenith/Insignia's abilities, especially regarding signal sensitivity.

Now it was found out after a little more use that the audio is messed up severely on certain Dolby Digital 5.1 shows, not to mention some reports of complete box lock-up with certain signal conditions. Side rant: Sorry, but regardless if it's a computer or not, no set top box like this should lock up. Watchdog circuits were common back in the 70's in video games to kick off a reboot if the program locked up, why can't that be designed into these devices if they can't get the code programming right? What's next? Driveby virus insertion over the airwaves to crash them too? And I'm a techie.. can't imagine Grandma and Grampa putting up with this either.

Anyway, with the Zenith/Insigia probelsm, that is sending a lot of us back into wait mode, because the other two common options, the Magnavox and RCA from Wal-Mart seem to be very problematic as well and not worth wasting our coupons on.

The last thing I'd want to do is use up my coupons on a device that no one has in their hands yet, no reviews done regarding sensitivity, sound, video, bugs, etc.., especially given the delays and missteps so far in getting it available to be ordered.

It may be a top-notch unit for a great price, but I'm not willing to risk it until I see a group of reviews on it.

A lot of the manufacturer's are using the LG chip. I do not know of anyone else using the TI chip in the MMDTVB03. Lex I understand your concerns but a lot of electronics from the Far East are shipped this way. I also only ordered one for testing and with spring approaching I have other things to do than just watch TV. Since the first batch is being shipped by air maybe they might arrive earlier than we think. Lets just stay positive and hope the units are an improvement of what is out there. Then it will have been worth the wait. At 20 bucks I am not risking that much.

The Serit VSB-907 is the only other box I know using TI TVP9007:
http://www.diytrade.com/china/4/products/2965745/ATSC_Converter_Box.html
http://www.serit.com.cn/sdp/468143/4/main-2717710.html
http://www.serit.com.cn/sdp/468143/4/pd-2563236/2965745-1318384.html
Note reference to NTIA and FCC approval....hence it's targeted to CECB program.

VSB-907 has S-Video...but no Smart Antenna I/F so not exactly same as MaxMedia.
Perhaps Serit makes the MaxMedia box.....or maybe NOT....

The boxes all suck. They are crap.

Let me rephrase. The boxes are good for those who need a simple box to maintain television signals after the DTV transition.

But the vast majority of people use their CATV companies converter box.

The Maxmedia may have the best feature set but its just a TI Reference design.

Without QAM there is no purpose of this box for me.

First off Shipping electronics by BOAT is a bad idea. The salt air gets into boxes.

Dude thousands of pounds of electronics are shipped via boat each and every day due to trade.

The process of shipping electronics is very efficient over boat. Air is very expensive due to fuel cost. Boats are able to move heavier and larger shipments at lower cost. All first run electronics take awhile to ship from the factories if they are located in the far east. The electronics are all in packaging and cargo containers and are not left exposed. I never heard of anyone having bad electronics from salt water.

I think its useless to discuss the Maxmedia till someone receives one and tests it. But for me, the 2 coupons are useless.

The Maxmedia may have the best feature set but its just a TI Reference design.

Without QAM there is no purpose of this box for me.

The CECBs are not supposed to provide QAM. The reason the federal government is subsidizing them is to provide access to digital television signals for over-the-air analog TV users, not to customers of private cable companies.

The Maxmedia may have the best feature set but its just a TI Reference design.

Without QAM there is no purpose of this box for me.
Apparently you have some sort of interest in buying a converter box to
watch OTA DTV or you wouldn't have bothered getting coupons....

If you indeed want an ATSC receiver with unencrypted QAM capability to
also watch HD via cable, checkout the $70 RJTech RJ1000ATSC:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882107049
And, of course, it isn't CECB coupon eligible.

At this low price, the output is only low-rez 480i (vice HD).
You'll have to spend a lot more for an HD-STB with ATSC/QAM hi-def output.

Unencrypted QAM will allow you to watch local network HD & maybe a few
other channels, but will not decode the encrypted digital cable channels.

First off Shipping electronics by BOAT is a bad idea. The salt air gets into boxes. Ruins the electronics.

They ship Lexus's on boats, and they are loaded with electronics.

They ship everything on boats. Automobile shipping of Japanese automobiles has gone on for ages.

Anyways with that being said, I think I will get the Samsung QAM/HDTV box off of ebay which is unrelated to this topic. Haven't seen any other HDTV Set top boxes with clear qam capability that are cheaper.

Thank you for your on-line order.
Your order 00000025 has been shipped from MEMSEN.
If you have any questions please contact info@memsen.com.

I don't know what QAM is but if it has something to do with cable remeber this box isn't for that. it's for broadcast tv analog tvs and after they die so do the boxes. You do know stuff shipped by boat are sealed in air tight containers so how is the salt air going to hurt them. This is a make or brake deal for maxmedia and since my other coupon expires in may i hope it arrives sooner so i can order another if it turns out good.

Good luck Ajulius

After testing the unit it will be connected to one of the two CRT Sony monitors we have around the house. The MaxMedia is perfect for that application and is what the coupon program is all about.

Dagger666:

Thanks for keeping us posted. Do you have a digital camera so you can post some pictures when it arrives?

Seems like the Maxmedia claims an awesome feature set for the boxes but who is Memsen.

With all the comments posted on this forum, I believe that people with this box are very likely to be disappointed. All these boxes are pretty much the same, and you are better off just picking one at random then even wasting time sorting through which is the best. Differences are likely to be miniscule. These boxes are essentially a must have if you will be shut off from analog TV, but I wouldn't go shopping for which is the best.

Ajulius

Memsen is the Certified Retailer that will be shipping the unit.

But why do you care? You need QAM and these units will not support it.

You do not seem to understand what the program was all about.

Many people still have an excellent analog TV that does not have a digital tuner.They either cannot afford cable, Have a Sat dish without local coverage or are happy with what they receive OTA.

Instead of having to buy a new TV, with the coupon program it will cost $20.00 or less to be able to pick up all the digital channels including all the sub-channels.

This works out nice for others who have their TV's in the bedroom, Kitchen or office.

You already seem to have a negative attitude toward the box before it has even shipped.

Max Media claims are facts based on the TI chip set.

I do not go around bashing a product that I have never seen or tested yet.

I have been in this field from the beginning and know the importance of choosing the right product for your application based on the tests that you feel are not important.

Your statements do nothing to contribute to this topic on the forum.

Some of the CECB's are going to have problems.

By having people like myself that have the equipment to do a proper evaluation of the sensitivity, reliability and overall performance of the unit in all of it's capabilities and give a fair report is why people come to this forum in the first place.

Hope you understand.

Hi,

Thanks for using our site to purchase your Converters ... it looks like the MM03 will be ready to ship sometime in end of April! They have a huge production line being put together as we speak ... we are spending extra $$$ out of our own pocket to AIR FREIGHT the first boxes in for our customers.

For specific questions about the hardware, it is probably best to contact support@maxmedia-usa.com

Thanks,
Customer Service
www.convertmy.tv

------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks, we are working out the wrinkles .... please disregard the auto response saying it was shipped. The box are scheduled to ship end of April as mentioned.

Customer Service
www.convertmy.tv


I decided to share these e-mails so we can all stick to the truth. I am not bashing this company. I would of never ordered 1 if I did. But I am going to point out mistakes. I think these people are trying ,but I wanted them to be upfront from the start.

I imported a less complicated item for many years. I do not think that if your just starting production that you can make a box and ship it in 35 days 9end of April) . My product was far less complicated and took 60 to 90 days just to ship. Shipping takes days and customs can take a couple of days all the way to months if there is a problem. If no problem you got to figure 3 days. So shipped from China to USA office should take minimum 1 week. Then trucked to office. So a box can be made with starting a production like in 3 weeks and shipped? Then 1 week of shipping to get to End of April.

I am just keeping it real and truthful. Not making things up. I am no techie so when people who know more and have the tools to test this box. I will step back and say thank you. But when it comes to importing a product from China and the world I know what I am talking about.

I am sharing my expertise with the board and I hope the people with the correct tools will test the box for us and share their knowledge.

I still say end of April to receive the box will never happen imo I don't want anyone setting themselves up for a let down and get pissed. When ordering The End of april ship date should of been told to us.

LEX

Lex

I agree 100% . I do electronics for a living so I am no expert on the shipping end. I do remember when the new Samsung T160 came out. I had to wait a while for that to show up also. Looking at the remote shows a good basic design that will be easy to use. I have learning remotes for all my TV's so I will just program those for my use. Except for the ship date and everything I have seen so far with the design it looks to be on the right track. Once I test it aside the Zenith as a benchmark we will see where it stands. The good thing is we should at this time all be in the first batch that is air freighted.

Well Dagger666

You might get lucky and have it before your coupon expires. I will test the unit as soon as it comes in and have a brief statment that day before typing my review.

Does it matter if coupon expires if they all ready charged you for a box they ship in June for example? The coupon was used before expiration

I just emailed support and got this response.

The FT300A will ship early April ... and will be available for purchase on the site this coming week.

The Maxmedia MMDTVB03 is available NOW and will ship late April/early May

Shipping is included in the price ....
B03 is $19.99 with coupon
300A is $14.99 with coupon

Thanks,
Customer Service

I will try to email them for some sort of manual.

I couldn't find "memsen" mentioned anywhere on convertmytv.com.
I used Google to search within website, with two hits on "memsen"(English and Spanish):
"You can contact us at info@memsen.com or toll free at 877-DTV-SITE (877-388-7483)."
But the links only branched back to the current "Contact Us" page that (no longer?)
contains the memsen link.

www.memsen.com is a viable link...
Here's info re founder & primary product (wireless USB drive/keychain):
http://www.memsen.com/founders.htm
http://memsen.com/documents/Memsen%20Executive%20Summary.pdf
Memsen Corporation info (1 employee, $120K annual sales)...draw your own conclusion:
http://www.manta.com/coms2/dnbcompany_c3s813

Memsen webpage links to convertmytv.com and claims they are a certified CECB Retailer.
UPDATE: Memsen (via convertmy.tv) is now listed in 21Mar2008
update to NTIA's "Participating Retailers" list.

BTW: Memsen Corp is mentioned on MaxMedia's website with link to convertmytv.com:
http://maxmedia-usa.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=25&Itemid=1

But FWIW: "MaxMedia" wasn't found by Googling within the www.memsen.com website.

I would guess MaxMedia is an importer located in City of Industry, CA and
Memsen Corp is located in N.J. and is some sort of sales/marketing firm who
set up the ordering website and is supposed to handle the coupons....

MaxMedia maybe a better source of info & complaints re bad forum/email answers:
http://maxmedia-usa.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18&Itemid=7

I just emailed support and got this response.

The FT300A will ship early April ... and will be available for purchase on the site this coming week.

The Maxmedia MMDTVB03 is available NOW and will ship late April/early May

Shipping is included in the price ....
B03 is $19.99 with coupon
300A is $14.99 with coupon

Thanks,
Customer Service

I will try to email them for some sort of manual.

What is the FT300A ? why is it cheaper? 300A is $14.99 with coupon

Got a link to see this box?

oh the FT300A is the sansonic? what does it have to do with Maxmedia?

just got a response to my 2nd email to them.

Check back with us on Tuesday ... I believe they are nearly complete with the translation, fact checking, etc.... on that!

We will get you one as soon as we get it! For now, the spec sheet will have to do for you ...

By the way, we will be offering the Sansonic FT300A beginning Monday morning in addition to the MMDTVB03!

Thank you for shopping with us.

MaxMedia site & forum search for FT300 or FT300A came up empty....

Sansonic FT300A (no S-Video, no Smart Antenna) ETA 26Mar on:
www.freedtvshop.com which IS on NTIA's "Participating Retailer" list.

Tivax STB-T9 is also ETA 26Mar....and provides Smart Antenna but
apparently not S-Video.

Still no word re Apex DT1001 which does both S-Video and Smart Antenna....

MaxMedia site & forum search for FT300 or FT300A came up empty....

Sansonic FT300A (no S-Video, no Smart Antenna) ETA 26Mar on:
www.freedtvshop.com which IS on NTIA's "Participating Retailer" list.

Tivax STB-T9 is also ETA 26Mar....and provides Smart Antenna but
apparently not S-Video.

Still no word re Apex DT1001 which does both S-Video and Smart Antenna....
Does the Apex have analog passthrough?

I sent my emails to support @convertmy.tv they were quick to respond

I thought this unit look familiar, the specs seam to be the same as well. Check out the "( New ) ATSC DTV Receiver - 480i" product. The case is different but everything else is in the same place.

http://www.dk-tvtech.com/yellowpage/product_cg1.html#

I wonder if DK Video Technology Corp isn't the hardware manufacture?

This supply and shipping issues are very confusing, did this catch them by surprise :eek:. Excuse me but the switch over was known for 3 years to happen 2009 :rolleyes:. Digital tuners are in TVs, my Emerson HDTV has both analog and digital tuners so why so much trouble with these boxes. :confused:

I have a 27" stereo TV i bought at Walmart for $125 few years ago which i really don't use much but it works fine and is not ready to die and this is what i want the box for :). Matter of fact we have 7 analog TVs and 2 HDTVs in NY ;), 3 analog TVs in PA :p and 3 analog TVs in FL but they are hooked into comcast. I need a tiny converter box to fit my 2" pocket TV. :D

The world has change from back in the day when a electronic item was manufactured by the name on it. RCA stopped making it's own stuff years ago, Panasonic made VCRs for 7 different company's and now it looks like Pioneers new LCDs TVs will be made by Sharp. Company's now just sent a manufacture the specs and they make them the item with their name on it.

Lex
I meant your other coupon.

Holl_ands

You could be correct. Memsen Corp does state though on their website that they are a Certified Retailer.

Hopefully we will have some more information this week.

I filled in all the information on there web page, to buy the box, except my credit card information on Sat morning. I decided to wait, and read more reviews on this web page before I made my purchase. Sat. night at 9:15 PM I get a phone call asking why I didn't purchase the box . I said I wanted to wait and read more reviews on this site. He said fine and also told me I could email them if I had any questions. After I hung up, I thought what company calls at 9:15 on a Sat night, to check on why I didn't buy a box.
My conclusion is either this site and the Company is a total scam just trying to get your credit card information, or it's one of the BEST Companies I have ever come across when they do a follow up like that. I will have to wait and see what happens as time goes on. ----------BEWARE----BE SAFE

My question is can they legally Charge your CC and use up a coupon card and Not ship a box in a reasonable time. 6 weeks or longer does not seem reasonable.

Also most of us got e-mails saying the box was shipped? Something is wrong.

The Federal Trade Commission does (or did, at least at the time I worked for a catalog mail order company over 6 years ago) have guidelines regarding backordered merchandise.

The company that I worked for, as cheap as they were, never charged a customer's credit card until the merchandise was in stock and ready to ship--am fairly certain that this was an FTC requirement. They were also required by the FTC to notify the customer by postcard, at 30 day intervals, informing them of the status of the backorder. At the 60 day interval, if the merchandise had still not shipped, the customer received another postcard requiring them to call and consent to an additional delay--if that call was not received, FTC regulations forced the cancellation of the backorder.

Peter

Good find. If you look at the board it has the 5VDC input. I think you are right and they are the manufacturer.

http://www.dk-tvtech.com/yellowpage/product_l_583.jpg

Here is their other digital box. The remote looks the same as the one for the MMDTVB03.

http://www.dk-tvtech.com/yellowpage/product_l_1033.jpg

I filled in all the information on there web page, to buy the box, except my credit card information on Sat morning. I decided to wait, and read more reviews on this web page before I made my purchase. Sat. night at 9:15 PM I get a phone call asking why I didn't purchase the box . I said I wanted to wait and read more reviews on this site. He said fine and also told me I could email them if I had any questions. After I hung up, I thought what company calls at 9:15 on a Sat night, to check on why I didn't buy a box.
My conclusion is either this site and the Company is a total scam just trying to get your credit card information, or it's one of the BEST Companies I have ever come across when they do a follow up like that. I will have to wait and see what happens as time goes on. ----------BEWARE----BE SAFE

well i thought this to but the box is credited by the government so if it does turn out that way the feds will be responsible. My credit card company keeps a close watch on activities and will cut it off at the first sign of trouble, they have done it before.

I thought this unit look familiar, the specs seam to be the same as well. Check out the "( New ) ATSC DTV Receiver - 480i" product. The case is different but everything else is in the same place.

http://www.dk-tvtech.com/yellowpage/product_cg1.html#

I wonder if DK Video Technology Corp isn't the hardware manufacture?

Question about this AtSC DTV Receiver. The company is not on the NTIA list (website)

Is this available for sale?
Where can we buy this?
Can you use the coupon for this?

i think these boxes are for sale out side the us. most people can check their credit cards balance on line. I'm checking mine now and my card was charged by Memsen for $19.99 on 3/22/2008.

i think these boxes are for sale out side the us. most people can check their credit cards balance on line. I'm checking mine now and my card was charged by Memsen for $19.99 on 3/22/2008.

I checked and I got the same charge. To be honest I am pissed. How can they charge me for a box they won't ship till April or May.

To me that seems dishonest.

I checked with my CC company and they say even if you pay the charge you have 90 days from the date of the charge to dispute the charge.
So in theory you can pay it then get it back within the 90 days if they never deliver. I personally will give till end of April then will dispute my charge.

I personally think taking money with no product is scamish imo


Is anyone going to contact them or dispute the charge with Credit Card Company?

The link below describes the Federal Trade Commission guidelines about backorders.

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/buspubs/mailorder.shtm

The one concern I would have about canceling an order placed with MaxMedia, or disputing it with your card company, would be the $40.00 coupon--i.e. has the government program made allowances for this type of thing? Will this coupon no longer be valid if the order is canceled and you attempt to redeem the coupon elsewhere?

It may be best to wait a few weeks and see if these converters do materialize.

I thought this unit look familiar, the specs seam to be the same as well. Check out the "( New ) ATSC DTV Receiver - 480i" product. The case is different but everything else is in the same place.

http://www.dk-tvtech.com/yellowpage/product_cg1.html#

I wonder if DK Video Technology Corp isn't the hardware manufacture?
Eureka...
It looks to be an EXACT MATCH to the front/back photos in MaxMedia spec sheet.
http://www.convertmy.tv/MaxMedia_new.pdf

Eureka...
It looks to be an EXACT MATCH to the front/back photos in MaxMedia spec sheet.
http://www.dk-tvtech.com/yellowpage/product_cg1.html#

Question is can we order this box? I put an e-mail to them already. I hope all of you e-mail them and ask where to buy their box and if we can use a coupon.

UPDATE: Memsen (via convertmy.tv) is now listed in 21Mar2008
update to NTIA's "Participating Retailers" list.

Does the Apex have analog passthrough?
Info on Apex boxes is not yet available....

NTIA's list does not indicate pass-thru, but their list hasn't been all that accurate....

UPDATE: Memsen is now listed in 21Mar2008 update to
NTIA's "Participating Retailers" list.
Can you provide a link pls

thanks


Thats good news

1

Eureka...
It looks to be an EXACT MATCH to the front/back photos in MaxMedia spec sheet.
http://www.convertmy.tv/MaxMedia_new.pdf


Agreed! It's the same box!

It is a TI reference design box. Doesn't mean that this firm made the box at all.

There are changes from the reference design. This is the only board that fits all the spec's and location of components. It also has the 5VDC input the same as the MMDTVB03. look at the pictures of my post above.

Can someone tell me how, in simple terms, the smart antenna works? The jack (R45) plugs into what -- my wireless router, my telephone jack, some sort of special antenna?

The reason I ask is because my OTA reception is poor. So if the smart antenna helps reception, it makes this unit very attractive to me. Plus, I won't buy a converter without an S-video output. I'm just curious as from where this "smart antenna" is receiving its signal.

Notice that this link also lists an ATSC Set Top Box for HD and SD, and supports 8VSB and Clear QAM as well as NTSC:

http://www.dk-tvtech.com/yellowpage/product_cg1.html#

i think one end of a cat 5 cable goes into the smart antenna and the other end into your set top box. I can't imagine you would have any connection to your router or other networking appliance. I believe the tuner box communicates with the antenna via this dedicated cable to determine the best signal. I could be wrong but this is my best guess.

Can someone tell me how, in simple terms, the smart antenna works? The jack (R45) plugs into what -- my wireless router, my telephone jack, some sort of special antenna?

The reason I ask is because my OTA reception is poor. So if the smart antenna helps reception, it makes this unit very attractive to me. Plus, I won't buy a converter without an S-video output. I'm just curious as from where this "smart antenna" is receiving its signal.
Yes in simple terms you need a "special antenna" and a box with the special jack. There is only one Smart Antenna right now DTA-5000 . I think sharp makes it. It is for out side only. I also read TERK is making 1 to be out this year. I hope one day an indoor Smart Antenna is made

The box works with Antenna and the antenna can set itself 28 or more different settings per tv channel to get the best reception for that channel. Every time you select that TV station the computer tells the antenna to go to that setting for that channel
look here----> http://www.iec.org/online/tutorials/smart_ant/topic03.html

and here ----> http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1008952&highlight=smart+antenna

Can someone tell me how, in simple terms, the smart antenna works? The jack (R45) plugs into what -- my wireless router, my telephone jack, some sort of special antenna?

The reason I ask is because my OTA reception is poor. So if the smart antenna helps reception, it makes this unit very attractive to me. Plus, I won't buy a converter without an S-video output. I'm just curious as from where this "smart antenna" is receiving its signal.
Smart Antennas were described in the Converter Box Comparison thread:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13015675&highlight=smart#post13015675

DTA-5000 is the only one available now....but we should see more "any day now"....
DTA-5000 is made by DX Antennas (Japan) and has been marketed
under numerous brand names: Sylvania, Philips, Sharp, et. al.

DTA-5000 electronically searches 16 compass points looking for the "best"
signal (SNR and lowest bit error rate)...hence can also suppress multipath
and is ideally suited when signals come from different directions:
http://www.summitsource.com/dx-antenna-dta5000-tv-smart-antenna-multidirectional-hdtv-digital-uhf-vhf-outdoor-offair-high-definition-local-hd-sylvania-television-reception-aerial-green-zone-part-dta5000-p-6320.html

A small "Power Insertion Module" (DPI-10) plugs into STB's jack to obtain power
and antenna control signals. The DPI-10 Antenna Control Box then inserts
these onto the coax between the STB and DTA-5000 Smart Antenna.

Due to the compact size of the DTA-5000, it is NOT suitable for "fringe"
reception, but should work well in most urban/suburban areas.

I've used it indoors, hanging from a hook in the living room....very space age....

1

I thought what company calls at 9:15 on a Sat night, to check on why I didn't buy a box.
My conclusion is either this site and the Company is a total scam just trying to get your credit card information,

This sight is currently being supported from Asia, that's why you got
a response on a Sunday(regular workday) South East Asian time.
I got support emails from them on Sunday as well. it's not a scam,
but I still would not put in an order with my $40 card on an item that
won't ship for a Month, since I may decide to use my card elsewhere.

Ahhhh, thank you, all, for your answers for the smart antenna. I was hoping it would be a non-outdoor antenna solution.

On a side note, it would be great if the telephone company could somehow incorporate OTA tv reception over their telephone lines and we could simply plug into our telephone jacks for reception, thus eliminating the need for indoor/outdoor antennas.

EDIT: Oh, and I'm still leaning towards buying this unit for my converter when I get my coupon in a few weeks. It looks like the best unit (on paper) for a good price. Time will tell, of course.

Ahhhh, thank you, all, for your answers for the smart antenna. I was hoping it would be a non-outdoor antenna solution.

On a side note, it would be great if the telephone company could somehow incorporate OTA tv reception over their telephone lines and we could simply plug into our telephone jacks for reception, thus eliminating the need for indoor/outdoor antennas.

EDIT: Oh, and I'm still leaning towards buying this unit for my converter when I get my coupon in a few weeks. It looks like the best unit (on paper) for a good price. Time will tell, of course.

NEVER HEARD OF telephone antennas but I did see a unit that uses the electrical system in your house as 1 BIG antenna . I didn't save it so I forgot name. You can try google

I want Smart Antenna for the future in case my antenna i have now does not work well. I want to keep my options open

Ahhhh, thank you, all, for your answers for the smart antenna. I was hoping it would be a non-outdoor antenna solution.

On a side note, it would be great if the telephone company could somehow incorporate OTA tv reception over their telephone lines and we could simply plug into our telephone jacks for reception, thus eliminating the need for indoor/outdoor antennas.

EDIT: Oh, and I'm still leaning towards buying this unit for my converter when I get my coupon in a few weeks. It looks like the best unit (on paper) for a good price. Time will tell, of course.
AT&T calls it U-verse....you plug their converter box into phone wall jack.
Works....and costs just like cable TV....

AT&T calls it U-verse....you plug their converter box into phone wall jack.
Works....and costs just like cable TV....

I thought AT&T was running optical cable but not into houses. I thought they use a scheme where only the channel you want to view is directed into the house over existing copper phone lines. It allows for cable TV without expensive house cable wiring.

The little research I did on smart antennas led me to believe the technology is new and sounds promising but has yet to be proven superior with the one smart antenna that can currently be purchased. The smart antenna is an omnidirectional antenna that relies on a computer chip to hone in on the best signal like a well pointed directional antenna. I did not think U-verse had anything to do with smart antennas.

I am sure there are others who know more on both of these topics than me.

Superior to what???
It ran circles around my Silver Sensor Indoor antenna (which is better than Rabbit Ears/Loop)
and was about same as an even bigger 4-Bay both indoors (where multipath is terrible)
and also outdoors (where my multipath is still quite bad).

Only the highly directional CM-4228 beat it....which would need to be on a rotator in our area.

The little research I did on smart antennas led me to believe the technology is new and sounds promising....Depends on what you mean by "new". It's been around probably at least 3 years.

I first got into Adaptive Antenna Array technology in early/mid-80's.
First text book I saw was dated 1980 ("Intro to Adaptive Arrays" by Monzingo & Miller).

Of course, electrically steered antennas are ancient.....before my time.....

I wasn't really aware the actual technology went back that far, but I think the actual "Smart Antenna" only came out a few years back (when it was paired with the Sylvania tuners, right? I assume that's when you got it, because I remember you talking about it back then. In fact, I think you were about the only one here who ever had any experience with it or any real kind of knowledge about it at all - I was just inquiring about it at the time, then I noticed Sam's Club was selling it on their site and I was mildly interested in it).

but it's not commonly built into TVs yet. it seams new to me also, so maybe it's just starting to hit the home market in force. I received nothing about shipping being delayed just that it had shipped.

AT&T calls it U-verse....you plug their converter box into phone wall jack.
Works....and costs just like cable TV....

Hey Holl_ands, here's a link to some comments about U-Verse by
ATT

http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/12/18/the-problem-with-atandts-u-verse/

regards

Dave E
NLRock:confused:

The reason the Maxmedia thread is suddenly focused on smart antennas is that the Maxmedia converter box comes with a receptacle for a smart antenna.

Smart antenna seem to be best as short range antenna.

I am the perfect candidate for a smart antenna because I live in the center of a metropolitan area with broadcast towers arrayed around me about 2.5 miles away, (except one which is 11 miles away). Additionally, my house is ringed by 80 foot tall oak trees so I have lots of multi-path issues. I have managed to get good reception with two silver sensors and one Channel Master 4220 on a combiner running through a Philip digital video recorder to a Panasonic plasma. Both devices have a digital tuners.

The three indoor antenna solution is not elegant but it is functional and something I have come to after six years of experimentation. I get high signal strength but I do have drop outs which are possibly wind and rain related.

The only smart antenna currently available is an outdoor antenna. The only review I found of that antenna did not find that antenna to get unsurpassed reception. My 25 year old RG-59 antenna cable to my roof antenna is now unable to carry a signal. Running new RG-6 to the roof would be difficult. So, I am not currently looking for an outdoor antenna.

However, I will watch the development of smart antenna, look for new ones to be offered and read the reviews. I would like to hear more about smart antennas.

Hi Postmoderndesign - here's a few of the smart antennas to look at. I think the DTA_5000 is one that goes with STB DTV boxes...

Dave E
NLRock

http://www.summitsource.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=smart+antenna&x=8&y=8

Hi Postmoderndesign - here's a few of the smart antennas to look at. I think the DTA_5000 is one that goes with STB DTV boxes...

Dave E
NLRock

http://www.summitsource.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=smart+antenna&x=8&y=8I think once you start seeing more indoor models like that Philips on the bottom it might pick up more interest. Hopefully they'll work well indoors.

Hi All

After discussions with David Buzelli from Convert My TV here is what he sent me.


Is DK Video Technology Corp producing the unit or are they supplying the board to another company that does the final assembly?

What are the roles James B and David Buzzelli play in distribution of the MMDTVB03

I have been told the following by Maxmedia representatives ... the Maxmedia MMDTVB03 design is sole property of Maxmedia, although they may have in place and agreement to allow DK to OEM their design ... they seem to know DK as Diamond King although I could not find reference to that name. In any event, this is beyond the relationship between the two firms and is of no concern of ours . We do not own Maxmedia ... they are our supplier. They mentioned that DK is NOT manufacturing the Maxmedia label version although they may use some outside contract manufacturers at any point based on demand, and stated that this is customary practice.

Maxmedia is a new brand effort coming from and well established electronics distribution player and the MMDTVB03 is one of the first products as part of their USA launch campaign. Maxmedia is controlled by the owners of Maxgroup which has large, pre - existing distribution facilities on the East and West coasts of the USA and the former owners of a large technology provider (private and confidential).

James and David are employees of Maxmedia and Convert My TV, respectively. James was responsible for the engineering design of the MMDTVB03 and David handles coordinating the online sales of the MMDTVB03 as well as sourcing other models that may be particularly well made and reasonably priced.

Memsen Mobile Digital Corporation is a Certified Retailer in the TV Converter Box Coupon Program is a C-Corp. and Convert My TV is a wholly owned subsidiary of Memsen.

Maxmedia is certified manufacturer as part of the program and the MMDTVB03 is their box.

Why are the Credit Cards charged already when the units are not even shipped yet?

Credit cards are charged when Convert My TV forwards an order for processing to Maxmedia for fulfillment. Maxmedia has contracted Fedex to assist with the logistics, we have distribution and logistics being handled at the main Maxgroup distribution warehouses with a small team assembled specifically for this function ... Fedex has installed specific printers, custom packaging, and management software so that Convert My TV and Maxmedia are able to fulfill the orders smoothly and without delay. The Max employees are very experienced handling all matters related to this effort. Convert My TV has contracted DHL to handle S & H for our other boxes and antennas from FOB manufacturer all the way to the home of the buyer.

When the units are shipped who takes care of defects and returns?
As a part of the agreement between Convert My TV and Maxmedia ... Maxmedia is handling RMA on the B03 ... we will be posting the Warranty and Returns policy this week as well a link to the policy .

MMDTVB03 due late April/early May Sansonic FT300A’s due April 1-3

To our understanding, Maxmedia has invested millions in design, manufacture, and production and has many employees dedicated to bringing this product to the market successfully. The Convert My TV online store is managed by the Maxmedia owners and three additional partners including one of the owners of Memsen.

It is our goal to make our customers satisfied and we hope that the transparency we show and responses to any concerns are indicative of our dedication to your satisfaction. We will be improving our site, our service, and our processes continually ... we thank you for your patience.

He also indicated that they will be selling antennas as well. I have confidence that we will get a great product and will test against a LG Zenith DDT900 for a benchmark. Hope this helps and answer some questions you had about this unit.

Ed Van Belkom,

Ty very detailed. I still do not understand why they charged my Card and can not ship with in a reasonable time frame. The answer given sounds like Gobleygook.

They do not act like a major player who invested millions in this project. imo

My experience tells me dilevery won't be April/May (early)

Lex

After discussions with David I feel pretty good about it. I still remember when I got my first Samsung T160. That took almost two months before I got it in 2002. I also was charged when I ordered but received it within a week of when it was shipped. Samsung had delayed shipping it to the vendor because of some bugs they found at the last minute. It has been on 24/7 since that time and still going strong. I am not going to think about it till the beginning of May and we will see where we are at. Hopefully they might have the smart antennas to go with them.

Lex

After discussions with David I feel pretty good about it. I still remember when I got my first Samsung T160. That took almost two months before I got it in 2002. I also was charged when I ordered but received it within a week of when it was shipped. Samsung had delayed shipping it to the vendor because of some bugs they found at the last minute. It has been on 24/7 since that time and still going strong. I am not going to think about it till the beginning of May and we will see where we are at. Hopefully they might have the smart antennas to go with them.
Well they ONLY reason I feel comfortable in paying the $20 is because my credit card company says I have 90 days to dispute the charge. Even if i pay it.

So I will not let Maxmedia go beyond 60 days/ Thats it. Then I dispute my CC and call the coupon people to dispute that. I hope it does not come to that. I do not like fighting with any company ,but be forewarned don't piss me off

Ed you can say their rep is not helped buy this 6 week or more delay with no PRIOR notice.

I was going to e-mail my money back right away but i might as well just wait a few weeks