Product Features:
*Analog RF Signal Pass-Through
SDTV-Tuner 480i
Supports V-Chip parental controls and digital closed captioning (V-Chip w Downloadable Rating)
Trilingual (English, French and Spanish) on-screen setup
Simple EPG
EnergyStar compliant
Includes remote control
Dolby-Digital, Stereo Audio
Composite Video Out
Closed Captioning
Emergency Alert System (EAS)
Parental Controls (V-Chip)
Remote Control with batteries included
Energy Start Standards
RF Cable
Signal Strength Indicator
Buy the Philco TB100HH9 for $68.99
on-line with your coupon by clicking on this link:

Buy the Philco TB100HH9

probably just another overpriced funia clone box just like magnavox and sylvania. all have the same shaped chassis, no controls on the unit, internal power supply with no ventilation and junk 1980s style remote. interesting enough they are so dissimilar the sears website has a picture of the so called sylvania version of the tb100 box that says magnavox on it. philco units may be the version destined for kmart since the big box retailers all seem to sell the same poorly thought out inferior junk.

Dont get me wrong the funia box does perform its basic task but with no buttons on the unit to control it, no ventilation holes to cool it, and no auto reboot after power loss, all are inexcusable deficiencies if you ask me. All would have been caught if they had any one give them feedback on a prototype. I mean what would it have cost for them to have made ventilation in the lids of the tb100s, heck they would have reduced the boxes weight.

walmart magnavox tb100mw9 = tb100 magnavox walmart
sears sylvania tb100mg9 = tb100 magnavox grey
possibly kmart philco tb100hh9 = tb100 hh=??

Sears Sylvania TB100MG9 (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_05757778000P?keyword=tv+converter+box&sLevel=0)
Wal*Mart Magnavox TB100MW9 (http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=8283870)

Got mine yesterday - setup took all of 5 minutes (if that). Tuner is on a par with (but not any better than) all of my other ATSC tuners.
Analog RF passthrough - when the unit is on - works great. When the Philips is off - it works, but you get a significant hit in signal strength/quality.

Closed captioning - appears to mirror my Samsung DTB-H260F- will provide more detail when I have more time. No "CC" button on remote - must be accessed through the menus. Signal meter is there, but slow to respond. Unit is pretty quick on tuning in channels. So far, I'm only using it in mono A/V cables, but I don't hear any high frequency buzzes / chirps (and I have EXCELLENT human range high frequency hearing). At this point, haven't seen if the STB remote will operate TV on/off, and there is no volume control on it (yes you'll have to use this remote and your TV remote together).

Edit Got around to hooking CECB to stereo - NO high freq buzzes/chirps on DD material.

probably just another overpriced funia clone box just like magnavox and sylvania.

Yep. If you go here: http://www.funai-corp.com/support/manuals.aspx
and search on "TB100", you will find the manuals for both the Philco and the Magnavox converters.

here's the direct links:
http://www.funai-corp.com/6pdf/om/TB100HH9.pdf
http://www.funai-corp.com/6pdf/om/TB100MW9.pdf

Other than the lack of buttons, the Philco sounds like a good unit. The sound problem as I understand it was in the left channel and only when decoding a DD 5.1 broadcast. Sibilant sounds like "s" and "t" were distorted, along with pther high pitched pings or chirps. From what I know you won't hear it on plain old stereo, but only DD 5.1. Have any Philco owners tried decoding DD 5.1?

Rob

Could someone look inside and let us know the numbers on the big chip(s) and tin-can tuner??

Macro photos would be even better...remember to shoot at an angle to avoid flashback.

Just purchased this unit from Meijer (midwest chain) for my father's Toshiba 27" console. Price ended up being $13 after using his coupon. A few observations:

- Analog passthrough works, but the signal is degraded. Analog signals that are viewable normally, get terrible reception when the Philco unit is powered on. Once this unit is powered off, full reception strength returns to the TV. (SEE POST #10 BELOW)

- Picture quality is noticably better through composite (yellow RCA) than the coax cable. Maybe this is a "duh", but I wasn't expecting that much of a difference.

- The remote is strictly for this unit and can't be programmed to operate the TV.

- You have to enter Setup and drill down a bit to change the display options. eg. zoom, letterbox, full. Would have been nice to have a dedicated button for this. This is also the case to get to the signal strength meter. (SEE POST #10 BELOW)

- Our PBS station is using channels 17-2 and 17-3, currently. 17-1 will be HD, but is not available, yet. This converter won't let you delete a subchannel. You lose the main and all sub channels on a particular frequency when deleting a channel. As you scan the channels, 17-1 is there, but there is no signal and you can't make it go away.

To make this as user friendly as possible, I've programmed a universal remote for his TV and the Philco converter. To watch analog channels, turn off the Philco converter first. Switch over to "video 1" on the TV to watch DTV to get better PQ. Analog passthrough is available, but not usable due to poor signal passthrough and poor PQ on coax compared to composite.

Just purchased this unit from Meijer (midwest chain) for my father's Toshiba 27" console. Price ended up being $13 after using his coupon. A few observations:

- Analog passthrough works, but the signal is degraded. Analog signals that are viewable normally, get terrible reception when the Philco unit is powered on. Once this unit is powered off, full reception strength returns to the TV.


To make this as user friendly as possible, I've programmed a universal remote for his TV and the Philco converter. To watch analog channels, turn off the Philco converter first. Switch over to "video 1" on the TV to watch DTV to get better PQ. Analog passthrough is available, but not usable due to poor signal passthrough and poor PQ on coax compared to composite.

I'm wondering if your poor analog pass through is because you have the CECB set for channel 3 /4 instead of RF passthrough (see page 19 of the user manual) ? My experiance is that with it set for pass through , there is ZERO degradation of the analog signals with the Philco powered on, but I see a bit when the unit is powered off. I haven't really looked at the picture via RF - all my viewing has been with the A/V outputs.

I'm wondering if your poor analog pass through is because you have the CECB set for channel 3 /4 instead of RF passthrough (see page 19 of the user manual) ? My experiance is that with it set for pass through , there is ZERO degradation of the analog signals with the Philco powered on, but I see a bit when the unit is powered off. I haven't really looked at the picture via RF - all my viewing has been with the A/V outputs.

Scooper,
You da man! Someone who shall rename nameless didn't have analog passthrough selected in Setup. With passthrough active, reception is best when the box is on.

Also, if you press "display" after changing channels, the signal strength meter shows up which negates having to drill through setup each time. Now, the box is getting closer to being worth what was paid for it! ;)

Scooper, I know this is a subjective question, but how much does the Philco degrade the passthru signal when the box is off? If you have a Samsung 260 tuner could you relate it to that? I do have the Sammy and with that box OFF it noticeably degrades the passthru signal on marginal stations. So much in fact that I have resorted to leaving the box ON basically all the time. Attenuation numbers would be best, but since I don't currently have a signal strength meter myself I don't really know what the Sammy does, so a subjective answer would be OK.
If I had to venture a guess I'd say the Sammy attenuates the passthru 15? db when off. Entirely too much IMO.

I don't have a signal meter either, but I'd guess the Philco is about as bad as the Samsung (maybe a bit less) when the power is off. Strong signals get through OK, it's the marginal ones that start fuzzing up.

Thanks Scooper, :) that's what I was wondering. In my setup I may have 2 or 3 boxes in series(to feed analog DVDR's) so even a little degradation will add up. I may need to go the amplified splitter route unless I can find boxes with little to no drop in OFF passthru signal.

This box is $40 at HEB (not necessarily HEB-plus) which is a Texas based grocery chain.

My gf is debating picking one up. I'm put off by the silver color as all of her other components are black. She already has her coupons.

Does this box have a Now/Next like Wikipedia says or a 7-hour according to holl_ands Features List - mod 28Mar2008 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13500190&highlight=denca#post13500190)?

It depends on what the station is sending, but it is more than Now/Next.

This box is $40 at HEB (not necessarily HEB-plus) which is a Texas based grocery chain.

My gf is debating picking one up. I'm put off by the silver color as all of her other components are black. She already has her coupons.

Mine is not silver - it's more of a "putty" / white color than silver.

Found the philco here http://www.etronics.com/p-39897-philco.aspx $54.34 with out shipping. To use the $40 coupon purchase must be made by phone.

I'm wondering if your poor analog pass through is because you have the CECB set for channel 3 /4 instead of RF passthrough (see page 19 of the user manual)? My experiance is that with it set for pass through , there is ZERO degradation of the analog signals with the Philco powered on, but I see a bit when the unit is powered off. I haven't really looked at the picture via RF - all my viewing has been with the A/V outputs. Consumer Reports tested the Philco TB100HH9 (http://blogs.consumerreports.org/electronics/2008/04/first-look-phil.html)

Consumer Reports tested the Philco TB100HH9 (http://blogs.consumerreports.org/electronics/2008/04/first-look-phil.html)
The article states the price is $47. Where can you get this box for $47? All the online places I found were $52.95 to start all the way to $70

1) Can you manually add TV stations on this box?

2) does the remote have On/OFF for tv? Or just box

3) how is the overall pictures quality and sensitivity?

40 does this box have a good epg? Does it show more then one show on the list?

1 - yes - directly tune the RF channel number, then add in the menues
2 - no
3 - I find it acceptable, even though all it has is a composite
4 - as good as anything else out there.

1 - yes - directly tune the RF channel number, then add in the menues
2 - no
3 - I find it acceptable, even though all it has is a composite
4 - as good as anything else out there.

To expand on your number 3 answer. When you say Composite do you mean just RF (coax) Or RCA cables? My tv just has RF anyway no RCA cables.

Do you know a cheap place online to order 1?

Thanks Scooper your the best:D

I was trying to wait for the NEW DS or RCA or Zenith with passthru but looks like more and more delays
coupon expires in may

The article states the price is $47. Where can you get this box for $47? All the online places I found were $52.95 to start all the way to $70I have not found this box for the $47 but does this take into account shipping charges?

You could always try SavingLots once they get more in http://www.savinglots.com/lotprod.asp?item=TB100HH9
$59.95 but the nice thing about ordering with them is that Shipping is FREE.

Did you find anywhere cheaper lexus2108, Shipping included.
I got mine from here - http://www.solidsignal.com/cat_display.asp?main_cat=03&cat=Digital%20Converter%20Boxes
but I paid about $20 less than that a couple weeks ago. Yes - you can use your $40 CECB coupons.I too have noticed a trend of prices increasing.
This box is $40 at HEB (not necessarily HEB-plus) which is a Texas based grocery chain.Sounds the cheapest if you live in Texas
Just purchased this unit from Meijer (midwest chain). Price ended up being $13 after using his coupon.
Still is cheaper than SavingLots

To expand on your number 3 answer. When you say Composite do you mean just RF (coax) Or RCA cables? My tv just has RF anyway no RCA cables.

Do you know a cheap place online to order 1?

Thanks Scooper your the best:D

I was trying to wait for the NEW DS or RCA or Zenith with passthru but looks like more and more delays
coupon expires in may

#2- remote controls the box only - no TVs

#3 - it has both RF and composite (RCA) as required for the CECB program. No S-Video. Also has 1 set audio (RCA) jacks output.

I have not found this box for the $47 but does this take into account shipping charges?

You could always try SavingLots once they get more in http://www.savinglots.com/lotprod.asp?item=TB100HH9
$59.95 but the nice thing about ordering with them is that Shipping is FREE.

Did you find anywhere cheaper lexus2108, Shipping included.
I too have noticed a trend of prices increasing.
Sounds the cheapest if you live in Texas

Still is cheaper than SavingLots
I found it as low as $51 plus $9 shipping. So your savinglots seems to be good with free shipping. Thanks for info How long will they be out of stock?

question on the box. How do you change from Cropped, Letterbox, normal ect. Is there a button or you have to go to menu settings?

question on the box. How do you change from Cropped, Letterbox, normal ect. Is there a button or you have to go to menu settings?

Menu settings.

Menu settings.

Thats the one thing I dislike about this box.

Once you make a setting change for lets say NBC does the setting stay forever or everytime you turn on the box and go to NBC you need to change the settings via menu?

Can someone post pictures of what this box interface looks like

As far as I can tell - there is ONE setting for ZOOM, Full, or letterbox, and it is used for all channels.

As far as I can tell - there is ONE setting for ZOOM, Full, or letterbox, and it is used for all channels.

Ok so once this is set you do nto have to keep going back everytime you turn off the box?

Also can you link me to where I can see pictures of this box in action

I found only this pic

http://www.highdefforum.com/showthread.php?t=65824


You had no problem with the box crashing? like the zenith

1 - yes - directly tune the RF channel number, then add in the menues
2 - no
3 - I find it acceptable, even though all it has is a composite
4 - as good as anything else out there. Magnavox CECB reviewers complained about the box getting hot due to inadequate ventilation. Is the Philco better ventilated than the Magnavox? Does it get hot when used for a few hours?

I found only this pic
http://www.highdefforum.com/showthread.php?t=65824
That picture is not for any CECB and definitely not the Philco.

This units user interface is the same as the Magnavox TB100MW9
Look here for all the attached pictures (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/misc.php?do=showattachments&t=986114)

Also the User Manual has been posted and also has pictures
http://www.funai-corp.com/6pdf/om/TB100HH9.pdf

oh ok I stand corrected thanks

Ok so once this is set you do nto have to keep going back everytime you turn off the box?

Once set - it stays.

Also can you link me to where I can see pictures of this box in action

I found only this pic

http://www.highdefforum.com/showthread.php?t=65824


You had no problem with the box crashing? like the zenith

Box has never crashed - and I leave it on ALL the time (except when moving to another TV for "testing" ). I even left it on once for over 48 hours straight with the Digital Closed Captions on - no crashes.

I have never done pictures of it.

Magnavox CECB reviewers complained about the box getting hot due to inadequate ventilation. Is the Philco better ventilated than the Magnavox? Does it get hot when used for a few hours?

A little warm - but not hot enough to affect anything. UNIT HAS NEVER CRASHED - even with Digital Closed Captions turned on for 48 hours straight.

Looks like this is the box for me I will still wait since my coupons expire end of MAY. I would like to see if the RCA800B1 comes in. It will have passthru and it will have the bog remote

Which leads me to another question. Can you use a universal remote? any brand or do i need a certain one?

again thanks guys for the help


Scooper do you agree the interface is the same as the mangavox? as posted above? If so it is acceptable

lexus2108
The MICROPROSE MPI-500 is expecting to go live around May 15th
and will also have Analog PassThru and there will probably be others before your coupons expire in the end of MAY.

lexus2108
The MICROPROSE MPI-500 is expecting to go live around May 15th
and will also have Analog PassThru and there will probably be others before your coupons expire in the end of MAY.

that is very close to my expiration date.

Do you know how the passthru will work? Thru menu settings like philco or just in box off position? I emailed microprose and no reply. How did you find out it was may 15th nothing on their website?

Which leads me to another question. Can you use a universal remote? any brand or do i need a certain one?


I used an All For One remote #8910 to learn buttons from the Philco remote. I would guess any learning remote would work.

How did you find out it was may 15th nothing on their website?I emailed contact.microprose @ microproseonline.com with the subject Microprose Contact Form

Curt Vendel replied with the email curt.vendel @ microproseonline.com
We are testing our gateway software to connect into the coupon processing system, we are expecting to go live around May 15th. Sorry for the delay. We have decided to sell direct online.

I found it on ABC Warehouse's website for $48, but only available in-store. I went to my local store yesterday and they told me it is OOS but expecting a large shipment by the end of the month. Sears will also receive a shipment of Sylvania branded same OEM by the end of the month and they sell it for $49.99. ABC Warehouse accepts CECB coupons but I am not sure about Sears.
Link to ABC Warehouse product page. (http://www.abcwarehouse.com/product_catalog/pc_proddetails.asp~active_tab~Online%20Store~prod_id~20669)

I emailed contact.microprose @ microproseonline.com with the subject Microprose Contact Form

Curt Vendel replied with the email curt.vendel @ microproseonline.com

TY I will try to send it there

I will have to remember to add ABC Warehouse and Sears to my list.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13657383#post13657383
Also I have listed several other places and prices of the Philco there.

Meijer in the mid-west also carries Philco, and it is also authorized to accept the coupon. Both Meijer and ABC Warehouse are on the local vendor list attached with the coupons while Sears is not. I could not find the converter at my local Meijer, but I've read someone bought one there for ~$49 before coupon.

Meijer in the mid-west also carries Philco, and it is also authorized to accept the coupon. Both Meijer and ABC Warehouse are on the local vendor list attached with the coupons while Sears is not. I could not find the converter at my local Meijer, but I've read someone bought one there for ~$49 before coupon.

ya its not online at these places

Since you cannot get the coupon value refunded, the best way to get a converter is to get one from local store to try out first. If it works great, then do a return and re-purchase with the coupon. If it does not meet your expectation, you just return it and look for another one. I found it cheaper to get one in local store particularly when shipping cost is considered. In addition, I am just impatient and cannot even wait for the better models to come out, not to mention the shipping time.

I, however, am deciding to be "choosey" on my selections of CECBs. I'm pretty pleased with the Philco and would get another one, except my PC's TV card's IR blaster can't control it.

Since you cannot get the coupon value refunded, the best way to get a converter is to get one from local store to try out first. If it works great, then do a return and re-purchase with the coupon. If it does not meet your expectation, you just return it and look for another one. I found it cheaper to get one in local store particularly when shipping cost is considered. In addition, I am just impatient and cannot even wait for the better models to come out, not to mention the shipping time.

What if the store has crappy return policies? I wouldn't risk it personally. I mean sure you could test one out, but isn't that what these forums are for? to get a good idea of the product and how other people like it without having to waste time and possibly money?

Looks like this is the box for me I will still wait since my coupons expire end of MAY. I would like to see if the RCA800B1 comes in. It will have passthru and it will have the bog remote

Which leads me to another question. Can you use a universal remote? any brand or do i need a certain one?

again thanks guys for the help


Scooper do you agree the interface is the same as the mangavox? as posted above? If so it is acceptable


The photos match the menues on the Philco as well.

What if the store has crappy return policies? I wouldn't risk it personally.You find out their return policy before buying and go elsewhere if it's too strict.I mean sure you could test one out, but isn't that what these forums are for? to get a good idea of the product and how other people like it without having to waste time and possibly money?These fora can tell you a lot, but not whether the unit in your box will be functioning or defective, nor whether you'll like it in actual use.

Not to go into detail, because neither is the Philco TB100HH9 and this thread is about that model, but of the two boxes in my possession now, I just like one much better for reasons that are not based on their features or performance, just on my own gut feelings about them.  That's something I couldn't have learned by reading posts here, only by using the two of them.

You find out their return policy before buying and go elsewhere if it's too strict.These fora can tell you a lot, but not whether the unit in your box will be functioning or defective, nor whether you'll like it in actual use.

Not to go into detail, because neither is the Philco TB100HH9 and this thread is about that model, but of the two boxes in my possession now, I just like one much better for reasons that are not based on their features or performance, just on my own gut feelings about them. That's something I couldn't have learned by reading posts here, only by using the two of them.

What two boxes you have and which one is better

Sylvania TB100MG9 at Sears (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_05757778000P?keyword=tv+converter+box&sLevel=0), priced at $49.99, appears to be very, very similar to the Philco:

This digital-to-analog converter from Magnavox receives digital over-the-air signals and converts them to function on your analog TV. It features an on-screen TV Channel Guide to help you find what you want to watch, as well as an Analog Pass-Through that allows you to continue watching low-power analog TV stations. Includes remote control.

Trilingual On-Screen Display (English, French, Spanish)
NTIA Coupon Eligible - The U.S. Government is providing $40 rebate coupons available to offset the cost of these boxes at the time of purchase. For details, go to www.dtv2009.gov

To one and all

I just got a message from Amazon. They are now selling the Philco TB100HH9
D/A Converter for $64.99. I suggest that you wait to see if the price comes down!!!!!!!!!!

by

What if the store has crappy return policies? I wouldn't risk it personally. I mean sure you could test one out, but isn't that what these forums are for? to get a good idea of the product and how other people like it without having to waste time and possibly money?

I would not even shop at a store that has less than 2 weeks return period or charge a re-stocking fee. Unlike the online vendors for CECB, most of the local stores that are authorized to take the coupons are reputable chains.
This forum gives you some idea how a particular model performs, but different people may have different preferences. So far there is not a perfect CECB, it is really up to personal experience and preferences (S-video, better reception, pass through, or better EPG, etc). If you use the coupon to purchase a CECB and it turns out you don't like it, you've for sure wasted both time and money (at least the $40 coupon as it is not refundable). Of course, you are not going to try all CECB available locally but go for the one that is more likely a better choice first.

:D

Found the philco here (URL deleted from quote as I'm apparently too new to post URLs) $54.34 with out shipping. To use the $40 coupon purchase must be made by phone.
I'd avoid etronics.com. I've had terrible trouble with them.

After seeing your message I called them April 7 (you have to call to use your coupon) and ordered a Philco. They told me they had sold the last one they had in stock "that morning" but they expected to get new boxes in a few days, so I said OK. On April 11 they emailed me saying my box had been shipped but gave me no tracking number. It's now the 23rd and I still don't have my order. Needless to say they charged my credit card back on the 9th.

I've emailed them back a couple of times and now they're telling me they are out of stock again, which I guess is an implicit admission that they never shipped my order in the first place. I'm going to give them another week then report them to the FTC.

I'd avoid etronics.com. I've had terrible trouble with them.

After seeing your message I called them April 7 (you have to call to use your coupon) and ordered a Philco. They told me they had sold the last one they had in stock "that morning" but they expected to get new boxes in a few days, so I said OK. On April 11 they emailed me saying my box had been shipped but gave me no tracking number. It's now the 23rd and I still don't have my order. Needless to say they charged my credit card back on the 9th.

I've emailed them back a couple of times and now they're telling me they are out of stock again, which I guess is an implicit admission that they never shipped my order in the first place. I'm going to give them another week then report them to the FTC.

Looks like I need to take a lot of that back. No, I still don't have my Philco, but on a lark I Googled TB100HH9 and etronics.com was rated very highly. Puzzled, I started clicking on other vendors selling the Philco - and every one was out of stock! (Except gainsaver.com, which doesn't take the NTIA coupons.) So it looks like the problem is mostly with the manufacturer rather than etronics.com.

I'm still not satisfied with etronics.com. Their call center employee was poorly trained and had a ton of trouble getting my order right, and they weren't straight with me about the problems they're having with their supplier. And because it was a phone order, I can't even see my order status on their Web site. But it looks like I'd have run into the same delays buying the Philco over the Internet no matter which vendor I'd chosen.

Incidentally, etronics.com has raised the Philco's price a few $$. Still under $60, not that it matters since nobody has them.

I just picked up a Philco at Fred Meyers in the Portland
area of Oregon (Beaverton Town Center Fred Meyers).
Price - $49.95 (9.95 after coupon). They expected to get
the Sylvania, but had the Philco instead.

It has analog-pass through. This is fairly easy to use. Just
choose RF Out in the channel menu, then choose RF through.
You are immediately switched to the TV receiver. Note -- you
leave the converter box on while doing this. To return to the
converter box, just hold the setup button for 3 seconds.

Reception is generally good on the pass-through except for
a few trouble channels. I would say that overall it is better
than I would normally get.

As to the box itself -- setup was very quick. The wizard scanned
and found all the channels plus a number of 'extras' -- several
PBS and things I don't usually get. Reception was unbelievably good --
I usually have a lot of interference over the air, and have problems
with the local 5/32 (CW?). But these were perfect with the box. The
antenna didn't need any adjustment for any channel -- it's an old rabbit
ears. Usually I am fussing with it for every channel.

The box itself is white -- no doubt identical to the Magnavox described
here. There are vent holes on the bottom and a couple of slots on
the side. It gets a little warm on the top, but so far not hot. I raised
it up by placing an old vhs tape under it, to give the bottom holes
more clearance. Maybe I'll try drilling some holes like someone here
suggested. However, if I hadn't read the warnings about Magnavox here,
I might not have noticed the warmth as being unusual.

The remote -- the buttons are small but well-spaced, and slightly mounded,
so there is no problem pushing them. There is no zoom on the remote.
I don't think this is as much of an issue as people have stated. You get
to the aspect through the menu. After a little playing with it, I decided to
leave everything in letterbox. Zoom would be my last choice.

An aspect setting (zoom-full-letterbox) seems to apply to all subchannels in
a range, but apparently can be set independently for channels. This isn't immediately
apparent, (especially since letterbox setting shows up differently on different
channels) because when you check the settings through the menu, it
shows your last choice, NOT what the channel is using. When you leave
the menu, you are also likely to set what it is showing -- so it might look like
the channels cannot be individually set!

There is no TV volume control on the remote. This doesn't bother me,
I'm used to having a pile of remotes for my TV and VCRs -- and I would
need my TV remote anyway when using the VCRs instead of the converter box.

According to the documentation, channels can be individually added, though I
haven't tried it, since I am getting all channels. The documentation also
suggests you can use a universal remote.

The remote also has: alt ch - (return to last channel button), display (info on
what you are watching, with signal strength meter), audio (choose another
language, if available), still (pause picture, but audio continues), epg.

EPG - the guide describes what is on, with a next arrow to view about 6 hours
on the channel you are watching. On a positive note -- it is partly
transparent, so you can continue to watch your show while looking ahead.
I suppose a full-screen guide would blank things out. Probably I will continue to
use something like TitanTV.com) to quickly overview the
digital channel offerings.

I made sure when buying this that I got the analog pass-though. But now I
don't know why I cared! Certainly next year it will be unimportant. For my
next one, I will probably try out one with an extended EPG like the Artec.

My main issue is with VCR recording. I usually have two hooked up on
an antenna splitter. The converter (any converter at present) pretty much
negates their use. I will probably just reach around the back of the TV
when I need them, and rehook them directly. Next year, of course, this
will be a problem when there is no analog at all.

... I still don't have my Philco, but on a lark I Googled TB100HH9 and ... started clicking on other vendors selling the Philco - and every one was out of stock!

As of May 9 I still don't have my Philco, but today I found a couple of online vendors claiming to have them in stock: BeachAudio.com has 199 of them for sale at $61.99, and HiTechWireless.com has them for $64.95. Also, Solid Signal (which has them seriously overpriced at $79.99) is now claiming the Philco ships in 2-5 days (down from 7-12 days). So maybe they'll start shipping again soon.

Is there any difference, other than the brand name on the housing, between the Philco TB100HH9 and the Sylvania or Magnavox TB100MG9?  I've started to see the TB100MG9 trickle into Sears and KMart here in Chicago (the Sears in Ravenswood and the KMart in Mayfair) at $49.99.

On the other hand, the Wal-Mart in Niles, Illniois, just received what must be over a thousand more TB100MW9's (the model without analog passthrough) a couple of nights ago, and they're stacked in six or seven locations throughout the electronics department.

Depending on where you live-
found the Philco at Fred Meyers and they are taking coupons.
$49

Is there any difference, other than the brand name on the housing, between the Philco TB100HH9 and the Sylvania or Magnavox TB100MG9?* I've started to see the TB100MG9 trickle into Sears and KMart here in Chicago (the Sears in Ravenswood and the KMart in Mayfair) at $49.99.

On the other hand, the Wal-Mart in Niles, Illniois, just received what must be over a thousand more TB100MW9's (the model without analog passthrough) a couple of nights ago, and they're stacked in six or seven locations throughout the electronics department.
My Wal-Mart in Lee's Summit, Missouri also recieved a massive stock of the old MW9's. Do you think that Magnavox is just trying to unload the old stock now?

My Wal-Mart in Lee's Summit, Missouri also recieved a massive stock of the old MW9's. Do you think that Magnavox is just trying to unload the old stock now? Yes. It wasn't an accident.

This is also the model that the HEB grocery chain in Texas is selling. $40 plus tax (so you only have to pay the tax); I got two of them for $3.30 each out of pocket.

Here at the store on Westheimer in Houston (11000 block), hey only put 6-8 of them out on an endcap at any given time; I tried to go earlier in the week but they were sold out. Took a chance, went back by there today, and they had four of them out.

Going to hook up an old rabbit ears antenna, and run the AV out to an adapter box that will let me display the picture on an old VGA monitor I have sitting around.

Edit: Works pretty good with just rabbit ears hanging off the back; I can pick up five or six channels here in Houston.
Right now I did a functional test with an old 3.5" LCD that has AV inputs. I'll move it to something quality soon.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2108/2485149620_f7f57e231c.jpg

As of May 9 I still don't have my Philco, but today I found a couple of online vendors claiming to have them in stock: BeachAudio.com has 199 of them for sale at $61.99, and HiTechWireless.com has them for $64.95. Also, Solid Signal (which has them seriously overpriced at $79.99) is now claiming the Philco ships in 2-5 days (down from 7-12 days). So maybe they'll start shipping again soon.

It's May 13 and FINALLY my Philco has arrived:D Only took 5 weeks:rolleyes:

Also, newegg.com is now claiming to have them in stock. They're selling them for $59.99.

I just hooked up my new Philco. The thing works. Picture quality is fine, and I get all the digital stations in my area. However, it's less sensitive than my Samsung DTB-H260F HDTV receiver: the Philco has trouble with our weakest channel (KDFI 27; digital channel 36), but the Samsung pulls it in just fine. I guess that's the difference between a $50 box and a $180 box. (On the other hand, there's something hinky about KLDT 54's digital audio and the Samsung has never been able to decode it, but channel 54's sound works fine on the Philco.)

Update: I think I figured out what's going on with KLDT's sound. DTV stations can broadcast multiple audio streams - typically for multiple languages. The box automatically selects your preferred language.

KLDT-54.1 is "broadcasting" three audio streams, but is flagging all three as English! Worse, only one audio stream actually contains audio. So the stream your box selects appears to depend on unpredictable factors like the box design, the phase of the moon, etc., and there's only a 1 in 3 chance your box will select the working audio stream. KLDT got lucky with the Philco but not with the Samsung: the Philco picked the working stream as stream 1.

I can push the "audio" button on the remote to select a different audio stream, although there's obviously no point with KLDT-54.1 since streams 2 and 3 are useless. But I can switch KDAF-33.1 to stream 2 (Spanish, although few programs have any Spanish audio to broadcast).

The Philco remembers the audio setting separately for each channel. If I switch KLDT-54 to (dead) stream 2, it doesn't affect KDAF-33 and vice versa. But when I return to a channel I've changed, it remembers my selection from earlier.

Because I'm using it with a TV that has no composite input, and because of the goofy way they implemented analog passthru, I hooked both the composite video and RF outputs to a VCR/DVD, then hooked that to the TV. Also, since the passthru is weaker when the Philco is powered off, I disabled the auto-power off feature so I can leave it on all the time. (The box doesn't have much ventilation, but at only eight watts of power consumption, it doesn't heat up much.) That way I don't have to turn passthru off to watch digital broadcasts, then mess around with the setup menu to turn passthru back on. To watch digital broadcasts, I tune the TV to channel 3, then turn on the VCR and set it to the video input. Basically I'm just using the VCR's RF modulator instead of the Philco's.

CECB's are supposed to be controllable by universal remotes, but I don't seem to have a universal remote that can operate the Philco. So for now I'm stuck using the Philco's own remote, which doesn't have a screen size button. To switch between letterbox and zoomed mode, I have to use the setup menu. Hopefully, I can find a universal remote with a "macro" capability so I can program it to switch modes with a single button.

I'm a little disappointed with the channel setup. There is no "favorites" list; if you don't want the CH +/- keys to stop on certain channels you have to delete them. But if you want to tune to a deleted channel, you have to enter the digital channel number instead of the "normal" channel number. Also, there's no way to make the CH +/- keys skip subchannels. If I want 68-1 and 68-3, I have to take 68-2 too.

On the other hand, if you have an antenna with a rotator, it appears you can scan your channels, rotate your antenna, and scan again without losing the channels from your first scan. (If you do want to start from scratch, the manual instructs you to delete all channels, then scan.) You can also add channels manually, but you have to know the digital channel numbers to do so. (The Philco will replace the digital channel number with the "normal" channel number when it locks onto the signal.)

Finally, the EPG is spartan but does show 3 to 6 hours of upcoming programming. All in all, the Philco is a good value if you need a basic box with analog passthru.

I saw the TB100HH9 at Radio Shack in Laurens SC today. Now that I've reviewed this thread, I'm going back to pick one up. My second coupon expires at the end of the month, and I'm leaving on a trip soon.

[added later] I did pick one up. The price was $54.99 before coupon. When I got home, I set it up and checked it out quickly to make sure it works OK before I leave on my trip. At first I thought the signal meter didn't work, but then I watched the signal bar grow gradually. Wow, that thing is slow! Not very good for quick signal checks. The remote sucks, with its tiny buttons, but if I use this box regularly, I'll program it into my Harmony remote anyway, so that doesn't matter much to me.

Can you use a universal remote? any brand or do i need a certain one?

I found this (rather unhelpful) info in the manual:
"To operate this STB with a universal remote, check the instruction manual for remote and find Philco brand STB code. If you do not find the code or the code does not work, try to use Sylvania brand STB code instead."

But I've tried three universal remotes and haven't found one yet that has Philco or Sylvania codes listed for STBs/cable boxes. A learning remote looks like the best bet.

An aspect setting (zoom-full-letterbox) seems to apply to all subchannels in
a range, but apparently can be set independently for channels.

That hasn't been my experience. I tried this experiment: I tuned to channels 21 and 27 and confirmed they were both in letterbox mode. Then I set channel 21 to zoom; then I switched to channel 27 and it was also in zoomed mode!

I think some confusion may arise because the aspect setting only applies to 16:9 broadcasts. 4:3 broadcasts are always displayed full-screen regardless of the aspect setting. So if you change the setting then switch to a 4:3 channel, it will appear no different, as if the STB "remembered" the old setting for that channel.

After having the Zenith box for a month, I used the second coupon on a Philco tonight at Meijer. They are selling it for $49.99 but they are having a 15% off coupon for today and tomorrow. After the discount and the $40 coupon, I paid $2.50 plus $2.55 Michigan sales tax. I guess this is the best deal so far for a CECB considering no shipping from a local store.
The reception of this Philco box is okay. I got more or less the same channels as the Zenith box although the signal strength seems to be slightly lower. Perhaps they have a different scale on signal strength. The remote control function is very basic. It does not have the volumen, zoom and subtitle buttons as the Zenith one. It also has a much slower response in powering on and switching channels. The subtitle is not as sharp as the Zenith one either but it is okay. Basically, it does its job as described and costs a lot less than the Zenith one for me. It has more EPG information than the Zenith one but it only shows one program at a time. As the CECB is only a transitional product, it does not make sense to spend too much money on it and $5.05 is more than reasonable.

CECB's are supposed to be controllable by universal remotes, but I don't seem to have a universal remote that can operate the Philco. So for now I'm stuck using the Philco's own remote, which doesn't have a screen size button. To switch between letterbox and zoomed mode, I have to use the setup menu. Hopefully, I can find a universal remote with a "macro" capability so I can program it to switch modes with a single button.

Well, I got lucky. I picked up a Sony RM-VL600 universal remote control at Fry's tonight for $25. It's a learning remote with macro functions, but it turns out I didn't need to "teach" it how to operate the Philco at all. Remote code 3403 was just about perfect. The only remote functions missing are "Still" and "Audio." (I did teach the remote the "Still" function; I assigned it to the Pause key. Also, since I leave the Philco on all the time, I taught the remote to turn the TV on or off instead of the Philco when I press the Power key.)

The learning function did come in handy for my Daewoo VCR/DVD combo, though. Code 1064 was close, but several remote functions were wrong or missing and had to be "taught."

The macro function let me create one-button "Letterbox," "Zoom," "Full screen," and "Enable RF passthru" functions for the Philco. It's amusing to press a single button and watch the Philco start stepping through menu options to set the desired mode.

Update: I've read the Sony RM-V202 universal remote also supports the 3403 remote code if you can live without the learning and macro functions, although I can't guarantee it.

Meijer now has the Philco Digital to analog converter TB-100hh9 for $49.99
This model allows analog signals to pass through to the tv set.

Gary

I just picked up a Philco at Fred Meyers in the Portland area of Oregon (Beaverton Town Center Fred Meyers).Price - $49.95 (9.95 after coupon). They expected to get the Sylvania, but had the Philco instead. Fred Meyer stores in this area just started stocking the Philco TB100HH9 CECB in the past few days. $49.95 price (minus coupon).

I've noticed a difference between the digital and the analog sound level. The TV has only RF input. I have the audio source set to RF.

The digital sound level is significantly lower than when viewing the exact same content in analog. It happens on all the digital stations on which I can do a direct comparison to their analog counterparts.

Is this the Philco box or is this the digital signals from the stations?

This is also the model that the HEB grocery chain in Texas is selling. $40 plus tax (so you only have to pay the tax); I got two of them for $3.30 each out of pocket.

Here at the store on Westheimer in Houston (11000 block), hey only put 6-8 of them out on an endcap at any given time; I tried to go earlier in the week but they were sold out. Took a chance, went back by there today, and they had four of them out.

Going to hook up an old rabbit ears antenna, and run the AV out to an adapter box that will let me display the picture on an old VGA monitor I have sitting around.

Edit: Works pretty good with just rabbit ears hanging off the back; I can pick up five or six channels here in Houston.
Right now I did a functional test with an old 3.5" LCD that has AV inputs. I'll move it to something quality soon.


HEB's all throughout Austin have been backordered for two weeks. My girlfriend has one. However, my quest to find one early this week when my coupon expired on the 10th was met with complete disappointment. I like this little box.

After using this Philco box for a month and the Zenith box for 2 months, I found it is really worth to spend $10 more for a better box. It is not much difference in the picture quality or reception, but the delay in switching channel and the poorly designed remote control and menu structure made this Philco box far inferior than others.
I am still very happy with the Zenith DTT900 converter although the EPG is not as extensive as others. In contrary, this Philco box is very poorly designed in many aspects.

1. The channel buttons are extremely small in size and placed on the upper right of the remote. It is very hard to grip the remote with one hand and press the channel buttons.
2. There is no buttons at all on the unit.
3. It is slow to start up.
4. You have to go through the menu to change aspect ratio on screen.
5. When you are scanning channel, it won't tell you how many channels have been detected.

I am sure there are more shortcomings of this box if it has not discouraged me to use this box so much. :(

I prefered the Philco over the Zenith - even over mono sound (and not having any stations that made the Zenith "sing"), the audio from the Philco is much better to my ears. More bass response, and the TV I have the Philco on I just leave the Philco on "Zoom". Works well for me.

A Fred Meyer Home Electronics department in Bellevue, Washington (http://services.kroger.com/multibanner/storelocator/storedetails.aspx?recordId=70100023) actually had their Philco CECB connected to several smaller TVs and displaying OTA DTV content. I asked a staff member, who confirmed that the smaller sets (some of which were 15" HD LCD sets) were running the feed from the Philco box as received from a rooftop antenna. I briefly mentioned my own experience using converter boxes, and we exchanged notes on indoor antennas.

PQ was very good from a local CBS affiliate, and the output was being fed to about seven TVs (four LCD and three standard-def CRTs).

It's refreshing to see a retail merchant actually demonstrating a CECB. I did notice the Philco box on display was quite warm to the touch, makes me wonder if the Philco's useful life might be shortened by excessive heat.

Update - tried to watch the Philco this morning via the A/V jacks - no picture. tried moving the video up and down - intermintent picture - so, obviously, there's a loose connection. Opened box (4 screws), removed a 5th screw in the middle that held the circuit board down, turned it over - yep, the soldered video out had broken. Got out the soldering iron / rosin core solder - repaired, put back together, hooked it up again - works just fine.

While shopping at Fred Meyer yesterday I noticed a lone Philco converter box sitting under a display model HDTV. The handsome Philco white plastic box, without ventilation slots, looked more like a toy when picked up and examined. A sales clerk soon appeared with a sales pitch. I inquired if they had any of these Philcos in stock. With some coaxing the clerk said they had around a hundred in stock but kept in the back room for "security reasons." Upon further reflection I think that Freddie's keeps them back so the Home Electronics cashiers--that have been trained on the NTIA card acceptance procedures--may handle the transaction. Perhaps the general and self service check out cashiers have not been trained how to process the NTIA cards.

Without adequate ventilation perhaps the Philco converter boxes (and other Funai-built converter boxes like the Magnavox) will have a short life. Then the customer will return to buy a real TV with a digital or HD tuner. Smart, very smart. Golly, isn't that the Magnavox slogan?

My experiance is that the Philco is a little warm, but not excessively so. How much heat can 8 watts produce ? Mine is also sitting on the TV which doesn't help.

My experiance is that the Philco is a little warm, but not excessively so. How much heat can 8 watts produce ? Mine is also sitting on the TV which doesn't help.

About the only good thing I've noticed about the Philco is that it doesn't get hot even with virtually no ventilation.

I like the Philco quite a lot -- particularly for the audio
pass-through. I'm using that much more than I expected --
every day. I can switch to the VCR easily to watch recordings.
If I hadn't already used my other coupon I would get another
one. The audio pass through is so useful that I now put it as my top
feature preference.

The EPG is also pretty good -- at least it is usable.

The box gets a little warm, but not much more than other boxes that
had more holes. I prop it up on an empty video tape box so it
has a little more clearance underneath.

I don't find the slow channel change that much of a problem. For one
thing, you can keep changing channels without waiting for them to
fully come in -- the description and channel number appear rather
quickly. So you can click through the channels faster that way.

I like the Philco quite a lot -- particularly for the audio
pass-through. . .

Audio pass-through?

I like the Philco quite a lot -- particularly for the audio
pass-through. I'm using that much more than I expected --
every day. I can switch to the VCR easily to watch recordings.
If I hadn't already used my other coupon I would get another
one. The audio pass through is so useful that I now put it as my top
feature preference.

The EPG is also pretty good -- at least it is usable.

The box gets a little warm, but not much more than other boxes that
had more holes. I prop it up on an empty video tape box so it
has a little more clearance underneath.

I don't find the slow channel change that much of a problem. For one
thing, you can keep changing channels without waiting for them to
fully come in -- the description and channel number appear rather
quickly. So you can click through the channels faster that way.

The ANALOG pass through is a good feature that I also use daily. However, are you saying doing this:

Push setup, push right arrow, push down arrow three times, press ok, press ok again, push left arrow, press ok.

everytime you want to change modes is a good thing? It could have been, should have been done with one button to toggle ANALOG pass through on and off.

I know the EPG is only as good as the station sending the data. My CBS station is wrong at least 50% of the time. It shows "now" as "program A" while you're looking at "program B". What it shows as next doesn't come on next. The other stations aren't wrong as often, but all are off at least once in a while.

I know this isn't the fault of the box, but no EPG is good if it gets garbage data. I thought EPG would be a useful feature, but no longer. I never use it.

The slow channel changing is a problem when you have unreliable program data. There is a good chance what you see in the description isn't really what is on.

Oops. Yes, I meant 'analog' pass through.

Well you don't have to change constantly to the pass through.
So, while it could be better, it's not that bad. I use it maybe once
a day for playback on the VCR. At least you can switch back from the
pass through to the box by just holding the setup button for 3 seconds.
Anyway, you get used to it and can click pretty fast ....

Well, I agree -- I don't use the EPG much. Most often, I use the EPG to give
a description of what is currently on when clicking through channels -
particularly on some of the extra PBS or odd channels. It sometimes has a
more full description than on the 'display' mode.

I haven't had the problem with incorrect EPG
that people are mentioning here. Perhaps I don't
use it enough to notice. Certainly the display
that comes up when you change channels is
always correct.

However, are you saying doing this:

Push setup, push right arrow, push down arrow three times, press ok, press ok again, push left arrow, press ok.

everytime you want to change modes is a good thing?I won't presume to answer for Kiri, but it's no problem for me on the Magnavox TB-100MG9, which has the same arrangement (and I think is just a rebadging of the same box).  The MG9 stays set for passthrough, and its RCA and RF outputs both go to the same VCR.  To record an analog signal, the VCR tunes to the station, while to record a digital one, the VCR tunes to line input.  If I'm watching TV, I toggle the VCR with its own remote between an analog channel and line input (where I select a digital channel with the MG9's remote).

Fred Meyer stores in this area just started stocking the Philco TB100HH9 CECB in the past few days. $49.95 price (minus coupon). Inflation - particularly rising transportation costs and the declining U.S. dollar value vs. the Chinese currency: the Philco is now $54.97 (minus coupon) at Fred Meyer.

probably just another overpriced funia clone box just like magnavox and sylvania...

Philco brand is under licensed to Funia by Philips Electronics
http://www.digitalconverterreview.com/philco-tb100hh9-digital-converter-box/

Robert Grant has a good comparison review with Magnavox
http://www.wtfda.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=116&Itemid=43

William Bryson compared with with RCA DTA800B
http://williambryson.blogspot.com/2008/04/comparing-philco-tb100hh9-and-rca.html

I'm still undecided if I'm going to buy this.

I picked up this Philco unit today at a Fred Meyer store in Portland, OR for only $40, which means that it was free with the government coupon. I haven't hooked it up yet so we'll see if it was a good choice, but based on the comments in this thread I think it'll be worth the investment. There were plenty of units still on the shelf.

I picked up this Philco unit today at a Fred Meyer store in Portland, OR for only $40, which means that it was free with the government coupon. I haven't hooked it up yet so we'll see if it was a good choice, but based on the comments in this thread I think it'll be worth the investment. There were plenty of units still on the shelf.

According to Tom Peterson "free is a very good price" but Shakey's Pizza Parlor (on Foster Road) had a sign on the wall that read "we have no quarrel with those selling their pizza for less, they know what their product is worth."

I recently got one from the local Fred Meyer store and reception is quite poor. I'll try again tonight.

This whole DTV thing is frustrating. Technology is a mess when government is not properly regulating things.

Just got this yesterday

Can someone PLEASE EXPLAIN TO ME why i cant watch CH 17.1 17.2 BUT CAN WATCH 17.4 WTF????????????

I dont get it.

Across the USA, 28 stations use virtual channel 17. Care to tell us which one yours is?

Across the USA, 28 stations use virtual channel 17. Care to tell us which one yours is?

At least one (that I know of) uses RF channel 17 as well as their virtual channel 17 :D - and they only have 3 subchannels.

In fact, that's the one I was thinking of... seeing 17.4 on that one would be like seeing a ghost.

Just tonight I watched a news story on one of the Charlotte stations about a "ghost train" which supposedly shows up every year at night on the anniversary of a train wreck in Salisbury. I wonder if there are ghost TV stations? :eek: