dattier did your Sears have any signs indicating they had any CECBs?

No.

Here's the story to the best of my recollection: sears.com's search page suddenly stopped finding the description page for the MG9, but someone on AVSForum had cached the page with the function to see which stores had it, and that still worked.  According to it, the MG9 was available at one of the two Sears locations nearest me.  I went there, saw none in the aisles, but saw one behind the cashier's desk of the electronics department, with a piece of paper taped to it bearing the name of the customer who had phoned ahead and for whom it was being saved, so I asked, and the clerk got another from the back for me.

Somewhere in another thread is the story from there, but in summary, I ended up returning it unopened.  The MG9 in my possession now was purchased a few days later at KMart.

Thank you for the update dattier.

I was not interested in the MG9 but just getting ready for the upcoming DTVPal that I think will be sold by both RadioShack and Sears.

I will have to call them and ask how the local store is handling this.
For all I know it could be mail order like just about everything else in this small store.

By the way it was a Google Cache you were using for the search function.

I bought a Magnavox TB100MG9 from a Sears in Colorado.

The implementation of Analog PassThrough in the Magnavox TB100MG9 is SO BAD that I tried to return it. The Sears personnel were surprised to discover that for CECBs it was 'all sales final'! - Absolutely No Returns.

Thank you for the update dattier.

I was not interested in the MG9 ...But you were insterested in what happens at Sears, and that was the only model sold there, so it was the only experience I could tell you about.By the way it was a Google Cache you were using for the search function.Then you remember that other thread.

... and this has gone way far afield for the RCA DTA800 topic.

I have not been to the local WalMart recently. The last time I was there, I saw no RCA DTA800b1s (with Analog PassThrough). Has anyone tried one, yet?

A simple hack to convert the DTA800 to 12 volt DC. http://mobiledtv.blogspot.com/2008/05/finally-watching-tv.html

Surprising such a cheap unit has a separate power supply board rather than all on one board. The really nifty version of this would be to integrate a switched coaxial jack for DC power and a standard 2-pin AC cord plug so that when plugging in DC it cuts off the input from the AC supply, or just use a slide switch. Plenty of room on the back panel. (And fill in the missing parts to add S-Video out!)

Thank you - great information and well documented. I knew these RCA boxes were the best of the lot.

At least once a day mine will power off (and by off, I mean no on or standby light) for about 10 seconds, power back on skip a few channels and then work properly.

Did I just get a dud or is this a common problem.

I only use the box about 1 hour per day and it always happens.

The Sears nearest to me keeps their CECBs -- or kept them, as of early May, when I bought one there -- in the back rooms rather than on display, and one must ask for them, like condoms or cigarettes. They probably lose a lot of sales when people look around for them, see nothing, and assume that there are none in stock or that that store won't be carrying them.Sounds like the "Best Buy School of Sales and Merchandising" method. Not surprising, since they're already hawking Dish.

At least once a day mine will power off (and by off, I mean no on or standby light) for about 10 seconds, power back on skip a few channels and then work properly.

Did I just get a dud or is this a common problem.

I only use the box about 1 hour per day and it always happens.

I have never used a RCA DTA800...

I did download the manual:
Page 11:
"Settings
Five sub-meus are available:

* Press 3 for Power Saver
An energy saving feature to turn off
the converter box automatically after 4
(default), 8 or 12 hours according to your
selection. Select OFF to de-activate this
feature.
The timer is only active when the
converter box remains idle (Le. no
key activation). Once any "Box" key is
pressed, the timer will be reset.
If you have set up timer recordings for
TV programs, make sure the converter
box will not turn off automatically
before the recordings finish."

I have that set to never turn off and it turns off while changing channels and most of the time within 10 minutes of it being turned on. Not just standby...completely off, but the picture and sound remains on the TV (which is strange)

I have that set to never turn off and it turns off while changing channels and most of the time within 10 minutes of it being turned on. Not just standby...completely off, but the picture and sound remains on the TV (which is strange)

OK. Sounds like DUD.

Have you tried (on Page 12):
Customer service and
technical support
Tel: 1-866-226-9941 (toll-free).

I think the more posts I read the harder my decision gets. My coupon expires Fri 6/27. I bought the Digital Stream 9950 today at Radio Shack with the other coupon & was set to try & get the Zenth 901 or Insignia but then after reading posts on TiVo site they said only the RCA 800 model did not cause channel conflicts with the TiVo (something related to 0 being added with the other 2 boxes). I am exhausted and can't read anymore posts, so I apolgize in advance if this has been asked & answered already.

So far what I have read on this forum the RCA 800 are not very good, turning off, poor audio, etc. Has anyone had a good experience with this box. Please let me know which RCA model if any are worth my second coupon.

I would rather give up some functionality with the TiVo than buy a box that would be better suited for the "circular file" :confused:

I think the more posts I read the harder my decision gets. My coupon expires Fri 6/27. I bought the Digital Stream 9950 today at Radio Shack with the other coupon & was set to try & get the Zenth 901 or Insignia but then after reading posts on TiVo site they said only the RCA 800 model did not cause channel conflicts with the TiVo (something related to 0 being added with the other 2 boxes). I am exhausted and can't read anymore posts, so I apolgize in advance if this has been asked & answered already.

So far what I have read on this forum the RCA 800 are not very good, turning off, poor audio, etc. Has anyone had a good experience with this box. Please let me know which RCA model if any are worth my second coupon.

I would rather give up some functionality with the TiVo than buy a box that would be better suited for the "circular file" :confused:

See post #331 at: http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=375578&page=12

"... sometime this summer TiVo software will be updated to support 'all of the CECBs'. "

We have a TiVo Series 2 that I want to continue using (OTA).
The one channel that broadcasts 'News Hour with Jim Lehrer' and
'Washington Week' is only getting their analog signal to us, so far.

Analog PassThrough is important. I like our Zenith DTT901 with its well perforated metal case that keeps it running only a little warm. Powered On you get Digital, Powered off you get Analog! Simple, Straight forward!

I do not like our Magnavox TB100MG9 with its klutzy Analog PassThrough.

In our part of Colorado, WalMart carries the RCA. I have yet to see their RCA DTA800B1. That would be the model with Analog PassThrough.

So far what I have read on this forum the RCA 800 are not very good, turning off, poor audio, etc. Has anyone had a good experience with this box.

I've been satisfied with my RCA DTA800B. Here's my 2 cents on the RCA vs Zenith DTT900/901:

Pro:

Small box, stands on end if desired.

Remote has large buttons, also controls TV power, volume, mute, & input.

Tuner sensitivity equal to or better than Zenith boxes (holding lock on weak signals).

Nice signal strength meter with sound, bar, and number readout.

Nice channel info display with signal strength, and what's on now and next.

Channel guide page which displays up to nine channels of now/next info updated automatically and continuously (when you bring it up).

Video quality looks as good as Zenith to me, but I only have old analog TV.

Audio sounds fine to me, but I'm only using TV speakers. Sound level is higher than Zenith DTT900 stereo, but slightly lower than Zenith DTT900 mono and much lower than Zenith 901 stereo/mono.

Universal remote can control nearly all box functions.

No problems with turning off. Runs warm, but not hot.

Con:

Cannot add channels after auto scan. Each auto scan erases previous channels found.

Two aspect ratio choices - fullscreen and widescreen. The aspect ratio setting applies to all channels, and you have to drill down into menu to change it.

Have to drill down into menu to get signal strength meter, and cannot see or hear program while signal strength meter is up.

Only comes with RF cable (no A/V cables).

See post #331 at: http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=375578&page=12

"... sometime this summer TiVo software will be updated to support 'all of the CECBs'. "

We have a TiVo Series 2 that I want to continue using (OTA).
The one channel that broadcasts 'News Hour with Jim Lehrer' and
'Washington Week' is only getting their analog signal to us, so far.

Analog PassThrough is important. I like our Zenith DTT901 with its well perforated metal case that keeps it running only a little warm. Powered On you get Digital, Powered off you get Analog! Simple, Straight forward!

I do not like our Magnavox TB100MG9 with its klutzy Analog PassThrough.

In our part of Colorado, WalMart carries the RCA. I have yet to see their RCA DTA800B1. That would be the model with Analog PassThrough.

cia_viewer,
Thank you for that information. I did go to the TiVo community forum & the support forum last night. They are supposedly going to have updates for the Series 2 SINGLE TUNER models, but not the DUAL TUNER models. Lucky me, I have the DUAL TUNER model. :(

There have been some posts that people have been able to surpass certain things with the RCA800 models, but those with the Zenith or Insignia models have problems with 2 digit channels.

richardav has posted info re: RCA800B vs Zenith model, which is somewhat encouraging. :o

So my dilemma continues, I guess I just have to decide which features are most important for the TiVo (RCA vs Zenith/Insignia) and use the Digital Stream 9950 strictly for the tv.

Thank you very much for your information. :)

richardav,
Your 2 cents was worth about $10 LOL. Seriously, thank you for the very detailed pros & cons. I was glad that someone had something good to say about the RCA 800 model, some weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

Con: "Cannot add channels after auto scan. Each auto scan erases previous channels found."
This may or may not be an issue for the TiVo. Will have to go back & read the other posts once my head stops spinning & I can actually do some common sense problem solving. Then my only problem will be trying to be able to find a store where I can physically get the box before 6/27.

richardav,
Your 2 cents was worth about $10 LOL. Seriously, thank you for the very detailed pros & cons. I was glad that someone had something good to say about the RCA 800 model, some weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

Con: "Cannot add channels after auto scan. Each auto scan erases previous channels found."
This may or may not be an issue for the TiVo. Will have to go back & read the other posts once my head stops spinning & I can actually do some common sense problem solving. Then my only problem will be trying to be able to find a store where I can physically get the box before 6/27.

In Colorado, WalMart carries RCA.

Con:

Cannot add channels after auto scan. Each auto scan erases previous channels found.Well - I had some interest in this box, but that effectively kills it for me. I have three different markets in three different directions to contend with.

Then my only problem will be trying to be able to find a store where I can physically get the box before 6/27.

Glad to be helpful. Walmart is the only place I've seen them.

richardav,
Your 2 cents was worth about $10 LOL. Seriously, thank you for the very detailed pros & cons. I was glad that someone had something good to say about the RCA 800 model, some weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

Con: "Cannot add channels after auto scan. Each auto scan erases previous channels found."
This may or may not be an issue for the TiVo. Will have to go back & read the other posts once my head stops spinning & I can actually do some common sense problem solving. Then my only problem will be trying to be able to find a store where I can physically get the box before 6/27.
I have had experience with the RCA box and one other. I agree completely with the pros and cons listed in the review. You can see the signal strength bar if you press the "info" button on the remote. You don't have to go through the menu, but you only have a limited amount of time to adjust your antenna before pressing the button again. The other disadvantages to this method are no audible strength indication or number value.
The RCA picked up all digital stations currently available, but I had to re-aim the antenna and rescan once in order to do so. I believe the inability to manually add channels or update a scan is a significant problem unless (like here) all the signals in your area come from one direction or smart antennas become available.
So far, I have not seen the problems with loss of sound or spontaneous powering down.
Note: To some extent, remotes are a personal preference. I like the RCA remote because it has large buttons to control volume and channel selection and overall is simple to use.

In Colorado, WalMart carries RCA.

cia_viewer,

Just noticed the title of your post says "DTA800B1" (the pass-thru version of the 800B). Is the B1 pass-thru version now available in stores?

cia_viewer,

Just noticed the title of your post says "DTA800B1" (the pass-thru version of the 800B). Is the B1 pass-thru version now available in stores?

A little bit sorry for the 'red herring', but I have not been in our 'super walmart' for a few weeks.

A little bit sorry for the 'red herring', but I have not been in our 'super walmart' for a few weeks.

Wishful thinking on my part. I was hoping the 800B1 would show up before my last coupon expires.

I called 2 of the 3 Walmarts yesterday. Neither the Supercenter or the regular walmart in the Vegas area have ANY converter boxes. ??? So very strange. I too was hoping to get the RCA100B prior to 6/27. Does anyone know of a reliable company that you can phone order & use coupon? I hate to go that route, but do to everything I have read the RCA100 appears to be the easiest to set-up with a TiVo so that TiVo retains some functionality.

In my comparisons of the RCA DTA800 with Zenith DTT900/901 before today, I've focused on weak channels in the UHF range. In my area (LA) there is only one real VHF channel (8) and I haven't paid much attention to it, since I don't watch it, and I've never gotten the analog version. Today I noticed that the Zenith boxes pick up 4 subchannels (8.1-8.4), but the RCA only picks up two subchannels (8.1,8.2). In looking at this curiousity more closely I found that the RCA box has a much lower signal strength on this channel than the Zenith boxes. Up to now the RCA box has been equal to or better than the Zeniths in holding a weak (UHF) signal. I find it very strange that the RCA box only picks up 2 of the 4 subchannels. On the Zenith boxes, the signal strength is solid and the same on all the subchannels. On the RCA box the signal strength is marginal and highly variable, sometimes even breaking up, and it refuses to find more than 2 subchannels.

I seem to remember an early post describing trouble picking up lower VHF channels on the RCA box. Anyone else notice problems tuning to channels in the real VHF range? This is of concern because post-transition, many of the channels in my area are moving from the current UHF range back to the VHF range now occupied by their analog versions.

Off topic: In looking at TVFool for my area I notice there are two digital channels listed for the same real channel -- digital channels 54.1 and 46.1 are listed as real channel 47, and the direction and distance are the same for both. I didn't know this was possible. I can tune to both digital channels fine.

I called 2 of the 3 Walmarts yesterday. Neither the Supercenter or the regular walmart in the Vegas area have ANY converter boxes. ??? So very strange. I too was hoping to get the RCA100B prior to 6/27. Does anyone know of a reliable company that you can phone order & use coupon? I hate to go that route, but do to everything I have read the RCA100 appears to be the easiest to set-up with a TiVo so that TiVo retains some functionality.

Read on another thread that someone has ordered the RCA from freedtvshop.com, who seems well-regarded on this forum.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13690932#post13690932

Update: Sorry, false alarm. Looks like the RCA is backordered there.

In my comparisons of the RCA DTA800 with Zenith DTT900/901 before today, I've focused on weak channels in the UHF range. In my area (LA) there is only one real VHF channel (8) and I haven't paid much attention to it, since I don't watch it, and I've never gotten the analog version. Today I noticed that the Zenith boxes pick up 4 subchannels (8.1-8.4), but the RCA only picks up two subchannels (8.1,8.2). In looking at this curiousity more closely I found that the RCA box has a much lower signal strength on this channel than the Zenith boxes. Up to now the RCA box has been equal to or better than the Zeniths in holding a weak (UHF) signal. I find it very strange that the RCA box only picks up 2 of the 4 subchannels. On the Zenith boxes, the signal strength is solid and the same on all the subchannels. On the RCA box the signal strength is marginal and highly variable, sometimes even breaking up, and it refuses to find more than 2 subchannels.

I seem to remember an early post describing trouble picking up lower VHF channels on the RCA box. Anyone else notice problems tuning to channels in the real VHF range? This is of concern because post-transition, many of the channels in my area are moving from the current UHF range back to the VHF range now occupied by their analog versions.

Off topic: In looking at TVFool for my area I notice there are two digital channels listed for the same real channel -- digital channels 54.1 and 46.1 are listed as real channel 47, and the direction and distance are the same for both. I didn't know this was possible. I can tune to both digital channels fine.
My experience has been different. The RCA and DTT901 were equally able to pick up all stations, including one VHF station. You can see my comparison in the RCA vs DTT900 forum. I would add one other advantage to the RCA unit: I have not yet found an older universal remote that controls the DTT901, but I have found at least one that controls the RCA unit. This means you might need to buy a new universal remote if you want a single remote to control the Zenith, your TV and other accessories. (Another cost consideration.)

Hi everyone,
I got the RCA DTA800 in Walmart and it work great for a week then it die.. I have the same problem that some of you that it will turn off after a few minutes I try to set to not to go to sleep but didn't help till yesterday it would not turn on anymore so I am taking it back to Wally world.. I am going to try again i am hoping they still have some!

AMD. I wish you luck. I have bought 6 of these boxes for friends. So far there are no failures. I do recommend standing the boxes on end. One box gets very warm, so that person always shuts it off when not in use.

I've been looking for one of these in vain, both locally and on the internet. Anyone successfully bought one recently? Where?

WalMarts in Texas are now stocking the DTA800b1. It's passthrough works like the Zenith DTT901 and it now has the ability to add channels missed on previous scans.

WalMarts in Texas are now stocking the DTA800b1. It's passthrough works like the Zenith DTT901 and it now has the ability to add channels missed on previous scans.

Good luck with that...7 within 20 miles of me had exactly zero in stock. My coupon will probably expire before I can get my hands on one of these...short of stalking the Wal-Mart delivery truck and intercepting there.

Good luck with that...7 within 20 miles of me had exactly zero in stock. My coupon will probably expire before I can get my hands on one of these...short of stalking the Wal-Mart delivery truck and intercepting there.
I stopped at a WalMart store on the way home an lucked out. The store had just received 24 DTA800b1s. You might want to check tomorrow.
BTW: The box is different. It is clearly marked DTA800B1 and says it has analog pass-through on the box.

. . .
It is clearly marked DTA800B1 and says it has analog pass-through on the box.

Can you please post the 12 digit UPC number (under the barcode on the box)

Thanks

Can you please post the 12 digit UPC number (under the barcode on the box)

Thanks
0 62118 48002 0

Sorry, left off the two 0s on the outside.

I've posted my comparison of the DTA800B1 to the Zenith DTT901 here:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1015032&page=2

62118 48002

Thanks, but that's only 10 of the 12 digits.
The small numbers on each end are part of the UPC.
The UPC is 12 digits under the barcode on the cardboard box.

I corrected it on my previous post. Did not see the two 0s. They are smaller and not under the bar code.

I corrected it . . .

Thank you very much.

I stopped at a WalMart store on the way home.... At a WalMart store in Renton, Washington this morning, I saw two stacks with at least 100 RCA DTA800 units for sale. I glanced closely, none were labeled as DTA800B1 (APT).

At a WalMart store in Renton, Washington this morning, I saw two stacks with at least 100 RCA DTA800 units for sale. I glanced closely, none were labeled as DTA800B1 (APT).
At the Wood Village, Oregon, Wal-Mart yesterday (July 8), I encountered a substantial stock of DTA800's, and the stacked shelf included DTA800B and DTA800B1 units among them, unsegregated by model number, and all offered at the same ($49.87) price. It was up to the purchaser (me) to find the nugget in the stack; the sales clerk was of no help whatsoever.

At a WalMart store in Renton, Washington this morning, I saw two stacks with at least 100 RCA DTA800 units for sale. I glanced closely, none were labeled as DTA800B1 (APT).
I went to the Renton Wal-Mart three days ago (Sunday), specifically looking for a DTA800B1. I saw the two stacks of RCA boxes, one on an end cap and one against the wall. There were about a dozen total of the B1s, some in each stack. Apparently they were picked through very quickly!

The checker was obviously used to the coupons, as the transaction was speedy! I only bought one box, so I could evaluate before buying more.

stalking the Wal-Mart delivery truckI tried that. He didn't have them on his manifest.

I tried that. He didn't have them on his manifest.

The associate (I use that term loosely) at Wal-Mart today told me that they received a 'huge shipment' yesterday. I was in there yesteday at 12:30 and not a box in site. I just don't believe that these can sell this quickly in less than a day.

Did any one ever find out what the menu is for when you hit power and ch. down a few times? seems to me like a system info menu, but really unsure.

My rca's reception comes and goes, there will be signal for a second, then goes away. on the other one i have, it doesnt do that..

My rca's reception comes and goes, there will be signal for a second, then goes away. on the other one i have, it doesnt do that.. Have you tried a different antenna? If you are using an indoor antenna, check out EV's Best Top Rated HDTV Indoor Antenna Review Tests (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1037779) for some critical comparisons.

I just purchased the model, thanks for all input that will advance me rearding this New Product.
Good Looking out on posting this 1 :)
Have a Great Day All

i use Phillips MANT410 45dB amplification antennas in both rooms.

the DTA800B doesnt have analog pass through, so why not take a piece of wire, from a rj59 cable or something, and solder it from antenna in to rf out???

though this would only work if the box was turned off and you would have to have it hooked up through rf.

the DTA800B doesnt have analog pass through, so why not take a piece of wire, from a rj59 cable or something, and solder it from antenna in to rf out???

though this would only work if the box was turned off and you would have to have it hooked up through rf.

Because doing so would overlap analog signals with the modulated output of the box when it's on, causing 'snow' on top of the resulting signal, plus you'd experience at least a 3db drop in signal strength going into the box for the digital tuner, plus get additional noise back fed onto the line as well.

Definitely not a solution. Now place an A/B switchbox instead, and then you'd lose less db into the box, have no backfeed problems or overlapping signal on the output.

Because doing so would overlap analog signals with the modulated output of the box when it's on.... Unless the box was feeding the TV through Composite video or Separated video, in which case there's no overlap on the TV's RF in.

Another solution:

Don't use the box until February 18, 2009. Just watch the analog signals until they die, and then unpack the DTV box and hook it up. (This is the approach I am using.)

Hi i've misplaced the leaflet that came with the converter that has the list of TV Program Codes, could someone please list for me the codes for SONY Tvs? Thanks

Sony 003, 146, 151, 152, 175, 228, 247, 251, 303, 308.

Thanks a mill Z_MadDawg

Another solution: Don't use the box until February 18, 2009. Just watch the analog signals until they die, and then unpack the DTV box and hook it up. (This is the approach I am using.) rrrrrroger, did I understand you correctly? Have you disconnected and packed all four of your Zenith CECBs until next February?

I understood that at your location your very best efforts at ATSC OTA were quite a letdown compared to your analog reception, but you did mention receiving four ATSC digital TV channels.

I've noticed in my area (Montrose, CO) there is a strong PBS digital signal on real RF 17 that is decoded as 17.3 (only) by my Zenith box, but is not found at all by my RCA DTA800B box. TVfool.com shows digital RF 17 as digital 18.1 from Grand Junction (65 miles away). I'm sure this signal is not coming from that far away, so this must be from a local translator. This signal is plenty strong enough to be picked up the the RCA box, so I'm thinking there must be something about the coding of this signal that defeats the RCA box. I also find it strange that the only digital channel is 17.3, with no 17.1 or 17.2 -- furthermore there is never any program information on this channel. Anyone have a clue about what could be going on with this?

Because doing so would overlap analog signals with the modulated output of the box when it's on, causing 'snow' on top of the resulting signal, plus you'd experience at least a 3db drop in signal strength going into the box for the digital tuner, plus get additional noise back fed onto the line as well.

Definitely not a solution. Now place an A/B switchbox instead, and then you'd lose less db into the box, have no backfeed problems or overlapping signal on the output.
An A/B switch is a sure thing, but I found an easier solution that may not work for everyone. I used the composite cables to send the signal from the box to the TV. Using a splitter to split the antenna signal between the TV and the box degraded it too much to allow good reception through the DTA800. Using a tap to send most of the signal through the DTA800 and tapping the signal into the TV RF in allowed the TV to tune in the one low power analog station, yet the box was able to tune in all other stations. This setup avoided the need to manually change a switch before switching between analog and digital. (The DTA800B1 is a better solution, but that won't help anyone who already has the DTA800B.)

I've bought two DTA800's in the last month. I've had problems with both
of them controlling a Toshiba TV/DVD Combo set. The first one would
control the converter box fine but I could never get it to control the Toshiba or my Sony tv. The signal/program light at the top of the remote never lit up. I took the box back to Walmart but there was none on the shelf. I went back a week later and there was plenty on the shelf. I exchanged the first one for another. The second one I tried all of the codes listed for Toshiba and none of them allowed me to control the tv. I tried it on the Sony and it worked on the first code I entered. Any ideas. Am I that unlucky to get two that don't work?

An A/B switch is a sure thing, but I found an easier solution that may not work for everyone. I used the composite cables to send the signal from the box to the TV. Using a splitter to split the antenna signal between the TV and the box degraded it too much to allow good reception through the DTA800. Using a tap to send most of the signal through the DTA800 and tapping the signal into the TV RF in allowed the TV to tune in the one low power analog station, yet the box was able to tune in all other stations. This setup avoided the need to manually change a switch before switching between analog and digital. (The DTA800B1 is a better solution, but that won't help anyone who already has the DTA800B.)

put a amplifier on the cable running to the box from the splitter

put a amplifier on the cable running to the box from the splitter
That would be another $20+ just to maintain the use of a TV that's probably worth $40 at best. Would you put $800 tires on a old car that runs well, but worth less than the tires? I'm not trying to be cheap, just talking about value. Homeowners would think twice about putting thousands of dollars into upgrades of their home if property values were dropping.

Actually, you would put the amplifier before the splitter.

A reminder, unless newer production units of the DTA800B have a software upgrade with the capability of adding to previous scans, buy the DTA800B1. It fixes that issue.

I've bought two DTA800's in the last month. I've had problems with both
of them controlling a Toshiba TV/DVD Combo set. The first one would
control the converter box fine but I could never get it to control the Toshiba or my Sony tv. The signal/program light at the top of the remote never lit up. I took the box back to Walmart but there was none on the shelf. I went back a week later and there was plenty on the shelf. I exchanged the first one for another. The second one I tried all of the codes listed for Toshiba and none of them allowed me to control the tv. I tried it on the Sony and it worked on the first code I entered. Any ideas. Am I that unlucky to get two that don't work?

Mine will not control my Samsung tv/vcr combo either. I tried all of them.
I e-mailed rca and samsung to see if they have a discrete code for these combo tv's.

I'm debating on the RCA or the Zenith, I need to set up 2 boxes for an elderly family member. The most important thing he needs is SIMPLE. Although I do have him operating a system with a DVD player, VCR, and OTA(no cable) TV. I believe he just changes channels/uses the VCR tuner.

I haven't got a chance to test reception there yet, but he gets analog reception fine, I don't think digital will be a problem. TV fool shows signal strengths of -36db to -46db for the 4 channels he will be getting. It's a smaller market in upstate NY(Binghamton, he is in the city)

Are these numbers strong enough to not worry about reception on the RCA, since it seems the Zenith gets a little better reception? I like the zenith better and might get one for me, but it seems the RCA remote is better and that's a big deal. The advanced menu options won't mean anything to him. A simple guide with now/next will be fine, he gets the TV listings from the weekly TV planner in the Sunday paper.

Those numbers are very strong, my strongest signal I get here in the Philly 'burbs is -45db and my older HDTV's tuner signal strength is pegged at 10/10 w/ a paper clip:D

Thanks!

Thanks, jdmac29, for responding. Please post if you hear anything from either.

Clodhopper

I'm debating on the RCA or the Zenith, I need to set up 2 boxes for an elderly family member. The most important thing he needs is SIMPLE. . . .

I'm using (among others) an RCA DTA800b1 with numbers worse than that, with no reception problems. The RCA remote is the simplest I've seen.
I have my 88 y.o. mother using it also.

I'm debating on the RCA or the Zenith, I need to set up 2 boxes for an elderly family member. The most important thing he needs is SIMPLE.

Get them the RCA's, not only will you save them money, but it is the better box. I bougth 2 Zenith's and 2 RCA's with the coupons from my grandparents and me. I have used both boxes for about 2 months each and ended up giving them both of the RCA's.

Why?
1) The RCA remote has bigger buttons and to me is easier to use
2) The RCA remote will control the TV volume where the Zenith only controls the box volume. (Meaning with the Zenith remote you must leave your TV volume fixed and use the box volume control or use 2 remotes).
3) The RCA box is smaller and can be oriented in 2 directions.
4) The box is straight forward and simple.

Reception wise, they were the same for me being able to pick up all my locals (~25 miles away from towers) and 1 station about ~45 miles away from the towers. This with an outdoor antenna mounted at the bottom of my closet :)

Or course the Zenith does have some advantages
1) Set aspect ratio per channel
2) Channel guide for multiple channels while the TV is playing
3) Better looking channel guide

...but with my grandparents more features = more confusion for them.

Get them the RCA's, not only will you save them money, but it is the better box. I bougth 2 Zenith's and 2 RCA's with the coupons from my grandparents and me. I have used both boxes for about 2 months each and ended up giving them both of the RCA's.

Why?
1) The RCA remote has bigger buttons and to me is easier to use
2) The RCA remote will control the TV volume where the Zenith only controls the box volume. (Meaning with the Zenith remote you must leave your TV volume fixed and use the box volume control or use 2 remotes).
3) The RCA box is smaller and can be oriented in 2 directions.
4) The box is straight forward and simple.

Reception wise, they were the same for me being able to pick up all my locals (~25 miles away from towers) and 1 station about ~45 miles away from the towers. This with an outdoor antenna mounted at the bottom of my closet :)

Or course the Zenith does have some advantages
1) Set aspect ratio per channel
2) Channel guide for multiple channels while the TV is playing
3) Better looking channel guide

...but with my grandparents more features = more confusion for them.

Thanks for the advice. I'll probably go pick up an RCA w/o the coupon to try it out for myself, then just go return it or repurchase w/ a coupon. I'll make sure I dig through the stock for the latest 800B1 model

I have had this box (DT800B1) for about a month and I am enjoying it very much. However, one of the channels I get is missing audio. This can only be remedied by doing a new channel scan, however this causes two other channels audio to be missing. The problem happens on my local PBS station. They alternate between one HD station and two SD stations. Whenever the HD station is broadcasting, the two SD stations have a place holder with just an image and no audio. Whenever the SD stations are broadcasting the HD station has the place holder, with no audio.

Is there any way around this, or has anyone else noticed a problem like this? Could this be related to how the station is handling their sub stations?

Thanks!

I have had this box (DT800B1) for about a month and I am enjoying it very much. However, one of the channels I get is missing audio. This can only be remedied by doing a new channel scan, however this causes two other channels audio to be missing. The problem happens on my local PBS station. They alternate between one HD station and two SD stations. Whenever the HD station is broadcasting, the two SD stations have a place holder with just an image and no audio. Whenever the SD stations are broadcasting the HD station has the place holder, with no audio.

Is there any way around this, or has anyone else noticed a problem like this? Could this be related to how the station is handling their sub stations?

Thanks!

I saw this issue on one of my LG boxes (true HD tuner from 2005). Also on PBS. The SD station had the wrong audio or no audio. It mysteriously fixed itself one day, so I can only assume it was the way the station was sending out the signal and the way my box was decoding it. It worked fine on some other HD tuners I had. Might want to contact your PBS station and ask (or try another box).

OK, got the DTA800B1

Installed and working. Only have one channel and it's two subchannels though; none of the more distant channels. I'm 30 miles from anywhere and up on a hill. Most of the other stations are 40 miles or more. Wit analog, I get them, but they're snowy much of the time, like now. I'll try to re-scan later tonight when the analog signals are usually much more clear and see what happens.

May have to change antennas though.

RCA DTA800 Digital Converter Box.
radio shack and walmart advertise but do not carry.
this box is what i researced abd determined but cannot get.
feel your confidence with summit is trustworthy
would you have a suggested box for me to buy that is coupon-eligible.

ageing out of this technical world, it's all getting too much of a learning curve and i have cognitive loss to boot!

thanks [for not laughing] or concealing your giggles]
brian

RCA's DTA800B does not offer analog pass-through.



The Zenith DTT900 sold by Radio Shack is analog RF pass through capable, after turn it off.

:)

The Zenith DTT900 sold by Radio Shack is analog RF pass through capable, after turn it off.You've got the models mixed up, Randy.  The Zenith DTT901 has RF passthrough; the DTT900 did not.

Thanks for the advice. I'll probably go pick up an RCA w/o the coupon to try it out for myself, then just go return it or repurchase w/ a coupon. I'll make sure I dig through the stock for the latest 800B1 model

I'm just curious as to what store you would be purchasing the RCA from?

Thanks! :)

In our part of Colorado (north of Denver) Wal-Mart has been carrying RCA CECBs

I have not been in there much and have not seen any RCA DTA800B1 CECBs, yet.

The DTA800B1 is the RCA CECB with Analog Pass Through.

I like my Zenith DTT901.

I picked up an RCA DTA800B1 about a month ago at a Walmart in Lafayette, CO (North of Denver). The analog passthrough feature works fine but I don't really use or need it. Compared to the 800B (non passthrough version), which I used to own, I think the 800B1 is the better model. The ability to do a scan to add additional channels without wiping out your existing channels in memory is nice feature the 800B doesn't have.
I've run into 2 bugs that both the 800B and 800B1 share.
1) For some reason I can't receive the local Denver Telemundo station, KDEN on digital 29. The wierd thing is during the channel scan both versions of the DTA800 detect this station and add it to the list of channels. When I try to watch the channel I just get a blank screen and an error message. According to the DTA800's signal meter I am getting a strong signal. Also, I have a Channel Master CM 7000 and a Zenith DTT900 and they can receive this station just fine.
2) My local CW station has two subchannels 2.1 & 2.2. Channel 2.2 used to carry the tube but now all it carries is a still picture with no audio about the tube no longer being carried on this channel. For some reason when I tune to 2.2 with the 800B & 800B1 I can hear the audio from 2.1. I haven't seen this issue with either the Zenith or Channel Master.

I live in Longmont, CO

I had the RCA unit, but took it back. I bought it with out the coupon just to see how it works before my coupons arrived in the mail as the reviews were mixed about its performance.

Least to say Zenith beat up the RCA.

The stats for RCA DTA800b and Zenith DTT901 are (using 10+years old Radio Shack VU-90 UHF/VHF antenna on 15ft roof mast, the antenna will need to be replaced. I am looking at the Winegard HD7084P, any thoughts anyone?):

Channel – current – final - RCA DTA800b – Zenith DTT901
CW 2.1.....…. 34.… 34......... 73%.....……….. 85-90%
CBS 4.1....…. 35.… 35......... 37........……….. 60-65
PBS 6.x....…. 18.… 18......... 15........………... 50-55 (some pixilation and sound drop)
ABC 7.1....… 17.…. 7.......... 67........………... 85
NBC 9.x....… 16.…. 9.......... 33........……….. 60-65 (some time pixilated)
KQCK 11.x.. 11.… 11......... 00........………... 00 (would love to pick that up)
KBDI 12.x.... 38.… 13......... 00.........……….. 00
KTFD 14.1... 15.… 15......... 65........………... 90
KTVD 20.1... 19.… 19......... 67..........………..85-90
KFCT 22.1... 21.…. 21......... 35 ........………. 60-65
KDEN 25.1... 29.… 29......... 68(no signal) ….55-60 shows programming (not important)
FOX 31.1...… 32... .32 .........64 .........……… 85
KRMT 40.1... 40... ..40.........27 .........……... 65-70
KCEC 50.1... 51... ..51.......…00 .........……… 00
KWHD 53.1.. 46... .46.......… 00 .........………20-30 (pixilated and drops)
ION 59.... (none).… 43......... 00.........………..00 (not being broadcasted yet)

I hope it helps to those that need to decide what to get. Circuitcity in Boulder had over 50 Zenith boxes on shelf 2 weeks ago.

I cannot find the RCA at any local Wal-Mart, I've visted about 6 of them around home/work. Only 1 even had a shelf tag for the RCA, and when I looked again later last week it was gone and replaced with the crappy MagNOvoxes. Seems that Southestern PA/South NJ don't stock the RCAs. I hate Wal-Mart and only forced myself to go looking for these for a family member. I don't have time or want to deal with buying them online, gotta do the install over labor day weekend.

I guess I'll have no choice but to get some DTT901's for my older uncle's setup. I can teach him to use it, but I was kinda hoping to try the RCA for it's bigger buttons on the remote and simpler operation. I already know the first gripe, "the remote is too small!" At least he'll have 2 of them, he can't go without a TV in the kitchen and the living room, haha.

I already bought a 901 and returned it(w/o using my coupons, to be 100% sure), satisfied with the operation and performance.

I cannot find the RCA at any local Wal-Mart, I've visted about 6 of them around home/work. Only 1 even had a shelf tag for the RCA, and when I looked again later last week it was gone and replaced with the crappy MagNOvoxes. Seems that Southestern PA/South NJ don't stock the RCAs. I hate Wal-Mart and only forced myself to go looking for these for a family member. I don't have time or want to deal with buying them online, gotta do the install over labor day weekend.

I guess I'll have no choice but to get some DTT901's for my older uncle's setup. I can teach him to use it, but I was kinda hoping to try the RCA for it's bigger buttons on the remote and simpler operation. I already know the first gripe, "the remote is too small!" At least he'll have 2 of them, he can't go without a TV in the kitchen and the living room, haha.

I already bought a 901 and returned it(w/o using my coupons, to be 100% sure), satisfied with the operation and performance.

Hey, ak3883, I know it'd be an extra expense, but FWIW, I found that the (GE 5-Device Learning Remote at Target (http://www.target.com/GE-5-DeviceLearning-Remote-Black/dp/B000W4B1ZC/sr=1-3/qid=1219260036/ref=sr_1_3/601-1958229-3691364?ie=UTF8&index=target&rh=k%3Age%20remote&page=1) has a code that works with the DTT901. It didn't have the picture zoom setting assigned to a button, but I was able to use the learning feature to assign that function to one of the buttons, myself.

Just one option, if you decide to go with the DTT901 for him.

FYI, the remote for the Digital Stream DTX-9950 at RS is a bit bigger than the Zenith's. I own the 901 and the DTX-9900 (not the 9950). The 9900 has a slightly softer picture, and may be a bit less sensitive - if that's an issue for his place - but is generally a good box. But that's the 9900. I haven't used the 9950.

Good afternoon,
I'm trying to help my folks out and could use some help. I've got their RCADTA800B connected to a Zenith television.

I'm trying to get the RCA remote to power their TV on/off and volume control.

These are the steps I have followed.

1. Press PGM (indicator light on)
2. Press 001
3. Press OK (indicator light goes off)

No success. I'm guessing maybe the code is wrong. I've also tried 149, 175 and 177. Also without success.

Would anyone mind pointing me in the right direction?

Thank you!
Skid

EDIT: I found the leaflet pictures posted by richardav. Success with 113.

My folks will be very happy.

Thanks for posting the pictures Richard.
Skid

According to my DTA800B1 manual, the Zenith codes are 002, 113, 114, 115, 176, 182, 189, 245, 248 and 274

According to my DTA800B1 manual, the Zenith codes are 002, 113, 114, 115, 176, 182, 189, 245, 248 and 274

Thank you Peggy.
I appreciate your help.

Skid

After 3 months the converter stopped working. Does RCA make any good products anymore? I wonder how many boxes stopped working so far?

:mad:

After 3 months the converter stopped working. Does RCA make any good products anymore? I wonder how many boxes stopped working so far?
Is it still under warranty? Did you bring it to the store to ask about a replacement?

You might consider sharing this news with your U.S. Senator or Representative. While the CECBs are made by the private sector, these boxes are being subsidized by Uncle Sam and we haven't even made it to the "official" analog shutoff date of 02/17/09. It's pitiful if your CECB has given up the ghost already.

Much as I much prefer the RCA's excellent remote control, if you need to buy a different CECB consider buying a Zenith DTT901 or DTT900, or the Channel Master.

Has anyone figured out what parts to add in order to implement S-video on the RCA DTA800B?

After 3 months the converter stopped working. Does RCA make any good products anymore? I wonder how many boxes stopped working so far?

:mad:Of the six of these boxes I've helped install, 5 have failed. THe 800b replacements seem to work OK, with couple of boxes freezing up once.

Of the six of these boxes I've helped install, 5 have failed. THe 800b replacements seem to work OK, with couple of boxes freezing up once.

spokybob, I don't see how you could have such a high failure rate. You must be doing something wrong? Did you check to see why they failed? Is the 12 volt power supply still working or did the main board die in all of them? Were the units installed in cabinets without any ventilation and overheated? Could they have been damaged by power surges or lightning strikes?
A couple of potential problems I've noticed is the decoder chip gets quite hot.
I installed an aluminum heat sink on mine to help cool it.
Also, they only have a 2 wire power cord so there is no ground therefore there is no protection from power surges, static discharges, etc.
In order to have any kind of surge protection the unit has to be grounded which means it depends on the coax cable from the antenna or cable system for the ground so you have to install a ground block outside the wall and connect it to an earth ground where the cable enters the house. They neglected to show that in the manual that comes with the unit but for a lot of DVD recorders they do show it.
The other option is to rip out the 2 wire power cord and connect a 3 wire cord with a ground that is connected to one of the mounting points on the PC board or to the tuner. Of course if there is a lightning strike nearby nothing can protect it but grounding should work for most power line surges.

spokybob, I don't see how you could have such a high failure rate. You must be doing something wrong? Did you check to see why they failed? Is the 12 volt power supply still working or did the main board die in all of them? Were the units installed in cabinets without any ventilation and overheated? Could they have been damaged by power surges or lightning strikes?
A couple of potential problems I've noticed is the decoder chip gets quite hot.
I installed an aluminum heat sink on mine to help cool it.
Also, they only have a 2 wire power cord so there is no ground therefore there is no protection from power surges, static discharges, etc.
In order to have any kind of surge protection the unit has to be grounded which means it depends on the coax cable from the antenna or cable system for the ground so you have to install a ground block outside the wall and connect it to an earth ground where the cable enters the house. They neglected to show that in the manual that comes with the unit but for a lot of DVD recorders they do show it.
The other option is to rip out the 2 wire power cord and connect a 3 wire cord with a ground that is connected to one of the mounting points on the PC board or to the tuner. Of course if there is a lightning strike nearby nothing can protect it but grounding should work for most power line surges.
I tested the Insignia, Magnavox & RCA when they became available. Although the RCA does not have channel recall or a good EPG, I recommended it because of the excellent remote. The universal remote code worked for every TV. It soon became apparent that the boxes overheated. Two of them were very hot. That is dangerous. Two more boxes would freeze up constantly, and when using CC, the screen would fill with gibberish. The other box I mentioned just died. I assume it was the power supply. She said it also would get hot. The point I make to is, if the box does not work perfectly, then return it to WalMart. I really do not care or want to investigate why each failed.
I still have an one early DTA800 that works well. I’m not sure why it does not get warm. The TV with that box is rarely used, so the Power Saver feature is still set at 4 hours.
Things in common that all boxes have, is a power strip with built in surge protector, and an indoor antenna. None of the boxes are placed on a vcr. Some are on top of the TV set. The new 800b1 boxes have performed very well, with no failures and they are placed in the exact same service as the old ones. The grounding issue mentioned will not be a factor. Not one of my tv sets has a 3 wire plug, nor does my VCR or DVD recorder.
Steve: I’m not sure why you say, “You MUST be doing something wrong.” Even you mention your box has issues. And how many have you purchased?

>Steve: I’m not sure why you say, “You MUST be doing something wrong.” >Even you mention your box has issues. And how many have you purchased?

You have to admit that 5 failing out of 6 doesn't sound normal.
I have 2 but they are working fine with no problems. They do get pretty hot, at least the one big chip does, but not hot enough to make it fail if it's out in the open. They both get the same temperature but not as hot as some older Samsung boxes that I've had.
If nothing in your installation is grounded then you have no protection and you are susceptible to power line surges and spikes.

Remember, those 5 boxes were in 5 different households. Not one of the replacement boxes have failed. There you go. It was faulty boxes all along.

So you think it was a batch of bad boxes? Did they all come from the same place and have sequential serial numbers or matching date codes?

So you think it was a batch of bad boxes? Did they all come from the same placeyes yes
EDIT: Looking at the receipts, two were purchased in New Mexico. I don't remember which two.

Original message:
Where can the DTA800's manual be downloaded? My attempts to search the web and rca.com came up dry.

Thanks.


Here is the manual in PDF format.

http://www.1800customersupport.com/productdocuments/DTA800B_RCA.pdf

Has anyone figured out what parts to add in order to implement S-video on the RCA DTA800B?

Yep,

Add a S-video connector (natually)
Add two ferrites as the EMI filter (or just bridge them) between two pairs of big pad just behind the connector.
Now, here is the key: Add one 10 Kohm as pull up straping resistor on R452. Locate at right of BCM3543.

I did this on a DTA809 (newer with passthrough). It looks like it have the same placement as DTA800. I ignored all the filter caps due to lack of test pattern to verify it.

Same for the DTA800B1?

Don't have a DTA800B1 to compare with. From what I can see from the pitures other pepole posted, they looks 90% identical in form factor and placement.

update:

I just posted pictures at this thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15969144#post15969144


______________________
two CM-7000 -- Fry's
one DTA809 -- Target
one ATVC102 -- Fry's

Same for the DTA800B1?

From the pitures and feature set that I will guess the DTA809 changed tuner and firmware to allow analog pass through. One of the power supply has been changed and another one removed (next to front panel cable). There are not changes I can tell at logic area so I am assume the mod likely can be applied to the DTA800B1 as well.

I have lost my TV code leaflet. Could someone look up the codes for a Magnavox TV for me?
Thanks

005, 007, 045, 049, 050, 054, 055, 064, 097, 098, 099, 153, 154, 160, 170, 174, 177, 181, 210, 230, 234, 252, 253, 258, 259, 272, 274, 283.

I have lost my TV code leaflet. Could someone look up the codes for a Magnavox TV for me?
Thanks


I see Systems2000 posted some codes above, but I noticed others have asked the same question previously in this thread.


Curious.. Aren't these codes downloadable from the manufacturer's site?

If not they should be, and for owners of such devices you should always download a PDF of the owners's manual, any addendum.

(Good idea to download any service manuals you may run across... As you never know when such will get pulled , be N/A.)


PS: If the sheet with the TV codes is not available on the manufacturers site, someone needs to SCAN it, and UPLOAD it somewhere...

.

Thanks!!!

The whole list of codes is here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15174145#post15174145

Both of my boxes have worked fine till the last week.:mad:
One box at my office is connected to a Jensen VHF/UHF/FM antenna, if I unplug the amplifier when stuck at 20% it will jump to 22% and I can plug it back in and it will finish fine.
Now my box at home is doing the same thing...I am almost sure it has to do with Channel 2.3 & 2.4 in Minneapolis (KTCI Channel 16) as those don't show up then on completion of the scan and 20% is about channel 16 (actually 14 but there is no 14).:eek:
Anyone else having issues?
:confused:

Both of my boxes have worked fine till the last week.:mad:
One box at my office is connected to a Jensen VHF/UHF/FM antenna, if I unplug the amplifier when stuck at 20% it will jump to 22% and I can plug it back in and it will finish fine.
Now my box at home is doing the same thing...I am almost sure it has to do with Channel 2.3 & 2.4 in Minneapolis (KTCI Channel 16) as those don't show up then on completion of the scan and 20% is about channel 16 (actually 14 but there is no 14).:eek:
Anyone else having issues?
:confused:
KTCI (2.3 & 2.4 on Channel 16 DTV) admits there is a problem specific to RCA boxes and no solution given other than to interrupt antenna till pass 20% (thereby missing 2.3 &2.4). Thing is they gave no information as to why it changed between 2/18/09 and was ok 6/12, but suddenly goes to pot now!:mad:

Yep,

Add a S-video connector (natually)
Add two ferrites as the EMI filter (or just bridge them) between two pairs of big pad just behind the connector.
Now, here is the key: Add one 10 Kohm as pull up straping resistor on R452. Locate at right of BCM3543.

I did this on a DTA809 (newer with passthrough). It looks like it have the same placement as DTA800. I ignored all the filter caps due to lack of test pattern to verify it.
I'm really glad I happened to run across this post. This is a great mod.

Yes, you can do this S-Video mod on a DTA-800B. I have two, and decided it would be worth trying on one of them.

It worked just like Twey says, it took only 4 steps, and only one of the four (the last ) is very challenging.

1- Solder a wire between the empty position for L302 and L303 each (behind where the S-Video jack goes).
2- Mount an S-Video jack in the empty position on the board.
3- Drill out the case back for access to the plug (use the circle molded into the case as a guide).
4- Mount a 10k resistor in the empty position for R452.

As you can see (from the attached image), the resistor I used is much bigger than the ones that were intended to be used. But even then, it was very small. Unfortunately, it was still a little too small to fill the gap between the R437 dot (which is electrically common to one side of R452), and the other R452 dot, and too big to fit easily in the regular R452 position. I had to try three times to get the solder to 'mush out' to where it would contact both R452 dots. Working with components on this scale is not so easy, you'll need a lighted magnifier, and small soldering iron.

Use a pin to get contact on the pad surrounding the feed through hole for R452, and measure resistance from there to the common R437 dot to verify success.

I guess I could have used a regular 10k resistor, and run short tiny wires to the common R437 dot and the other R452 dot to connect it with. A dab of epoxy could secure the loose component and wires. Either way should work, pick your poison.

------

The the attached image shows a comparison between the S-Video and Composite outputs. It was obtained from an HD signal, photographed using simultaneous (side by side) displays of the two video outputs. The images consist of equal portions of what was about 25% of the 4:3 screen area.

Had to double re-scan as suggested and things are fine again!:D

Thanks for contacting member supported tpt. We appreciate hearing from you.
We did have a problem with the RCA converter boxes however we believe it has been corrected. Run a rescan now and if that does not help you may want to try a double rescan:
1. Unplug the antenna from the set or box.
2. Scan. You should not pick up anything.
3. Unplug the digital set or converter box.
4. Plug in the antenna, digital set or converter box.
5. Rescan.
This procedure is something the FCC has recommended to us to because it clears out the memory.
We have applied to the FCC for additional power to broadcast stations 2.3 and 2.4 on. Right now they are broadcast on channel 16. If we can get additional power (and this looks good) we may change our broadcasting to channel 23, (this could change). Through the use of a piece of equipment here called PSIP, you would pick up those channels on 2.3 and 2.4. Again, we are waiting to hear back from the FCC.
Become a supporting member, get the program guide and you would have this information available to you as soon as it becomes known. Thank you for your interest.
Sincerely,
Bonny Duffney
Member Services

I just picked up one of these at Walmart for the bedroom TV. I'm impressed, picks up all channels w/o any breakup. Picture quality is good on RF CH3 (TV doesn't have video jacks). Volume is done through the TV instead of the box, CH/ PWR buttons on the front in case of remote loss. Cabinet is vented to prevent heat buildup.

I'm hooked to the same outdoor antenna as my living room HTPC.

I just picked up one of these at Walmart for the bedroom TV. I'm impressed, picks up all channels w/o any breakup. Picture quality is good on RF CH3 (TV doesn't have video jacks). Volume is done through the TV instead of the box, CH/ PWR buttons on the front in case of remote loss. Cabinet is vented to prevent heat buildup.
I'm hooked to the same outdoor antenna as my living room HTPC.
I have 2 for over a year and a half with excellent results so enjoy! I have highly recommended due to its easy set up, flexible and substantial remote. The new RCA DTA 809 (usually sold at Target) is a nice improvement if you have low power analog stations still in town.
Other than my recent issue with KTCI making some 'inappropriate PSIP' switch (now fixed) these boxes have been trouble free with all sorts of antennae too!:D
I like this DTV so much I have NO intentions to buy a new HDTV till my old TVs just up and die!

Here's what I do not like about the RCA DTA800B -----

You cannot "add" new scanned channels to what you have already scanned, without losing some channels already logged. If you do a new scan with a different antenna placement, then, you get some channels you did not get before, but.... you now have other channels you had, not now listed. And, the DTA800B will not allow you punch through to a channel not logged with your most recent scan...

Tech support at Alco Electronics (800-252-6123) confirmed this to me. (AudioVox, the new parent co. of RCA referred me to Alco Electronics for tech support for the RCA DTA800B.)

My Zenith DTT900 does allow you to add channels to what you have already scanned.

Just got a pair of these for free, from an elderly relative who's moved into assisted living. The Thompson tuner works pretty wel, but not quite as good as the one in my CM 7000. One thing that it does that the CM won't is allow duplicate virtual channel numbers, but the RCA conversely will not allow duplicate real channels. When you do a add-on scan, it skips frequencies that it allready has in the database. Fortunately, if you tune in a station and then turn the antenna towards it's co-channel, it displays the co-channel (with the correct program data), but the call sign and virtual will be wrong.
The guide feature that shows both the current program and the next one is pretty nice, but there is no episode information like the CM has. The signal meter is kinda weird in that there is one on the info banner, but it is small and has no digital number, so you have to guess. There is another meter that gives a digital number (and a tone so you can crank up the volume and adjust the antenna on the roof), but to access this meter you have to go through several menu layers.

I just picked one of these up from ebay. It seems like I can't configure it? It's set to Spanish, but when I press the menu button on the universal remote it just goes to the channel list. There isn't even a button on the original box's remote that goes to channel list according to the user manual. Any idea what's up?

You'll need the proper remote. The Menu button on the RCA remote brings up the Main Menu where the options are Channel List-1 to Settings-5. In Settings-5 you can select Language-2.

How sensitive is the tuner in this box? Compared to the Zenith? What type of tuner does it use?

No idea but it works as well as any other unit. Here in AZ I can get all the Phoenix and Tucson stations. The good thing about them is they are cheap. I just saw one at Goodwill for $3.99. That's without the remote but I think a Logitech Harmony would probably work.

And they are still being sold at Walmart here in SC for $49.

Where could I go about getting a proper remote?

Where could I go about getting a proper remote?

This one http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?p=rcrp05b&d=RCA-RCRP05B-5-Device-Converter-Box-Universal-Remote-Control-with-Learning-Function-%28RCRP-05-B%29 is sold as being compatible.

But they just used some old satellite receiver codes for this converter. Probably any replacement remote with arrow/menu controls would work. If you get one that doesn't list a code for the converter, just try the ones for RCA satellite boxes. I have an old Philips Universal remote* that works fine with my RCA converter box.

* 3 function model I got free after rebate a long time ago!

And they are still being sold at Walmart here in SC for $49.

I assume that the RCA DTA800 model being sold is the DTA800B1, and not the DTA800B.

I gave a DTA800B away the other day, that I had purchased in 2008. Sad to say, the recipient of my gift will not be able to add channels after scanning due to the poor RCA design of the DTA800B. What a deal-breaker that oversight was !! An All or NOTHING scan option ! ? !

The DTA800B1 will allow a "Scan Add".

Did some playing with a DTA800B box. Found that there is a connector near the back panel that is 1 pin short of 2 by 3 and has serial 0/3.3V TTL signals on it (center two are Tx and Rx with Tx closest to back panel all other are grounds). With a couple of transistors I was able to drive my rs-232 serial port at 115.2kbaud 8,N,1 but most folks would use max232 type chip.

Found that there is a debugging menu that you can use to do some stuff like bring up colorbars and test tones on TV, get a report of % of processor time used for diff tasks, will let you load files using xmodem format. Found that if you use power and ch up or ch down buttons you can go to the file download routine, or use 1-9 buttons to do some similar stuff--one will let you reset the box to factory settings. The two serial port run menus are a little different. One of the main serial functions would let you load a zlib compressed piece of code to RAM and run it--that might be a way to dump the flash and RAM of the box if the type of code in use were known. The messages that came out at boot lets you know the RAM and flash base addresses, but not sure what type of code is in use.

By the way the Thomson tuner in the DTA800B is the same as used in the channel master D2A box. At least in what I have to play with.

I assume that the RCA DTA800 model being sold is the DTA800B1, and not the DTA800B.

I gave a DTA800B away the other day, that I had purchased in 2008. Sad to say, the recipient of my gift will not be able to add channels after scanning due to the poor RCA design of the DTA800B. What a deal-breaker that oversight was !! An All or NOTHING scan option ! ? !

The DTA800B1 will allow a "Scan Add".

Saw a stack of RCA DTA800B1s at a Walmart in Ohio ($50 Dayton - Hoke Rd Oct 27 2011).

I am a little late coming to this party, so please forgive me. Anyway, I inherited one of these this spring. I "cut my teeth" on the Zenith DTT901 and DTV Pal. A friend of mine can put this to use and, since I am not using it, hopefully it will work for him. We live in the same market, so I already scanned in the local channels. I do have a couple of questions, however. There were NO channels in memory when I powered this up. I am not sure if me mother ever used this. Does the DTA800 have a volatile memory? Will it "forget" all of the channels I just scanned in fairly quickly when it is not connected to AC house current? Also, how does the sensitivity and selectivity compare to say the Zenith or the DTV Pal? I seem to recall reading that the Zenith was considered by some to be one of the more sensitive and selective boxes. I don't think the DTV Pal was quite as good. Hopefully the DTA800 is at least as good as the DTV Pal.

I am a little late coming to this party, so please forgive me. Anyway, I inherited one of these this spring. I "cut my teeth" on the Zenith DTT901 and DTV Pal. A friend of mine can put this to use and, since I am not using it, hopefully it will work for him. We live in the same market, so I already scanned in the local channels. I do have a couple of questions, however. There were NO channels in memory when I powered this up. I am not sure if me mother ever used this. Does the DTA800 have a volatile memory? Will it "forget" all of the channels I just scanned in fairly quickly when it is not connected to AC house current? Also, how does the sensitivity and selectivity compare to say the Zenith or the DTV Pal? I seem to recall reading that the Zenith was considered by some to be one of the more sensitive and selective boxes. I don't think the DTV Pal was quite as good. Hopefully the DTA800 is at least as good as the DTV Pal.

They don't forget the channels so if it didn't have any in memory it was never used or maybe someone scanned for channels with no antenna connected and erased them all. The sensitivity is quite good since I can get all the channels from Phoenix and Tucson. Whatever you do though don't lose the remote or you won't be able to operate it.

Where could I go about getting a proper remote?

A Logitech Harmony will operate it but they tend to be expensive. I have seem some on sale for $20 that only operate 4 devices though.

Saw a stack of RCA DTA800B1s at a Walmart in Ohio ($50 Dayton - Hoke Rd Oct 27 2011).

Shortly after reading this I chanced upon a single unit resting on the shelf at Walmart in Portland, OR, same price ($50). I'll be interested to know if you notice the rate of depletion in that stack.

Shortly after reading this I chanced upon a single unit resting on the shelf at Walmart in Portland, OR, same price ($50). I'll be interested to know if you notice the rate of depletion in that stack.
I see them at Goodwill all the time for $5.99 or so. Since TV's all get HDTV now nobody needs them anymore.

I confirmed today what I had suspected, the RCA DTA800 has a firmware bug for the program guide. Many owners might never see it as it only gets exposed depending on how the station sends it.

If you know ATSC PSIP, the guide data is sent in EIT/ETT. If a station always sends EIT-0 in the lowest PID, no problem. However a couple of stations in my area rotate EIT-0 through the set of PIDs, and the program guide only works on that channel what it rotates back to the lowest one.

Each EIT is 3 hours long, so it works for 3 hours out of every cycle. The length off the cycle is determined by how many EITs are sent. For example, if the station sends 4 EITs, the cycle is 12 hours long.

I used TSReader to validate my theory and to determine the periods it would works for those "problem" stations.

I see them at Goodwill all the time for $5.99 or so. Since TV's all get HDTV now nobody needs them anymore.

Wish that was true in Las Vegas. have only checked one Goodwill so far, though. Lots of analog TVs, but not one converter box.

Wish that was true in Las Vegas. have only checked one Goodwill so far, though. Lots of analog TVs, but not one converter box.

Yeah that seems too good to be true in the broader sense. I rarely see them for less than $20 on Craigslist.

Supply and demand: Sure the demand went down (assuming folks aren't acquiring those used TVs when the other folks upgrade) but there's very little new supply and many upgrade-folks hang onto some of the boxes 'just in case.'

You can check goodwill's site shopgoodwill.com for CECB's. The nearest ones near me that have em are either Madison, Indy or Michigan. Grr. Looks like I'll have to shell out full price for one at the local WalFart.

You can check goodwill's site shopgoodwill.com for CECB's. The nearest ones near me that have em are either Madison, Indy or Michigan. Grr. Looks like I'll have to shell out full price for one at the local WalFart.

Cool, I didn't know Goodwill had a site like that, thanks! Indeed I see some five-dollarish prices BUT they're starting bids akin to an ebay auction site and have to pay S&H:

http://www.shopgoodwill.com/search/SearchKey.asp?itemTitle=digital+tv+converter&catid=0&sellerID=all&closed=no&minPrice=&maxPrice=&sortBy=itemEndTime&SortOrder=a&showthumbs=on

After looking at "Closed Auctions" they still went for some decent prices so may be worth a shot but beware that some may not be fully tested (as is, powers on/off :rolleyes:).

BTW Amazon still has new Zinwells for $40 with free shipping. Maybe other brands as well of whatever is still available new.