MaxMedia (MMDTVB03) - Does it exist? Looks like no.

[northbear]

Originally Posted by northbear

If they will let you offer the MaxMedia box that is great news! I am not so sure they will (or at least not online) as they now claim on the convertmy.tv site to be the "Exclusive online source for the MaxMedia DTVB Converter Box." See screenshot attachment. Maybe fortunate people like me can at least buy it locally. As long as I can buy it before my coupon expires.

Originally Posted by peepoop

I think he was just blowing smoke. As of this morning, convertmy.tv now claims to be the 'Exclusive Online Source' for the MMDTVB03. You might want to ask James wtf.

They have actually had that message since 3/31/08. I am still holding out hope that freedtvshop.com will still be able to sell it like they have been told they would.

[mosquito]

I haven't heard anything about the RCA 800B1 yet.

No test box from E*, sorry. Wish I did have one, but I have worked hard to make sure I will be at the top of the list for anything they may have to send out.

[lexus2108]

Originally Posted by mosquito

I haven't heard anything about the RCA 800B1 yet.

No test box from E*, sorry. Wish I did have one, but I have worked hard to make sure I will be at the top of the list for anything they may have to send out.

Ok keep me in mind with this box. I am interested in it. Or the new DS with analog, but $80 seems expensive for any converterbox. Please PM what makes the new DS with analog so special worth $80 or $40 with $40 coupon

[rrrrrroger]

Originally Posted by holl_ands

Since MaxMedia didn't provide a reply to the VCR Timer query, we simply chalked it up as yet another piece of dis-information being put out at that time by their incompetent support staff...

You're joking. Well this is really disappointing! I was waiting for the Max not just for S-video, but mainly for a VCR timer. I need a way to change channels so my VCR can record multiple shows during the week.

(sigh)

This is almost too much hassle. Maybe I can just get cable. $19 isn't too bad, and it will work with my analog VCR or DVR. I'll sell my converter box on ebay.

[wetowne]

I've been following this thread with interest. I ordered a Maxmedia box from convertmy.tv last month and a temporary authorization charge from memsen appeared on my cc but that expired and never actually posted to my account. I just checked the status of my coupon and it's been used to purchase a box. The box doesn't exist, I haven't paid for it, yet they have cashed the coupon. WTF?

[n4yqt]

Originally Posted by wetowne

I've been following this thread with interest. I ordered a Maxmedia box from convertmy.tv last month and a temporary authorization charge from memsen appeared on my cc but that expired and never actually posted to my account. I just checked the status of my coupon and it's been used to purchase a box. The box doesn't exist, I haven't paid for it, yet they have cashed the coupon. WTF?

SCAM!

[wetowne]

The thing I find troubling is that I have no invoice nor order number nothing to prove a purchase, just an email from convertmy.tv saying they will deliver something in the future and a used up coupon.They have forty bucks of the taxpayers money and no boxes to send. America, what a country!

[dingo99]

Originally Posted by wetowne

The thing I find troubling is that I have no invoice nor order number nothing to prove a purchase, just an email from convertmy.tv saying they will deliver something in the future and a used up coupon.They have forty bucks of the taxpayers money and no boxes to send. America, what a country!

One option is to wait and hope they deliver, even though they are probably breaking the rules. Another option is to contact NTIA and express your concerns: See email addresses at http://www.ntia.doc.gov/otiahome/staff.htm under TV Converter Box Coupon Program.

[wetowne]

I'll try to be hopeful and just wait for delivery:

[jll544]

Anyone else having trouble reaching the site this morning? Both convertmy.tv and memsen.com are timing out for me.

Edit: Nevermind, they're back online.

BTW, has anyone figured out a real phone number or physical address for these guys? I'm reluctant to hand over my credit card info if email is the only contact method.

[dagger666]

Originally Posted by wetowne

The thing I find troubling is that I have no invoice nor order number nothing to prove a purchase, just an email from convertmy.tv saying they will deliver something in the future and a used up coupon.They have forty bucks of the taxpayers money and no boxes to send. America, what a country!

I have an invoice, it come up after you order or in the email i can't remember since it's been awhile. This site was cleared by the government to they go to be watching them.

[holl_ands]

Originally Posted by rrrrrroger

You're joking. Well this is really disappointing! I was waiting for the Max not just for S-video, but mainly for a VCR timer. I need a way to change channels so my VCR can record multiple shows during the week.

(sigh)

This is almost too much hassle. Maybe I can just get cable. $19 isn't too bad, and it will work with my analog VCR or DVR. I'll sell my converter box on ebay.

Echostar/Slingbox TR-40 literature says "VCR Timer"...with no explanation.

Another solution is to use a R/C with timed event capability. Sony makes the
only half-way affordable models I know, starting with the old RM-AV1000
(search eBay/Froogle for refurbished units) and most of the current,
but more expensive Sony RM-AV-2xxx and RM-AV-3xxx series.
They all have learning capability....so one remote can do ANY and ALL functions...

[wh5916]

Some encouraging news--the MaxMedia site is now offering expected delivery dates for both converters currently on sale. The Sansonic converter shows "Immediate Delivery" on the order page, and the MaxMedia shows "May Delivery" by its name.

[Ken H]

Off topic posts removed.

[Ed Van Belkom]

Thanks Ken.

[lexus2108]

Originally Posted by Packeteers

http://maxmedia-usa.com/index.php?op...id=11&id=19#19

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

So far they are making ALOT of claims and haven't come through on 1. Just charged my card

[lexus2108]

Originally Posted by wetowne

I've been following this thread with interest. I ordered a Maxmedia box from convertmy.tv last month and a temporary authorization charge from memsen appeared on my cc but that expired and never actually posted to my account. I just checked the status of my coupon and it's been used to purchase a box. The box doesn't exist, I haven't paid for it, yet they have cashed the coupon. WTF?

Maybe time we write the NTIA and tell them what is going on??

[TalkingRat]

Was anyone ever able to get an answer from MaxMedia about EPG? Is it now/next, or is there more to it?

[dagger666]

Sansonic ATSC Converter Box
(FT-300A) - IN STOCK!

[lexus2108]

One positive I see is they put up a warranty. It says good for 1 year.
http://www.convertmy.tv/Maxmedia%20Warranty.pdf

[dmulvany]

The convertmytv.com site has been changed since the last time I looked at it. There's now a statement that the MaxMedia CECB has analog pass-through, and there's a bit more information at:

http://www.convertmy.tv/productInformation.html

Specifically, there's a new link to the warranty at:

http://www.convertmy.tv/Maxmedia%20Warranty.pdf

However, look at this language in the warranty:

"To obtain warranty service, you must take the Product with your original receipt or other proof of
purchase, either in its original packaging or packaging affording an equal degree of protection, to your
nearest retail store location of the store or online web site from which you purchased the Product."

Since most people would be buying this online, how does one *take* any product to the nearest retail store location of the online web site when we don't know of any retail store location at all? Obviously, one can't "take" a product to an online web site; one would normally mail it back to the company's headquarters. Retail stores also normally don't provide warranty service for products.

There is no address or phone number posted within the warranty, and there's no street address or phone number posted for the convertmytv.com web site or even on maxmedia.com. So for practical purposes, the company is not providing a workable way to get warranty service on the MaxMedia.

Even though the warranty is for an entire year, it's not much good if there's no way to use it.

The specifications sheet still hasn't been updated to show there's analog pass-through.

NTIA was supposed to require retail experience for most companies in order to sell the CECBs themselves. Obviously NTIA appears to have waived that requirement for convertmytv.com but without making sure that the company even had phone numbers or street addresses on its own web site (or valid phone numbers).

[rrrrrroger]

Originally Posted by rrrrrroger

This is almost too much hassle. Maybe I can just get cable. $19 isn't too bad, and it will work with my analog VCR or DVR.

Somebody asked about my $19 cable plan, and I posted a response, but for whatever reason it never appeared. So here it is again:

It's $19 a month for the first 15 channels on the CATV guide.
i.e. The local channels. With this plan you don't need a Converter box.

[TalkingRat]

I don't think I've seen a warranty before that says they may replace with used parts. It's been awhile since I've bought electronics - is that odd?

[dagger666]

nope

[lexus2108]

I suggest we ALL keep the original packaging. just in case the box is a POS

[lexus2108]

rrrrroger,
" I'm disappointed with DTV.
I get ~23 analog stations versus only 8 digital.
How is less choice an improvement?"

What box you using?
What antenna?

Could be both or 1

[rrrrrroger]

Zenith

Channel Master 4228

I don't think either of those is the problem. The problem is most of my stations are weak in power and rather distant (50-60-70 miles). That's okay for analog because there's still a fuzzy picture at that distance, but digital just produces random pixels with no sound. DTV is poorly engineered.

[lexus2108]

Originally Posted by rrrrrroger

Zenith

Channel Master 4228

I don't think either of those is the problem. The problem is most of my stations are weak in power and rather distant (50-60-70 miles). That's okay for analog because there's still a fuzzy picture at that distance, but digital just produces random pixels with no sound. DTV is poorly engineered.

The Zenith is supposed to be good in getting signal. Can you try to add stations manually?

I do not know about that antenna. Chanel master is supposed to be good.

Maybe try a different box. Or a Agai antenna.

Does your Channel Master 4228 pick up uhf and Vhf?

Just trying to help and ask obvious questions

[Ed Van Belkom]

From convertmytv.com

Sansonic ATSC Converter Box
(FT-300A) - IN STOCK!

[jll544]

Originally Posted by dmulvany

NTIA was supposed to require retail experience for most companies in order to sell the CECBs themselves.

That explains why MaxMedia partnered with Memsen/convertmy.tv rather than selling direct.

Originally Posted by dmulvany

There is no address or phone number posted within the warranty, and there's no street address or phone number posted for the convertmytv.com web site or even on maxmedia.com.

For all anyone knows, convertmy.tv might be a virtual company run out of David Buzzelli's home. His home address/phone is provided in the convertmy.tv whois listing. Apart from that, even the NTIA has only a P.O. Box listed for convertmy.tv in its retailer report:

convertmy.tv
PO BOX 921
Fairview, OR 97024

MaxMedia's address can be found (only?) at the bottom of its CECB press release:

James Bobik
17011 Green Drive
City of Industry, CA 91745
jamesb@maxmedia-usa.com

Now if it's that hard to find these companies' contact information, I can't imagine them making warranty service any easier. Not even a return/exchange policy posted - what happens if you get a dead box?