Zinwell ZAT-970A?

Check this site & look at runner. All I know.
http://www.watchdigitaltv.com/

Let the comparisons with the DTVpal start......

From their web site:

Product Features
· Terrestrial 8-VSB demodulation
· ATSC 18 video formats decoding
· ATSC HDTV complaint MPEG2 MP@ML/ MP@HL decoder
· Compatible with HDTV, EDTV and SDTV displays
· User-selectable CH3/CH4 NTSC RF output
· ATSC AC3 audio decoding
· Modern design with user-friendly OSD interface.
· Aspect Ratio 16:9/ 4:3
· Multilingual support
· Automatic and manual channel scan
· Closed Caption, V-Chip and EAS (Emergency Alert System) Support
· Support Advances Rating (Rating Region Table downloadable)
· Software upgrade



Operation 120VAC, 60Hz, 8W max.
Standby <1W
Dimensions 175 x 135 x 33 mm
Weight 0.98lb.
External power adaptor

The unit supposedly has an 8 event timer but it's not listed in the features.

it also only mentioned an rf output, which probably implies only mono audio, judging by the other boxes

WHY on earth do they have 3 separate models??? If there's a difference between the 3, it's not apparent to me.

Do any of these have Separated-video?

The 970 has RCA connectors, and apparently an external power adapter:

http://www.zinwell.com.tw/Products/pdf/CECB.pdf

Their HD STB sells for as low as $70 so I can see this unit retailing for well under the $60 norm.

All CECB's are required by the NTIA to have both RF and A/V (stereo) outputs.

The website watchdigitaltv.com has this message up-

The Zinwell ZAT-970A with Analog Pass Through and 8 Event Timers, Has Passed All of Our Tests ((( ETA second week of August )))......

They'll be selling the box, apparently.

Here's the link to the full Zinwell ZAT-970A User Manual: http://www.zinnetusa.com/download/za...l-20080603.pdf

It is software upgradeable by either RS-232 or by air as referenced here in the user manual:

"Software Upgrade

It looks like this one will be everything that we had hoped the DTVPal would be. I just hope it becomes available before my next coupons expire on 8/15.

I don't get digital but was wondering if the station is sending the wrong time for the clock
is the PSIP guide correct and independent of the time the station is sending?

If not then I don't see a manual clock setting helping anything.

The timers have two distinct external issues. The manual clock setting would somewhat help one of them.

Problems is, the Zinwell manual clock has already flunked a power disruption test and resets to 00:00 internal clock time. You would also need a backup power supply, which would also cure one of the issues with the Pal's timer.

Six to one, half dozen to the other.

Beeper

So the Zinwell's manual clock was just letting you set a manual time that it kept so long as it had power.

Even if they did add the extra cost for the parts for a true manual clock that can also drift it would not give any additional benefit other then keeping the clock during a power outage that you could not see or use.

Like you said you would need a power supply for both the converter and the recorder during the power loss.

I wonder how accurate it's manual time is then?
What is it using to keep time, probably something like a click count.

So do you think the manual time would fix anything if the Guide is also dependent on the station's time?


I know that power supply is one external issue with the timers.

What is the other one that you are thinking of?

How would the manual clock setting help somewhat with the other?

Most VCR's in the homes of people who need a converter box don't retain their time or timers long after a power outage. I have had about 10 different VCR's over the years and none did. The newest ones automatically set the clock, but the timers are always gone. Of course they were all low to mid range models. The very expensive VCR's might, but most people who own those don't need a converter box because they don't get their signal OTA.

It is an inconvenience, but most people can live with it. But it is much, much better than having to check the timers each and every day just because at least one or two stations' time is or eventually will become inacturate.

And letting you use it for the timers? I haven't personally tested it.


It's already been determined that the Zinwell manual clock will not keep time during a power disruption. It would still be an option to be used for the timers.


Correct.


I haven't the foggiest.


Yes. When the user chooses to set the internal clock manually, the manually set time would replace what the timer was using. (PSIP time.)


The other external issue is the possibility of inaccurate individual station PSIP clock time.
The manual internal clock (if chosen as an option by the user) would fix that issue, since the box's timers would no longer find the PSIP clock time.

Beeper

Hi neighbor!

Go Brewers!

Miller's gone, Bud is gone, whos' next?

Beeper

Ya, Sabathia has been lights out so far....Just need the Cubs and Cardinals to cool off a little.

My familiy's last remaining coupons expire 8/18.

Here we go again!

Yeah, and Poovantage is taking pre-orders...................................................... ....................................................... Not.

Did you ask Zinwell who will be selling the converter?

So far only one retailer has been mentioned Bruce's Antenna Systems

Have you tried to ask FreeDTVShop if they will sell the Zinwell?

Perhaps we shouldn't get too excited just yet . . .

We'll just have to wait and see . . .

Actually, there are 3 Zinwell models on the approved and available list -- the NTIA just needs someone who knows how to alphabetize. The first two Zinwellls, the 970 and 970A, appear on the list ahead of Zenith, that's all.

Whew! Fix the font size.

I don't want the Zinwell.
I thought you did and was trying to help you.

I think it won't have a EPG and will work like the Gridlink, Lasonic, and Sansonic category of boxes.

I do admit I am curious but have a full plate with a DTVPal in hand a waiting for my beloved MicroProse

Yes, the lack of EPG would make it less useful. I'm not sure why the Lasonic/Sansonic got such fantastic reviews by Consumer Reports. Microtune may mean it does well with adjacent channel interference, which they probably had where CR was testing.