Digital TV questions/discussion (Chicago, Arthur: sales, coupons, gated)

[heartchicago]

Hi, my wife and I will be moving to Chicago near the end of next month and I have to use these $40 coupons for converter boxes in the next couple of weeks. I am hoping some of you who use them in Chicago will tell me the make, model of yours, how well it works, and where you got it from. I realize it should not matter, as if it works it works, but I have heard that some pick up signals in certain cities better - don't know if that's true though.

I am preferable to Target, Walmart, Radioshack, and HHgregg. Bestbuy only has one type now.

Thanks

[Avengerfire]

Whatever the one Jewel sells is pretty decent. If you have a preferred card and use the coupon the total out of pocket cost comes out to like $11.00 or something.

I got a couple for friends and set them up for them and they work great.

I forget the brand name. But all the Jewels that carry them have only one make and model. I recommend getting one there. Call first because not all of the Jewels have them. I do know that the one on Ashland near Belmont has them for sure.

[Venom]

Isn't it too early to know which work good?
Or did they take effect before the termination?

[Avengerfire]

^Most stations have been broadcasting in DTV as well as analog for many months.^

[Venom]

I watch Arthur on PBS.

[Drover]

The antenna is more important than the box itself. I have a set of amplified rabbit ears that will not pick up Channel 2 at all, and it will pick up Channel 7 maybe 30% of the time. At least, that was the case before today's switchover, after which I understand most stations moved to a different frequency and many were allowed to boost their signal. Channel 2 for instance was relegated to a VHF frequency which apparently does not work well for digital, but I think they moved to a UHF frequency today. I haven't reprogrammed my box since the switchover, so maybe I can pick up 2 and 7 now.

[Carantini]

Originally Posted by Venom

I watch Arthur on PBS.

hahahaha

[eevee]

Target had some made by RCA and Apex on sale for $40 exactly. not sure how long that sale will last

[Avengerfire]

Just so everyone knows: sales tax on the full initial price before the coupon and/or any other discounts are deducted is due on a box.

One cannot get a box completely free of charge. The sales tax will still be due.

[vandre]

Get a DTVPalPlus (made by Dish Network). It has good reception and the best programming guide I have seen in a converter box (you can search for a particular program, view programming schedule for the next few hours, etc...)

I also own a Zenith DTT900 (Same as the BestBuy Insignia box), it also has good reception, but the programming guide only shows the immediate next program.

I bought my converter box online for about 15 dollars shipped (no sale tax) from an online retailer. Send me a DM...

p.s. Drover is right, the kind of antenna you have is important. If you will be leaving the City itself, you might be able to use a cheapo rabbit ears antenna. I live about 30 miles west of Chicago, and was able to get reception from all major networks with a Terk indoor antenna (sans CBS). After the switchover I'm able to see CBS as well, and in total about 32 channels or so