Tivax STB T8 Digital to Analog TV Converter Box
down-converts Dtv/hdtv Digital Broadcast Signals For Use On Analog Tvs singal Pass-through For Easy Intergration And Connectivity dobly Digital Stereo Compatible rf Input/output And Composite Video//stereo Audio Outputs includes Remote Control Batteries Rf And Av Cables
User Ratings and Reviews
2 Stars Tivax Reliability and Usability Challenges
I purchased this Tivax unit a few months ago when I decided to drop my local cable provider in favor of an over-the-air source.
The first thing I noticed when using this device is how sensitive either the remote or receiver are when in use. For example if the Tivax unit it installed low (on a shelf next to the TV) it’s almost impossible to get the remote to change stations on the first click so you end up waving your arm around like you’re flagging down a taxi. Putting the reciever on top of the set seems to help a bit. In an case my 10+ year old electronics components have less sensitive remotes than this Tivax unit.
More importantly is the reliability of the unit. When watching tv for an extended period of time like a football game the Tivax will error-out and display a black square that covers 75% of the screen. All the controls still work and you can change stations but the black box does not go away. The only way I’ve found to fix it is to power off the box then start it again. Today for example during a football game I needed to turn it off and on about 6 times. Not a big deal when you’re home alone but if I was hosting a football party I would’ve been laughed at!
I would’ve given the Tivax receiver 1 star but the guide feature is pretty nice though not as nice as most cable or satellite providers offer. Hopefully the Amazon purchasing staff can work with Tivax to improve their quality control.
1 Star Wouldn’t purchase again
Someone gave me a different brand of converter which I used on my primary TV. It seemed to work OK. I read great reviews about the STB-T8 and bought one with my $40 coupon. The main issue I have is the program guide. The ease of finding what is showing and will be showing for a particular channel is very poor. I find I frequently have to adjust the aspect ratio depending on the broadcast resolution. This can change from channel to channel or even show to commercial to show. The built in closed captioning, even though it gives the user many options, is difficult to read. The unit also runs quite hot. The only plus is that this model does show analog programming as well as digital but given the other issues, I would keep shopping. The first unit I was given had none of these problems but only shows digital broadcast.
1 Star Not Reliable
After the 90 day warranty period my Tivax failed to operate properly. It lost signal on a high signal strength 95+ TV station. I had to return the unit to Tivax at my expense and they claim they “upgraded the firmware” but the unit had exactly the same problem when I got it back. Then they tried to blame their problem on my “reception environment” even though they know that 3 other TV converters (not Tivax)work flawlessly in my “reception environment”. I give then some credit for trying to fix the unit (at my expense) but in the end they wash their hands of the probem and I am stuck with a defective Tivax unit. If you plan to use your TV converter more than the 90 day warranty period then DO NOT BUY TIVAX.
1 Star Do Not purchase this Converter Box!!!
When I first purchased this Tivax converter box box I thought it was great. It didn’t take me very long to change my mind. I have to do an auto scan every time I turn my box back on, because it will have dropped several channels. One channel (CBS 2) is always gone. This is no reflection on Amazon. When I called and informed them about the problems I was having they readly refunded my money. Now I’m just stuck with this crappy Box.
5 Stars Best investment alternative to cable
I’m an armchair shopper who extensively uses the internet as a valuable tool for getting what I think is the best value for my hard earned money. After several weeks of searching, we decided that the Tivax STB-T8 was the unit we wanted. Much to our surprise, this unit is not available at any local retail merchant. So, we ordered online, and our unit arrived almost a whole week of the given target date for delivery.
The setup was easy and flawless … a child could do this … once the unit was attached to the TV set and antenna, upon first powering up it began its search for available TV transmission signals. Minutes later we were watching TV for basically nothing with the same clarity as we had before on cable, but now without the $60 per month charge for watching local channels which we are now watching for free.
I would personally recommend this unit to anyone considering its purchase. It may cost a few dollars more, but it’s worth it, and you won’t be disappointed with this Tivax unit. And, we were able to use our $40 rebate coupon (card) for this purchase, another plus.
Buy/More Info
