DTV Converter Box
Mom asked me how many Digital TV converters we would need. The answer is two or three depending on how many new TVs they want to buy. (We should replace one in the kitchen, and probably the cheap 19″ in their bedroom.) It took a couple weeks for the government coupons to arrive.
I stopped at Best Buy. I wandered around looking for the DTV Converters. I didn’t notice the huge stack of them in the TV department- 4x5x8 feet long. They had two models. Neither looked very good. I don’t like Best Buy and have little confidence in the intelligence of anyone working there, not that anyone offered to help me.
I stopped at Radio Shack and looked at the Zenith and Digital Stream models. Steffen said the Digital Stream had a good remote and lots of feature. I asked about a timer to use in conjunction with a VCR- no. I stopped at Sears. They have kids working in the Electronic’s department and they’re out of boxes.
I went back to Radio Shack and picked up a Digital Stream box. With the coupon and tax it was about $23. I printed out a guide to my local stations from AntennaWeb.org, hooked up the box and was soon watching DTV with very good quality. I have three different antennas. I was getting fair to good signal strength from each. There isn’t an optimal direction, but the transmitters are mostly NW with KVRR to the SE.
CraigMaas
I went in the attic and hooked up the UHF antenna, which has been unhooked for some time. If anything the signal got worse. I hooked the 300-ohm flat connector the other way (out of phase) and the signal was much stronger. This antenna is pointed at Fox, which is almost 180 degrees from the other transmitters. I also moved the main VHF antenna down to the joists again, so I could point it more North. I was up again Sunday morning (11/23) and fine-tuned the direction. By Thanksgiving (11/27) I was using the Flying Wing again. I can’t get a strong sign from all the stations. I need a custom DTV antenna- yet another $40 antenna.
Mary
Purchased a Craig converter after receiving coupon. Won’t bring in the reception. Several of my friends are telling me the same story. The instructions say I need “smart antenna” for the transition to take place if there is a problem.
CraigMaas
Mary, I don’t have an answer for you, but you might check with your local Public Television channel – they seem to be pretty helpful at least ours is. If you have a local Radio Shack they might help you too.
Thanks for writing.
Penny
I purchased a Craig convertor box…The quality of my 1st unit which was a Magnavox is not there…Straight up out of the box…the remote will not work…I changed batteries…put in brand new Rayovac…Nothing…Now I have to deal with the store where purchased and the http://www.dtv2009.gov website…as the receipt says no refunds…I personally think the Craig unit is a piece of junk.
CraigMaas
Penny,
Thanks for the comment. You are the second person to complain about Craig brand DTV converters (no relation obviously). I’ve had good luck so far with the one Radio Shack sells. The Digital Stream DTX9950. I would caution that your problem could be your antenna. Getting DTV is more complex than hooking a DTV converter box between your current antenna and your television. If the antenna is not strong enough or the right kind you may get nothing. Good luck with your return.
Mike
I’m another one who thinks the CRAIG CVD508 converter box is junk. I hooked one up today,2/2/09. I am using a huge antenna that actually works well with analog signals. I have yet to get the box to scan any channels at all. It is junk. And push hard people, get your refunds. The stores got their $40 and then some. Don’t let them tell you “no refunds”.
annie
I bought a craig digital box and is not working it keep asking me for a password where do i get the password from? Anybody knows
CraigMaas
You could try posting your question to http://www.craigelectronics.com/contact_us.php
or the DTVusaForum at http://www.dtvusaforum.com/craig-electronics-international-ltd-cvd506/
Some further information about the Craig vs other brands can be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_CECB_units
CraigMaas
My friend, Bob ‘The cbc Pledge‘ sent me this link on how to build a cheap HDTV antenna out of junk.
Mike R
The Craig model TV converter boxes are the worst boxes out there. If you can get it to work, rotten reception, & sound. I know at least 10 people who’ve bought them.. including my son & his wife (bought it from a pharmacy of all places!). I went with my son to take them back to the store, & there were 5 other people there to return theirs. I over heard the manager, tell his employees “to remove them from the shelf’s & send them back to their supplier”. You guys should remember one thing about returning these boxes, if you paid with a Government issued debit card ($40). You do not get a refund! Even the cash you pay out of pocket, the store keeps. All your going to get is a in-house-credit. So if you buy your box in a Pharmacy, I hope they’re selling more then just one brand/ model. I think pharmacy’s should stick to selling drugs! Don’t waste your time with these cheaply made boxes.
CraigMaas
I haven’t tried every TV converter box but it does seem like there are a lot of unhappy Craig ™ Brand owners. I wonder why anyone would buy electronics from a Pharmacy, even a big one like CVS. I recommend getting your TV Converter Box from Radio Shack or Solid Signal.com
Denise
I have a craig box but no instructions can you help me?
CraigMaas
Other than sharing my first name I have no relationship with Craig Electronics.
Have you tried posting your question to http://www.craigelectronics.com/contact_us.php
Ellen
is it possible that my 5″ DC/AC Magnavox TV is too old to use a Craig Converter Box? I can’t figure out where one would plug it in?
CraigMaas
Ellen,
If the Magnavox has a built-in antenna, but has no optional antenna inputs it may be impossible to hook a converter box to the TV.
However, if the TV has an optional input such as a small port or two screws marked ANT then Radio Shack, Best Buy, or other electronics store should be able to find an adapter for your Magnavox. You may want to take the TV with you to Radio Shack so they can see for themselves.
Patti
Right now, I am extremely frustrated with the Craig CVD508. I bought my last January 2009 right before the date the first time the conversion was to take place. It didn’t seem to work. I have been on the telephone with FCC 6 times and have talked to 5 different people. This converter box is a piece of crap (I’m cleaning up my language here) in my estimation. This whole conversion is nuts and has caused nothing but absolute chaos (sp??)…I hope this situation can be remedied. I have two TV sets that need to be converted. I AM NOT INTERESTED in buying two new TV sets…I AM NOT INTERESTED IN HAVING CABLE TV…What rocket scientist thought up this crock of B.S. I would like to know…Here’s hoping I can get this dilemma solved. I’ll try to keep you posted. I’m not interested in spending more money for this garbage, that’s for sure.
Ellen
Thanks. Great suggestion. I’ll go to Radio Shack and see if I can get some type of adapter…there is a small port.
Bob
I have to say that I purchased a Craig converter and it worked really well. One big benefit is that the TV where I installed it had pretty good reception before hand. Otherwise, I found the set up intuitive and never even needed to read the paper instructions.
My Mom and I did quite a bit of research on all converters and couldn’t find any retailers selling the better rated ones – it was very disapointing.
We ended up with the Craig, a Magnavox from Walmart and a Digital Stream from Radio Shack.
I like the Craig remote the best. After reading the other posts, I wonder if I will have problems in the future.
Oh well – best wishes with the conversion everyone
CraigMaas
Yes, the remote controls are important. I don’t have the Craig but I do have the Digital Stream from Radio Shack and find it to be pretty good although the buttons are small. Your point about finding top rated boxes is a good one. I would suggest trying Solidsignal.com online they seem to have a good selection of boxes. I got the Echostar DTVPalPlus box from them. The Echostar allows me to use my VCR with multiple channels. I’ve also heard the Channel Master CM7000 is an excellent box. Thanks for writing Bob!
Brandon
I have a similar converter box from Craig electronics and it goes off by itself at times, changes the channel and unlike the cable box you have to turn it on or off by taking use of both the converter box remote and the regular tv remote. The only thing I like about the converter box is the added channels that it gives. And the worst thing is that it cost 60 dollars without the coupon. All in all it is a complete waste of money
CraigMaas
Brandon, I don’t know if it is the same thing but my Radio Shack and Dish DTV converter boxes both have timers that turn the unit off after a set period of time. I had to find the setting deep in the menu and set it higher or turn it off.
I know the Radio Shack model has a remote that can also run the television- I’ve tried on three different sets: Toshiba, Sylvania, and Magnavox and it has worked with all three.
Thanks for writing!
H.Cummings
I am like so many other folks who don’t know anything about which dtv converter box is considered to be the best as far as picture quality and are less problem prone.I have two coupons for boxes.I’ve had them for a month and can’t decide which one to choose.I hooked up an RCA for an elderly lady and was quite impressed by the programing and picture quality.Walmart had the and when they sold out of them,they said that they are distributed by the government and they probably would not receive anymore. I am impressed by the fact that so many people are informing you of the pros and cons of the dtv converter boxes they have purchased.I am not asking you to stick your neck out or anything.I need help!What brand would you buy? Please reply…signed…mr confused.
GARY SMITH
just a short comment– what a piece of s— this converter box is.
CraigMaas
I assume you are referring to the Craig (TM) brand DTV Converter box. This does seem to be the consensus.
CraigMaas
I like the DTV Converter box that Radio Shack sells: the Digital Stream. There is some troubling feedback on the unit: that it dies after the warranty expires.
I’ve heard good things about the Channel Master 7000 that Solid Signal sells. However, it is currently out of stock. I’m currently using the Echo Star DTVPal Plus, also sold by Solid Signal. It seems to work well. If you have any questions you should give Solid Signal a call or email- they stock a lot of brands and have a lot of experience with antennas. (I’m a happy customer.)
Alice Perry
The Craig unit is garbage!
My Craig converter box stopped working yesterday afternoon, almost two months to the day after I began using it. I get a black screen & nothing else. I unhooked it, reconnected it, changed the batteries in the remote and it still won’t work. The remote will turn the unit on, but will not turn it off, and I can’t get it to turn off with the button on the until itself – I have to unplug it. ALso, there is “no one available” on the Craig customer service line to talk to so I sent an email but haven’t gotten a response yet.
I only have one TV, it’s still getting two channels in analog (and they’re coming in clearly) but I can’t watch any other channels.
Frustrating!
CraigMaas
Alice, I hope you can find the receipt as you are probably going to have to return it to the store were you got it.
Hopefully the warranty is longer than 60 days.
I’m glad I didn’t buy ‘my namesake’ unit.
sharon
I bought a craig cvd508 and NOTHING I can’t get them to return my calls because all you get is an answering machine. What ever happened to humans talking to humans? And “we stand by our products”. What a peice of crap!
Bill Marvin
This Craig CVD506 is a JOKE!!!!Except I’m NOT laughing!!!!You get $40 I pay $25. and all I’m told is there is no exchange or refunds?????I don’t think calling India for anything is smart!!You call that customer service????
CraigMaas
Bill,
Other than sharing my first name, I have no relationship with Craig Electronics. If you don’t mind my asking where did you buy this unit.
I would hope that whoever sold the unit would stand behind it. You may have to write to the home office or talk to a manager at the store to get satisfaction but most reputable companies want to keep their customers happy.
Josh K
i have a craig box that seems to work well for me, but in my area i can only pick up two channels on it. The picture is clear and strong signal, i cant complain really, I back routed it through the whole house so i only need one box on 3 tvs. In a few days im getting a Magnavox box for the upstairs, ill see if it makes any changes and make a nother post.
CraigMaas
Josh, Thanks for sharing. Look forward to your review of the Magnavox DTV box.
jackie
I bought 2 Craig dtv converter boxes. Both quit working around the same time.About 4 months after purchasing them. I still got very poor reception after upgrading the antenna. One box quit coming on and the second box had one channel speaking English and Spanish at the same time.My friends have complained about their Craig boxes too. I went to Radio Shack and bought the Digital Stream which works better.
annie
I bought 2 Craig converter boxes and 1 of them has recently went out and just shows a black screen like described above. Since i go to school i have no extra money to buy another 2 converter boxes, is there any way to fix it since i can no longer take the converter boxes back?
CraigMaas
Annie,
I doubt repair of your DTV boxes is an option that will work out. The coupon program has closed so there is no way to get another coupon.
You could try 1-888-CALL-FCC to get help from the FCC, but this will probably be a dead end. *
I did take a look at eBay.com and see there are lots of refurbished units that seem to close around $25 shipped.
I hope this helps,
-Craig Maas
* PS if the FCC does help or you find a low cost solution to your problem, I hope you’ll write back and let some of the other who suffer from Craig ™ units know what you’ve done. Thanks for writing.
annie
A couple of weeks ago i got an answer from Craig Electronics about the converter box not working. they said “I would suggest you turn the converter off for a while. If it doesn’t help, you will need to return the box to us for an exchange for a new box. The process for returning the converter box requires you to have a copy of you receipt showing purchase in the last 90 days. If purchased more then 90 days ago you will need to call and speak to a representative to get a return approved for exchange. There is a $15.00 dollar fee that has to be included with the original box.” I had already bought both boxes with out the coupons (which were $60 a piece) and i am not going to be out another $15 plus $20 with tax for shipping, just in case anyone else was interested with returning the box. I trashed the box and got a new RCA from one of my cousins.
Jen
just a heads up on Craig CVD506 DTV Converter Box, I turned down the volume all the way (using box remote)because the phone rang one night. Didnt think anything of it till the next day when I found that my dog ate the remote to the box. Now I cant turn up the volume on the conveter box. Finding little to no info on a replacement unless I buy another box which infuriates me..this thing is the biggest piece of junk and do not want to give craig even 1 cent. I called them and every ext i pressed no one was there and they completely ignored my emails. i hope no one else has to go through this really really stupid problem
CraigMaas
Sorry to hear about your mis-adventures with your remote. I wonder if a universal remote could be made to run the box? Another option is contact one of the other frustrated Craig ™ users above for their remote. I also wonder if there is menu setting that resets the unit to the default settings that would override the volume. Just a thought. Thank you for sharing your experience and best of luck.
Jen
I tried a cheap universal remote and punched in every craig code on it (didnt have one for converter boxes)the green light on the box flickered after entering one code but that is all. I’m on my way to radio shack to see what they say. I also tried unplugging the box for awhile and that did’t work awhile. If there is a menu setting it is on the remote
. Anyone know of a code for the converter box????? Thank you for your help!!!
Jen
I actually heard back from Craig. Here is the email
We can ship out to you a remote control for your cvd506.You will need to
send us a money order for the amount of $15.00 Dollars, payable to Craig
Electronics. With your money order please provide us with your
name,address,zip code, and contact number. Provide to us the model number of
your unit that needs the remote control. Upon receiving all the information
we will ship out to you the remote control for your unit. If you have any
further question or concerns, please do contact us at
1-866-321-7191 or E-mail us at (service@craigelectronics.com)
Thank You,
Jose Yedra
Jose Yedra
Craig Electronics
1160 NW 163rd, Drive
Miami, Fl 33169
1-866-321-7191
eric
craig is a peice of crap. mine has no instructions and what instructions do come up on the screen are in another language
Mark
Yep, my Craig CVD508 craped out too. Don’t put my email out there.
Deanna
The Craig Digital to analog converter…SUCKS!! I have been through two since July 2009, it is now Jan 2010. It wont even turn on. That means it lasts 3 mos?? I also had one of those fancy new antennas and the reception was horrible. I will NEVER buy a Craig (TM) product again! If you are going to sell something for $50.00 (or any amount) at least test it yourself and make sure it’ll last for more than 3 mos. I will laugh if they offer me a coupon! Keep your damn coupon and use it towards paying all the customers you screwed back in actual cash!! Not everyone has the money to buy a new $50.00 plus converter box every 3 mos. I have a brain tumor, had a craniotomy and now have hospital and back due bills to pay off, along with raising my 7 yr old daughter!! But I can afford a new converter box, for the 3rd time…Not exactly!! Thanks for nothing Craig (TM)!!
Deanna
Oh, and the remote sucks too. I go to change the channel and the volume turns up or it shuts off!! Who the H&#@ do you have making your products, monkeys? No, even they’d do a better job!
CraigMaas
It sounds like Craig (TM) has a high failure rate on their DTV converters. I’m glad I didn’t buy one. I see CVS was selling them. You should certainly let them know you want your money back if you’ve had two failures in a row. If you got the converter somewhere else you should try the retailer. If that fails you might contest the charge on your credit card.
But it sounds like DTV converters are the least of your problems. You’ll be in my prayers tonight Deanna.
karin
Hi, I purchased a DTV Digital converter from Craig, and the remote control is dead. I took it back to Radio Shack and he verified that with a tool that he uses to determine if they work or not. Is there any help you can provide. Many Thanks!
CraigMaas
I don’t know if a universal remote control would work. I assume the sales man at Radio Shack would have offered to sell you one if there was.
You could try contacting Craig Electronics,
http://www.craigelectronics.com/contact_us.php
Depending on what they offer you, you might want to just start over.
Radio Shack has a nice DTV converter, and so do the people at solidsignal.com.
I hope this helps.
CraigMaas
Don’t be ridiculous Deanna.
Monkeys have tails. There are no tails on our crew.
Our remote control assembly crew features some of the most intelligent Bonobos in the Congo. Now it is true we did try using monkeys but found they kept eating the parts and some of the smarter monkeys tried to unionize the shop. We quickly put a stop to that. It is possible you got one of those ‘monkey assembled’ remotes. If you did we’re truly sorry.
In all seriousness, I would recommend starting over with a trip to Radio Shack or Solid Signal.
Belinda
I too bought a Craig six months ago and i found it annoying that I had to use 2 remotes to make it work, the signal is not always great and I often have to switch channels. Lately it stopped responding and I cannot reset from powering off on the unit, I have had to unplug it from the wall every single time I turn on the TV. ANNOYING…cheap crap from China.
disyfer
The link to Craig product shows a list that has everything but the Digital Converter box. HMMm, maybe they discontinued it after figuring out that it cant be programmed with a Universal Remote. I’ve tried with several brands of Universal Remotes and it won’t work,, you can not get to the menu or scan for available channels. I lost my remote during a move so the next dtv I buy will not be Craig.