Digital Stream vs. Maganavox Converter Box

[Robert Grant]

I find that the DS and Magnavox boxes both have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of the Digital Stream:
-Superior EPG (Electronic Program Guide)
-Buttons on the box (I/O, ch-up, ch-down), not totally dependent on the remote as is the Magnavox (note you do not want a DS box without a remote, as you will still need one to set it up or access the EPG, among other things).
-Update scan mode (in addition to regular rescan mode). Very useful if not all of your local stations can be seen with your antenna in one position.

Advantages of the Magnavox:
-Better tolerance of multipath conditions, especially dynamic (changing) multipath. The Magnavox box is less likely to pixellate or go dark because an indoor antenna is used, a truck drives by, an antenna is aimed in the wrong direction, or heavy winds are blowing a tree in the path of the signal.
-(I have not been able to confirm this) I have heard that the DS box is more prone to failure because some circuits are held in place by solder blobs.

Both of these boxes are better than the RCA, Apex or AccessHD boxes. Neither of these are better than the Zenith, Insignia, Sansonic, Zinwell or Memorex boxes.

The WTFDA forums have several reviews of these boxes (collectively called "CECBs"). TV DXers have been taking these boxes to their limits.