Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Product Review: Exuber DCB-MCANT-HDMI Digital TV Converter Box There are a lot of ''false positive'' five star reviews posted about how great some items are. This one is no exception. Generally I do not write reviews unless there is a serious design flaw in the product. The unit falls into that category. Pros: Nothing outstanding. Cons: a) Serious software problems, including numerous pop-ups screens during watching/recording noting the channel and program being watched; Very annoying when recording since the recording was ruined. b) Numerous problems of dropping channels; This indicates a major malfunction since re-scanning active signals usually brings the dropped channels back into the lineup. Irritating. c) Constant signal cut out.........software shows ''signal lost'' only to regain transmission in a short time. d) Missed signals during signal re-scans. Within a close time frame, one scan (my area) brings in 61 channels; Certain signals that are close by are missed; A re-scan sometimes brings those broadcasts back but loses several others that were present in previous scans, yielding 45 to 50 instead of the afore mentioned 61 stations. e) Program guide mode on the remote leaves a lot to be desired. Very poor in program description if in fact comes in at all. The remote button for this is on top near the power button which is inconventent for the user. This is poorly designed software. f) The remote is similar to the other brands mentioned however it brings up channels that were not punched in.;I believe that this is also software related. g) The LCD Screen bragged about in the Amazon listing is totally useless since it displays only a channel number which highlights the sequential order in which the channels were originally scanned. Useless to try to memorize those since they change with future channel scans due to the missed channels. The only way to physically see the channel call letters is to use the program guide or channel listing button. h) 7-day programming guide? Have never got more than 12-14 hours; many times not even that. This Exuber DCB-MCANT-HDMI model is a true generic ‘’copycat’’ in my opinion. It appears to use the same seriously flawed software as does iView, MediaSonic HomeWorks HW150, ViewTV AT-163 and the newer MediaSonic HomeWorks HW-180. They all have the same software problems. Also, There is no brand name on the unit anywhere, nor is the country of origin on the unit (federal law?) nor is there a serial number on the unit. Have also installed drop-amps to enhance the digital signals. This has brought in several more channels but the above defined problems do not go away, thus I have concluded after many months of frustration and after several Mediasonic Homeworx units, ViewTV AT-163 units and iView units that there is a design problem in these units ant the potential buyers should be aware of just what they are facing in the purchase of the Exuber or any of the other similarly priced units. One of my DVD Recorders has a built in ATSC/NTSC tuner in which these problems do not exist. When signal scanning with the DVD Recorder directly (by-passing the converter-box) the problems are not present. All signals are coming from a deep-fringe rooftop antenna using RG6 insulated coax and high signal frequency splitters. In good conscience I cannot recommend purchasing this brand. I have rates the Exuber unit as one star because there is no option for zero stars’ Buyer Beware ! The warranties on this type of product are virtually useless since the shipping charges outweigh any repair or replacement units under warranty. These manufacturers are all aware of this. Having tried several brands in this price range, this product is by far the worst of the bunch.