Don’t buy the Coby DTV-102 (a review)

April 11, 2009 – 5:37 pm by William Wallace

I just received a Coby DTV-102 HDTV converter box, I purchased on line.  While it is advertised as having an S-video output, this is a lie.  It only has RCA video and ATSC cable out, and it is only generates 480i signals.

For example, B&H photo/video claims that the DTV-102 box has the following Output Formats 480i, 480p.  It also claims:

  • S-Video Output: x1
  • Composite Video Output: x1 (RCA)
  • Analog Stereo Audio Output: x1 Set (RCA)
  • RF Antenna Input: x1 (Coaxial)
  • RF Antenna Output: x1 (Coaxial)

Even the coby website claims 480p, but if you look at the manual, it only has an RCA and coax video output, capable of outputing only 480i.

I bought mine from Savinglots, and they also claim 480i/480p.

Bait and switch. It is only 480i over a RCA Composite Video connector.

Do not buy the Coby DTV-102, as there are other RCA 480i converter boxes that do not resort to misleading their customers.

Besides, the RCS composite video is atrocious.

  1. 3 Responses to “Don’t buy the Coby DTV-102 (a review)”

  2. It is a government coupon program.

    By Nate on Apr 15, 2009

  3. Another disadvantage - the remote cannot be used to control TV volume.

    By Seattle Man on Apr 26, 2009

  4. Good points.

    By William Wallace on Apr 26, 2009

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