If you're not ready for the digital switchover scheduled to happen next year, or want a box that will allow your older non-HDTV sets to continue, while still having the option to get high definition programming over the air to HD-ready sets the Digital Stream HD-1150 DTV receiver has you covered.

About the size of an average DVR or cable box, the Digital Stream HD-1150 DTV receiver isn't the most stylish looking device you're likely to add to a home entertainment system, but this small box can do big things. This tuner/receiver can decode from all 18 ATSC broadcast formats, and supports HDTV output formats including 1080i, 720p and 480p. HD display formats include 1,920x1080i and 1,280x720p, along with enhanced and standard definition resolutions of 720x480p and 720x480i. The A/V outputs include component video (RGB or YPbPr) for HD sources, as well as S-Video and composite video, and S/PDIF digital outputs--both coaxial and optical--as well as analog stereo RCA jacks. Alas, we were disappointed to find the box lacking an HDMI output, but for the price this is a reasonable tradeoff.

To get the best possible picture, the unit really does need to connect to an outdoor antenna, especially if you're further from a station's transmitter. However, this receiver is compatible with indoor UHF HDTV antennas as well. When connected to an HDTV set, you'll get a very good picture, including shows in their native HD format along with Dolby Digital AC-3 six channel (5.1) audio. The Digital Stream HD-1150 DTV receiver comes with an easy to follow on-screen menu to help aid the set up process, while an on-screen guide will help direct you toward what to watch. In addition to the digital programming guide, the receiver supports automatic channel scanning, A/V synchronization, closed captioning and parental/rating controls. Taking command of these options is easy with the user-programmable universal remote.

The box works with HD-ready as well as non-HDTV sets, including standard analog sets. It can down-convert signals to ATSC formats or even NTSC analog formats, so if you have an older set and want to keep using it after the shut off of analog TV in February of 2009 this box can do the trick. It is an expensive converter, but unlike most of the more affordable converters, this one will provide crystal clear HDTV with an HD-ready set, too.

Pros: Component as well as S-video outputs, automatic channel scanning, digital programming guide, down converts HD programming for analog TVs
Cons: External antenna recommended, no HDMI output, expensive