Humax HFA100 DTV Receiver

I was very reluctant to purchase this unit, since Humax is not exactly a household name. But after just one high-definition episode of CSI, I wish I had bought it sooner.

In my neighborhood, we barely get four analog stations, and except for PBS from the local university, the quality is very poor. I bought the Humax unit hoping that the digital channels would come in clear because of the digital error correction. The unit was very easy to setup, although I did need an adapter to convert the HDMI output to the DVI input on my television. (I bought said adapter for $7 on ebay - don't get ripped off paying $30-$180 for these things.)

I now get a total of six stations, and each station broadcasts at least two "subchannels" of programming. The picture is beautiful. HD programs look fantastic, and the HD sound is incredible - better than DVD quality, no kidding! The only problem I've discovered is when cutting from a HD program to a "standard" definition commercial break, there is sometimes a brief audio crackle. Slightly annoying, but not a big deal.

This is one of the least expensive DTV tuners available, which made me a little bit suspicious. I bought mine online for $200, brand new, not refurbished. Some of the really cheap units are DTV tuners, all right, but they don't necessarily decode the HD channels - DTV does NOT equal HD! Also, some of them output the signal as analog, which is fine for viewing on an old analog set, but does not take advantage of the extra resolution of a new digital television. The HFA100 decodes high-definition channels and outputs the signal as both digital AND analog, so you can use any set for viewing. It even has coax and optical output for the sound, if you're a digital purist.

For techies: I'm using a cheap, unpowered, crossed dipole antenna in the attic with a L-O-N-G coax drop to the basement, then back up to the first floor. LOTS of loss, but the reception of the unit still seems quite good. Most of the digital channels show up as 80% or greater signal level (whatever that actually means). When the signal goes below 60% the picture starts to cut in and out. But the six good channels are perfect, and these are transmitted from the same towers that broadcast the unwatchable analog signals.

The HFA100 does not have a lot of bells and whistles. It does have a decent "electronic programming guide" which is only as good as the information the broadcasters choose to piggyback on the channel. On the other hand, the features it does have are very easy to access and use.

If you live in a rural area, this unit won't perform miracles. However, if you receive a few marginal analog stations, and you know that the same towers are broadcasting DTV signals, this is a good, inexpensive choice. Great HD picture, great digital sound, and no monthly cable fee for those of us that only want to watch a few local stations.