What is the best buy in the purchase of the digital TV converter?

by ellenmac11

Having already read the DTV rating by the Consumer Reports but want more info from the users views, by your experience, testing or knowledge, what is the best buy in the digital TV (DTV) converter, especially in the signal decoding capability and picture quality?

I have read several replies and need to update this question. Since the coupon value is $ 40, there is no necessary to add much money buy an expensive DTV. $ 50 or less seems just right. In addition, you may eventually replace your old TV with the HDTV. Thus, the DTV converter will become a useless box someday. Online purchase should be avoided because it is hard to exchange, refund or testing etc. The signal decoding capability is important and does matter, especially in the area where the signal is weak. Without clear signal the picture quality and other features are just nothing. By testing, the Magnavox (Wal-Mart) has the best signal decoding capability that can receives the most of the channels. Zenith (Kmart and Sears) has the most of the features and better picture quality. If your area has strong signals, Zenith may be a good choice; otherwise, try the Magnavox, or the Zenith AND Magnavox by using two coupons. Welcome more testing reports and your experience.

Answer by classicsat
Spend a little more and get the Insignia or Zenith brand boxes.

Answer by oa5599dodge
I have a few different converter boxes and they all have the
same picture quality. The Magnavox has no buttons on the
unit, thumbs down for me. Last time I was at Kmart the
Zenith was SOLD OUT months ago. I have two. The Zinwell has
a eight event timer that restores the VCR. I bought mine at a
grocery store but can be seen at solidsignal.com. But I still
stand on the Digital Stream at Radio Shack. It might cost a
few more dollars, but its my favorite.

Add your own answer in the comments!

Ford Social Media Marketing Examples


Image by ralphpaglia
Shown below are just a small fraction of the many Social Media Marketing "Home Runs" that Ford Motor Company has achieved over the past two years…

This extensive and well funded commitment to Social Media Marketing has been a cornerstone of Ford’s overall marketing strategy for the past two years and is yet another example of what one of the the best management teams in the auto industry is doing to make the most out of their marketing budgets.

One of the greatest resources ever supplied to car dealers by any company for any marketing purposes is the SMPR and content bank available to Ford dealers at the acclaimed Ford.DigitalSnippets.com where dealers can leverage high-dollar Ford created assets in their social media marketing campaigns… Here the list of examples:

FORD ENGAGES CUSTOMERS IN "WHAT’S NEXT," TAKING COMPANY’S OPEN …
Apr 13, 2010 … Ford is turning to the social Web as an innovative way of generating new vehicle feature ideas customers really want and value." …
media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=32402

2011 FORD FIESTA: ‘IT’S A PRETTY BIG DEAL’ | Ford Motor Company …
May 17, 2010 … The same type of out-of-the-box thinking that led to the groundbreaking Fiesta Movement social media initiative is reflected in a new ad …
media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=32673

NEW BREED OF MUSTANG SPOTLIGHTED IN 2011 CAMPAIGN | Ford…
May 3, 2010 … Ford showcases the new 2011 Ford Mustang V-6 through extensive digital advertising and social media, television commercials and print ads …
media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=32564

TJ GIULI: HELPING FORD HARNESS THE POWER AND POSSIBILITIES…
May 12, 2010… and then gave the students the freedom to harness the power of socialnetworks in the cloud to develop their own personalized app. …
media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=32642

FORD REVEALS BIGGEST, MOST EXPERIENTIAL DISPLAY AT 2010…
Jan 8, 2010 … Also for the first time ever at NAIAS, Ford executives from around the world will host a social media press conference on Jan. …
media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=31764

K. VENKATESH PRASAD: A FORD TECHNICAL LEADER AND THE…
May 12, 2010 … "SYNC is helping Ford redefine the automotive user experience," says Prasad, "and social networking is redefining how many of our future car …
media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=32643

Faces of Ford | Ford Motor Company Newsroom
Brand Manager, A Ray Romano look-alike, this marketing manager is passionate about social media. He has 1500 followers on Twitter. …
media.ford.com/mini_sites/10031/FordFaces/

FORD ANNOUNCED AS 2010 BRAND OF THE YEAR BY SOCIETY…
We are integrating social media into our marketing and communications … In addition to having a daily presence on social networks, Ford is noted for the …
media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=31238

BLUE OVAL ON A GREEN STREAK: FORD DETAILS PROGRESS ON…
Jun 15, 2010 … The report reaffirms Ford’s strong commitment to its sustainability strategy to support positive social change and reduce the environmental …
media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=32802

A LEADER IN CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY | Ford Motor Company …
Ford has been rated among the top 25 companies in the world in corporate socialresponsibility reporting by "Tomorrow’s Value: The Global Reporters. …
media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=24900

FORD MOTOR COMPANY RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST ETHICAL …
Mar 22, 2010 … The results are based on an extensive review of companies’ socialresponsibility efforts, corporate governance and business practices. …
media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=32236

Fiesta-Tag Search | Ford Motor Company Newsroom
After all, it had a starring role in the Fiesta Movement, a marketing platform that lives in thesocial media space. Its newest role will be on the new …
media.ford.com/tagsearch.cfm?tag_id=111

FORD AND U-M USE SOCIALLY CONNECTED ROAD TRIP TO DEBUT CAR AS NEXT …
May 12, 2010 … Ford’s American Journey 2.0 research project concludes with first-ever socialmedia-connected road trip from Ann Arbor, Mich., to Maker …
media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=32623

SIX STUDENTS, THREE MONTHS, 100000 APPS: FORD EMBRACES…
"The explosive growth in apps comes from community-created development, software geeks chatting about code on social media sites, open collaboration. …
media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=31701

INTRODUCING FIESTA MOVEMENT CHAPTER 2 AGENTS | Ford Motor…
Mar 1, 2010 … Monica is an art director who is extremely involved in social media and …Creative, specializing in advertising, social media and design, …
media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=32136

FORD SUPPORTS BLACK MUSTANG CLUB’S WISH TO PRINT CALENDARS WITH…
In fact, Ford is contributing to these types of enthusiast programs in forums, blogs and othersocial media platforms through our Social Media Press …
media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=27542

THE BEST OF FIESTA MOVEMENT: AGENT HIGHLIGHTS FROM SIX…
As part of the Fiesta Movement social media initiative, … They then go on to relate their experiences through a variety of social media sites. …
media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=31500

2011 Ford Fiesta-Tag Search | Ford Motor Company Newsroom
The same type of out-of-the-box thinking that led to the groundbreaking Fiesta Movementsocial media initiative is reflected in a new ad campaign to launch …
media.ford.com/tagsearch.cfm?tag_id=446

NEW SET OF AGENTS TEAM UP TO BRING FORD FIESTA LOCAL WITH…
DEARBORN, Mich., March 1, 2010 – Ford’s Fiesta Movement, a social media initiative designed to create excitement about the new Fiesta, put the new small car …
media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=32137

FORD FIESTA, KEY TALENT OF NEW POST-REALITY ENTERTAINMENT…
Feb 15, 2010 … Fiesta’s involvement with "If I Can Dream" builds on the success of the Fiesta Movement, a social media initiative that generated more than …
media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=32060

FORD BECOMES THE FIRST AUTOMAKER TO JOIN CDP WATER DISCLOSURE…
Apr 7, 2010 … "Water scarcity is quickly becoming a critical global issue with significantsocial and environmental implications and all of us need to be …
media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=32323

FORD LOOKING FOR 2010 FUSION OWNERS FOR UNIQUE CONSUMER…
Oct 21, 2009 … Research shows that social media sites are increasingly one of the …Another example of Ford’s groundbreaking social media outreach is its …
media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=31239

FIESTA MOVEMENT TEAM DONATES CAR TO FOOD KITCHEN AS SOCIALMEDIA …
Jul 6, 2010 … And when the book was closed on the last mission in Ford’s social media adventure, it was a team from Houston that emerged as winners of …
media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=32924 ;

FORD, UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN REVEAL STUDENTS’ VISION…
May 4, 2010 … The course, initiated by Ford Research & Advanced Engineering, prototypedsocial networking and transportation apps as part of a larger Ford …
media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=32572

SAM DE LA GARZA: AN ADVOCATE OF SOCIAL MEDIA TO FIESTA…
The program that initially put European-spec Fiestas in the hands of 100 of the most socially vibrant people online includes extensive use of social media …
media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=31466

CHANTEL LENARD: BUILDING FORD FIESTA AWARENESS SOCIAL…
Chantel Lenard is group marketing manager for global small and midsize cars, leading the launch of the new Ford Fiesta using an innovative social media …
media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=32425

FIESTA MOVEMENT AGENTS BRING LOCAL BANDS TO STARDOM; MISSION ONE A …
May 3, 2010… Fiesta Movement’s first mission, "Fiesta Marks the Spot," created tons of buzz on social media channels about the murals the agent teams …
media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=32567

THE FORD FOCUS « Buy Reductil Online Cheap – Reliable Online DrugStore
Jan 23, 2008 … FORD VEHICLES · Ford Cars · Ford Crossovers · Ford SUVs · Ford Trucks · Lincoln. Ford’s Social Media Press Release (SMPR) …
media.ford.com/products/focus08/index.html

FIESTA ‘AGENTS’ ARE HEAVY HITTERS IN SOCIAL MEDIA | Ford Motor …
Agents will bring along millions of consumers on their "missions" each month by creating content about the experiences for their social networks. …
media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=30158

ALLURE OF SOCIAL MEDIA HELPS FORD REACH NEW CUSTOMERS…
Jul 8, 2009 … Now he has his own social network, www.green-house.tv, geared toward people just like him interested in living a greener, do-it-yourself …
media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=30634

FORD USES SOCIAL NETWORKING TO MARKET FIESTA AWARENESS
Oct 1, 2009 … Social networking sites allow Ford to meet consumers it might not connect with through traditional advertising, making it easier to open …
media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=31117

[PDF]
Fiesta MoveMent KicKs oFF – FIESTA MOVEMENT KICKS OFF "We …
File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat – Quick View
These consumers, which will total 70 million drivers by 2010, use social media … 77 percent use Facebook, MySpace or other social networking sites and 28 …
media.ford.com/images/10031/2010_Ford_Fiesta2.pdf

FORD FIESTA MOVEMENT AGENTS GIVE BACK, SURPASS 800000 MILES DURING …
Sep 16, 2009 … Ford Fiesta Movement August missions had agents taking part in socialactivism by collecting books for troops overseas, organizing a blood …
media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=31012

Fiesta Movement-Tag Search | Ford Motor Company Newsroom
Ford’s Fiesta Movement, a social media initiative designed to create … If you thought Fiesta Movement agents rocked the social media world this past six …
media.ford.com/tagsearch.cfm?tag_id=222

FORD TARGETS 100 SOCIALLY-NETWORKED MILLENNIALS FOR FIRST DRIVE OF …
Feb 20, 2009 … "These 100 socially-vibrant Fiesta Movement ‘Agents’ will then relate their driving experiences through social media sites such as Facebook, …
media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=29911

FORD NAMES 100 FIESTA MOVEMENT ‘AGENTS’ TO HIT ROAD…
Apr 7, 2009 … They’re technologically adept, socially outgoing and more than happy to share their opinions on all sorts of topics through social media …
media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=30156

‘FUSION + HYBRID’ FACEBOOK FRIENDS FLOCK TO ‘YOU SPEAK GREEN’ APP…
Sep 9, 2009 … Ford has expanded its presence on the popular social networking site …Social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are more …
media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=30942

FORD BUILDS ON SUCCESS OF FIESTA MOVEMENT CHPTR TWO …
2, 2009 – If you thought Fiesta Movement agents rocked the social media world this past six months, just wait until the second chapter when 20 new agent …
media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=31510

FIESTA MOVEMENT AGENT #06 PROFILE: ALISON HAISLIP…
Then she tells the social media world about her adventures, … Alison became involved withsocial media after getting her job at G4 television station, …
media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=30469

[PDF]
FORD BEGINS ‘FIESTA MOVEMENT’ FOR CONSUMERS TO EXPERIENCE, TEST …
File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat – Quick View
their experiences through social media sites such as Facebook, … "By focusing on socialnetworks, the Fiesta Movement embraces a fundamental shift in the …
media.ford.com/images/10031/2010_Ford_Fiesta.pdf

NEW FORD FIESTA AGENTS’ MISSIONS GO HIGH TECH | Ford…
As part of the social media initiative, 100 young trendsetters will test drive and live with a European-spec Fiesta for six months, traveling as agents on …
media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=30432

FIESTA AGENTS LEND A HAND FOR AUGUST MISSIONS | Ford…
Fiesta Movement agents are giving back and volunteering their time for August missions, with actor Mario Lopez kicking off this month of social activism …
media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=30816

FIESTA MOVEMENT AWARDS CEREMONY RECOGNIZES TERRIFIC MISSION VIDEOS …
Dec 2, 2009 … Best Social Activism Mission Agent Hugh’s video, "To Moms, With Love," won this … As part of the Fiesta Movement social media initiative, …
media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=31437

FIESTA MOVEMENT AGENT #89 PROFILES: THOMAS KNOLL AND WHIT SCOTT…
Sep 30, 2009 … As part of an innovative social media initiative, … Whit first became passionate about social media during a trip around the world where …
media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=31112

FIESTA MOVEMENT AGENT #41 PROFILE: HILARY MCHONE | Ford…
As part of an innovative social media initiative, 100 young trendsetters will test … Using hersocial media network, Hilary will find people to stay with, …
media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=30592

Fiesta-Tag Search | Ford Motor Company Newsroom
In fact, through their missions, the agents showed off a side to themselves not yet captured in the social media world, helping out local charities and …
media.ford.com/tagsearch.cfm?tag_id=111&start_row=11

SOUNDBITES: 2011 FORD FIESTA | Ford Motor Company Newsroom
Over 100 Fiesta Agents have driven this car and expressed their impressions via social media technology since early last summer. It’s called The Fiesta …
media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=31508

K. VENKATESH PRASAD: THE SYNC SQUAD | Ford Newsroom
Oct 28, 2009 … "SYNC is helping Ford redefine the automotive user experience," said Prasad, "and social networking is redefining how many of our future car …
media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=31396

FIESTA MOVEMENT AGENT #56 PROFILE: JONATHAN NAFARRETE | Ford Motor…
As part of an innovative social media initiative, 100 young trendsetters will test drive and live with a European-spec Fiesta for six months, traveling as …
media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=30739

FIESTA MOVEMENT AGENT #79 PROFILE: RIGEL CELESTE | Ford
A professional blogger, Rigel Celeste is well-established in the world of social media. She is passionate about art and photography and features both in her …
media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=30738

FIESTA MOVEMENT AGENT #90 PROFILE: TIM CHANTARANGSU
Sep 30, 2009 … As part of an innovative social media initiative, 100 young trendsetters are test driving and living with a Euro-spec Fiesta for six months, …
media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=31113

FORD’S FACEBOOK APPLICATIONS ENGAGE NEW DRIVERS, REWARD TECH-SAVVY …
Jul 30, 2008 … They have considerable influence in the marketplace, because they are early adopters of technology and new media including social networking …
media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=28732

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The Ford Story Web Site

The story of the bailout is all over the news. Our tax money is going to be used to prop up a business that is failing. Circuit City has declared bankruptcy, why isn’t the government bailing them out?

GM and Chrysler are big union shops. The union leadership overwhelmingly supported Obama’s presidental bid. Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid are leading the charge to buy stock in these companies. My question is – Is the bailout money repayment for them helping get Obama elected?

The big 3 auto makers only have themselves to blame for their problems. The UAW contracts and pensions are only a symptom, the real problem is that they manufacturer a poor quality product.

I have been looking to purchase a new car, so I purchase the Consumer Reports used car buying guide. I purchase this book to see the repair history of a model that I am interested in. In 2003 the big 3 had 9 of 12 vehicles on the least satisfying score card and 0 on the most satisfying list. In 2005, the least satisfying list was dominated by GM and Chrysler and GM was the only US Automaker with 1 car on the most satisfied list. Not one foreign owned auto manufacturer was on 2005 least satisfied list.

I bought a Honda CRV yesterday and no one had a bad thing to say about it in over 200 customer reviews. It was a consumer reports best buy.

I almost bought a Mazda Tribute, but this was a Ford Escape dressed in Mazda clothing. Repair history and customer reviews were terrible on both vehicles. The Saturn Vue was given a so so review. Chevy Equinox was given a worse than average for repairs.

So my view is let the big 3 go into bankruptcy, let them reorganize into a leaner and meaner manufacturing organization, let them get out of the oppressive union contracts, and keep the tax money in Washington. Thoughts?
Sad to say it, but the union contracts were a prime reason why there is a problem. Sure management had their part as well. But the UAW is activily pursuing this bailout with congress and the management of these companies.
Logan – I wanted to buy a american car, the repair history on them were terrible. I owned several american cars in the 1980′s and 1990′s, they were in the shop constantly.

The Honda I purchased was built / assembled in Liberty Ohio. So are these not considered american jobs? GM uses many of the same suppliers that Honda and Toyota use here in the states.

I am all for US Automanufacturing, but if they cannot build a product that is competitive and high quality. Then there is a problem that needs to be addressed. Maybe a reorganization is something that they need to learn a lesson.
Bob H – if given the choice of feeding your family or not working. What would you do? If someone makes a 100,000 putting bolts onto a car, they are over paid for the skills they have. Reality check my friend.

Answer by richer_than_you1971
we should not bail them out

Unions got them in this mess by overpaying their workers. Let them build a better product and compete or go out of business.

Answer by junkman
Yeah,, remember most union people are liberal democrats

Answer by Brian
It seems to be. I also don’t think the Big 3 manufactured poor products but rather the wrong products. They should have been more aggressive in pursuing more fuel efficient vehicles years ago. I know the big trucks and SUVs were selling as fast as they could be made but a little more diversity in their products would have helped them greatly..

Answer by Joe_the_realist
If they go under, millions of other related jobs go with them. We can talk about what went wrong all day long, but the fact of the matter is, the auto industry is key to America’s financial health. Also I would not the blame it on the unions , but the CEO’s.

EDIT: To Andy…And how many of those small company’s are suppliers to the auto industry…get the picture?

Answer by Call me MISTER PRESIDENT!
Their products are INFERIOR, plain and simple. Had their vehicles been as reliable as honda and toyota, they wouldnt be going under.

Also, they should have tapered back more on the production of gas guzzlers, and built more compacts and sedans. And U.S. auto makers are behind on making HYBRIDS as well. It’s their own fault.

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People don't want prototypes, they want iPads
Companies are launching unfinished, unpolished products and then asking us to buy them based on their “potential”…
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