Samsung SIR-T351 ATSC (HD) Tuner
Superb for the price paid
I got my unit at a local CC for $130 as an open box special - actually there was no box - but the unit looked good and all the parts and manual, cables, etc. were there in a plastic bag - so at $130 (after making sure I could return it) - I took a chance. I had been wanting a tuner for my Hitachi 32\\" HDTV for some time, but balked at paying $300. This unit was on-sale for $239 at the time (with a box;).<br /><br />I came here to check the reviews and that's the main reason I'm back to post this one. After reading the many negative reviews here, I thought maybe I'd made a big mistake - but I decided to give it a whirl anyway. On the first day - all excited - I started hooking everything up - pretty easy. I used component (YPbPr) so I had no problems at all getting 480i 480p 720p and 1080i right off the bat. I had no antenna, so I just grabbed the cheap (really cheap - not even very adjustable) radio shack rabbit ears off the TV in my son's room. Right off the bat I had many problems as reported here, picture pixelating, sound dropping out, and so on. I don't know that much about HDTV gear, but I did some careful reading here and check out a few inet sites. But that night I was pretty sure it was going back to the store.<br /><br />The next evening when I got some time, I gave it another go. I had read on one of the sites the importance of the length of the antenna for the VHF channels, the UHF loop isn't even adjustable on the antenna I was using. So I tried adjusting them to the recommended length (13.5 inches or so, I think) and I found by making one a little longer than the other and turning it the right way, I went from 3 bars to 5-6 bars in signal strength and WHAM! a rock solid glorious image and sound!<br /><br />I can get the closest channels (12-20 miles) with ease now - even though I live on a lot w/30-40 foot trees around the house.<br /><br />I get a rock solid signal at night, during mid-day there are occasional glitches. But, of course, I need to get a *real* antenna!!! I'm sure then I will be able to pull in more channels and will have no more problems.<br /><br />So, as many other sites (and some reviews here) suggested - it's the antenna that's key (Duh!). The unit itself works exactly as described and I have had no problems. The guide works fine once your unit has been on long enough the first time to down load the data. I think the unit looks nice and the setup, features and options all seem pretty good to me.<br /><br />Now I can actuall watch HDTV for free on my Hitachi and I am sure glad I did not take this baby back!!!<br /><br />So, don't let the negative reviews put you off - give it a shot if you can find one at a good price!*real* antenna!!! I'm sure then I will be able to pull in more channels and will have no more problems.<br /><br />So, as many other sites (and some reviews here) suggested - it's the antenna that's key (Duh!). The unit itself works exactly as described and I have had no problems. The guide works fine once your unit has been on long enough the first time to down load the data. I think the unit looks nice and the setup, features and options all seem pretty good to me.<br /><br />Now I can actuall watch HDTV for free on my Hitachi and I am sure glad I did not take this baby back!!!<br /><br />So, don't let the negative reviews put you off - give it a shot if you can find one at a good price!