Customer Reviews

CM7000 Digital to Analog Set Top Converter Remote Control

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This remote unit is included and bundled with the D2A Digital to Analog Converter box, Channel Master, by PCT model CM-7000. The CM-7000 shipped promptly with no issues directly from the U.S. distributor. No issues whatsoever. However, I've had the CM-7000 and this associated converter control for 8 months. Configuring the CM-7000 with the remote was relatively easy - IF you can read the screen!

However, and this is a BIG, BIG consideration: The software and hardware engineers (?)
who designed the converter box make reading the onscreen display nearly IMPOSSSIBLE! The font size of the display requires a MICROSCOPE to read. There are a preponderance of unused and totally USELESS (DEAD) keys on the remote that are of no use with the CM-7000. The human factors design of the remote often makes locating the correct key in a dimly lit room nearly impossible. The lag time to automatically switch between channels is upwards of 5-7 seconds unless you overtly hit the enter key (but why???).

I contacted the Technical Support team and asked if there were ANY way to change the font size from nearly impossible to read to something else. Answer: NO. There is no firmware upgrade to fix it either.

I STRONGLY encourage you to look ELSEWHERE - avoid this box and remote, which is improperly executed and coupled with a poorly thought out desktop converter box. Despite being less than 2 miles from the broadcast antenna for the entire greater San Francisco Bay Area and using an antenna that has worked flawlessly, I am now seeing more drop and cut outs while watching digital broadcasts. The box appears to be developing a hum in it, too. A problem? I'm not sure. Warranted: Probably NOT. It's made in CHINA folks.

SO... When buying a box, get one that you can configure and see the setup screen and hold the remote beforehand. This is a cheaply executed remote, with too many dead keys, and ill-placed choices. It costs more than most converters and is not fully covered with the govt. coupon.

ALSO: If you MUTE the desktop box and LOOSE the remote, YOU ARE SCREWED! You'll have to replace the box because I've not seen any means to regain the audio from the box itself, which also has tiny little buttons on the front of it making choices a pain in the neck.

Good luck hunting.... ELSEWHERE!