FOR ANALOG USE ONLY

I was personally disappointed that after investing money in a high resolution Wide Screen LCD monitor w/digital input capabilities that TVBox 9 must be used only in Analog. IF YOU HAVE ONLY DIGITAL INPUT TO YOUR MONITOR THIS ITEM WILL NOT WORK (No problem if using any Analog monitor, like a CRT). My own LCD Monitor has dual inputs, so I was able to use it.

The highlight of this unit is the Translucent PIP option. Monitors with PIP installed totally obliterate that section of the monitor, making it impossible to see behind the small TV picture. I wanted to work on the computer and watch TV. This unit makes that possible.

Be aware that PIP functions only in 4 resolution settings of 640x480, 800x600, 1024x768, and 1280x1024. A higher (or different) resolution setting will result in obtaining only a full screen TV picture if the PIP function is attempted. For those with dual inputs to the monitor (and a pc card with dual capability) the TVBox 9 is a decent setup when the best PC picture is not a must (by using Analog). You will have to change the input on the monitor and resolution to use Digital for the best PC picture, however. Kind of a pain, but do-able.

If I had known all this beforehand (especially the resolution restrictions), I doubt I would have invested the money in TVB9 and would have waited until the next version was produced, hoping that it might be better (TVB9 is better than the previous versions). Not enough dissatisfaction to return and performs well, but does not meet today's improved technology and expectations to rate higher.


Pros: No card needed. Easy Set-up (for average knowledge user). Multiple input functions (VCR, DVD, etc.). Little space needed. Remote Control. PIP w/ Translucent ability -allowing you to see and click on your PC screen through the TV picture. On-line customer service was quick to answer e-mail questions. Very Good TV picture. No delays sometimes found with PC Card Tuners.

Cons: Only 4 resolution settings accepted in order to use PIP function. Cannot be used with Digital input or digital monitor without analog capability. Instructions/User Manual is not friendly to anyone without some experience in setting up additional components to their computer. Made in Taiwan and instructions demonstrate this point (might be confusing for some). No Trouble Shooting section in Manual. Customer Service phone number can only be obtained after hunting through website.

~ Reprinted from my own review (A.K.A., "Ctrl/Alt/Delete") for use on Epinions.