{"product_id":"atsc-digital-converter-box-with-recording-and-hdmi-output-hw130stb","title":"ATSC Digital Converter Box with Recording and HDMI Output - HW130STB","description":"\u003cp\u003eOur review of the Mediasonic HW130STB finds it best suited for cord-cutters and owners of older TVs who need a simple, affordable way to receive over-the-air broadcasts and record shows. The biggest reason to buy is its combination of a reliable \u003cstrong\u003eATSC tuner\u003c\/strong\u003e and built-in recording functions that convert free digital broadcasts for use on analog and digital displays, including projectors and computer monitors. Setup is straightforward and the box adds modern outputs like HDMI 1080P while keeping analog pass-through for legacy devices.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eATSC Reception:\u003c\/strong\u003e Receives over-the-air digital broadcast and converts it to both analog and digital outputs so older TVs and projectors can show free HD channels.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRecording Function:\u003c\/strong\u003e Real-time and scheduled recording to a USB-connected external hard drive lets users save shows for later playback.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMultiple Outputs:\u003c\/strong\u003e HDMI 1080P plus composite and coaxial outputs provide flexible connections to modern and legacy displays.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUSB Multimedia Playback:\u003c\/strong\u003e Plays video, music and photos from a connected USB drive so the unit doubles as a simple media player.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eConvenience Features:\u003c\/strong\u003e Favorite channel list, parental control, closed caption and EPG make channel navigation and control easier for household use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAnalog Pass-Through:\u003c\/strong\u003e Antenna out allows the original antenna signal to continue to another device without losing reception for other equipment.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis unit is ideal for people who want free broadcast TV on an older analog TV or a secondary display and for anyone who needs a low-cost way to record over-the-air programs without subscribing to a service. It works well for basic home setups, bedrooms, guest rooms, or garages where simplicity and affordability matter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is not a replacement for cable or satellite receivers and will not work with encrypted cable signals or services that require a provider set-top box. Users who need integrated streaming apps, long-term durability guarantees, or compatibility with encrypted cable systems should look elsewhere.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSimple setup and clear picture quality on HD broadcasts via \u003cstrong\u003eHDMI 1080P\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRecording and scheduled timer functions turn the box into a basic DVR with an external hard drive.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSupports both digital and analog outputs, keeping older equipment usable.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUSB multimedia playback adds extra value as a basic media player.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRecording requires a separate external hard drive (up to 2TB, MBR), and USB flash drives are not recommended.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSome users report mixed durability and occasional signal issues after prolonged use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBrand\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMediasonic\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHW130STB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTuner\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eATSC over-the-air digital tuner\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecording\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReal-time and scheduled recording to USB HDD (up to 2TB, MBR)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOutputs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHDMI 1080P, composite out, coaxial out\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUSB Functions\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlayback of video, music, photo from USB drive\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eExtras\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFavorite channel list, parental control, closed caption, EPG\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Mediasonic HW130STB is a practical, cost-effective converter box for viewers who want free over-the-air HD on older displays and the ability to record programs without a subscription. It pairs essential tuner and DVR features with flexible outputs, making it a good value for secondary rooms and cord-cutters, though users should plan to attach a compatible external hard drive and be aware of occasional long-term reliability reports.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo I need an antenna?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. An external over-the-air antenna is required to receive broadcast signals; this unit does not replace a cable box.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I record to any USB drive?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRecording requires a USB 2.0 or 3.0 external hard drive (2.5' or 3.5', up to 2TB, MBR). USB flash drives are not recommended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill this work with cable or provider boxes?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. It is designed for unencrypted over-the-air ATSC signals and does not work with encrypted cable or provider set-top boxes.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mediasonic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46756701339867,"sku":"B01EW098XS","price":28.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/71HuZ4Fi5VL._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1747527890","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/atsc-digital-converter-box-with-recording-and-hdmi-output-hw130stb","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}