This article reviews the top-rated Spectrum cable boxes to suit different budgets and preferences. We compared recording capacity, video quality, voice controls, and price across Spectrum receivers like the Spectrum Guide, DVR+, and Worldbox. Whether you want to cut costs or get the latest tech, we’ve got you covered.
Read on for our picks of the best Spectrum DVR and non-DVR cable boxes to maximize your cable TV subscription. We’ll also provide tips from home entertainment pros for picking the right box.
Digital TV Converter Box, ATSC Cabal Box – ZJBOX for Analog HDTV Live1080P
The Digital TV Converter Box, ATSC Cabal Box – ZJBOX for Analog HDTV Live1080P, is a versatile device that enhances the viewing experience. This converter box receives over-the-air ATSC digital TV broadcasts and can be connected to analog and digital TVs, projectors, and computer monitors. It offers full HD 1080p output resolution, allowing you to watch and record high-quality free-to-air television.
One of the critical features of this converter box is its TV recording function. This allows you to record TV programs on a USB hard drive and play them back on your TV or computer. The device also supports viewing photos, playing MP3 music, and viewing movie files from your USB storage device.
The converter box has additional features such as a Favorite Channel List, Parental Control Function, Closed Caption, Auto Tuning, and Timing Start Up and Shut Down. It also includes an Electronic Program Guide (EPG) and real-time and scheduled recording options.
The package includes the Digital TV Box, a remote control, an HDMI cable, a composite cable, and a one-year warranty. The product also has a 30-day money-back guarantee. However, it’s important to note that this converter box does not replace a cable box and needs to be connected to an external antenna to receive signals.
This product, sold by ZJBOX-US and fulfilled by Amazon, has received a rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars from over 5,316 customers, making it a popular choice among consumers. It ranks #1 in the category of Analog-to-Digital (DTV) Converters. The product was first available on October 15, 2019.
Charter Spectrum TV Remote Control TIME Warner CLIKR-5 UR5U-8780L
The Charter Spectrum TV Remote Control TIME Warner CLIKR-5 UR5U-8780L is a highly-rated product compatible with Time Warner, Brighthouse, and Charter Cable Boxes. The remote control features a red backlighting keypad illumination, making it easy to use in dimly lit environments. It is designed with an ergonomic structure and has a button control type. The remote supports only one device at a time.
The product dimensions are 8 x 3 x 1 inches, weighing 6.7 ounces. It requires two AA batteries to operate. However, it’s important to note that products with electrical plugs are designed for use in the US, and international users may require an adapter or converter.
The remote control has received positive customer reviews, earning an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 235 ratings. Users have praised its ease of setup, compatibility, and the convenience of the backlight feature. Some users have also mentioned that it works perfectly without needing any programming.
As of the last update on August 23rd, 2023, the product was unavailable, and there was no information about when or if it would be back in stock. The remote control is manufactured by a brand named ‘Cable’ and was first available on January 26, 2021. It ranks #5,911 in Electronics and #298 in Remote Controls (Electronics) on Amazon.
iView 3300STB ATSC Converter Box
The iView 3300STB ATSC Converter Box is a versatile device designed to enhance the functionality of your analog TV. It serves as a bridge between the old and new by converting digital signals to analog, allowing you to continue using your existing TV without needing an upgrade. The converter box has a QAM tuner that can pull in more channels than others, providing better sound quality and picture clarity.
One of the standout features of the iView 3300STB is its ability to record your favorite shows. This feature requires a USB flash drive or external hard drive, which needs to be no larger than 4TB and formatted to Fat32 or NTFS. The device also supports high-definition viewing, offering free HD channels and the ability to choose your preferred format, whether 576p, 720p, 1080i, or 1080p.
The iView 3300STB also includes an Electronic Program Guide (EPG), similar to paper TV guides, allowing you to see a list of channels and shows. Other notable features include auto-tuning, which scans for all available channels, a favorite channel list for easy access to your preferred channels, parental control settings, and a built-in digital clock.
Despite its many features, some users have reported issues with the device, such as difficulty recognizing external USB HDDs or flashcards and a clunky remote with limited range. However, overall, the iView 3300STB ATSC Converter Box offers a practical and economical solution for those who want to keep their analog TVs while still enjoying the benefits of digital broadcasting.
ARRIS SURFboard SB6121 4×4 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem (Renewed)-Black
The ARRIS SURFboard SB6121 4×4 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem (Renewed)-Black is a refurbished product inspected, tested, and cleaned to ensure it functions as expected. It is backed by the Amazon Renewed Guarantee, which offers a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if the product does not work as expected.
This modem is compatible with most major cable providers, such as Comcast/Xfinity, Cox, Time Warner, Mediacom, and Bright House. However, it does not work with Charter cable providers. It requires a cable internet service and does not include a WIFI Router or VOIP Telephone adapter. The modem is equipped with a Gigabit Ethernet port for fast downloads. It supports internet download speeds up to 172 Mbps and upload speeds up to 131 Mbps based on your Cable provider service, making it suitable for simultaneously streaming video and gaming on multiple devices.
The product dimensions are 2 x 6.4 x 8.7 inches and weighs 1.2 pounds. It was first available on March 15, 2015, and is not discontinued by the manufacturer. The modem is black, and its model number is SB121. It is important to note that some units might show the brand as Motorola instead of Arris due to Arris’s acquisition of Motorola for two years.
The ARRIS SURFboard SB6121 4×4 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem (Renewed)-Black is priced at $37.81; only two units are left in stock. It is part of the Climate Pledge Friendly program, which helps customers discover and shop for more sustainable products. This product has received a customer rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars.
VIEW-3500STB III, ATSC Digital Converter Box
The IVIEW-3500STB III is an ATSC Digital Converter Box that offers a practical and economical solution for households still using analog TVs. This device allows users to tune into primary stations for free without needing a set-top box or monthly subscriptions. The converter box automatically converts digital signals to analog, pulling in more channels than other converter boxes. It also enhances sound quality and picture clarity.
One of the standout features of the IVIEW-3500STB III is its ability to record favorite shows. It also offers multiple outputs for maximum versatility. Users can enjoy high-definition viewing even if their TV doesn’t have HDMI capabilities. The converter box can deliver up to 1080p in screen resolution and ensures all available channels in the area are accessible.
The IVIEW-3500STB III also functions as a universal media player, capable of playing videos and music. A USB Flash or External Hard Drive needs to be connected to the box to use this feature. The device supports various video decoding capabilities and displays pictures, music files, and playback videos in different formats.
The converter box also has DVR capabilities, allowing users to record digital content while away. Users can connect the TV to a USB Flash or External Hard Drive to start recording with DVR. The device can schedule recordings, but it’s limited to one recording at a time and can only have 30 scheduled recording jobs saved onto the box’s memory.
The IVIEW-3500STB III has a compact design with an LED display, power button, volume and channel controls, and a USB port. It measures 8.66 x 5.79 x 1.57 inches and weighs 1.57 pounds. The product is manufactured by IVIEW and originated in China. It ranks #10 in Analog-to-Digital (DTV) Converters and #18,887 in Electronics on Amazon.
MyVirtualZone and Ships sell the product from Amazon. It is eligible for return, refund, or replacement within 30 days of receipt. The product is priced at $31.96 and comes with free shipping. A 2-Year Protection plan is also available for an additional $3.99.
ARRIS SURFboard SB6141-RB 8×4 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem (Renewed)
The ARRIS SURFboard SB6141-RB is a refurbished DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem that provides fast internet speeds by utilizing 8 downstream and 4 upstream channels. This allows for up to 343 Mbps download speeds and upload speeds of up to 131 Mbps, making it ideal for internet plans up to 100 Mbps.
This modem is compatible with most major cable internet providers like Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox and others. It has a single gigabit Ethernet port to connect to a computer or router. The SB6141-RB is compact, measuring 7 x 2 x 9 inches.
As a renewed product, the SB6141-RB has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon to ensure it meets high-quality standards. It comes with a 90-day Amazon Renewed Guarantee covering replacements and refunds in case of any issues. Though renewed, the modem looks and functions like new.
With 8×4 channel bonding technology, broad provider compatibility and certification by Amazon Renewed, the ARRIS SURFboard SB6141-RB provides a reliable and cost-effective option for high-speed cable internet access. Its refurbished status makes it an affordable alternative to buying new.