IVIEW Ciel VHS to Digital Converter

Working good so far. Was giving it a while to test. Getting all the channels so it's good.

I had an earlier model from the same company, it lasted 15 years until the remote conked out. The quality of the image is even better.

It's really good to be able to go digital and be able to record

My mother was using a simpler version of this decoder for a TV that was designed for the pre-hdtv signals. It started acting strangely and unpredictably. I ordered this box to replace it. It was the cheapest option I could locate anywhere - locally or online. The box performs as expected but it doesn't seem to allow the tv tuner to control the channel. In the other setup, the tv tuner still would pull in channels but with this box we have to use the tuner built into the box. It isn't a terrible change but now 2 remotes are needed to power on the tv and then control this box.

My original review is below. I am going to up my rating on this converter box to 4 stars Like to give it 3 1/2 but better than that. Got a replacement and things seem much better. There are still many quirks like voice out of sync with video a bit on live TV. The sync issue is a little worse on recorded shows but not near as bad as my first converter box. The remote works better on replacement too. It still has a few quirks like the range is fairly short but the buttons work! The first converter box had some issues with USB drives. No matter which type I tried (USB thumb or USB HHD) would get "No USB Drive Present" after 24 or so hours. Only way to get working again is power off and power on. Still cannot fast forward recorded shows, the box just hangs up. Not even 2X FF will work without issues. Maybe there is not enough power to drive box and USB HHD? The power supply gets a little warm driving the converter box and USB HHD, so I might replace with a one of better quality. Overall for the price I am happy now. Hopefully I will not have to return here and modify my rating later. For the price it will be hard to get a better converter box from my experience. I did get an offer from seller to call their support line. My hours and their hours do not work out, but they did offer support. ----------- FIRST REVIEW BELOW ----------- When trying to use PVR function, forget it. Recording shows works, but if you try to Fast Forward, unit locks up and only way to get it back working is a hard reboot (unplug power). I have tried three (3) different USB sticks and all three made no difference. All USB sticks are of brand name, not some off brand. Even tried older USB 2 and same issue. The menu. What a joke. There are many issues, but lets take the PVR menu where you are suppose to be able to delete a show. It shows [EPG] Delete. It does nothing. This is not the only mislabeled menu option / function, just one example. The manual is a little help but be prepared to experiment to understand the remote. Seems like the manual may be out of date. Overall I just cannot bring myself to give the Iview 3300STB Converter Box more than two (2) stars. Honestly, 2 1/4 would be about right. I know the unit cost under $20, but they really hype it up. It does not come close to another brand we bought year ago for $29. If the PVR actually worked as described and menu not mislabeled, I would likely give the Iview 3300STB Converter Box 4 stars.