Channel Plus 5415HD Single-Channel HD Modulator

I have used an older Linear ChannelPlus model 5545 for several years to convert our HD TiVo system output to standard 480i resolution and distribute the signal to the TVs throughout our home via existing coaxial cable. My older model was simple and works well, but HD was not an option. So I was excited to see Linear was now offering this HD version in the 5415HD. Although quite expensive (cost more than my HD TV!), I bought it in order provided complete HD video in all the TVs in our house.Before buying, I did an exhaustive search for information online, but was unable to find a single review, specifications, or even a picture of the back of the 5415HD in order to determine the type of inputs required. Even the manufacturer's web site (Linearcorp.com) does not have any reference to this product (no manual, no specs, nothing at all). There were just vague descriptions on Amazon and elsewhere implying it is a direct replacement for my existing unit. So I ordered it with high hopes, but ended up discovering 3 disappointing and deal killing issues:(1) The inputs required for the 5415HD are component video (no problem) and digital audio (problem); TiVo does not provided a digital audio output, so I was going to have to spend another $70 (plus a cable) for an analog to digital audio converter to make the audio distribution of this already expensive unit operate.(2) This unit has an unusually noisy fan which is on all the time; this NOT a background noise we can live with in our living room.(3) The biggest disappointment was discovered when I tested the unit with the 1080i signal from my TiVo. My bedroom TV showed a poor image, updating about 1 one frame per second, and a manufacturer's message overlaid on the screen saying it was unable to support 1080i and therefore it was "sampling".I hope Linear re-engineer's this product to eliminate the fan noise, provide analog audio input, and support all HD resolutions, as I do think there is a market for such a product, however this one is disappointing. Had they published the specifications, I would have known not to purchase it.

I have been looking at more expensive HD modulators and decided to try this itemIt is replacing an S Video modulator in my home.The Picture Quality of this new 720P modulator is really quite good: much better than the 480i I was sendingI use a DirecTV HD DVR: set the output to 720P, and the modulator to house channel 107: It is fed by component video and digital audioAll TV's on the system required a channel re scan: they all came up to ch 107-1 and the PQ was a big improvement over the old SD modulatorFan noise is another story: such a small box makes such a loud, annoying sound from a poorly designed fan installation: for the cost of this device the fan noise is unacceptable

I am using this unit to broadcast Blu-ray and Apple Tv (1st generation component output) throughout my home via coax.The good:Picture quality is awesome! (I didn't notice a lack of color saturation on picture quality.)Frame rate looks normal, nothing jerky or out of place.Made in the USA!The bad:The fan is loud. I have the unit in a cooled closet so the sound doesn't bother me. But it would if I had the unit in the same room as I was watching TV in. I'm sure the fan can be replaced with a high quality fan if necessary. For the price one would think Channel Plus could design the unit with a better fan.

PRODUCT DOES JOB. HAS SOME ISSUES WITH POWER SUPPLY DURABILITY. HAVE REPLACED SUPPLY WITH 2 AMP AND HAVE NOT HAD ANY ISSUES

Overall very pleased.Video: excellent (720p max input resolution, no 1080i) , noticeable lower color saturation than non-modulated channels. I like to view tennis and the tennis ball is very watchable with minimal jutter. I don't know if the refresh rate is 60 or 30fps, but whatever it is, on my 47" Samsung TV, motion is no problem.Audio: 5.1 DD via optical cable (coax supported as well), excellent with no lip sync issues.Other: fan noise is noticeable, but it is no worse than in my other AV equipment such as a DiSH satellite receiver, or the fan from my ethernet switch. I have mine in a closed AV cabinet and can't hear it at all. It does get warm under normal use, so make sure you have adequate ventilation.This a basic unit, you can't name the modulated channels or use any number but xxx.1 Within its limitations a great unit.