Dish Network releases DTVPal Plus, promises better reception

The new DTVPal Plus is just like the TR-40, except it costs more and offers an enhanced tuner.

Way back at CES 2008, Dish Network announced a DTV converter box called the TR-40 that was going to cost $40, include an electronic program guide and it seemed like it was going to be a simple, cheap choice for buyers looking to handle the upcoming analog-to-digital TV transition. Shortly afterward, the TR-40 became the DTVPal and the price went up to $60. Then the TR-40 CRA came out, which was exactly the same as the DTVPal, except it cost $40. And, as of now, you can buy both products from the DTVPal Web site, essentially giving you the option of donating an extra $20 to Dish Network for exactly the same product. If you're confused, don't worry--so are we.

Now, Dish continues to muddy the waters with the DTVPal Plus, which is essentially exactly the same as both the TR-40 CRA and the DTVPal, except it includes a more sensitive tuner and costs $70. A DTV converter box with a stronger tuner might be worthwhile for some buyers, but we're disappointed Dish hasn't been more forthcoming about the company's DTV plans. Buyers of the original DTVPal may feel slighted since they only had to wait a couple months to save $20 (on the TR-40) or have the option of buying a box with a stronger tuner. And while we're on the the subject, what's up with the TR-50, Dish?

[Symbios]

Wow. What are they thinking? The way Dish is handling this feels unbelievably shady. Definitely makes me want to switch to Dish...

[dredgerie]

and their shipping charges for this stuff is a joke. $9 a piece for something that is normally available at radioshack is such crap.

[novatom]

You left out another important feature of this box: the addition of an analog pass-through, an important but conveniently forgotten feature for these D-A converter boxes. Not all broadcasts will cease next February, more than 1,000 low power TV stations will remain on the air and this box will allow users to continue to receive those analog signals.

As for EchoStar's motive, yes, I agree, they are suspect.

[yanchineseguy]

Somewhere, some lawyers are preparing a class-action lawsuit against DISH for deceptive sales practices, and those early buyers of the $60 DTVPal will each receive a discount offer for DISH services as a part of the settlement agreement, which they will all throw out into the trash.

[mffblf]

Don't buy DTVPal- ordered two from "Solid Signal" for $132.95- both have failed within 30 days of use- contacted Solid Signal(three times)- no help said to contact Dishnet - did- they said Retailer is responsible for the first 180 days.
WHAT CRAP!!

[jimazee]

Thank You....

[FrankAlSmith]

For God's sake don't buy this converter box. I have two converter boxes now and was hoping the more expensive DTVPal (Plus, no less) would pull in more signals. It doesn't. The cheaper AccessHD (model DTA1080) was basically free after the rebate, pulls in more channels, and is more tolerant of weaker signals. Channels that work fine at 50% signal strength on the AccessHD are broken up at 60% on the DTVPal. Most irritating bug ? if you lose signal (which is often) and you have the ?You?ve lost signal? (no duh) page displayed you can?t just enter a channel on the remote to go elsewhere, you have to hit channel up or down, and if there?s no signal on those channels you have to keep going until you get a signal again. Also no way to manually add a channel you know exists but are getting too weak a signal on to lock in. AccessHD doesn?t have any of these problems.