DTVPal converter box: The good—and bad—news

The EchoStar TR-40, a DTV converter box announced by Dish Network six months ago, sparked a lot of interest among consumers because of its long list of wanted features and proposed $40 price tag.

But the TR-40 still hasn't hit the market. And consumers (myself, included) who were the first to request the government's $40 DTV subsidy have to use their coupons before they expire in coming weeks.

Frustrating as that is, there is some good news. Dish Network, which recently split off its satellite-TV services to EchoStar (now a separate company), has started selling a new $60 DTV converter: the DTVPal. (Click on image at right for a closer look.) This new DTV converter box model offers some of the TR-40's sought-after features, including:

• Analog pass-through
• A searchable seven-day electronic programming guide
• An "events" timer that automatically changes channels, allowing your VCR or DVD recorder to record multiple shows across many days—channel 4 on 8.pm. Thursday, channel 7 on 9 p.m. Friday, channel 2 on 5 a.m. Sunday, etc.

We've bought a few DTVPal units and will be taking a closer look at them soon. We're eager to find out how this box stacks up against other converter boxes we've tested. So far, reviews of the Dish Network DTVPal on other blogs seem to be quite positive.

But there is some bad news, too…

The bad news

Like other DTV converter boxes, the DTVPal has a few issues that may cause consumers further angst.

• Price. Its suggested retail price of $60 means that even after the $40 government coupon is applied, consumers will still have to shell out $20 (plus local sales tax).
• A confusing name. "Dish Network" is a brand name better known for subscription-based satellite TV service—which is now run by EchoStar, a totally separate company. "DTV" is also an acronym for DirecTV, the other satellite TV service. And "Pal" could be mistaken for the television standard used in Europe and other parts of the world. Run them all together and it's easy to see how confusion can arise.
  (I personally called a local retailer—twice—asking for this specific model, by full name. Both times I was told the store had it and I could pick two up. Upon arrival at the store, I was given a Dish Network satellite TV box. When I corrected the salesperson, I was told the store only carried one brand of DTV converters and Dish Network "doesn't make DTV converters.")
• Limited availability. Retailers are having a hard time keeping DTV converters, in general, on hand. And some are having particular difficulties stocking DTVPals, specifically. Consumers can purchase units directly from Dish Network's Web site (www.dtvpal.com) and via a toll-free order line (1-888-638-9912). Both are set up to accept the $40 DTV coupons, but buying direct will incur an additional $9 shipping and handling fee per box ordered.

The take away: If your $40 coupons are about to expire and you really need a box that allows you to program VCR recordings, the DTVPal is the only option available—for now. Just be prepared to shell out some cash for "free" digital TV. But if you can afford to wait (i.e. your coupons don't expire until October), you might want to keep dreaming of the TR-40 or some other $40 box.

For more help in deciding which DTV converter box is right for you, see our free "Guide to DTV converter boxes" on ConsumerReports.org.

—Paul Eng

Comments

[GL]

I've had one of the DtvPal Plus converter boxes hooked-up and working the past 3 months. I've used the 'timers' in combination w/ a VCR to record shows and everything worked ok the past 3 months. Then, last week the dtvpal unit started acting buggy. It used to download the program guide when first turned on (after being off for awhile), it quit doing that, it now shows "070" for actual channel "009", the date/time randomly goes to dec. 2000, I programmed timers yesterday and they did not work, unit never came on, just recorded "snow" for two hours on the vcr while I was away from home.

The echostar company that makes this unit hides behind not having any real actual live telphone number and no proper level(s) of any intelligent support or accountability. Abstraction and being without your unit for 3 months is the only thing this company tells people. This unit has reliability problems and there are MANY people online describing reliability problems with this converter box. I have the unit plugged into a known-good UPS. I've been through all the 'factory reset' abstraction it didn't help so please don't tell me to unplug it, let it sit etc. - I'm a EE w/ 30+ yrs. experience, and contrary to the company that made the unit, I know what I'm doing. There needs to be a class-action lawsuit.

Where's our COUPON for actually making converter boxes WORK and have the overall ability to reliably program the recording of tv shows ahead of time LIKE WE USED TO BE ABLE TO DO.

[donnaK]

I had to buy the DTVPal Plus to get the TV Guide onscreen programming on my DVR to work after the digital switch. Well, it never has worked, in spite of me, my audio engineer husband, and a tech from a local AV store trying to set it up according to the manual. We can watch TV but the onscreen programming doesn't function. The audio quality is horrible, the unit turns itself on and off randomly, including several times in the middle of recording in spite of having disabled the timers, and it frequently changes channels on its own. The signal strength on all but a few stations fluctuates tremendously, and even with an amplified antenna we have virtually no reception on several channels. The Tivax converter purchased for our 19" set with built-in rabbit ears works beautifully - every channel comes in crisp and strong, the audio is dynamite, and it hasn't once shut itself off for no reason. The user interface on that unit is very straightforward and intuitive. Now, 91 days after purchase the DTVPal doesn't work at all - just won't turn on. Manufacturer's response? "You must have had a power surge." No, haven't had any power glitches, and the unit is plugged into a Tripp-Lite UPS with substantial surge suppression. I'm ordering another Tivax box today and learning to live without the onscreen programming.

[NoobsArePeopleToo]

I only have two problems with this, but one is a biggie I am sick of. The first problem was the dreaded LETTERBOX.

I hate letterbox. Who wants to watch Regis and Kelly in a tiny bandaid across the screen? As for movies, I can deal with it, but again, I hate watching a tiny bandaid just to see if I might miss a leaf over to the right, or a tumbleweed rolling to the left, or the back pocket to the right of the supporting actor's butt. Unless it's a cute one.

I hate bandaids, when I have a full screen to use. But, the full screen option on the converter box wasn't really full screen. It was more like a "bigger screen, but not filling it up, but definitely distorting picture so sometimes people will be too wide and sometimes they will be too tall" option. I never tried "zoom" because I thought that was for what the DVD player does.. zoom in close. I learned zoom option on the converter box is what will allow me to watch Regis and Kelly in the same full screen glory I always did before. They just didn't know that it should be called full screen.

Only movies should be watched in letterbox, and only if the letterbox is HUGE.

I hate bandaids. Did I mention that?

The other problem is the sound. Stop motion sound. Can't get past it. And I live in a good reception city in a good reception part of the nation. I shudder to think what others are experiencing.

I still refuse to buy cable. They can continue to try to force me, but I won't do it. I won't do it, I tell ya.

[Johnzane]

Good news! For those who trying to use a Universal Remote on their DTV Pal, here's a quote: "With the Pal Plus, I programmed the universal remote to use the standard codes for an 'echostar' satellite box that Dish recommends, and was pleasantly surprised to see that damn near everything worked right out of the gate, including power, channel selection (both up/down and numeric entry), plus menu, guide, info, and even bypass (selected quite logically with the 'line' select key on my remote)." The author was using a 7 y/o RCA 850 remote, and had 6 different converter boxes in use. Follow the discussion from page 1 (the above info is on pg.3): http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1145940. I found it helpful, good luck!

[Johnzane]

Perusing tv converter boxes listed for sale on Craigslist and Ebay, I've come to realize many many people must be using their coupons to resell boxes they never intended to use. As the Zenith/Insignia/LG boxes were the boxes with the least number of used listings, and the boxes receiving the highest bids, these sellers are really profiting, and demand is high. For what it's worth, there are very few DTV Pals listed, and that may mean there are many more satisfied customers, than not. Having researched all converters, the biggest benefit of the Pals is the EPG, if it works consistently. If you need to replace the remote, Google "Universal remote code for the DTV Pals, Zenith, etc, and you'll be pleased to find others who have had success, and with the most popular big button remotes. Good news for us Boomers.

[everett whitney]

TO" Larry - "Why not Try / get a TIVO?"

Have you happened to see their "Web Specials?"

These are offered during each month, different models @ different occasions.

Last time, it happened to be some Unopened but still brand-new units for substantial reductions.

Other times, it's a 'waiving' of their ~ $13 / monthly fee for (90) days.

Still other 'specials' have been for their 'Refurbs' or some overstock of their other, larger capacity machines.

Don't quite understand your post re: .. router? Outside of a tele connection { or ethernet} for their TV Guide Link, there is NO router involved at all . . .

Have a "look" for what's "on special" currently - - - FAR, FAR better than any convertor you have tried-to-date!

everett

www.tivo.com

[Larry]

I've had ongoing problems with the DTVPal Plus. First of all, the stations are shown with strange numbers, rather than the proper numbers. Next, the program guide is great when it shows info, but it often has nothing. Occasionally, it either switches to a channel that I haven't programmed in for no reason, and other times it gets the time wrong or the station wrong. That said, when it works, it's great! I also have a Zinwell 970A, and that also has its ups and downs. And their customer services group acknowledged much of this as engineering problems months ago, but never generated a fix so what good was that? And when I proposed that I trade it in for a credit towards their DTVPal DVR, hoping that might work better, they said no way. I think the guy who said to get a TIVO is right, if only I could afford it (including the service, router, etc.)

[everett whitney]

TO: Rick - "Cable Recording ..?

Ofter a MOST popular topic @ the subscription "FORUMS" - DTV has essentially brought about the end of 100% successful, every show, every cable channel private machine recording!

Goggle " The Digital Millennium Copyright Act" ... "DRM" as in digital rights management .... lots more

Embedded within the digital stream of Much of the DTV programing are 'bits' which will interfere with or block any such attempts.

Alternatives are extremely-few :

www.tivo.com

various internet connections to a P.C. w/ a video card & tuner

Otherwise, Paying ~ $13/monthly for a local cable's captive dual tuner, hard drive Recorder/Receiver is "IT!"

everett

[Paul Eng]

To Rick:

The answer: NO!!

DTV converter boxes, such as the DishNetwork DTVPal, have ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with digital cable TV. See:

Cable users confused about DTV transition
http://blogs.consumerreports.org/electronics/2009/05/cable-users-confused-about-dtv-.html

DTV converter boxes are for use SOLELY with "over-the-air" antennas -- either on the roof or inside the home, on top of your TV set -- and actually have nothing to do with recording TV.

The only exception would be DishNetwork's
DTVPal DVR." See:

http://www.dishnetwork.com/dtvpal/dvr.shtml

Please note this too works ONLY with OVER-THE-AIR digital TV signals, NOT cable.

Hope this helps.

Paul Eng
Web Sr. Editor, Electronics

Paul Eng
Web Sr. Editor, Electronics

[Rick]

If I decide to buy one of these converter boxes can I hook it into my comcast signal and use it for recording? If so will I need any special cables, software etc.

[everett whitney]

P.S. = " itcanbedone " . . .

Just-In-Case - - - NO Converter at all w/ TIVO!

everett

[everett whitney]

TO: " itcanbedone - " WHICH of the Converters?"

Definitely not that unit via DISH TV !

AND, really make him a Very Happy DTV viewer by giving up on any VCR other than to use it strictly as a Player of your old tape library.

Instead, go to :

www.tivo.com

And buy any of their O.T.A. units ... the "days" of using anything BUT a dual tuner {record 1 channel while viewing a different channel} on a hard drive storage is over !

Do also view their "web specials" . . . last week, it was $179.

And, don't use that $13/monthly as an excuse!
Well worth every penny for the convenience / performance.

everett

[Itcanbedone]

So what's the consensus today? Should I go with the DTV Pal, DTV PalPlus, DTV-TR40 or Zenwell ZAT970A? My hubby is really upset that we ran into this problem because of our VCR.

[Keith]

I purchased one of the DTV pal a few months ago. Great picture, good features, program guide is nice, works perfect, no problems. Like others said, DO NOT LOSE THE REMOTE. It is the only way to operate the box. Also my second coupon expired, I applied for a new one and got a new one in about a week. I purchased the DTV pal at K-mart but they are hard to find in stock.

[dish network]

Yeah, the DTVPAl works great, so what about paying a measley $20?

[everett whitney]

TO: Jackson - "BAD Converter w/ NO customer service ..?"

Very sorry for that bad experience - obviously, in your case, there'll be Zero TV shortly.

BUT - take "heart" in the small comfort that NONE of these varieties of federal coupon units are intended to be or EVER will be a permanent "solution" or {fix} for this DTV switch !

As reported here by C.R., converters are ONLY a very temporary bandage to allow for the continued usage of picture tube sets for a short time longer while one's budget IS prepared for the ultimate purchase of a proper HDTV set, with their internal digital tuners !

The "QAM" tuner allows for the HD reception of all local networks for free / no added charge even on the very least cost, limited channels local cable service plus w/o ANY set top box whatever . . . our COX has 22 channels @ $11/mo which also provides at zero added fee the ( 8 ) local networks in HD as well.

Lastly, the straightforward building of that "Coat Hanger Antenna" {here in "BLOGS"}allows for the free O.T.A.-DTV for those physically located nearby their TV Towers!

Much of the TV now IS only repeats until FALL - - Have patience & better luck soon !

everett

[jackson]

Same problem as mark, can't find anyone to talk to,can't return because it is over 90 days old, can't afford another one before the change over.

[Mark Dickehage]

Don't buy the DTVpal. I bought 2 of them and they don't work. Over half of the time they will not turn on, or turn off once they are on. It is not the remotes since the light on the unit will flicker. These are totally useless. my Zenith convertor works great!

[ab2cmiller]

For those that have commented about expired coupons, you can now request additional coupons from the www.dtv2009.gov website. You will only be allowed to request additional coupons if your original coupons went unused AND they are past the expiration date. If you have lost your coupons but they are not past the expiration date, you are out of luck.

[Tinkerdog]

I bought a DTVPal back in January..... since then... working fine (I think it has the Firmware 106).

Have tried the basic timers, and they worked ok. Picked some TV shows in the future, and it counted down about 90 seconds before they showed and switched to them ok.

The Guide is very good, and on some channels, lists up to 7 days of programs... some channels have only a few hours.... I guess that is up to the individual channels. After the switchover, they may increase as competition intensifies between the broadcasters.

The remote control is easy to use, and not complicated. It is large and is clearly labeled. (It is clearly a clone of the DISH networks sattelite remote).

Picture quality is very good. Once again, depends upon what is being broadcast.

The only negative is NO controls on the converter itself. Lose the remote, and you are up the creek!! But... you can probably use the DISH satellite remote mentioned above! Or, probably, a universal remote to some degree.

So, all in all, a very good DTV converter. One of the best. Get a good antenna, put it in a good place, keep the cable as short as possible, and enjoy FREE DTV!

[tekguy]

got one today from solidsignal, will update on reliability. The features are to good not to try it. Also got the Channel Master, as they are quality.

[Mark]

Failed after about a week. The tech support phone number leads to someone who tries to sell you a dish antenna; you can't get to a real tech support person for the DTV converter box. Similarly, when you email for support, they demand a dish antenna account number, even though this is not a dish antenna product.

The online "chat" system won't help you unless you give them your telephone number so that they can telemarket to you.

The entire purpose of selling these DTV boxes seems to be to get you to buy a dish antenna later.

[everett whitney]

TO: Joe - "Expired Coupons...?"

For now, no one "KNOWS!" Keep them ... each group of our Federal Law Makers have voted in opposite directions just this week!

Keep them ... that's "free" at least .... "IF" the analog broadcasts DO actually shut down in your city, seriously consider asking your local cable company for their all-new, limited channel service .... keeps all the TVs in the Home {& their VCRs going as well} thru 2012 ..... ours here IS @ $11.75, No Contracts Req'd ..... then, you can always make a different decision After our Government ever makes UP their minds!

[Joe Pillari]

Does anyone know what to do with expired DTV coupons; i.e. can they be traded for valid / useable coupons? I received them after the expiration date as printed on them, qty. (2) and was denied to use them at the store where I tried to purchase the receivers. PLEASE ADVISE.

Thank You
Joe Pillari

[everett whitney]

TO: lisa - "Expired Coupons - what to do?"

Today - our Senate did pass a 12 June Extension, with the House already having done a similar one..... as soon as the variables between these are worked out, all will proceed eventually, or, at least, you now have another ( 5 ) whole months!

Just Consider a new digital TV & don't bother w/ a Converter ... these have never been cheaper !