EchoStar's TR-40 DTV converter box not available 'til June / July
By Darren Murph 
posted Feb 22nd 2008 8:34PM
posted Feb 22nd 2008 8:34PM
posted Feb 22nd 2008 8:34PM
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Thats really disappointing, another government program that cant get the suppliers to deliver on time. The program should either extend the period from 3-5months, or it should remove these eligible boxes from this offer for not delivering when needed.
I've seen articles that said there are politicians who are pushing for the expiration date to be eliminated altogether, as it only serves to put unneeded pressure on the already frazzled consumers.
While I for one know exactly what I need to purchase, I'd like to be able to hang onto my coupon until the time comes that I can pick one up for free; I don't want to have to make my buying decisions based solely on the price and stock during the small window I have.
Oooh, now here's something I just thought of. If I bought my converter for over $40 dollars just a few days before the coupon expired, then two weeks later the price drops, I wonder if I'd be able to get the difference back...hmmm...
I cannot wait until my brother's birthday, February 17. It is going to be such an amazing train wreck.
Now, MAYBE, if TV stations start putting a bug on the analog channel that has a countdown timer on it, people may start to take it seriously. But, since no one (outside early-adopters and gear geeks) knows what is happening, it is gong to be one huge surprise.
Our Congressional Representatives are going to get so much mail, and so many phone calls it is going to be a real test to see if they will still side with the public safety radio folks, and the auction winners, or cave into the public and have the stations turn the analog back on.
I am really looking forward to watching this thing crash and burn.
Thats our Gov. for you there all screwed up as usall. Why in the world would they put an expiration date of 90 days when you don't need them for another year and forcing peolple to buy at a higher price.
Makes you wonder who's pocket book is getting fat. I don't think we should have to put up with blantly be held hostage to watch tv. Forcing you to sign up early to get a coupon and then forcing you to buy the box at the high price. Think we are stupid??????No wonder people are sick of this crap that the Gov. puts us though.
I just got my coupons today and it will expire June 19,2008. It was bad enough I could not use the coupons for the Echostar TR-50 DVR. Now I find out I cannot even count on the TR-40 being available. I read in the paper that there is no guarantee the converter box you happen to purchase will work for you and you may have to try more then one. The coupon says one time use and no refunds allowed. I hope exchanges will work if one model is no good.
I just read on the fcc web site, that you will be allowed to return for same model, or exchange for a different model, but you can't return for another item like kswiss shoes...
My coupons expire on June 24 just hope this box is available before then, this is the only one that is suppose to work with VCR’s otherwise I will have to spring for a new VCR which will be expensive.
I too do not understand the logic of why a short expiration date on the coupons. We are told that we shouldn't wait because the government program may run out of funding and end at any time yet those of us who have received coupons have found that models are unavailble, lack features (like pass through analog) are in short supply and are expected to drop in price once they do become available. As we can see, this appears to be yet another poorly designed and adminstered goverment program.
As well, EchoStar reveals it problems as a company as it admits to a long delay in the distribution and sales of the TR-40. That is, how can months be required for EchoStar to figure out how to distribute it's products? And, the longer it takes EchoStar to figure out what it's doing, the fewer products EchoStart will sell, and the more disgruntled consumers, like me, will be with EchoStar.
I just got my coupon card and it says on the card it is valid until 7/15/08
where are you supposed to be able to buy echostar TR40 in
Inglewood, Ca. 90301 and when?
I'd like to have this item. Will it only be distributed only on the west coast? The "pickings" in PA, NJ, and DE offer nothing of similar quality.
I just rec'd this e-mail reply from Sling Media...
Update: The TR-40 is expected to launch in June while the TR-50 is expected in September. We understand a great number of consumers have already received their coupons from the NTIA and are concerned that they will expire before the TR-40 is on the market. We are currently working with federal agencies to try and augment this process but we do not have any control over it.
Free but what about freight I just ordered Artec T3A $43.95 after Coupon $3.95 Freight from MN $8.37 so free may not be FREE Walmart is suppose to have 49.95 Units but they are on Back order till June Maybe.