DISH Network joins with CBA to push awareness of DTV transition, sell converter boxes

Let us not forget, DISH Network has a dog in the fight too when it comes to digital TV converter boxes. Said satcaster currently has a few such devices on the market right now -- the TR-40 CRA, DTVPal, and DTVPal Plus -- and it's looking to simultaneously push awareness of the impending analog switchover and sell a few converters while it's out there. Via a partnership with the Community Broadcasters Association (CBA), the two will ambiguously reach out to those not yet informed and urge them to take action well before February 2009. Of course, how exactly they plan on doing that remains somewhat of a mystery. In related news, we are told that the TR-50 standalone OTA DVR (or the DTVPal DVR, as it will be known), should be available later this month. Huzzah!

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 6th 2008 9:58AM]

Any word on pricing for the TR-50?

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 6th 2008 11:21AM]

Over on the AVSForum site, some folks have been getting form replies from Echostar. Looks like the price they're citing is $299. We'll see how close that is soon.

"Hello,

Just recently announced, the TR50 will be sold as the DTVPal DVR, and
will be available around Thanksgiving for a price of $299. It will be
available online through DISH Network. At this time we do not have any
information on whether the product will be available through retail
outlets. An online information site is planned for the near future.
Please check back with us as we get closer to the product launch date.

Thank you for contacting EchoStar.

Regards,

EchoStar Sales Team"