DVRs, DISH Network's DTVPal DVR converter box set to roll out in December
By Donald Melanson 
posted Nov 11th 2008 4:51PM
posted Nov 11th 2008 4:51PM
This unassuming little device first popped up way back at CES in January, where it was known as the Echostar TR-50, but it looks like it's now finally going to see the light of day courtesy of DISH Network, which has dubbed it the DTVPal. From the looks of it, however, there's not a whole lot of changes beyond the name, with it still promising to handle the digital-to-analog conversion with ease, and record 30 hours of HD video or 150 hours of standard-def -- a task made considerably easier with the included seven-day programming guide which, best of all, doesn't require a subscription or contract. If that sounds like the box you've been waiting for, you'll be able to get your pre-order in on November 19th for $250 (after a $50 instant rebate), with the device supposedly set to start shipping in mid-December.
Ok, but I cant plug in my dish vip 211 (Im monthly with dish right now-no contract) and record my dish network programming, can I? This is ONLY for recording ota right?
Right.
You should probably revise this post to read "which has dubbed it the DTVPal DVR". There is already a product available from Dish called the "DTVPal" that doesn't have the DVR built in. So this should be differentiated by calling it the "DTVPal DVR".
Agreed. The 'DTVPal' is the TR-40. The DTVPal Plus is apparently a TR-40 with a more sensitive tuner. And the DTVPal DVR is the TR-50.
Not sure about the remote...
That sounds pretty good, though the price is high for what appears to be functionally a CableCARD-less Echostar version of the "TiVo HD." Though the fact it uses the OTA listings is definitely a plus.
I have more questions though, like what are the other specs like? Does it support an external hard drive? What other ports does it have?
As a long time Dish Network subscriber, I'm a big fan of their DVRs. This could be really good.
Hopefully they've improved the guide when they put it in this. The guide in the DTV Pal does not like to update.
Do I have to have DISH, or is DISH just the middleman?
This sounds delectable, I want to cancel comcast forever and just have beautiful (re: FREE) tv, served on a shiny DVR platter...
This only requires that you have electricity and a TV in your house. No other subscriptions are required.
I'm not sure how $250 is high compared to a TiVo. TiVo HD is $180 + $13 a month until the product dies, plus you only get 20 hours on this drive.
If you use OTA only like me, the TiVo is a waste of money per month to just record 4 shows a week. This, on the other hand is a one time fee and will record the same shows in the same quality and hold more hours.
I can see if you have cable how you may not want this device.
Been looking for a product like this for a long time. Works with OTA antenna and best of all no recurring monthly fees.