Entered CNET Catalog: 03/05/2008
SKU: CNETTR40
Manufacturer: Dish Network
Product summary
The good: Excellent electronic program guide, with several days worth of data; can search for programs by title; solid video quality and reception; good aspect ratio controls for handling wide-screen programs on standard TVs; analog pass-through; can work with TV Guide On Screen devices.
The bad: Overcomplicated remote can't control TV volume and power; no front panel buttons means you're out of luck if the remote goes missing; composite audiovisual cable not included.
The bottom line: The Dish Network DTVPal is a great DTV converter box with a best-in-class electronic program guide and should be your top choice, unless you value the simplicity and superior remote of the RCA DTA800.
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 06/12/2008
The FCC has pushed back the DTV transition several times already, but it looks as if over-the-air analog TV signals will actually end on February 17, 2009. That means owners of analog TV will need to pony up for a DTV converter box if they want to continue getting their free over-the-air TV (read our Quick Guide to the DTV transition to find out if you'll be affected). Luckily, it shouldn't cost you too much, as anyone affected can apply for a $40 DTV converter box coupon from the U.S. government.
The Dish Network DTVPal is one of the boxes that shoppers can buy with the coupon, and we've been heavily anticipating its release since it was announced at CES 2008. Since then, however, there's been a lot of confusion. The converter box was first announced as the EchoStar TR-40 with a $40 price tag, then it was renamed to the Dish Network DTVPal, and now the latest news is that the Dish Network DTVPal and the EchoStar TR-40 are actually different products--yikes. The final story is that the Dish Network DTVPal is slated to be available at DTVPal.com on June 19, with an MSRP between $40 and $60. The TR-40 will come out at a later date at a price to be determined. If we had to guess, based on Dish Network CEO Charlie Ergen's "Charlie Chat," the DTVPal will cost about $60 and the TR-40 will cost $40.
Getting to the actual device, there's a lot to like about the DTVPal. To us, the main draw is that the DTVPal's EPG is much better than any other box's we've reviewed. It gives several days of data in a familiar grid layout, with responsive controls and even the capability to search for a program. The rest of the features of the DTVPal are basically average; its reception and video quality are solid, but not standout. Our biggest concern is that the somewhat overcomplicated (and underfeatured) remote control just can't compete with the RCA DTA800's excellent clicker, and if you're picking a box for a senior citizen or certified nontechie, we'd lean heavily toward the DTA800. However, for everyone else, the DTVPal's excellent EPG make it our go-to pick for DTV converter boxes.
Design
DTV converter boxes are fairly drab by nature, but the DTVPal is one of the better looking boxes we've seen. Its main attraction is its small footprint, coming in 1.3 inches high, 5.9 inches wide, and 4.2 inches deep. It has a rectangular shape with rounded corners, and the case sinks a bit in the middle, giving it a subtle wavelike appearance. There are no buttons on the front, which means you can only control the box using a remote. On the center of the unit is a single green light indicating that it's on, and the light turns off when the unit is off. The light is actually pretty bright, and unfortunately you can't disable it in the setup menu.
The included remote is one of the weak points of the DTVPal. Right off the bat, we were disappointed that it lacks the capability to control a TV, which is an important feature since these boxes will often be used in scenarios where an expensive universal remote doesn't make economic sense. We also weren't fans of the remote layout. There's no dedicated button-rocker for changing channels; channel changing is instead handled by the centrally located directional pad. There is a dedicated volume control, but it has an unorthodox horizontal alignment. Beyond that, the buttons aren't well differentiated (especially the buttons that surround the directional pad), and the fact that the page up/down buttons do double-duty controlling aspect ratio and closed-captioning can be confusing. Tech enthusiasts will certainly enjoy being able to access many functions directly from the remote, but overall we much preferred the simple remote design of the RCA DTA800.
User interface
The real gem of the DTVPal is its full electronic programming guide. Its layout and the amount of data it can display are superior to the other boxes we've reviewed. You can see four channels at a time, and it displays an hour and a half at a time, which we found reasonable given the limitations of a standard-definition display. How much guide data you actually get, and how good that guide data actually is, depends on the program data provided by the stations. Some stations provide only about a day's worth of data, while other go out several days. There's also a big disparity with the descriptions of the programs, with many programs showing only "No information available" and others giving a brief summary. We're expecting broadcasters to continually improve guide data as the digital transition gets closer, but don't expect complete information like what's available on a TiVo or cable DVR.
The other great thing about the guide is how responsive it is. Flipping through hours of data is a breeze and we never felt like the box had to load a new screen. Sure, it's nothing like the silky smooth response of the PS3, but it's a big step over the other boxes we've reviewed. The only addition that would have been nice is a picture-in-picture view of what's playing on the channel it's currently tuned to, but we can understand why Dish decided to conserve screen space.
The DTVPal also includes a program search function, which Dish Network calls Event Search. It's accessible via the main menu, and it lets you search for programs using an onscreen keyboard. For example, if you're interested in knowing when all of the permutations of the CSI franchise are airing, you can simply search for "CSI" and it will tell you all the channel, date, and time information for programs with CSI in the title. You can choose to search title data, description data, or both. It's not flawless, as we noticed that the DTVPal tended not to update program guide data unless we actually accessed that channel, but it's still a useful feature once you know its limitations.
Features
Aspect ratio is handled well on the DTVPal. This is an important feature because the DTVPal will most commonly be used with older, analog TVs with a standard 4:3 aspect ratio, but an increasing amount of digital TV is presented in wide screen (16:9). The DTT900 has three options, which you can cycle through with the "Picture Format" button on the remote.
Full: Fills the screen on wide-screen programs, but distorts the aspect ratio on analog 4:3 TVs. However, this mode keeps wide-screen programs in the correct aspect ratio and fills the screen on wide-screen TVs.
Normal: Keeps wide-screen programs in their original aspect ratio, but adds black bars on both the top and bottom of the picture.
Zoom: Maintains the proper aspect ratio on 4:3 analog TVs, but crops out of the extreme right and left sides of the picture.
Connectivity is standard on the DTVPal. There are two RF-style F connectors, which are the connecters that have the screw threads on the outside and the small hole inside. One connector is an antenna input and is connected to the antenna using a coaxial cable. The other F connector says "TV Set out" and is a video output. This means you can send analog video and audio from the DTVPal to your TV by connecting a coaxial cable. In addition to the F connectors, the DTVPal has a composite video output along with stereo RCA analog outputs--the standard yellow, red, and white outputs. If your TV has the proper inputs, you should use this output as it offers superior audio and video quality compared with the RF connection.
Analog pass-through is another feature of the DTVPal, which means that you can set the box to pass the analog signal from the antenna through its RF output, to be tuned by a separate NTSC tuner. For most people, the usefulness of this feature is fairly limited, as after February 19, 2009, almost all analog transmitters will be turned off. Sure, there will be still be a few low-power location stations, or if you live close to the border with Mexico, you might be able to get some analog Mexican stations, but for the vast majority of people this feature just isn't that important. Still, it's a nice convenience for people who'd like to continue using analog stations until February 2009.
The DTVPal can also work in conjunction with a TV or DVD recorder that has TV Guide On Screen, or Guide Plus (also known as Gemstar). The instructions are in the manual, but basically you need to connect a G-Link cable from your TV Guide On Screen-capable device, set up the IR blaster in front of the DTV Pal, and set the DTVPal to TV Guide On Screen mode. We didn't have any TV Guide On Screen-capable devices on hand to test this, but it's a nice extra for those who use the service.
Besides the remote and the actual unit, there's not much else included in the box. There's the manual, a single RF cable, and a couple of AA batteries for the remote--that's it. That's pretty stingy, as we expect at least composite-video cable with stereo audio cables (the standard yellow, red, and white cables) to be included with these boxes. Overall, it's not a huge issue--you can pick up a cheap composite-video cable or better quality RF cable for a few bucks--but it really should be included in the box.
While the DTVPal has a pretty solid feature set, tech enthusiasts will notice a few features missing. There's no S-Video output, which can provide slightly better quality than composite. There's also no port to connect a Smart Antenna--which is an antenna that is able to automatically adjust itself to improve reception. Considering the high price of Smart Antennas we've seen so far, this isn't a big omission.
Performance
Reception was overall comparable to other boxes we've tested. From our Manhattan office, we were able to tune into all the major networks and rarely saw any breakups associated with a poor signal. We were also able to receive a whole host of additional channels, such as PBS (from multiple cities), The CW, My 9, plus some religious and Spanish channels. Remember, you'll only be able to tune into the free stations broadcast over the air--that means no Comedy Central, CNN, and so on. When we compared it directly with the Zenith DTT900, it came up a bit short on total channel count, but only by a few. Also remember that our testing environment is urban, and performance will vary greatly depending on local terrain.
Video quality was fairly good overall, but a notch below the best converter boxes we've tested. We compared it head-to-head with the Zenith DTT900 using the composite video input, and we found the DTVPal to be a tad softer, with more jaggies and other image imperfections. It was nearly as bad as the GE 22730, and more comparable to the image quality of the RCA DTA800. We noticed these differences on an HDTV--where the quality differences are more pronounced--so users of standard analog TVs will notice fewer differences.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50out of 50 user reviews
garbage - unit turns itself off afer a period of time
Pros: Nothing - would like to have my money back!!!!
Cons: Poor on screen chanel graphics - hard to read
Unit turns itself off after several hours - unable to turn unit on in advance to record and be assured that the unit will funtion when needed.
out of 50 user reviews
It has never worked very well in any respect.
Pros: There wasn't much to like.
Cons: The functionality and reliability were not what one should expect from an electronic device.
out of 50 user reviews
Now my old VCR working again
Pros: With the event timers, I can use my VCR and still record my shows like before during analog.
Cons: Unit runs hot, I am adding heat sinks to the case. Also it appears using the cancel button during programming events keeps the unit from running events, Must program events for 5 minutes before events for downloading problem schedules.
out of 50 user reviews
Troublesome; look elsewhere
Pros: (Who cares when you have such issues below?)
Cons: I have bought a few DTVPals and DTVPal+s. I already had to return one for warranty repair, but I believe they all have similar issues, that is, very buggy, ill-designed firmware. (Read the rest of my comment.)
I can confirm what another poster has mentioned: My boxes lock up from time to time, requiring that they be unplugged. When plugged back in, it takes a minute or two for them to come back up. That's vey annoying, and something a senior citizen can't be bending down and doing once a month.
The power light comes on by itself every hour or so for (30 seconds?), and during that time, the boxes will not respond to the remote control.
When turned on, the boxes automatically add new channels they find, even if the channels are ones that only show up when the clouds are "just right". Meaning, these new channels are added to your scroll list (whether you want them added or not) even though they aren't available 95% of the month. So, one has to manually delete them, or scroll through 10 dead channels every time one picks up the remote. A terrible design, probably concocted by someone who only watches pay TV, because anyone who watches OTA TV would see these problems in a month or two.
When I contacted Dish Network, they had no support mechanism for updating firmware in these boxes.
My two bucks? Buy something else.
out of 50 user reviews
Plus Version Great Unless You Have Other DISH Equipment
Pros: Program Timer, Program Guide, Analog Pass-Thru,
Cons: No S-Video output, Responds to other DISH receiver remote control
What we didn't realize is that the remote control that controls our DISH satellite receiver also controls the DTV Pal. So the first time we tried watching a program recorded on DVD we got a medley of programs because the converter box changed channels when we changed channels on the satellite receiver. I guess DISH didn't anticipate people using both units in the same room.
Many of the features of the DTV Pal come from DISH's satellite receivers like program search, auto tune from the guide, etc. but not quite as refined. The program guide has the ability to show what's coming on a few days in advance. Unfortunately most of the digital TV stations only supply about 24 hours of guide info. in our area so this feature isn't as useful as it could be, especially when setting up timers.
The plus version has an enhanced tuner that picks up distant stations better than the basic DTV Pal. It picks up more stations than our digital TV does.
The remote control is intuitive and easy to use. Maybe we like it because it's a lot like our satellite receiver's remote control.
The picture quality is good. We get bad reception of analog channels in our area so the digital channels are like night and day. One thing that would make it better is if it had an S-Video output. From what I've read there are other converter boxes that have a better picture but none of them come close as far as features.
out of 50 user reviews
HORRIBLE! DO NOT USE
Pros: Nothing...
Cons: they do not adhear to their contract
Horrible and rude customer service representatives
out of 50 user reviews
Good picture. Some very annoying little flaws.
Pros: Cheap. $40 --IF you buy the TR-40CRA model which is EXACTLY the same as this model but $20 cheaper.
Good picture and good control of aspect ratio for 16:9 broadcasts viewed on 4:3 TV.
Cons: Max Volume is very low.
Mandadory Shut Down daily to get updated Guide data
Time is inaccurate with no manual way to set it.
These small flaws add up to daily annoyance.
2nd Gripe: The audio levels are very low. I'd say about 2/3 to 1/2 of what your TV currently puts out. So you have to crank up the volume on your TV to full, then turn up the volume on the unit itself (control is on remote) to the high end. This has a downside which I will discuss next.
3rd Gripe: These two little "quirks" cause a daily annoyance. If you want the GUIDE to be accurate (and I certainly do) you must set the machine to power off after at most 8 hours of inactivity. If you don't remember to turn it back on BEFORE you turn on your TV you will be greeted with a very loud white-noise screen until the unit boots.
4th Gripe: The time seems to drift in and out of accuracy. Sometimes it will be exactly right, other times it will be off by as much as 15 minutes. This may caused by whoever sends the Guide data...I don't know. But it is very annoying when you launch the guide at the hour or half hour to see whats on and instead see what was on 15 minutes ago.
5th Gripe: There is no way to manually set the time.
The TR-40CRA would have been a 4.5 star device if the problems I mentioned above were addressed. They are seemingly minor issues but when you have to deal with them on a daily basis it becomes very annoying. As it stands, I can only rate this unit as "OK".
This unit is EXACTLY THE SAME as the Dish DTVPal so I am posting this review twice.
out of 50 user reviews
Program guide is the best I've seen,but having issues
Pros: Wonderful program guide; automatically turns off after 4 hours, so it's like having a built in sleep timer; pulls quite a few channels
Cons: When the time change occurred, our program guide got screwed up. Very strange. It may say one show is on, but the correct one is playing. Almost like its an hour ahead. After rebooting box, nothing happened. Customer Service is a joke.
out of 50 user reviews
Glitches mostly gone but customer service still bad.
Pros: Pulls in a lot of TV stations. Video and audio are for the most part much better than before. Lots of flexibility with EPG and browse function. Timers actually work (finally).
Cons: No controls on box. Unit sometimes powers on by itself to do "maintenance" and this disables all functions. Still glitches occasionally when timers are set and unit is turned off.
Despite Dish's terrible customer service, I have to say that for the most part, the new boxes work very well. These units have the F105 software which seems to have taken care of the timer problems. I use one box as a tuner for the TV hooked up by a composite cable and also use the RF out to go to the TV in the kitchen. That way I can select a channel on the box and it appears on both TVs without having to get another splitter. The other box is used exclusively as a tuner for the VCR. It's a little more complicated to set timer recordings now since I have to set both the VCR and the DTVPal but I can live with that until I get an HDTV and DVR.
One issue that I cannot figure out is when the boxes go into "self-maintenance" mode. When that happens, none of the buttons on the remote work - not even the power button - and there's no image on the TV. It's just "on" doing nothing. Even unplugging it has no effect because when I plug it back in, it's still doing the same thing. At some point, I get control again and everything works but there doesn't seem to be a way to override this when it happens. Often, I'll reset it to the factory defaults afterwards to make sure that the memory is clear.
I also have not been able to get anything using the Guide Plus option so far. This is a minor issue, though, because the built-in EPG performs the same function even though it typically covers only a few hours.
By the way, one thing I discovered that was not in the User Guide is an easy way to see what's on other channels using the Browse mode. According to the instructions, the way to see other channel info when the Browse banner is open is to use the up or down arrows. The easier way is to just enter the channel number. The program you're watching will stay on in the background and you won't have to keep your finger on the arrow buttons until the channel you're seeking appears.
Updated on Mar 5, 2009The software for my original boxes was actually F101 which Dish admitted didn't work properly. It's possible that the F102 software works but I don't know because the new boxes I received have the F105 version.
out of 50 user reviews
Best I could find and that ain't sayin' much
Pros: MUCH better than the box I bought (and returned) at Target.
Reasonably fast switching that other one (curvy GE one) was like 4 beats
Good reception (with my homemade ant - google DIY HD antenna)
OK program guide.
Good remote (hope I don't lose it)
Cons: That's all fine, BUT.... Cuts out or won't turn off/on about 1.5 times a week. See hint below.
Also, for remote issues rumor has it the usb-programmable logitech remotes will work with most set top boxes.
From what I read, I hope I NEVER have to use DISH cust. svc. If I were shopping again, I'd try the RCA (http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-tv-converter/), or even better, get your box locally from a place you can bring it back and exchange it.
out of 50 user reviews
The Best of all Boxes
Pros: Love the eye catching interface, love the 7 day epg, love the timer which will automatically switch to your favorite show.
Cons: Be very weary of dish customer services, they will try to charge bogus charges. Pay only for the unit and shipping, period! I give them a big fat ZERO
No universal remote, cost $60, it should be only $40, no surround sound or digital sound
Had no problems with timer or clock, but, it reads the clock broadcast by each station, so if the station is wrong the timer obviously will not work right. Complain to the station that their broadcast clock is wrong, it is not the unit.
out of 50 user reviews
DISH TERRIBLE network RIPS YOU OFF
Pros: One Receiver with 2 remotes allows viewing two different channels without a second receiver.
Cons: Once again Dish TERRIBLE Network has refused to replace or refund me for my equiptment I sent to them in error, instead of their receiver (both looked similar). Despite my filing a Better Busines Bureau Complaint
out of 50 user reviews
DTVPal Timers may not work correctly with VCR
Pros: Has good program guide and timers to automatically switch to a channel at a particular time. Decent picture.
Cons: I bought this particular DTV converter mainly because it had timers, so I could use it with my VCR to record shows. However they only work if the unit if the unit is left on all the time, something the manual and tech support says shouldn't be done.
out of 50 user reviews
terrible service; hangs sometimes for 2 mins or more
Pros: In general, it appears a nicely designed unit and the program guide matrix display is nice. I like the analog bypass.
Cons: Fatal flaw = unit turns on by itself and disrupts analog viewing of tv for 1-2 mins; service/support is worthless; hangs sometimes requiring power cycle reset.
no smart antenna interface albeit there are not many smart antenna's on the market.
2 units same problem. no difference in reception between dtvpal and dtvpal+ models so not worth the extra money.
out of 50 user reviews
DTVpal+ does not work in the TV Guide / Guide+ mode
Pros: Easy setup, nice EPG
Cons: TV Guide / Guide+ mode of operation does not work correctly. Dish support cannot help with the Guide+ feature and quickly get you to call the manufacturer of your TV/DVR. Echostar support does not understand how Guide+ works either.
Both of my Guide+ devices (2 different manufacturers RCA and Philips) will send channel commands to the DTVpal+ via the G-Link wand searching for a Gemstar Guide+ signal when the Guide+ is enabled and the TV or DVR are turned off. The TV was connected to the DTVpal+ and it failed to get the TV Guide listings and then the DVR was connected to the DTVpal+ and it too failed to get any TV listings from the DTVpal+. The commands are being sent to the DTVpal+ perfectly and it responds by changing channels from 2-99 on the DTVpal+ converter box, but neither of my Guide+ enabled devices find a host channel to receive the data because they continuously search for days. The DTVpal+ does not work properly in the TV Guide / Guide+ mode of operation with my 2 Guide+ enabled devices and I have yet to see anybody post a report of success. All attempts to call, email, or live chat online with Dish and Echostar have been fruitless. None of the technical support at Dish understands how the box works and they are very good at passing the buck to get you to call the support line, Echostar, or go to some website. One representative even gave me the web site for the government coupon program for help. The Dish support was absolutely helpless with the DTVpal+. I did speak with one representative who took my information and at least made an attempt to get the information to Engineering and that was my last call to Dish. The Tech@echostar.com provided a little information, but I was quickly convinced there was confusion on their part about how the Guide+ enabled devices worked as the conversation got out of focus quickly. If they understood how a Guide+ enabled device worked and I detailed it to them, they would not have asked me questions that had no relevance to the main problem. They stopped responding to me after several days of communication. This is not my problem and the converter box will be returned since it does not deliver what they claim.
I maintain that the DTVpal+ still does not work as advertised on page 23 through 26 of their manual as this was the main reason I purchased the converter. It works in the standard mode of operation very nicely with an on screen TV Guide, but do not expect it to pass TVGOS data to your Guide+ TV or DVR because it simply does not work properly in the TV Guide / Guide+ mode of operation.
out of 50 user reviews
DTV Pal is a piece of useless junk sold by liars!
Pros: Nothing! A total waste of time andmoney!
Cons: Does not work with over-the air signals from TV Guide or G-Link / I R Blaster. Level 3 Dish Network tech reps for DTV Pal claim no to have training on the unit except to hook up cables. Only 2 out of 12 tech could even access an instruction guide.
out of 50 user reviews
Unreliable piece of junk
Pros: Great program guide
Cons: They die like flies
One I could understand, but two?
Don't waste your money on this junk.
Updated on Dec 22, 2008I might add that I also purchased a Zenith DTV box back in August, and it has worked flawlessly from day one. While the program guide is a nice feature, having something that actually provides a TV signal is much better.
Updated on Mar 18, 2009Well, after the two originals failed and went dead, the first of the replacement boxes went dead. I expect the next box will die soon. Of course, they are now out of warranty.
This is a complete rip-off selling boxes that never last more than 1-2 months in service.
Updated on Jun 21, 2009Well, yet another DTVpal has bit the dust. And since this one is a month out or warranty, DISH will do nothing. So the total so far is (a) I bought two originally, (b) both of the original ones died after short usage and were replaced, (c) one of the replace units is now dead. So the current score is I have had four of these units and of the four, only one is still working. I expect it to probably die within a month or two.
out of 50 user reviews
Poorest customer service I have yet experienced
Pros: Don't ever have to deal with customer service. It doesn't get shipped, so I'll never know if its any good.
Cons: Provided a universe of excuses. Faulty web site. Caused my Coupon to be invalidated.
out of 50 user reviews
avoid dtvpal there scamming consumers coupons!!!
Pros: user interface..is nice..
Cons: timer problems...bad bad bad.....avoid...if you want this feature which is the 1 main selling point....!!!!
And this too has a problems with the timers.. I can't believe they haven't recalled this. This was its main selling point for me I have contact Echostar and thus far I have not gotten a response.. And now the coupon is null and void,,,,Wow...I am very disappointed in Echostar and somewhat disappointed in Kmart.....
The government should get involved in refunding people there coupons.. if they have this product!!!!!!
Don't buy this product if you intend to use a vcr to record the program....beware...I have talked to the local manager at Kmart and it didn't seem that she really could do anything..or hadn't heard enough complaints...as of yet..
I think Echostar is scamming people out of the governments money and peoples time and efforts as they are well aware of this problem...But are refusing to pull this firmware problem from the shelves...
They deserve everything bad that I hope will happen to them...and I am sorely disappointed in K-mart and Sears for carrying a converter box (cecb) that is known to have these issues......Needless to say I would dare say not to buy this product.... and all stores who would think of carrying this faulty piece of garbage should be fined by the government....
Updated on Dec 4, 2008so don't buy the faulty firmware version whichever one that is....
Updated on Dec 5, 2008You heard it right you will probably have to get a DIGITAL RECORDER if you want to record more then one channel...because all of your timer functions on the vcr will not work...There is only 2 (COUPON converter boxes) AT THIS DATE that have timers in them. so if you want to record 2 different channels in 1 day.
example...show (123) at 2:00
and show (abc) at 3:55
you will no longer have the ability to program any timers into your vcr.. The vcr will become pretty much useless and you will have to buy a DVR digital recorder that cost what $250.00 to do the same as your old vcr did,,,past tense...
That doesn't sound like a nice $40.00 coupon does it.....
Coupon box ($60.00) out of pocket $20
new antenna ($20-70) out of pocket say $30.00
new DVR ($250) out of pocket say $250.00.
Governement stimulas package.....$300.00...way to go to all the millionares in congress who don't care about the consumers, and the recession...thanks alot...
I'm done with my review..
out of 50 user reviews
Channel Master cm-7000 Excellent Choice..
Pros: S cable gives a great picture, All day guides to tell you whats on. Easy to use and straight forward. And with Channel Master quality a great buy, after all you get what you pay for. A little more but worth every penny.
Cons: meter status bar is useless
graphics on screen could look more user friendly
out of 50 user reviews
Unit died 5 days after Warranty.
Pros: Only unit on Market with Timer functions. Nice TV guide menu.
Cons: DVTPal will not save Timer programs. Dish said they would replace unit at no cost. Said I would recieve new unit in 3 days. Had to Call Dish after 10 days was informed they would not replace my unit, past warranty (5 days). Dish would not budge.
out of 50 user reviews
Acceptable but not as good as promised
Pros: easy to use
Cons: Only 5 programmable timers; timers change channels; does not let you choose which channel to set time; changes its system time without warning. System time and timer problems result in recording wrong channel at wrong time.
out of 50 user reviews
Works good, when it works
Pros: Pulls weak signals better than my Insignia/Zenith or RCA. Program guide is better than the others as well
Cons: No TV power or volume on remote. No analog pass-through.
out of 50 user reviews
Software flaw results in poor image
Pros: Programming guide
Cons: Digital image artifacts due to buggy software
My saga with tech support included recommendations that I buy new cables or view the image in zoom mode to "hide" the distortion. Pursuing the issue further for several weeks, i finally found someone who confirmed that early DTVPal units had a known software glitch and that I could return mine for a replacement. When I contacted tech support to do so, however, I learned that I would have to pay to ship the defective unit back to them.
So, two months into owning this unit that everyone seemed to think was so wonderful I had a choice of 1) continuing to use it and try to ignore the continually flickering distortion, 2) pay to ship my defective unit to Dish Network and trust that they would send me a "newer" unit that did not have the software problem, or 3) throw the defective unit in the trash. Unfortunately, I've chosen option 3 and have to admit that I will never do business with Dish Network again.
I understand the possibility of having a buggy product when you're rushing to get things out the door and be a "pioneer" in this new set top box converter field, but requiring customers to pay more for your incompetence is ridiculous. Why would I spend more money with a company that has already sold me a defective product. I'm going to stick with the Digital Stream converter box I bought from Radio Shack. It's worked flawlessly from day one.
out of 50 user reviews
DTVPAL is GARBAGE - dish network a ripoff
Pros: would make a great paperweight
Cons: didn't work, dish wouldnt replace it, wasted TWO MONTHS with their useless support
---
After waiting months for the DTVpal, having one order canceled because of
unavailability and the price increase, I finally got two just days before
my coupons expired. I immediately installed one on our bedroom TV. In less
than two weeks, it had failed. When turned on, it would download schedule
for a minute, give me about a minute of TV viewing, then the picture would
lock up. It would stay this way for a while, then eventually "reboot", power
off, back on, and repeat the process over and over.
Aside from all the firmware bugs that have been reported on this unit, my
unit is broken. A dozen emails, chats, and phone calls with Dish over the
past TWO MONTHS, and they can't even figure out how to replace a failed box
under their warranty. I have been lied to repeatedly by their "Executive
Resolution Team". It seems their entire operation is set up to require an
account number to do anything, which DTVpal users don't have.
I did confirm that there is no way to field upgrade the firmware on these
boxes to fix all of the firmware bugs that they went ahead and shipped with
this product that shouldn't be out of beta test at this point. So firmware
upgraded will require replacing the entire unit at customer expense.
As to my problem, I emailed Echostar support on 8/8, and they kept insisting
that they couldn't help me without an account number. ***? The whole idea of
these boxes is that I don't have to pay the monthly fees for service and
crappy support.
On 8/12 I found their tech support "chat" and spent 45 minutes online with
"Alvaro", who confirmed that my box was broken, and that they would replace
it. He took my name, address, and phone number, and said I'd get a
confirmation call in 3 days that a replacement had been shipped.
NOTHING!
On 8/20 I called their 888-667-0633 customer "support" number from the
instruction book. They transferred me a couple times to a different number,
and I again explained the problem, and they again realized the box was
defective, but again, without an account number, they don't have a clue how
to replace the thing. They were supposed to figure it out and get back to
me, but never did.
On 9/4 I again called dish, and after getting nowhere for a while, managed
to get transferred to the ERT ("Executive Resolution Team"). Isaac Ferman
seemed helpful, but rather ignorant. He told me the unit would not work
unless activated, and that he had to set up an account for me before it would
work. He couldn't explain why it had worked for about a week when I first
got it without an account, or why my other unit worked without an account,
but set up an account for me, which of course did nothing.
He took all of my information, and promised I'd have a replacement shipped
immediately, and that it would be in my hands a week later on 9/11.
On 9/16 I still had nothing, and called again, and asked for the ERT. The
first person hung up on me. I called again, and this time got to Paul.
Paul's phone number is 915-298-5525 x85525. Isaac was unavailable, and Paul
promised that he or Isaac would get back to me immediately. Never happened.
On 9/19 I called again, and again asked for the ERT. This time I got to
Gary, who told me that my replacement has been on "hold" since 9/8. It took
him a while to find out why, but he finally found that they were waiting for
me to return my broken unit. Well, they had NEVER asked me to ship it back,
or given me an address to send it.
Gary gave me an address to return the box to, which I did on that same day.
The USPS tracking number indicates it was delivered on 9/22. Here is the
tracking data from USPS.COM:
Label/Receipt Number: 0308 0660 0001 2205 3491
Detailed Results:
Delivered, September 22, 2008, 11:57 am, SUWANEE, GA 30024
Arrival at Unit, September 22, 2008, 8:03 am, SUWANEE, GA 30024
Processed, September 21, 2008, 2:13 pm, ATLANTA, GA 30320
Processed, September 19, 2008, 9:16 pm, CHICAGO, IL 60701
Acceptance, September 19, 2008, 3:07 pm, DUNDEE, IL 60118
I'm missing the date of my next call (about a week later), but I next talked
with Cathy Welling in the ERT (720-514-7865) to find the status of my
replacement. Se never called back.
On 10/3 I again called the ERT and talked with Hugo. He promised to get me a
tracking number by the end of the day, but failed to do so.
On 10/6 I called once again and got to Sarah Brown in the ERT
(720-514-8555). She too was unable to give me a tracking number to verify
that my unit had been shipped.
I next spoke to the ERT "supervisor" Chrissy at 956-364-7738. She has
promised to call me back by the morning of 10/7 and either provide me with a
tracking number for my replacement box, or to issue me a check for $70 to
reimburse me for the cost of the box.
Why do I not believe her?
out of 50 user reviews
Caveat emptor: Good product but Lousy Service
Pros: Good reception
Good program guide
Cons: Bad unit
No customer service or warranty service
However: the DTVPal is malfunctioning badly:
1. Time is off, by as much as half and hour. Various with the day.
2. The unit does not receive program information-if you open the program guide, on some channels it reads that there is no program information, but if the station is accessed, and then you return to the program guide, the information spontaneously appears. The program guide does not always work.
3. The unit sometimes goes to black and white video. This is not only for the channel, but also for the program guide, set-up, etc., so the unit is defective, not the signal. Very bad.
I called the company 5 times over the last 3 months, spending hours on the phone, but still no resolution and no return contact by the company, as promised. I was originally told that DISH would send me a new unit, and that I should then return the old unit in the box my new unit came in. Now I was told that I need to send the unit in and they will 'process' the unit, and then send me a replacement.
Very bad customer service.
I am writing a letter to the company with a complaint, and I'll see if they respond with a new unit.
Caveat emptor: This company will not support or stand behind a defective product. After reading other reviews, there seems to be a recurring issue in the software, and they are not addressing the problem.
Updated on Oct 10, 2008October 6: Update: DISH will not stand behind its' product! Will not send units out to exchange for defective units!
During the last week of September I received a call from a DISH Network representative from their 'Conflict Resolutions' department. He said I have 'buyer's remorse', which it is not. DISH will not send another unit for exchange of defective unit. He sent me UPS tags to send back the defective unit to be 'investigated', only then will DISH send another unit out to me. How long this will take is unknown, and the representative recommended I watch analogue TV while the decoder is being repaired.
Very bad customer service on DISH's part.
I don't know if I should send back the unit or simply buy another unit-maybe from a different company.
Updated on Jan 25, 2009January 25, 2009
I kept the DTVPal Unit, though it was malfunctioning, and did not send it back for repair or replacement. By December 2008 2 channels had lost sound, and another 4 were intermittently black and white. The unit finally died about a week ago-all control was lost via remote was lost, and the unit did not show any channels. We bought a new unit from Best Buy-Insignia.
The DTVPal last just about 6 months, failing gradually over time.
DISH Network will receive the body.
Do not buy.
out of 50 user reviews
Bad support, denial of system problems. Useless junk
Pros: Looks good, works ok for 2 months
Cons: Does not keep time. Makes the scheduling features worthless. DVPal claims it is not their problem., but another unit in the house keeps perfect time.
out of 50 user reviews
Best-in-class digital converter currently available
Pros: Best -in-class EPG;
Event timer__easily record to VCRs or DVD recorders, up to 7 days in advance;
Senstive, stable tuner;
Easy to use remote;
Analog pass-through.
Cons: Don't lose the remote!
No functions on unit (although users report a $12.95 GE 5 device learning remote available at Target does work as a substitute);
No vents for heat dissipation.;
No S-VHS output;
Limited 90 day warranty.
Buyers already report difficulty finding it.
And it only became available in June,2008.
Get it at your local Sears, while available.
DVDPal should be renamed "DVD Buddy."
Some people passed on this unit because they thought it only worked on European (PAL) TV systems. Use is intended for USA (NTSC) TV systems..
The "feature-rich" DTVPal has....
1. best-in-class programming guide
(a) see shows up to 7 days in advance vs 12 hrs for competitor units;
(b) search for shows by name (not available on competitor units);
(c) includes an event timer (easily schedule shows 7 days in advance to record
on your VCR or DVD recorder) ...also not available on competitor units.
2. A senstive, stable tuner
As good as the LG tuner in the Zenith DTT901
or the tuner in the Channel Master CM-7000.
It picks up stations 40 mi away using a cheap non-amplified indoor antenna.
3. Analog pass-though
Switch between digital and analog channels with the push of a button.
Very useful until Feb 19, 2009, when remaining analog channels go digital.
out of 50 user reviews
I love it!
Pros: Crystal clear picture, more channels than I had with analog, quick and easy setup, on-screen viewing guide makes you think you have cable.
Cons: The only thing I don't like is that there are no buttons on the box itself so if you lose the remote you're out of luck.
out of 50 user reviews
Exceptional picture but limited sound.
Pros: Excellent and fast picture; clean picture in the analog pass-through; extra channels received
Cons: Cuts sound too much; limited TV control; confusing menus
My only dissatisfaction was that I couldn't get it loud enough on one channel - I had my TV remote on max and the DTVPal remote on max and it just wasn't quite enough for me. No problem if you have normal hearing I think, but if you tend at all toward loud, it may be too weak at times (although I hear that about many of the converters). Note that it was a one-channel issue, so maybe the broadcasters need to wake up to it.
The menus are a bit strange, but I think it is like anything - just a little getting used to. You can watch the current show while checking the listings. The show title hangs over the screen a little too much when you select and the channel numbers are less obvious, but its acceptable. You can search and set future shows by title or description, but with limited finds - not everything showed in my search for 'House', for example, while it was on - I just got 'This Old House'. If you don't like the menu confusion, you can choose to surf seamlessly the old-fashioned way ... using the next or number buttons.
You must still use the old tv remote to manage the tv power and tv volume separately, but it really isn't a problem. Turn it on once and then go to the DTVPal remote for the rest.
The analog pass-through works super as well with no signal interference like my DVD player makes. I had to figure out after confusion that I had to use the tv remote to change channels when in pass-through mode. The pass-through basicly sends you back to your old tv remote totally. Still, I was glad to have the option which some don't.
Overall I am very happy with it and will adjust to the minor issues. If you want it all, you probably pay for cable or such anyway.
out of 50 user reviews
WARNING Dish Network users
Pros: Great interface and program guide
Cons: DTVPal remote conflicts with Dish Network remote
As of date DTVPal has not offered a solution other than updating my Dish Network system. Also note that you cannot return convertors other than to exchange for same unit.
Many rural areas were not allowed to receive local broadcasts over satellite systems at the time I upgraded to the Dish Network 500 system. That rule has now changed but it requires replacement equipment to receive a limited number of channels. I've installed other DTV convertors in the household that, other than the DTVPal program quide, work just as well as DTVPal plus cost less and receive more channels than upgrading Dish Network satellite system to receice DTV broadcasts.
out of 50 user reviews
great sensitivity and very good program guide
Pros: super receiver, so-so audio and NOT stereo thru modulated output (coax)
Cons: not stereo thru coax, no manual on/off switch--don't lose the remote
Cons---stereo ONLY thru RCA jacks, NOT thru coax (the RF modulated signal)--won't find this out until you open the box and dig thru the instructions. VOLUME control on latest version does leave some background noise (buzz) when decreasing the level from the TV preset. Remote is NOT universal and will ONLY operate your "PAL"---gee, what a pal! But some universal remotes will operate the converter---who knows how many features will work. Remote does have a lot of direct access controls to features.
BEWARE THE RETAILERS----first the price of this unit: now that it has printed on the box "$40 government coupon....."---well, that means that they know a good thing when they see it and have jacked the price to 60 bucks! Pay sales tax on ALL 60 bucks---so it cost me nearly $25 to buy it with a coupon at Sears. And Sears would NOT accept debit or credit cards---couldn't use my gold MC or Visa to obtain warranty extension!!! So blogs say it is because of razor thin margins on converter boxes---well, this baby jumped from 40 bucks to 60 bucks---whose margin is getting shaved???? It works so far reasonably well. The kick in the pants is the stereo TV (only 2 years old) only cost 90 bucks at that time---17 inch stereo flat square tube Magnavox. This whole digital thing is a massive scam and we're the losers (I lose signal on my amplified system whenever the weather is bad).
CONCLUSION---it does what it is supposed to do. Audio could be better. Stereo really ought to be available on the modulated signal (coax). EEEAAASSSYYY to set up and pretty straightforward to use.
PS---something, maybe the switching power supply, is causing my OTHER analog TVs to have RF interference lines on Cleve Channel 3 analog (the DTVPAL is set to Ch. 4 because we do use Ch.3 in this area). So this unit may be guilty of CAUSING INTERFERENCE, but who cares. Its only an FCC rule and does anybody think the Chinese manufacturer really cares??? If they do, I'll let you know.
out of 50 user reviews
try the channelmaster cm-7000
Pros: s-video output
Cons: incorrect auto-time
easy to use, with stereo output and excellent picture.
out of 50 user reviews
Yes it's already sold on some online stores
Pros: Now I have more tv channels & better picture quality
Cons: Except some channels are still missing or bad reception
out of 50 user reviews
Nice little unit fits nicely into entertainment center and is unnoticable
Pros: Extremely easy setup for normal use
Cons: Remote interfered with Dish Network 301 sat receiver. (possibly others)
out of 50 user reviews
Doesn't Get The Station Further Away
Pros: Small (6" x 4" x 1½"). Crystal-clear picture for every channel (no variation of quality you get with analog). More channels than analog. Free on-screen program guide. Rename or delete channels.
Cons: I live in the Philadelphia suburbs and this dtv converter won't grab a Lehigh Valley station that comes in very well in analog — really the only station I've been watching.
It does have Analog Pass Thru on the remote and gives you a countdown before it switches to ch 3 or 4 on your TV (during which time you can quick change your TV channel so you don't get dropped into static). The only time I can see someone needing this feature is in the case of a pesky channel you get in analog that dtvPAL couldn't render. Otherwise I'd just stay in digital all the time! The volume is diminished compared to reg TV so all you do is raise your TV volume a little one time and keep it there. Then you adjust the volume on the dtvPAL remote forever and the level shows on the TV. You can't control your TV with the dtvPAL remote but really you don't need your TV remote. If your TV is always set on the output channel and loud-enough volume setting, you need only to press the On/Off button on the front of the TV when you start and finish with it. Use the dtvPAL remote for everything else. Another sigificant feature is that for every channel that is rendered by dtvPAL, it tells you the antenna strength for it onscreen when you first tune to it. Overall, I believe the unit is very respectable and concur with CNET that it should be at the top of your list.
CNET et al: I don't think the remote is "overcomplicated". It is small with only a few buttons besides the number pad.
Baldridg: Picture Format is explained on Page 7 of the manual. All it is is for the few stations which broadcast (a show) in a different aspect ratio, the top-right button on the remote gives you a few options to adjust that picture to better fit your TV screen.
CNET et al: I don't think the remote is "overcomplicated". It is small with only a few buttons besides the number pad.
Baldridg: Picture Format is explained on Page 7 of the manual. All it is is for the few stations which broadcast (a show) in a different aspect ratio, the top-right button on the remote gives you a few options to adjust that picture to better fit your TV screen.
out of 50 user reviews
Terrible, awful, dreadful service
Pros: None, I still haven't recieved the device
Cons: I have now spent almost 3hrs on the phone and on line in and I still don't have it after 3 weeks..
I called their toll free number and after about 30 minutes and talking with three people, they took my coupon and charged my account for $33.77.
I called them on 7/23/08 to check on the status of my order. The first person that I talked to had some difficulty in determining its status, put me on how for over 5 minutes and then I was disconnected.
I called back and a different person couldn't help me and after about another 5 minutes, I was transferred to "customer service". After about 15 minutes with him, he offered to refund my $33.77. I asked for the total, including my $40.00 coupon and he then went to "check" with someone else. He then transferred me to "tech support". The Tech support lady did not have clue of what I was talking about. She was tech support for network customers.
I called back again and after talking with at least three more people (each asked for my address, phone number etc. again) I was told that after talking with the executive office, they would ship my DTVPAL in 72 hrs. When I asked for an email confirmation or a phone call back, I was told that Dish Network doesn't send emails and that I will need to call back in 72 hrs. I guess they felt that that they hadn’t tortured me enough!
I now have almost 3 hours invested in this purchase and no product! Run, don't walk away from the Dish Network!
out of 50 user reviews
Great unit ...BUT for Dish Network customers beware
Pros: Works well as advertised
Cons: Dish Network remote also works the DTVPAL
I called Echo Star and asked them if this would harm either unit and they informed me that they would be shipping out two new remotes for the DTVPAL as they had failed to change the " code " but that the new remotes would no longer be able to interfere with the DISH Network unit and not to use the old remotes that came with my purchase because it would affect the Dish Network receiver in a bad way ( if they were in the same room ).
Unfortunately they were not able to tell me how to stop the Dish Network remote from causing the light to flash so I tried to use it to turn on the DTVPAL unit and it did, and it also allowed me to change the stations.
I will call them again after I receive the new remotes to see if they have found a solution to that problem since I don't see how the new remotes will stop the Dish Network remote from operating the DTVPAL boxes...hopefully without damage .
out of 50 user reviews
DTVPal Timers don't work correctly
Pros: Guide info
Cons: Timers haver serious flaw
out of 50 user reviews
Good, informative review, but...
Pros: Great reception and easy setup
Cons: Picture format wasn't explained in the manual.
Baldridg
out of 50 user reviews
Very Nice Product
Pros: EPG, Reception, Analog Pass Through, Compact
Cons: Remote, No TV Preview in Guide
I paired this with a TERK HDTVI amplified antenna that I had purchased previously for an XP Media Center 2005 laptop from HP. I was really quite impressed.
Without being too long winded, I'll just say that I get all the channels in my area, from over 16 miles away, from multiple broadcast locations, from different directions, without readjusting the antenna.
Even as I write the Media Center PC is attempting to download the EPG. Well if any of you are familiar with the EPG problems of XP Media Centers, you know what I'm talking about. What a joke using the analog channel info to feed data into the digital channels EPG, which resulted in no information for sub-channels.
The DTVPAL gets the EPG information in a snap for all channels and sub-channels. Formerly, with my Media Center I couldn't get all of the channels without adjusting the antenna and some I could not get at all. Now I'm in the Chicago area and everyone knows how hard it is to get CBS channel 2 DTV. I could never get that on the Media Center but the DTVPAL pulls in channel 2 from over 16 miles with no distortion or interruption.
Many have said that the TERK HDTVI and the DTVPAL were crap but I like them both and they work well together for me.
The remote control should be able to at least turn the TV on/off especially because the DTVPAL has an inactivity standby feature and if disabled you get a scary warning that it cannot perform regular maintenance. So after you calmly fall asleep, the DTVPAL goes into standby leaving your TV on loud with no signal, and you find yourself scrambling for the TV remote. I just disabled this feature as I was writing so I don't know how this will affect the system or EPG yet. But the DTVPAL frequently updates its EPG when you turn it on after being off for a while. I hope it continues to do so with inactivity standby disabled.
Also, it would have been a real nice feature to have a channel preview while in the guide but this was omitted. They have a large preview in setup but this would have been better placed in the guide.
Even though the guide is the best, it lacks the ability to search for categories like movies or sports which is disappointing. You can only search by keyword but you can save your searches. But this is still far better than the simple lists provided by many competing units.
The remote control has a dedicated button for system information that displays technical stuff that the average user will never need. This would have been better suited for some other function like a favorites button, but oh well. The system info is also accessible from the menu system.
The analog pass-through is a nice feature because many low power and translator stations will not actually have to convert to digital in 02/2009. But in reality after you get used to watching the channels in digital, you will probably never use this analog feature.
This unit does not have the Smart Antenna interface. The Smart Antennas are expected to be pricey but I got lucky and will not need one.
out of 50 user reviews
I'm liking it a lot!
Pros: fast guide, fast channel flipping, search feature, tv timer, easy setup
Cons: no buttons on set top box, small and sensitive buttons on remote, high(er) price
We ended up getting the DTVPal from the DTVPal.com. The price is kind of high, but this is the only converter of it's type that can switch channels.
Anyways, it came pretty fast, and it took like 10 minutes to set up. It's really easy to use and takes you through a simple set up wizard. It finds you channels and loads the guide.
The guide is really great, it can't tell you the names of some of the shows broadcast by local stations, but that's expected. Unlike the RCA converter it's guide loads pretty fast, and you can go forward in the programming to see what else is on later, you can select the show and it adds it to the tv timer to change channels when you want it to.
The tv timer is really great if you tape a lot of things, of course you can't tape a channel while watching another channel, which is the downfall of the whole HDTV switch esp. for all those who use a VCR to tape and watch you're fav episodes. If you want to tape using this thing, you have to sync the converter and your vcr (set it to tape 3) to start at the same time. You can also use the timer to switch channels if your like me and always forget to change channels and miss your program or if you're just stinking lazy! hehe
I really like the search feature, you can search for a program and decide if you want to add it to your tv timer, which is pretty cool.
i like the different buttons, it's got a recall channel button (the RCA doesn't) and several other buttons to help you make it easy to change settings and maneuver through the different menus. The weird thing about the buttons are that they're sensitive, i have a heavy hand so i always select things by accident, this isn't a problem i just noticed it. And they're kind of small (if you're of an older persuasion) i don't have a problem with it but i'm sure other people will.
There's no buttons to switch channels on the box like on the RCA, so if you lose the clicker you better find it! and the buttons are so sensitive that if it's between couch cushions the channel will probably switch whenever you sit down
The channels flip a lot faster than the RCA, sometimes the RCA lagged in between channels.
Overall, i'm liking it a lot, the picture's great and when you switch to hdtv you get a lot of the in between channels which are really great! So if you want some extra features get this, if you just want something simple get the RCA or something else that's cheaper.
out of 50 user reviews
Version 100 and 101 have bugs in the firmware - don't buy just yet if you can
Pros: Another Analog PassThur converter, the EPG
Cons: Timers, Program Search, Clock, Remote, TVGuide
1) VBI - I heard all converters have this and the TV is the problem
2) Timers:
a) Sometimes powers on other times it does not
b) It will sometimes mysteriously change the set time and/or date
c) mysteriously some events disappear from the list
3) Clock not keeping the proper time - maybe the cause of the timers
4) Erratic powering on/off for no apparent reason (maybe maintenance - who knows what this does)
5) Downloading EPG info on powering up after only being off a short time - maybe also time related
6) Remote control interaction with Dish Network receivers
7) TVGOS not working reliably - I would say nonexistent - know anyone it worked for
8) The Search function will only search the title even though it has a description option.
9) Dish Network orders only get 101 software everyone else gets 100
The good news is they expect to fix all of these issues with updated software (the remote control problem has to be fixed by replacing the 1.5 NDB model with a 3.2 NDB model).
The bad news is the unit is not field upgradeable. The current units (and remotes) will have to be replaced once the new software is available. It's expected the new software won't be available for at least a couple of weeks. How they're going to replace all the defective units they're currently shipping is still a mystery.
For more Coupon Converter information including the DTVPal I suggest everyone should visit the AVS Forum -
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=186
Also try looking for one at Ultimate Electronics if you decide to buy there are reports it is $39.99 there.
Here is a price list for various retailers
http://epg.***********
out of 50 user reviews
Xtrm good,thing is if urtv is not stereo ulus vol on tv
Pros: abosoulute fatatstic in every over air analog signals, no need to get the advanced box, 19.95 , works great. Best on the market. I like all the features.. U will b Suprised. Need a good antennea for signal pick up.
Cons: cons, if you do not have a stereo tv your volume will be deminished. 64 on my tv sounds a lot like 30. But on stereo it sounds better. Other tan that i can find no problems with this unit. Yes you do have to have ur remote for tv for volume.
out of 50 user reviews
Wouldn't buy: Corporate Ethics
Pros: supposed to have analog passthrough
Cons: Lack of Corporate Ethics
Many people had been holding off buying a converter waiting for this product at $40 - only to be kicked in the teeth by Sling Media.
Several retailers had been taking pre-orders on information supplied by Sling. They had to cancel all the pre-orders.
Buy from a company that has some ethics.
out of 50 user reviews
Best unit that I have had my hands on
Pros: Controls set audio level. Has analog pass-through, has program guide info, has closed caption
Cons: Locked up a couple times for my wife. Saw some pixilation. They should sell this at $49.99.
out of 50 user reviews
Be careful with this product
Pros: nice features
Cons: Internal clock will not hold correct time
Another thing I don't like is the external power supply uses some sort of plug that is unique to this unit, so if your wall wart goes bad or if you lose it, dont expect to go to Radio Shack and get one of those universal wall warts. They wont work.
I posted a previous review on this site on the DTVPal and gave it a terrible review. After much time on the phone with dishnetwork tech support, I finally got them to replace my unit. I have now spent a couple days with the new unit and it has none of the problems experienced with the first unit. The program guide works fine, the event timers work fine so far as well as all the other features. picture quality is great. It is currently connected to a DVD recorder and so far the event timer has worked every time I set it. Others have had problems with the EPG and event timers besides myself, so my case was not isolated, but the new replacement box works fine, so maybe there was a quality control issue. In any event I am happy enough with the new replacement DTVPal to say I now really like it.
I posted a previous review on this site on the DTVPal and gave it a terrible review. After much time on the phone with dishnetwork tech support, I finally got them to replace my unit. I have now spent a couple days with the new unit and it has none of the problems experienced with the first unit. The program guide works fine, the event timers work fine so far as well as all the other features. picture quality is great. It is currently connected to a DVD recorder and so far the event timer has worked every time I set it. Others have had problems with the EPG and event timers besides myself, so my case was not isolated, but the new replacement box works fine, so maybe there was a quality control issue. In any event I am happy enough with the new replacement DTVPal to say I now really like it.
out of 50 user reviews
Does what it is suppose to well
Pros: Very intuitive, Easy setup, Very responsive
Cons: Slight rainbowing on some programs, No controls on the box, Doesn't come with composite cables, Can't navigate directly to sub-stations
The box changes channels about as fast as any television tuner I've ever used. The remote doesn't even have to be aimed directly at the box for it to pick up what you push. Unfortunately, the remote doesn't allow you to turn directly to channel sub-stations, i.e. 7.2. You have to goto 7.1, then push the unlabelled channel up button. When entering channel numbers, pressing "Select" will let the box know you're done and quickly jumps to the channel.
The rainbowing seems to only affect some programming (probably something to do how the show was recorded), and is limitted mainly to vertical white lines that are out of focus in the background of a scene. It's not that noticable, so it's very tolerable.
Overall, it is a great analog-to-digital tuner.
out of 50 user reviews
Misinformation in previous post
Pros: Ordering directly from Dish Network was easy
Cons: They charge sales tax on your purchase and all sales are final
I don't know how the previous consumer reached those conclusions but they don't apply to the DVVPal. One is not charged for receiving local broadcasts via DTVPal, nor does one need to subscribe to Dish network to order it from them. I am not a subscriber, and they took my order.
Since then I found 3 other online sources. One of which is way more expensive, but two others would be less expensive. (They charge the same price for the box, but there is no tax and shipping is less. I can't remember about return policies. If you can wait to order, it may show up in more stores.
I received my DTVPal 6 days after placing my order with Dish Network.
The picture is as very clean and sharp for analog, with no artifacts that I could see. I get most of the available local digital channels clearly. Two break up if the weather changes, and there are a couple of others that are either fairly low-powered or too far away to tune in using unamplified rabbit ears, but they all have some problems as analog stations too.
The remote can control the functions of the DTVPal and adjust the volume, but can't control the TV itself. To get a sub-channel directly, say 7-2, one presses 00702.
I bought this converter box largely because it offered a better program guide than other CECB's and a programmable timer. The program guide is very good and searchable by title, category, or both. One can add an event to the timer by selecting a program in the guide. Timer events can also be set as one would for a VCR (for between 1 minute and 999 minutes). There are 5 timer events available. The timer comes on a couple of minutes ahead of time with a countdown. Unfortunately, the timer doesn't work quite the way I'd like it to. It does not turn off the DTVPal as one would expect. Instead, it stays on until the inactivity monitor turns it off. The length of time required for the inactivity monitor to activate can be adjusted though.
There are a good number of options available for displaying digital closed captions, but no way to change where they appear on the screen as some digital TV's permit.
One final note: At first glance, the invoice for the DTVPal, which was mailed separately, looked like a bill for a Dish Network subscrption, but on closer examination, it wasn't.
out of 50 user reviews
Warning, DTVpal requires Dish network Service Fees for local channels
Pros: Box may work well, but I will not find out
Cons: You have to PAY for FREE TV!!!
