DTV Pal

The DTVPal is a line of digital television converter units for converting digital television broadcast signals to analog signals. Legacy televisions do not have digital tuners, and therefore require a digital converter to receive television broadcasts in North America post the government mandated digital conversion of 2009.

Dish Network, although a satellite television provider, also offered a line of digital converts under the DTVPal name for people who wish to receive free, non-subscription broadcast television on legacy television sets.

EchoStar Satellite L.L.C., parent to Dish Network, introduced the DTVPal in 2008. Since the introduction of the TVPal, a few alternate or upgraded models have also been introduced.

Dish Network DTVPal Models

DTVPal

This unit has a built in timer allowing it to "auto tune" when used in conjunction with a VCR, or DVR. The most common complaint with the DTVPal (and the TR-40) is the poor reception the units provide. They do not seem to pull in weaker signals well.

• Built in Timer
• 7 Day EPG

(Around $60 retail)

TR-40

This is a "low cost" alternative to the DTVPal, designed to be purchased outright with the government CECB coupon program. It also has the built in timer feature.

• Built in Timer
• 7 Day EPG

(Around $40 retail)

DTVPal Plus

This is a DTVPal with the analog pass-through feature and an enhanced digital tuner for optimizing weak signal areas. This unit is better at pulling in weak signals than the original DTV Pal and TR-40, however, other manufacturers still outperform the reception capabilities of this digital converter box. This has the built in timer feature like the previous models.

• Built in Timer
• 7 Day EPG
• Improved Reception

(Around $80 retail)

TR-50 aka DTVPal DVR

DTVPal DVR is a digital video recorder for over-the-air broadcast television. It is the final versions of the TR-50 converter box. Like the DTVPal and the DTVPal Plus, the DTVPal DVR has a seven day electronic program guide. This unit has a defect in that it overheats and will malfunction. It is also excessively expensive at around $300 retail.

• Built in Timer
• 7 Day EPG
• DVR
• Dual tuners

(Around $300 retail)

Support

Dish Network no longer offers any DTVPal product with the exception of the limited availability of the DTVPal DVR, which as of 2010 is still available at Sears.

• Dish Network DTVPal Support - Official Web Site