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. (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. 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.
TR-50 aka DTVPal DVR
A DTVPal with a DVR. This unit has a defect in that it overheats and will malfunction. It is also excessively expensive at around $300 retail.