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Recently Echostar split into two companies, DISH, the traditional satellite TV company and SATS, the Sling Media/Equipment company. With that split, we are already seeing the development of new products for the consumer from the equipment side, Echostar Holding Corporation.
At the Consumer Electronics Show, held this week in Las Vegas, Echostar introduced two new set-top converter boxes for the upcoming switch to all digital television.
First, the Echostar TR-40 is a new digital-to-analog converter box that will retail for $39.99. The box will allow those with analog TV’s to receive digital signal, which will become the standard in February 2009, then convert the signal back to analog. The US government has set up a program, explained at www.dtv2009.gov, which will allow each US household to obtain two $40 coupons to use toward the purchase of digital-to-analog converter boxes. The box is set to hit shelves in June of this year.
According to Echostar CEO Charlie Ergen, the company will not make any money on the boxes, in fact they may lose a small amount on the venture. So why bother? Its all about marketing and branding for Dish Network. The boxes will be sold under both the Echostar and Sling Media names, and will no doubt include lots of promotional information on both Dish Network satellite TV and Slingbox products.
The second product introduced by Echostar was the TR-50 DVR, and was the real winner at the CES show this week. The product won the “Best of CES” award in the Home Video Category. The award, judged by CNET, recognize the hottest new innovative technology products. The TR-50 DVR also serves as a digital-to-analog converter, but also has the full functionality of a digital DVR that you would normally get from Dish Network or DirecTV.
The digital video recorder, included in the TR-50 allows customers to view, record, and play back local over-the-air analog and digital broadcasts. Added features include up a programming guide, parental lock feature, program search, closed captioning, and reminders for pre selected programming. No price point was released, and Echostar said the cost of TR-50 DVR will be established in the months ahead. This product is set to hit stores in July.
After a rough 2007, Echostar and Dish Network seem to be back on track. With a price freeze on programming, expanded HD offerings, and set top boxes designed to reach new markets, the company starts 2008 on the right track.
14 comments ↓
[...] Read the rest of this great post here [...]
[...] Hmmm wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptFirst, the Echostar TR-40 is a new digital-to-analog converter box that will retail for $39.99. The box will allow those with analog TV’s to receive digital signal, which will become the standard in February 2009, then convert the … [...]
where do you get the TR-40?
Is this have facility to play over PCTV. Sometimes I wanna TV om my PC.
It looks like the TR-40 is available for pre-order
at: http://www.provantage.com/tv-converter-tr40~7NTIA004.htm
$42.50 plus shipping
G: You have no idea how much that helped. I’ve got a soon-expiring converter coupon, and had no idea that the other boxes out there were kinda lame in terms of features. This looks to be a great box. Thanks for the link, my friend.
ur blogs looks great, try to experiment with some more themes.
Regards,
Himanshu
[...] First, the echostar TR-40 is a new digital-to-analog converter box that will retail for 39.99. …http://www.dish-television.com/2008/01/11/dish-network-converter-box/Dish unveils plans for 2008 – Denver Business Journal:That was the message from Charlie Ergen, Dish [...]
[...] will allow those with analog TV&8217s to receive digital signal, which will become the standard …http://www.dish-television.com/2008/01/11/dish-network-converter-box/? Free Dish Network TR-40 digital TV converter box available in JuneFeb 29, 2008 … tr40_2.jpg [...]
Looks like they finally released this thing with a $60 pricetag. Way to bait and switch us again Dish Network!
There are actually a lot of promotions going on now, I think there is also one going on where you get Starz and HBO free for 3 months, who knows maybe you can get both.
That’s strange, I read about Dish selling converter boxes, yet they took my government coupons last April and then told us months later they do not sell converter boxes. Finally in Sept. they came out and hooked some of our tv’s to Dish and added local channels to our bill.
I think Dish Network played this wrong. They should have just targeted people who dont have cable with their service. Hook them up for a measly $30 to $40 bucks a month and collect money for years on end rather then selling them a digital conversion box.
Dish is having a good promotion now. Sign up with them and you’ll save $15 a month for 12 months.
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