Since Echostar introduced the TR-40 and TR-50 devices at the Consumer Electronics Show in January, the question consumers have been asking is “Where are they?”
The answer: Not here yet, but coming soon.
Of course that doesn’t cut it for those who have begun receiving their government-issued coupon card. The rebate cards are starting to trickle into household mailboxes, for use in obtaining a converter box for the upcoming analog-to-digital conversion.
The latest on the Echostar TR-40 is that it should be hitting shelves in June. The device is set to be priced right around the $40 dollar range, making it free (less any applicable taxes) for those with DTV government coupons. Since TR40 isn’t really a very descriptive name, Echostar has titled the digital-to-analog conversion box the “Echostar/Sling Media DTVPal.” A little wordy-but DTV Pal will probably suffice as an appropriate nickname.
Echostar/DISH Network has stated their cost on the TR-40 will exceed the selling price, so their goal here will be to get into the customers home and hopefully get them to consider subscribing to DISH Network satellite services.
Echostar/Sling Media’s second introduction the Echostar TR-50 is another sought after product. The TR 50 won the Best of CES award in the Home Video category. The combination conversion box and DVR, exact pricing has not yet been released for the TR50. Current forecasts are placing the product on store shelves in August of this year. Unfortunately, coupons from the government DTV program will not be able to be applied to the TR-50 model.
So hold your breath a little longer, both units should be available in stores soon.
