Speculation and rumors surrounding the DTVPal continue to make rounds on the internet, as Dish Network and Slingbox have done a poor job in defining the product. Once known as the Echostar TR-40, the latest information has the DTVPal actually becoming a different product.
A few reviews of the DTVPal have finally sprung up, and CNET for one seems to like the product. Finding good, solid information on when the product will be released, and where it will be available is another matter. Case in point, calls to DISH Network’s customer service center have resulted in differing accounts on when the product will even be available.
Calls to retailers such as Wal-Mart, Radio Shack, and Best Buy have not resulted in any solid information as to if/when they will even have the product. Many have no product knowledge at all regarding either the Echostar TR-40 or the DTVPal. The product is scarce among online retailers as well, with only a few accepting pre-orders, and comments here recently that those who have placed orders have in some cases received e-mails that their order has been cancelled.
Visits to the DTV Pal website don’t fill in the blanks either, other than vague information that the product will begin selling in late June. According to CNET, the product release date will be today, June 19th. The latest news on the DISH Network DTVPal is that it is its own product, so to speak. The price tag seems to have gone up as well, with the latest speculation having it priced at about $60 per unit. That compares to the original TR-40 price of about $40.
So what exactly is the deal, as DISH Network and Charlie Ergen promised to offer the TR40 for about $40 at retail when the product was first introduced? This would make the unit free for those who request a digital conversion government coupon. Again, nothing solid has been released from DISH Network or Sling Media.
There could actually be two separate models, the DTVPal being released first with more bells and whistles. DISH Network could sell that model for $60 for as long as demand warrants. Later, as the February 2009 conversion deadline approaches, they could release the Echostar TR-40. If it is actually more of a bare bones conversion box, maybe the cost won’t actually cause DISH Network to lose money, as Charlie Ergen said they would when they first released the mode.
Whatever the actual facts are regarding the Echostar TR-40 and the DTVPal, we shall soon find out. Then we can all start waiting for the Echostar TR-50.
by Written by Michael Brix on June 19, 2008
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4 comments
tagged as best buy, charlie ergen, cnet, dtv pal, dtvpal, echostar tr-40, echostar tr-50, radio shack, sling media, slingbox, tr40, wal mart in Dish Network, HDTV
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dtvpal or tr40 whatever it is? is now selling for $79.99 plus $9.95 for shipping. i think I will just go ou and buy a new t.v.. what did they do to raise price so high? plate it with gold, it really becoming one big joke, and the joke is on us, just buy a zenith model at circuit for 59.99 less your $40.00 coupon. and let the tr 40 odtv pal collect dust. whow what do they think we are a bunch of fools. thats all folks.
DTV Pal is selling directly online from DTVPal/DishNetwork for $59.99 plus tax & shipping. I just ordered 2 (minus the coupons of course) See their website, click on lower left to order,,,
http://www.dtvpal.com/