The ever elusive DTVPal is now for sale, according to a press release from DISH Network. The release, issued yesterday mentions that the DTVPal is now available through DISH Network directly, but is not apparently in stores yet.
Pricing on the DTVPal is $59.99, so with a government issued $40 discount coupon, the price would be $19.99 plus shipping. A quick check on the DTVPal website had shipping costs at $8.95, so buyers of the DTVPal would be looking at a total cost of $28.94 for one digital to analog converter box.
That’s quite a jump from the $5 or less many thought they would be able to purchase the box for when Echostar introduced the model back in January. At that time, DISH Network was promising a unit called the TR-40 which would retail for around $40. In that case, all the customer would really have to pay for is tax. DISH Network boss Charlie Ergen said at the time, the company would actually be losing money on the unit.
Well of course companies aren’t in business to lose money, so eventually the TR-40 was re-branded as the DTV Pal and upped in price. In the meantime, many who applied early for their $40 government coupon have seen them expire as they have been waiting for the TR-40 to be released. While rumor is there is still a less expensive TR-40 on the horizon, no mention of it was made in the latest press release from DISH Network.
Advantages of the DTVPal include an analog pass through feature. This means the unit can take both digital and analog signal and transmit them to the television. Some smaller stations are not required to make the digital switch in February 2009, so the DTVPal will work in these areas as well.
Other features on the unit include a setup wizard, programming guide that reaches seven days out, parental locks, an auto tune timer, search function, program recording capability with a VCR, and a remote control.
DISH Network also bragged in the release of the “top choice” rating the DTVPal was given by CNET recently. DISH is supporting the DTVPal with customer service agents and technicians who will help with installation and troubleshooting issues.
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So I guess this is better than some of the other digital TV converters out there?