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[[Image:DTVPal logo.JPG|thumb|200px|right|DTVPal logo]]
The DTVPal is a digital-to-analog converter box designed, created and sourced by [[Echostar Corporation|EchoStar Satellite L.L.C.]], sister company to [[Dish Network Corporation|DISH Network L.L.C.]] The boxes are marketed and sold by [[Dish Network|DISH Network]]. The DTVPal converter boxes allow [[Analog passthrough|analog pass-through]] for viewers who have analog TVs and receive their TV broadcasts over-the-air using “rabbit ears” or some other form of antenna.
The '''DTVPal''' was a line of [[Digital television adapter|digital-to-analog converter]] [[Set-top box|boxes]] designed by [[Dish Network|EchoStar Communications]], under the Dish Network name. The boxes were marketed starting in 2008.<ref name="cr1">Willcox, James K. [http://blogs.consumerreports.org/electronics/2008/08/40-dtv-converte.html "$40 DTV converter box from Dish is finally available"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201213018/http://blogs.consumerreports.org/electronics/2008/08/40-dtv-converte.html |date=2008-12-01 }}. ‘’ConsumerReports.org’’. Consumers Union of U.S., Inc. August 21, 2008.</ref>


The units debuted to both love and criticism from purchasers, primarily related to reliability, warranty, and service issues.<ref name="cr2">The Editors [http://blogs.consumerreports.org/electronics/2008/08/issues-with-dis.html "Issues with Dish's DTVPal DTV converters?"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100815063832/http://blogs.consumerreports.org/electronics/2008/08/issues-with-dis.html |date=2010-08-15 }}. ‘’ConsumerReports.org’’. Consumers Union of U.S., Inc. August 29, 2008.</ref> All models in the line were discontinued. One model, the '''DTVPal DVR''', had unique features in this class of product: the ability to pause live TV and time-shift broadcast TV digitally. This model returned to production in 2010 as the [[Channel Master]] model [https://web.archive.org/web/20101222142049/https://www.channelmaster.com/Digital_TV_and_HDTV_HD_digital_recorder_CM_7000PAL_DVR_s/120.htm CM 7000PAL].
==The Digital Transition==
On February 17th, 2009 all full-power broadcast TV stations in the U.S. will switch from analog broadcasts to digital broadcasts. This switch is known as the [[DTV transition in the United States|Digital Transition]]. <ref>[http://www.dtv.gov/]. ‘’The Digital TV Transition’’. Federal Communications Commission.</ref>


==References==
[[Digital television|Digital television]] (DTV) will enable broadcasters to offer television with better picture and sound quality. It also will free up valuable analog space used by emergency responders. <ref>[http://www.dtv.gov/whatisdtv.html "What is Digital Television?"]. ‘’The Digital TV Transition’’. Federal Communications Commission.</ref><ref>[https://www.dtv2009.gov/AboutProgram.aspx "What is the digital television transition?"]. ‘’DTV Transition and the Coupon Program’’. NTIA, U.S. Department of Commerce.</ref>

Following the transition, analog TVs will no longer be able to receive programming unless their owners do one of the following:

# Subscribe to a [[Satellite television|satellite]] or [[cable television|cable TV]] service
# Purchase a digital-to-analog converter box
# Purchase a new digital TV<ref>[http://dtvanswers.com/dtv_affected.html "Who’s affected?"]. ‘’DTV Answers’’. National Association of Broadcasters.</ref>

==What is a converter box?==
Converter boxes, such as the DTVPal, are electronic devices that convert digital television broadcast signals to analog signals.<ref>[http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=dta.pr_dta "Digital-to-Analog Converter Boxes"]. ‘’Energy Star’’. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Energy.</ref> Analog TVs can only receive analog signals. Once high-power stations have converted to all-digital signals on November 17, 2009, analog TVs utilizing over-the-air broadcast signals will not be able to receive the digital signals. The digital-to-analog converter boxes translate the digital signals to analog, allowing the broadcasts to be viewed on analog television sets.

==History of the DTVPal==
In early 2008, DISH Network released the DTVPal, its first digital-to-analog converter box. The DTVPal is eligible for the [[National Telecommunications and Information Administration|NTIA's]] [[CECB|converter box coupons]] and retails for $60.

With less than a year until the transition, few low-cost, coupon-eligible converter boxes were available through retailers.<ref>Bosworth, Martin H. [http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/04/dtv_coupons.html "Consumers Having Problems with Digital TV Converter Coupons"]. ‘’ConsumerAffairs.com’’. ConsumerAffairs.com Inc. [[April 23]], [[2008]].</ref> In August 2008, DISH Network released the TR-40, which retails for $40, essentially making it free to consumers purchasing the box with the $40 NTIA coupon.<ref>Willcox, James K. [http://blogs.consumerreports.org/electronics/2008/08/40-dtv-converte.html "$40 DTV converter box from Dish is finally available"]. ‘’ConsumerReports.org’’. Consumers Union of U.S., Inc. [[August 21]], [[2008]].</ref> FCC chairman Kevin Martin encouraged retailers to carry DISH Network’s TR-40 "low-cost" converter box.<ref>[http://www.dealerscope.com/article/fcc-asks-retailers-to-offer-40-dtv-box-134966_1.html "FCC Asks Retailers To Offer $40 DTV Box"]. ‘’Dealerscope’’. North American Publishing Company. [[September 17]], [[2008]].</ref><ref>Eggerton, John. [http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6596715.html "Martin: Where Are $40 DTV Converter Boxes?"]. ‘’Broadcasting & Cable’’. Reed Business Information. [[September 16]], [[2008]].</ref><ref>[http://www.tvtechnology.com/article/67718 "EchoStar Debuts DTV Pal Plus"]. ‘‘TV Technology’’. NewBay Media, LLC. [[September 26]], [[2008]].</ref>

A month later, EchoStar and DISH Network introduced the DTVPal Plus, a new version of its DTVPal analog to digital converter box, featuring analog pass-through and an enhanced digital tuner for optimizing weak signal areas.<ref>[http://www.dealerscope.com/article/fcc-asks-retailers-to-offer-40-dtv-box-134966_1.html "FCC Asks Retailers To Offer $40 DTV Box"]. ‘’Dealerscope’’. North American Publishing Company. [[September 17]], [[2008]].</ref>

The DTVPal DVR was first introduced to the public as the TR-50 at the CES show in January 2008, where it received CNET's 2008 "Best of CES" award in the Home Video category.<ref>[http://www.redorbit.com/news/technology/1599326/dish_networkr_introduces_first_digitaltoanalog_converter_box_with_dvr_dtvpaltm/ "DISH Network® Introduces First Digital-to-Analog Converter Box With DVR: DTVPal™ DVR"]. ‘‘redOrbit’’. redOrbit.com. [[November 11]], [[2008]].</ref>

==Features==
=====DVR capabilities (DTVPal DVR only)=====
Allows users to view and record over-the-air programming. Recording capacity: 150 hours of standard definition (SD) programming, 30 hours of high definition (HD) programming, or a combination of the two

=====Record, Pause, Skip and Replay (DTVPal DVR only)=====
DVR “trick modes” include pausing a live or recorded program for up to 60 minutes, 30-second skip forward, 10-second skip back, four speeds of fast forward and fast reverse, slow motion and frame-by-frame forward and reverse.

=====HD display (DTVPal DVR only)=====
View over-the-air high definition programming on an HDTV or HD-ready TV. HD display resolutions: 480p, 720p and 1080i (Standard display resolution: 480i)

=====Software downloads (DTVPal DVR only)=====
Via broadband IP connection; software upgrades are placed on website can be uploaded to a flash drive and installed/downloaded to the converter box

=====Enhanced digital tuner (DTVPal Plus only)=====
Optimized tuner to improve signal strength in weak signal conditions

=====Analog pass-through=====
Button to switch between digital and analog channels

=====On-screen program guide=====
Free on-screen program guide allows viewers to see what is showing on every channel

=====Event timer=====
Allows users to set a time for the converter box to turn on and tuned to the desired channel for setup with VCR recordings or program reminders

=====Programming search=====
Searches for programs by name

=====Alternative audio=====
Receives second audio feed in alternate language (broadcaster dependent

=====Closed-captioning=====
Converts over-the-air digital closed-captioning for display on analog TV sets, as [[Coupon-eligible converter box|mandated by the FCC]]<ref>[http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/dtvcaptions.html "FCC Consumer Advisory Closed Captioning for Digital Television (DTV)"]. ‘‘Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau’’. Federal Communications Commission. [[February 1]], [[2008]].</ref>

=====Parental controls=====
Blocks programs deemed inappropriate based on rating or channel

=====Stereo audio output=====
Can be connected to stereo TV for enhanced sound

=====Setup wizard=====
Step-by-step guided setup; Automatically scans for new channels

==Technical Specifications==

====TR-40====
* Rear Panel
** One ATSC antenna input for over-the-air digital broadcasts
** External power supply (“wall wart”)
** A/V connections:
*** 1 set RCA-type audio/video outputs
*** 1 channel 3-4 modulated output
* Dimensions (approx.):
** H: 1.3” x W: 5.9” x D: 4.2”
* Weight (approx.): <1 lb.
* Color: black<ref>Moskovciak, Matthew (John P. Falcone, ed.). [http://reviews.cnet.com/tv-hdtv-tuners-receivers/dish-network-tr-40/4505-6487_7-33237855.html?tag=rnav "Dish Network TR-40 CRA"]. ‘’CNET Reviews’’. CBS Interactive Inc. [[September 2]], [[2008]].</ref><ref>[http://www.dishnetwork.com/dtvpal/tr40CRA_specs.shtml "Technical Specifications"]. ‘‘DTVPal’’. EchoStar Satellite L.L.C.</ref>

====DTVPal====
*Rear Panel
**One ATSC antenna input for over-the-air digital broadcasts
**External power supply (“wall wart”)
**A/V connections:
***1 set RCA-type audio/video outputs
***1 channel 3-4 modulated output
*Dimensions (approx.):
**H: 1.3” x W: 5.9” x D: 4.2”
*Weight (approx.): <1 lb.
*Color: black<ref>Moskovciak, Matthew (John P. Falcone, ed.). [http://reviews.cnet.com/tv-hdtv-tuners-receivers/dish-network-dtvpal/4505-6487_7-32886696.html?tag=mncol;also "Dish Network DTVPal"]. ‘’CNET Reviews’’. CBS Interactive Inc. [[June 19]], [[2008]].</ref>

====DTVPal Plus====
*Rear Panel
**One ATSC antenna input for over-the-air digital broadcasts
**External power supply (“wall wart”)
**A/V connections:
***1 set RCA-type audio/video outputs
***1 channel 3-4 modulated output
*Dimensions (approx.):
**H: 1.3” x W: 5.9” x D: 4.2”
*Weight (approx.): <1 lb.
*Color: black<ref>[http://www.dishnetwork.com/dtvpal/plus_specs.shtml "Technical Specifications"]. ‘‘DTVPal’’. EchoStar Satellite L.L.C.</ref>

====DTVPal DVR====
*Rear Panel
**One ATSC antenna input for two over-the-air digital broadcasts
**A/V connections:
***1 HDMI output
***1 set of Component (YPbPr) HD analog video outputs
***1 optical digital output for Dolby Digital and PCM Digital audio
***1 set RCA-type audio/video outputs
***1 channel 3-4 modulated output
*1 Ethernet port
*1 USB 2.0 port
*3-prong power cord
*Dimensions (approx.):
**H: 3.1” x W: 14.6” x D: 8.8”
*Weight (approx.): 5.0 lbs.
*Color: black<ref>[http://www.dishnetwork.com/dtvpal/dvr_specs.shtml "Technical Specifications"]. ‘‘DTVPal’’. EchoStar Satellite L.L.C.</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Comparison of CECB units]]
* [[Coupon-eligible converter box]]
* [[DTV transition in the United States]]
* [[Set-top box]]

== References ==
<references />
<references />


== External links ==
==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20101222142049/https://www.channelmaster.com/Digital_TV_and_HDTV_HD_digital_recorder_CM_7000PAL_DVR_s/120.htm Channel Master CM 7000PAL]
* http://www.dtvpal.com/ - DTVPal official website
* http://www.dtvpal.com/ - DISH Network official website
* [http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1099071 AVS Dish DTVPal DVR official topic]
{{Dish Network}}
* http://www.dtv2009solutions.com/ - 2009 Digital Transition information
{{DEFAULTSORT:Dtvpal}}
* http://www.dtv.gov/ - FCC website for "The Digital TV Transition"
[[Category:Consumer electronics brands]]
* https://www.dtv2009.gov/ - NTIA website for "TV Converter Box Coupon Program"
[[Category:Dish Network]]
* https://www.ntiadtv.gov/cecb_list.cfm — Coupon Eligible Converter Boxes at National Telecommunications and Information Administration
[[Category:EchoStar]]
* http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1022201 - Screenshots of EPG from various Converter Box models

Latest revision as of 02:12, 19 January 2024

DTVPal logo

The DTVPal was a line of digital-to-analog converter boxes designed by EchoStar Communications, under the Dish Network name. The boxes were marketed starting in 2008.[1]

The units debuted to both love and criticism from purchasers, primarily related to reliability, warranty, and service issues.[2] All models in the line were discontinued. One model, the DTVPal DVR, had unique features in this class of product: the ability to pause live TV and time-shift broadcast TV digitally. This model returned to production in 2010 as the Channel Master model CM 7000PAL.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Willcox, James K. "$40 DTV converter box from Dish is finally available" Archived 2008-12-01 at the Wayback Machine. ‘’ConsumerReports.org’’. Consumers Union of U.S., Inc. August 21, 2008.
  2. ^ The Editors "Issues with Dish's DTVPal DTV converters?" Archived 2010-08-15 at the Wayback Machine. ‘’ConsumerReports.org’’. Consumers Union of U.S., Inc. August 29, 2008.
[edit]
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