Dish DTVPal / Echostar TR40 digital to analog converter - Page 6

need the remote of the sony to get PIP. So far Logitech remote not working.
Don't quite understand what I need to attach to the A/V inputs of Sony. I have just one set between the Panasonic DVR and the Sony TV. I thought I had 2 splitters attached to coax but it seems to be only one going to Panasonic and it works fine.

You'll need to split the coax so it goes to both the VCR and converter. Leave the VCR as is and connect the output of the converter to an empty input of the Sony.

On the other TV if you want to record, the output of the converter will have to go to the VCR and the VCR will have to be on to be able to watch any TV.

This thread should be merged with the TR-40 thread - all the talk is going on over there.

Most VCR's go into passthru mode when turned off, therefore the VCR would NOT have to be on to watch TV (since you aren't using the VCR's tuner)

The passthru is only true for coax - it won't pass signals via composite inputs when off - which is what I was recommending. For OTA in a few months coax passthru is useless on an analog TV and VCR. ..and before someone chimes in lets forget about LPS that won't shut down.

It's uncertain whether the DTVPal is simply a rebranding or if it has somewhat different chipsets and design.

^^^ what a way to PW.

Does it really make a diff? One merged into the other, as should the threads.

Agreed... thanks Mod's

who ever said it was HD device

The Echostar TR-40 was a different design than the DTVPal, but it merging the threads under the heading DTVPal should be ok.

Satellite Guys has a thread, "Want to Beta Test?":

This is good news for those interested in the DTVPal! There's little evidence that most other CECB vendors have undertaken beta testing to ferret out possible performance issues. It could help the DTVPal product avoid disappointing users with poor quality or design flaws.

What does this mean?

LPS- Low Power Stations can still broadcast analog after Feb. 17, 09.
The major stations will be digital.

"The Echostar TR-40 and its successor, the DTVPal, are standard def CECBs, not HDTV devices. Please move this thread to the new CECB subforum. Thank you."

Won't they convert digital to analog? And what does CECB stand for?

Yes. That's not what he meant by "HDTV device." He meant a box that receives digital OTA signals and delivers HD to a HD-capable TV. This forum was about HD receivers, antennas, etc., until all the CECB discussion came here for lack of a better place for it.


Coupon-Eligible Converter Box, i.e. digital-to-analog converters that are eligible for the $40 government-subsidy coupons.

Thanks so much for your help!

I am a current Dish subscriber and contacted Dish/Echostar about the ETA for this device. They had no info as to when, or if it would be available. Strange.

I think they are now saying June/July, and in another forum someone noted a couple of online retailers who are saying they will be available between late May and mid-June - on the other hand, one tends not to rely on EITHER type of prediction noted here, i.e., either from the manufacturer or a retailer...

Bottom Line:

- You need one box for every channel you watch or record.

So if you're watching two channels, you need two converter boxes. If you're watching one channel while your VCR records a second channel, you need two converter boxes. And so on.

Solid Signal is taking pre-orders on the DTV Pal and expect to ship the week of June 16.

Any idea if they are they accepting the CECB Coupons for pre-orders?

Wow... My coupons expire on 6/17. What to do, what to do............

Unfortunatley no because that is against the CECB program guidelines.

Bullet excerpts from the Solid Signal site:

• This box is on pre-order only, and will not be instock until the week of june 16th.
• PLEASE READ: You cannot use the government issued coupon unless converter box is in stock.

Looks like they changed the logo on the box.
Last me knew it looked like this with EchoStar on top in white


It now looks like this with a DTVPal picture on top in white


Here is the Logo


Thanks to EZDigitalTV for the update today - yes I know not much new

It does not come with Composite cables | A/V Cables though.

I sure hope it doesn't run hot like the DS box. I sure would have preferred a metal case vs. what looks like plastic. I guess the first mod will be to drill lots of holes in the top, unless maybe it will have a good heatsink on the chip, but holes still wouldn't hurt.

At that price you couldn't really expect them to be included, and most of us who read AVSForum probably have some extra ones on hand.

dattier I wasn't expecting them to be included
I was just saying I think this is the only real news other then the graphic change.

I never said you were.