Dish DTVPal / Echostar TR40 digital to analog converter - Page 154

Not sure it's 4 hours AFTER the timer event is finished. It might be 4 hours from activity (timer fired) until timer duration is over. So a 12 noon timer that goes until 5 pm might power down a short time after that...

They might have designed the DTVPAL timers NOT to power down to allow for "soft" padding of a program.

How many programs on TV today have strange run times that may run long and not always conform to the official guide. Sports might be an easy example. It could also allow for Marathon Recording... While a CECB can't get Sci-Fi channel there is a a Lost Marathon on Mondays from 7-11ET. If a broadcast channel had the same thing that would be all 5 timers. Since the DTVPAL doesn't power down after a Timer you could setup a Weekly timer at 7ET and a standby shutdown of 5 hours. That would leave you with 4 timers for other events. If there are other programs (local news?) on the channel after the Marathon you could make other adjustments and have the recorder record those programs too.

Rationalizing. It wouldn't do you any good to have the box stay on past the programmed end time if the VCR isn't also programmed to record for that extra time. If you gave it that much thought to program your VCR for that duration, you would program the box the same way.

.

Latest official DISH resolution for remote control conflicts between certain model DISH satellite receivers and the DTVPal or TR-40cra.

As previously discussed, anyone having a remote control conflict with a DISH satellite receiver and the DTVPal
can use a second DISH satellite remote (or a universal remote) as a fix.

The new information here is, if you contact DISH and they have on record that your satellite receiver is a model that is affected by the DTVPal remote, they will send you a model 3.2 remote control. Even though I own my satellite receiver, DISH sent the remote free of charge.

The 3.2 remote looks similar to and has all of the same buttons in the same locations as the DTVPal remote, but the button labels will not match the DTVPal labels. You will have to be familiar with the DTVPal remote button functions before using the 3.2 remote.

1. Change the satellite remote address number showing on the satellite system info screen to a number higher than 1. (Instructions below.)
Use the DISH remote (or universal remote's SAT mode) that matches the receiver address number, to use your satellite receiver.

2. Using the SAT mode button on the 3.2 remote, a spare satellite remote (or a universal remote's STB or AUX mode) set only the remote address number to 1 (DISH STB). That remote will be used for the DTVPal.

The remote used for the DTVPal will now also have other benefits such as controlling your TV power and volume as well as a VCR and amplifier.

Beeper


To set the remote address number on most DISH receivers and the remote.
Keep in mind that the remote address number can be changed on the receiver and remote, or on just the remote and not the receiver.

1. Press the system info button and look for the remote address number. Default should be 1.
The system info screen can also be accessed through the menu.

2. Press and hold the remote's SAT mode button until all of the mode buttons light, then release it.

3. Using the number pad, enter a number higher than 1, up to 15 and press the pound key (#).
A valid code will cause the SAT mode button to flash three times.

4. After waiting for the three flashes, press the record button and you will see the remote address number change on the system info screen.

5. Exit the system info screen and verify that the remote works the satellite receiver.

To set the remote address code on the 3.2 remote only and not the satellite receiver. To use for the DTVPal/TR-40.

Follow the instructions above, starting at #2 and ending at #3, except use address number 1. Skip instructions #4 and #5.

Any time you want to verify the remote address number set on a particular DISH satellite remote, press and hold the SAT button until all mode buttons light. Then press the pound (#) button twice. The SAT button will then flash the number of times matching the set address number.

Okay so the box stays on. That's 0.005 kilowatts times 24 hours * 9 cents per kWh where I live ==

1 penny per day.

I'm not concerned about the power costs, but this bothers me: $70 for a DTVplus?!?!? Jeez.

From dtvpal.com

What is the difference between TR-40 CRA, DTVPal and DTVPal Plus?

TR-40 CRA is a special limited production version of the DTVPal. Offered at the government coupon price of $40, the TR-40 CRA includes the highly-acclaimed features and functionality of the DTVPal. DTVPal Plus has the same features and functionality of the DTVPal but includes an enhanced digital tuner. This tuner enables consumers to get even better reception in weak signal conditions such as with indoor antennas or for distant TV signal transmitters. DTVPal Plus is the second generation of DTVPal and is priced at $29.99 with a $40 government coupon.

Well what else is there to do but "rationalize" why it doesn't force a power down?

I could also rationalize that it's just simpler to program timers to fire and let it go into "standby" by itself.

We are treating these timers like VCR Timers... when we should probably think of them simply as Channel Switcher Timers. For someone that wants to just watch TV (NO RECORDING) these event timers would work perfectly. People would really complain if the timers turned off "on time".

Say you come home after work and watch local news. You can setup a Timer. You watch certain programs each day, setup a timer. Your "regular" TV viewing experience wouldn't change that much. Just turn on the TV.

If you need to "surf" you can do that... But your "Favorite" channels are ON when you switch on the TV and your Recording Device can easily capture your "Favorites" with very little trouble. Probably a great "hidden" feature for customers that don't want to LEARN the converter box... Just want to continue viewing the "old fashioned" way.

Technically DISH calls them Event Timers right? Not VCR timers. So lets stop calling them, or thinking of them as, VCR timers. They are ment to turn ON the CECB to "catch" an event. It then powers down (or not) when it is either turned OFF by the user or goes into standby. This allows for the most flexibility. You can either WATCH and/or Record with this setup.

Kind of like my UTV DVR's "reminder" feature where it can tune to a certain program. It won't power down until the user turns it off... so it continues to show that channel so you can watch it, record it, review it (Rewind/FF) if/when you want. The "reminder" offers the most flexibility with as little "harm" to a user's viewing pleasure.

The DTVPAL "event timers" are providing the least "harmful" way of tuning channels. It checks for timer duration conflicts but otherwise is "hands off". You do what you want with the Tuner Output.

My Experience with Dish Live Chat

I've had several calls to Dish Network Customer Support and none of them have been a fun experience. I'm amazed at how little most techs know about the DTV Pal. I called last Thursday and after getting transferred and disconnected twice, finally got on with someone who was somewhat helpful. He knew nothing about the timer issues with the DTV Pal, but arranged (so I thought) to send me a replacement unit that should have been delivered on Monday. Since I hadn't received the replacement unit, I decided to give the live chat a try. I found out that I will need to ship my Pal to Dish, before they will ship a replacement, but they are sending me shipping labels to do it. Here is what transpired.

You have been connected to (24DrDcb) Matthew S..
(24DrDcb) Matthew S.: Thank you for choosing Dish Network Chat Support. Please give me a moment while I review your technical Issue.
(24DrDcb) Matthew S.: I apologize you are having issues, and I will be happy to assist you.
(24DrDcb) Matthew S.: Can you please verify your home phone number and address for me?
Scott Allen: Home phone is xxx-xxx-xxxx. Address is xxxxxxx.
Scott Allen: I believe my account is listed under my cell phone - xxx-xxx-xxxx.
(24DrDcb) Matthew S.: OK, one moment for me pleae.
(24DrDcb) Matthew S.: I will take a look at everything for you.
(24DrDcb) Matthew S.: This will take me a few minutes to research.
(24DrDcb) Matthew S.: Can you please hold?
Scott Allen: No problem.
(24DrDcb) Matthew S.: I am still here with you.
(24DrDcb) Matthew S.: One moment for me.
Scott Allen: OK
(24DrDcb) Matthew S.: OK.
(24DrDcb) Matthew S.: The return was set as a post receipt exchange.
(24DrDcb) Matthew S.: This means you have to send the DTV Pal into us first.
(24DrDcb) Matthew S.: Then we ship the receiver out for you.
Scott Allen: I wasn't given any information to send it back. I was told they would ship the replacement to me and then I would ship the defective unit back.
(24DrDcb) Matthew S.: That was incorrect.
(24DrDcb) Matthew S.: I do apologize.
(24DrDcb) Matthew S.: This is what you need to do:
(24DrDcb) Matthew S.: Your RA number is XXXXXXXX.
(24DrDcb) Matthew S.: You will need that.
(24DrDcb) Matthew S.: You will need to send the DTVPal to:RA#___________
DISH NETWORK SERVICE
90 INVERNESS CIRCLE EAST
ENGLEWOOD, CO 80112
(24DrDcb) Matthew S.: In that format.
(24DrDcb) Matthew S.: When we receive it, the replacement will be mailed out immediately.
Scott Allen: OK. What firmware will the replacement unit have?
Scott Allen: Do you know?
(24DrDcb) Matthew S.: I am not sure to be honest.
(24DrDcb) Matthew S.: There are several versions available.
(24DrDcb) Matthew S.: Not sure which one you will get.
Scott Allen: I don't want to send it back unless I know I'm getting one that's fixed.
Scott Allen: Especially if I'm paying for it.
(24DrDcb) Matthew S.: I understand that.
(24DrDcb) Matthew S.: But I can't guarantee what firmware you will get.
Scott Allen: So if the problem isn't fixed, I'll have to send it back again?
(24DrDcb) Matthew S.: If you continue to have the same issue, yes.
(24DrDcb) Matthew S.: But I doubt you will have the problem again.
Scott Allen: I don't want to send my unit back (at my cost) until I can be assured that I will be getting one that is fixed.
(24DrDcb) Matthew S.: I will adjust $10 off of your account.
(24DrDcb) Matthew S.: That should cover the shipping costs.
Scott Allen: But I don't have Dish Network service.
Scott Allen: So putting that $ on my account doesn't mean anything to me.
(24DrDcb) Matthew S.: I can email you some labels.
Scott Allen: That would be great.
(24DrDcb) Matthew S.: One moment.
(24DrDcb) Matthew S.: It will take me a few minutes.
(24DrDcb) Matthew S.: I do apologize.
Scott Allen: No problem. Thanks for taking the time to do this.
(24DrDcb) Matthew S.: OK.
(24DrDcb) Matthew S.: I have emailed them to you.
(24DrDcb) Matthew S.: You should receive it in a few hours.
Scott Allen: Thank you very much!
(24DrDcb) Matthew S.: You are very welcome!
(24DrDcb) Matthew S.: Thank you for being so cooperative throughout the chat session and also for providing me an opportunity to assist you today. Have a great day!
Scott Allen: Bye!
(24DrDcb) Matthew S.: Bye.

so is the Plus only available through Dish?

Did all of you who arranged an exchange of the DTVPal box buy them through Echostar?
My girlfriend who has DTVPal / F100 boxes that she purchased through Cheapdigitalconverters.com has been going round and round with Echostar customer service and technical support.

Although tech support intially emailed that she could call to exchange the boxes, she has had several calls with customer service and tech support.

They insist she must have an account in order to get help and since she didn't buy direct from Echostar and has no account they won't exchange the boxes.

I bought my Pal from DigitalStar.com (F100 version). Dish established an account for me so I could exchange the unit and they gave me an F101. I've now gotten a second replacement (F106 version). I handled most things by email. When I sent my F101 in for replacement, I included my remote -- mistake. The F106 is a refurbished unit and they forgot to return a remote with it. Supposedly one is en route to me now.

I bought my DTVPal off E-Bay. I tried calling and only got the run around since I didn't have an account. The only way I got resolution was using the Dish Network's on line chat and getting transferred to the Dr. Dish department. The Dr. Dish employee sat up an account for me, gave me an RMA#, and e-mailed me a prepaid UPS label. You may want to give the on line chat a try. Good Luck!

For what its worth.

http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/st...04891945&EDATE=

http://www.satelliteguys.us/dish-net...vpal-plus.html

I wonder what software version is in this one...jesh!

how long did it take to get your mailing labels, i haven't gotten mine yet

are you that lazy you can't use the remote to change channels. ever minute the DTVPAL/tr40 is on it's susceptible to heat damage in the box or power transformer and power surges. there never should have been a limit on these devices in the first place. who would spend a lot of money on these for an analog tv and i don't think the timer as a advanced feature.

DTVPAL pulse New Enhanced digital tuner, so this means DTVPAL/tr40 came with an old crappie one. dish is milking this for all they can, gross.

Boy this sounds very familiar...

Dagger...

Is that new version the "DTVPal Pulse", or the "DTVPal Plus"?

As for the tuner on the original, that's the one part of my two I CAN'T complain about.

I love the bottom of the ad-
"...Consumers can also prepare for the digital transition by subscribing to pay television..."

And isn't that what buying an OTA tuner for free TV is all about? Ending up with pay television?

That's the same thing I took away from the release.

It is when you're Dish Network...

Enhanced tuner = Dish had to pay another 50 cents for it. There's no reason to believe the Plus is anything other than an F106 Pal with a different tuner.

There isn't any such thing as free TV.

Unless you don't buy any of the products from the advertisers that pass the advertising cost on to you.

Or don't pay federal taxes that support the FCC.

As mentioned, some of it is a rehash.

What's new is that DISH actually acted to resolve the problem during my latest contact instead of telling me to wait.
Only about 1/2 hour and one disconnect this time while on tech "two minute hold".

All the info needed to help others is now in one post instead of spread all over the place or no longer available after the server crash.

Nope, just letting you know of other devices with similar "features". My UTV's "reminder" feature can be used two ways. One it simply pops up a "reminder" stating "Show X" is on in a minute do you want to change channels? Or you can set it to change the channel for you automatically. You can cancel it if you are watching something else. I can see the "Event Timers" being something similar. You have your "Favorite" shows/channels that you watch regularly and you simply switch on the TV/Recorder at certain times of the day and watch/record without needing to do much else.

As for power surges and heat damage. The PAL is susceptible to this even when "OFF". So I don't accept the argument that actually using a CECB to watch TV is a serious cause for concern.

Are you saying no "Limit" on Timers? I'm not sure I understand, 5 is a bit low but unlimited seems a bit much for a CECB. Please explain.

Spend a lot of money? Depending on the original models you aren't spending more then other "typical" CECBs. The event timer is still an "advanced" feature since few other CECBs (1 non-Dish model?) have it.

I don't see an Event Timer/Channel Switcher being a lazy feature just a convenience item to provide the most flexibility to the user. Others have mentioned using it as a channel switcher and setting up recorders accordingly. As I mentioned if the Event Timer actually shutdown the PAL after a show this would make those actually watching/recording the channel rather upset.

I do not.

Also it's worth noting that if advertisers stopped advertising, the unit price would increase, due to fewer sales and decreased economy of scale. So advertising actually LOWERS per-unit pricing.
Ehhh, it's only 1/2 a penny per year per citizen, and that's subdivided across the entire band from shortwave all the way up to gigahertz bluetooth. So yeah, I guess I pay a whole 0.001 penny for my portion of the television and FM radio bands. :-)

Originally Posted by Beeper
There isn't any such thing as free TV. Unless you don't buy any of the products from the advertisers that pass the advertising cost on to you.


Hard to believe that you have never paid to eat at a restaurant or bought a bar of soap, a soft drink or a beer.

I still have to pay those taxes if I've got cable or satellite, and the same commercials run when those services carry OTAs. Commercials run on cable channels too.

This therefore means there's only one difference between pay TV (cable or satellite) and OTA television.

What is that difference?

You don't have to PAY for the OTA variety.

That makes it FREE.

I'd like to say I "do not" let advertisements influence me... Heck I have DVRs at home so I can skip the ads... Yet they do have an influence when I see them, if for no other reason then letting me know that a product is available.

I might not buy a car with heated washer wiper jets... But I may let someone else know they exist or can be added to a vehicle... Thereby increasing the sales of the product.

Lets not get into all the TV/DVD/Movie ads that hook me...

I don't buy the hyped products on tv; I usually buy the generic stuff, or the store brand stuff, because it works as good but costs less.

I have ate at McDonalds from time-to-time, but I don't think my dollar-hamburger was a huge impact on my wallet. Also it's worth noting that if advertisers stopped advertising, the unit price would increase, due to fewer sales and decreased economy of scale. So advertising actually LOWERS per-unit pricing.

I NEVER eat at commercial restaurants - do most all my own food preparation 24/7/365. Don't use advertised soap brands - coop bulk is fine with me. Had one beer in my life and absolutely HATED it. And no carbonated beverages have passed my lips in probably 30 years. Yeah, there are some of us out there . . .