DTV Pal

[Malouff]

TR-50 Photos from CNET and SatelliteGuys.us videos - CES08

The DTVPal could look similar to the TR-50 from CES 08
Installation ..................................................Program Information

Main Menu - (Program Guide 1)........................LOOKS LIKE IT USES PSIP NOT TVGUIDE

Main Menu - (Event Search 2)......................... Search, History, Options, Save, Done, Help

Main Menu - (Setup 3)...................................?Locks, System Setup, Audio Setup, Timers?, Closed Caption

Locks? - This seems logical to me.....................to up to seven days of program listings AGAIN

DVR Main Menu.............................................?My Recordings, Daily Schedule, Format Disk, Cancel

Sorry for the large amount of pictures to those with Dial-Up
I was wanting to see the Timers and Program Guide
These pictures at least rule out what I was thinking the EPG was going to look like

I'm sorry. I can neither affirm or deny pabeader sees this from me...:neener

- Just joking with you pabeader - Have a good day!!
- See what your question started - Me looking for pictures

 

[FCom911]

The DISH Network DTVPal is the redesigned EchoStar TR-40, also called the SlingMedia DTVPal.

It is listed as the Echostar/Dish DTVPal, the unit is 'V-Chip' compliant and behaves as the ViP 722 OTA tuners MUST

Features:

Digital to Analog Converter with built-in Digital Tuner
Analog pass-through of NTSC analog signals to the TV
Allows Analog TVs to receive digital over-the-air broadcasts
Provides dramatically better picture and sound quality than analog over-the-air
Digital tuner enables reception of several channels of programming simultaneously, "multicasting" from participating stations, including news, weather, traffic and even digital music
Digital tuner delivers interactive capability and data services such as enhanced closed captioning.
On-screen Setup Wizard for easy customer installation
Electronic Program Guide (EPG) with instant access to up to seven days of program listings and information
Program search
Parental Controls
Closed caption support
(VCR) Event Timer: See below for details (analogous to a DVR)
Remote control with built-in aspect ratio and channel guide access.
Setup Wizard :

Scans OTA channels
Uses the customer's zip code to confirm the time zone
Front Panel Feature :

Green power LED
Rear Panel Connections :

1 VHF/UHF antenna input for over-the-air analog and digital broadcasts
Detachable 5V power supply
A/V Connections :

1 set of female RCA connectors for stereo left and right audio and composite video
1 F-type connector with user-selectable Channel 3 or 4 NTSC RF output


Specifications :

ATSC Tuner Range :

Channels 2-6 VHF Low: 54MHz to 88MHz
Channels 7-13 VHF High: 174 MHz to 216MHz
Channels 14-69 UHF: 470MHz to 806MHz
RF Input :

75 ohm for VHF and UHF Antenna
RF Output :

NTSC, 75ohm Channel 3 or 4
Composite Video Output :

RCA Connection
Audio Outputs :

RCA Stereo Left/Right
Dimensions (approx.) :

H: 1.3" x W: 5.9" x D: 4.2"
Weight (approx.): 1.0 lbs.
Color: black
Accessories :

Infrared remote control with batteries
Owner's Manual
RF Cable included

Event Timer:

The DISH Network DTVPal is the only CECB that we know of that will have this feature.

The DTVPal is expected to be capable of allowing the user to set event timers. This feature is useful when used with a VCR or a DVD (analogous to a DVR) recorder for recording programs in the future. An event timer will change the channel on the converter box at a predetermined time.

Additional Information

EPG (Electronic Program Guide) time zone specific. You can see what will be showing up to a week in an advance. (area dependent) Parental control user adjustable. Basic cable or satellite subscription service is no longer needed!

Channels 2 – 69 with sub channels per channel means increased available stations in your local area, some areas are even broadcasting music! Customizable closed caption (fonts, size and position on screen) with a 4:3 or 16:9 aspect ratio.
Broadcast is high definition, for older TV's this will mean better picture quality, equivalent to DVD picture quality.

• Convert the new Digtial signals to existing Analog /CRT TVs
• Completely programmable and software update enabled
• ATSC tuner
• RF out port
• NTSC modulated out channel (3 or 4) selectable
• IR sensor
• Parental control
• Auto Power down / Auto Scan
• Manual channel set up
• Digital close caption

Manufacturers specifications are subject to change without notice.

This looks like the unit you are discussing, yes?

 

[Malouff]

Yes I have been discussing about the EchoStar/SlingMedia DTVPal/TR-40

I did find a YouTube Video for the EchoStar 622
- but we know it will not look like this from the TR-50 videos/pictures -

 

[FCom911]

Yes I have been discussing about the EchoStar/SlingMedia DTVPal/TR-40

I did find a YouTube Video for the EchoStar 622
- but we know it will not look like this from the TR-50 videos/pictures -

Isn't this what the post is about, DISH Network DTVPal? Not the 622 DVR? The DVTPal is just a little tiny tuner box with sotfware.

 

[Malouff]

Yes this thread is suppose to be about the Dish Network DTVPal Not the 622 DVR

I am just like a lot of other people and confused about the to up to seven days of program listings shown for both the TR-50 and DTVPal.

We heard from CNET that the TR-50 has TVGuide and we know that the 622 DVR also has TVGuide EPG.
I was speculating/wanting to know if the DTVPal's Guide looked anything like the 622

It is how this software was implemented in the DTVPal I am wanting to know more about - the Event Timer and EPG to be exact..

Looks like I will never find out until I actually get the one I ordered from FreeDTVShop.com
The beta testers are not allowed to talk and Francie Bauer from Dish Network doesn't look like he can tell me either.

 

[FCom911]

Yes I have been discussing about the EchoStar/SlingMedia DTVPal/TR-40

I did find a YouTube Video for the EchoStar 622
- but we know it will not look like this from the TR-50 videos/pictures -

I think why Malouff was only referring to the SlingMedia DTVPal version, Malouff possibly wasn't aware of the DTVPal tuner only version in potential existence.

A thought, I don't see how the 622 DVR could qualify for coupons unless it could function without Dish activation.

 

[Malouff]

No the 622 DVR could not qualify for coupons as it violates what features the NTIA will allow a Converter Box to have.

It is also not on the NTIA List of Eligible Converter Boxes

When it was still called the TR-40 Dish Network said it would be released under both brand names SlingMedia and EchoStar that is why I refer to it under so many names.

What is this DTVPal tuner only version?

 

[FCom911]

No the 622 DVR could not qualify for coupons as it violates what features the NTIA will allow a Converter Box to have.

It is also not on the NTIA List of Eligible Converter Boxes

When it was still called the TR-40 Dish Network said it would be released under both brand names SlingMedia and EchoStar that is why I refer to it under so many names.

What is this DTVPal tuner only version?

The cool thing, most DVT stations embed in their signal program guides and program specific content. I have the impression TV Guide is involved somehow. Perhaps the unit is capable of a collection process, schedule information from one station, multiple, or one single station (or perhaps multiples) broadcasting the TV Guide in a given market? Its supposed to have a MSRP of around $34.95, if I'm not mistaken.

Look 6 posts above this one. The specs are contained there.

 

[Malouff]

The cool thing, most DVT stations embed in their signal program guides and program specific content. I have the impression TV Guide is involved somehow. Perhaps the unit is capable of a collection process, schedule information from one station, multiple, or one single station (or multiples) broadcasts the TV Guide portion in a given market?

All of these Coupon Eligible Converter Boxes (CECB) use the Program and System Information Protocol (PSIP) data sent by the television stations and the Converter boxes parse this data and show it in their Electronic Program Guide (EPG).

It has been debated on if the DTVPal also uses PSIP data for their EPG or if they are using the the TVGuide system.

The major difference is that the data does not have to be parsed and collected from each station using PSIP then grouped for a TVGuide like display.

Not only that but the FCC requires only a MINIMUM of 12 hours of PSIP data.

Using the TVGuide System it is already populated for all the channels for a full 7-day guide.

 

[pabeader]

think of it this way. how many of the people that this box is intended for will know the difference between the different guides? most of them will be befuddled with the channel numbers.

up to seven days means it could be less, right?
plus, a station could elect to transmit more then 12 hours, right?

 

[Barry Erick]

I vote for TR-40 like it should have been named!

Except some of us old time broadcasters would think the TR-40 is a $250,000 RCA 2" Quad tape machine from 1965

 

[Malouff]

to up to seven days - does sound like PSIP
I think CNET has have it wrong in the TR-50 video then by saying TVGuide after all they never show it and the TR-50 also says to up to seven days.

A station could elect to transmit more than 12 hours -
Correct. stations can send any amount of data up to about 2 weeks is practical. Of course what good is more than XX hours of EPG anyway if there are no timers for recording, and most of the current boxes are painfully slow in searching thru the guide as it is?

For most of us these Event Timers will be useless then using PSIP because most stations don't send data for the full 7-days

Why have a feature to have the box turn itself on and change channels if you only get the required MINIMUM of 12 hours.

I know what you are going to say, for your favorite program that comes on daily, weekly, etc.,
If it is your favorite program you would most likely already be watching it and not need the timer in the first place.

You could also argue for your VCR - I doubt most Americans would know how to sync both the VCR and DTVPal
Those that do will only have this MINIMUM 12 hour window to know about the event.

It is looking like this event features is nothing more then a cheap gimmick.

Thank you for answering pabeader

 

[yaz96]

Man, you seem to be creating more confusion than anything else, and that's just for yourself.

 

[Malouff]

Please feel free to clear up the confusion yaz96
I and others would appreciate it.

 

[yaz96]

I don't know anything about this, which is why I came reading this thread, but apparently you don't either, except for speculation. Thus, you keep changing "facts" and continuing to speculate, thereby creating confusion.

 

[blanquitoman1984]

Is there any where locally that we can get the tr-40 or should we just wait till the end of June for more details. If nothing is available. locally. As far as ordering from dish network. do we send in the coupons by mail or do we order first then they send us checks in the mail. Sorry guys if I seem so confused.

 

[Malouff]

How could I know much of anything when Dish Network has been very hush about the DTVPal
All I had started speculating was if the EPG looked like either of the following if it had used the TVGuide EPG

cummingsje, Smitty7831, and pabeader all posted they were picked as beta testers.

So I will assume that pabeader is correct about PSIP and I can end my speculation and confusion about TVGuide.
I can therefore also keep my speculations that the DTVPal will be slow like the other Converter Boxes with an extended guide.
I can also speculate that the guide will be very simple and nothing like either of the above.

blanquitoman1984
No one has them anywhere as shipments don't start until June 16-20.
Look at my signature regarding a pre-order

The easiest way the $40 coupons can be requested is at https://www.dtv2009.gov/ApplyCoupon.aspx
or calling 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009)

Also only participating retailers can take the coupons.

 

[dlsnyder]

Since Dish Network has national agreements with Sears and Radio Shack it would not surprise me to see these units appear for retail sale at those stores first. My coupons are good until July and I plan on picking up two of them as soon as they are available.

Not sure how useful the TR-50 will be. Theoretically it could be used as a DVR with cable or satellite equipment (as well as OTA) provided it has analog recording capability as Tivo does. Whether the guide would support it or not is another matter. It would be easy for Dish to set it up with the same codes as the Archos recorder so that a Dish Network receiver could start and stop recordings on it in the same way. Whether they chose to do this or not remains to be seen. We know that it DOES have ethernet capability, and presumably will be able to access the same online content as the ViP series receivers.

 

[pabeader]

My suggestion for everybody interested in the DTV Pal should go to DTVPAL.COM and see what's there. That is the official site with the latest info that has been released.

Try not to read more into what is actually there, okay?

 

[FCom911]

So here is what we're looking at: (via official Dish Network DVTPal.com website)

Scheduled Release date : June 2008

Analog pass-though
Switch between digital and analog channels with the push of a button

On-screen program guide
See what's showing on every channel with the FREE on-screen program guide

Event timer
Set a timer to turn your DTVPal on and tuned to the desired channel before your favorite show starts playing

Programming search
Search by name for the shows you want to watch

Alternative audio
Receive second audio feed in alternate language (broadcaster dependent)

Closed-captioning
Easily turn on closed captions using your DTVPal remote control

Parental controls
Block programs you deem inappropriate based on rating or channel

Stereo audio output
Enjoy enhanced sound when connected to your stereo TV

Setup Wizard
Automatic channel selection and easy setup

Rear Panel Features

• 1 ATSC antenna input for over-the-air digital broadcasts
• External power supply ("wall wart") "wall wart" is a new term for me, real sexy!
• 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.): TBD
• Color: black

Notice the absence of an S-Video output, not cool, but for the average consumer, plentiful.