DTV Pal

[aperry]

Well, I went out and bought the Magnavox TB-100MG9 at my local Sears. My coupon had today as the expiration date, so I couldn't wait for what I really wanted (the DTV Pal).

Good luck to all getting these once they're available. I hope Dish is able to keep up with the demand.

 

[Bradtothebone]

Malouff,
I'm confused by your Post #61 above. I don't see anything there that would indicate whether the TR-50 (and, presumably, the DTVPal, by association) will use PSIP for the guide, or the TV Guide system.

The images in your post show various menus in the TR-50's GUI - I don't see anything that looks like a program guide there.

I could be very wrong, but I'll be really surprised if E* doesn't use TV Guide for both of these products, since it's already tied in with them for their satellite guides. The trick to all of this is actually having a digital station in your market that is broadcasting the required TVGOS data. Maybe the receivers will default to PSIP if that is the case.

Brad

 

[Smith P.]

The talk about other then then PSIP info - ask yourself how other EPG will be delivered to the DTVdude device ? Via sat ? Phone line ?

 

[pabeader]

tvguide information is available through a local tvgos channel. in my area i think it's channel 19. so any device that wanted to, could ge the data from the digital stream on that channel.

 

[Smith P.]

Data or just TV guide on screen ?

 

[navychop]

Any reason to consider getting a DTVPal if I already have an LG LST-4200A? Would the DTVPal offer better/different reception? I'm ignoring any value from an EPG using PSIP. I might get one anyway, since they'll be free. I will be keeping one 36" analog CRT SDTV indefinitely.

Even though today the PSIP data is usually almost worthless, the stations may get their act together in 2-3 years and it'll become useful. They'll have to do something to remain competitive or even relevant.


I certainly hope the TR-50 uses TVGOS. I'll be buying one. Might buy two, if my Sony OTA HD DVR really does become useless for recording after 2/17/09. I wish Claude was accepting pre-orders, even though we don't have a clue as to the price yet.

It's going to be real interesting to watch this digital transition. It could be a resurgence of OTA- or the death knell.

 

[riffjim4069]

Any reason to consider getting a DTVPal if I already have an LG LST-4200A? Would the DTVPal offer better/different reception? I'm ignoring any value from an EPG using PSIP. I might get one anyway, since they'll be free. I will be keeping one 36" analog CRT SDTV indefinitely.

Even though today the PSIP data is usually almost worthless, the stations may get their act together in 2-3 years and it'll become useful. They'll have to do something to remain competitive or even relevant.


I certainly hope the TR-50 uses TVGOS. I'll be buying one. Might buy two, if my Sony OTA HD DVR really does become useless for recording after 2/17/09. I wish Claude was accepting pre-orders, even though we don't have a clue as to the price yet.

It's going to be real interesting to watch this digital transition. It could be a resurgence of OTA- or the death knell.

I too have a Sony HD DVR and love it. I rarely have a problem with it and it now works perfectly with my FiOS TV service (Cablecard). My only complaint is the single tuner, which was probably dropped due to TiVo "time warp" concerns. Anyway, I have been out of the loop on the TR-40 (aka DTV-Pal), but wasn't this unit supposed to "the one" that would convert a digital TVGOS datastream into an analog TVGOS datastream so we could continue to our Sony HD DVRs and other analog TVGOS devices such as TVs and DVR and DVD recorders? While I am interested in a TR-50, I would be really miss not having my Sony and that wonderfully free TVGOS.

On a positive note, digital TVGOS works perfectly on my 2007 Mitsubishi Diamond set, but I must admit that I really don't need TVGOS on a TV...just my Sony HD DVR!

 

[dlsnyder]

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.

That remote control sure looks familiar.

 

[navychop]

"wasn't this unit supposed to "the one" that would convert a digital TVGOS datastream into an analog TVGOS datastream so we could continue to our Sony HD DVRs and other analog TVGOS devices such as TVs and DVR and DVD recorders?"

I'd love it if it were true. But I seriously doubt it. The digital TVGOS is structured differently than the analog TVGOS, or so I read. That would be some conversion. But I'd love it if it did. I just don't see any reason why Echostar or anyone else would go to that trouble. Few of us would appreciate it. It sure would add life to the Sonys, though. I guess my Sony will become just a fancy tuner, with the ability to watch stuff previously recorded on it. I suspect that Sony HD DVR of mine will be trashed within a year. Sigh.

 

[Malouff]

Bradtothebone I have not seen the Electronic Program Guide (EPG) for the DTVPal and that is why I don't have a image.

I was not talking about the TVGuide Network Channel like Cable has - I don't think it is even available over the air (OTA) at least not in my area.

I was talking about the Digital TVGuide IPG Data that will be sent by CBS according to this article CBS to Carry Gemstar-TV Guide IPG Data - 4/19/2007 11:33:00 AM - Multichannel News

Not all receivers used the TVGuide data as they have to pay Gemstar a Royalty fee to use this feature that is why most use the FCC required Program and System Information Protocol (PSIP) that all stations send.

About the DTVPal converting the Digital TVGuide data to into analog for older devices that use the Analog TVGuide system that was sent by PBS.

I have no information about this feature and don't know if it would only work while tuned to CBS or if it is a passive feature that is passed along using the passThru feature.

 

[Tyralak]

We'll be stocking them soon, however I will not be accecpting the coupons.

Why not?

 

[Pepper]

Why not?

http://www.satelliteguys.us/1378022-post58.html

 

[Stargazer]

Too little money to be made for the hassle.

 

[pabeader]

never heard of a 'loss leader'??

 

[Tyralak]

http://www.satelliteguys.us/1378022-post58.html

I know. I saw that after I posted.

 

[Tyralak]

So, if I request my coupons now, will the DTV Pal be available before the expiration date?

 

[Smith P.]

Sure.

 

[Tyralak]

Sure.

Are they available now? And if so, where is the best place to get them from?

 

[stone phillips420]

Are they available now? And if so, where is the best place to get them from?

yes, available for pre order only see below

FreeDTVShop.com has started accepting pre-orders today
for coupon dates 6/20 and beyond.
FreeDTVShop.com - NTIA Approved Coupon Eligible Converter Boxes!

pre-orders cost $42.50
Flat Rate Shipping has moved to $9.99 due to the recent USPS price changes.

posted on may 23rd

 

[Tyralak]

yes, available for pre order only see below
posted on may 23rd

Ok. I ordered my coupons. They'll be coming by the end of the month, then I'll order my converters. At this point in time I don't really need them, but who knows what could change, and I might as well take advantage of the program while it lasts. And the DTV Pal seems to be the best of the bunch right now.