First Look: Dish Network's DTVPal Digital Converter

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the easiest way is to delete the cbs stations in the channel list. What I suggest you try, and let us know if it works, is this.

restore to factory original
after it's all ready to opoerate, delete any CBS stations that were found.

Setup timers, and then see what happens

It's driving me crazy, not being able to duplicate this. I don't get 'random' EPG reloads. Then again. I never actually turn off my unit, and I'm starting to think that might be important.
 
Anole said:
eacalhoun -
everybody -
It would be helpful to know what cities everyone finds DTVpals at their local Sears.
and it would be helpful to know what cities everyone is in when they review their boxes, of any kind.
Here in the Los Angeles area, we get 50+ sub-channels, so keeping track of every one with every box, is quite a challenge!
Click to expand...

I edited my "review" post to add my hometown of Morganton, NC. I also called a couple of local Sears stores -- my local small locally-owned store was not aware of the DTV Pal/Sears partner announcement but she seemed interested; the large Sears store down the road in Hickory, NC, said they are not carrying the DTV Pal and the lady said they had no plans to carry it.
 
eacalhoun said:
I edited my "review" post to add my hometown of Morganton, NC. I also called a couple of local Sears stores -- my local small locally-owned store was not aware of the DTV Pal/Sears partner announcement but she seemed interested; the large Sears store down the road in Hickory, NC, said they are not carrying the DTV Pal and the lady said they had no plans to carry it.
Click to expand...

That's interesting, considering this press release today:

Sears Now Selling Dish Network's DTVPal(TM) Converter Box


NTIA Certification Approves Retailer to Accept Coupons for Digital TV Conversion HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., July 17 /eMediaWorld/ -- In preparation for America's transition to digital television on Feb. 17, 2009, Sears announced today that it will sell the DTVPal(TM) digital-to-analog converter box by DISH Network(R) in 511 of its full-line stores nationwide and at 194 Sears Dealer stores. DTVPal converter boxes are eligible for the TV Converter Box CouponProgram and have a retail price of $59.99....
 
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and isn't Sears like Walmart and Kmart and the rest? They don't get a choice about what they do and don't carry. All they can do is request stuff.
 
Yea, and Radio Shack, too.
They just get SENT new things, and they put them out.
If it's an existing item that the manager likes or sells well, he can order more or sooner, etc.
But, if corporate want to send you some, that's the end of the story.
The only way you won't get more, is if you don't sell the ones you have (or the warehouse runs out).

Sometimes high-end items go first to stores with a history of selling such items.
Say, LCD TV sets would probably be sent in larger quantity or selection to a store that's been selling a lot, vs a store that sells just a few a year.
But, a low cost, high demand item like a converter box? Everybody will take those.
 
pabeader said:
the easiest way is to delete the cbs stations in the channel list. What I suggest you try, and let us know if it works, is this.

restore to factory original
after it's all ready to opoerate, delete any CBS stations that were found.

Setup timers, and then see what happens

It's driving me crazy, not being able to duplicate this. I don't get 'random' EPG reloads. Then again. I never actually turn off my unit, and I'm starting to think that might be important.
Click to expand...

Why would deleting the CBS station fix the problem? And what if I want to record something off of CBS?

Do you know if Dish has admitted they have a timer problem yet?
 
How To Get Your DTVPal Timers To Work

HowToGetYourDTVPalTimersToWork.jpg

I know this is an issue where people would actually like some real help, so, at the risk of taking the edge off the humor, I am going to clearly label the satirical suggestions and the actually helpful ones. . .

First, some satirical suggestions, guaranteed to make your DTVPal timers work!:
  • Call all the stations in your area daily to make sure they are all transmitting the correct date and time of day.
  • Convince all channels in your area to broadcast from the same tower, then aim your antenna at that tower.
  • Achieve a rock-steady 70% or stronger signal on all stations around the clock. Enroll your DTVPal in as many Pilates and yoga classes as are necessary to achieve this state of perfection.
  • If possible, live in an area with no CBS affiliate.
  • If you must live in an area with a CBS affiliate, be sure it is one that is NOT transmitting TV Guide data.
  • If your CBS affiliate IS transmitting TV Guide data, delete it from your DTVPal's channel list, or sell your house and move to another area.
  • Once DTVPal upgrades are ready and are being transmitted over the air, be sure that you DO live in a city that DOES have a CBS affiliate which DOES transmit TV Guide data.
You may ask, "rrrrrrobert, what makes you so sure CBS is such a big factor in all this? Do you have inside information?"

I can only say that I have inferred the CBS relationship from statements made by someone who claims to live in the northern part of a southern state, but his screen name reveals he is actually a Pennsylvanian Macrame Artist. I think. Anyway, I believe the conclusion to be reliable.

Now, some actually helpful suggestions:
  • Leave your DTVPal turned on. (The timer bug usually takes effect after the DTVPal has been turned off.) You might NOT have to disable the Inactivity Standby, so your DTVPal WILL go into standby mode after 4-8 hours, depending on the setting. (It's not clear yet how badly the bug affects DTVPals which are left on but go into standby mode.)
  • If you still have the timer problems, try disabling the Inactivity Standby and leaving the DTVPal on. If you have to resort to this, you may want to periodically unplug the DTVPal for 30 seconds and plug it back in to clear up the DTVPal's memory, which may get cluttered or corrupted after it has been left on for a few days. You should not lose your settings, even the timer settings, from doing this 30-second unplug, but you should check the timers after you do it to be sure.
  • Use the best antenna and cable that you have available. Signals that sputter or frequently break up may make the effects of the timer bug more likely to occur. (I was able to improve my signal strengths by about 5 points on every channel by replacing an RG-59 cable with an RG-6 cable. And that's with only about 20 feet of cable; longer runs could gain more. I also gained a few more points and got more stable readings on the strength meter by replacing an old 5-900 MHz splitter with a new 5-2400 MHz splitter.)
  • Watch out for power interruptions and fluctuations. I don't think they are a major factor, but since they can cause your DTVPal to go "off," and the bug is more likely to happen after the DTVPal has been off, they are something to be aware of.
  • Before leaving the DTVPal unattended, make sure the DTVPal is showing the correct time (as shown in the upper left when you press the "Select" button, or in various places on several other screens). If you find the clock is wrong, one sure way to get the DTVPal to take another stab at setting the clock is to do a 30-second unplug.
  • Also before leaving the DTVPal unattended, it may help to tune the DTVPal to a channel with a strong, steady signal.
  • If you find your DTVPal's clock often becomes a few minutes slow or fast, edit your timers to start early (and end late) with that extra margin of error. You don't have to add the same margin of error to your recording device, since it probably has a reliable clock. On back-to-back recordings, you'll have to take your best guess for the best time to end one timer and start the next.
  • Even if you really only want to do a "Once" timer setting, consider setting it as a "Weekly" timer instead. This way, after the timer has been triggered, it should remain in the timer list, and you can look at the setting to see what, if anything, has changed. (Then delete it if you no longer need it.)
  • If you have set a timer in the past and it has disappeared unexpectedly, there may be a "ghost timer" hiding in your DTVPal which will cause it to turn on and off at apparently random times. (It's not certain that this is the cause of these random on and off events.) One way to clear out the timers may be: Set all five timers (for, say, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 hours in the future) then select Done. Then go back to the timer list and select all five and delete them all at once. However, simply leaving your DTVPal turned on (the first suggestion above) may be a more effective way to reduce or eliminate the random on and off events.
  • If all else fails, wait for an over-the-air upgrade or a DISH mail-in exchange program. It really should happen, eventually.
Good luck!
 
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Hi from a new person

A guy who read the manual said:
On the other hand, internet access is more of a necessity than a new TV if you have kids in school. A lot of people on tight budgets may have a new computer and an old TV. Or at least an old VCR.

I'm talking about people that have OTA TV + dial-up internet, or OTA TV + cheap DSL, etc., and are avoiding the expense of cable or satellite for TV and internet. You can't say someone who has been using dial-up for, say 10 years, doesn't understand the internet. They might not understand Google Maps or YouTube :D

~~~ no progress to report yet on my July 2 coupons ~~~
Click to expand...

I'm a perfect example of this; I'm on Soc. Sec. disability plus a bit of extra income, have DSL and previously have had cable internet, cable tv, though never satellite tv so unfamiliar with that technology. At this stage & perhaps always, I'll only be able to afford OTA tv, but want the best converter I can get (w/ coupons, of course; I'm planning to get 2 so I have a spare in case my converter dies before my tv). So, hours online reading reviews . . . I think I've spent more time on this than my brother, who's a retired phone equipment engineer (he's gotten a converter as a backup, and I think to use for his little tv that he keeps in the kitchen).

So I'm going to take this fascinating but complex thread back to a few basics, and ask for advice. Those of you who've gotten the DTV Pals recently, would you recommend it (not including the timer problem; I don't anticipate recording much, if at all) to a fairly basic OTA tv viewer? What I'm looking for is ease of use, sensitivity of signal, good picture & audio. My coupons expire July 29, so I'll need to purchase by then. I'm unsure of whether the Zenith or DTV Pal would be a better choice for me, for one of the units. As it's a more of a known quantity and the only brand I have personal experience with (see next paragraph), I'm at this stage planning to get a Digital Stream as my other converter. Unless someone can convince me otherwise - feel free to consider that a challenge, my decision isn't set in stone.

Currently, I'm trying-out my brother's Digital Stream (unsure of model number; it's nowhere on the unit), along with his spare Terk antenna. I'm using these with my Sony 27", about 7 yrs old but still (knock wood) working well. I'm not fond of the remote, mainly for aesthetic reasons - it's an ugly gray thing that screams "I'm cheap!" As to function, however, I really don't have complaints about the remote. It does what it's supposed to, though I still have to use my tv remote to turn the tv itself on & off (I need to look at the manual to see if I'm missing something, but just trying the buttons, the DS remote isn't performing that function).

Remote aside, with digital there's a noticeable improvement in reception on most channels, though the DS won't pull in a couple of weak signals well (I looked at TV Fool's signal-strength info for my location, those are indeed weak signals here). Unfortunately, they're channels I'm fond of. I probably don't live 10 miles from the transmitters, but am in an apt., big trees right outside, and interestingly I find that there's a big difference in reception of those 2 channels depending on whether my vinyl miniblinds are open or closed. I'm a night owl, and it's far from convenient to keep the miniblinds open all night, so I'm hoping to get a converter that's more sensitive (if I still have problems, does that mean I'll have to go to an active (amplifying) antenna?).

I'd appreciate any input you think appropriate. Sorry to disrupt the main current conversation going on, but whatever you could add will come in handy, not only to me, but I'm sure to others doing similar research.

Happy viewing!
 
Sure, TrinaTrina, I'd still recommend the DTVPal, despite the timer problems (especially since you don't expect to be recording much).

The remote control for the DTVPal is not bad, and I've also had no problem setting up my (under $25) Sony RM-VL600 Universal Learning Remote to control a DTVPal. (I use the an original DTVPal remote with the Kitchen DTVPal, and the universal remote with the other DTVPal hooked into a VCR.) I don't have any Sony components, by the way, I just liked that remote.

The DTVPal is good at pulling in signals, has good picture and sound quality (in my opinion), and, of course, the Guide feature beats all the other "Electronic Program Guides" out there. You'll have no need for the newspaper or internet TV listings once you have the DTVPal's Guide, unless you need to plan your viewing more than a day ahead. (And that day-ahead limitation is only because most broadcasters only send out one day's worth of data; they could send up to 7 days and the DTVPal would display it all.)

Also, you're getting interested in the DTVPal at a good time, when more buying options are becoming available, such as Sears. You can avoid the shipping costs I had to pay. And Ultimate Electronics stores have already sold some DTVPals for $40 ($0 after coupon, sales tax only), so it's possible you'll be able to find it for less than the $60 price now charged by most places (including Sears).

I've been predicting there will be a version of the DTVPal, simply relabeled with the Sling Media brand (in place of Dish Network), and selling for as little as $40 (the "Secret Agent Box" in my signature), but I wouldn't count on that happening. It's just something else to watch for.
 
After the CECB approved list change, it looks to me like Sling is not going to be on the label. In addition to the Echostar TR-40 (no asterisk) there is this box now:

DISH NETWORK TR-40CRA by Dish Network *

Hard to miss that this model is by Dish Network. :rolleyes:
 
A guy who read the manual said:
I know this is an issue where people would actually like some real help, so, at the risk of taking the edge off the humor, I am going to clearly label the satirical suggestions and the actually helpful ones. . .





First, some satirical suggestions, guaranteed to make your DTVPal timers work!:
  • Call all the stations in your area daily to make sure they are all transmitting the correct date and time of day.
  • Convince all channels in your area to broadcast from the same tower, then aim your antenna at that tower.
  • Achieve a rock-steady 70% or stronger signal on all stations around the clock. Enroll your DTVPal in as many Pilates and yoga classes as are necessary to achieve this state of perfection.
  • If possible, live in an area with no CBS affiliate.
  • If you must live in an area with a CBS affiliate, be sure it is one that is NOT transmitting TV Guide data.
  • If your CBS affiliate IS transmitting TV Guide data, delete it from your DTVPal's channel list, or sell your house and move to another area.
  • Once DTVPal upgrades are ready and are being transmitted over the air, be sure that you DO live in a city that DOES have a CBS affiliate which DOES transmit TV Guide data.
You may ask, "rrrrrrobert, what makes you so sure CBS is such a big factor in all this? Do you have inside information?"

I can only say that I have inferred the CBS relationship from statements made by someone who claims to live in the northern part of a southern state, but his screen name reveals he is actually a Pennsylvanian Macrame Artist. I think. Anyway, I believe the conclusion to be reliable.





Now, some actually helpful suggestions:
  • Leave your DTVPal turned on. (The timer bug usually takes effect after the DTVPal has been turned off.) You might NOT have to disable the Inactivity Standby, so your DTVPal WILL go into standby mode after 4-8 hours, depending on the setting. (It's not clear yet how badly the bug affects DTVPals which are left on but go into standby mode.)
  • If you still have the timer problems, try disabling the Inactivity Standby and leaving the DTVPal on. If you have to resort to this, you may want to periodically unplug the DTVPal for 30 seconds and plug it back in to clear up the DTVPal's memory, which may get cluttered or corrupted after it has been left on for a few days. You should not lose your settings, even the timer settings, from doing this 30-second unplug, but you should check the timers after you do it to be sure.
  • Use the best antenna and cable that you have available. Signals that sputter or frequently break up may make the effects of the timer bug more likely to occur. (I was able to improve my signal strengths by about 5 points on every channel by replacing an RG-59 cable with an RG-6 cable. And that's with only about 20 feet of cable; longer runs could gain more. I also gained a few more points and got more stable readings on the strength meter by replacing an old 5-900 MHz splitter with a new 5-2400 MHz splitter.)
  • Watch out for power interruptions and fluctuations. I don't think they are a major factor, but since they can cause your DTVPal to go "off," and the bug is more likely to happen after the DTVPal has been off, they are something to be aware of.
  • Before leaving the DTVPal unattended, make sure the DTVPal is showing the correct time (as shown in the upper left when you press the "Select" button, or in various places on several other screens). If you find the clock is wrong, one sure way to get the DTVPal to take another stab at setting the clock is to do a 30-second unplug.
  • Also before leaving the DTVPal unattended, it may help to tune the DTVPal to a channel with a strong, steady signal.
  • If you find your DTVPal's clock often becomes a few minutes slow or fast, edit your timers to start early (and end late) with that extra margin of error. You don't have to add the same margin of error to your recording device, since it probably has a reliable clock. On back-to-back recordings, you'll have to take your best guess for the best time to end one timer and start the next.
  • Even if you really only want to do a "Once" timer setting, consider setting it as a "Weekly" timer instead. This way, after the timer has been triggered, it should remain in the timer list, and you can look at the setting to see what, if anything, has changed. (Then delete it if you no longer need it.)
  • If you have set a timer in the past and it has disappeared unexpectedly, there may be a "ghost timer" hiding in your DTVPal which will cause it to turn on and off at apparently random times. (It's not certain that this is the cause of these random on and off events.) One way to clear out the timers may be: Set all five timers (for, say, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 hours in the future) then select Done. Then go back to the timer list and select all five and delete them all at once. However, simply leaving your DTVPal turned on (the first suggestion above) may be a more effective way to reduce or eliminate the random on and off events.
  • If all else fails, wait for an over-the-air upgrade or a DISH mail-in exchange program. It really should happen, eventually.
Good luck!
Click to expand...

Can you explain why leaving the DTVPal on all the time prevents the timer problem? I tried that and it seems to fix my problem where the event timer channel was being changed after I turned the DTVPal back on (and after the guide was loaded), but I hate the idea of having to leave it on all of the time...I hate wasting energy if I don't have to.

I'm guessing that the reason that the timer channel change doesn't occur when the DTVPal is left on all of the time is because the Guide is not re-loaded when it is left on all of the time....and the guide re-load is what actually causes the event timer channel to change.
 
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pabeader said:
yepper!
Click to expand...
For the "yepper!" are you disabling the inactivity timer?

Would letting the box go into maintenance mode also qualify for the "yepper!"?

I didn't get anything digital from my house so can't try for myself and don't want to waste gas and time driving closer to San Antonio Mtn. to see if they are broadcasting anything digital yet.
 
dallasguy said, """"I'm guessing that the reason that the timer channel change doesn't occur when the DTVPal is left on all of the time is because the Guide is not re-loaded when it is left on all of the time....and the guide re-load is what actually causes the event timer channel to change."""""

i said, "yepper"
 
pabeader,

I know dallasguy said, "when the DTVPal is left on all of the time"
This would mean that he disabled the inactivity timer and you of course said "yepper!"

I just wanted to know if letting it go into maintenance mode would also fix the problem like dallasguy said.

You should know this box better than anyone else and that is way I asked you if it would also give a "yepper!" response.

I can't test anything with my DTVPal so have to ask others. :(
 
A Guy . . .

Thanks for the thoughtful response. I appreciated hearing your opinion. BTW, I recently had to buy a new universal remote, but it's not a 'smart' one. Do you recall roughly how much your learning remote cost?
 
Malouff said:
pabeader,

I know dallasguy said, "when the DTVPal is left on all of the time"
This would mean that he disabled the inactivity timer and you of course said "yepper!"

I just wanted to know if letting it go into maintenance mode would also fix the problem like dallasguy said.

You should know this box better than anyone else and that is way I asked you if it would also give a "yepper!" response.

I can't test anything with my DTVPal so have to ask others. :(
Click to expand...

I disabled the inactivity timer AND leave the DTVPal on all of the time....that has fixed my problem where the event timer has it's channel changed incorrectly.

This solution is not very good because you have to leave the DTVPal on all of the time. Leaving the DTVPal on all the time is not acceptable in my opinion. I sure hope I can get the software fixed OR exchange the DTVPal for a version that has the software fixed. This is definately a case where the software is bad!
 

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