Get The DISH Network DTVPalTR-40 CRA Digital Converter Box, Free With Coupon
Back at CES, EchoStar announced the TR-40 ATSC digital converter with an expected MSRP of $39.99. That would make it free after the $40 government coupon. Then it appeared to be rebranded as the DISH Network DTVPal, which launched with a $59.99 MSRP.
To muddy the waters a bit more, DISH Network is now offering the TR-40 CRA for $39.99 - free with a coupon. And it looks like the TR-40 CRA is identical to the DTVPal, save for the labels. From the site’s FAQ:
What is the difference between TR-40 CRA and DTVPal?
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 has garnered much praise in recent months and is recommended as a “top choice” by CNET. DTVPal’s amazing features and consumer-friendly technology make it a great value at only $19.99 with a $40 government coupon.
So if you’re in need of a set-top box for the DTV transition you can get the TR-40 CRA free with a government coupon, and get the same hardware and features as the $60 DTVPal, which is $20 with the coupon.
Interestingly the NTIA list of approved set top boxes also includes the EchoStar TR-40 and a DISH Network DTVPal Plus, both of which are listed as approved, but currently unavailable. At first I thought the DTVPal Plus might be the EchoStar TR-50 ATSC DVR shown at CES, but it can’t be as having the TR-50s capabilities make it ineligible for a coupon, hence it wouldn’t be on the approved list. Curious.
Disclaimer: I work for Sling Media, which is owned by EchoStar.
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August 29th, 2008 at 04:40
I love my TR40. Although i have glorious digital cable in much of the house out of stubborness I refuse to let my roommates use the digital cable for free so I was nice enough to use one of my NTIA coupons to get a TR40. It is extremely easy to use and works just like the actual dtvpals I have used.
September 3rd, 2008 at 17:28
Is the TR-40 CRA available at
“big box” stores?
September 3rd, 2008 at 17:35
As far as I’m aware it is only available through DISH Network.
September 24th, 2008 at 20:16
Wonder no more about the DTVPal Plus - it was released today with an “enhanced tuner” for better reception for $69.99. Whoopee!
October 9th, 2008 at 13:49
I really feel that the DTVPal Plus is one of the best and most complete converter boxes. From its great program guide, to excellent picture quality, to its enhanced tuner.
Sure, Dish has made some horrible moves in regard to public relations with its converter boxes and the original DTVPal has software bugs but I think they will all be fixed with the Plus and it should be the best converter box on the market.