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.

EchoStar Monday announced that they’ve signed a tru2way Host Device License Agreement with CableLabs, which allows them to implement devices using CableCARD and OCAP/tru2way. This may seem odd at first, since EchoStar is often conflated with DISH Network, but remember that EchoStar and DISH split into separate companies, and EchoStar is pursuing non-satellite markets such as OTA with the DTVPal (ironically being marketed by DISH Network) and cable with devices like the SlingModem, from EchoStar subsidiary Sling Media.

This license does open up new possibilities. A CableCARD-enabled Slingbox, perhaps. EchoStar could take their DVR platform, as used by DISH Network, and re-purpose it as a CableCARD DVR for cable MSOs and/or consumers. Something like the recently announced 722s DVR with built-in Slingbox & SlingCatcher features, only for cable, could be quite an interesting product. (Perhaps waiting for the final act in the DVR patent lawsuit with TiVo to remove any uncertainty for customers.) They could produce a whole new cable STB unrelated to any of their current platforms. It will certainly be interesting to see what they do with the license, I’m sure they didn’t sign it just for laughs.

Their press release is below:
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The Dish Network DTVPal digital-to-analog converter is now available from the official website. When it was first announced as the TR40 back at CES the price target was given as $39.99, the value of the government coupons, which would’ve made it ‘free’. However, between then and now things have changed, and the release pricing is $59.99, so the box is $19.99 after the coupon, plus $8.95 for shipping. So it will cost you $28.94 to get a DTVPal from the official site, if you have a coupon, or $68.94 without one. You can order one or two DTVPal’s at a time, though there is no discount on shipping for ordering two. Dave Zatz’s unboxing videos will give you a look at the DTVPal.

Disclaimer: I work for Sling Media. Sling Media is owned by EchoStar. EchoStar produces the DTVPal for Dish Network. Sling Media has nothing to do with the DTVPal. So, while you’re free to comment, this isn’t any kind of official feedback channel. Don’t expect comments here to get to EchoStar or Dish Network.

If you’re reading this blog you’re probably not a person still using an antenna with an analog-only TV or receiver who will be in need of a converted box come February, 2009. But perhaps you know some poor benighted individual who is still living with NTSC-only antenna television, who will be out of luck without a converter box. In that case, Dave Zatz over at Zatz Not Funny is giving away his DVTPal review box. Good luck!

Following up on his initial hands-on post, Dave Zatz has received his own DTVPal and he’s shot some unboxing and setup video.

The Dish Network DTVPal, formerly the known less snappily as the TR40, is getting closer to launch. Dave Zatz, of Zatz Not Funny, got some hands on time with the DTVPal and the new retail packaging. He has photos of the packaging, unit, and remote, as well as some of the screens. He also has one of the retail DTVPal on top of the TR40 prototype that was displayed at CES, showing just how much the unit has shrunk - quite a bit.

DISH Network has launched a website for their DTVPal Digital-To-Analog Converter set-top box, the STB formerly known as the TR40. A prototype was shown as CES in Sling Media branding, but it looks like they’ll be marketing it as DISH Network. Which actually seems a little confusing to me, as people associate DISH Network with satellite, and might not understand this is a terrestrial ATSC converter box. It is unclear if the DTVPal may yet also show up in Sling Media and/or EchoStar branding.

According to the website the DTVPal will be available for order in ‘late June’, though prices are not yet listed. It is a very simple device. It has one input - antenna coax, two sets out outputs - one RF coax modulated for channel 3 or 4 and one composite video with stereo audio, and one power connector. For such a simple device the remote has a number of buttons, but the image is too small to make out what they’re all labeled. Though they have loaded the box with a number of extra features, which probably explains the buttons. Among the features are an EPG, closed-caption decoding, parental controls, an event timer to auto-tune scheduled programs, and a program search function.

No word yet on the DTVPal DVR, which seems to be the new name for the TR50 OTA DVR shown at CES. It is looking like ‘DVTPal’ will be the new branding for OTA ATSC devices from EchoStar.

Disclaimer: I’m currently employed by Sling Media, which is owned by EchoStar, who produces the DTVPal for DISH Network. Convoluted enough? It’s like Dark Helmut and Lone Starr.