Dish Network Unveils $59 Digital Converter Box

[Holstein912]

But the satcaster has yet to launch the much-anticipated cheaper version

Washington, D.C. (June 26, 2008) -- Dish Network has announced that its new Digital TV converter box, called DTVPal, is now available for purchase for $59.99.

On February 17, 2009, all full-powered local stations must switch their analog signals to digital which means viewers will need a Digital TV, a digital converter box or a pay TV subscription to watch television.

The converter box will transfer the new digital signals so they can be displayed on the old analog sets.

Dish said that the box can be purchased at its web site, dtvpal.com or by calling 1-888-638-9912.

However, Dish has yet to introduce another digital converter box (the TR-40) that company officials said last January would cost just $39 and would first be available in "limited quantities in March and "unlimited quantities" in June.

The federal government is offering two $40 coupons for consumers to buy the converter boxes, which normally cost around $60. But the $39 Digital TV converter would enable consumers to buy one without having to spend a dime.

The DTVPal would still force consumers to spend $19.99 (after redeeming the $40 coupon) on the box.

But in its press release issued today, Dish Network instead chose to emphasize that the $59.99 was called a "top choice" by CNET.com, the technology web site. The release does not even mention the $39 TR-40 model.

Francie Bauer, a Dish Network spokeswoman, told TVPredictions.com late today that the TR-40 should be available "late this summer."

Source: TV Predictions

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Holstein912

[Holstein912]

ENGLEWOOD, Colo., June 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- DISH Network Corporation (Nasdaq: DISH), the digital transition leader, today announced that its DTVPal(TM) digital-to-analog converter box is available for purchase nationwide at hxxp://www.dtvpal.com or by calling 1-888-638-9912.

The DTVPal qualifies for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s TV Converter Box Coupon Program; coupons may be ordered by visiting hxxp://www.dtv2009.gov. Consumers can purchase the converter box for $19.99 after the $40 government coupon is applied; MSRP for the DTVPal is $59.99.

The DTVPal by DISH Network was deemed a "top choice" by CNET, and is the only converter box that comes with a nationwide customer care and service network to facilitate installation, including knowledgeable, multilingual agents and technicians trained in the digital transition.

"The DTVPal is supported by a trusted and respected national brand -- DISH Network -- and is without question one of the best and most affordable converter boxes on the market today," said Tom Stingley, executive vice president of Sales and Distribution for DISH Network. "As a leader in all-digital television for more than 12 years, we understand the benefits of digital TV, and we are committed to providing solutions for consumers affected by the upcoming transition so they may continue to enjoy their favorite TV programming."

The feature-rich DTVPal is one way for consumers to experience DISH Network’s industry-leading and award-winning technology at an attractive price. The DTVPal is only one of a few converter boxes that includes a unique analog pass-through feature, which means it can take both analog and digital signals -- ideal for all consumers, as many stations are low-power and are not required to switch to digital broadcasts by 2009.

Additional components include an easy-to-follow setup wizard, a best in class* electronic program guide with up to seven days of program listings, parental controls, program search, auto tune timers for program recording on a connected VCR, closed caption support, a remote control, and signal strength screen pop-ups that can troubleshoot lost signals.

Consumers can also prepare for the digital transition by subscribing to pay television. DISH Network offers the best value in entertainment with the lowest all-digital price every day, along with unmatched technology and award-winning customer service that has surpassed major cable TV providers for the past eight years. For as little as $19.99 per month (additional $5 for local channels), DISH Network customers can subscribe to the DishFAMILY package and receive over 40 popular channels, plus free installation and activation.

For more information about DISH Network, visit hxxp://www.Pishnetwork.com or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474). To learn more about the DTVPal or to order a converter box, visit hxxp://www.dtvpal.com or call 1-888-638-9912.

* CNET Review, June 19, 2008

About DISH Network Corporation

DISH Network Corporation (Nasdaq: DISH), the nation’s third largest pay-TV provider and the leader in digital television, provides more than 13.815 million satellite TV customers with industry-leading customer satisfaction which has surpassed major cable TV providers for eight consecutive years. DISH Network also provides customers with award-winning HD and DVR technology including the ViP722(TM) HD DVR, which received the Editors’ Choice awards from both CNET and PC Magazine. In addition, subscribers enjoy access to hundreds of video and audio channels, the most International channels in the U.S., industry-leading Interactive TV applications, Latino programming, and the best sports and movies in HD. DISH Network offers a variety of package and price options including the lowest all-digital price in America, the DishDVR Advantage Package, high-speed Internet service, and a free upgrade to the best HD DVR in the industry. DISH Network is included in the Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) and is a Fortune 300 company. Visit hxxp://www.Pishnetwork.com/aboutus or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474) for more information.

SOURCE DISH Network Corporation

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Holstein912

[Holstein912]

Englewood, Colo.— Dish Network said it’s DTV converter box, called DTVPal, is available for purchase nationwide.

The satellite TV company, which has entered the set-top-box space, is selling the device for a $59.99 suggested retail — or $19.95, after the $40 government coupon — through a special Web site or by calling (888) 638-9912. The price is shy of the originally announced goal of offering a box price close to the coupon value.

Dish said it will support the product with a nationwide customer care and service network to facilitate installation.

“The DTVPal is supported by a trusted and respected national brand — Dish Network — and is without question one of the best and most affordable converter boxes on the market today,” stated Tom Stingley, Dish Network sales and distribution executive VP. “As a leader in all-digital television for more than 12 years, we understand the benefits of digital TV, and we are committed to providing solutions for consumers affected by the upcoming transition so they may continue to enjoy their favorite TV programming.”

The DTVPal includes an analog pass-through feature, which means it can take both analog and digital signals, which will enable receiving certain low-power stations that are not required to switch to digital broadcasts by Feb. 17, 2009.

Additional components include a setup wizard, a electronic program guide with up to seven days of program listings, parental controls, program search, auto tune timers for program recording on a connected VCR, closed-caption support, a remote control, and signal strength screen pop-ups that can troubleshoot lost signals.

In selling the box, Dish, which runs a satellite TV service, is also pointing out that “consumers can also prepare for the digital transition by subscribing to pay television.”

Source: Twice (This Week in Consumer Electronics)

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Holstein912

[bellnet2000]

Yes and there are much better OTA local Box's to Buy and cost Less then a DN OTA Box