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Learn more about Digital Converter Boxes
Echostar TR-40 DTV Converter Box
Echostar's TR40 Digital-To-Analog TV converter box is on the cutting edge of a new generation of digital TV converter boxes. Utilizing a powerful ATSC digital tuner, users can enjoy the clarity and fidelity of crisp digital picture and sound on their analog TVs, while still allowing Analog TV signal pass-through. This effectively makes the TR 40 one of the most versatile DTV converter boxes available today. The Echostar TR 40 also offers a wealth of power features that surpasses the competition, such as a 7 day Electronic Program Guide (EPG) and an Auto-Tune timer, perfect for VCR recording of your favorite shows.
The TR-40's DTV architecture is housed in an elegant and aesthetically pleasing wave box case, making it a complimentary addition to your entertainment center.
Echostar TR-50 DTV Converter Box/DVR
The EchoStar TR-50 DTV Converter Box/HD DVR is one of most highly anticipated new electronic products of 2008. A bold combination of premium digital-to-analog converter box features and HD DVR features make the TR-50 the ultimate choice for digital TV viewing and TiVo like recording, without fees!
At the recent 2008 International Consumer Electronics Show, the EchoStar TR-50 won a Best of CES Award for the Home Video Category. As proclaimed by CES, the TR-50 is an HD DVR for the antenna crowd, a first in its category.
If the TR-50 lives up to its promise, it may end up being a TiVo killer. Many TV aficionados are hedging their bets on the TR50, particularly because EchoStar, also known as Dish Network, already has award winning DVR technology up its sleeve. Dish Network's VIP622 HD DVR was proclaimed as "better than TiVo." by CNET's most demanding tech experts.
Rumor has it, the award winning HD DVR technology from Dish's DVR line has transitioned its way into the TR-50.
What is the Digital Television Transition?
On February 17, 2009 at midnight, all television stations in the United States stoped broadcasting in analog and switch to 100% digital broadcasting. Digital broadcasts offer superior picture and sound quality and will take full advantage of HDTV resolution.
What converter box should I get?
Currently there are models available from RCA (DTA 800A), Zenith (DTT900) & Magnavox (TB100MW9). However they are basic entry level models with minimal features and some require an out of pocket cost to cover the full purchase price. It is useful to note that more advanced models are set to arrive in summer 2008. One of the most highly anticipated models is the entry level EchoStar TR-40 or Sling Media TR-40. It is set at a price of $39.99, making it virtually free with the government $40 DTV coupon. The TR 40 has a built in 7 day EPG or Electronic Program Guide with Auto-Tune VCR timers. This powerful feature will give users the power of TV guide like features in their TV and the ability to record TV to their VCR via timer.
For DVR features, a.k.a. free TiVo features check out the TR 50 below.
What is the EchoStar TR50?
Essentially the EchoStar TR-50 is the same as the TR40, except that it has a built-in hard drive for digital video recording. It also includes advanced DVR features that allow you to record in both standard definition (SD) and high definition (HD). The TR50 is built off the same award winning technology as Dish Network's EchoStar VIP receivers. Imagine a unit that is both DTV converters for your analog TV and a TiVo at the same time.
Echostar DTV Converter/Receiver Box Feature Comparisons
Note: Dish Network's EchoStar VIP series receivers require Dish Network Service.
| Features: | TR-40 | TR-50 | VIP211 | VIP622 | VIP722 |
| Smart Antenna |  |
|
|
|
|
| Closed Captions | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| DVR Recorder | |
yes | |
yes | yes |
| Record in SD | |
yes | |
yes | yes |
| Record in HD | |
yes | |
yes | yes |
| Live TV Show Pause | |
yes | |
yes | yes |
Record 2 shows at the |
|
yes | |
yes | yes |
| EPG | yes(7days) | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| NTSC Tuner | |
|
|
|
|
| ATSC Tuner | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Analog OTA signal passthrough | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Parental Controls | yes | yes | |
yes | yes |
| Auto Tune Timer | yes | yes | |
|
|
| HDMI | |
yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Component | |
yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Optical Digital Out | |
yes | yes | yes | yes |
| RCA Audio/Video Outputs | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| S-Video | |
|
yes | yes | yes |
| Ethernet Port | |
yes | yes | yes | yes |
| USB 2.0 Port | |
yes | yes | yes(2) | yes |
| Telephone Jack | |
yes | yes | yes | yes |
| IR Remote Control | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Universal Remote |
|
yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Network Shareable DVR | |
|
|
yes | yes |
| AV for TV2 | |
|
|
|
yes |
Radio Frequency Remote |
|
|
|
|
yes |
Echostar TR-40 DTV Converter Box Specs
| Features: | Up to Date Speculation: |
| Smart Antenna | |
| Closed Captions | yes |
| CECB Certified | yes |
| Recorder | |
| EPG | yes, up to 7days EPG stored |
| NTSC Tuner | |
| ATSC Tuner | yes |
| Analog OTA signal passthrough | yes |
| Parental Controls | speculated yes |
| Auto Tune Timer | yes |
| Power Save Mode | yes |
| Analog OTA signal passthrough | yes |
| A/V Connections | RCA audio/video output |
| IR Remote Control | yes |
| Remote Controls TV | speculated yes |
Echostar TR-50 DTV Converter Box/DVR
| Features: | Up to Date Speculation: |
| Smart Antenna | |
| Closed Captions | yes |
| CECB Certified | yes |
| Recorder | yes |
| Record in SD | yes |
| Record in HD | yes |
| Live TV Show Pause | yes |
| Record 2 shows at the same time | yes |
| Display HD and SD output at same time | yes |
| EPG | yes, up to 7days EPG stored |
| NTSC Tuner | |
| ATSC Tuner | yes |
| Analog OTA signal passthrough | yes |
| Parental Controls | yes |
| Auto Tune Timer | yes |
| Power Save Mode | yes |
| HDMI | RCA audio/video output |
| Component | yes |
| Optical Digital Out | yes |
| RCA Audio/Video Outputs | yes |
| Ethernet Port | yes |
| USB 2.0 Port | rumored yes |
| Telephone jack | speculated no |
| IR Remote Control | yes |
| Remote Control can operate other components | yes |
