My Choices -- and DTVPal Question

Orrymain · 05-21-2009, 11:45 AM

OKay --- first question. Is the DTVPal, put out by the Dish Network, usuable for someone who does not have the Dish Network? I don't have a satellite and before I go investing, just want to make sure it works.

Secondly, the DTVPal is sold out per the site. If a retail store has it, yippee, but otherwise, they are gone. I know a couple of folks said some online sites still had them. But they do have at the dtvpal website, the dtvpal plus and the dtv pal dvr. So -- what's the difference in the three in functionality and price?

Third, I did a survey of what brands are still available at local stores, and this is what I found:

Craig
Access HD
Apex
RCA
Digital Stream
Magnabox
Zenith

I already know not to get the RCA and Magnabox, and I think the Zenith is a no-go from what y'all have said, but what about the others. Are they any good or not?

A couple of local stores said they might be getting more of the dtvpal.

Thanks.

cowboyup4christ · 05-21-2009, 12:05 PM

yes it will work without dish service, also the dtvpal has been discontinued, as the tuner was weak the DTV pal plus took its place, it is a better box has better tuner cost a little more but worth it. Solid signal has it for 15.00 less than dtvpal site has it so I would buy from them just ordered two pluses had them in three days.

cowboyup4christ · 05-21-2009, 12:09 PM

Magnavox is trash, rca is adequate but not as good as the zenith and the insignia, the DTVPAl plus is the best I have installed and have used excellent epg and tuner is good in deep fringe areas.
after installing all of these boxes this is my opinion

Orrymain · 05-21-2009, 08:09 PM

Thanks for the responses. None of the places I talked to today mentioned dtv pal plus, but maybe that's what they'll be getting in instead of the regular version. A couple of them really expected more shipments. My sister isn't much for ordering online, but I've never her the information.

divxhacker · 05-23-2009, 10:59 AM

It's kinda cute that they have this subtle reminder in the manual: "Although the DTVPal is a great digital-to-analog converter box... (edit) ... Get over 100 or more of the most popular national channels... (edit) ...by getting your programming through DISH Network. ..."

Jay · 05-23-2009, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by divxhacker

It's kinda cute that they have this subtle reminder in the manual: "Although the DTVPal is a great digital-to-analog converter box... (edit) ... Get over 100 or more of the most popular national channels... (edit) ...by getting your programming through DISH Network. ..."

Hint, Hint, Nudge, Nudge...I saw that too. Reminds me of Time Warner when they had a blurb on their "DTV Transition" page in 08 that said (and I quote),

Quote:

Q: If I’m a Basic (analog) Cable customer, will I have to sign up for Digital Cable?
A: No. Any Basic Cable setup will do. However, now is a good time to consider upgrading to Digital Cable, which offers more channels, as well as On Demand Programming, a free upgrade to HD service, an interactive program guide and more.

Tang · 05-23-2009, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cowboyup4christ

Magnavox is trash, rca is adequate but not as good as the zenith and the insignia, the DTVPAl plus is the best I have installed and have used excellent epg and tuner is good in deep fringe areas.
after installing all of these boxes this is my opinion

Agreed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orrymain

Thanks for the responses. None of the places I talked to today mentioned dtv pal plus, but maybe that's what they'll be getting in instead of the regular version. A couple of them really expected more shipments. My sister isn't much for ordering online, but I've never her the information.

I called everywhere looking for the Pal Plus and couldn't find it, (not finding a piece of electronic equipment in NYC is a rare occurence). I finally ordered online from solidsignal. Cost was $25 after using my coupon and definitely worth it. Here's a small review I did here at the forum - http://www.dtvusaforum.com/converter...html#post14009

Orrymain · 05-25-2009, 05:53 AM

I'm still waiting to see what my sister did. She hasn't bothered to tell me yet, and she has my coupons, so I can't do anything. Do you believe this? After all those phone calls I made, she went to get the boxes last week and realized her coupons had expired, so she took mine to use and was going to sign up to get two more for herself. Does she let me know the outcome? Nope! Sisters!


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