Hands-on with the EchoStar TR-40 and TR-50 converter boxes

Just like you heard from the press conference, EchoStar is showing off a couple of new analog converter boxes. While this kind of device doesn't have a place with DISH, splitting off EchoStar gives the company freedom to take on these ventures. First up, there's the TR-40 box with a built-in 7-day EPG, program search functions and VCR auto-tune timers. This device will be coming to you under both the EchoStar and Sling Media monikers for a penny under your $40 coupon; expect it in March. Second up is the TR-50, which adds in DVR functionality for both analog and digital (including HD) OTA. Step up to this model and you also get CC support, recording pop-up reminders, and a bevy of connectivity options for added functionality (Ethernet, modem and USB). No pricing info on the TR-50 for now, so EchoStar will be picking a number before the July availability.

Gallery: Hands-on with the EchoStar TR-40 and TR-50 converter boxes

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

[Sporkinum @ Jan 7th 2008 4:46PM]

Does anyone have pictures of the back of one of these, or better descriptions that let you know what kind of connections these have? It would be nice if they output composite video and stereo audio at least. I need something for my 22 year old Mitsubishi.

[Scott @ Jan 7th 2008 5:36PM]

They are required to have composite to be coupon eligible.

They can not have component so the TR-50 is not a coupon eligible box.

[jalapeno @ Jan 7th 2008 4:53PM]

Would have been funny if they had come out with a box named the TRS-80.

[matt @ Jan 7th 2008 5:11PM]

More crappy echostar products I have to push at work!!!

[Joe @ Jan 7th 2008 5:30PM]

I have an echostar freeview box and would have to say that it is made of fail and aids!

Joe

[Valgas @ Jan 8th 2008 2:29AM]

Like slightly free friggin satellite. Anyone know what extra channels you get?

[John Goggan @ Jan 8th 2008 10:45AM]

Something isn't quite right here. The article says to "step up to this model [the TR-50] and you also get CC support". The TR-40 must have CC support or it does not qualify for the coupon program. The government site is very clearly that Closed Captioning support is REQUIRED in all of the eligible devices.

Also, Scott, can you show me where it explicitly states that component outputs will NOT be allowed to qualify for the coupon? My reading says that certain "advanced features" won't be allowed -- and they then mention DVR functionality as an example. I can't find anything to indicate that component outputs are necessarily considered an "advanced option." If you have something that indicates that explicitly, please let me know.

- John...

[Travis (stupid blog free) @ Jan 8th 2008 11:31AM]

From http://www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/frnotices/2007/DTVFinalRule_2e.htm

55. In the NPRM, NTIA proposed that “the converter box would not be required to render pictures and sound at more than standard definition quality.”[ 101 ] This proposal follows from the definition of a converter box contained in the Act, which limits the converter box to a unit so “the consumer can display on television receivers designed to receive and display signals only in the analog television service.”[ 102 ] If NTIA were to permit any digital output to the CECB, then it would cease to be a digital-to-analog converter and would become a digital tuner capable of providing a digital signal to a television monitor. This would clearly be beyond the plain language of the Act which states that the CECB shall “convert any channel broadcast in the digital television service into a format that the consumer can display on television receivers designed to receive and display signals only in the analog television service.”[ 103 ]

56. Therefore, NTIA specifies in the Final Rule those connectors that will not be permitted in a CECB. Likewise, NTIA clarifies in the Final Rule that CECBs are prohibited from containing items such as display screens, recorders or storage devices that go beyond the simple task of converting a digital television signal to an analog signal for display on analog television receivers.

[John Goggan @ Jan 8th 2008 12:09PM]

Excellent -- thank you. I hadn't been able to confirm it before. Very good to know.

It also addresses the CC thing. It says: "With regard to Closed Captioning and Parental Controls, NTIA will require that CECBs comply with the FCC receiver requirements for Closed Captioning and Parental Controls and NTIA will not impose any requirements beyond those contained in the FCC Rules."

So -- it just says that, as far as if CC is required or not, it must comply with the FCC received requirements. So -- does the FCC requirements require that this has CC?

I'm just curious because the press releases so far imply that the TR-40 does NOT support CC -- but the dtv2009.gov web site FAQ very clearly states that CC is REQUIRED in all of the eligible receivers. So, either the TR-40 info is wrong -- or the FAQ is wrong and doesn't line up with the actual Final Rules that you just linked to.

- John...

[Travis (stupid blog free) @ Jan 8th 2008 3:15PM]

Echostar's official press release yesterday did state, "The TR-50 DVR offers all of the TR-40 features, plus closed captioning..." That does seem to indicate the TR-40 does not have CC. And you are correct, the NTIA rules require it for CECB. So, best case senario, this was a simple oversight by Echostar PR people. Worst case, an engineering oversight requiring a "regulatory compliance" redesign.

[jsk @ Jan 8th 2008 9:31PM]

If this is going to be available in July, then I won't be able to buy it with my coupons because I already ordered them and they are only good for 90 days. Had I known, I would have waited.

It looks like it would work well with my Dish Network 522 DVR. Maybe, I could even use the same remote for it.

[Cory @ Jan 13th 2008 10:16PM]

If you remember when you signed up it said the coupons would come available when products are available. So I would guess that means we won't get our coupons until July or so.

-Cory

[Manny Fresh @ Jan 12th 2008 1:59PM]

http://ces.cnet.com/8301-13855_1-9840910-67.html

Component, HDMI, USB for more HD space and Ethernet for online content. Man, this pretty much kicks Tivo in the butt. I love the DVR on Dish boxes and to have this on a OTA set top box is awesome

[John @ Jan 17th 2008 7:02PM]

The NTIA has updated it's list of coupon approved converter boxes again - http://www.ntiadtv.gov/cecb_list.cfm and this website has specifications and information about most of the Converter Boxes - http://www.ezdigitaltv.com

[Aaron @ Jan 20th 2008 12:50PM]

CC = cable card? not close captioning?

[10kc @ Feb 1st 2008 2:38AM]

They (the website) don't have any retailers to list YET I have to do a search for every model (not something anybody really cares for), and most of the names I see are either unknown to me or junk from the Wal-Mart hall of shame. Only 3 or 4 that I saw were even indicated as models that would pass an analog signal at all (marked with an *asterick)!

I live on 650 a month, have a housing subsidy, don't even drive (I have a classic cruiser bike I worked hard on) and really have a hard time getting good, quality food (and I'm a diabetic). Somehow I have to wonder if I'm going to find something WORTHY of what I've taught myself over 35 years about radios and TVs and other electronics. I found a 7-input Mitsbishi control center at the local auction for $2 so why shouldn't I build a headend with one? I bought capture cards for my two computers (hand built from parts) and I own two vintage CRT projectors? If it's junk I will pass it by and be a videographer and collect tapes and laserdisks. I already do that...

[John @ Feb 14th 2008 4:31PM]

This site has the list of converter box retailers, which boxes they carry and the price. http://www.ezdigitaltv.com/Converter_Box_Retailers.html

[N4YQT @ Feb 25th 2008 7:43PM]

How about some pictures of the back of both boxes??? That would be the most important picture to see here. We'd like to see what type of connectors are on the back. Is there a S-Video output back there on these boxes???