DTV “Soft” Test December 17th

Posted by Russell Mizelle
December 20, 2008
WNCN DTV Phone Bank Dec 17th

WNCN DTV Phone Bank Dec 17th

We have been participating in the DTV “soft tests” conducted by the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters on the 17th of each month. Basically we put up a slide on our analog signal to help you identify which TVs in your home need to be upgraded. It can be a little confusing since all cable and satellite systems have not upgraded yet themselves. Have no fear, they will be ready for the switch in February. We opened our phone bank so viewers could call in and get their questions answered about how to get coupons and setting up their boxes.

Answering phones were Wayne, Courtney, Daniel, Doug and myself. (Jessica is hidden behind Daniel). We answered 119 calls from viewers with a broad range of questions and helped guide them to the proper places. We are still getting a lot of calls from people wanting to know how to get the coupons. Time is running out quickly, so if you know someone without Internet, tell them to call 1-888-DTV-2009. It takes 6-8 weeks to get the coupon!
Daniel works for Dish Network, and I invited him to join in and field some calls. Yeah, I let a satellite guy in my studio! But we put him to work, and we shared stories and learned from each other. Dish network not only does satellite TV, but they make a very good DTV converter box called the DTV Pal. I’ve known about this CECB since the beginning, but I didn’t have the coins to try every box on the market. I had checked with Sears at Triangle Town Center when I was shopping for a box, and it looked like they were selling pretty good. I was also looking a box with a DVR or some recorder attached, and none were to be found back then, but Dish Network has expanded their DTV Pal line to include four models. From the basic $40 box, to a new DTV Pal Plus box with an enhanced receiver, and yes, one with a DVR. 
You can check them out at www.dtvpal.com with pricing, and order them online, and Sears carries the basic DTV Pal box in their stores. Daniel explains, the DTV Pal Plus has an advanced RF section designed to overcome signal issue many viewers may have. I showed him my signal coverage on www.tvfool.com and discussed if it might help in those spots where hills and trees are problem.
If you have a DTV Pal, I’d love to know how it is working for you. The Plus model is brand new and Daniel thinks it will be worth the extra money, which isn’t awful, but a dollar is a dollar!
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Comments
Comment by Eric Goldberg on December 30, 2008 @ 3:56 pm

Russel,

Are you aware of anyone who is providing a non-subscription DVR (like my Panasonic DMR-EH75V?) WUNC has been providing the TV Guide Directory for this box on their VHF carrier, and I surely would like to be able to replace it with something similar.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Comment by Steve Knapp on January 1, 2009 @ 6:44 pm

I have the same DVR and saw in the “promotions” area a link to a website (http://www.macrovision.com/dtv/10053.htm?link_id=rightPromo) from macrovision. They state that you must get a converter box from Echostar (Dishnetwork) to continue using the TV Guide On Screen. I just ordered mine today so I don’t know if this will work or if I’ll have to replace the DVR. Dishnetwork advertises a DVR on their website too.

Comment by tim kennedy on January 2, 2009 @ 11:28 am

http://www.dtvpal.com/- echostar is offering the dtvpal-dvr Record up to 150 hours of standard definition (SD) programs, up to 30 hours of high definition (HD) programs, or a combination of the two. No monthly fees. Just helped my brother-in-law hook one up. He loves it.

Comment by Eric Goldberg on January 5, 2009 @ 6:27 pm

Thank you!

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