A few weeks back, on the massive AVS Forum thread, I noticed comments of what appeared to be DTVPal DVR close-out pricing. After checking in with a DISH Network spokesperson yesterday, they’ve confirmed that the DTVPal DVR (~$250, no fees) is no longer offered and there are no current plans for a replacement model.
The DTVPal DVR was an interesting product, but DISH (or is that EchoStar?) never quite seemed to work out all the kinks or get any sort of mass market awareness. Which is unfortunate, given it’s been the only modern, economical OTA ATSC dual tuning DVR available. Then again, the DTVPal DVR was more digital VCR than DVR in the TiVo sense as recordings were scheduled via time slot versus show. Also, limited guide data was provided over-the-air via TVGOS or PSIP.
I had hoped and assumed Internet connectivity would provide a path forward – with video on demand, better guide data, and perhaps a greater leveraging of their existing satellite DVR functionality (via network update). But, alas, it wasn’t meant to be. RIP little weird ham hock tv cartoon mascot.