Dish-DTVPal (EchoStar TR-50)

By John Ghysels, Special to Technology-Report.com

If it seems that those monthly fees are just piling up just a little too much, you may want to consider “unplugging” yourself from cable and satellite. You may be giving up a bit less than you might think in resolution. In case you hadn’t noticed, the picture coming in from a decent HD Terrestrial signal is about as wonderful as any subscription service. So, if you can fix up that old antenna on the roof, you can pull in some great HD, multi-channel programing from your “Over The Air” (OTA) local stations, for nada in monthly fees.  

However, giving up that DVR function can be a real sacrifice. That is, until now. The Dish DTVPal is an OTA only HD (that’s for digital, NTSC signals, for you purists out there) Dual Tuner that is rumored to feature a massive 250GB hard drive. That should provide at least 30 HD recording hours. And, with a dual tuner, you can also watch one channel and record another. 

The unit will have a menu just like Satellite or Cable, and it will include programing, via the TV-Guide Channel, if available in your area.  

The DTVPal DVR will have a full suite of outputs, including RF, composite (RCA), component, and HDMI. Ethernet and USB ports are present for future use. USB external drive expansion is not supported out of the box, but that capability may be added with a software update. Software updates to expand functionality, it is hoped, will be made available for download over the Internet using the DTVPal’s ethernet connection. Then again, I have those outputs on my older EchoStar DVR and I don’t believe that they have ever been made available for use. 

We expect to see the EchoStar/Dish folks and CES and we will let you know what’s up with this device which is scheduled to be available in early 2009.  

The DTVPal, (also called the EchoStar TR-50) is expected to have an MSRP of $299.

Television CES 2009, CES Award Winner, Cheap TV, DTV, Echostar DTV, TR-50, TR50

LI7200-2WXVP

Product Review: Check out these CES award winning 2 way radios, and our challenging field tests. 

By John R. Ghysels, Special to Technology-Report.com

Speaking of CES, these latest Cobra 2 way radios, model number LI7200-2WXVP, captured last year’s CES design and performance award. This is amazing for devices that simply allow people to communicate, verbally, (remember that?) with a relatively low-tech push to talk button.  But, these devices are growing in popularity and it is perhaps a sign of the times. Every day, more people push out into the hinterlands of cellular coverage, while simulanteously seeking ways to escape the multiplication of high fixed monthly cellular fees and unpredictable roaming charges. With simple 2-way radio you can talk away without cell charges, just like the “good old days”, when the air waves were free. 

The author tested similar Cobra models while in Europe last year, comparing Midland, Kenwood, and other brands under very challenging conditions involving multi-car caravans and lots of clueless family members fumbling with equipment in decidedly urban environments.  Hands down, the Cobras came through, punching their signals through cars, around tall buildings and out Cathedral windows to amazing ranges, all while avoiding those hefty “one dollar per minute” overseas cellphone charges. 

Further, “push to talk” is simply way more fun than flipping open a cell phone while traveling with others. Pushing that button becomes your on-the-road chat room in sharing your travel or outdoors experience with others in your group, all while adding to safety and convenience by staying in touch. 

Some have faulted Cobra for using a Nimh battery pack, which must be recharged, rather than allowing the use of optional AA cells. However, I found that recharging was a breeze, even in Europe, and a easy habit to get into. With nominal usage, the charge lasted at least a couple of days of heavy touring in any case, likely due to the built-in battery saving features that Cobra includes.  The rechargable also keeps the design of the radio smaller and much sleeker than those which must accomodate bulky, disposable AA’s. 

Overall, these radio champs leave similar models in the dust, yet are priced affordably for the family, hunter, traveler or outdoors enthusist. 

As always, forget those published ranges of “27 miles”, however. Most of the time your radios will reach out for a couple of miles, at best, depending very much on the terrain around you, since they don’t bounce signals off of cell towers.  But the high power in this model will maximize whatever range could be expected, under whatever circumstances you find in your adventures.

John Ghysels, 11/15/2008

2 Way Radio, CES, Walkie Talkies, gadgets, search and rescue, technology 2 Way Radio, CES Award Winner, High Power, Product Review, Radios, Walkie Talkies