I own 5 DTV-Pals, 3 of them operate on a roof top Antenna system (needed for Arvada Co.) the other two operate on active indoor antennas.
My problem is that 3 of the 5 DTV-Pals no longer work good enough to use. Dish network tech support is absolutely worthless, I believe these devices were designed to make a quick buck, and propagate the Dish network name, these low cost devices were never intended to be supported.
I thought about a DTV-PAL DVR, but appears to have the same type ofo problems!
Thanks for the comment. I reviewed this particular box because it was "the" converter box to get, and so had purchased one, but didn't have access to other boxes. Can say it has worked near flawlessly. Probably the biggest problem is that to my knowledge, not sold in stores, limiting its availability.
It does. But the aspect changes within a station based on content (a show like "24" was letterboxed but commercials or the news may have a border all around). I'm guessing this behavior is based on how the picture is being broadcast and not an issue with the DTVPal itself. I've just gotten used to the changing aspect and if it bothers me enough there's a dedicated aspect button on the remote.
Thanks for the review. I was reluctant to get this because there was no universal remote but I guess that isn't too hard to fix. Still, it's too bad there's no on box buttons.
I have two tv sets, a Philips HDTV and an old Sharp analog set. I get cable service from Time Warner Cable and have the HD DVR box hooked up to the Philips. I bought a DTV converter box to hook-up to the Sharp and guess what? I get a clearer picture on the Sharp tv with the converter box than I do on my HDTV that's hooked-up to an HDTV DVR box from TWC. I wonder why that is.
Almost always a case of heavy compression of cable and satellite picture. Over the air picture isn't compressed. When I watch something that is on a local HD channel, I'll watch that OTA if I can for the better picture even with cable/satellite.
Excellent Review and Tips for the DTV Pal Box! I am rather Suprised not to see more comments thanking you for a Great Review seeing the number of views your video has had. Just so you know the time you put into this video is much Appreciated! Hope to see more in the future.
I bought the RCA DTA800B1, it too has an excellent picture. Free over the air TV is the wave of the Future. And in my opinion, it is superior to Cable. No shadows, no traces, no lines. Just a great picture, reminds me of the Jetsons future.
I own 5 DTV-Pals, 3 of them operate on a roof top Antenna system (needed for Arvada Co.) the other two operate on active indoor antennas.
My problem is that 3 of the 5 DTV-Pals no longer work good enough to use. Dish network tech support is absolutely worthless, I believe these devices were designed to make a quick buck, and propagate the Dish network name, these low cost devices were never intended to be supported.
I thought about a DTV-PAL DVR, but appears to have the same type ofo problems!
YikYum 2 years ago
I think the name DTVpal is kind of funny when the box outputs NTSC. LOL
goppatriots 2 years ago
great review. I wish you had done a few more of these boxes. I can't find reliable comparisons anywhere.
DaveBoxler 2 years ago
Thanks for the comment. I reviewed this particular box because it was "the" converter box to get, and so had purchased one, but didn't have access to other boxes. Can say it has worked near flawlessly. Probably the biggest problem is that to my knowledge, not sold in stores, limiting its availability.
2redsProductions 2 years ago
Does it remember aspect ratio settings per-channel? That is my big concern.
someperson42 3 years ago
It does. But the aspect changes within a station based on content (a show like "24" was letterboxed but commercials or the news may have a border all around). I'm guessing this behavior is based on how the picture is being broadcast and not an issue with the DTVPal itself. I've just gotten used to the changing aspect and if it bothers me enough there's a dedicated aspect button on the remote.
2redsProductions 3 years ago
Thanks for the review. I was reluctant to get this because there was no universal remote but I guess that isn't too hard to fix. Still, it's too bad there's no on box buttons.
BagelsForever 3 years ago
I have two tv sets, a Philips HDTV and an old Sharp analog set. I get cable service from Time Warner Cable and have the HD DVR box hooked up to the Philips. I bought a DTV converter box to hook-up to the Sharp and guess what? I get a clearer picture on the Sharp tv with the converter box than I do on my HDTV that's hooked-up to an HDTV DVR box from TWC. I wonder why that is.
manfocused 3 years ago
Almost always a case of heavy compression of cable and satellite picture. Over the air picture isn't compressed. When I watch something that is on a local HD channel, I'll watch that OTA if I can for the better picture even with cable/satellite.
2redsProductions 3 years ago
Excellent Review and Tips for the DTV Pal Box! I am rather Suprised not to see more comments thanking you for a Great Review seeing the number of views your video has had. Just so you know the time you put into this video is much Appreciated! Hope to see more in the future.
TatorMonster 3 years ago
I bought the RCA DTA800B1, it too has an excellent picture. Free over the air TV is the wave of the Future. And in my opinion, it is superior to Cable. No shadows, no traces, no lines. Just a great picture, reminds me of the Jetsons future.
Aliendear 3 years ago
Great review, thx. Which Sony remote did you use to control the DTVPal? RM-Y180? Thanks!
tronicart 3 years ago
RM-Y195
2redsProductions 3 years ago
I have a RM-Y195, would you happen to have the remote code you used? Unable to find a working code. I tried 500, 514, 578, 640, 670, 690, 758
ndevelopment 2 years ago
810. Changes channel and turns on/off. Thanks for the question.
2redsProductions 2 years ago
can u tell what you're pressing to program the remote? I tried "code set" "dbs/cable" 810 and "enter" but no luck. thanks for responding!
ndevelopment 2 years ago
Thank you for such a thorough, accurate review of the DTVPAL. I look forward to more reviews from you.
crz033 3 years ago