Dish Network DTVPal Expert Reviews

DVR that records free over-the-air HDTV ; no monthly fees ; excellent image quality ; dual-tuner design means you can record two program simultaneously from one antenna ; 30 hours of HD recording

Works more like a VCR than a modern DVR ; bland user interface ; lacks the polish of TiVo HD or Dish's own HD DVRs ; terrible warranty and return policy ; troubling online reports of crashing and freezing

The Dish Network DTVPal DVR offers up bare-bones, over-the-air HDTV recording without a monthly fee, but it doesn't compare to subscription-based DVRs, and Dish's nonexistent return policy makes it a real gamble.

Excellent electronic program guide, with several days worth of data ; can search for programs by title ; solid video quality and reception ; good aspect ratio controls for handling wide-screen programs on standard TVs ; analog pass-through ; can work ...

Overcomplicated remote can't control TV volume and power ; no front panel buttons means you're out of luck if the remote goes missing ; composite audiovisual cable not included

The Dish Network DTVPal is a great DTV converter box with a best-in-class electronic program guide, and should be your top choice unless you value the simplicity and superior remote of the RCA DTA800.