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- Has timers for VCR recording setup
- Sophisticated electronic program guide (EPG)
- Analog pass-through
- Some users report program guide glitches
- Picture quality merely average
- No front panel controls
While the Dish Network TR-40 CRA digital converter box is far from perfect, it's currently the best option for use with a VCR or DVD recorder. That's because it includes five event timers, which allow for unattended channel changing between recordings. Digital converter boxes without timers still let you set up VCR recordings, but you have to change channels manually. The Dish Network converter box's EPG is widely hailed as the best of any DTV converter box, but some users report glitches. Picture quality and tuner strength are good but not great. The lack of front-panel controls means you're out of luck if you misplace the remote. You do not need to be a Dish Network subscriber to purchase this DTV converter box. If you don't need timers, the Zenith DTT901 (discontinued) gets more kudos as a top choice among DTV converter boxes.
CNET is among the professional reviewers to weigh in on the Dish Network TR-40 CRA. Its report is detailed and includes ratings so you can compare the digital converter with other options. ConsumerReports.org also includes the TR-40 CRA in its massive 31-converter roundup. The TR-40 CRA is also the subject of quite a lot of chatter at AVSForum, a busy discussion site about everything home entertainment related, including DTV converter boxes.
Our Sources
1. CNET
CNET provides the most in-depth review of the Dish Network TR-40 CRA DTV converter. Matthew Moskovciak describes the electronic program guide as "best-in-class" and says that aside from those who covet a simpler solution, this Dish Network box is the top choice among DTV converters.
Review: Dish Network TR-40 CRA, Matthew Moskovciak, Sept. 2, 2008
ConsumerReports.org looks at 31 DTV converter boxes in its latest update, including the Dish Network TR-40 CRA. There is some brief but useful discussion, but while digital converter boxes are grouped by picture quality, they are not otherwise rated.
Review: DTV Converter Box Guide, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, November 2008
3. AVSForum.com
The Dish Network TR-40 CRA is the subject of quite a lot of discussion -- some of it heated -- at this busy user forum. In fact, the main thread dedicated to this box and the identical DTVPal draws more than 5,700 responses and comments -- by far the most of any converter -- and discussion can be found in other threads.
Review: Coupon Eligible Converter Box (CECB), Contributors to AVSForum.com
