EchoStar TR-40 is a digital-to-analog converter box released in June of 2008 as a precursor to the more advanced TR-50 (DTVPal) system. Marketed as a 'low-cost' converter box, the TR-40 hosts all the required basic features needed for correct DTV transmission, including analog pass-through, closed captioning, and parental controls. In addition, the TR-40 also includes an Electronic Program Guide (EPG), as well as event timers and program searches. The EPG can handle several days worth of data and has a layout similar to that whcih you might see on a cable box or TiVo. Overall,the TR-40 features enough components for an average every-day air-TV user in need of a DTV box, per the June 2009 conversion of all analog signals to digital. The EchoStar TR-40 retails for $39.99 and is eligible for a government discount.
