$40 DTV converter box from Dish is finally available

[Aug. 26, 2008 UPDATE: We've added 24 new models to our Ratings of DTV converter boxes. See our latest update to our guide to DTV converter boxes for more information. Both are free on ConsumerReports.org. —Ed.]

The much-awaited $40 DTV converter from Dish Networks—which is essentially free, except for shipping charges and taxes, after a government-issued $40 coupon is applied—is now available directly from the company, although supplies are limited, according to Dish's website.

The TR-40 has been an item of significant interest ever since Dish announced earlier this year that it would offer a feature-laden box—including analog pass-through and VCR control—that would essentially be free to consumers after a government-issued DTV coupon was applied. The box is now available at the Dish website, via phone at 1-888-638-9912 or through participating DISH Network retailers. There's a $9 charge for shipping and handling, and taxes will vary by location.

[Note: We're in the process of updating our free Ratings of DTV converter boxes. But the TR-40 came too late to be included in our most recent testing. We'll be doing our best to get our hands on one and see how it performs compared to the other DTV converter boxes we've tested. In the meantime, check our free "Guide to DTV converter boxes" for help in finding converter boxes. — Ed.]

The TR-40 is the first converter we've seen priced at $40, the amount of the coupon. The box has many of the same features as the company's DTVPal we've tested, including analog pass-through, an auto-tune timer for programming VCR recording, a seven-day electronic program guide, and a set-up wizard. (The TR-40 even appears outwardly similar to the DTVPal, seen above.) There's also a pop-up signal-strength screen that can be used to troubleshoot reception. The DTVPal is priced $20 higher.

There's no word how many of these boxes will be available.

—James K. Willcox