After a slow start, DISH Network has released quite a number of digital converter boxes lately. Now they have announced the DTVPal DVR, a digital video recorder for over-the-air broadcast television. You can read the press release here.

The DTVPal DVR is the final version of the TR-50 converter box that DISH Network announced last year but never released.

Like the DTVPal and the DTVPal Plus, the DTVPal DVR has a seven day electronic program guide. The DTVPal DVR also offers:

• two digital tuners (so you can watch one program while recording another)
• the ability to record up to 30 hours of HD video or up to 150 hours of standard definition video

Unlike Tivo and most other DVRs, the DTVPal Plus has no subscription fees of any kind.

The DTVPal DVR costs $299, but there will be a $50 instant rebate. Because of the extra features, it will not be eligible for digital converter box coupons.

Although much pricier than other digital converter boxes, the DTVPal DVR does offer a whole new set of features. I suspect that it will interest a lot of people who need a converter box but who wouldn’t normally be in the market for a DVR.

The DTVPal DVR will be available for pre-order starting on November 19, 2008, probably at the DTVPal website.