HD DVR upgrade questions?

Mattie_B · 12-04-2007, 04:36 AM

Hi i'm currently on a Dish network DVR 625. I just bought a new HD TV getting shipped next week and i'm looking to upgrade my Dish network package to HD.

I've been looking at the HD DVR players and i'm trying to figure out the best one for me. Basically i've been looking at the following for there external hard drive abilitys.

ViP722 and the ViP622.

I was kind of leading towards the ViP722 because it says it upconverts SD content to 1080I. So that means basically any station that isn't in HD get converted to similar HD quality right?

If so can I get that box but not subscribe to the HD package cause the majority of the HD channels offered I don't watch. I think there was only about 1/3rd that I'd actually watch on the package I currently have.

Just curious how the upgrade might work though since i'm a existing customer how much am I looking to pay for the upgrade. Its says free receiver for first time Dish HD subscribers. Since i'm just on basic would that appy for me? If I can't do a free upgrade whats the actual costs on those 2 DVR's I listed above?

Also would I use the old dish I have or do I have to upgrade cables and the dish?

Thanks for the info.

garys · 12-04-2007, 08:30 AM

The promo is a bit confusing. As an existing Dish customer, you can get an HD receiver after paying the upfront fees which you should get back in a couple of months thru rebates, also the HD package is free for the first 6 months also if you do not purchase the HD pack there is a $6 access fee. The 622 also upconverts sd to 1080i but this does not mean the sd channels to near HD quality. The quality has to be there before hand in order to do this, but the sd does look better on most HD tv's through the HD connections than with the sd connections. Current deals are listed under your account on dishnetwork.com (not sure of the upfront and rebates at this time).

gwhoughton · 12-04-2007, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mattie_B

I was kind of leading towards the ViP722 because it says it upconverts SD content to 1080I. So that means basically any station that isn't in HD get converted to similar HD quality right?

If so can I get that box but not subscribe to the HD package cause the majority of the HD channels offered I don't watch. I think there was only about 1/3rd that I'd actually watch on the package I currently have.

Do you get local channels over the air in HD? If not, then I would seriously suggest getting at least some sort of HD package~

Any of the HD receivers/DVRs upconvert your signal, but that is nothing close to real HD. If you have both true HD and upconverted signals to compare after your install, you will notice the difference instantly.

Mattie_B · 12-04-2007, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by garys

The promo is a bit confusing. As an existing Dish customer, you can get an HD receiver after paying the upfront fees which you should get back in a couple of months thru rebates, also the HD package is free for the first 6 months also if you do not purchase the HD pack there is a $6 access fee. The 622 also upconverts sd to 1080i but this does not mean the sd channels to near HD quality. The quality has to be there before hand in order to do this, but the sd does look better on most HD tv's through the HD connections than with the sd connections. Current deals are listed under your account on dishnetwork_com (not sure of the upfront and rebates at this time).

Okay thanks for the info. I'll probally call about it tomorrow and get some actual prices. Its good to know the 622 also up converts sd wonder why it didn't show that in the pdf brochure. When you say $6 access fee is that monthly just for the privlage to use HDMI?

Quote:

Originally Posted by gwhoughton

Do you get local channels over the air in HD? If not, then I would seriously suggest getting at least some sort of HD package~

Any of the HD receivers/DVRs upconvert your signal, but that is nothing close to real HD. If you have both true HD and upconverted signals to compare after your install, you will notice the difference instantly.

Ya I know its not going to be the same thing as real HD but better then standard component inputs right? And no i'm out in the country so no OTA HD

One other question I forgot to ask about the external drives available with these premium HD models. Say I add a external drive to do my recordings. Can I then take the external hook it to my computer and burn them to dvd?

Herzogian · 12-04-2007, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mattie_B

One other question I forgot to ask about the external drives available with these premium HD models. Say I add a external drive to do my recordings. Can I then take the external hook it to my computer and burn them to dvd?

Unfortunately, no. They are encrypted. Plus the external drives will be formatted to a proprietary file system.

garys · 12-04-2007, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mattie_B

Okay thanks for the info. I'll probally call about it tomorrow and get some actual prices. Its good to know the 622 also up converts sd wonder why it didn't show that in the pdf brochure. When you say $6 access fee is that monthly just for the privlage to use HDMI?

No, the access fee is for the privledge of getting HD channels which are not included in the HD package such as the premium HD (HBO, SHO, Starz and Max) and HD via the OTA route.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mattie_B

Ya I know its not going to be the same thing as real HD but better then standard component inputs right? And no i'm out in the country so no OTA HD

One other question I forgot to ask about the external drives available with these premium HD models. Say I add a external drive to do my recordings. Can I then take the external hook it to my computer and burn them to dvd?

No, dvr recordings are encoded and will only play through Dish receivers.

jim5506 · 12-05-2007, 03:05 PM

622 and 722 are virtually the same device.

The 722 has a 500 GB hard drive whereas the 622 has a 320 GB hard drive.

The 722 is capable of downloading HD programming via ethernet while the 622 can only do SD via ethernet.

Otherwise the only difference is the 722 is black and the 622 is silver.

dj_808 · 12-05-2007, 05:57 PM

I just ordered the upgrade to the HD/DVR and Dish will be installing it next Thursday. Does anyone know if they will be supplying an HDMI cable? Or will they just try and hook it up with Component?
thx.

jim5506 · 12-05-2007, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dj_808

I just ordered the upgrade to the HD/DVR and Dish will be installing it next Thursday. Does anyone know if they will be supplying an HDMI cable? Or will they just try and hook it up with Component?
thx.

HDMI cable is not included in the box, but occasionally the installer will include it gratis. YMMV.

Mattie_B · 12-05-2007, 07:07 PM

Okay thanks for all the info guys. I called in today just to confirm a few things and will probally order the package when my HD TV gets here next week.

I'm happy I thought I was going to end up paying alot for one of the higher end DVR's the upgrade is $149.99 for the ViP622 and $199.99 for the ViP722.

The lady on the phone said I would have to have a installer come out though. What is that about can't I just swap out receivers?

So the $6 access fee is for non plan hd channels. Thats good to know if I decide to cancel there package after 6 months I can still get HBO and Starz HD channels. I wasn't going to be happy if i'd lose them too since I already have them in my package. Just wish they had more than 1 each

.

12-04-2007, 04:36 AM	#1
Mattie_B High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 688	HD DVR upgrade questions? Hi i'm currently on a Dish network DVR 625. I just bought a new HD TV getting shipped next week and i'm looking to upgrade my Dish network package to HD. I've been looking at the HD DVR players and i'm trying to figure out the best one for me. Basically i've been looking at the following for there external hard drive abilitys. ViP722 and the ViP622. I was kind of leading towards the ViP722 because it says it upconverts SD content to 1080I. So that means basically any station that isn't in HD get converted to similar HD quality right? If so can I get that box but not subscribe to the HD package cause the majority of the HD channels offered I don't watch. I think there was only about 1/3rd that I'd actually watch on the package I currently have. Just curious how the upgrade might work though since i'm a existing customer how much am I looking to pay for the upgrade. Its says free receiver for first time Dish HD subscribers. Since i'm just on basic would that appy for me? If I can't do a free upgrade whats the actual costs on those 2 DVR's I listed above? Also would I use the old dish I have or do I have to upgrade cables and the dish? Thanks for the info.

12-05-2007, 03:05 PM	#7
jim5506 Yellow Submarine Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Lubbock, Texas Posts: 2,418	622 and 722 are virtually the same device. The 722 has a 500 GB hard drive whereas the 622 has a 320 GB hard drive. The 722 is capable of downloading HD programming via ethernet while the 622 can only do SD via ethernet. Otherwise the only difference is the 722 is black and the 622 is silver. __________________ Programming: Dish HD Absolute with 0.01 Cinemax Displays: Sony VPH-D50Q - 7 ft on the wall; Hitachi 57R59 Receivers: DishNetwork ViP722k; DishNetwork ViP211K; DishNetwork ViP211; DishNetwork 301; 2 - TiVo Series 2's; Accurian 6000; Samsung SIR-T351; Panasonic ShowStopper 2000; ATI HDTV Wonder Dish 1000 on 110,119,129; Dish 500 on 61.5; DPP44 Sony 80GB PS3; Toshiba HD-DVD

12-05-2007, 05:57 PM	#8
dj_808 What is HD? Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 2	HDMI cable included? I just ordered the upgrade to the HD/DVR and Dish will be installing it next Thursday. Does anyone know if they will be supplying an HDMI cable? Or will they just try and hook it up with Component? thx.

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12-04-2007, 08:30 AM	#2
garys High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Greentown, PA Age: 52 Posts: 1,481	The promo is a bit confusing. As an existing Dish customer, you can get an HD receiver after paying the upfront fees which you should get back in a couple of months thru rebates, also the HD package is free for the first 6 months also if you do not purchase the HD pack there is a $6 access fee. The 622 also upconverts sd to 1080i but this does not mean the sd channels to near HD quality. The quality has to be there before hand in order to do this, but the sd does look better on most HD tv's through the HD connections than with the sd connections. Current deals are listed under your account on dishnetwork.com (not sure of the upfront and rebates at this time).

12-05-2007, 07:07 PM	#10
Mattie_B High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 688	Okay thanks for all the info guys. I called in today just to confirm a few things and will probally order the package when my HD TV gets here next week. I'm happy I thought I was going to end up paying alot for one of the higher end DVR's the upgrade is $149.99 for the ViP622 and $199.99 for the ViP722. The lady on the phone said I would have to have a installer come out though. What is that about can't I just swap out receivers? So the $6 access fee is for non plan hd channels. Thats good to know if I decide to cancel there package after 6 months I can still get HBO and Starz HD channels. I wasn't going to be happy if i'd lose them too since I already have them in my package. Just wish they had more than 1 each .