View Full Version : DVR questions from potential new customer
mattopia
11-07-07, 10:05 AM
Hi All,
I'm thinking about switching from cable to either D* or E*. Currently, D* has the programming and E* has the better deals, so it's a hard decision.
Anyway, I've talked to a CSR and played with the online configuration tool. I have two HDTVs and would like to either have one DVR and one standard HD receiver, or two DVRs. According to the CSR, the only way to configure this is to add a THIRD standard definition TV to the dual-tuner DVR box. Otherwise, I can only configure two individual non-DVR HD receivers.
That all seems kinda silly to me. I mean, I do have an SD TV in the bedroom I could hook up, but here's the kicker.. It looks like they'll charge me two DVR fees even though I really only want one TV on the DVR? (Or, am I reading it incorrectly and one is a lease fee?)
I guess my question is will they charge me additional fees if I have two TV's connected to one receiver? Or, why do I *need* to have two TVs on one receiver? Is there a way around that? If I do have two TVs hooked up, will I be limited to only one HD show recorded at a time?
It's all very confusing and I've read conflicting stuff, so please help!
Matt
The 622/722 will work for 1 HDTV and 1 SDTV. If you have 2 HDTVs, you need 2 622/722 if you want DVR capabilities on both. You can get an HDTV receiver (211) that is not a DVR for the second TV but you still pay $6 extra receiver fee.
The 622/722 will work for 1 HDTV and 1 SDTV. If you have 2 HDTVs, you need 2 622/722 if you want DVR capabilities on both. You can get an HDTV receiver (211) that is not a DVR for the second TV but you still pay $6 extra receiver fee.
Or you can do what I did and get an HDMI or component splitter and still have two HD TVs and only one receiver.
mattopia
11-07-07, 12:02 PM
What fees will I pay for each 622/722? $6 receiver and $4 DVR?
Can I have one HD and one SD TV hooked up to it and still record two HD shows at once?
There is no requirement to have two TVs attached to your DVR receiver. You can run it in Single mode and connect it to one TV. With that option you can record two HD programs at once. If you also attach an antenna you can use the OTA tuner and record three HD programs at once. If you want to connect an HD TV and a SD TV (one or more) you can run in Dual mode so the TV2 can view/record different programs from TV1.
As lujan suggests, since all the receiver outputs are hot at the same time, you can attach one HD TV using a HDMI cable and another HD TV using a Component cable. If the second HD TV is not too far away from the receiver you can just get a long cable or you might need a switch and amp. If you do this however, both of the HD TVs will watch the same program. You can not watch two different programs this way.
There are a lot of options available.
What fees will I pay for each 622/722? $6 receiver and $4 DVR?
Can I have one HD and one SD TV hooked up to it and still record two HD shows at once?
You pay $6 for each extra receiver and $5.98 for each dvr. There is a $3 discount if you get the Dish DVR Advantage plan. This is a bundle that includes the programing and the DVR fee into one single amount.
You can have a SD TV hooked to TV2 and still record two HD shows. The second TV will display whatever is being taped on TV2 if the receiver is in dual mode.
Or you can do what I did and get an HDMI or component splitter and still have two HD TVs and only one receiver.
But you have to watch the same programming in both TVs.
But you have to watch the same programming in both TVs.
Yes, that's correct and if you're single as myself, this poses no problem.
BobaBird
11-07-07, 06:32 PM
Their configuration tool won't offer a 622/722 unless you tell it you have an HD set, an SD set, and want a DVR. Just play along, doesn't mean you have to hook it up that way. Dual Mode is a feature, not a requirement. Why would they promote PIP if you couldn't use Single Mode?
1st receiver - included in package
2nd receiver - $6 for MPEG4, $5 for others (either Addl Rcvr or Lease, not both)
No extra fee for connecting a TV2, but there is a $5 "program access" no-phone penalty that applies whether you use Dual or Single mode. The fee can be waived by connecting a phone line or ethernet.
DVR fee is $5.98 per receiver. Can be reduced by $3.98 on only the first receiver if you get DVR Advantage, or waived on all receivers with America's Everything Pack.
There is no requirement to have two TVs attached to your DVR receiver. You can run it in Single mode and connect it to one TV. With that option you can record two HD programs at once. If you also attach an antenna you can use the OTA tuner and record three HD programs at once. If you want to connect an HD TV and a SD TV (one or more) you can run in Dual mode so the TV2 can view/record different programs from TV1.
As lujan suggests, since all the receiver outputs are hot at the same time, you can attach one HD TV using a HDMI cable and another HD TV using a Component cable. If the second HD TV is not too far away from the receiver you can just get a long cable or you might need a switch and amp. If you do this however, both of the HD TVs will watch the same program. You can not watch two different programs this way.
There are a lot of options available.
This is what makes the 622 the best for me. The ability to record 2 cable shows and an OTA show at the same time.
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