PVR-721 Telco Necessity

[Sayonara DT1VO]

My current PVR is a DTIVO Sony SAT-T60, but I prefer the programming available on DISH Network and would like to switch.

On my SAT-T60, I "upgraded" it to do its' daily updates over the Internet. Now I can leave the telco disconnected, it's only required for PPV which I never use.

Question is, with the DISH PVR-710, can I use it without having to make daily calls via telco?

[gwynnebaer]

I've owned and used my 721 for months without ever once connecting a phone line to it. The rep who came to install it asked if I had a phone line ready to use, and I said I would take care of it myself. I never connected it.

End of story.

[DmitriA]

You only need a phone line to order PPV. That's it

[Sayonara DT1VO]

Thanks for your post !

I paid $299 for a lifetime subscription to TIVO on top of the price of the Sony. Without the service, it's a boat anchor. That made the whole setup a substantial investment !

If you happen to have any experience with DTIVO, I would appreciate a little comparo.

[Bill R]

The 721 has caller ID which, I feel, is a very good reason to connect the phone line.

[raj2001]

Originally posted by DmitriA
You only need a phone line to order PPV. That's it

Can you order PPV on DISH online on their website like you can do with D*?

[raj2001]

Originally posted by Sayonara DT1VO
If you happen to have any experience with DTIVO, I would appreciate a little comparo.

Here's your comparison:

http://www.dbstalk.com/pvr_comparison.htm

It needs to be updated though, a few features have changed, and the DTV PVR fee is no longer $9.99 (it's $4.99 or free with total choice premier).

One thing you will notice about all of DISH's PVR's is the lack of name based recording. Instead, the DISH PVR's use timers. I don't know the exact reason why, but people on this site have been saying that it's a patent issue.