New subscriber setup config advice needed

[craptacular]

We're just about to choose a satellite provider, and I'm in need of some advice before pulling the trigger. Currently we have cable with 2 HDTVs and 1 SD, with two TiVo HDs and one standard TiVo. It's a decent setup, allowing for multi-room viewing and place-shifting via TiVo2Go. The problem is a severe lack of HD. Time to go satellite.

I'm leaning towards Dish Network, but I'm still unclear as to what setup would provide us with the best bang-for-the-buck (while also providing as similar DVR functionality to our current setup as possible).

So, ideally the Dish Network hardware configuration should provide:

The ability to record 2 shows at once per DVR
The ability to transfer HD programming from one DVR to the other when needed (external HD swap?)


I assume that two 722k DVRs would do the trick (you CAN play HD content stored on a 722's EHD on another 722, right?), but I'd like to see if the same functionality can be pulled off at a lower price. Can HD content on a 612's EHD be played on a 722?

Cost-wise, the ability to turn the 211 into a DVR by adding an external HD is attractive considering the lack of a monthly DVR fee... but does that kill off the ability to record multiple shows at once as well as the ability to play content off of the EHD on another tuner/DVR?

Ugh. I hate the research phase of a purchase. ;)

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

[coldsteel]

EHD between 612/622/722 is allowed and usable between them. EHD on the 211 is separate from them. Also, the 211 only has one satellite-in feed. I'd go with a 722/612, but you will have to pay $100 for the 612.

[BattleZone]

So, ideally the Dish Network hardware configuration should provide:

The ability to record 2 shows at once per DVR
The ability to transfer HD programming from one DVR to the other when needed (external HD swap?)


The second point has been addressed (correctly), so I'll touch on the first point:

The 722 is a "Duo" receiver, meaning Dish intends for you to use it to feed 2 TVs. The TV1 output is HD-capable, while the TV2 output is only SD (HD content is viewable, but will be converted to SD). The 722 only has 2 sat tuners, and they are shared between the two TVs, so normally each TV only has access to one sat tuner. Depending on usage patterns, that may be fine, or may be a constant source of frustration.

The 722 can be used in "Single Mode" to feed just a single TV, in which case both tuners are dedicated to a single TV, allowing you to watch one channel live while you record a second channel on the other tuner. In Single Mode, PiP (Picture-in-Picture) is also available. But as a Duo receiver, a 722 always counts as "2" towards your limit of 4 leased TV outputs, no matter if you use it for 1 TV or 2.

The 612 has 2 sat tuners, but is a "Solo" receiver, meaning only one set of TV outputs, designed to run a single TV, so it only counts as "1" towards the lease limit. The downsides are a smaller hard drive and no PiP, which requires the additional video output processor of the 622/722 to work.

Hopefully understanding the differences between the two will help you decide.

[craptacular]

First, thanks for the replies, Coldsteel and BattleZone. I think I have a much clearer understanding now.

For now, it sounds like the best bang-for-my-buck is to go with a 722 and a 612. Would there be any potential problems with keeping the 722 in single mode most of the time, only switching to dual on the rare occasions we need to use the SD set in the basement?

Thanks again for all of the info!

[coldsteel]

Only issue is the two TVs have to watch the same channel.

[scoobyxj]

First, thanks for the replies, Coldsteel and BattleZone. I think I have a much clearer understanding now.

For now, it sounds like the best bang-for-my-buck is to go with a 722 and a 612. Would there be any potential problems with keeping the 722 in single mode most of the time, only switching to dual on the rare occasions we need to use the SD set in the basement?

Thanks again for all of the info!
No, there would be absolutely no problems with doing it that way.

[craptacular]

No, there would be absolutely no problems with doing it that way.

Great! Thanks for the info everyone!