Your questions for the October 13th Technical Chat

[Chris Blount]

As most of you know, Dish Network reads these forums. With the next technical chat coming, we are starting this thread so you may voice your questions or concerns about what you would like to see covered on the chat. Dish is listening so ask away!

Remember, the chat takes place October 13 at 9PM EDT on channel 101.

We will also open our official DBSTalk Chat Room (http://chat.dbstalk.com) starting 1/2 hour before the Dish Network Technical Chat so be sure to join us!

[Sandman]

I have a 301 which is at software version P210, when or will I get an updated version that is equal to the 184 now being downloaded with the enhanced features such as 48 hour EPG

Bob

[BobMurdoch]

1. Where is the mythical 721 software update?
2. What is the timeline for internet access on the 721. The 721 Keyboard?
3. What features will NOT be available at the 921 launch? (ie. Firewire ports not hot, etc.)
4. Will the 921 work with legacy equipment for now? (SW64, 2000 era Dish 500 LNBs, etc.)
5. What are the plans for the new HD Channels. How long until a Superdish is REQUIRED to receive them?
6. Are all updated switches and LNBs included in the free Superdish upgrade? What other "gotchas" to we need to watch out for before upgrading? Is the new 4:4 switch required to keep access to secondary local channels on the 61.5 bird.
7. Will CBS-HD be mirrored on the new bird or will be lose it post Superdish, pre 4:4?

[Jim Parker]

Sat 105 is not visible to much of the state of Alaska. Even where it is, the superdish will probably not work due to the very low look angle. It will require a larger dish. Are there any other options for us?

[Maddogg]

1. Will there be a combo deal for the 921 and superdish?
2. What is the exact day I can call and place and order for the 921/superdish?
3. How long after that can I expect delivery/installation?

[AppliedAggression]

Will the international channels currently on 61.5 and 148 sats be moved or mirrored onto one of the sats offered with the SuperDish?

If so, would I be able to qualify for the FREE SuperDish upgrade if I commit to a year commitment and locals even though my locals (Hartford, CT) will be offered on Dish 500 and I will not need the SuperDish to see them. I want to be able to just have 1 Dish. Are the switches included? What about the adapter for a 2700 to work with the SuperDish.

----

There are several key features everyone I'm sure wants out of their 5 series PVRs. Will we ever see a "skip once" for daily timers when a conflict occurs? Will we finally be able to turn "off" our PVR when it is recording. Currently if we were watching TV and it started recording, we can not turn it off.




And yes, we're very demanding customers :D

[JStanton]

When are you gonna break down and licence Tivo's patents for Name-based-recording and Season-pass functionality. You've already gone to a monthly fee - please tell us that you're going to use it to improve our DVRs!!!

- Jim

[Darkman]

AppliedAgression - it was mentioned already, that current 61.5 and 148's internationals will remain just where they are.... and i do not think they d get mirrored on to new satellites neither

[Chris Freeland]

AppliedAgression - it was mentioned already, that current 61.5 and 148's internationals will remain just where they are.... and i do not think they d get mirrored on to new satellites neither

I agree, it would cost E* too much money to move current International channels to 121 and it would be a waste of bandwidth to duplicate current International's on 121 when the bandwidth can better be used for new International's, more business channels, and possibly additional locals.

[Bill R]

I have a 301 which is at software version P210, when or will I get an updated version that is equal to the 184 now being downloaded with the enhanced features such as 48 hour EPG

Bob
Bob,

Yes, you will be getting an upgrade. Check out this thread: http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=18434&page=2&pp=20

Version 2.11 (it may be 2.12) will have the same features for your 301-010 as version 1.84 has for the 301-013. I have no idea of when it will be out.

[rowdymon]

If I wanted to get existing international, new international and new HD channels, would I have to get a dish at 61.5, a superdish that points at 105 and another superdish that can point at 121? How would I connect these inputs together?

[ride525]

When will the 811 be available, and how can I get one?

What will the promo be with the 811 for existing customers?

How and when can I get the SuperDish?

[rudolpht]

Per above, basic question - when/how can we order SuperDish?

Tim

[Ken_F]

In addition to a brief demo (keeping in mind many 921 customers do not have a 721), I would also like to see an expected release timetable for features that won't be available at time of release. A number of potential customers are particularly anxious to see a release timetable for features such as JVC D-VHS support and OTA network program guide information. A number of customers will hold off on the 921 until Firewire is either active, or there is firm information on when it will be active.

During the chat, I would like to see one or more slides something like:Version xxx - January
- D-VHS support for models x
- Programming information for major networks received OTA

Version xxx - April
- 16:9 program guide
- D-VHS support for model y, z (if any others forthcoming)

Future
- Split-screen support for PIP function
- Secondary hard drive support for increased recording capacity
- feature for more distant future

These timetables will probably have a lot to do with whether new customers (who won't see the chat, but will read about it online) will buy the 921, or elect to hold off until the HDTV Tivo is available late next spring. Without these timetables, some customers may just elect to hold off for the HDTV Tivo instead, figuring that "the 921 will be buggy like the 721...Dish makes all these promises about features but they never deliver." Of course, the more reasons people are given to fork over money for the 921 (available HD programming will play a big part too), the less incentive they will have to wait for the Tivo.

In the ideal case, Dish would show demos of some future functionality -- like a brief demo of a future beta release with D-VHS support in action--so customers can see that Dish is actively working on it. Recent delays in the 721 software have not helped to quell anxiety over the question of timely software updates. Some of Dish's detractors have argued that Firewire D-VHS support will never be enabled on the 921. Clarifying the reason(s) for the delay in Firewire support, and a demo of the D-VHS in action might help to quell some of these concerns.

I would also like to see Dish briefly address the question of upgradability, specifically that relating to the potential installation of a second hard drive. The 921 customers will be, on average, more interested in the possibility of expanding the capacity of the product, particularly given it's comparatively limited capacity for HD relative to SD-only models. The ability to add a second 250+Gb disk should be a big selling point for the HDTV Tivo among enthusiasts, and the 921 might be seen as less capable if it lacks upgrade capability. This is not like a $99-$299 SD DVR that many can afford to easily replace for capacity reasons; a $1000 investment is one that most people expect to last for at least several years, so they want to know that are set for the future (and upgradability/expandability is a big part of that).

[wcswett]

Will there be a 4 LNBF Superdish to accommodate reception of 105, 110, 119 and 121 (ie. what is the 4 satellite configuration with superdish)? The 105 LNBF looks like it's just bolted on in the shots I've seen. If it can be bolted onto the side of a twin, can't it be bolted onto whatever LNBF gives 110/119/121. It has already been stated that there will be a solution to cascade a 5th satellite off the DP+4:4 switch for 61.5 or 148 plus 105/110/119/121, so there should be an answer for this.

--- WCS

[Zach2]

Will Alaska residents be able to receive HDTV? I have the model 6000 and a dish pointed on 148 but now the new HD package is being added on 110 and then to 105. The superdish won't work in Alaska. I'm guessing we will just get screwed like usual.

[EvanS]

BIGGEST question for me is like Ken_F asked...

...can we add another or upgrade the 921 HDD and/or use the supposed extra drive bay for DVD recorder (like was mentioned previously)

[Randybes]

If you have a 6000 and you buy a second HDTV with 811 and superdish, how is going to integrate and when?

[wcswett]

If you have a 6000 and you buy a second HDTV with 811 and superdish, how is going to integrate and when?

I think this one has been answered. It depends on what switch you use. With Superdish you have two choices of switch: DP34 switch (available now) or DP+44 switch (available in 2004). With the DP34 switch your 6000 requires a legacy adapter for $70, but you should be able to get a DP34 switch at reduced price or free with superdish install. With the DP+44 switch you will not need the adapter, and if you also get a DishPro single LNBF for your 61.5 or 148 antenna you can hook that in, too. The question you seem to have before you is whether to shell out $70 for a legacy adapter for your 6000 or to wait for the DP+44 switch before upgrading to Superdish with the 6000.

--- WCS

[Matt Stevens]

#1 question for me is, can they guarantee us the Firewire ports on the 921 will in fact be enabled at some point in the near future.

No fire = no sale. $1,000 is too much money to just throw away on a chance. E* needs to clarify the situation.

2nd question is, how are they going to handle folks who have a second dish for 61.5 when the current switches do not allow for a Superdish install with the second dish supported? Will they give is a free Plus Pro switch when it is released next year?

[Randybes]

I think this one has been answered. It depends on what switch you use. With Superdish you have two choices of switch: DP34 switch (available now) or DP+44 switch (available in 2004). With the DP34 switch your 6000 requires a legacy adapter for $70, but you should be able to get a DP34 switch at reduced price or free with superdish install. With the DP+44 switch you will not need the adapter, and if you also get a DishPro single LNBF for your 61.5 or 148 antenna you can hook that in, too. The question you seem to have before you is whether to shell out $70 for a legacy adapter for your 6000 or to wait for the DP+44 switch before upgrading to Superdish with the 6000.

--- WCS

Thanks. I guess it will depend on when they actually release everything and cost but I appreciate the information.

[Kagato]

How much longer will the Dish 5000 HD solution work?

[pjmrt]

ditto BobM...s points about the 721 and the (so far) MIA software update to give us "instant weather" (would really like a release date given - or better yet release it now)

Superdish price specials for existing customers - how much?

Rollout schedule for transition to superdish - ie I have locals right now and my receiver gets sats 119, 110, 61.5: will this still work if I don't upgrade to superdish and for how long?

[Jacob S]

Will they supply everything such as switches and possibly a second SuperDish if a customer has 3-6 receivers on their account? Some may have two tuners such as 322, 522, and 921 in the future, and currently the 721, so it may be up to 7 or more inputs needed for some customers depending on how many tuners they have. I know they will use DishPro Plus for some of the two tuner receivers but what about before the DishPro Plus comes out?

When will the 111, 311, 322, and 522 receivers be out?

Will there be a 200 ft. range UHF upgrade kit for the 522's first tuner that will only have IR capability? The 322 and 522's second tuner is supposed to have a new 200 ft. UHF range.

[baloo75]

Ditto some above.

Where the heck is the 721 upgrade.

[AppliedAggression]

AppliedAgression - it was mentioned already, that current 61.5 and 148's internationals will remain just where they are.... and i do not think they d get mirrored on to new satellites neither

I realize this isn't the thread to talk about this, but if that's what'll happen, then it's hardly a one dish solution like Dishnetwork states.

[Darkman]

More questions i guess then:

One Dish solution, Alaskan solution, etc??
;)

[DISHjanitor]

Will Alaska residents be able to receive HDTV? I have the model 6000 and a dish pointed on 148 but now the new HD package is being added on 110 and then to 105. The superdish won't work in Alaska. I'm guessing we will just get screwed like usual.

sounds like it's not just alaska residents getting screwed. from looking at the other posts, it sounds like i'll never see globo international from hawaii or most other internationals, anyway. my only hope is that they phase out TV on the wings and use for broadband only or something.

[Ken_F]

Another question:

Many customers like myself will be taking advantage of the free Superdish offer with a year of the TOP50 and HD package. But will there also be a promotion for the 811 or 921 for those that commit to a year of the TOP100 or TOP150?

[Timmy]

Can you confirm with 100 percent certainity that hdtv will be on 105, and you will have a satellite at that location? Reason I ask, is that Direct Tv has recently made complaints to the FCC about a bird at 105.

[faiello]

When will we see the next software upgrade for the model 6000 to fix the problems you createred with ver. 7.78 that came out in July?

[Ken_F]

Timmy,

There is a satellite at 105 now and a few HDTV channels are up. Of course, you won't be able to receive them until after November 1 when you have a Superdish and authorization.

[Jacob S]

Can those with FTA receivers pick up those channels on 105 before Dish has them available? I would think that there would be some content that was not HD that the FTA receiver would be able to pick up.

[wcswett]

Can those with FTA receivers pick up those channels on 105 before Dish has them available? I would think that there would be some content that was not HD that the FTA receiver would be able to pick up.

According to John H., they're all encrypted. You can lock onto an encrypted signal with an FTA receiver but you can't view the content (other than perhaps a channel listing from the EPG). Here is the listing: http://www.lyngsat.com/dig/dishamc2.shtml

--- WCS

[EvanS]

did I mention that I want to know about either HDD upgrade-abilility or expansion via the reported additional drive bay on the 921??

Tell the truth this is probably THE thing that could be a deal breaker for me. I'd like the 921 to be THE ONE receiver I have for HD, SD and OTA...but 25 hours aint gonna cut it for long. And having to make the choice to watch 6 or 8 of my shows in SD in order to not use 1 hour of HD capability will get old quick!!

[Cyclone]

When will we see the next software upgrade for the model 6000 to fix the problems you createred with ver. 7.78 that came out in July?

What problems are these? I have 7.78 on my Dish 6000 and there aren't any new problems that where introduced with 7.78. There was that stuttering issue on the 6000 just after it was released, but that was fixed without a software update.

[Jerry 42]

On a previous Charlie Chat I believe we were told that the 6000 receiver would work with the Superdish

If we are now to understand that the 6000 receivers currently using legacy LNBs and switches (e.g. SW 64) will need a legacy adapter and a DP34 switch to work with Superdish -

1) Will Dish provide these as items as part of a HD package / commitment or 811 receiver add-on.

2) Will dish do a free upgrade to the DP+44 switch when it is available.

[Darkman]

When will we see the next software upgrade for the model 6000 to fix the problems you createred with ver. 7.78 that came out in July?

I am not sure when we will see software upgrade to fix those problems (created with ver 7.78 that you mentioned), BUT - i am pretty sure next software upgrade for 6000s and other IRD models for that matter (regardless if it fixes those problems, or making them even worse, or having the problems unchanged) will come out before or on Oct 16 (or around that date at the least) to change the Installation menu (at the least) to include something like an Option for a "SuperDish" and to include 2 new birds - 105 and 121 - to the Install Menu there :)

[Darkman]

Can those with FTA receivers pick up those channels on 105 before Dish has them available? I would think that there would be some content that was not HD that the FTA receiver would be able to pick up.

As i think is stated by someone above anyhow - according to "our own" JohnH - all the other channels there (besides HD ones), which are new Local markets that are being tested - are encrypted now :(

[Darkman]

Another question for the Tech Chat:

3900s and 4900s, being Open receivers as well (same as 301s) - are they capable and/or will they be getting simular "user-friendly" type of software upgrades as 301s are getting now (example: p184)... to be able to get among other things, improved Guide - instant Picture-in-Guide, 48 hours channel listing information being stored at the guide without a need to Download it every time, etc?
And if so - any approx. time frame as to "when"? :)

Thanks

[Ken_F]

My specific list of questions:

1. What are the issues behind the holdup in D-VHS support? Are these technical AV/C issues, or do they have something to do with Hollywood?

2. Can Dish guarantee that D-VHS support will be enabled at some point for JVC D-VHS products?

3. What is the ETA or expected timeframe on D-VHS support? Within three months of release? Within six months? Or longer?

4. Will both the JVC HM-DH30000 and new JVC HM-DH40000 be supported?

5. How does the OTA reception / technology in the 921 compare to that in the 6000? Comparable? Somewhat improved? Much improved?

6. Will OTA channels and subchannels appear directly in the guide, or will each channel have its own separate submenu as on the 6000?

7. When can we expect to see programming information for major OTA local networks in the guide? By end of year? Within three months of release? Within six months? Without this programming information, PVR scheduling and recording will be troublesome / less intuitive for OTA content.

8. Will the 921 feature discrete IR codes for those with programmable remotes? And is there a possibility we might get a discrete IR code to switch between 1080i and 720p at some point, for those with televisions capable of accepting both signals natively?

9. The 6000 does not currently provide any format/aspect details on OTA channels in the guide or in program information. Might future 921 software differentiate between HD(1080i/720p) and SD(480p/480i) OTA local subchannels in the guide or program information?

10. Will the 921 feature a triple timer conflict resolution screen, as seen in the latest versions of the 721 software?

11. When can we expect to see some other features, namely a 16:9 guide, that have now become standard on competing products? Within three months of release? Six months of release? Longer?

12. Is there any possibility that the 921's PIP functionality might be expanded to support split-screen 4:3 SD viewing for those with 16:9 HDTV televisions?

13. Are there any other features in the works for future updates that you can mention?

14. Will the 921 function with one satellite connection, albeit with limited functionality? Or are two connections required for operation?

15. The 921 ships with a large 250Gb drive for almost limitless SD recording, but the 25 hours for HDTV recording is still well below the capacity customers have grown accustomed to for SDTV. Does Echostar plan to offer an "authorized (AV/C)" external Firewire drive at some point with recordings encrypted or tied to the original unit, or are there other plans to allow customers to increase or expand storage with select models of the 300 to 400Gb drives coming next year?

[JohnL]

Another question for the Tech Chat:

3900s and 4900s, being Open receivers as well (same as 301s) - are they capable and/or will they be getting simular "user-friendly" type of software upgrades as 301s are getting now (example: p184)... to be able to get among other things, improved Guide - instant Picture-in-Guide, 48 hours channel listing information being stored at the guide without a need to Download it every time, etc?
And if so - any approx. time frame as to "when"? :)

Thanks

Darkman,

The 3900's and 4900's just don't have enough memory to cache the 44 hour Dish EPG to have an instantly available EPG and no lag so as to have the PIP in the guide all of the time. I'm sure an upgrade is coming to use Compressed data in the EPG so as to give you more EPG data, but the 3900 and 4900's will never be able to store the entire 44 hour Dish EPG.

[Darkman]

JohnL - thanks for you comments..
Well hopefully, at least, some upgrade will come soon to be able to improve "something" somewhat anyhow :)

KenF - i thik they ll need like 10 chats to answer all those questions (just kiddin') :)

[YuriLuzr]

did I mention that I want to know about either HDD upgrade-abilility or expansion via the reported additional drive bay on the 921??

Tell the truth this is probably THE thing that could be a deal breaker for me. I'd like the 921 to be THE ONE receiver I have for HD, SD and OTA...but 25 hours aint gonna cut it for long. And having to make the choice to watch 6 or 8 of my shows in SD in order to not use 1 hour of HD capability will get old quick!!

I'm with Evan on this. If I'm expected to pay $1000 for the 921, I want to be sure that I can upgrade the HDD to a larger capacity at a future date.

[SouthernSky]

Why do DISH multiswitches (DP or legacy) NOT have an external antenna/cable port?

Why must we (DISH installers) use Quad LNB's instead of a DP34 except for International channel dishes? (according to the Business Rules)? This costs us $50 more than a DP34?

Thank you.

[HTguy]

Why must we (DISH installers) use Quad LNB's instead of a DP34 except for International channel dishes? (according to the Business Rules)? This costs us $50 more than a DP34?
This is a question for the next retailer chat, not the tech chat.
Quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally Posted by EvanS
did I mention that I want to know about either HDD upgrade-abilility or expansion via the reported additional drive bay on the 921??

Tell the truth this is probably THE thing that could be a deal breaker for me. I'd like the 921 to be THE ONE receiver I have for HD, SD and OTA...but 25 hours aint gonna cut it for long. And having to make the choice to watch 6 or 8 of my shows in SD in order to not use 1 hour of HD capability will get old quick!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


I'm with Evan on this. If I'm expected to pay $1000 for the 921, I want to be sure that I can upgrade the HDD to a larger capacity at a future date.You guys still seem to think DISH is in the equipment business and wants to sell new receivers the way Maytag sells washing machines. While they want you to have equipment capable of providing the programming they provide, believe it or not, they don't really care whether you specifically buy a DVR921 or not.

As amatter of fact, the latest production cost estimate for the 921 is about $1400 which means for every one they "sell" initially they will lose $450. So don't expect them to wring their hands if a particular feature or capability is a "deal breaker" for you.

High-end products like the 921 are brought out for the main purpose of attracting new high-end customers rather than existing dbs geeks like us.

[YuriLuzr]

You guys still seem to think DISH is in the equipment business and wants to sell new receivers the way Maytag sells washing machines. While they want you to have equipment capable of providing the programming they provide, believe it or not, they don't really care whether you specifically buy a DVR921 or not.

As amatter of fact, the latest production cost estimate for the 921 is about $1400 which means for every one they "sell" initially they will lose $450. So don't expect them to wring their hands if a particular feature or capability is a "deal breaker" for you.

High-end products like the 921 are brought out for the main purpose of attracting new high-end customers rather than existing dbs geeks like us.

I can understand that, but that is why they also have added the monthly DVR fee too. It is just a feature that helps compete with Tivo. I don't really expect them to make it easy, but to allow for a drive to be upgraded would go along way to keeping me as a customer when I decide to go with an HD-DVR.

[Jacob S]

I have heard about this compressed guide upgrade that they were going to do last year . They said something about all the locals that are being added is causing the guide to get larger and new compression would help allow the guide to go further into the future.

I would think this would help the 301's go even further in the future with the combination of guide compression and this new software that is out for some 301's that allows you to go about 2 days in advance.

[HTguy]

I can understand that, but that is why they also have added the monthly DVR fee too. It is just a feature that helps compete with Tivo. I don't really expect them to make it easy, but to allow for a drive to be upgraded would go along way to keeping me as a customer when I decide to go with an HD-DVR.You're right, of course. The DVR fee...excuse me, DISH Player DVR Video On Demand fee...is to get back some of what they subsidize.

But at a typical $4.98/month it would take something like 7 years to make it up unless they produce & sell enough of them to recoup the R&D and get production costs down. And I would think that a large portion of of the 921 owners would be AEP subscribers not paying any fee.

And they're sure not interested in whether Tivo customers can upgrade HDs or not. They have enough service problems without letting customers monkey around with the innerds of their DVRs and still expect service & technical suppport, in or out of warranty!

[Ken_F]

HTGuy,

But at a typical $4.98/month it would take something like 7 years to make it up unless they produce & sell enough of them to recoup the R&D and get production costs down. And I would think that a large portion of of the 921 owners would be AEP subscribers not paying any fee.This is nothing new though, Dish Network subsidizes many of their receivers--not just the 921--as part of their annual budget.

When the 6000 was first released, it also exceeded their end-customer price. However, over time, component costs fall, and improved economies of scale are achieved through higher volumes. This is true of all Echostar receivers. They may sell you a new box for $199 that costs them $250 to manufacture, but next year the product may cost them only $150 to produce. Echostar's average manufacturing cost of the 921 over its lifetime / shelf life should not be anywhere near $1400.

A $450 loss on the first 5,000-10,000 units is significant, but it's no more than a $45 loss on 50,000-100,000 SD PVRs. While the higher average monthly revenue of HD customers won't make up for the difference in total revenue between these groups, the 921 does something important that standard receivers do not. Far more important than early 921 sales will be the mindshare it creates--the perception among existing and potential customers that Dish Network is an industry leader in HD technology. This helps potential customers to feel confident investing in Dish now--even if it is in SD equipment--knowing that their provider is set for the future. It also helps reassure existing customers they made the right choice.
While they want you to have equipment capable of providing the programming they provide, believe it or not, they don't really care whether you specifically buy a DVR921 or not. People want a HD DVR, so if the Dish product doesn't meet their requirements, they'll find another product that does. For some people, 20-25 hours of HDTV capacity, with no possible way to expand capacity beyond that amount, just won't cut it for a product that will cost $1000 and need to last for years. Supporting D-VHS will help with the capacity issue to some extent, but it won't completely negate the need for future expansion, imo.

On November 1, customers may not have any real alternatives to the 921. But the 921 will eventually have to compete with products like the HDTV DirecTivo, a HDTV PVR from VOOM, and QAM cable PVR products like the LG LST-3410A (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=299120) (a $999 OTA+QAM HDTV PVR with Firewire D-VHS support that is end-user upgradable to 2 terabytes - coming this November). Magazines and enthusiasts will review and compare these products, and one product's ability or inability to expand beyond 20-25 hours will certainly be worthy of note. At 80-120 hours, expansion was largely a non-issue; at 20 hours for HD, expansion is an issue - that should be common sense.

Dish has invested a lot in the 921. Echostar must want the product to remain competitive in 2004 (and probably much of 2005), which is when they would expect to see most of the subscriber or "mindshare" gains from the product. Even Dish admits they expect to sell very few of the 921 this year. For the vast majority of it's product lifecycle, the 921 will not be the only HD PVR option on the market.

And they're sure not interested in whether Tivo customers can upgrade HDs or not. They have enough service problems without letting customers monkey around with the innerds of their DVRs and still expect service & technical suppport, in or out of warranty!If they don't want to allow installation of other internal replacement or secondary drives, they can support one or more specific models of external Firewire drives, and they can limit access only to those particular drive/device using AV/C; they can also encrypt or tie recordings to a particular 921. Rather than depending on an external drive for live recordings or "working" storage for PVR functions, an external device could be used to store older recordings when available capacity on the internal drive falls below a certain level. I agree that if they do support expansion, they will need to find a solution that will minimize support costs.

[faiello]

What problems are these? I have 7.78 on my Dish 6000 and there aren't any new problems that where introduced with 7.78. There was that stuttering issue on the 6000 just after it was released, but that was fixed without a software update.

The discrete HD/SD no longer works.

[johnsmith22]

For those of us in Puerto rico where some transponders at 110 are received at a very low level, particularly 13, 24, 25 and 29, could we at least have the EEPG moved to a transponder that we receive at higher level.

[Jedk1]

DirecTV Tivo service is soon going to start pushing commercials onto the hard-drives of their PVR users. See current Wired magazine for details.

They tried this already by pushing unsolicited movie previews, and they say it was a success.

They want to take the revenue away from the networks, because they know their costumers jump over the network sponsors' commercials, but won't be able to jump over Tivo sponsors' commercials.

I'm probably going to pay $1000 for a Dish Network "Subsidized" PVR921, and also pay a new monthly fee.

My question is...
Is this something we can expect from Dish Network? Will Dish Network start pushing commercials onto my PVR's hard-drive.

Thanks
JedK

[Bob Saylor]

I can't see how they can "push" these commercials on us if we not only own the DVR but also are paying a monthly fee to use it. If they want to drop the monthly fees that would be different. Commercials would be one way for us to avoid the fee.

But we should be able to jump them. Otherwise what are we paying for?

[JohnH]

I have heard about this compressed guide upgrade that they were going to do last year . They said something about all the locals that are being added is causing the guide to get larger and new compression would help allow the guide to go further into the future.

I would think this would help the 301's go even further in the future with the combination of guide compression and this new software that is out for some 301's that allows you to go about 2 days in advance.


The guide compression has been in place for months and is improving in its reliabillity. The additon of channels will slow it down some, but it uses a segmented technology which is not affected as drastically as one would think.

[bhroam]

A question I've always wanted to know is that will the 921 have 1 240GB drive or 2 120s? The last summary of the charlie chat said the 921 will have 240GB of space. From what I know of hard drive sizes these days, it sounds much more like 2 120s to me.

Has this been previously answered?

Thanks
Bhroam

[Nigel]

I have Dish500 and also get some DFW locals from 148. Will the locals from 148 be moved. I also have two DishPro switches. I 148 stays how will Super Dish work with locals from 148 and DP34 switches.

Nigel

[fizgig]

1. How will the 921 OTA guide data work?

2. Will the 921 have the same aspect ratio scan ability that is tied to the * button on the 6000 remote?

3. Can we expect the West coast feeds of HBO-HD and SHO-HD to be added sometime?

4. Networked DVR's anywhere in the future?

[Jacob S]

If they start pushing commercials into the Tivo DVR's then that will be something Dish may start doing OR something they will say that they have an advantage over Direct on and will also say they have more of a reason to charge the $4.99 DVR fee if there are no commercials.

[shilton]

Here's one for the tekkies...with all the software updates, new features, etc how come they can't write software that permits an ordered PPV event to be viewed on ANY receiver in the house. For example, if I order a movie in the living room and want to watch it in the bedroom, I have to order it again and pay twice for the same thing. If the so called additional receiver fee is truly used so that my 2nd receiver can mirror programming from my Primary receiver, then the PPV's ought to count too. I am sure there has to be a way for dish to send the authorization to ALL my receivers on my account.

[zztzed]

Here's one for the tekkies...with all the software updates, new features, etc how come they can't write software that permits an ordered PPV event to be viewed on ANY receiver in the house. For example, if I order a movie in the living room and want to watch it in the bedroom, I have to order it again and pay twice for the same thing. If the so called additional receiver fee is truly used so that my 2nd receiver can mirror programming from my Primary receiver, then the PPV's ought to count too. I am sure there has to be a way for dish to send the authorization to ALL my receivers on my account.If you order the PPV online or via the 800 number, it will be viewable on all receivers. If you order via your receiver it's only viewable on that receiver because Dish doesn't actually know that it's been ordered until your receiver dials out (which is usually long after the event has passed).

[JohnL]

Here's one for the tekkies...with all the software updates, new features, etc how come they can't write software that permits an ordered PPV event to be viewed on ANY receiver in the house. For example, if I order a movie in the living room and want to watch it in the bedroom, I have to order it again and pay twice for the same thing. If the so called additional receiver fee is truly used so that my 2nd receiver can mirror programming from my Primary receiver, then the PPV's ought to count too. I am sure there has to be a way for dish to send the authorization to ALL my receivers on my account.

Dish does NOT bill twice for the same PPV order on multiple receivers on your account. If an error is made in billing then if you call Dish, will drop the double billing for that PPV order.

How do you suppose Dish could implement a remote control PPV purchase on one receiver to the entire account if the receiver is not able to send that purchase information to Dish immediately following the PPV Remote control order.

If you order by phone or via their website then the PPV order is available on the accounts receivers without having to seperately order the same PPV event on multiple receivers.

John

[BobMurdoch]

Definitely order via the 800 number if you want to view it on multiple sets.

[wiggy]

Muzak that is now carried on dish is very good as far as content but quality sucks because muzak is a commercial company operating as background music. Is there any plans to upgrade the quality of the music? I am going HD because of quality and I would like to see the music channels the same. Thankx

[DarrellP]

Why wasn't firewire included in the 811? Come on, Dish, give us an inexpensive machine to archive on.

[sleepy hollow]

I currently have a dish500 and 2 older Phillips basic receivers. They have worked just great for I think 4 years now. I live outside Wash, DC in VA. During Hurricane Isabelle my Dish Network TV was up and available even during the worst of the storm believe it or not! My neighbor's digital cable was down for days.

I recently purchased an RCA 34" HD flat monitor, surround sound system, and I am ready for HDTV. I am likely to be willing to commit to a long term subscription depending on the offer, so please help those of us who happen to like Dish and do not really care that much about all the "inside baseball" speculation that seems to fascinate those on this forum with apparently way too much time on their hands.

Basically, I want to know more about the 921:
-when can I buy it and where? will there be a lease option? If so what are the details, please?
-can I use it the 921 with my DISH500 or can it only work with the SuperDish?
-if I need SuperDish, then when and where and under what terms can I obtain that?
-willl Sears or Radio Shack or other retailers be selling the 921, and if so, when?
-I am very handy and not afraid of installing, but naturally prefer to let someone else climb ladders and aim dishes if the deal is worth it, so what installation options will you offer?
-please tell me what HD programming you have now (e.g., I can see NBATV now, but only in regular mode, of course), and what you plan to offer in the future?

Thanks for taking the time to read my questions. Keep up the good work and thanks for providing a high quality alternative to the hideous cable monopoly. You are not perfect, but I am not either and I never expected you to be. I appreciate your straight shooting attitude, the professional treatment I receive when I call, and I am happy to be a loyal customer. Keep up the good work. My family and I look forward to many more years enjoying your programming.

I would only encourage you to drop the x-rated stuff. You are better than that, I believe.

[Mike D-CO5]

I currently have a dish500 and 2 older Phillips basic receivers. They have worked just great for I think 4 years now. I live outside Wash, DC in VA. During Hurricane Isabelle my Dish Network TV was up and available even during the worst of the storm believe it or not! My neighbor's digital cable was down for days.

I recently purchased an RCA 34" HD flat monitor, surround sound system, and I am ready for HDTV. I am likely to be willing to commit to a long term subscription depending on the offer, so please help those of us who happen to like Dish and do not really care that much about all the "inside baseball" speculation that seems to fascinate those on this forum with apparently way too much time on their hands.

Basically, I want to know more about the 921:
-when can I buy it and where? will there be a lease option? If so what are the details, please?
-can I use it the 921 with my DISH500 or can it only work with the SuperDish?
-if I need SuperDish, then when and where and under what terms can I obtain that?
-willl Sears or Radio Shack or other retailers be selling the 921, and if so, when?
-I am very handy and not afraid of installing, but naturally prefer to let someone else climb ladders and aim dishes if the deal is worth it, so what installation options will you offer?
-please tell me what HD programming you have now (e.g., I can see NBATV now, but only in regular mode, of course), and what you plan to offer in the future?

Thanks for taking the time to read my questions. Keep up the good work and thanks for providing a high quality alternative to the hideous cable monopoly. You are not perfect, but I am not either and I never expected you to be. I appreciate your straight shooting attitude, the professional treatment I receive when I call, and I am happy to be a loyal customer. Keep up the good work. My family and I look forward to many more years enjoying your programming.

I would only encourage you to drop the x-rated stuff. You are better than that, I believe.


Well you know what they say: Different " Strokes " for Different Folks. :lol:

[BobMurdoch]

Well you know what they say: Different " Strokes " for Different Folks. :lol:

And I'm sure many people find some of the holy roller channels just as offensive.... (Send your Social Security checks to Jesus!!!!)

That's why we have a great country here.... Freedom of choice.

[sleepy hollow]

In response to the two posters after mine who apparently could not quell the urge to offer retorts, please help me understand:

What exactly does the phrase "different strokes for different folks" mean? It is exceedingly vague and not very helpful. I just wonder how clearly you can discern truth from fiction if you resort to trite slogans like that. There is no meaning in it. How can something like that make sense? You are asserting, in effect, that "anything goes" is correct or right or proper. Does that include those things that you consider incorrect or wrong or improper? Is it ok for me to object to pornography? Is that part of "anything goes?"

You really should attempt to think through what you assert. After all you have put your name or "call sign" to it. Please, defend it with clear logical thinking.

Also, what exactly is the reference to holy rollers and sending checks to Jesus? I will agree that several of the religious channels promote fraudulent and perverse interpretations of Christianity. I do not like them either. I assume your use of the term "holy rollers" to be perjorative, and your invitiation to send checks to Jesus as taunting. Well, I gladly admit to being a Christian, and I can tell you that I will use the highest technology in dealing with your offensive comments. I will pray for you, friend. I know of no legitimate Christian ministry that encourages people to send their living allowances to Jesus. (On the other hand I do see a lot of people lined up to buy lottery tickets who cannot afford to do so either.)

I would also invite you to engage in a real and sincere dialog about why you have such apparent antipathy for Christians. I think you may find that some of the things you have been told about us are not really true. Happy to discuss it with you. Christianity is not sinful. People are.

By the way, "freedom of choice" does not cause all choices to be beneficial or virtuous, nor does it allow any choices of any kind. So, again, I must object to your use of general phrases as some defense for watching dirty movies. It just doesn't make any sense. You certainly have the freedom to do this in our society and under the laws we have today, but I really have to question whether you really think that laws allowing dirty movies to be broadcast indescriminantly are really laws that make us a great country. If I were you, I'd want to rethink that position.

[Jacob S]

BIGGEST question for me is like Ken_F asked...

...can we add another or upgrade the 921 HDD and/or use the supposed extra drive bay for DVD recorder (like was mentioned previously)

I thought that current DVD recorders could not record HD content, only standard definition content. Just as we are yet to see an HD DVR we are yet to see an HD DVD recorder, if I am not mistaken.

[jhall]

As I read through this thread, it occurs to me that a DVR packaged by Dish Network might be capable of automatically pausing recording during spots. Is this true? or does it merely "skip" by 30 seconds or whatever as you're watching?
Do the networks or providers control if commercials are shown, and is that control inserted in the stream or provided from the provider embedded in their transport stream sent to Dish Network?
put another way
Could a race condition occur between the "advertised" location of commercials and the "actual" location of commercials in time? Actually that is a separate question that still doesn't address what I am meaning.

[William_K_F]

I don't find any thread about what happened in the Oct 13 chat?

Can someone point me to it please?

[BobaBird]

I thought it would have been listed under Similar Threads. The summary is in this thread (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=19571).