721 or wait for 522

[duihlein]

I am a 3 year Dish subscriber. I currently have two Dishplayer 7200's. I have been having some issues with the receivers.

Sometimes the receivers will reboot on their own or have recording glitches. The biggest issue is when it decides ti do an internet communications check and looks for the phone line (I don't have one connected most of the time and must hook up a temporary line when this happens)

I've decided it's about time I replace the Dishplayers. I plan to purchase a 921 for my HDTV once they stabilize and the price comes down a bit. But for now I'm trying to decide what to do for SDTV.

My current choices are to get a 721 now or wait for the 522 to go up for sale to existing customers. Has there been any indications that Dish will make the 522 available to existing customers any time soon? I really like the idea of feeding 2 tv's 2 different signals.

As a Dishplayer user which one provide the easiest transition for my wife?


Thanks
Dave

[ERSanders]

Dave, I have exactly the same question so I'll hitch hike along to see the responses. I currently have two 5000's that map locals thru TWarner cable. Since Dish is starting locals here soon I can now have them mapped thru the DVR and enjoy the new recording functionality.

[oljim]

If you have a DP you will not like the 522 EPG, you can not remove all the junk channels from the list, The recorded list only has name of program, and no more one touch record. The search also sucks, no breakdown for sports,

[willy]

ARe the 721's discontinued or what? Confused on this since they arent available thru dish.

[Link]

ARe the 721's discontinued or what? Confused on this since they arent available thru dish.

I asked a retailer and the 721s have been replaced with the 522 model. The main difference with the 522 is that is can work as 2 independent receivers or as one receiver with PIP when the Single mode software is completed.

The 522's are on ebay for about $350 and are only available from Dish as a lease customer right now and for the 721 models are around $450 on ebay.

Even though both receivers have a 120 GB Hard drive, the 721 says it stores 90 hours while the 522 can store 100 hours.

[greylar]

don't forget the 721 doesn't have the $5 VOD

[Roger Tee]

FWIW as a DP, 501, and 721 owner the interfaces are similarto a DP. Major exceptions being two tuner stuff and the fact that home screen is gone, instead pressing the remotes menu button puts the menu on the left side of the screen. It's faster than the DP, but slower than the 501, I can set up 6 favorites lists. example I can hit menu, 4, 1, and be in the favorites section. The search is both better and worse. The search history feature is nice so I don't need to re-enter searches.

Overall I removed two 501s from the account, keeping as spares, and kept the Dishplayer (upgraded drive) and the 721 for me + one 501 for the other family members use.
If that helps

Cons more expensive than the 522, Yes I could have got a 522 but as a exsisting sub I was feeling inscure about activation and warranty.

Cheers

[Bob Haller]

721 has been discontinued for a long time. they are just selling off the existing inventory. the 721s price made it a sales looser