Thinking of Changing Over

[Bowtieman]

Moving from D* to E* Primarily because they have more HD....and D* is now saying it will be second quarter 2007 before they get more and boost PQ.

Does E* have National Geographic in HD ??
Is the 622 a good DVR ??
Can you record two channels at the same time and still watch t.v. in two seperate rooms on different channels ??
How is the PQ on E* HD ??
Is E* 4 MPEG in the LA area ??

Any help on the questions would help me make a decision to pull the trigger to move...

Thanks

[gsarjeant]

Hi, Bowtieman. I just made the switch that you are considering on Monday and so far I am very pleased. I obviously don't have as much experience with Dish Network or the 622 as others here will, but I think that I can answer some of your questions, at least from the perspective of a recent switcher.

Does E* have National Geographic in HD ??
Yes, in the Gold and Platinum HD packages. I tried to post links, but I'm apparently not allowed to for four more posts.

Is the 622 a good DVR ??
I'm very pleased with it so far. I think that it has superior integration to the DirecTV Tivo unit that I used to have. For instance, I can manage Timers (the 622's equivalent to Season Passes) while watching tv, which I couldn't do with my DirecTV unit. The interface does take some getting used to if you're coming from TiVo, but it has grown on me considerably in a week.

When running in Dual mode, the single unit can control two tvs independently. The two tvs share recordings, which is something that I have long wanted to be able to do. The second tv is controlled with a separate RF remote whose range seems to be fine. My tvs are as far apart as they can be in my house. The primary tv is in the back-right corner of the first floor; the secondary tv is in the front-left corner of the third floor. I do not have any range issues using the controller on the third floor to control the tv via the 622 on the first floor.

Can you record two channels at the same time and still watch t.v. in two seperate rooms on different channels ??
I don't think that this is possible with a single 622. The two tvs would display the programs that are being recorded. If you have an OTA antenna connected, however, I believe that you could watch tv from that independently while two programs are being recorded, but someone else will have to confirm.

How is the PQ on E* HD ??
This is awfully subjective, but I can say that I am very pleased with it. Do keep in mind, though, that this is my first HD feed, so I have nothing to which I can compare it.

I was watching the Maryland-West Virginia game on ESPN HD last night, and while the outcome was disappointing, I've never seen the Terps look so good while they were being humiliated. The Rave channel is gorgeous. I've caught myself watching musicians in whom I have absolutely no interest just because the channel looks so good. I've been very pleased with the other channels that I have tried out as well (Food, HG, Kung-Fu, Gallery, Discovery).

Is E* 4 MPEG in the LA area ??
I can't help here.

I can honestly say that I am very pleased after having made the switch, especially with the 622. My primary motivation was the same as yours: Dish's superior HD selection. I've also been impressed with the SD quality and the functionality of the 622. I'm pretty satisfied that I made the right choice. I wish you luck with yours.

[garys]

If you are used the two Sat tuners to record, you can watch two different dvr recording on the two tv's. You cannot record two live programs and watch two other live programs at the same time (however, tv2 can watch what is being recorded on tuner one and vice-versa.)

[Bowtieman]

Thanks for your input....It will help to make my decision even easier...

Think D* retention will offer me anything to stay.. They really don't have a lot to offer..LOL

As a new HD subscriber what will E* offer me to join up ????

[wje]

I made the switch from D* to E* a few months ago, and haven't regretted it a bit. The 622 took some getting used to, coming from the D* HR10-250 Tivo, but I now like it much better than the HR10. There are a few features that I miss, a lot of new features I like. The 622 certainly seems to be better than D*'s new HR20.

The general consensus seems to be that E* PQ is significantly better, and I agree. Of course, your mileage may vary.:)

I did find it somewhat difficult to figure out exactly what freebies I got from E*, there were a number of discounts, credits, adjustments, etc. The net result is that I'm paying a little less than I was and getting a LOT more.

Enjoy!