Which system is better?

[sorahl]

I have in use a 501, and a 5000, I have a 4700 sitting in the closet (the 501 replaced this).

My question is regarding the 5000 and 4700. Which system do you all think is better? The more I use the 501 the more the guide on the 5000 pisses me off. It is really terrible. I go more than an hour in the future and there is no info and when I try to get the info (if it comes at all) it takes several minutes.

Should I switch back to the 4700 and put the 5000 in the closet as back up?

Is it worth reselling the third system??

 

I guess that's 3 questions :)

 

Thanks,

 

John

[James_F]

I've always thought the 4700 was a pretty good receiver. It has OpenTV which I don't believe the 5000 does. If the 5000 bothers you, I'd switch back to the 4700. I don't believe either system would get you much money, but you could try... I think the 4700 would get you more money IMO.

[sorahl]

pardon my ignorance. what is opentv?

John

[James_F]

Check out the EKB....

http://ekb.dbstalk.com/68

[sorahl]

Ok :) i'm convinced. I'm switching tomorrow :) Thanks!

John

[boba]

The 4700 has been updated to the same software as the 4900, it has Dolby Digital output that was an accessory for the 5000. The 5000 has an over the air tuner that the 4900 dosen't offer. Both are equally slow about Guide and Info due to the amount of data now included for the local channels. If you want the speed and information that your 501 delivers you will need another 501 or its replacement the 508, the hard drive allows storage of the information for "instant access".

[sorahl]

i don't mind it having to get the info it's just that it never has the info now at all. even on current shows. I just don't remember it being as slow when we first got DN as it is now. I'll switch the recievers over and see if there is a difference :)

John

[sorahl]

Ok now I need help.
The software on the 4700 is the 647 version and is too old to recognize the sw64 i have. I don't seem to be having any luck getting the new software to download and the folks at DN tech support seem to be, let us say, bamboozled.
Any suggestions?????help!

John

[Kagato]

I'm suprised you were still using the 5000. I only use it to record HDTV stuff. You could bypass the SW64 and hook the 4700 directly up to it your dish until the new firmware downloads. Otherwise, i gues syou could just give dish $30-$40 buck for an STB exchange. In therory the new one should have the latest SW.

[sorahl]

Is there any indication on the receiver that it is downloading software? After I turn the receiver off, should the green light flash back on after a few seconds?

John

[gcutler]

Maybe you can sell both 4700 and 5000 units on e-bay and have enough to cover a 301 for $75-$100. At least the speed of the 301 going to the guide and being compatible with new hardware won't be a problem. But it still isn't fast at downloading the guide info (if you like the speed of the cached to hard drive 501/508)

[Darkman]

when you shut if off with remote..when downloading software green light will turn on..blinking or whatever..Do NOT touch nothing..when Green light goes off - you are fine..it should be downloaded then....
To start downloading - might take from like Right Away to upto 30 mins or so..
that is why some just do it when they go to sleep - :) - they should be for sure OK by morning :)