Pvr 501 vs 508

[KWarner]

I have decided I cant afford the 721, but am going to get the
501 update. Then, I read some about the 508 having a bigger
harddrive. Dish said (1 guy very helpful, another guy not so bright) that they send out whatever is available, and right now
its usually a 508. Should I cancel my order if I cant get a 508 or just not worry about it. Also, with either unit do they have caller ID, and can i record 1 show while watching a previously recorded
show? Finally, can I assume that its easy to transfer a recorded show to vhs if so desired? Sorry for so many questions, but Dish is less than helpful.

Thanks

[KWarner]

17 views and no replies! Cmon people give me some input here!

Thanks

[BobaBird]

The 508 is a 501 with an 80GB instead of 40GB hard drive, all other features are the same. See http://ekb.dbstalk.com/292 for links to more info.Dish said they send out whatever is available, and right now its usually a 508.That matches postings I've seen the last couple of months but I'm not sure if it's safe yet to count on the "usually" part.

The 501/508 has CallerID (http://ekb.dbstalk.com/291#CID) and you can watch a previously recorded show, or even the beginning of the show being recorded, while a recording is occurring.

Transferring to tape is easy though there is no automated "archive to tape" function, just press Play on the 501 and Record on the VCR. For best results, connect the 501 and VCR with A/V cables and record from the Aux or Line input.

[KWarner]

Thanks Charles, very helpful