[Steve Mehs]

My mom is now jelious of my 501, not so much the PVR features, but the open TV interface. I'm thinking about getting her a 301 as an early Christmas present. She doesnt need DD capibility so the lack of toslink out doesnt matter. I have a few questions though

1- Is the 301 generally stable? Bugs?
2- What are the major differences between the 301 and 2800?
3- Standard 46-48 hr guide?
4- Does the guide have to retrieve the info from the satellite everytime or is it stored in the memory like the 501 does on the HD?
5- Does the 301 have dish home yet?
6- And basically Is it worth it?

Thanks

If I do get a 301, I will most likely get it at Sears at the next 10% sale. It will be cheaper then WalMart and I cant shop at Sams since I'm under 18

 

[Marcus S]

A 301 is your best bet. The 2800 is based on older technology and is slower. Yes, there is one current bug plaguing the 301 & 4900 which has to do with compatibility with a Twin LNB. As long as you do not use a Twin, both receivers are solid.

 

[gcutler]

Originally posted by Steve Mehs
1- Is the 301 generally stable? Bugs?
2- What are the major differences between the 301 and 2800?
3- Standard 46-48 hr guide?
4- Does the guide have to retrieve the info from the satellite everytime or is it stored in the memory like the 501 does on the HD?
5- Does the 301 have dish home yet?
6- And basically Is it worth it?

1) very stable, there are bugs but compared to any other in production E*, the least bugs (almost non existant)
2) Faster load of menus, Open TV, Event Timers for VCR, Blue Remote (old remote will work if Mom dosen't like new one)
3) Standard Guide (except All Sub, I have one favorite with over 200 channels) and PIP guide
4) Has to retrieve from satellite (PIP has to wait till retireve from satellite before it shows)
5) Not yet, but should be any week now
6) Worth it? Depends on what you believe. I paid $150 for it almost 2 years ago and I don't regret it. If I could get one for $50 I would buy one just to keep as a spare

 

[Steve Mehs]

Cool! We have 2 duals so we dont have to worry about that bug. Remote shouldnt be a problem shes using the Blue button one now (We couldnt deal with dedicated remotes so we bought Universal ones about a year after getting E*) Right now I'm thinking, if I goto Sears tommorrow I'll get it, I'd only be saving $10 if I wait. Only tricky part will be getting it into the car without her noticing it

 

[TimL]

Youre a good son Steve...

 

[Steve Mehs]

LOL I try to be

Not gonna get the 301 today. My mom left earlier this morning and I was too tired so I fell back to sleep

 

[gcutler]

Originally posted by Steve Mehs
My mom left earlier this morning and I was too tired so I fell back to sleep

More a Typical Son

 

[Jacob S]

What kind of bug is going on with the 301 and 501 when you use a twin with these? I never noticed anything to my knowledge. This reminds me of the 721 not handeling a quad.

 

[Marcus S]

Freeze frame and pixilization. The signal strength screen typically looks like a yo-yo.

 

[Jacob S]

Does it do this all of the time or just part of the time?

 

[snagel]

Steve,
The 301 and 4900 bug is also present on 2ea. dual lnb's.
I have the same exact problem on both my 301 and 4900 upgraded receivers and I use 2 ea. dual lnb's.

Steve call DISH and tell them you are looking to get a 301 receiver and ask for the best possible price that they can give you. I received a 301 for $49 no shipping , no committment, a total of $49 out the door and to my door.

It may take a little talking, CSR roulette, etc. but I think you can get it done. Try it , you've got nothing to lose.

Major differences,
The 301 has event timers,
IR blast to start your VCR's
Does not have DD , neither does the 2800
IR remote.

Seems to be a pretty stable receiver except the signal strength meter on the DISH 500 test screen jumps around wildly. From say 70 ish to 125. Up and down , Up and down and doesn't seem to settle down or lock on one position on both the 110 and 119 degree location.

 

[Marcus S]

I read on another forum that P172 for the DP301 is supposed to spool shortly. I take it that since the previous version just finished spooling, this will be the fix. I would hope a new software version will follow for the 4900 as well.

 

[mattmill]

Originally posted by snagel
Steve,

Major differences,
The 301 has event timers,
IR blast to start your VCR's
Does not have DD , neither does the 2800
IR remote.

How well does the IR Blaster work? I am waiting install next weekend and want to put the 301 in my stereo cabinet that is next to the tv. Both the 301 and VCR would be behind different glass next to each other.

matt