I received mine about two weeks ago, and it didn't take any intervention on my part to get it.
I have only missed taping 2 shows since then
The first was missed because I told the 501 to ask before downloading upgrades, It turned on to tape the show then taped 2 hours of "There is a free upgrade would you like to download it?" (I have since changed that setting)
I'm not sure what happened the second time, the show just doesn't show in the PVR list.
All in all I am quite happy with it.
Thank you Dish!!
HTH
Denis