[skatingrocker17]

So I currently have DirecTV right now and for those of you who aren't familiar with that setup it's one coax from the dish to a SWiM (big splitter) which then splits the signal to each individual box. DVRs still only require 1 coax.

I'm interested in the Joey/Hopper configuration. I will be setting up 4 HDTVs (and a 5th one with an HDMI splitter) and only need one DVR, but since the hoppers only have 3 tuners does that mean I'll need two hoppers? Can one hopper share recorded shows with another?

 

[tampa8]

You can have a total of three Joeys with a Hopper. At this time the two Hoppers can not see each other, that software is supposed to be added however.

 

[RasputinAXP]

Actually the most recent update to the Hopper apparently enabled sharing; it's in narrow deployment now so we're probably talking within a week they'll be chatting.

 

[skatingrocker17]

So if I had one Hopper and 3 Joeys I'd be able to watch TV on the Hopper and 2 Joeys at the same time at the very most?

It sounds like I'll need two Hoppers regardless.

 

[BurgEnder]

So if I had one Hopper and 3 Joeys I'd be able to watch TV on the Hopper and 2 Joeys at the same time at the very most?

It sounds like I'll need two Hoppers regardless.

Yes, total of three live streams (1xH + 2xJ or 3xJ)

 

[sigma1914]

So if I had one Hopper and 3 Joeys I'd be able to watch TV on the Hopper and 2 Joeys at the same time at the very most?

It sounds like I'll need two Hoppers regardless.

Think of the Joey as a tuner that's part of the Hopper. You should get 2 Hoppers if there's people watching different things at different times.

 

[skatingrocker17]

Hows the install procedure go? Would they just take out the SWiM and replace it with whatever they use?

Before we got DirecTV 2 years ago we had TWC and our install was VERY complicated because we have a big house that's old with several additions but now everything is a lot more centralized thankfully.

 

[mdavej]

Hows the install procedure go? Would they just take out the SWiM and replace it with whatever they use?

Before we got DirecTV 2 years ago we had TWC and our install was VERY complicated because we have a big house that's old with several additions but now everything is a lot more centralized thankfully.

Almost. Each Hopper needs a home run to the Dish, Joeys can split off from there. See THESE diagrams.

 

[RasputinAXP]

So if I had one Hopper and 3 Joeys I'd be able to watch TV on the Hopper and 2 Joeys at the same time at the very most?

It sounds like I'll need two Hoppers regardless.

You'd be able to watch TV on all of them. Up to three live streams, six during Prime Time Anytime if you enable it, and as many recordings as you want.

Edit: The update for Hoppers to see other Hoppers on the same node is now active...or at least I got my update last night.

 

[Marlin Guy]

So if I had one Hopper and 3 Joeys I'd be able to watch TV on the Hopper and 2 Joeys at the same time at the very most?

It sounds like I'll need two Hoppers regardless.

Not necessarily. It depends on what you're watching.
The Hopper has three tuners for live programming, plus you can playback recorded programming while those three tuners are active. There are no tuners on the Joeys.

Since Prime Time Anytime uses one tuner, you could watch live feeds on 1 Hopper and three Joeys during prime time.

In your situation, I would go with two Hoppers, however. That would give you maximum flexibility and you could even do away with that HDMI splitter if you wanted to.

 

[skatingrocker17]

I warms checking it all out on Dish's website. Does it cost more do have another hopper? I'd like to know more about the receiver fees.

 

[Marlin Guy]

Call Dish and get them to give you a complete breakdown of what the costs will be, before and after the introductory discounts. They quoted mine to the penny and it's been 100% accurate thus far.

 

[skatingrocker17]

Is calling the only way to get promotions?

 

[Ray [email protected] Network]

Each Hopper does require certain promotional qualifications and is different for each account. Please PM your account information to me and I can provide the correct information. Please let me know. Thanks.

I warms checking it all out on Dish's website. Does it cost more do have another hopper? I'd like to know more about the receiver fees.

 

[Marlin Guy]

Ray, He's a prospective customer. He's not likely to have an account yet.

 

[bigwad]

I am thinking of switching also. Looking at 1 hopper and 2 joeys. My son will be away at school and won't need the 2nd joey all the time.

1. Does the hopper or joeys have 1080p, or use 720p/1080i?
2. D*tv allows me to activate/deactivate a receiver any time. Does the joey work like this?
3. Does the Redzone channel come with all the packages that get the NFL Network?

Thanks

 

[Ray [email protected] Network]

Thanks for the information.

Ray, He's a prospective customer. He's not likely to have an account yet.

 

[Ray [email protected] Network]

I would be happy to answer your questions.

1. The Hopper and Joey are 1080i using HDMI or component cable and a compatible TV.
2. Purchased receivers can be activated/deactivated at any time. The leased receivers, once deactivated, a box is sent to your home to send the leased receiver back.
3. The NFL Redzone is part of the Multi-sports package ($9 per month), which gives you more sports channels. Blackout rules do apply for some of the sporting events.

If you have further questions, please let me know. Thanks.

I am thinking of switching also. Looking at 1 hopper and 2 joeys. My son will be away at school and won't need the 2nd joey all the time.

1. Does the hopper or joeys have 1080p, or use 720p/1080i?
2. D*tv allows me to activate/deactivate a receiver any time. Does the joey work like this?
3. Does the Redzone channel come with all the packages that get the NFL Network?

Thanks

 

[Marlin Guy]

I am thinking of switching also. Looking at 1 hopper and 2 joeys. My son will be away at school and won't need the 2nd joey all the time.

1. Does the hopper or joeys have 1080p, or use 720p/1080i?
2. D*tv allows me to activate/deactivate a receiver any time. Does the joey work like this?
3. Does the Redzone channel come with all the packages that get the NFL Network?

Thanks

1. 720P/1080i currently. Dish SD is also way better than Direct's.
2. The Joeys are not true receivers. All tuning is done through the Hopper. I don't think your bill changes from 1 to 3 Joeys, but I could be wrong. Someone else can address that.
3. No idea.

 

[lparsons21]

I thought the Hopper/Joeys could do 1080p on some PPVs just like all the HD equipment from Dish and Direct.