Considering a receiver upgrade - need advice

[ArthurWeasley]

Greetings:
I have a Dish VIP 612 DVR receiver (since Aug. 2009) and have the following setup:

Receiver is upstairs, HDTV#1 is in downstairs living room connected via HDMI cable, about 60-ft run. Works great. Runs through our best 5.1 stereo system. No change needed.

HDTV #2 (just replaced an old CRT) is next to the receiver, connected with standard 3-part RCA cable. I know the picture isn't HD, but it's OK since we watch little satellite content here.

TV#3 is a CRT to be replaced with a small HDTV (32-inch) in the bedroom. It's now connected via old coax running maybe 60 feet. Picture is now annoying, even for SD (loose connection somewhere).

When I replace TV#3 I want to run HDMI from the receiver to it, but only have one HDMI out with this model. I can get a 4x2 switch box from Monoprice for about $50, or look into a new receiver, or... seek advice from Forum readers who are much more aware of the state of the technology.

If possible I'd rather not add to the already high (for me) $83/month Dish bill. But if a new receiver is the ticket, so be it.

Help/advice/suggestions are VERY welcome.

 

[Claude Greiner]

The only upgrade option with Dish would be the Hopper, and your bill will go up unfortunatly

 

[Brian Fuller]

With the 612 you obly have 3 upgrade options a 722 which is idwntical to the 612 except it runs a sd tv2, a 922 similar to a 722 except woth a couple of added features (also notoriously unreliable) or the Hopper systems.

For HD in two or more locations you need a Hopper System.

Sent From My Samsung Hercules

 

[nsafreak]

If you don't want to increase your monthly cost then going with an HDMI switch is going to be your best option although you'll be limiting yourself to watching the same program at all locations although this doesn't sound like an issue in your case. Going with a 722k or 922 wouldn't give you much extra other than increased internal storage and a second TV output although that second output would be in SD. A Hopper/Joey setup would give HD in all locations with separate programming available at each location as well but your bill would go up by $19 a month ($12 a month as opposed to $7 for the DVR/Whole Home fee and $7 per Joey).

 

[Teehar]

Adding a 211 is another option,could probably get a pretty good deal on one,it would add $7 to your bill,but cheaper than what a hopper system would cost.

When you say tv 2 is connected via rca cable,you mean red white and yellow?If so,I would recommend component cable,blue,green,red.

 

[dwarren2]

If you want to be able to see recorded programming on any tv in HD, then the Hopper/Joey is your only option.

 

[SomeDishGuy]

FYI, the 922 is no longer available as an upgrade. Customers with a 922 are still able to swap out to another 922 if something happens to theirs, but no new 922s are being added to accounts.

 

[TheKrell]

FYI, the 922 is no longer available as an upgrade.

When did that happen? For awhile Dish was offering a trial of the Sling capability. Do you know if that program is still available? (I'll bet it involved a large number of 922's, since this was before the Hopper or even Sling Adapter.)

 

[KAB]

Greetings:


HDTV #2 (just replaced an old CRT) is next to the receiver, connected with standard 3-part RCA cable. I know the picture isn't HD, but it's OK since we watch little satellite content here.

You could be watching HD on that set if you connected via Component.

 

[ArthurWeasley]

Thanks everyone. That tells me what I need to know. Looks like my least expensive workable option is the switch box.

 

[dendavis]

Thanks everyone. That tells me what I need to know. Looks like my least expensive workable option is the switch box.

Least expensive, yes. I had two 722K's, when one went bad, decided to try Hopper, thinking (incorrectly), I could keep one 722K and bring the Hopper on board. Found out during the install (yes, I should have been more diligent in my reading the Sat. Guys board forum on Hopper Zone), that I couldn't have the 722K. But I stuck with the Hopper and three Joey's, couldn't be happier. I had previously run coax to all the rooms where we have televisions, using the Home Distribution port on the 722K, so the Joey network was a piece of cake for the (very competent) installer. Yes, one does have to swallow the cost a bit, but I find it worthwhile.

 

[JM42]

If your content with the single output, I agree the HDMI splitter is the least expensive option. It will give you the same HD output at all TVs. I have had a couple of these in use for a year or two now.

With an HDMI spitter, the TVs need to be of similar capabilities. If you have a TV that is 720p only and doesn't support or downconvert a 1080i signal then all TVs will have to live with a 720p signal from the receiver.

 

[lucky86]

The Sling Test Drive ended a long time ago.

 

[sniper2323]

Was worth a shot, I am looking to upgrading myself. Will be contacting DIRT to see if they can help with my situation.

 

[Scherrman]

If you have multiple HDTVs and love to DVR the Hopper is the best option if you can afford it.