You should buy a 921 then
People who complain about problems with Dishnet equipment are often immediately criticized because they want it "perfect". I have no idea why that keeps happening.
There is a FAR stretch between working properly, and reliably, and perfection.
Example: Let's assume we're talking about things like the rewind being too slow. Or, that on the 508-510 series you can only get one SVideo output and the second has to be via normal 75ohm connector. Or on the 921 that in order to watch TV from an RG6 run to another room it disables the HD on the component outputs. Those are things that make the units "not perfect".
Now, let's talk about things like - 921 locks up frequently. Can't depend on the timers. Audio drops out. 522 NBR very flaky, often resulting in missed entire or parts of programs. Those are things that make the units "not acceptable".
Now, perhaps you're one of the people who has not had any issues with reliability. If that's the case, great - and you're right. However, if you're having NBR problems or if it does not record right - every time - your standards are far below "perfection". I'd consider them closer to "unacceptable". My Dish replacements, SA8300HDs, are far from perfect. They definitely have things that I consider less than optimal. But, they are completely, undeniably, reliable. They record every thing I tell them to, every time, without exception. NBR works too.
But - that's just me.
Sapient said:
If you can't be satisfied unless everything is perfect, you are going to have one unhappy life.
For me the 522 has been an excellent value. I am satisified because the problems I have are small compared to the enjoyment I get for the price I pay.