New Hopper Model?
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That's a pretty good point but I'd like to know what the cost difference is between all of them. I can't imagine the cost to have What's Hot was very high. Now, the bluetooth may have been costly.
The discussion centers around the cost of putting bluetooth in the receiver vs. the cost of an OTA tuner and their associated usage rates. Of course it costs to put bluetooth in the receiver. It didn't get there for free.
If my asumptions are right about the DTV SWiM system, compared to the Dish H/J, essentially the node is built into the lnb & the swim splitter acts like our tap for sharing the library. The biggest difference is that the Joeys are mostly just acting as antennas for the remotes & HD upscaling boxes (ignoring settings & such) as the joeys dont actually talk directly to the dish but rather just to the hopper.
As for a 6-tuner hopper using current tech would require a new model NODE as well. Currently the nodes convert the hopper signal into a 3+1 level freq signal (high, mid, low, return for joeys) for the hopper to convert into the 3 tuners. Current model LNBs send 2 feeds over each line so that would have to upgrade as well. But that would cause issues because then the new 3-tuner LNBs would likely not work with the older non Hopper systems (& we all now how much Dish likes using the same item for multiple system setups).
Otoh, the LNB issue could be solved via a new switch instead ala the infamous & nightmarish 3 hopper setup needing 2x switches in addition to both duo & solo nodes.
As for BT vs WiFi vs OTA built into the hoppers, I vote for WiFi & a root menu option to access it instead of buried deep inside. That or give us back the blue button linking to network, even if just done as a link from the root menu to prevent accidents. I come across more wifi connections thsn anything else sincd Dish's connection priority places it above HIC w new line but below HIC w existing line or direct hardline.
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The chipset in use presumably already incorporates BT, so it is a "freebie". If you want that same chipset less BT, I assure you, it will cost MORE (for less).
How soon is soon for the new box? I'm getting closer to making the jump, although not in a rush.
It could be years. They are going to show an updated model next month at CES in Las Vegas. That doesn't mean that it will ever hit the open market. Example, last year they showed off a keyboard remote control. We haven't seen it yet....
Don't make your decision on what may come. Make it on programming and hardware that is available now.
I can wait until CES. As I remember hopper was announced in Jan and released in Mar. If the new box adds wireless (5 ghz) and 4+ tuners I think for me it would be worth waiting until May for shipping.
Dish has said they have a new Hopper that will be announced at CES. No details will be available until then.
Have not posted recently, but with their large price increases for their "Everything Package" and also having DirecTV with another increase too, I'm back! Would like to drop one service and really need more than just 3 turners. Having both services with one DVR from both presently gives us 5 on three TV's, Home Theater, and this computer. Not really a fan of DTV, but they have some unique shows (watching prerecorded Rake now), and their new "Genie" DVR caught my eye. However as has always been the case their DVRs really suck compared to DISH. Will be looking forward to Scott's CES review on any new DISH HD DVR (Hopper) that might have additional turners. This Site has saved me from making poor purchasing mistakes for many many years. Thanks to all and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Would 2 Hoppers work for you? That gives you 6 sat and (optionally) 2 OTA tuners. Others looking at FCC (?) filings have determined that the new Hopper will have no more tuners than the current Hopper. Built-in wifi and Sling instead. Yawn to both!
Having 2 Hoppers has it's advantages, such as having something left if one drops dead on you.
Having 2 Hoppers has it's advantages, such as having something left if one drops dead on you.
Thanks for your reply and suggestion, The Krell.
Had thought of doing that in the past with two VIP 622s, but thought it would be a "can-of-worms" having both in the Home Theater Room and setting up codes for the Harmony ONE Remote that my Wife knows how to work, changing from DISH to DirecTV DVR programing all the time. I have OTA hooked to both DVR and really pleased with what I can presently do. Wife is retiring next week so it is really a cost saving move, nothing else. Anyone else using two DISH DVRs in one room Home Theater with a Harmony (have not researched)? Can two codes even be set on remotes for Hoppers now? My present outputs from both DVRs go to a distribution powered panel in the garage that I installed when building this house new in 2001, and has worked great with 22 outlets available throughout the home.
Thanks again, maybe that would really be a more effective cost savings, if it would work! Will check this option out in more length. Open for suggestions.
I have two hoppers each with an OTA USB tunner for $30 extra. With the new big four feature that auto tunes to all four networks at once if you are watching just one I now have seven tuners in each hopper for a total of 14 tuners.
Having two hoppers also gives me a backup plan, if one hopper goes out I can still watch tv.
With the directv genie or say a new hopper with more tuners if the main box dies you could be out of tv for a week. Out here in Nebraska it takes a week to get an installer to your house and dish won't just mail you a replacement.
Having two hoppers also gives me a backup plan, if one hopper goes out I can still watch tv.
With the directv genie or say a new hopper with more tuners if the main box dies you could be out of tv for a week. Out here in Nebraska it takes a week to get an installer to your house and dish won't just mail you a replacement.
Thanks for your reply and yes I do understand having two DVRs is a back-up plan. I have that now having DTV and DISH. Still do not understand how I would control two Hoppers in the same room or what full integration is?
I read the FCC filing and I don't believe it discussed the number of tuners. It was rather boring to read so I could have skimmed it too quickly and missed something though.
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