Probably going to upgrade to Hopper/Joey. I have some questions / concerns.

[JM42]

So, during prime time I only have 2 free tuners, correct?

Only if you have PTAT enabled. Note the big four now share a single tuner with or without PTAT enabled.

I have a separate coax coming from my OTA antenna into a splitter from which a coax goes to each receiver. The OTA and the satellite signals never share the same coax. Is that what you're talking about? Where is the OTA module?

You should be fine. OTA problems occur when trying to share the same coax for sat and OTA. Because of the different frequencies used, you cannot diplex both on the same cable like you could with VIP receivers.

I don't see where it is on the Hopper pics. I assume it is a card that slides in somehow. How much extra will it [the module] cost me?

It is a usb attached device - $30 (last I checked).

At which time, I don't think you could have 2 Hoppers. If that can now be done, how much will it cost me?

Monthly would be $12 first hopper (DVR fee) + $12 second hopper (receiver fee). Not sure how much up front costs would be. Part of the problem is Dish doesn't like dual Hopper/no Joey installs, but some have worked around it. A new HWS can be purchased for $250 if all else fails.

 

[120inna55]

I'm leaning towards a single Hopper. I'm out of contract at present, but I assume I'll be under contract again once I upgrade to a Hopper, so if I get a single Hopper now and decide 2 months down the line to get a second Hopper, will I have missed my opportunity? Meaning, will I not be allowed to "upgrade" at that point?

 

[dare2be]

You will be allowed, but possibly at a higher up front cost than a new install would occur.

If you go with the single Hopper, no Joeys, you'll end up saving yourself $12/mo in fees.

 

[Bobby]

That antenna is a two way antenna. The Hopper, and Joeys, automatically update timers and favorites to their respective remotes for backup purposes. It does it every several days....

 

[eddie willers]

Only if you have PTAT enabled. Note the big four now share a single tuner with or without PTAT enabled.

I was wondering about that.

I just got a HWS last Wednesday (replacing my old 722) and had turned off PTAT for Friday, Saturday and Sunday but noticed that when I pressed the RED button (TV Activity) at night it would show two tuners but the third was a list of the four networks and it was clear that if I went to one of the networks it would use that single transponder and leave the other tuners alone.

So that got me thinking....if I, say, went to 9:00 PM Thursday (with all PTAT shut off) and selected two "cable" channels and three network shows, would I get all five recorded?

And would they (the three network shows) still allow Auto-Hop after the requisite waiting period?

 

[JM42]

So that got me thinking....if I, say, went to 9:00 PM Thursday (with all PTAT shut off) and selected two "cable" channels and three network shows, would I get all five recorded?

Yes

And would they (the three network shows) still allow Auto-Hop after the requisite waiting period?

Autohop for now requires PTAT be enabled, but it doesn't have to be enabled for everyday. You could enable PTAT just for Sunday (or any other single day), and AutoHop would be enabled for all your big four primetime recordings regardless of what day they were recorded.

 

[120inna55]

Does DISH require an installer for this upgrade?

 

[eddie willers]

Yes

Autohop for now requires PTAT be enabled, but it doesn't have to be enabled for everyday. You could enable PTAT just for Sunday (or any other single day), and AutoHop would be enabled for all your big four primetime recordings regardless of what day they were recorded.

Sweet!

When new shows crank up again, I know I will do at least Sunday. (guilty pleasures....a 61 y/o male who likes Once Upon A Time, The Good Wife and Revenge)

 

[eddie willers]

Hmmmm...'nother thought.

If the networks are on the one transponder (in Atlanta using Western Arc #4 Spotbeam on 129), what would keep you from recording 4 network shows at anytime at all instead of just "PrimeTime"?

 

[dare2be]

Correct, you can record any/all of the networks outside of the PTAT window using only one tuner. You would not need to have PTAT enabled and of course you wouldn't get Autohop on them regardless of PTAT being on or off.

 

[KAB]

Does DISH require an installer for this upgrade?

Yes, they do. It is not a simple receiver swap. They have to install the node and insure internet connection, via wireless or HIC.

 

[3HaloODST]

All leased Hopper installs require a truck roll. The only way out of it is to buy your own equipment.

Sent from my iPhone 4S using Forum Runner

 

[KAB]

All leased Hopper installs require a truck roll. The only way out of it is to buy your own equipment.

Sent from my iPhone 4S using Forum Runner

Don't know why anyone would want out of it. Any problems, it's on Dish.

 

[120inna55]

Don't know why anyone would want out of it. Any problems, it's on Dish.

I completely agree, and wouldn't want it any other way for a Hopper install. But I can see why some would not want to have an installer. Having to work around your schedule so you're home for the installer can be a pain. I also remember having an issue with an installer who kept power cycling my DLP for no reason. He insisted on trying to program the DISH remote to control the TV even though I told him I would never use it for that.

Speaking of remotes, we control the system with a Harmony One remote. However, my wife keeps 2 DISH remotes on her table to change channels on either the 622 or 722 depending on which one we're watching. I also have the remotes in "limited" mode to control the volume on the AVR. Otherwise we use the Harmony for changing activities, so we never get it out of sync. Will I be able to do this with the Hopper remote? Meaning, after I program my Harmony remote to control the Hopper, can the OEM Hopper remote still be used to operate the Hopper and can it be programmed to control the volume/mute on my AVR?

 

[Bobby]

Yes!

 

[fredp]

I completely agree, and wouldn't want it any other way for a Hopper install. But I can see why some would not want to have an installer........

In my case I bought my Hopper/S and Solo node to avoid the two year commitment only. I made arrangements thru DIRT for a DISH install. All new wiring to support the Hopper came with the install. Some here say that isn't necessary but as KAB said if there is a problem its DISH's issue. Not yours. Its a great upgrade from in my case, a 622 that was sent back as that unit was leased.

 

[3HaloODST]

Yep. Dish takes care of leased and owned equipment alike.

Sent from my iPhone 4S using Forum Runner

 

[KKlare]

The OTA is an outboard USB unit that is recommended to be laid flat on the shelf. I find I will use it very little with most locals being on satellite and those requiring 1/2 to 1/3 the storage space, so I would not archive them.

You should not need another remote. It does volume and mute for the TV or some amps. It does more in TV mode. Remember the Dish remote backs up your settings and timers every few days.

PTAT can be specified for as little as 1 day and 1 channel and still get AutoHop for all 4 networks during primetime. I then move it every 3 to 6 days so that it does not record any of the 4. I have timers for what I want--will have a longer schedule on vacation. The single tuner for the 4 networks works 24 hours a day but AutoHop is limited to primetime--people to set them?

I do miss some of the reruns in getting complete sets of shows for lack of tuners but I now have about 80% of more than 25 current or near-current programming with most rated 8 or higher on IMDb. Now, when will I get to see them and what about the new season?

Because the stacking of tuners is 3 deep you must have a single 3GHz cable from node to receiver. It is not feasible to add OTA signals to this.

Because my DLP accepts 1080p that is what I output from the Hopper. Again the picture is definitely improved over the 722. The tile selection is improved over the 722s' list. The ability to handle 2 EHDs for r/w/directory/delete and more for just r/w is an improvement, especially while recording multiple show and playing back 1 on Hopper and more on Joeys or when I do a block move from one EHD to another. You can find file sizes with/without an EHD attached, which I enter in my spreadsheet of shows--just the episode numbers for "current" shows, keeping the smallest full-resolution ones.

-Ken

 

[120inna55]

The OTA is an outboard USB unit that is recommended to be laid flat on the shelf. I find I will use it very little with most locals being on satellite and those requiring 1/2 to 1/3 the storage space, so I would not archive them...

The only reason I use OTA is to tune into stations DISH does not offer me. I live in DFW DMA, so DISH provides DFW locals. However, I'm geographically much closer to Tyler, so the Tyler & Jacksonville stations are more appropriate for me especially when I want to keep an eye on weather. I don't record OTA.

...You should not need another remote...

You must not have every used a Harmony One remote. I will not part with it. It makes navigating my system a breeze for my wife. My system consists of DLP TV, AVR, 622, 722, PS3, XBox 360, VHS, and media player. I will keep the the Hopper remote, but it will be on her table so she can control volume, mute, and change channels as needed. Otherwise, each of us hands off the Harmony as we exit the living room.

...Because the stacking of tuners is 3 deep you must have a single 3GHz cable from node to receiver. It is not feasible to add OTA signals to this.

???

...Because my DLP accepts 1080p that is what I output from the Hopper...

I thought I heard 1080p is not an option. 1080i is as close as you can get.

...The tile selection is improved over the 722s' list. The ability to handle 2 EHDs for r/w/directory/delete and more for just r/w is an improvement, especially while recording multiple show and playing back 1 on Hopper and more on Joeys or when I do a block move from one EHD to another. You can find file sizes with/without an EHD attached, which I enter in my spreadsheet of shows--just the episode numbers for "current" shows, keeping the smallest full-resolution ones...

???

 

[120inna55]

So, now I'm seeing there are are 2 versions of the Hopper? Hopper With Sling (HWS). I kept seeing many of you using the term HWS. I finally figured it out. I wasn't even reading Scott's review of the HWS, because I'd just assumed he was discussing an external Sling with a Hopper.

So, will I get a HWS, or just a Hopper? I've never used a Sling device and frankly, I don't like to watch entire programs from my portable devices. But it would be a cool novelty. I do use DISH Anywhere app on my android Galaxy S3, but since I don't have a Sling I can't watch video with it. I just use it to set my DVR, etc. That said, if I have a choice, I think I would choose the HWS just to have the option. Are there any drawbacks to choosing the HWS over just a Hopper? Or is there even a distinction anymore?