Hey all! My buddy chikagobnd recommended this site to me. It's my first time posting, so go easy on me. My buddy currently has Dish and has just about got me ready to dump my cable and switch over. But, after seeing his system operate (1 Hopper/1 Joey), I have a concern about tuners. I am looking at getting 3 receivers...I'm assuming that would be a standard 1 Hopper/2 Joey setup? If I understand correctly, those 3 receivers would share 3 tuners. So, if I'm watching something in the living room, my wife is watching something different in the bedroom, and the kid is watching something different than us in his room, there are no tuners available to record anything else at the same time. But, I just chatted with a Dish representative on the website who told me each receiver has two tuners. So, with 3 receivers, we could theoretically be watching 3 different programs and recording 3 different programs at the same time. This does not seem right from the way I've seen my buddy's system work. He can watch one program on the Hopper, a different program on the Joey, and can have one other thing recording at the same time, but no more than that. Is the Dish rep correct, or is my buddy's system different? I would like the option to be watching something different in each room and still be able to record something else, and the rep said I could do that with 1 Hopper and 2 Joeys, but I don't see that as possible. Can someone clear this up for me?
Prospective Customer - HELP!
- Thread starter carthur456
- Start date
- Latest activity Latest activity:
- Replies 12
- Views 1K
The rep seemed to be trying to steer me away from 2 Hoppers and wanting me to go with the standard setup. Any idea what the 2nd Hopper would cost as I assume that one isn't free?
2nd Hopper should be $100 upfront for a new customer. Keep in mind if you want 2 Hoppers, the CSRs can't work around the system requirement of ordering at least 1 Joey per Hopper, so you'd have to order 2 Hoppers and 2 Joeys and then tell the install tech that you changed your mind about the 2nd Joey.
Yep, go with this option without a doubt. The $100 up front is nothing compared to the added value you are receiving with two Hoppers.
Interesting that they just can't setup a 2 Hopper/1 Joey system. But, it is what it is. So, what is my best way to go about getting 2 Hoppers/2 Joey's? I don't seem to be able to customize my order through the website. Will I actually need to call Dish to ask for the 2 Hopper/2 Joey setup?
Contact a Dirt member (Dish Internet Response Team). Go to bottom of Forum page, look for users in RED. Send a PM.
Either that, use a local retailer that can set it up for you, or; go to the main forum page here and scroll to the bottom. Look for a member listed in Red to message about the setup. These are dish support members and they can assist you if with it (referred to as the DIRT team on the site). I don't see any online right now but one should be available later this afternoon. They are extrememely helpful and will assure that the order is correct.
Great! My buddy mentioned the DIRT folks and recommended I talked to them, but I haven't seen anyone on and wasn't sure if I was missing something. I will keep my eye out and get in touch with one of them to see what my best options are! Thanks everyone!
It is true that three tuners limit what can be watched live and recorded. Posters here are quick to point out the limitations and point out worst case scenarios. The need for a second Hopper really depends on your viewing habits.
Keep in mind there are no limitations for DVR playback, so if the three tuners are in use, any TV can still play a program from the DVR.
Another thing that helps as of the latest software (S234) is a single tuner provides access to ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox using the Prime Time Any Time (PTAT) mechanism. So if your live viewing/recording needs involve "the big 4" a single Hopper may be sufficient.
I agree with all of those points. My experience personally as a seller / installer is that 1 Hopper is good for 2 rooms in most cases. If you go up to 3 or more then I highly recommend getting two Hoppers. Of course its going to vary depending on viewing habits and such but for the $100 up front you not only have way more options for recording and viewing but also back up if one of the Hoppers fails.
