Questions about The Hopper?

[gregleg]

I would think it would be easier to just dump the whole transponder and demux later on demand -- one (fat) stream to write instead of 4 for the same net effect.

As for why you can only then pull out the "Big 4" initially, that's probably a matter of licensing (the big 4 agreed to it) and consistency (different regions will have a different mix of channels on the relevant transponder, but they'll all have at least their big 4. Much easier to market "records all 4" than saying "records 4 in some markets, 5 or 6 in others...")

 

[Lt Disher]

I would think it would be easier to just dump the whole transponder and demux later on demand -- one (fat) stream to write instead of 4 for the same net effect.

As for why you can only then pull out the "Big 4" initially, that's probably a matter of licensing (the big 4 agreed to it) and consistency (different regions will have a different mix of channels on the relevant transponder, but they'll all have at least their big 4. Much easier to market "records all 4" than saying "records 4 in some markets, 5 or 6 in others...")

This is a guess, but I don't think there is any licencing or agreement from the big 4 involved at all. The right to record for personal usage has been established already. This is why there is an ON/OFF switch on the PTAT. When the Hopper is initially installed the default for PTAT is OFF. The USER must turn it on. This makes it a personal recording. I think this is how DISH gets out of any need for licencing or agreements.

 

[cosmo_kramer]

When you have two hoppers connected seamlessly, how many days of Primetime Anytime will be recorded?

If I understand correctly, one hopper can store 8 days worth of Primetime Anytime. Would you get 16 days with two? or could you set the other hopper to record some other set of channels on the same transponder?

(i'm guessing it's 8 days, but there seems to be a lot of unused potential for that second hopper)

If/when two hoppers are connected seamlessly, I would be more interested in seeing the full internal drive on the second Hopper be available for our use. Would Dish really need to reserve half of both Hoppers?? Seems like it would just be duplication....

 

[hojni]

I really like the whole Hopper/Joey strategy, but don't know if I can make it work. I've got 8 televisions and 4 users, so I would need 2 hoppers and 6 Joeys. Is this going to be a supported configuration? Or, as we've seen in the installation guides, is the number of Joeys limited to 4 in a 2 Hopper setup?

 

[dwarren2]

If/when two hoppers are connected seamlessly, I would be more interested in seeing the full internal drive on the second Hopper be available for our use. Would Dish really need to reserve half of both Hoppers?? Seems like it would just be duplication....

And if you had an ehd attached to each receiver, havethem integrate seamlessly.

 

[steve4810]

And if you had an ehd attached to each receiver, havethem integrate seamlessly.

Now your making me hot.

 

[dare2be]

Now your making me hot.

We don't know if heat will be an issue with the Hopper.

Gives new meaning to a Hopper in heat.

 

[FitzAusTex]

I'm currently using one leased 622 with a 1000+ antenna, but I also have an owned deactivated 622 as a backup unit sitting in storage, should my leased 622 fail. If I move over to the Hopper system (with no Joeys), and my Hopper failed/needed replacement, would I be able to activate my owned 622 while I waited for Dish to send me a replacement Hopper?

I realize Dish isn't going to allow VIPs with the H/J system, but what would happen if we have H/J nodes/wiring but want to revert to a VIP (without any active H/J)?

I take great comfort in knowing I currently don't have to wait days to receive a replacement VIP, should my active 622 fail.

 

[lern4483]

Hi Scott,

Maybe this has been asked before.
Will the Joeys have access to the Blockbuster Movie Pass?

 

[JM42]

Hi Scott,

Maybe this has been asked before.
Will the Joeys have access to the Blockbuster Movie Pass?

Yes.

 

[KAB]

Hi Scott,

Maybe this has been asked before.
Will the Joeys have access to the Blockbuster Movie Pass?

Blockbuster At Home, now...and yes, via the Hopper.

 

[lern4483]

Thanks for quick answer JM42 and KAB

 

[lern4483]

Final question
Pricing. I currently have a 922, two 722k and one 612.
I don't need extra tuners.

A hopper and three Joeys is all i need. My bill should go down right?

 

[dare2be]

Yes, by quite a bit. A quick mental tabulation: from $54 down to $31.

 

[JM42]

Yes:

Current:
922 - "included"
722K - $17
722K - $17
612 - $10
DVR - $10
Total: $54.00

Hopper:
Hopper - "included"
Joey - $7
Joey - $7
Joey - $7
DVR - $10
Total: $31.00

With those savings I'd probably go ahead and get the second Hopper to replace a Joey.
.

 

[dare2be]

I thought the 612 was $10, which is where my $54 number came from.

 

[steve4810]

I thought the 612 was $10, which is where my $54 number came from.

I pay $10 for my 612 but I think it is called solo HD DVR on the bill. I do own the 612, if that matters. And that's all except the AT250 free for $10 and DVR service for $6 (and the 69.99 for AT250 itself).

 

[JM42]

I thought the 612 was $10, which is where my $54 number came from.

Your right. I knew better. Just corrected. Should do this while trying to do real work.

 

[lern4483]

Thanks again!

Curious, with my setup what would be advantage in have two hoppers?

 

[dare2be]

Advantage, more tuners. Disadvantage, they won't be integrated yet and would act as two separate systems/receivers just like the ViPs do now.