Receiver model numbers, Pulled from hat?

[Hemi 6.1]

So I have a Question thats went unanswered for quite sometime.

Where did E* come up with the model numbers on their receivers?

Why is a HD DUO called a 222?
But an SD Duo is called a 322?

Why is a 622 HD DVR Duo called a 622?
But an SD DVR Duo is called a 625?
And so on .
Do the Numbers have meaning at all?
How about VIP? What Very important person?

I don't get the random model numbers.
and What the hell does the K stand for?

 

[Bob Haller]

marketing belies some numbers are better than others.

thats why we had a 721, and now a 722.

makes no sense but its marketing

 

[retiredTech]

usually...
second digit means number of tuners
third digit means number of independent outputs

 

[Juan]

tonytng's echostar knowledgebase had an explanation what the numbers meant

http://www.dishuser.org/equipmenu.php

better link

http://www.dishuser.org/modelnum.php

 

[Hemi 6.1]

usually...
second digit means number of tuners
third digit means number of independent outputs

so a 625 has 5 independent outputs , but a 622 only 2?

 

[Bradtothebone]

usually...
second digit means number of tuners
third digit means number of independent outputs

emphasis added.....

 

[Pepper]

The numbers have obviously passed from one person/group to another many times over the years, each of whom thought they had come up with the "best" way of assigning a new receiver model number, the end result of which is complete randomization.

 

[DishSubLA]

I agree with the OP. The model number don't always seem to make sense, and just when you think you have it figured out, Dish gives model number to a box that breaks the form you thought you had figured out.

It might be better if Dish used TiVo's practice. TiVo has an official model number that is pretty long, but marketing gives the box a rather simple and easy to remember moniker that does make some sense. It is not perfect, but far easier to understand and far more accurate in relating the differences of a particular generation or box in that generation. TiVo marketing has always been the best of all DVR manufactures. Perhaps that is a good enough reason for Charlie to buy TiVo because he would at least inherit a great marketing staff.

 

[Hemi 6.1]

tonytng's echostar knowledgebase had an explanation what the numbers meant

EKB: Equipment

better link

EKB: Dish System Model Number Chart

This still doesn't really answer the questions.

 

[Stargazer]

When some of the receiver numbers were first released in three digit form (322, 522) the MPEG-4 receivers were not that common. As they rolled out newer receivers they had to name them something.

They first started out with 1000, 3000, 5000 four digit numbers. Then they went with three digit numbers. What's next, two digit numbers like Directv uses?

 

[Hemi 6.1]

Well D* make sence, atleast more so then E*.
D/ Directv Standard
R/ Recorder model
H/ HD Model
HR / HD Recorder model

And their model numbers mean things as well.
Mostly for different features as the years progress.

Like the H-10 models are All H-10 Mpeg2 First generation.

H-2* are 2nd Generation HD receivers that are Mpeg 4, and the 3rd number marks the receivers that have different features.
and the Last 3 numbers tell where/who it was made.

R-22 is the same as a HR-22 Just the standard Def Version, Which is Why the model jumps from 1* to 2*.

R 10 is the First Directv Recorder, R 15 has a larger hardrive, R 16 is Black. But Still an R 1*

 

[jbrooks987]

Once we get all the numbers figured out, Dish will change again. They'll go with two models: "This'n" and "that'n".

 

[Claude Greiner]

It used to be Model 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000 and 6000 which made sense as the higher the model number the better the receiver.

Then they came out with the 2700, 3700 and 4700 which made a little more sense

Then came the 301, 501 receivers which also maked sense!

Lately, I think the issue is that they ran out of model numbers, and thats why its as screwed up as it is right now. This would kind of explain why they came up with the HD Due, HD Solo etc.