Replacing VIP211 with same or Hopper

[boba]

Since the OP was considering simply getting a replacement ViP211, I am surprised that nobody recommended a Wally. The Wally would still use an external hard drive to provide DVR service for no monthly fee, just like the ViP211. The Wally would also cost $50 to purchase from Dish, just like the replacement ViP211k that was mentioned earlier. The Carbon User Interface is native to the Wally. (In other words, the CUI was not a forced upgrade from an old interface on the Wally. The Wally was designed to work with the CUI, just like the Hopper 3 was, so a Wally may not have all of the problems with the CUI that others with older Hopper models have been reporting.)

Wally is also $58 to buy the stand alone OTA tuner that is standard with 211 & 211K. CH 3/4 modulator is additional $10 on Wally plus other options you don't need but could want.

 

[pattykay]

The OP didn't mention OTA. The OP was debating between a ViP211 and a Hopper, and personally I find the Wally to be a good compromise between those two options. The OTA adapter would also be required for a Hopper, if the OP uses OTA and switches to a Hopper.