I was a D* customer for almost a decade. For the last 2 years, I enjoyed my HD Tivo. But I realized that I would need to upgrade to the new HR20-700 to get my locals in HD and all the new HD channels D* is promising. Since I had satisfied my commitment to D*, I decided that I would check out E*'s Vip-622 HD DVR as I was checking out D*'s HR20-700. After extensive research and hand's-on play with each (luckily I have friends who have both), it was an easy choice. I went with the Vip-622 and made the switch to DISH three weeks ago.
The decision wasn't even close. The Vip-622 has some features that absolutely blow the D* HD DVR out of the water. My favorites are:
- Only one coax required - that's right...DISH can deliver content to both the HD tuners and the OTA tuner via a single coax cable. With D*, I could combine the OTA signal on one coax from the sat., but a second coax from the sat was required for the 2nd HD tuner...a pain and an extra expense!
- Separate TV Output - the Vip-622 has an output for a 2nd TV, allowing you complete and independent control over what you watch on that TV. Comes with a 2nd remote and you can have all DVR features on that TV. I previously had my kitchen TV slaved off my D* HD Tivo, but was forced to watch whatever was being watched on the main TV in my family room. This is a huge plus!
- 30 Second Skip - perfect for quickly skipping thru commercials. D* doesn't have this.
- One click Guide Access - having to click twice to get to the guide you want on the D* HD DVR was annoying!
- Full Feature Remote - The remote on the Vip-622 was designed very well, well though-out and feature rich. The D* HD DVR remote looks and feels like a brick. I have a Harmony remote which I have used for years, but I like the Vip-622's remote so much, I primarily use it instead now.
- Best of all, it was free - I took advantage of the new promotion to get the Vip-622 for free, plus $200 rebate. With a better HD line-up and a superior HD DVR, it was a no-brainer.