Swap Dead 211K for a Hopper Sling or Wally?

[jrbdmb]

So i currently have a setup with all old school Dish receivers - main 722 in the living room and 211K / 211Z in each of three bedrooms). One of the 211Ks just died (will not power on), and Dish talked me into replacing this receiver with a Hopper Sling. I know this would work, but it seems like overkill to me and upgrading to the Hopper comes with a new 24 month commitment (not like I'm planning to leave, but prefer not having to do this). They really didn't give replacing the dead receiver with another 211 as an option, and I hadn't really researched my options before calling.

After looking into things, I think just buying a Wally and adding the external drive makes more sense. Or I could just buy another 211z or 211k to replace the bad one. Any suggestions on which path to take appreciated. (Note I'm not quite ready to replace everything with Hoppers due to stuff already recorded on the 722.)

 

[Pepper]

If they're offering a free upgrade with commitment, hold out for a Hopper 3 and 3 Joeys (or fewer Joeys if all three bedrooms aren't in simultaneous use). You can attach a USB hard drive to the 722 and save off the recordings, they'll be viewable on a Hopper.

 

[tjboston5676]

Just a heads up, you can't replace just the 211, unless everything is purchased. The system will require all vip receivers to be deactivated to activate a hopper. Only purchased vip receivers can be added back once the hopper is activated.
However going the option of the wally is much easier to do if you plan to keep the 722 and other 211s. But will need to purchase the wally.

If you do go to hopper definitely make them give you a hopper3 like mentioned. Especially for four or more tvs. Also going to hopper and joeys will allow you to have shared recording in every room, plus extra internet based features. Also if the 722 has a second tv, it would also get a Joey which will give that tv high definition.

 

[navychop]

You did right. ALWAYS come here for the straight dope - CSRs are quite unlikely to have the depth and breadth of knowledge we have here.

I’m surprised the Dish “system” would allow a Hopper on a system with incompatible equipment.

 

[jrbdmb]

They did tell my that the failed 211K was purchased , but that's so long ago I didn't remember that. I am sure that the 722 is leased, so it sounds like I would have a problem with the setup they proposed. (Not sure about the other 211k and 211z.)

I will try to cancel the upgrade for now and buy a Wally for the bedroom, perhaps upgrade everything when the time is right. Thanks.