Auto hop was a gimmick to sell the hopper. When they went from Xip 813 to Hopper they went with Auto hop to sell the hopper. Now I think the ability to use one tuner to record the big 4 networks , so you don't miss any of prime time, is also a great feature that isn't advertised that much. The reason why ? Most likely that it isn't as easy to use as a gimmick, like Auto hop or Hopper. Also as I have stated before, the auto hop feature was created and used as a negotiation tactic for DISH to use when the networks came up for renewal for the best price for DISH. Each time the contracts come up, DISH can once again use it as a reason for the networks to be reasonable in their price hikes. Because the networks depend on advertising revenue and for the subs to see the commercials. The networks got their 3 to 7 days without auto hop, instead of just hiking their price for carriage by more money than either DISH or it's customers wanted to pay. The result you have to use the skip feature and press the button on the remote control. I would rather skip the button myself, rather than pay more to watch my local networks. Wouldn't you?