Will Dish DVRs play previously recorded shows if not connected to a satellite?

[GlenLee]

Been a DirecTv customer for over 20 years. I found out shortly after they came out with HD DVRs that the receiver worked even if not connected to a satellite - you could go into the play list and play previously recorded shows. So I picked up an additional receiver and started bringing one with me in the semi while leaving one at home to record shows for me. This all ended with the last software update. Now if the receiver isn't receiving a satellite signal, after about 5 minutes of operation the receiver crashes.

I'm not in a position to carry a dish with me in the truck. Most of the areas I lay over are 2g and low bandwidth wifi, so internet access for viewing isn't a viable option.

The question; do Dish DVRs work if not plugged in to a satellite dish, or do they crash and burn like DirecTv receivers?

 

[TommyF@DISH Network]

Our receivers will still show the recordings when not connected to the satellite signal, however there may be times when it loses authorization. If it does, all you have to do is reconnect it and have us send out an authorization signal to the receiver.

 

[navychop]

Eventually, they time out without a sat signal and lock. Can't say how long.

NOW - Plan B:

Get a Hopper With Sling. It can download programs to an iPad and you can view it there. I believe you can even use the Apple iPad HDMI adaptor to connect to a TV.

 

[garys]

I wouldn't call it "Crash and Burn", more that you cannot remain in playback mode. In the case of Dish, many older models did not need to be connected to sats in order to have access to your recordings, but a lot of those models are not being activated by Dish anymore. The newer ones may work for a short time, but need to see sats in order to remain working. You may want to check into Dish Anywhere which allows you to access your receiver's recordings while away from home by use of computers, tablets, netbooks and smart phones.

 

[navychop]

Granted, OP stated poor Internet service where he often is, but I've been surprised at how well it works in fringe areas. Of course, the fringe is 4G......

 

[GlenLee]

I usually lay over in 2G areas. (Not by choice - it's where I relay my freight to another driver) Tunein radio barely works. There isn't sufficient bandwidth here to handle a video feed. The only workable solution until rural areas join the 21st century is for me to record shows at home and bring them with me.

 

[Martinash]

Have you considered Tailgater?
http://www.mydish.com/upgrades/products/tailgater/?WT.svl=left-nav

 

[garys]

Have you considered to record using a dvd recorder and take a portable dvd player with you?

 

[TommyF@DISH Network]

I usually lay over in 2G areas. (Not by choice - it's where I relay my freight to another driver) Tunein radio barely works. There isn't sufficient bandwidth here to handle a video feed. The only workable solution until rural areas join the 21st century is for me to record shows at home and bring them with me.

If you have an iPad, you can also look into getting a Hopper w/ Sling installed. This would let you use the Hopper Transfers app to put recorded shows on the iPad which can be viewed for up to 30 days before having to be re-authorized. This option wouldn't require any internet connection except for at your home to transfer them over.