Vip622
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DISH Network launches remote DVR control
Congratulations DISH Network DVR owners, you no longer have to be jealous of your DirecTV brethren, now that DISH Remote Access lets you schedule recordings from anywhere. All that's necessary is a broadband connected ViP DVR like the ViP® 722k, ViP® 722, ViP® 622 and ViP® 612. Got an attached Slingbox (or, in the future, SlingLoaded ViP 922 HD DVR?) Then you can watch recorded shows from anywhere too via the SlingGuide we peeped at CES. That's really all there is, we could whine about this upgrade taking so long but really, it seems better to just go ahead and try out the new features immediately. Now, about that Sling app for iPhones...%Gallery-40979%
Dish's new ViP612 - like the ViP622, but now with less
EchoStar's DVR lineup is practicing addition by subtraction. Take the dual-tuner ViP622 HD DVR (pictured) that currently supports output on two HDTVs, cut that to one HDTV output, and you have the brand new ViP612. Fans of the more popular addition by addition, like some forumgoers at SatelliteGuys.us, are a bit disappointed there's not any new functionality to look forward to. If you've only got one HDTV and have been waiting to make the jump, here is your device.
Archos 605 and 705 now support Dish DVR transfers
We've always had an inkling that Archos was making some content moves around its Generation 5 PMPs, and the latest is pretty sweet: a plug-in download from Archos.com now enables the 605 and 705 to transfer shows and movies directly from Dish VIP622 and VIP722 DVRs over USB 2.0. There's no mention of pricing in the press release, so we're assuming it'll be a free download, and the plug-in should be available "today," although we're not currently seeing it. You know, with the Sling relationship and now this deal with Archos, it kind of seems like Dish actually wants customers to view its content as they see fit -- any of the other satellite or cable companies paying attention here?[Warning: PDF read link]
Dish Network enables external storage, Ethernet port on DVRs
Dish Network subscribers with ViP622 HD DVRs can finally breathe easy and not worry about accidentally erasing any shows -- as rumored, the satellite company stealthily enabled the Ethernet port and support for external USB 2.0 hard drives last night. Using your own storage isn't as simple as just jacking in a random hard drive and recording away, however: Dish will charge you a $39.99 "activation fee," you can't daisy-chain drives, and content you archive on the external drive will have to be manually moved to back to the internal drive in order for you to watch it. You can use as many drives as you want, though, so you can have separate drives for movies and sports, but we'd have much rather had all this stuff managed automatically. Upgrades should be rolling out now, let us know when you get your in comments![Thanks, Art]
Dish to enable external HDD use with its DVRs, use Ethernet to 'phone home'
Dish Network users (and the ones that are about to be), commence rejoicing. According to MultiChannel, the satellite television provider is readying its "USB External Storage" solution, which will dole out a software update that allows users of the ViP622 HD DVR to attach their own USB hard drive for storing content. Notably, this wonderful luxury will only require a $39.99 "enabling fee," but we've no doubt the hardcore recorders won't mind a bit. Additionally, Dish is also scheduled to finally enable the Ethernet port for users who have wanted to "phone home" via this method, you know, considering you probably ditched your landline four years ago anyway. Reportedly, this will mark the first step in launching the new DishONLINE video-on-demand service, which could be operational next month. In other sat news, the latest DirecTV bird is set to actually make a difference "on or around September 15th," but for those itching to flank their ViP622 with "up to 750GB" of their own storage, you'll be waiting 'til August 15th.
Dish Network pushes HD DVRs
Dish Network's CES press conference earlier yielded several changes for high definition satellite customers. First, that its ViP622 DVR receiver will now be available for free as a part of the Digital Home Advantage Program. According to Dish, it's the first HD DVR in the satellite industry available with no upfront charge. What this means for existing customers who have the 622 is unclear. The company also officially unveiled its DishDVR Advantage package, bundling the DVR with the America's Top 200 with local channels and a standard-def DVR for $49.99. The HD version of the package, including the ViP622 and DishHD programming is a $20 per month upgrade, although with discounts new customers can enjoy the HD programming package for the same price as SD for the first 10 months. Of course, the much more interesting news about the new ViP622-1 DVR with MPEG-4 and VC-1 support, a 500GB HDD and the ability to hook up USB drives for extra storage was also revealed during the press conference, we'll have more pics and information on that later.Update: Dish has updated its press release to state that the program will begin on February 1st. Read - DISH Network(TM) Launches DishDVR Advantage Package Read - DISH Network Offers Free High Definition DVR
