- Records up to 350 Hours of SD and 55 Hours of HD Programming.
- Supports two independent viewing TVs - a remote control for each TV. High-definition (HD) and standard definition (SD) on TV1; SD on TV2
- View HD and SD programming2 TV1 display resolutions: 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i (1080p for applicable Video on Demand)3 TV2 display resolution is 480i
- Independently watch TV in two rooms, or watch one show while recording another in one room
- Dolby Digital audio
1. Noticeably better HD and SD picture quality than previous generation ViP's. (ViP 922 is also reported to have noticeable better PQ).
2. Different chip-set from previous generation ViP's are, among other things, supposed to make it easier to work with Sling functions and external devices yet to be released.
3. The optional MT2 OTA module allows for receiving and recording up to 2 ATSC OTA local broadcast channels at the same time in HD.
The interface of the 722K is exactly the same as the 722. Operationally, it is identical to previous ViP boxes. The most compelling reason to get a 722K and its greatest advantage is the capacity for it to record up to 4 HD channels at the same time.
First, the 722K does NOT come with an ATSC OTA (for your digital local broadcasts)demodulator installed--as is the case with previous ViP's, but those can only receive ONE ATSC OTA channel. For about $30, you can purchase the MT2 OTA demodulator directly from Dish Network (if you are having it installed, the installer can install the OTA demod), from an on-line Dish Network retailer (usually less expensive), or from your local Dish Network retailer in your neighborhood.
Since the 722K does not come with the MT2 pre-installed, you will need to install it yourself, but it is an extremely easy thing to do. Follow the directions that come with the MT2. All you have to do is unscrew a covering, then gently slip the MT2 module into place. DONE!
Now, you will need to connect the MT2 to an external antenna to receive your digital local broadcasters. While an indoor antenna may be used with mixed results, the best results are achieved by mounting your antenna outside. Only ONE cable is required to be input to the MT2, but that one cable will provide for 2 (TWO) ATSC OTA tuners. Please go to your 722K menu to scan for your OTA's. They will be displayed in yellow on the guide along with your other channels. A strength meter displays for each OTA accessed using the MT2. You may seamlessly access these channels for viewing or recording just like any of your other sat channels, and they are part of any search.
Now, you can record 2 satellite channels and 2 OTA channels all at the same time all in HD, giving you an effective 4 HD tuner DVR. This feature is extremely useful during prime time when the family wants to record favorite shows on local TV and on satellite without having to bump someone else's timer recording. If you subscribe to Dish Local channels services, you can record all 4 major networks (2 using the sat tuners and 2 using the OTA tuner) in Hi-Def all at the same time.
IMPORTANT: Don't cancel your Dish locals via satellite service just yet. While the MT2 and the 722K can record ATSC OTA channels without a subscription to Dish locals via sat, there will be NO program data displayed for your digital locals via the MT2: "Digital Service" is displayed instead with no other information or data. Without Dish local via sat subscription, you will have to set manual timers to record via the M2T. It is a pain, but some people do actually do this to save a few bucks. Yes, that stinks. However, If you want guide data for your digital ATSC OTA's via the MT2, you will need to subscribe to Dish locals via sat. However, the good news is that the locals via satellite subscription is nominal (about $6), and you can set timers from the guide just like any other channels.
I have recorded 4 HD channels at the same time many times and even had the 722K archive recordings to the external HDD, and I've never experienced any problems.
Some more noteworthy features of the 722k that have been carried over from previous ViP boxes:
* Archive to and playback from external HDD's. A one-time charge (about $35) to activate this feature for ALL ViP's on your account with this feature. External HDD's must have their own power supplies. 1TB HDD is supported. You may have an infinite number of external HDD's in your collection (at present only 1 HDD connected to the box at one time). For example, you can have a seperate HDD for movies, one for TV shows, one for little bobby's recordings, one for your favorite recordings, etc., and you can archive from one ViP, then connect that HDD to the ViP in another room and watch it using that second ViP.
* Large capacity internal HDD allowing for over 55 hours of HD programming.
* Picture-in-Picture feature in SINGLE mode (not available in DUAL Mode)
* 1 Hour buffer for each tuner
* Organize your recordings by Folders using the name of the program or create your own customized Folder titles (Mom's shows; Comedies; what ever you wish)
* Rename individual recordings (Change the name of those embarrassing titles or rename an incorrectly named recording because a channel changed it programming at the last moment due to sports or news events or plain stupidity).
* New, enhanced Dish OnLine services now organized by channel, content, rating, etc. Now much easier to find your movies or TV shows available on-line (presently on 722K's, but 722's will also receive this update, unknown if earlier models will get this enhancement).
The 722K really is the best DVR product out there (it would've been the 922 except Dish is still working the bugs on that one). I own a TiVo Series 3, and I do like it, but Dish ViP DVR's, overall, are better than TiVo. In fact, the 3 tuner model of the Moxi is better than even the new TiVo Premier. TiVo comes in at a solid #3 on my list of best DVR's. The 722K is my favorite DVR in the house.
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I installed and manage a number of these units for our Emergency Operations at work. I also have one at home. We struggled through some software issues with the earlier versions of this product and with the VIP 622. Most issues with the VIP 622 and 722 were resolved many months ago and are no longer a concern. Be aware that the hard disks last about 18 to 24 months. Then the unit needs repair. Dish sends out a replacement if you took the protection plan. If not, there is a nominal charge to replace a defective unit with a refurbished unit.The units function as advertised and serve us well in the Emergency Centers. I give it a real workout at home. The units do like to be turned of for a couple of hours each day to reconstitute themselves. Otherwise they need periodic rebooting. They need plenty of ventilation as they put out as much heat as a 40 to 60 Watt lightbulb. With that type of energy useage, even when they are turned off, they cannot be Energy Star rated; and neither can their competitors' units. Keep them cool, as with all electronics, and they last longer.
The 722ks are great machines with the caveat that the hard drives will fail at some point; and you will usually lose all stored content. This is no different than a disk failure in your PC. When it happens, and it will, it is a real pain. You can connect a back-up portable disk if you have critical content. There is a small, one time fee to open the USB port for the external disk.
You will not be displeased with this product.
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After digital over-the-air signals axed TVGOS programming downloads (and time signal) to our Panasonic DVR with hard drive, we finally broke down and signed up for Dish Network's offer for free HD upgrade with $6/mo DVR fee (with 2 yr commitment, etc.) -specifying the 722k. I'm not a big fan of renting equipment, but for some reason (digital licensing issues?) we haven't able to find a DVR with digital tuner and hard drive for a reasonable price. Since the $6/mo fee applies whether you use your DVR or theirs, and since the hard drive seems to have a limited life (though the Dish rep said it depends on how much TV one watches (obviously) -some hard drives might last 5 years), I figured renting is reasonable -$72/yr for 2 to 5 yrs is $144 to $360 -not far from the ~$350 Amazon is asking. And if your hard drive goes out after 2 years, you send it back to Dish and get another for a nominal shipping fee.Ours worked fine right out of the box. Features have been well described in other reviews. Heat's not an issue with ours, and it's not overly noisy. It shuts "off" when not in use. What's really neat, though is that we can record (or select a recorded program to view) from the 2nd TV, making use of the UHF remote. Finally, it's so nice to be able once again to select what to record from the on-screen guide rather than having to set up a manual recording. And we can still use the Panasonic for watching DVDs. Incidentally, the "free" upgrade to HD gave us additional channels above the 120 pkg we'd been getting.
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If your thinking of buying this DVR,call DISH NETWORK first,you can probably get it for free with 2 yr agreement.Ive had DN for 6 months now and I love it.Great price,15 dollar discount every month for 1 yr.This DVR works on 2 tvs (one HD and one SD).The DVR is only 6 dollars a month.I had Time Warner DVR and it cost me 17 dollars a month and was no where near as good as this one.The remotes that come with the Receiver are probably the best Ive ever had.You can point another remote at them and it will learn the commands of the remote.I highly recommend DISH NETWORk over cable.
I researched the blogs to see the bugs and wondered why I was so long suffering. Dish technology is superb. You will not be disappointed.
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