Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)The 722K, a dual satellite tuner model, is virtually identical to the 722 except for the following:
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.
Click Here to see more reviews about: NEW VIP 722K Dual Tuner HD DVR Dish Network
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