The Dish Network User's Resource
The Dish Network User's Resource
Hosts for the October 2003 Tech Forum are Mark Jackson, Sr VP E* Technology Corp and Dave Kummer, VP Engineering.
Phone: 1-888-621-2078. E-mail: Techforum@Dishnetwork.com.
Technical questions only, please.
Custom Electronics Design and Installation Assn
Many minutes spent giving very brief looks at new products available to home theater custom installers. Related only in a very general way to Dish products.
The rest of the 301 line will get the EPG upgrade soon.
All models are upgradeable over the satellite for enhancements and bug fixes. This has always been provided at no extra charge. Many of the oldest receivers were released before new features were conceived and are reaching the limits of their design.
To ensure you have the latest software available for your receiver, put it in standby.
301 is being upgraded to a 2-day EPG.
721 just received a major upgrade. They barely met their promise to have it out by the show - it went out this morning. SuperDISH support, weather, graphic conflict resolution, discrete power off, option to record the entire event if it's in the PVR buffer, switch support for the 2 to 1 switch (DP21?) and DishPro dual. Fixed Caller ID, other bug fixes.
Tip: To make the DVR hard drive last longer, turn the unit off when not in use.
Prize: 2 winners of a DVR510
Question: How many pixels are on a full 1080i HD screen?
Chris: Will the 921 work with just 1 feed?
A: Right now must have 2. They haven't developed the software to cover all 1-tuner possibilities.
Clinton: 1. 921 release date? 2. Is recording time or name-based?
A: 1. Nov 15, maybe a week or 2 later. 2. All products are time-based. Are looking to upgrade but not ready to announce when.
Ben: Will latest HD receivers support closed captioning or subtitles?
A: Both 811 and 921 will.
Ken: Way to make the 501 update the EPG when you want it to?
A: Put in standby 5-10 minutes.
Alan: What is the 301 upgrade? What is the cardless technology?
A: EPG holds 48 hours, fewer PIP interruptions on the EPG. Smart card is basically moved onto the mainboard.
Larry: Will 921's DishWire work with JVC HD VCR?
A: Should work with the 30000 and 40000 but won't be enabled until 1Q04.
Tim: Option on 510 to save/record the entire show if the beginning is in the buffer?
A: Yes. 721 just got it. Is in beta on the 508. Hopefully by end of 1Q04.
Ben: Will 921 be able to record 2 OTA channels at once?
A: No. Only 1 ATSC tuner, 2 sat tuners. Can record from any 2 of these.
John: Wants to upgrade to SuperDISH but will need DPP44 if additional locals stay on 148.
A: DPP44 coming early next year, will support 4 satellites.
Ben Moore (big day for Ben who also got 2 questions on the air) and Robert Butteraugh.
Martin: Will 921 have networking ability, to/from PC?
A: No, program providers won't allow it. Future possibility if standards are put in place.
Martin: Will 921 accept IR remote?
A: Yes, all UHF models since the 5000 also support IR. Discrete on/off being added to all high-end receivers.
Eugene: When will 721 get Dish Home?
A: Is in beta, hopefully by Dec 31.
Robby: 921 dimensions?
A: 16"W x 14-1/4D x 5-1/4H, 17.6lbs
Kyle: Has AEP, SW64 to 4 receivers, and Sky Angel. Also wants to add 105 for HD.
A: DPP44 will be out early next year, Mark mentions January. Can support a dual tuner receiver from 1 output, also legacy receivers without use of the adapter.
Kenny: Richmond locals won't be on Dish500. What offers are there?
A: See above.
Don't call the call centers yet on new products, watch the next Charlie Chat.
Next Charlie Chat is Mon Nov 10, 9:00pm Eastern