Awesome NEW features for people who own DISHNETWORK 501 receivers...

[NotAClue]

I just checked my recorded programming on my PVR501 receiver and noticed an 8 minute recording from DishNetwork.

Two of the really nice features are:
-- search function: enter name, etc. and search for FREE, then select record, remind, etc.
-- connect your phone line(if not already connected) and your caller-ID will be displayed on the bottom of your screen.

There are more new features for the PVR501. But these really got me going !!

v

 

[Snyder81]

AWESOME! I have one of these and did not notice it yet. I'm going to go check it right now! I dunno about hooking up the phone line though...I don't like DISH Network being able to check out my viewing habits...*paranoid*.

 

[vladgur]

Dewd, this not a HOT deal, while this is cool, its completely OT.
This feature is available in 153 upgrade and people have known about this for weeks(check out DBS Forums)

 

[Snyder81]

Even though vladgur seems to think this sucks, I still thank you for the announcement. My system does not seem to want to download the upgrade though...is there a way to make it manually check for upgrades?

 

[vladgur]

I never said it sucks, in fact I said its cool, but it does not belong in this forum. This is for HOT DEALS only, this does not involve us saving any money or anything of that sort.

As far as the upgrade goes, you cant tell them when to upload the upgrade to your receiver. Dish distributes updates in blocks, so just sit an wait. I got mine about 2 weeks after it was anounced on DBSForums. The search feature is nice, not as flexible as that of replay tv, but still very nice.

 

[Snyder81]

It's saving me time by not having to search online listings for programs I want to watch. Thanks again!

 

[RobsTV]

What, you mean you couldn't do this all along?
Also, how are you supposed to type in the info, with the remote?

Sure am glad I kept my Dishplayer instead of downgrading.
Using the included keyboard, and we always could do the things you mention.
Now the DP is back up to a full one week search. (used to be just 3 days).

 

[Emulex]

dont plug in your telephone or big brother will know what that you have been watching 496!!

 

[zapy]

Was STABILITY and RELIABILITY one of the new features?

I mean.. I really like the idea of these features and they are long overdue but these 501's don't really work as advertised. Many folks have had complete hard drives with 30+ hours of recordings ERASED! Is that a feature? No, it's a bug and damn major if you ask me. There are others.............. the blinking clock error.

Go visit dbsforums.com and check out the PVR forum. 90% or more of the posts are relating to BUGS with these units. Hell, there was a major bug found on the new software just released. It took less than a day (maybe hour) to find.

Makes you wonder how Dish tests their software - OR if they even do test it?


But, this is not a hot deal. Simply news for what it is worth. More to some, less to others.

 

[flenn]

My 2:

I'm on my 4th 501 receiver. Two had major problems, the other one had no audio through the optical out. I have no confidence in this receiver at all. I keep waiting for this one to fail. My previous setup was a DD DirecTV receiver with an external Tivo. As far as ease of recording, the two setups don't compare. The Tivo was so much more powerful and so much easier. The other problem with Dish, is the guide only goes out 2 days. WTF is that? That's useless IMO, and makes the recording feature practically useless for sporting events. Having to constantly look at the guide to set up your recordings on non regular programming is a major pain.

Knowing what I know, would I switch from DirecTV with external Tivo to the 501 again? Believe it or not, yes. Here's the thing; the Tivo looked and sounded terrible, compared to the 501. Going back and forth between digital and analog had major effects on the picture/sound. My projection TV is very sensitive to picture distortion and the Tivo made the picture look like crap. Not to mention, the Tivo wouldn't record DD which is a major drawback for me. So anyway, I'm going to ride out my contract with DN and then look for a deal on a DirecTivo receiver at DirecTV.

 

[vladgur]

That is if there is DirecTV when your contract expires: theyre going to merge, you know....

 

[darth maul]

<< The other problem with Dish, is the guide only goes out 2 days. >>



Check again, its been a full week for the PVR501 for months and months and months. Easy to overlook, but its been around for awhile.

 

[flenn]

Apparently my receiver hasn't updated to the 7 day guide. I'm guessing the reason is because I don't shut the unit off. I have a multifunction remote programmed with a macro to turn all my HT devices on/off, but it doesn't support the PVR501. I leave the receiver on for convenience. I'll start leaving it off at night and see if it accepts the upgrade.