Despite the wonderful innovation that is the DVR, there's always going to be those dreaded scheduling conflicts. American Idol versus Survivor? You can soon record both of those programs simultaneously, and maybe even four others if you're in need. DISH Network just announced that its highly anticipated Hopper HD DVR system is now available.
When it was first announced at January's Consumer Electronics Show, the Hopper created buzz for being unlike any DVR currently available anywhere. First of all, it has a whopping 2TB of storage, which can store up to 2000 hours of your favorite movies and TV programs.
However, it doesn't just hoard all of that content for the main viewing area. Using smaller matching receivers dubbed "Joeys," the system allows users to pause, play and rewind recorded and live content from the Hopper system in up to four other rooms around the house.
Another unique Hopper feature is how many shows it can record at once. According to DISH, the Hopper can actually record up to six HD programs simultaneously during primetime hours. This is done through the PrimeTime Anytime feature. This unique addition can instantly record four primetime HD network channels, all with a single click, using just a single tuner inside the box. When you enable PrimeTime Anytime, the feature will automatically record shows on ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC in HD (where available) from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Sunday. The DVR will then store that content for up to eight days after the shows have aired. This puts a week's worth of TV programs on-demand, in case you've missed anything.
How does it accomplish this magic using only one of its integrated tuners, you might ask? DISH says that the network feeds are all transmitted within a single stream so by recording that entire raw stream, the Hopper is able to capture everything from the major networks during the assigned times. At playback, the shows are individually accessible just as with a standard timer recording.
The Hopper is also compatible with DISH Network's TV Everywhere feature. TV Everywhere allows customers to manage and schedule DVR content through the web or from the DISH Remote Access app. Add in the DISH Sling Adapter for viewing and control over live and recorded content using any compatible tablet, smartphone or computer, from almost anywhere in the world. (Read our DISH Sling Adapter Review for more information on setup and features.)
If you have the Hopper hooked up to the web, customers can also add in Blockbuster @Home. For an extra $10 per month, this option delivers additional on-demand content, promising thousands of movies and TV shows streaming right to the TV.
"Whether watching your favorite primetime network show or the men's college basketball championship games, there's no better way to enjoy TV than ‘jumping' from room to room using the award-winning Hopper and Joey," said DISH Network CEO Joe Clayton. "The Hopper, named after DISH's new kangaroo mascot, delivers network TV shows on demand and thousands of movie choices streaming or delivered to the hard drive; it's a slam dunk in providing the most entertainment options for the entire family."
DISH is making the Hopper available through a leasing program. New customers that sign up for DISH's America's Top 200 or DishLATINO Dos programming packages or greater can receive one Hopper and up to three Joey units for free, which includes the installation cost. The Hopper will run you $10 per month, with an extra $7 per Joey. Additional fees may apply, depending on your current package so check with DISH directly to see what it will take to bring home the Hopper. For the DIY crowd, the Hopper ($399.99) and Joey ($159.99) are also available for straight purchase from resellers such as Solid Signal.
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