DISH Network Customers Can Now Convert Tuners into DVRs

November 17, 2008

By Jennifer Hull

DISH Network will be offering its customers the ability to convert their single tuner ViP211 and ViP211k receivers to include all the functions of a DVR simply by attaching an external hard drive. The DVR Conversion will be available at the end of November.

DISH Network Offers Tuner-to-DVR Feature

"As a leader in high-definition, DISH Network continues to expand its HD solutions for our customers, including finding innovative ways to take our existing technology to the next level," said Jessica Insalaco, chief marketing officer for DISH Network. "Now customers ready to add in the benefits of DVR recording to their HD receiver can do so with ease, simply by plugging in an off-the-shelf external hard drive."

Features of the DISH Network DVR Conversion

ViP211 or ViP211k customers must call DISH Network to activate the DVR feature. Once activated, customers need to connect an off-the-shelf 50 GB and 750 GB external hard drive. Customers can then access DVR menus similar to other DISH Network DVR features, including name-based recording and search-based timer capabilities. Other features include a nine-day electronic programming guide, DVR functionality on both the satellite tuner and built-in OTA tuner, record and review conflict management, VOD capability, and the ability to play back a stored program while recording or watching another.

DISH Network Offers Hundreds of Channels

DISH Network Corporation, the nation's third largest pay-TV provider, provides digital television services to approximately 13.78 million satellite TV customers across the U.S. Subscribers enjoy access to hundreds of video and audio channels, international channels, Interactive TV applications, Latino programming, HD sports and movies, as well as high-speed Internet service.