by Jack Berkins on May 12, 2012
When you’re ready to get DIRECTV, you’ll be asked to select a programming package and it’s not always an easy call. Even though you can easily switch to a smaller or larger plan after your system is installed, it’s always a good idea to do some basic research so you’re good from day one. Here are a few tips to get you started:
Prioritize your Favorite Channels
We all have ‘em… a handful of channels we just can’t live without. The smart networks develop new programs complementary (not brain dead clones) to their other, popular shows. If they get it right, you’ll often find yourself gravitating to a particular channel for an entire night’s programming. Bad for productivity, but it can actually be helpful when it’s time to choose a plan.
Either way, get a rough feel for a priority of your programs. For starters, make a quick list of your 5 to 10 must-have shows and which channels they’re on. Then, jump over to the channel list of each of the top 4 DIRECTV packages:
If one of the packages has all but 1 or 2 of the channels on your list, decide whether it’s worth the extra $5-$10/month. If you can’t make up your mind, it’s always a good bet to start with the lower package, then move up if/when separation anxiety sets in.
Spread the Wealth
If you have a few people in your household, don’t make the programming decision all on your own (trust me, that can backfire!). Get their top few channels and if they’re not on your list, let ‘em know the difference in cost. Of course, if you’re paying all the bills, it’s really more of a courtesy check. 
One of the upsides of having multiple DVRs installed on different TVs is each person can record exactly what they want. So, most larger households are usually better off getting the larger package and making sure everyone has access to their own receiver.
Sort out the Specialty Channels
Once you’ve settled on a package, you still have the option of adding specialty programming (regional, niche, language-specific channels). Often, you can secure a free trial (or even a lifetime of lower rates) if you get them added to your initial order. So, if you’re looking for premium movies (HBO, SHOWTIME, etc), exclusive sports channels (NFLTicket, MLB Extra Innings, etc) or even an international pack, make sure you inquire during setup to maximize your savings.
You’re in Charge
At the end of the day, the folks at DIRECTV (or at any TV provider) just want you to be happy with their service and programming. With all the free equipment and bonuses they shell out, it’s in their best interest to make sure you stick around for at least a couple years. Keep that in mind during sign-up and take a bit of time beforehand to figure out which package suits you best. In the long run, it just may end up saving you a nice chunk of time and money.
by Jack Berkins on May 9, 2012
DISH Hopper System
In an effort to compete with DIRECTV’s multiple room DVR, DISH recently released their new whole-home DVR system, aptly named Hopper. Essentially, it consists of a primary DVR box with a variety of smaller “Joey” receivers for each of your TVs. From bigger hard drive space to simultaneous recording and playback, the entire system packs quite a punch. Here’s a rundown of its main features:
Whole-home DVR Capabilities
The single biggest perk with Hopper is the ability to control every aspect of your DVR network from ANY television. That is, you can record, pause and rewind live TV from any receiver in your home…and move around to different rooms and pick up right where you left off.
Right out of the box, you’re able to record up to six different HD channels at the same time (unless you have a large family, you probably won’t ever have six simultaneous recordings going, but it’s nice to have if/when). Specifically, you can stream up to four different channels on four different TVs, with another two recording in the background.
With their new PrimeTime Anytime functionality, you can watch nearly any favorite local show (on ABC, NBC, FOX, etc), whenever you want it. The convenient bit is it’s a real-time stream, so it doesn’t take up hard drive space. Hopper automatically saves local programs for up to 8 days after their original airing, so if you want to keep one longer, just make sure you record it.
Space Like Never Before
If you’ve ever maxed out the space on your DVR, you know how frustrating it can be to have to delete old shows (or worse, have the system automatically do it for you). It’s even more important these days with a larger percentage of programming being broadcast in the highest quality HD, that takes up GBs at a time. With the Hopper, you get an impressive 2 TB of recording hours. In our tests, the hard drive was very responsive, without a noticeable delay during heavy navigation and/or filtering.
Save Time with a Cleaner Interface
With all the new features, a completely new interface was a must and Hopper didn’t disappoint. With a gray and blue palette (not my favorite, but it’s integrated nicely with all the other elements), each screen is clean and fairly intuitive. My barometer with new on-screen displays tends to be whether I can immediately dive in without having to reference the manual. With Hopper, it took a couple minutes to get a gauge for the organization and hierarchy of things (not surprisingly since there are multiple boxes involved), but once I mastered it, I found the layout and buttons a breeze to use/understand. Kudos to their engineers.
Go Mobile with Sling
Sling is a standalone (and 3rd party) box that lets you access your TV from anywhere in the world that has an internet connection. Not all DVRs or equipment from TV providers are compatible with Sling, but DISH made certain their new system takes full advantage of it. You simply connect the small Sling box to the back of your Hopper and you’re fully mobile. It literally lets you control the Hopper as if you were standing in your living room with remote in hand – if you’re on the road a lot, consider adding Sling to get full access to your system 24/7.
Bottom Line
Over the past 5 years, we’ve used nearly every DVR series from each of the major TV providers. With each new edition, there tends to be a twist to a current feature and more rarely, a novel approach to the recording/management process. Hopper brings a lot of the latter and it’s quite a coup for DISH. It’s already won a few awards (CNET, CES, etc.) and if the buzz we continue to hear is any indication, it’ll be a mainstay for years.
