Dish Network ViP622 (200-hour DVR)
Starting at: $319.00
CNET Editors' Review
CNET Editors' Rating
- Reviewed by: David Katzmaier
- Released on:
- Reviewed on:
- Updated on:
The good: Receives and records new MPEG-4 AVC programming, including local and other HD channels not available on older receivers; dual-output mode for secondary TV; can record up to three HD shows simultaneously while playing back a fourth; 30-second commercial skip; exceedingly quick response time; well-designed, highly customizable interface; search function includes history; superb remote; impressive image quality; USB port enables connections to portable media players and external hard drives to expand storage capacity.
The bad: Generally lighter selection of local HD and sports channels than cable; annoying interstitial PPV page; defaults to "all episodes" for EPG-initiated recordings; uglier EPG and menu system than TiVo HD and DirecTV; no built-in networking functionality.
The bottom line: The Dish Network ViP622 and 722 are among the most fully featured and versatile high-def DVRs you can buy today.
On the outside, the Dish Network ViP622 is a fairly staid silver box, measuring 16 by 3.5 by 13 inches and weighing 11 pounds. Its most prominent feature is a row of six LEDs on the middle of the face, which light up to indicate recordings in progress, dual- or single-mode operation (see Features below), and power on or off. The front of the ViP622 comprises three similarly sized sections of subtle clear-on-silver plastic; pressing against the rightmost section elicits a soft click and lets it swing open to reveal a USB port and a set of front-panel controls. These include the major menu commands found on the remote, as well as the only button that can switch between dual and single modes.
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CNET Senior Editor David Katzmaier reviews TVs, and has done so for more than 10 years. He augments his observations on picture quality with objective measurements, reproducible calibrations, direct comparisons to competing products, and a universal test methodology. He is also, contrary to rumor, mostly human. Mostly.
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Most Helpful User Review
stars 19 of 20 users found this review helpful
"CNET is Right this Time" By robcode
Pros second room, speed, great guide, Great HD
Cons Somewhat flakey, occasional audio dropouts
Summary Listen to CNET, not the peanut gallery here. I had TiVo from the bloody beginning and DirecTV's version for years. This DVR makes TiVo look like a joke. Especially if you have suffered all the indignities of TiVo, this is a get out of jail free card. The review ... Expand full review
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Specifications
See full specsQuick Specs
- Audio output mode: Stereo
- Remote control type: Universal remote control