Basic question: Can I go around Dish Network and just find a 2nd HD-DVR on my own online to complement my 722?

I currently have the ViP 722 through Dish Network set up at home, servicing two tv's. Problem is I'd like to get HD programming on my bedroom HDTV, but the ViP722 as it stands only offers HD output for one tv (my HDTV in the living room, far away) and not two HDTV's. So Dish Network is "offering" to charge me anywhere from $100-$500 for a separate HD-DVR receiver for my bedroom, plus installation, plus the $10 monthly leasing fee, plus a new 2-year contract! Absolutely awful to me.

I've seen some used 722 and 622 models on eBay which I'd be open to get. I'm just not sure what issues, if any, I need to be aware of during the "setup" process? I'd assume I'd just have to switch the current 722 to single TV mode, and with this hypothetical new DVR, out of the box just screw in the coaxial from the wall into it, and then HDMI out to the TV.

Is this the way to go? :confused:

Any insight would be SO appreciated! Thanks.

I don't think it's that easy. At a minimum you have to have the receiver activated/authorized by Dish before it will work.

You would need to get the receiver activated by Dish, and then pay the $12.98 a month for 2nd DVR and additional receiver fees. You would avoid the contract this way. If you don't hook the new 722 or 622 up to a phone line or Internet connection, you could also face a $5 a month fee as well.

Ted

Thanks so much for your replies. I'm going to check some of these receivers listed on ebay as new, as they're way cheaper than what Dish is charging. Hopefully they'll work once activated without anyone needing to come out. :o

Doesn't Dish make it so that whether you buy or lease the 722 or any other box - you end up just about paying the same thing monthly? Anyway, the upfront cost for the 722 should be $125 or less if you get the 622. I just had two 722s installed to replace my old 301s. I'm no expert on this, but from what it appears, I would assume that you need to run a line from the switch to the second 722/622 - and you could not use the line that was coming from your first 722. The new 2-year contract does stink, though - but I figure I'll have it for at least 2 years and if it was really that bad, I think the penalty is like $10 per month remaining in your contract. I thought I read that on their website. I've had Dish for 6 years now and I didn't realize how wonderful the 722 is compared to the old 301. I know, apples and oranges. ;)