Not sure if this is where it needs to be, but I have more info on the 942...

First - Confirmed you need BOTH sats hooked up. If you just have one, you get no picture.

It does output BOTH the DVI & Component at the same time...

It still has a tendancy to lock up...

Mine tends to 'forget' itself every morning. Everytime it's been 'off' (it's never really off, there's the floating logo) for an extended period (+6 hours), it comes back and tells me I have a switch problem. I have to go through the 'switch test' (5 minutes), ensure the signal is good (always @ 110 or above), and it goes to 'finding sat.' (another 5-6 minutes...) At this point it finds them & downloads the program guide (tack on another 5 minutes). Total time to turn on in the morning 15-20 minutes. (Not good).

Last night, I was starting to watch one HD channel, while recording another - as soon as the recording started, my picture went bad - and I mean goofy bad. Green / pixelated / rainbow horizontal lines EVERYWHERE. You could barely make out the faces, as they trailed thes lines. (trippy). I went to menu, everything crystal clear (except for the preview pane).
Wife called Dish. I began troubleshooting...
Odd thing is, it did this on both OTA & Sat channels... Switched to DVD, TV was clean. (phew!!!) Switched back & turned 942 off. Turned it back on - same thing. Switched channels - didn't matter. Stopped recording - nada. Actually got up (gasp), and turned the UPS off (killed power to everything). Brought it back up, and repeated the 'forgotten cycle' above. Gee, 25 minutes into my 1 hour show I was able to watch again!!! (BTW, wife never did get a human - she was on the phone for 45 minutes.

Wife called Dish this am. 10 minutes in she gets the first tech, who said ' I am not trained on that unit, it's new. let me get you specialist'. There goes another 10 minutes. Next Tech said 'it's a known' problem, do the following:
(insert repeat forgotten cycle here). After power down, power up & wait, tech said I have a bad switch. Wife responds with then how come I get picture / sound after we repeat this cycle every time AND how come the switch worked fine on the old unit? Silence...

They are shipping a new unit out today....

Will keep posting to let you folks know... :)

(if this belongs somewhere else, please let me know)

Rob


Update 5-3-05:
Got the new unit (2nd day delivery). Did not include remotes - just the unit itself. Instructions were fairly straightforward. Once I hooked it up & got to the stage I needed to call to activate, I called. Almost no hold time (:eek: ), got a nice lady who walked through the standard steps. Alas, that gave me the core, but not local or HD. She said she had to transfer me to 'advanced support':cool:
By the time Advanced support come online, I had the locals, but was still pending the HD. Being impatient ;) , I started scanning locals (OTA) - of course, that's when the tech came on the line. Once we waited for the scan to finish (~ 2 minutes), I popped into the menu, and there was my HD, including both OTA & Dish. I chatted with the tech for a minute and he said they had very few of these units deployed - I pressed him and he told me less than 20!!!:eek:
Unit appears to be working fine now, old unit on a truck on it's way back. I have to setup all of the preferences again & redo the dual mode, but the picture is NICE...:cool:

Rob

I got the green lines the first time I watched a recorded show. I did a reset (about a week ago) and have had no problem since. I am liking this recorder. It works almost the same as TiVo and is a heck of a lot faster. I went this route as a customer of Direct TV, I would have had to spend $1,400 + to upgrade equipment to get HD and the DVR too. I got set up with Dish at $250 plus lots of other incentives. So far, me like.

Here is a forum in which is posted the 942 bugs and includes my posting on the green lines.

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?p=390173#post390173

Well, I called three local satellite dealers/installers in the DFW area and none of them have the 942 in stock. I was all set to pay the $250 lease upgrade fee, but no one has it.

So all of you with a 942, consider yourself lucky.

For what it's worth, I think pretty much no local installers are going to be able to fill an order involving the 942. You have to order it direct from DISH, who will then get a local installer to set you up. I just did this and they shipped the 942 to me (it arrived the day before the install). I'm not 100% sure that it is a DISH-dorectorder-only proposition, but I perceive that from reading many other threads here and elsewhere.

Bottom line: I think you can get one if you order straight from DISH.

Local installer in CA had the 942 in stock all ready to install but when I asked for second dish to install for Voom channels he didn't have the dish so I rescheduled.

Originally posted by HobeSoundDarryl


Bottom line: I think you can get one if you order straight from DISH.

Thanks. I will have to do that.

No problems with mine after 4 weeks.

I am a DISH retailer so please keep in mind that the 942 is a very new receiver & also very expensive($1,000) DISH eats $750 when you activate. Retailers must pay full retail on all of the receivers they stock & only when they install them do they get reinbursed. When the 921 came out I ordered one for my inventory only to have it sit on the shelf. At a $1,000 that kind of hurt then DISH lowered the price by 1/2! Needless to say I as a DISH retailer would only order a 942 for a customer who confirms an order, especially with mpeg4 coming out with in a year for HDTV users.

Far as bugs go, that is to be expected and a s/w update is coming out very soon, also a s/w update is coming out for the 941 (ABOUT DAMN TIME!)

I hope this helps

This is my first post & i love this forum all ready!:p

O by the way if you wanted a 942 from me it would be a week wait to get my hands on one, or if you were willing to pay overnight shipping charges we could install it in 24-48 hours. I'm sure this would be true of 90% retailers. I called Echospere Denver today and they are in stock on these units.:D

Welcome SATPRO... always nice to have inside folks on the forum...

I just switched to DISH from DTV a few weeks back (read some of my other posts around the forum as to WHY...) and I am so-far fairly impressed with the 942. It does alot and is a huge improvement from my previous reciever (A DTC-100! Ancient!).

I've got an early generation Panny Tau 34" and this new box treats her quite well. The potential to record up to 3 shows at once (2 sat and 1 OTA) is remarkable to me (first time DVR user!) and I see a reasonable increase in picture quality over DTV. True, as posted elsewhere, there are some minor "HD-lite" issues with bandwidth, but it seems far less noticible than DTV was. Of course, having switched from such an old receiver, there could be lots of reasons for a picture improvement...

I had a little weirdness the first day with the box needing to be rebooted, but since then (knock wood) it's been running like a charm.

One quick ponderance for any other 942 users (and SAT PRO) using it in single-tv mode:
Do you find the 942 can only decode one stream to Dolby 5.1 at a time? Seems if I have a channel tuned in and locked on with a DD5.1 signal, any other channels I view with the other tuner is only PCM stereo or prologic, no 5.1...

Thoughts?

I have a question about the 942 and connecting it to a non HD television.

The 942 has only one set of RCA composite outputs.

Can you get a small Component to Composite converter box to output composite to non HD tv set.

I'm mainly interested using for longer SD recording capacity.
But I want to know if I'm forced to get a HD set be able to view both tuners and program both tuners.

Thanks for the help.

bjf

For all who want a 942 I suggest the following web site.

www.dishdepot.com

Mark is great to work with and he offers trade in value for your old dish sat receiver, lnbs, switches, etc. NO TAX on any order if you live outside of Florida state. I have done many trade ins over the last 3 years and he always does me right.

The 942 is the best receiver Dish has ever made with 3 tuners; one ota , 2 sat tuners. Supposed to be adding the ability thru the usb port , to add additional hard drive space , this summer.

I have had a 942 for about a month, and am generally very happy with it. The only problem that I have been noticing is with the VOOM channels from their satellite at 61.5. Sometimes the VOOM channels will either not be there at all, or they will be received, but with a great deal of breakup on the signal. I will do a "check switch" and then all channels will be locked in solid!. I don't know why I loose them to begin with, and what does the "check switch" actually do that results in perfect locked-in reception?

I walked into fry's and walked out with a 942. Same price as dishnet. When can we hope the USB becomes active for archving to PC and HD-dvd? I think the picture is superior to 6000 and everything except voom channel guides has been flawless. I would love to archive though. I'm a happy camper.

So am I understanding this right?

If I am currently leasing a Dish 811, I could call Dish and updgrade to the 942 for a $250 fee? I only have a single feed from my satellite dish (one of the older Dish 500's) going to my HDTV (the Dish 811). The other feed is going to a (very) old 2700 series receiver.

I know that there is a new DishPro+ switch that can allow you to feed the 942 with a single Coax line, but I am wondering if you can use this and still provide signal to my older receiver.

Finally, I have a fully finished interior in my house (including the basement), and I don't have a way to get another Coax line to my HDTV easily. I am using a pair of diplexers to combine my cable and satellite on this single cable. Would I still be able to use a diplexer on the single coax run to the 942 if I used one of these special DishPro+ switches? (I use the cableco feed to watch most of my HD locals, and as a feed for my TiVo to record off from).

Has anyone figured out how to watch two shows at once using the 942 by pausing and flipping back and forth between them? Even recording one and watching the other and pausing the 'live' show to watch part of the 'recording' show means I have lost part of the 'live' show when going back to it. What am I doing wrong?
BTW, I've got component, co-ax and HDMI outputs connected, something you shouldn't be able to do (the component & HDMI) but I've got to re-set the receiver to get the HDMI recognized.
Output is superior on everything including Voom sat.
Now, how do I watch two channels without losing parts of either of them?

Has anyone figured out how to watch two shows at once using the 942 by pausing and flipping back and forth between them?
I think you might be in Dual mode. Use the front panel switch to make sure you're in Single mode.

Right now, I can press 'Swap' to swap between OTA channel 7 HD and Showtime HD on 9460. Since I've been watching 7 for a while, when I return to it I can rewind 37 minutes -- the full buffer.

Or, I can pause, PIP, Swap, pause to get both shows paused and on-screen at the same time, then play or Swap and play to start either or both.

I think this sort of functionality is what you're looking for, no?

[For what it's worth, my s/w is 226, and I'm using DVI out.]

Can anyone help with this question - I have a 942 with HD/Voom/OTA. It seems that my OTA locals display the program info only once in awhile. When the time changes (ie from 7:00pm to 7:30pm) the guide displays "digital channel" with no info. I'll turn on the TV and 942 on the next day and the info for the OTA will be back until the next time update. Please help.

I am also having issues with the video and sound sync. I am using the hdmi out from the 942 directly into the tv and optical to the A/V receiver. There is a lag with the audio (The picture happens a fraction of a second before the sound). Do I need to purchase a receiver with an hdmi input/output to cure this?

MitchR

Mitch you need to report this problem to the 942 support forum over at dbstalk.com

-Gary

Maybe this should go in the Deals forum, but if you don't want to spend time escalating at Dish trying to work out a lease deal, maybe you just want to save $100 off list at any other local retailer I've talked to, and go to your local Fry's.

In the South SF Bay Area, though, only two of the stores had stock: Campbell and SJ, and Campbell was down to 3 units in the computer.

http://newspaperads.mercurynews.com/RopAds.aspx?adv=32664&ad=1806057

Lower Right Hand Corner.

Best wishes,
-yogaman

I am considering replacing my 811 with the 942.

I know it is a dual tuner PVR, but is it worth saving $5/mo. to get rid of my 510 SD PVR we use with TV2?
It seems I would be losing out on simultaneous recording ability if I don't keep it.

The 942 is supposed to be available for lease by existing customers, this month.. (July) with a 249 deposit.

question on new 942:

my E* install is scheduled for Monday 4 Jul

in the meantime I received my 942 / connected my VOOM dish and get the demo HDTV ch 9443 720p

Q: both the component video & HDMI output simultaneously: will this still be the case after it is activated? I hope so :)

Mark,
All of the video outputs on the 942 will be active simultaneously, but only one can be used at a time unless you're in Dual mode in which case TV 2 will use either composite or RF output.

few more questions:

how many coax cables are fed into the house ?

the reason I ask is there is limited access for cabling: I have one run from the VOOM dish which I assume will be reused; how many cables for the second dish?

if I have a 942 and an 811 installed in the same rack: can the multiswitch be installed in the rack so no extra cables need to be run from outside?

I ordered a 942 and an 811 but now am considering not installing the 811 since the 942 gives me component & HDMI simultaneously

Thanks :)

BEV, the Canadian Sat. system which licenses DISH hardware, will be releasing the "942" tomorrow (July 5th). They are calling it model 9200.
I am surprised there isn't a whole lot of activity here under this subject.
I will probably upgrade our BEV 6000. BEV did/does sell the 811, but never bothered w. the 921. It appears that it will sell for $599 CDN. (Under $500US.)

...mike

what I want to know is if the 942 sounds like a jet fighter taking off like my 6000 does ever since i go the OTA card installed. that would be reason number 1 for me to want to replace my perfectly fine tivo and my loud 6000 with this. that and if i can get it for $250 (does that include a $5 montly lease fee forever too?)

my 942 seems to be as quiet/ quieter than the HD Tivo

the 942 has no fan

I think the 942 is better than the HD Tivo: it is certainly faster accessing menus and setting up programs to record

what I want to know is if the 942 sounds like a jet fighter taking off like my 6000 does ever since i go the OTA card installed. that would be reason number 1 for me to want to replace my perfectly fine tivo and my loud 6000 with this. that and if i can get it for $250 (does that include a $5 montly lease fee forever too?)

Is the $250 upgrade fee widely available now? I am considering one of these, but I would need a new DP+44 switch. Does the upgrade include installation (and all of the necessary equipment)?

Thanks

few more questions:

how many coax cables are fed into the house ?

the reason I ask is there is limited access for cabling: I have one run from the VOOM dish which I assume will be reused; how many cables for the second dish?

if I have a 942 and an 811 installed in the same rack: can the multiswitch be installed in the rack so no extra cables need to be run from outside?

I ordered a 942 and an 811 but now am considering not installing the 811 since the 942 gives me component & HDMI simultaneously

Thanks :)

I have a 942 with a regular dish and a VOOM dish. The 2 dishes are cabled together and only 1 coax goes into the house which feeds the signals from both. There is a 2nd coax that feeds the OTA signal in from the rooftop antenna.

BTW, the 942 is an excellent box. It is very quiet, the only sound that I can hear is a soft clicking as the hard-drive is accessed. HDTV recording and playback is indistinguishable from the live broadcast.

My question about the may have been addressed in response to Mark above but I'm kind of dense so here goes....

I'd like to feed my TV both the component and composite/s-vid outputs and toggle back and forth as needed for SD/HD programming. Will this box simultaneously output both to the same tv so that one tuner can control both outputs? The reason I ask is my panny can only stretch 480 content.

Also, does the 942 have a "pass through" mode or does it send a fixed resolution to the panel.

On a side note, how happy is everyone overall with Dish Network. I'm ready to fire comcast and am looking at offerings from both Dish and DirecTV.

Thanks! Love this forum......

Nobody's perfect, but reasonably happy with Dish....

I'd like to feed my TV both the component and composite/s-vid outputs and toggle back and forth as needed for SD/HD programming. Will this box simultaneously output both to the same tv so that one tuner can control both outputs? The reason I ask is my panny can only stretch 480 content.
You can feed both SD & HD over component to your TV, so there's no need to switch inputs.

You probably want to set the 942 to send everything out as 720p or 1080i for best picture quality on HD. If your TV can't stretch, it's OK, because the 942 can output SD and HD as normal, stretched, or 2 kinds of zoomed.

How would you characterize the stretch modes available on the 942? I currently use a SA3250 from Comcast and the stretch modes are unwatchable to me.

On my panny plasma I use just mode and am very happy with it.

How would you characterize the stretch modes available on the 942? I currently use a SA3250 from Comcast and the stretch modes are unwatchable to me.

Normal is whatever the channel is, though it could be either 4:3 or 16:9.
Grey bars adds grey "pillar" bars left and right to soften when the original is 4:3.
The stretch mode is pretty linear so everyone looks fat and/or squat.
Partial zoom throws info away all around.
Zoom throws away more, but is useful when an SD channel is showing a 16:9 letterboxed show in its 4:3 window, pillar-boxed on my 16:9 set.

Normal is what I use most often, though sometimes grey is a nicer look on 4:3.
Full zoom is for 16:9 content on 4:3 SD channels, cuz I want a big picture.
Partial zoom is too much or not enough, so I don't use it.
I never use stretch. I'd rather have bars than visual distortion.

I just called about getting in on the $250 lease upgrade and was told it was only for new subscribers. what gives?! that's not cool. have any of you actually gotten it after being a subscriber already? I've been a loyal subscriber for over 6 years now and they can't hook me up?

I just called about getting in on the $250 lease upgrade and was told it was only for new subscribers. what gives?! that's not cool. have any of you actually gotten it after being a subscriber already? I've been a loyal subscriber for over 6 years now and they can't hook me up?

I think it is stupid that Dish calls it a "Lease Equipment Upgrade" if you are only eligible as a new customer. I suppose that they are saying that you are upgrading equipment you never had...

When I convince the wife, I am planning to try to call Dish and see if they will allow me to upgrade...

Does the fee include professional installation (has anyone gotten this deal)? And does this include the necessary switches and LNB's that you need if you have an older Dish (legacy)?

Thanks

The second time I called the CSR told me they may start the $250 offer for current customers in about a month. Then she tried selling me the VOOM channels and I said I'd love to get them but only if I could get the 942 since then I could record shows and actually be able to watch them. I have 3 tivos, I obviously don't like the whole idea of watching a show when it airs...
I hope they offer it to current subscribers soon though.

The second time I called the CSR told me they may start the $250 offer for current customers in about a month.though.


Yeah, I've heard the same rumors about the 942 for existing customers. I heard it was going to be in mid-August now.

I was a Dish customer for over 4 years and got a new HDTV. I wanted to get a 942 to replace the 510 I have on the HDTV now. Dish told me I had to get it from a retailer and both retailers in my area would not sell them. They would only provide them for new customers.

I read a thread on dbstalk about how some customers had been successful getting the $250 lease upgrade (including switches, LNBF, cabling, etc.) from Dish after emailing the executive offices. I sent a very polite email explaining how I could not obtain a 942 and actually got a call back the same day from a representative of the executive office. He said a new promotion was in the works to begin on 7/14.

I began calling on 7/14 and for the next week I played CSR roulette getting different answers from each person, but no new promotion. Finally I got my answer from my account page on Dish. I could purchase the 942 for $699 and pay $99 for installation directly from Dish. Gee, the chance to pay $798 directly to them certainly was a great deal! They also offered the 921 for $549 including installation.

After paying nearly $1,000 in lease, upgrade, and DVR fees I did not feel it was unreasonable to ask for an upgrade. Evidently they did. I have since chosen to take advantage of the generous cable offers available that include a dual tuner HD DVR. I will find out soon if I made a mistake. I hated to leave, but having no HD signal on my new HDTV was frustrating. I am not a cable fan and if it is bad I suppose I can have my wife sign up as a new dish customer. Her keeping her maiden name does come in handy some times.

I can understand that Dish might want to keep the number of leased 942’s low due to the swap out that would take place with MPEG4. I guess what made me mad was that some did qualify and I didn’t even though I had been there longer.

I was a Dish customer for over 4 years and got a new HDTV. I wanted to get a 942 to replace the 510 I have on the HDTV now. Dish told me I had to get it from a retailer and both retailers in my area would not sell them. They would only provide them for new customers.

I read a thread on dbstalk about how some customers had been successful getting the $250 lease upgrade (including switches, LNBF, cabling, etc.) from Dish after emailing the executive offices. I sent a very polite email explaining how I could not obtain a 942 and actually got a call back the same day from a representative of the executive office. He said a new promotion was in the works to begin on 7/14.

I began calling on 7/14 and for the next week I played CSR roulette getting different answers from each person, but no new promotion. Finally I got my answer from my account page on Dish. I could purchase the 942 for $699 and pay $99 for installation directly from Dish. Gee, the chance to pay $798 directly to them certainly was a great deal! They also offered the 921 for $549 including installation.

After paying nearly $1,000 in lease, upgrade, and DVR fees I did not feel it was unreasonable to ask for an upgrade. Evidently they did. I have since chosen to take advantage of the generous cable offers available that include a dual tuner HD DVR. I will find out soon if I made a mistake. I hated to leave, but having no HD signal on my new HDTV was frustrating. I am not a cable fan and if it is bad I suppose I can have my wife sign up as a new dish customer. Her keeping her maiden name does come in handy some times.

I can understand that Dish might want to keep the number of leased 942’s low due to the swap out that would take place with MPEG4. I guess what made me mad was that some did qualify and I didn’t even though I had been there longer.
Steve,
I'm hoping against hope that you haven't made a huge mistake. I've just come from the opposite direction. I was a cable subscriber with Adelphia leasing a Motorola BMC 9012 HD DVR. The service stank and was very expensive. The DVR was a good idea hobbled by Adelphia's penny pinching. No enabled DVI output, no grid style program guide, a tiny 80 Gig hard drive and enough software bugs to make Microsoft swoon with envy. I waited over seven months for a promised software update to enable the DVI port. They still haven't delivered it. My first DVR lasted 3 weeks before dying of heatstroke. I gave up in May and switched to Dish and the 942. I couldn't be happier and love the 942. It's everything the 9012 will never be. I'm praying that you aren't with Adelphia or Charter and the BMC 9012 DVR. If you are you should visit the Motorola BMC 90XX thread on this forum. Best of luck!

Steve,
I'm hoping against hope that you haven't made a huge mistake. I've just come from the opposite direction. I was a cable subscriber with Adelphia leasing a Motorola BMC 9012 HD DVR. The service stank and was very expensive. The DVR was a good idea hobbled by Adelphia's penny pinching. No enabled DVI output, no grid style program guide, a tiny 80 Gig hard drive and enough software bugs to make Microsoft swoon with envy. I waited over seven months for a promised software update to enable the DVI port. They still haven't delivered it. My first DVR lasted 3 weeks before dying of heatstroke. I gave up in May and switched to Dish and the 942. I couldn't be happier and love the 942. It's everything the 9012 will never be. I'm praying that you aren't with Adelphia or Charter and the BMC 9012 DVR. If you are you should visit the Motorola BMC 90XX thread on this forum. Best of luck!

Thanks for posting this...

I, myself, have been toying with the idea of switching to that very cable dvr through Charter. I was just worried about it, and apparently I was right. I will hold out and beg dish to let me lease their 942 when I get wifely approval!

Thanks,
Jeff

Thank you for the perspective, smjbj. The cable is coming from TWC and the box will be the SA8300HD. I did as much reading as could on the box and viewed the service on a couple of other HDTV's.

I know I will be very displeased with the analog channels, but fortunately there are few that I watch. If I am not happy with the service overall I will definitely be taking advantage of their 30 day guarantee and going back to one of the satellite providers.

I was surprised that Dish made no effort to entice me to stay. Since they obviously made some exceptions to their 942 lease policy I was hoping that was in the cards. I am sure they took a beating once word of their exceptions hit the boards and had to put a stop to it. I am still hoping they will make some announcement on their Tech Chat next week.

I had an address for an exec a year or so ago, but lost it. who did you send your email to?

I sent mine to ceo. I had a phone call back at my home within a matter of hours.
Sorry, since I have so few posts I cannot put the full email address. The domain is dishnetwork.

Just got the 942, switched from Cable. Told Comcast (Alexandria VA) if they didn't jack my internet + HD PVR fee up to $160 a month (up from $110) I'd stay. They said tough, I ordered Dish. (total package $80/month + $30 internet dsl = old comcast bill)

I have a roommate who wants to record stuff, so after getting just the 942 I added a 510 the next day for his TV instead of operating the dual mode on the 942. I HIGHLY recommend avoiding dual mode - it really kills off a lot of the features that make the 942 so cool.

Anyway, a dual-coax runs down from the dish (like 2 cables stuck together) one to the 942, one to the 510. Reception is excellent. I had the 8300HD from Comcast.

Differences have mostly been covered. I'm getting a little less breakup with Dish because my cable run was apparently pretty weak. Not that comcast cared (I had 2 amps to make analog even approach watchable). HDNet channels, HBO, Showtime look excellent. The only difference I notice is ESPNHD was sharper on cable for some reason. But the other HD channels have a slight edge to Dish.

Getting local HD OTA. It's ok. With Comcast you can record two shows at once, no matter the channel. No dice of course to record, say, Fox in HD and CBS in HD at the same time with the 942. MASSIVE improvement in all channels that are analog on cable. I can now actually make out John Stewart's face and read the names on the back of baseball jerseys on TBS.

The 8300hd was fine. Sometimes lost recordings, sometimes recorded 10 copies of stuff. Not great, but serviceable. No real complaints. OTA signals have confused the 942 a bit, but overall a far superior box in look-and-feel, plus more recording time, plus PIP, plus instant pausing/rewinding, no quality loss when pausing/rewinding SD like on the 8300(pet peeve).

Time will tell which I really prefer in the long run. Currently Dish has a big edge. I might miss being able to record two local HD's at once though in the future. Of course, it'll be 6 months before I'm actually paying full package price, so it's a killer deal until then.

I do miss the native pass-through, as my Toshiba does such a better job at smart-stretching 480 signals. But you can change it with a macro, so no big deal I guess.
Had Kola's in Alexandria do the install, great job, 124 signal level(!).

Have to update the above comment, and I have a question for others with the 942.

As I noted above, ESPNHD wasn't looking so hot, and I noticed TNT and one other HD channel just looked a bit grainy.

I bought a HDMI-DVI cable that was recommended by this board a while back for the 8300hd, but the well-detailed problems with that box prevented it from working. So I used that cable with the 942, thinking it was the best connection possible.

Just to double-check I switched back to my (very decent) component cables this weekend.

There is a VERY noticeable difference. Every channel now looks a bit smoother and less grainy. ESPN is night and day better. This is on a Toshiba 34hf83 monitor.

Any ideas as to why this is? The Tosh's natural display is 1080i, and ESPNHD is 720p, so maybe using the conversion is better over component than it is over HDMI? Or is the HDMI->DVI cable causing problems?

Anyway, strike those comments above about the HD quality - now every channel I have in HD is superior or on par with Comcast and the 8300hd.

I am one week into a 942 with a native 720p TV myself, and new to DVRs and am just loving it. ESPN tonight looks very sharp, similar to what I've seen periodically over the last week. I'm using the HDMI/DVI cable that came with the 942. Hard to believe the digital signal would process better over component than digital cable, so let me ask an obvious question that I couldn't deduce from your post. When you set it up did you make sure to use a 1080i output (that's a choice in setup)? If so, I'm out of ideas.

I did. Tried every setting I could in fact.

At this point I'm fairly certain it's TV specific. My Toshiba 34hf83, while being a very nice TV, probably wasn't at the forefront of DVI technology. I honestly think the tube was just built primarily to handle component, and the DVI was an addition.

No complaints here though - at 34" HD over component with Dish Network is STUNNING. I don't see how it could improve. Blows away my friend's DLP, which also looks excellent.

A puzzler, but glad the component is working. I too am pleasantly surprised at the quality of the DISH picture having moved from the gold standard of SD, C-Band. And this is on a 50" DLP. The sat HDTV is the equal of the high quality OTA I've been used to. Ok, I did see some compression blocking during a fast scan on the Closer in HD, but I've seen that on occasion OTA during football.

So far, DISH is delivering the goods.

I have a question about heat, do these boxes need much in the way of top ventilation? I notice there are vents on the right side only, so would stacking a component on top be acceptable since there are no top vents? I'm having an equipment positioning crunch..

I have a question about heat, do these boxes need much in the way of top ventilation? I notice there are vents on the right side only, so would stacking a component on top be acceptable since there are no top vents? I'm having an equipment positioning crunch..

I am stacking other boxes on my 942: it runs cool

I use vibration dampening feet in between boxes so the hard drive vibrations are not transmitted to other boxes

I am stacking other boxes on my 942: it runs cool

I use vibration dampening feet in between boxes so the hard drive vibrations are not transmitted to other boxes
Thanks, that's what I was hoping, I'll be stacking a HD+ on top of it until I get the energy to move everything around.

I use vibrapods on my equipment, they're great for isolation and providing space between components. :)

I have almost a week with this unit and I like it. Took me a little bit to figure out how to record, but now it's a snap. In a direct comparison of PQ with HDNet movies and DirecTV, the Dish setup is better, no question. I have no idea if it's the same resolution, bandwidth, blah, blah..but to my eyes it is definitely better, mostly noticeable WRT video noise, far less with Dish.

I do have a question though about noise, the HDD makes "clicks" or a "scratching" sound quite a bit..is that normal for this box? In a dead quiet room, I can hear it from 20' away..it's not really an issue while viewing and listening to content, but I am curious if it's normal for this box.

Other than that, this box has worked flawlessly, the standard def channels even look better than DirecTV's.

I am sort of irked though that FX is not carried as part of the base package as every other provider I can think of does...

I do have a question though about noise, the HDD makes "clicks" or a "scratching" sound quite a bit..is that normal for this box? In a dead quiet room, I can hear it from 20' away..it's not really an issue while viewing and listening to content, but I am curious if it's normal for this box.



I hear it too. I'm sure it's just the hard disk being accessed. The fact that you can hear it indicates how quiet the fan is in the 942. So much better than the terribly loud fan in the 921.

Thanks. I suppose it's the HDD buffering the live content.

Chazk13: I have been a DISH customer for a long time -- 5 or 6 years I think. I was fed up with lousy picture from Comcast (Seattle). A couple years ago I bought a 510 PVR from Costco and I love it...more impressively, my WIFE loves it! So easy to operate and set recordings.

Question for the group: I just bought a Panny 50". Got a great deal from Video Only, but they were out of stock so I won't receive next week. I will get OTA HD from my existing antenna (I hope). I can get a 942 from Costco for $489. Whaddya all think? Is it worth it? I hear about MPEG4 later this year or next, but I don't know what that means to me...better PQ? less noise? or what?

Thanks everyone...avsforum is great!

Chazk13: Forgot the most important part...I have been VERY happy with Dish Network's customer service and tech support. Wait times, if any, are always less than what I experience from others (Cingular, ATT Wireless, PalmOne, etc).

The fact that loyal customers do not get the same deal as they offer newbies is a bit distressing, but I understand the business model and have long ago decided that "it is what it is...live with it"

Go for it! I got mine for $650 when they first came out and have been enjoying great HD for months now. MPEG4 like all other new technology will not be out on time, and it will not make what is out there now obsolete over night. If you don't mind waiting a year for more HD then, hold off. Lastly, there still remains the possibility that the 942 could be upgraded somehow (maybe a card for that empty slot?).

I can get a 942 from Costco for $489.

Are you sure it's a 942 and not a 921? The Costco in Portland had 921's until a month ago. I can't imagine they are selling the 942 for $489. If they are, I'd buy another one in a heartbeat!

I'm about a week into my 942 and I'm less than impressed. HDTV is a little better than my 6000 and the ability to pause and replay quickly is very good. However, if the feed isn't HDTV and I have to use the stretch option, the picture is horrible - almost unwatchable. I still have a DVR 511 hooked up so I go back to it for non-HDTV.

I bought the unit because Closed Caption (CC) is a necessity for me and they finally brought this to HDTV via the 942. The problem is that CC is not there for all programs that are shown. Sometimes I have to go back to the 511 to view the same program that is being shown on the 942 w/o CC. Also, the 511 toggles CC on and off with one button (mute). On the 942, it's about a six stop menu selection which is a pain.

All-in-all, I'm sorry I bought it.

My experience with the 942 is obviously different from yours - HDTV is as good as OTA on ESPN, i.e. live, and reasonably good on movie channels, given the inherent limitations of film - sure some compression artifacts, but they haven't been in my face on a 50 inch set.

I still don't get why anyone would want to distort the original signal by stretching and then say it looks bad - to me stretching a 3/4 original is almost as bad as pan and scanning a widescreen. It isn't faithful to the original. Of course, I'm not worried about burn in issues. I find the unstretched SD signal from the 942 to be generally good, again on a digital set. Not as good as C Band satellite analog or digital, but as good as cable shows I've seen locally and OTA analog.

Jbach says: "I still don't get why anyone would want to distort the original signal by stretching and then say it looks bad - to me stretching a 3/4 original is almost as bad as pan and scanning a widescreen. It isn't faithful to the original. Of course, I'm not worried about burn in issues."


Burn in is a real problem - why else would you want to stretch the picture? People are fat enough normally, why make them worse?

I have already ruined the picture on one of my RPTV's with burn in and I don't want to do it again.

I have just tried to "replace" the Hard Drive in my BEV 9200 (same as Dish 942).

ie
..Power plug out

.....I moved the Power and data cable from the original Hard Drive to a new WD2500JS--Western Digital Caviar SE--temporarily placed on top of the exisiting HD.

......Power plug in

......gives "Serious Hard drive Problem" screen....receiver works but no hard drive functions.

....Power off...cables back to original hard drive...all works fine again.


Any suggestions?? Do I have to physically remove the original hard drive?

Thanks for any help.

I have just tried to "replace" the Hard Drive in my BEV 9200 (same as Dish 942).

ie
..Power plug out

.....I moved the Power and data cable from the original Hard Drive to a new WD2500JS--Western Digital Caviar SE--temporarily placed on top of the exisiting HD.

......Power plug in

......gives "Serious Hard drive Problem" screen....receiver works but no hard drive functions.

....Power off...cables back to original hard drive...all works fine again.


Any suggestions?? Do I have to physically remove the original hard drive?

Thanks for any help.

I don't really know, but I would suspect that the hard drive would need to be formatted or set up in a specific way to allow the Dish 942 to recognize it. I am just comparing this to a TiVo, which needs to be "blessed" with a special program to prepare it for installation in a TiVo.

Nope the 942 will format the drive, the key is getting a authorized Hard Drive that is ok with the Dish/BEV software, your drive must match one of the approved model numbers EXACTLY and make sure to set the jumpers exactly how they are on the OEM drive

I made a post a few months back that listed the exact model numbers of drives that were ok with the 942, do a little search for my name and 942

the wd2500js is not one of the approved/OK drives for the 942, that I can tell you

-Gary

Thanks Gary...I found your post..

Today exchanged the HD for a WD2500JD 55HB0....

For future reference, this one will not work either! ( The one on your list is---55HB1).

My supplier cannot/will not supply based on the suffex--only the WD2500JD part number.

Does anyone know who I can order one of the very specific units from?

Thanks for your help.

Thanks Gary...I found your post..

Today exchanged the HD for a WD2500JD 55HB0....

For future reference, this one will not work either! ( The one on your list is---55HB1).

My supplier cannot/will not supply based on the suffex--only the WD2500JD part number.

Does anyone know who I can order one of the very specific units from?

Thanks for your help.
hmm...you didn't happen to bookmark that post did you..?

Guys it is basically impossible to fine the correct WD's

I gave up on using dual 942's swapping drives back and forth to build a massive HD library on Hard Drives due to the fact that the correct drives are hard to find :mad:

the fact is that the maxtor's on the list are readily available but are much more expensive than the WD's

What a shame, the Hard drive swapping between units works like a charm, so does adding in a new drive to the 942, it formats it in mere seconds

-Gary

I've scoured the forums, but have been unable to find the answer to one simple question. I understand that Comcast carries the OTA HD locals as part of its Limited Basic Cable, they just don't advertise that fact. Will the Dishplayer 942 pick them up, or will I have to use an antenna? Put another way, if an HDTV with ATSC tuner can pick up local HD broadcasts via Comcast limited basic cable without an external box, shouldn't the 942 be able to do the same?

I've scoured the forums, but have been unable to find the answer to one simple question. I understand that Comcast carries the OTA HD locals as part of its Limited Basic Cable, they just don't advertise that fact. Will the Dishplayer 942 pick them up, or will I have to use an antenna? Put another way, if an HDTV with ATSC tuner can pick up local HD broadcasts via Comcast limited basic cable without an external box, shouldn't the 942 be able to do the same?

In order to receive local digital HD channels, you need your equipment to have a QAM tuner built into it. Some TV's with built in ATSC tuners have this QAM tuner as well. You will usually find a "DCR" logo on these units ("Digital Cable Ready"). I am fairly certain that the 942 does not have a QAM tuner. I KNOW that the 811 doesn't.

I can confirm that these HD locals can be received with an HDTV with the right tuner. My Mitsubishi WD-62525 pulls in the unencrypted HD locals with bare bones basic Charter Cable subscription (the $13/month one). The important thing to note in that last sentence is the word "unencrypted". Some cable companies encrypt the locals so you must have their digital set top box to receive them. This encryption can vary between the locations on one cable company, too, so it is hard to predict what the situation is in your area. Comcast in my area actually looks like they have started encrypting the locals, but I am still trying to find someone in my area to confirm this.

Hope this clarifies a bit...
Jeff

The important thing to note in that last sentence is the word "unencrypted". Some cable companies encrypt the locals so you must have their digital set top box to receive them. This encryption can vary between the locations on one cable company, too, so it is hard to predict what the situation is in your area. Comcast in my area actually looks like they have started encrypting the locals, but I am still trying to find someone in my area to confirm this.

Hope this clarifies a bit...
Jeff
They shouldn't be encrypted, all basic cable channels must be in the clear. Comcast does not encrypt them anywhere that I am aware of, this includes any HD locals.

They shouldn't be encrypted, all basic cable channels must be in the clear. Comcast does not encrypt them anywhere that I am aware of, this includes any HD locals.

I am not sure that is correct. The encryption of digital channels isn't very clear (according to the FCC -- or more importantly to the end user -- according to the interpretation of the cable companies). I think that the confusion comes in when the statement that all of the channels on the basic tier must be unencrypted. If I remember correctly, this statement is made relating to the SD channels, and its application to the HD channels isn't necessarily correct.

Anyway, there are cable systems out there that do encrypt their local HD channels. Whether they are in the right on this matter is still debated ad nauseum in these forums. There are some folks in my area with Comcast that said some time ago that their HD locals disappeared from their lineups, and as far as I know, no one has posted anything to say that they have reappeared...

Thanks

That could be, I know the cablcos have been lobbying to encrypt everything as a theft deterrent so it may well be starting to happen. Currently in the SF area, all the local digital feeds Comcast carries can be viewed with a QAM tuner-equipped display or third party STB.

Ok, thanks Jeff. It looks like the switch to HDTV is going to be more problematic than I expected.

The ability to record the major HD networks is very important to me. I currently have Dish Network with a 510 dvr, and the quality is much better than cable. That leaves me with two options... Switch to Comcast Digital cable with their HD DVR and endure their poor picture quality for most channels, or upgrade to a Dishplayer 942 and mount an antenna on my roof for HD locals. I might just switch to Comcast for now; it's the cheaper/easier option. I have a feeling that Dish Network & DirectTV are going to be hemorrhaging customers until they expand their HD lineup.

Does anyone know when DishNetwork is going to add the HD networks?
Why isn't there an ATSC or QAM/Cablecard HD-Tivo?

Hello all. I've noticed that since a second dish has been added to my 942 setup so that I could get 61.5 (and a seperator is now feeding my 942) I'm only getting DD 5.1 sound on tuner 1, not tuner 2. I found this out when I tuned both tuners to a 5.1 capable channel, and hit the swap button. The 5.1 sound follows the tuner 1 signal as long as it is the main picture. Do I have a defective unit? I remember being able to get 5.1 sound on both tuners before the system changed.

5.1 is curretnly only available on tuner 1. I believe this is to be corrected on the next software update whenever that comes out.

Thanks. I did some further reading over at DBSTalk.com and found out that this is a known problem. I hope Dish gets it fixed. Does anyone have any info on when the next big software update due out?

So this means that any programs I recorded(mostly HDNet movies) that indicated tuner 2 will only have stereo playback..? That sucks..

How do you force a tuner 1 recording? I played around with it a bit but not much as I wasn't aware of the audio problem but now I want to be able to force a tuner 1 record.

Guys it is basically impossible to fine the correct WD's

the fact is that the maxtor's on the list are readily available but are much more expensive than the WD's
-GarySo, Gary, before I go off and buy one of these Maxtors, I have some questions: 1) Do you use the extremely short hard drive power cable already in the 942 for powering swapped in drives, 2) If you use another power cable, could you provide a link to getting one as it appears to be an unusual ATX sort, and 3) Has anyone heard when Dish is actually going to make the USB active on the 942 and sell add-on HDs?

Thanks,

Dan

keenan,
Both tuners will record DD 5.1 ok, it's just that you won't hear 5.1 from both tuners when they are in use(recording). For playback, just make sure that you are on the tuner 1 input first before going into the dvr menu(tune to a 5.1 channel and if needed, use the swap button and tune to that same channel until you see that you have 5.1 sound).

Dan,
I read somewhere that Dish is working to activate the USB port for only one brand of hard drive, and the models selected are to small for HD use. I hope I'm wrong.

keenan,
Both tuners will record DD 5.1 ok, it's just that you won't hear 5.1 from both tuners when they are in use(recording). For playback, just make sure that you are on the tuner 1 input first before going into the dvr menu(tune to a 5.1 channel and if needed, use the swap button and tune to that same channel until you see that you have 5.1 sound).

Thanks. :)

Have a question about recording OTA. The station I'm recording has marginal signal strength and there are occasional dropouts. When playing back the recording a banner pops up that says something about loss of signal and then will go away with a click of the ok button and the program will continue. Many times the program will stop playing back and go to the restart, delete, etc. menu. If I FFWD past these points I can usually avoid it stopping the playback. In every case it appears the whole show has recorded but these halts in playback and re-starting are extremely annoying. Is there any way around this? Other than a better signal of course.

For someone who is used to a standalone Tivo, could someone help me understand how things will be different with a 942? I'm not looking for partisan appeals on behalf of either Tivo or the 942, just practical comments on what will be different and what adjustments will be required.

I'm scanning through the manual for the 942 available on Dish's web site. It says that "DISH Pass" can only be set for satellite channels, not OTA. But since all HD TV channels will be OTA, this means that the only way to record OTA TV is VCR-style, with date and time and length?

solomita:
I can't help you with a Tivo comparison since I never had one. As for the OTA, I can set a name based recording, one time only, new, weekly, all, M-F, daily, all from the program guide. As for Dish Pass I don't see why it wouldn't work for OTA as long as there is program guide information available for them. Right now you have to subscribe to Dish Locals to get it. However, a new software version came out this past weekend and another one today that enables OTA analogue to complement the OTA digital. I don't know if this changes Dishnetworks position re electronic program guide data.

solomita. After reading your question about setting up a dishpass for local HD programs I called dishnetwork. They tell me that we cannot setup a future recording using dishpass and OTA HD channels. This is a real deal breaker for me. Most of our viewing is HD locals. I have Direct TVs HR-210 HD recorder that does search out and find the HD programing even if it is coming from local antenna.
Dish network says that we can enter a time and channel for the local OTH programs but what a pain. We all know how often the networks move shows around.
I was to have the 942 installed next week but I think I will stay with the HR-210 for now. Besides the HR-210 has two OTH and two Sat tunners. Not to mention the problems I have been reading about the latest problems due to the new software downloaded to the 942.

Jeff Beck Kicks Ass!!!!!!!! now back to discussing the great 942 :)

Dan, Dish just added support for external devices in the latest software release, external USB drives can't be far off now

Those who are sticking with the Tivo are also sticking with HD-Lite from Directv, picture quality between the two providers is not even close

-Gary

Is HD that much better on Dish?...(which I have)

Interesting...

Can't you record OTA HD shows from the guide on a 942?

I can on my 921.

Yes it is Moon, some on this board would have folks to believe otherwise

-Gary

Jeff Beck Kicks Ass!!!!!!!! now back to discussing the great 942 :)

Dan, Dish just added support for external devices in the latest software release, external USB drives can't be far off now

Those who are sticking with the Tivo are also sticking with HD-Lite from Directv, picture quality between the two providers is not even close

-GaryAre you referring to upcoming Dish products that go beyond the limited hours of SD of the Pocketdish line? Or are you saying that other USB drives might be used for HD recording with the new software?

Either way this would be very good although the latter probably less expensive.

Dan

I think he's referring (in part) to the proposed functionality of archiving media to external USB hard drives. That's something I'm EXTREMELY keen on seeing become reality. Your 942 encrypts the media (it's protected from piracy) and you, the legal user, get to stash recordings for future reloading and viewing, saving the narrow overhead on the DVR for more recording...in other words, real HD fair use.

OK, so is it a certainty that Dish will allow us to use large enough USB hard drives to record HD on? From reading this thread, I can't tell if it's just our wishful thinking or not.

Dish announced it was going to allow the use of sending 942 recordings off to external hard drives, it was announced a while back

Dish just recently Did what I think starts turning this promise into reality, the latest software released has a menu option called "Multimedia" inside that are some menus for "Transferring" and "photos"

the photos option works as we speak, you can connect a USB device up and transfer photos onto the 942's hard drive, their is a section labeled "My Photos" were they are stored

Dish will be releasing the pocket dish soon, which will work under the transferring menu, we could get support for external hard drive transferring at anytime now

Dish said it was allow only specific external USB hard drives, Etc.

Also remember that the recordings stored on the 942 receivers can be played between all 942 units(and even BEV), I have personally moved hard drives around between multiple different 942's and they all playback other units recordings fine

The recordings inside the 942 are encrypted for usage only on the 942's guts which decrypt's during playback, so if any knuckleheads are thinking of off-loading 942 recording's when you get them on a external hard drive think again, they are useless but for anything but playback on the 942 hardware

being that recordings can be transferred between 942 units, a whole new world of illegal trading could be started by groups of 942 users, I wouldn't be surprised if Dish changed the code inside the 942 receivers to encrypt it for playback in that receiver only(this is the way the 921 was), but then if a dude had 10 external hard drives worth of 942 recordings and his 942 went belly up he would be screwed because they couldn't be played back on another 942, I think dish will prolly stick to not using per receiver encryption for the time being

I don't think you will be able to record onto the external hard drives connected to the 942, you will first record to the 942's main hard drive and then use the transfer menu to transfer stuff from the 942's main drive onto a external connected drive, then delete the recording from the main, I also think that vice versa, one will have to transfer the recording from the external drive onto the units main drive to be able to view it

-Gary

OK Gary, thanks. All that info is great, but the original question still remains. Is it a certainty that Dish will enable USB hard drives that are large enough to handle HD? You mentioned in another thread early on that Dish was only considering smaller drives that would only be good for SD recording. Where do we stand now? I mean, let's talk numbers...250 gigs, 300, 400??

You know what they say... There are only two certainties in life.
If you want a certainty you'll have to wait for April 15th, a visit from the grim reaper, or an announcement from Dish.

Is there anywhere to get documentation on the new photo feature? I'd like to know what it expects for photo size, what transformations it does before posting, etc.

Also, as far as the ability to add external HD's via the USB port, where has Dish said that? The only thing I have found is that they will support pocket dish in the future...

/Sean

I don't think you will be able to record onto the external hard drives connected to the 942, you will first record to the 942's main hard drive and then use the transfer menu to transfer stuff from the 942's main drive onto a external connected drive, then delete the recording from the main, I also think that vice versa, one will have to transfer the recording from the external drive onto the units main drive to be able to view it

What a PITA.

While I love watching HD material, there hasn't been anything I've recorded that is worth the hassle of downloading it to another disk, then uploading it back in order to see it again.

Seems the thread lost steam on the topic of changing out HDs. I'd like to have more time on my drive. I'm not sure what size it is.

The external drives will be whatever Dish authorizes one to use

500GB Seagates in a custom external enclosure??
only WDC/Maxtor Pre-made 160GB external drives??

Etc. Etc. thousands of options

no one knows what dish will say we can use, heck they could say we could connect up to a Home Server via USB

Roger I am just speculating on what is the probable outcome, it makes perfect sense though by looking at the new menus in the 942

you guys could already set-up hard drive swapping in the 942, it's very simple, boy I would think about doing it again if 250GB prices were down to 50$

Jedi
yes, bottom line, we will be able to handle HD recordings with all of this

-Gary

Thanks Gary. I hope so.

Ok, thanks Jeff. It looks like the switch to HDTV is going to be more problematic than I expected.

The ability to record the major HD networks is very important to me. I currently have Dish Network with a 510 dvr, and the quality is much better than cable. That leaves me with two options... Switch to Comcast Digital cable with their HD DVR and endure their poor picture quality for most channels, or upgrade to a Dishplayer 942 and mount an antenna on my roof for HD locals. I might just switch to Comcast for now; it's the cheaper/easier option. I have a feeling that Dish Network & DirectTV are going to be hemorrhaging customers until they expand their HD lineup.

Does anyone know when DishNetwork is going to add the HD networks?
Why isn't there an ATSC or QAM/Cablecard HD-Tivo?

Actually, Sony does make such a device, and I own one. It is the DHGHDD250 or 500. the former has a 250 gig hardrive and record 30 to 40 hours of HD. The second has 2 250Gig drives. It uses TV Guide for programming, so it isn't as slick as TIVO and Replay TV. It also has only one tuner. I still am very happy with it as I have a QAM tuner built into my TV so I can still watch one and record one. I can also watch a recorded program while something else records.

I don't watch enough TV to justify paying for digital cable. In fact I just have the $14/month package and I still get all of the local HD channels, which in Denver are tough to get over the air. You can use an antenna as well as cable with it.

The only downside is the expense. It lists at $799 with the 250 gig drive, $1000 with 500. My TVguide works fine, but some areas of the country have had trouble with it.

So, now you know. You can get your local channels in HD and record them and you don't have to give much $ to the cable company.

If you don't need to record your local HD channels you can get a QAM tuner from Samsung or LG for about $250 that will turn you analog cable into HD.

Good luck, Lew

being that recordings can be transferred between 942 units, a whole new world of illegal trading could be started by groups of 942 users

Gary I can't see people sending HDD's all over the place to watch a recorded show, worse case senario would be taking the drive over to a friend or family members place to watch a show. Hardly a "sky is falling", people are stealing content.


I don't think you will be able to record onto the external hard drives connected to the 942, you will first record to the 942's main hard drive and then use the transfer menu to transfer stuff from the 942's main drive onto a external connected drive, then delete the recording from the main, I also think that vice versa, one will have to transfer the recording from the external drive onto the units main drive to be able to view it
-Gary

This would kinda defeat the purpose of an external drive...I would want a external to offload content because my HDD is getting full. Now if I offload to the external drive, and keep filling the internal, how do I watch previous content if the internal and/or the external drives are full?

Alt

Alt, the stuff on the Dish Hard drives can already be off loaded to your PC with proper software, you cannot view it or decrypt it in anyway, but what is stopping someone from offloading the content putting it up for download, another 942 user downloading, and playing back in his 942??

not to far fetched if you think about, people are downloading 10GB DVD's every day as we speak, not to mention the disgrace that is Alt Binaries HDTV, stuff like this is why the new optical formats are gonna require a pint of blood for every viewing of the disc

-Gary

Hope this is the right place to bring this up....

I'm looking for a DVD recorder, mainly for my MiniDV cam corder. The process of uploading video to a PC or MAC, editing, etc., can be combersome when all I want to do is make a quick copy of a tape for backup purposes, so a DVD recorder with firewire in on the front is a simple solution, I think.

I'm also curious if there are any options that would work well with the 942 and my current set-up. While my TV has an HDMI input, I actually use the component outs on the 942 to go directly to my receiver. So in theory I think I could use the HDMI output of the 942 to go to a DVD recorder that has HDMI in or perhaps DVI in (though then I may have an audio issue). I know there may be some copy protection issues here... My goal isn't to build a large library of content. I mostly want to offload the HD has I find the 250GB drive isn't enough. I also know I won't get HD quality.

Alternatively I could run the component out of the 942 into a DVD recorder and then run component out from that to my receiver, but having the signals go through another device is something I'd like to aviod if possible.

Maybe DVHS is a better option? Though I really want my camcorder stuff on DVD.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Sean

Hey all - I am new to this thread, but want to state some facts which should be

known by all potential 942 buyers...

:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

BUY THIS UNIT WITH CAUTION!!! In many ways it is a HORRIBLE experience!

My background and comparison info:
I have owned TIVO units (3) since they first came out many, many years ago. I

have had Dish, including the first 921 in our area of So. Cal, as well as the

942 almost as soon as it came out. I am also a software design engineer and

systems developer. One of my primary responsibilities over the years is the

development of user interfaces.

The 942 I purchased was supposed to be a better unit than the 921 and fix the

921's software and programming issues. To a great extent it is a MUCH poorer

interface than the 921. Thus - despite many positive reviews of the 942 - an

advanced TIVO user or person who likes to get out of a DVR the ability to make

smart recording decisions - will feel ripped off, lied too, and incredibly short

changed!

On the record - I do not like Tivo as a company. They don't make money, put

advertising on your unit (changing channels late at night and other offenses),

and have horrible customer service (some have had good experiences, others

nightmares). Dish has long wait times (sometimes), but their customer service

seems friendly and eager to help. Kudos to them, on the other hand I would have

preferred not to have had to call for support at least 2 hours a month since i

have had their systems!

But there is no comparison with Tivo (at least the Non-HD ones I have had) and

Dish. Tivo does NOT have issues. IT IS ROCK SOLID. The software for

recording, making programming decisions, and it's guide quality are 10 years

ahead of dish. Using the 921, and 942 for the same type of recording issues as

a TIVO is like going backwards from a Lexus - to a Soviet patched up Gulag

mobile... It will get you there but you will be in pain, will have lost skin,

will have broken down, and will arrive at your destination dirty and relatively

unhappy!

Some of the issues with this 'beta unit' are as follows:

1) Dependability. Much better than the 921 - but not ready for prime time.

Still locks up from time to time and has issues where it needs to be reset,

especially when you are watching your favorite show!!!

If you are a die-hard sports fan - this is not the unit for you. You take a

chance watching a sporting event that if you hit the rewind, review, back,

forward buttons, that the unit will lock up, or that it will do a 'freeze' where

you hear the audio, but the video picture is in a 'pause' mode where you can

forward or backward, but never see anything but a 'still' picture of what you

are watching. Dish says to reboot - but of course anything watched to that

point is gone. Try watching the world series under this scenario and prepare

for major disappointment. Remember - the 942 was supposed to be dependable. It

is less dependable than any technology item I own... And i own them all! Even

Windows XP doesn't lock up anymore... and they don't control their own

environment like the 942 does... It is just a poorly designed and non-

bulletproof box.

2) Software. HORRIBLE! If any developer working for me wrote a system like

this - they would be fired for incompetence. I wish that some of you who rave about this box would have had the pleasure of using Tivo - you don't know what you have been missing!

Just off the top of my head, and without sitting down at the unit and writing a very specific technical article - some specific issues:

- The 942's ability to do season passes (Dishpass) is a horrible interface. It asks you to type in the name of your show - and then makes a dishpass out of the letters you entered. Even the 921 brought up the names of the different shows it found, allowing you to pick the one you want. WIth the 942 it actually just takes the letters and makes the pass. Example - Type in a show name, it will not take the one you want and will not give you a chance to agree or refine your choice. Like most of the features of this unit - they tried to make it simpler in deference to problems with the 921, making it, in my opinion almost completely unusable.

- While watching the baseball game last night - on Fox, a channel Tivo has no time capturing every nuance of their programming, in the off air mode - you just get 'DIGITAL EVENT' or something. When i press the record button to record the rest of the game - I get:
THE FOLLOWING TIMERS WILL NOT BE RECORDED:
Then a list of all 13.... Thats right all 13 events which are in my system for the whole week show up, each as "LOCKED EVENT" (even though i use no security and they are not locked!!!). Thus you cannot record what you are watching - unless you manually go to every event in the timer menu (about the worst piece of user interface software ever written!) and remove each timer from that night manually... All just to try and make a choice in what you want to record.

- The worst offender (in my opinion) of the software is conflict resolution. In Tivo - it clearly states what show would be missing and asks you how to solve the conflict. Even the 921 - while cutting off most of the info you need to see the show name, gave you the option of deciding how to resolve the conflict you just created by trying to record a show by pressing the record button.... Here is how the 942 does it:

CONFLICT - Resolve by a) Priority List, b) Override priority with this show (something to that effect..)
NEVER SHOWS YOU WHAT THE CONFLICT IS....
DOES NOT HAVE A 'CANCEL BUTTON!!!!!!!!!!!' - CAN YOU BELIEVE IT! ONCE YOU HAVE PRESSED THE RECORD BUTTON YOU MUST GO FORWARD! LOSE YOUR SHOWS ON TIMER (You have no idea of what they are as this 'new' software does not list the conflicts... WHich even the 921 did!!!), or move new recording to the bottom of the conflict pile.

This is inexcusable... There should be a bright red label on the box: Warning - the software in this unit has been written by the Dish Network CEO's high school son and his friends... It was an extra credit project. Of course I am kidding... I don't think any legitimate high school student would want their name associated with this software.

- The menus are horrible - even less informative than the 921. The Dishpass system sometimes works, sometimes doesn't.. Of course my 921 didn't record my Sunday night shows... I suspect it needs a reboot - of course you don't know this till you realize that you might miss your show...

I love my weekly shows (ER, Desperate Housewives, Grays Anatomy), but am tired of going into the bedroom (where the 921 is) to verify the red light came on... Also (just an aside on the 921) If it's boston legal which was recorded it shows up as the show before (Commander in chief (or whatever)) as that recorded (0 minutes) (60 minutes boston legal) (0 minutes Nightly news)... Pretty funny! for years I have had to actually WATCH THE BEGINNING OF EACH SHOW.. VERIFY what i asked for was what the title is, then make a decision.

The Dish network HD PVR's suck your life away in small unhappy increments. Should anyone require exact technical examinations of each specific user interface issues, I will try to comply in the future - but I am busy and not a big writer of Blogs, AVSforums, etc.


While this seems like venting - it's been a long time coming. If you want something which works out of the box - do not go with Dish. The software is crap and the dependability of the units is poor. I only went with Dish because Tivo had no HD capability. I only wish that Dish had a quality software team on this project - and that they created good engineering - not a horrific, poorly designed piece of trash.

I NEVER write items like this. I do not normally vent. I am a great believer in fixing problems, not complaining about them. But.... Enough is enough... $1,000.00 for a 921... I became the 'beta' site for this unit. $1,000.00 for the 942... Was promised it was a quality unit... Have taken a HUGE step backwards.

If you are a technical user - don't buy this unit.

p.s.!!! Picture quality rocks!!!

p.p.s. I could list 20-30 interface issues with this system - I have only mentioned a few of the absolutely worse ones!

I fell your pain, you should know that the 942 is in a current state of software hell, the receiver was perfect 3 months back, after the new software was released, L281. you unit took a step back farther than the 921 into hell basically, beleive me dish is working on a update that will fix everything, keep up with the latest on dbstalk.com in the 942 support forum

my 921 was never in near the shape that the 942 was in, the 921 was perfect compared to the current state of the 942, beleive me though the 942 was a different machine even 2 months back, better than the 921

-Gary

-Gary

Well, my 921 hasn't exactly taken a great leap forward either.

I can no longer watch TV in 2 rooms at once, have to switch back and forth.

Also, menus constantly freeze up and I have to reboot....cost me a couple of recordings I didn't want to miss.

Why the h___ don't they ever just leave things alone?

I agree that the current 942 software sucks!! If Dish is aware that this version is so bad, why don't they just return us to the previous version until the next update is available?

cyphire - thanks very much for the thorough explanation of the 942 defects. While I haven't experienced all of the problems that you described, I have some of these "issues." I thought it was my misuse of the machine.

Yesterday, like always, I let a football game go on for an hour before watching it. I then rewound the machine the hour so that I could skim through the commercials. With 25 minutes to go, the machine would only play in 4X speed. If I would reboot, the game would be over. So I had to watch the remainder in the speed up mode.


I agree with everything you said and if I had it to do over, I would not purchase the 942.

People need to start filing Consumer Fraud complaints with the FTC.

- Tim

Dish has been rolling the dice for years with HD customers mainly, only reason folks are still with them is because of the quality of the HD signals

If the HDNets ever showed up on C-Band, it would be bye bye Dish for me

-Gary

Does anybody make upgrade kits for the Hard Drives in these units like they do for Tivo?

Thanks.

Nope they do not, the software will not see any larger size than 250GB, it's software partitions the same size area for recording time if you insert a 250gb or 500GB

-Gary

I'm thinking of buying a 942. I have a question on how it displays the program guide for OTA stations. On my 6000, you can pick the network affiliation for the analog stations but not the digital. Then it displays the primetime programming schedule for whatever network affiliate you choose. How does it work on the 942? Can you pick the network affiliation for a digital station? If so, when you select that network program, is the setup for recording the same as a channel like HBO or TBS, etc?

What networks are available for selection? On my 6000, they only have affiliations for ABC, NBC, and CBS.

Thanks in advance for the info.

The 942 doesn't work the same way as the 6000 for OTA guide information. Unfortunately, the guide information will only show up if you subscribe to your locals.

To be sure you understand, it only shows guide information for those locals that you subscribe to. So, for example, you will most likely pull in several other digital channels, PBS channels, etc, and they will show no guide. Just a generic name in the time slot...something like Digital Station (I forget teh exact text).

I have checked with all the local stores in my area that show up on the Dish Network site as selling Dish HD receivers. None of them have any receivers. Does anyone know the best on-line retainler with the best price. I wouldn't mind a 921 if the price is right otherwise a 942.

I called Dish and they said that they would sell me a DVR 942 for $799 which included installation. I went on ebay and got a brand new one for $200 less. It should arrive Monday. From what I've been reading it sounds like downloading software revisions might be optional? If so, should I download the newest version or leave the version it shipped with on it?

It looks like the software on the 942 has been updated from 281 to 282. This version seems to be working better, though I haven't spent a lot of time with it. Any comments?

I called Dish and they said that they would sell me a DVR 942 for $799 which included installation. I went on ebay and got a brand new one for $200 less. It should arrive Monday. From what I've been reading it sounds like downloading software revisions might be optional? If so, should I download the newest version or leave the version it shipped with on it?
The new software will download automatically. I have not seen any reports of users being able to prevent downloads. 282 is better than the last, so in this case that's a good thing.

Geez, guys, this is scary stuff.
I am just about to purchase either Dish or Directv with their HD-PVR.
Would you all advise that I go with Directv ?
Thank you.

Not at all. My Dish 942 has been running great. With the latest update(282) I can now receord HD on the 2nd tuner.

....I just wish the DVR was always recording:( Thats my only complaint.

Geez, guys, this is scary stuff.
I am just about to purchase either Dish or Directv with their HD-PVR.
Would you all advise that I go with Directv ?
Thank you.

If you go to the site that discusses the DirecTV HD recorder, you'll find plenty of issues there too.

The 942 offers a lot more functionality, at least it did for my needs. That is, cabability to watch the 2nd tuner in a different room, across the cable.

I have experienced some of the frustrations that are listed here, but not all of them by any means, and it has been quite enjoyable.

I can only comment about DIsh network. The most important decision for me staying with Dish for so long is that they offer great upgrade paths for their EXISTING customers. I don't think any technology provider does as good a job at taking care of their customers as DISH network.

A yhear or so ago I was looking for a replacement remote, and through a sat installer found out that you could contact DISH, and as an existing customer, upgrade to a DVR and nwe dish and get it all installed plus hdwe for $150! Great deal.

Now I have upgraded to the 811 for $50 plus $5/month.

THey want to keep me as a customer, and it's easy why.

I tried all the codes but none control my Sony 7100ES Receiver. Any ideas?

Not at all. My Dish 942 has been running great. With the latest update(282) I can now receord HD on the 2nd tuner.


Can you explain this a bit more??? You can now record 2 HD shows at the same time???


thanks,

Kipp

The 942 has 2 sat tuners/1 OTA tuner, one can record 2 hd channels from Dish at once, even while viewing a recorded show, you can record 2 hd channels from Dish and 1 OTA hd channel even at the same time, again while viewing a recorded event

-Gary

Not at all. My Dish 942 has been running great. With the latest update(282) I can now receord HD on the 2nd tuner.

....I just wish the DVR was always recording:( Thats my only complaint.

Mine won't do that (record HD on the 2nd tuner). Do I have to do something to get the update, or is it automatic?

what the heck are you guys talking about??, are you saying that the 942 won't record a Dish HD channel on the second tuner?? if you are recording while viewing another channel you are using the second tuner

-Gary

Mine won't do that (record HD on the 2nd tuner). Do I have to do something to get the update, or is it automatic?

Dont really know. When I first had the unit installed the 2nd tuner(not the OTA) would receord on hi-def channels but in SD. Now the 2nd tuner receords the HD channels in HD.

I do not have anything running into the OTA tuner yet.

Dont really know. When I first had the unit installed the 2nd tuner(not the OTA) would receord on hi-def channels but in SD. Now the 2nd tuner receords the HD channels in HD.

I do not have anything running into the OTA tuner yet.

That's the problem I have, the 2nd tuner will record the HD channels, but not replay it in HD. I'll have to double check and see if that has changed recently.

That's the problem I have, the 2nd tuner will record the HD channels, but not replay it in HD. I'll have to double check and see if that has changed recently.
I just recorded three short segments 1st- without a trace in hd tuner 1. 2nd-untouchables in hd tuner 1. 3rd racing stripes in hd tuner 1. went to dvr menu and began playback from beginning and all three programs which were recorded at the same time (check guide-all start at 7"00) are playing in hd. All three show up in hd when the tuner is not in shared mode. ran same setup in shared mode and all three shows are still in hd when started over. I have never had a hd recorded program not playback in hd whether tuner 1 or 2.

I just recorded three short segments 1st- without a trace in hd tuner 1. 2nd-untouchables in hd tuner 1. 3rd racing stripes in hd tuner 1. went to dvr menu and began playback from beginning and all three programs which were recorded at the same time (check guide-all start at 7"00) are playing in hd. All three show up in hd when the tuner is not in shared mode. ran same setup in shared mode and all three shows are still in hd when started over. I have never had a hd recorded program not playback in hd whether tuner 1 or 2.


Admittedly, I have only had my 942 for a few weeks, but this is good news to know. I figured I had to have it in single mode, which most of the time I do not. I still didn't realize I could record up to 3 shows at once even in single mode!

thanks,

Kipp

I just recorded three short segments 1st- without a trace in hd tuner 1. 2nd-untouchables in hd tuner 1. 3rd racing stripes in hd tuner 1. went to dvr menu and began playback from beginning and all three programs which were recorded at the same time (check guide-all start at 7"00) are playing in hd. All three show up in hd when the tuner is not in shared mode. ran same setup in shared mode and all three shows are still in hd when started over. I have never had a hd recorded program not playback in hd whether tuner 1 or 2.


Are you saying you can record three shows at once? How the heck can you do that with 2 tuners? All I know is, when something records on tuner 2 it plays back in SD, and if I am watching HD on tuner one and one of my timers wants to record something else, it changes channels. If I try to go back to what I was watching, it tells me that it will stop recording if I change channels, and my timed event won't be recorded. With Tivo it would just switch me to the other tuner and I could go on.

Are you saying you can record three shows at once? How the heck can you do that with 2 tuners? .

There are three tuners on the 942. Two satelite tuners and one ota tuner. You can record three streams at once and still watch one dvr program so in reality the 942 can handle four steams at once. Each of the four streams can be shown in hd if they are broadcast in hd.

, and if I am watching HD on tuner one and one of my timers wants to record something else, it changes channels. If I try to go back to what I was watching, it tells me that it will stop recording if I change channels, and my timed event won't be recorded. With Tivo it would just switch me to the other tuner and I could go on.

If you are watching an ota channel, than yes, when you change to another ota channel the 942 will give you the pop up message to stop recording. It does so because there is only one ota tuner. Also if you use dish pass to set up recordings for movies for instance; it will search and find the desired program just sometimes the program will be recorded on a non hdtv channel( you want hbo hd and it finds hbo 300 or you want your ota hd local channel and it finds your local channel in the 8000's instead).you need to verify that dish pass timed recordings are accurate to the specific channels you want. I prefer to use manual recordings to avoid this potential snafu.

There are three tuners on the 942. Two satelite tuners and one ota tuner. You can record three streams at once and still watch one dvr program so in reality the 942 can handle four steams at once. Each of the four streams can be shown in hd if they are broadcast in hd.
Actually, with TV2, the 942 can handle 5 streams at once (record 3, playback 2). If the stream going to TV2 is recorded HD, then it is downconverted to SD, but is a stream nonetheless.

Newbie to the forum...

If anyone is having problems with the DISH HD reciever, power it off at night. Mine would hang up all the time, but I watched the tech support channel, and they recomeended turning the reciever off at bed time (the exact opposite of what the installer said to do). It functions much better now.

If you are watching an ota channel, than yes, when you change to another ota channel the 942 will give you the pop up message to stop recording. It does so because there is only one ota tuner. Also if you use dish pass to set up recordings for movies for instance; it will search and find the desired program just sometimes the program will be recorded on a non hdtv channel( you want hbo hd and it finds hbo 300 or you want your ota hd local channel and it finds your local channel in the 8000's instead).you need to verify that dish pass timed recordings are accurate to the specific channels you want. I prefer to use manual recordings to avoid this potential snafu.

OK, this is starting to make sense to me now. I think my misconception had to do with trying to record 2 OTA shows at once. Thanks for all the good information!!

As usual with AVS threads, I read so much info I'm more confused than when I started.

I was about to get a DirecTIVO HD when I read this thread. I have a 9" CRT PJ, so picture quality is a big issue. I won't ever archive, but will record for time shifting, and record one show whle watchng another. I can live without the TIVO convenience, but do want to know my show will be recorded as programed.

Afew questions:

First, I think the 941 had DVI, VGA or RGBHV out (CRT only takes RGBHV). Does the 942? If I need to use a transcoder to get to analog it makes the 942 less attractive (with all the potential bugs and problems).

For a primo display, is the PQ of Dish really noticably better than DirecTV?

Is the OTA tuner good? I currently use a HTPC with HiPix...which is not good on some channels, even with a good antenna.

If the current software is so bad, can you just use the older one mentioned (I doubt it), or is there a point in waiting a few months before buying a unit? I wasn't sure if the hardware would change (making waiting good) or if any 942 bouht now would be "fixed" whenever Dish fixed the software.

Jeff,
The 942 does not have VGA or RGBHV. If you use one, I guess your resulting quality depends on how good the transcoder is. For best results you'll want to transcode the hdmi signal, if that's possible.

I've heard several claims that Directv will downrez the hd signal on some channels pretty badly to save bandwidth space. I have a buddy who complains a lot about HDNet Movies and Universal HD. I'm quite happy with Dish's picture quality. If they are compressing the signal, it's not as much as Directv. I imagine that Directv's space issues wil be solved once they start utilizing their new satellites that are going up, and switch over to MPEG4.

I think the OTA tuner in the 942 is one of the best I've used. The most recent software fix(282) is working a lot better than 281. I haven't had much trouble with it yet.

Jeff,
The 942 does not have VGA or RGBHV. If you use one, I guess your resulting quality depends on how good the transcoder is. For best results you'll want to transcode the hdmi signal, if that's possible.



Its possible for me because the HDMI seems not to be encrypted on my 942. In fact, I can currently plug it right into a DVI monitor, although I don't know when this happened. Before that occured, I used a DVI to VGA converter.

Also, the OTA HD is killer because of the DVR.

I'm about to buy my first HD TV, so I called DishNetwork (I've been a customer for more than 5 years) to see what they could do to upgrade me to HD with the 942. I've been using ReplayTV since it's invention and can't see giving up DVR capabilities just for the sake of HD. Anyway, they said it would cost me $100 for an HD receiver (installed), but $798 for the 942! I said that was twice what DirecTV wanted for the HD Tivo and was put on hold while the rep "checked to see if they could give me a better deal". Well, after 10 minutes, she came back with: "this product is too new for any discounting". So... am I getting screwed? Should I switch to DirecTV?

I'm about to buy my first HD TV, so I called DishNetwork (I've been a customer for more than 5 years) to see what they could do to upgrade me to HD with the 942. I've been using ReplayTV since it's invention and can't see giving up DVR capabilities just for the sake of HD. Anyway, they said it would cost me $100 for an HD receiver (installed), but $798 for the 942! I said that was twice what DirecTV wanted for the HD Tivo and was put on hold while the rep "checked to see if they could give me a better deal". Well, after 10 minutes, she came back with: "this product is too new for any discounting". So... am I getting screwed? Should I switch to DirecTV?

Sounds familiar. See
http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=46008&page=2#31
and
http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=46008&page=2#31
for possible options.

--Joachim

I'm about to buy my first HD TV, so I called DishNetwork (I've been a customer for more than 5 years) to see what they could do to upgrade me to HD with the 942. I've been using ReplayTV since it's invention and can't see giving up DVR capabilities just for the sake of HD. Anyway, they said it would cost me $100 for an HD receiver (installed), but $798 for the 942! I said that was twice what DirecTV wanted for the HD Tivo and was put on hold while the rep "checked to see if they could give me a better deal". Well, after 10 minutes, she came back with: "this product is too new for any discounting". So... am I getting screwed? Should I switch to DirecTV?

I called about a month ago and got the same story (7 year customer here). I told them I was interested in getting a DVR, and that my cableco was offering a lease deal on them. I asked if they had a lease option, and was told "No". I then asked if I could cancel at this time with no penalty (I am leasing a Dish 811, and agreed to a year commitment). They said I was free and clear, so I told them I would probably be cancelling soon. They act like they couldn't care less...

I ended up buying a Sony HD DVR and I am recording with it off from my lifeline basic cable subcription, but I haven't cancelled Dish yet.

I also ran into the same road blocks of having to buy the receiver instead of being able to lease it. I sent off a polite E-Mail to the Dish network regarding how they treat their current customers. Based on the response I will have to consider other options.

I left DirectTV and came to Dish for the same reasons. Seems they both think their customers will stay as opposed to going to the trouble to change.

Although, I did consider the input I've read about quality of HD picture. I've seen lots of complaints about DirecTV's HD pics, due to more compression. I cannot compare though, before changing to Dish, I was SD only at DirecTV.

I've read about some other units out there from Sony that you can use that you don't have to pay the monthly fee for. I'd look into that if I were considering options.

Please help me with my 942:

I started noticing freezing of the picture/loss of audio for about 3 seconds: this occurs randomly sometimes every 15 minutes: sometimes not for hours: it is in all HD channels: SD is OK

Had Dish out here and they checked signal levels and said everything was OK: they said it sounded like the 942 was the problem but Dish rep said this is normal for the 942!

one thing I did notice was in the Dish pointing menu when I did the switch test Sat 2 would sometimes come up NG but the tech said that only had to do with the splitter on the back of the 942: when we ran the test for him it is OK

Ideas?

I had sent a letter expressing my disappointment to the Dish Network regarding the upgrade policy. It was about 2 weeks and they did respond to my E-Mail. I feel they did the right thing in offering me the 942 for the same price a new subscriber would pay.

Question : I have the Dish 500 on the roof an have been told it will handle the HD channels. The 942 is a dual tunner do I also need a switch installed to take advantage of the dual tunner. Currently on line goes to a TV in a bedroom and one goes to the den.

TIA

I had the same set up as you. What I did was to take out the bedroom receiver and route that line to the 942 in the den so that it would have the two sat inputs. Since the 942 can feed a second TV, I just sent the TV2 output back to the bedroom.

I had 2 dishes, one 500 pointed toward the 110 and 119 (I think that's it) and the other pointed at 148. I moved the second dish from 148 to the 68 sat so I could get the VOOM HD stuff. I'm not sure why I'm telling you all this because what I did to the dishes may have nothing to do with your location and I'm not very knowledgeable when it comes to dish pointing and switch installations.

I have a few questions here and should probably put them each in separate replies but that might get more confusing than jsut asking all at once. Please answer any for which you may have insights. Thanks!

Mr. Smith made this comment below: I think the 941 had DVI, VGA or RGBHV out (CRT only takes RGBHV).

I don't think it is accurate regarding RGB out, but if it is, could someone please confirm - I would then consider looking for a 941 just to eliminate need for a transcoder (which I have never had much luck with on my Barco/811 setup).

ALSO, i am reading here about numerous problems with the 942 that sound exactly like problems I have had with my 811 for the last 2 years. They have not fixed them so far so I doubt they ever will, at least for the 811 - So, I am looking at switching to DirectTV hoping they are better at making thier stuff work properly.

Also adding to the idea of moving is the fact that I can get HD DVR with DirectTV for $200 and Dish wants almost $1000, despite the fact that I have been a loyal customer for 7 years and paid $600 for the 811.

I have seen mention of a 'retention rep' in some messages that seems to be a rep more inclined to work to keep your business. How do you get connected with one of these?

Anybody out there gone from Dish to DirectTV that wants to advise me one way or the other before I jump?

I have a few questions here and should probably put them each in separate replies but that might get more confusing than jsut asking all at once. Please answer any for which you may have insights. Thanks!

Mr. Smith made this comment below: I think the 941 had DVI, VGA or RGBHV out (CRT only takes RGBHV).

I don't think it is accurate regarding RGB out, but if it is, could someone please confirm - I would then consider looking for a 941 just to eliminate need for a transcoder (which I have never had much luck with on my Barco/811 setup).


Just to help in your search, you will have better luck looking for the Dish "921" vs the "941"... :D

I don't know if it has RGB out, though.

Anybody out there gone from Dish to DirectTV that wants to advise me one way or the other before I jump?

I recently jumbed the opposoite direction, mainly for the same reasons.

I have read some posts where after enough calling in they finally got someone that gave them the same lease deal as new customers. I'm not sure if there is a 'retention rep' or not. You might call in and ask for The Retention Department and see if that gets you anywhere.

You may want to go over to DBSTalk.com and read some on teh 942, and ask some of these questions.

As well, you may want to go over to this Tivo Forum (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=36) and see if you can read up on the HR10-250 and Tivo.

I've read a lot of complaints about the HD being downrevved in quality in order to get more content out. I do not have personal comparison experience.

I have had a 942 for about 2-3 months and love it. The one main problem I have had is OTA stations. They came in great for the first two weeks, then they were completely gone. Please note, I have not previously had HD OTA, so we are troubleshooting for everything, antenna issues, 942 issues, whatever could cause this. We went through 4 different antennas, tried different cable. Found a second antenna that worked, perfect reception for about two weeks again throught the 942 OTAs. Then again, lost everything. Eliminated everything but the 942 receiver. Had a local expert come out to house, he simply added the locals as I had done numerous times and they showed up this time. In the meantime I had talked to Dish about the problem, they sent me a new 942 to replace the current one. Of course since they sent it, I have had no trouble with the original one, receiving all OTAs fine. I am scared to hook up the new one, but also scared to continue on with the old one. Has anyone else had this kind of trouble with losing the lock on the local OTA stations. Typically get my OTAs at 100, one of them at 98, so signal strength should not be the issue. Sorry for the lack of brevity, thanks for any input.

What email address did you use?

I called them 3 different times, the last time reaching a "supervisor". They wouldn't budge a bit, even though I've been a customer for close to 3 years, have NEVER taken advantage of any upgrade offer and have an excellent payment record. They never once even flinched...won't offer me the same offer as a current customer on a 942, or even "half-price" which would put it in the same price range as the DirecTV HD/DVR offer out now. I suppose if I cave and get one at full MSRP, an offer will finally become available in a matter of days or weeks...possibly because of all my complaints to them. I really am starting to hate Dish as a company.

Rod W.

I had sent a letter expressing my disappointment to the Dish Network regarding the upgrade policy. It was about 2 weeks and they did respond to my E-Mail. I feel they did the right thing in offering me the 942 for the same price a new subscriber would pay.

Question : I have the Dish 500 on the roof an have been told it will handle the HD channels. The 942 is a dual tunner do I also need a switch installed to take advantage of the dual tunner. Currently on line goes to a TV in a bedroom and one goes to the den.

TIA

The E-Mail address I used is ceo@echostar.com . It took about 2 weeks before I had received a call from Dish.

i am considering switching to Dish for their HD channels and would like clarification with their new 942 DVR. i understand that it can record 2 channels at once, but can it record 2 HD channels at once? more importantly, how about 2 HD OTA shows at once? thanks.

Yes and no.

i am considering switching to Dish for their HD channels and would like clarification with their new 942 DVR. i understand that it can record 2 channels at once, but can it record 2 HD channels at once? more importantly, how about 2 HD OTA shows at once? thanks.

More specifically: The 942 has 3 tuners. Only 1 is OTA. All 3 can be recording at once and it can be HD. And, while all 3 are recording, you can watch something recorded on 2 different TVs. But, the 2nd TV will only be SD. 2nd TV will always play onlh SD. But, it does downrev HD and play it in SD on teh 2nd TV.

Does anybody besides me have this problem?

I get detailed guide info on the Dish program guide for all of the local Washington DC digital stations that I receive off air, except for WETA, Channel 26.x. I subscribe to Dish Network's local station (analog) feed, including WETA, but all that I see on the guide for their digital feed is "digital service" all across the board.

Althought you subscribe to locals...is WETA one of the ones that comes in on teh subscription?

I have several local channels OTA that do NOT come in on teh subscription, so I get Digital and no guide on any of them.

It's a PITA. I have 8 channels of PBS, none of which have a guide.

More specifically: The 942 has 3 tuners. Only 1 is OTA. All 3 can be recording at once and it can be HD. And, while all 3 are recording, you can watch something recorded on 2 different TVs. But, the 2nd TV will only be SD. 2nd TV will always play onlh SD. But, it does downrev HD and play it in SD on teh 2nd TV.
thanks for replying. so being only one OTA tuner, does that mean it cannot record two OTA channels at once? DirecTV's TiVo, i believe, also has one OTA antenna jack but has two tuners internally...

thanks for replying. so being only one OTA tuner, does that mean it cannot record two OTA channels at once? DirecTV's TiVo, i believe, also has one OTA antenna jack but has two tuners internally...


Yes - only one OTA recording at a time.

One word of caution. Dish (which I have had over 9 years) is going to be offering new VOOM channels in MPEG 4. None of their current receivers except the 211/411 can decode it. I am buying a HDTV but won't switch until DISH comes out with a replacemet to the 942 that can decode MPEG 4. According to DISH, the 942 will NOT be upgradable to MPEG 4. I understand that they will be showing the new unit at the CES show next week.

Are there old VOOM channels now?

How do you get them?

Did they carry Universal HD?--(want Galactica in HD)

Yep there are 10 Voom channels available right now on Dish. You can get them for $5 per month, and you'll need a dish pointed at the 61.5 sat. Give Dish a call. No Universal HD, sorry. I'm leasing my 942, so I hope that they will upgrade me to MPEG 4 equipment, but you never know.

OK I've noticed that the 283 software has hit my box. Twice now, I've noticed that I've lost ALL my local channels(nothing else), and rescanning them didn't bring them back. I get the channel banner, and signal level, but no picture or sound. I had to do a soft reboot to correct things. Anybody else? What features or fixes came with this firmware? External storage?

On the Voom Sat: I would have needed to install a second SAT dish to accomplish this where I'm at. I have not heard much positive on the HD on Voom. So, I chose to not install it.

I have to say that I don't see much content on Dish HD that I interest in, and am considering dropping the HD content. I almost exclusively record my OTA HD. I wish I could record more than 1 OTA HD at a time.

Regarding teh 283, I didn't have any issues with it.

You can get pretty current information quickly on the 942, and updates, at the DBSTalk 942 Forum (http://www.dbstalk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=88) .

I've leased the 942 since May 2005, and signed up then largely due to the number of HD offerings and the promise of USB add-on drives for archiving. The Voom HD channels as they exist now, IMO, suffer greatly from lack of new programming and an apparent drop in video quality from the days when it was Voom.

I presume those who now offer receiver aftermarket modifications for archiving will do the same for MPEG 4 receivers, but it'd be nice if Dish would offer and really come through with USB hard disc add-ons in the future.

Dan

I fall into a number of interest categories here. First, I'm also an existing Dish customer for 8-9 years, and am disgusted with their apparent lack of "customer appreciation" offers to upgrade with the same terms as new enlistees. I've noticed that Best Buy and some other retailers are offering the Direct TV HD and DVR receivers and upgrades to new AND existing customers, but I'm not as enamored eith their receivers as the 942. Also, I've read that DirectTV and TiVO have had a falling out so I don't want to spend my "new customer" card on technology that I can't upgrade later with new customer promotion pricing.

I upgraded to the JVC DVHS receiver 5-6 years ago only to find the technology obsolete shortly thereafter with the advent of recordable DVD-RAM. I'm now itching to upgrade again to DVR and the 942 looks the most appealing. However, I read here that it doesn't do MPEG4 and VOOM. I'm not familiar with either of these technologies, but I have noticed with my existing sat reception that I get considerable "smearing" that I don't get with OTA transmissions. It also seems to vary by program. I haven't figured out yet whether it correlates with certain transponders or not. I've been thinking that it must have something to do with the video compression algorithms used, but I may be wrong.

I'm now thinking that I might aught to wait to upgrade my receiver until Dish comes out with the next generation. However, I need some of the 942 features that may or may not be included with the next generation. Namely, UHF remote and PIP. My upstairs TV (Samsung HDTV) doesn't have PIP and the integrated PIP on the 942 is appealing for that reason. Also, the ability to operate remotely with the UHF remote will allow me to discard a 3rd party UHF remote that doesn't work very well.

I'm rambling, but any comment on the smearing artifact or my "wait or buy now" dilemma is appreciated.

Thanks

I fall into a number of interest categories here. First, I'm also an existing Dish customer for 8-9 years, and am disgusted with their apparent lack of "customer appreciation" offers to upgrade with the same terms as new enlistees. I've noticed that Best Buy and some other retailers are offering the Direct TV HD and DVR receivers and upgrades to new AND existing customers, but I'm not as enamored eith their receivers as the 942. Also, I've read that DirectTV and TiVO have had a falling out so I don't want to spend my "new customer" card on technology that I can't upgrade later with new customer promotion pricing.

I upgraded to the JVC DVHS receiver 5-6 years ago only to find the technology obsolete shortly thereafter with the advent of recordable DVD-RAM. I'm now itching to upgrade again to DVR and the 942 looks the most appealing. However, I read here that it doesn't do MPEG4 and VOOM. I'm not familiar with either of these technologies, but I have noticed with my existing sat reception that I get considerable "smearing" that I don't get with OTA transmissions. It also seems to vary by program. I haven't figured out yet whether it correlates with certain transponders or not. I've been thinking that it must have something to do with the video compression algorithms used, but I may be wrong.

I'm now thinking that I might aught to wait to upgrade my receiver until Dish comes out with the next generation. However, I need some of the 942 features that may or may not be included with the next generation. Namely, UHF remote and PIP. My upstairs TV (Samsung HDTV) doesn't have PIP and the integrated PIP on the 942 is appealing for that reason. Also, the ability to operate remotely with the UHF remote will allow me to discard a 3rd party UHF remote that doesn't work very well.

I'm rambling, but any comment on the smearing artifact or my "wait or buy now" dilemma is appreciated.

Thanks

I also have a D-VHS receiver that is 5-6 years old and have no smearing.
Dish does currently offer some HD VOOM channels that the 942 can handle. They are planning to add more early next year which will be MPEG 4 compressed which the 942 can't handle. My understanding is that Dish and Direct TV will gradually change over all their HD programming to MPEG 4. The reason is that MPEG 4 is much more efficient than the current MPEG 2. This equates into less bandwidth requirements per HD channel. Actually this will be a good thing in that they will be able to offer much more HD programming with their current trandsponders.
I have purchased a HDTV and am dying to get HD programming but I will wait until early next year for the MPEG 4 compatable PVR to be released.

I also have a D-VHS receiver that is 5-6 years old and have no smearing. I didn't mean to imply that the DVHS is the reason for the smearing. I'm not even sure if I'm using the correct description. It's most apparent when a scene is being panned, and most noticable on faces. Maybe because the face is where the viewer's attention is usually placed. The artifact presents itself as part of the scene/face seeming to momentarily stay in one place while the rest of the picture moves. There also seems to be a lack of detail, as if eyebrows, facial lines, etc. are "smeared." In any event, it's annoying to watch. I've been thinking that it may be part of the compression routine since it only presents itself on the stuff downloaded from satellite. There also seems to be a correlation with movies and other pre-recorded material. Live broadcasts don't seem to suffer as much or at all. It's definitely the satellite stuff since it is never evident on antenna programming, DVDs, or tapes of material not recorded from Dish.

I will change whatever is causing the problem if I can identify it. If HD or MPEG4 does not have the problem then that will be sufficient incentive for me to switch out what I have. However, it's beginning to look like I'm better off waiting for a few months so that I don't buy the older technology at the tail end of a technology switch.

The 942 is a very disappointing piece of equipment in my experience.

It:

1) Cuts itself off frequently during viewing. Frequently but not always, it runs disk diognostics when it comes back on.

2) Seldom records an unattended program all the way through. It usually devides the program into two recorded segments with a 1-2 minute gap in the recording.


At first I thought that I was just losing signal so I recorded the same event with my 510 PVR and found that the 510 recorded the event perfectly while the 942 split the recording as stated.

The only improvement over my 6000 is that I can use instant replay during a program in case I miss something.

Any thoughts?

The 942 is a very disappointing piece of equipment in my experience.

Reading in the forum I referenced earlier, you will find varying degrees of satisfaction as well as those that don't have these problems. I can say the same for the DirecTV model.

I, fortunately, am in the happy camp, and don't experience any of the problems listed by Bill.

It is interesting how the experience can vary so greatly from one person to the next. Inconsistent manufacturing? Different based on what market a person is in? I don't know, but it does seem that the satisfaction and experience varies quite a bit.

Of course, you won't find the people that are happy with their units on the sites posting. Only when we have problems does the average person start spending time posting. I would bet that the highest % of people are satisfied.


Bill...have you made any attempt to get your unit exchanged?

Quick history - I have a 942 hooked up to a 50" Sony KDF-E50A10 via HDMI. I purchased my 942 & TV in August and have had NO problems.

However, about 2 weeks ago I was watching TV in the middle of the day and received a prompt indicating that 'critical information was being downloaded.....'

Since then every HD channel that I receive (both OTA and Satellite) has a popping/static sound that occurs ever 3-4 seconds. Standard channels DO NOT have a problem. I have called Dish Network at least 5 times now and jump through the same hoops every time (Software Versions, Boot Strap Versions, Dolby Digital Settings, Power cycle the 942......). 4 out of 5 support calls tell me that it is my TV but I'm having a hard time swallowing that one.

I spoke to an 'escalation engineer' at one point who indicated that they have received an increase in the number support calls for HD audio problems.

Recently I had a field tech come out to the house and he said that Dish recently pushed out some bad code which is causing these issues. I called Dish that night to get some validity to the techs statements and the guy was a complete jerk. He indicated that this was a issue with my TV and there is nothing that Dish could do for me.

Has anyone else experienced any HD audio problems with their 942?

Quick history - I have a 942 hooked up to a 50" Sony KDF-E50A10 via HDMI. I purchased my 942 & TV in August and have had NO problems.

However, about 2 weeks ago I was watching TV in the middle of the day and received a prompt indicating that 'critical information was being downloaded.....'

Since then every HD channel that I receive (both OTA and Satellite) has a popping/static sound that occurs ever 3-4 seconds. Standard channels DO NOT have a problem. I have called Dish Network at least 5 times now and jump through the same hoops every time (Software Versions, Boot Strap Versions, Dolby Digital Settings, Power cycle the 942......). 4 out of 5 support calls tell me that it is my TV but I'm having a hard time swallowing that one.

I spoke to an 'escalation engineer' at one point who indicated that they have received an increase in the number support calls for HD audio problems.

Recently I had a field tech come out to the house and he said that Dish recently pushed out some bad code which is causing these issues. I called Dish that night to get some validity to the techs statements and the guy was a complete jerk. He indicated that this was a issue with my TV and there is nothing that Dish could do for me.

Has anyone else experienced any HD audio problems with their 942?

To clarify, you are stating above that you use HDMI as your audio connection? I don't have any such problems, but I run the toslink to my pre/pro.

I agonized over spending the $700 it took to get my 942. Now I'm thinking it was a bad decision.

1) Audio sync problems. Going from the 942 directly into my Pioneer 5060 via HDMI is "watchable", although I think the audio sync might be off slightly. I simply cannot take audio from the 942 into my Marantz A/V receiver and have the audio stay in sync with the picture. I've tried every type of connection, and tried to adjust the delay in my receiver with no luck. I see from this thread that others have experienced this, too. Does this mean that I can't watch ANY Dish program in high quality sound? For movies and concerts, this is totally unacceptable.

2) Can someone tell me how the 942 is supposed to work regarding OTA channels? I can't figure it out, and I've been through the manual. I subscribe to locals, but only so that I can watch them on TV2, which is a 27" CRT in an upstairs room that gets poor reception. I do the scan for locals in the menu, and I can see whice ones it has "found". But how do I watch these channels? In the guide, only the non-HD locals show up. There are two local stations broadcasting in HD, and there are two or three stations in communities some distance away that I can get in HD. I can see them in the box on the left side of the screen lists the stations found. I can't seem to get them added. Why can't I tune these in? Is it because I subscribe to locals, therefore it thinks there's no reason to add them?

3) I've seen some people refer to the 942+. What does the plus sign indicate? If I got mine within the last two weeks, shouldn't it be the latest version?

4) When I talked to my local satellite shop and DishNetwork, neither mentioned that this 942 wouldn't be able to receive the new HD stations they added. In fact, this was a specific question I asked. My local dealer said Dish was on the verge of adding ESPN2. I asked that when they add it, will my 942 be able to tune it in. He said "yes". Yet, it looks like the 942 has now been discontinued and a new model (622) will be released in February that will get both the MPEG 2 and new MPEG 4 stations. It seems to me that if Dish adds new HD channels, they'll probably be MPEG 4, right. At that point, I'll be a two-month owner of the 942 who can't get any more HD channels, and I doubt Dish will give me any kind of deal on the 622. That really sucks.

So, should I return this unit?

Is it even possible to return it?

If I return it, what do I do? Get an 811 and go DVR-less for a few months until the 622 comes out?

Rod W.

Rod W

First thing I'd point out is that you should go over to the link I put in a post earlier in this thread to DBSTalk. There is very good support there. There is a specific forum for the 942.

Some thought on your items:

1.) I do not use HDMI with mine. I think there have been problems with the HDMI, but not using it, I haven't followed that. I use the DVI to my front projector, and the Digital sound port to my Onkyo, and I have no audio synch problems.

2.) ON OTA channels, it's been a while since I set mine up, but what I recollect is: You have to go into the setup menus, and I think there is a SCAN option for the OTA channels. Once you scan them, you then need to go into the list and select which ones you want to see. Then, let's say that your NBC channel is 41, and you have subscribed to locals from DISH, you whould go to 041-0 for the subscribed one, and 041-1 for the OTA one.

I should point out out you will ONLY get guide info for the ones that are subscribed to. So, for example, smaller independent stations, and PBS stations, will not have guide info.


3.) I'd like to know too.

4.) No comment.

Should you return it? I dont' know. That's up to you. I'd be tempted to do so, especially if you were given incorrect information. The driving factor for me in your situation would be because of a newer one coming soon. Of course, you won't want to mention that as a reason. It needs to be due to dissatisfaction, I would presume.

Again. check over in the DBSTalk forum.

Thanks for the response!

Wouldn't you know, that last night, the locals "showed up" in the guide. After I swear, 20-some attempts over the span of 2 weeks...they were just there. Weird.

I'll try some more experiments with some different connection scenarios. Do you suppose I have to disconnect the HDMI cable even if I'm actually viewing the picture via component? In a previous "test" I had the same audio sync problem when running a component cable from the 942, to my Marantz and from the Marantz to the TV. But I had left the HDMI cable connected. I'll try disconnecting the HDMI cable this time and connect from the 942 directly to the TV using component for video and digital sound out for audio. I'll have to use component for video because my TV doesn't have a DVI connection...I'd have to convert to HDMI for video in that case which would create the same problem, right?. Time to pull the AV stand out again! (I'm sure glad I have the Pio 5060 with the Media Receiver....makes this connection safari much easier).

Rod W.



Rod W

First thing I'd point out is that you should go over to the link I put in a post earlier in this thread to DBSTalk. There is very good support there. There is a specific forum for the 942.

Some thought on your items:

1.) I do not use HDMI with mine. I think there have been problems with the HDMI, but not using it, I haven't followed that. I use the DVI to my front projector, and the Digital sound port to my Onkyo, and I have no audio synch problems.

2.) ON OTA channels, it's been a while since I set mine up, but what I recollect is: You have to go into the setup menus, and I think there is a SCAN option for the OTA channels. Once you scan them, you then need to go into the list and select which ones you want to see. Then, let's say that your NBC channel is 41, and you have subscribed to locals from DISH, you whould go to 041-0 for the subscribed one, and 041-1 for the OTA one.

I should point out out you will ONLY get guide info for the ones that are subscribed to. So, for example, smaller independent stations, and PBS stations, will not have guide info.


3.) I'd like to know too.

4.) No comment.

Should you return it? I dont' know. That's up to you. I'd be tempted to do so, especially if you were given incorrect information. The driving factor for me in your situation would be because of a newer one coming soon. Of course, you won't want to mention that as a reason. It needs to be due to dissatisfaction, I would presume.

Again. check over in the DBSTalk forum.

Quick history - I have a 942 hooked up to a 50" Sony KDF-E50A10 via HDMI. I purchased my 942 & TV in August and have had NO problems.

However, about 2 weeks ago I was watching TV in the middle of the day and received a prompt indicating that 'critical information was being downloaded.....'

Since then every HD channel that I receive (both OTA and Satellite) has a popping/static sound that occurs ever 3-4 seconds. Standard channels DO NOT have a problem. I have called Dish Network at least 5 times now and jump through the same hoops every time (Software Versions, Boot Strap Versions, Dolby Digital Settings, Power cycle the 942......). 4 out of 5 support calls tell me that it is my TV but I'm having a hard time swallowing that one.

I spoke to an 'escalation engineer' at one point who indicated that they have received an increase in the number support calls for HD audio problems.

Recently I had a field tech come out to the house and he said that Dish recently pushed out some bad code which is causing these issues. I called Dish that night to get some validity to the techs statements and the guy was a complete jerk. He indicated that this was a issue with my TV and there is nothing that Dish could do for me.

Has anyone else experienced any HD audio problems with their 942?\


Yes, my 942 intermittently cut off the audio completely for 2-10 seconds. Its seems to occur more frequently on HD channels or during a particularly loud scene (like fight scene in Matrix Revolution cuts out every few seconds). Its annoying, I guess I'll finally get around to complaining to DISH. :cool:

Can the 921 HD recorder record two different hi def programs at the same time?

Yes...but not two OTAs. 2 SATs or one SAT and one OTA.

I'm thinking of going from cable to Dishnetwork as my HD content provider.
I've been hearing that Dishnetwork/DirecTV downres their HD content to save on
bandwidth, thereby dimenishing PQ. Regarding HD, How does Dishnetwork PQ compare to OTA/cable?

My Dishnetwork is very comparable to my OTA. I cannot compare to cable, as I have not used HD cable, or cable at all for that matter, in several years.

I must say, though, that some HD content does not look quite as clear as I would expect on the movie channel that comes with the HD subscription. However, that is based on their playing old movies.

On the other hand, Discovery HD, for example, has excellent quality.

I don't subscrive to the Voom channels, so I cannot speak to them.

I have read a lot of complaints about DirecTV downrevving to save BW, but I have no personal experience with DirecTV HD. I have not read about Dishnetwork downrevving, but maybe they do, I don't know.

I'm interested in getting a 942, but have a few questions;
-I have a Echostar 6000 set up now with two dishes and all that good stuff. Will I need to upgrade my actual dishes at all to use the 942?
-Could I just swap the card in my 6000 into a 942 I buy onEbay?
-Is it generally a tricky/bad idea to buy them on Ebay?
-Is it a bad idea to get a 942 now considering things are going the mpeg-4 route and it may become obsolete very soon?
Another thing; does the TiVo Series 3 have anybody thinking of going to cable? That thing looks awesome!
Thanks

I don't think you'll need to upgrade your dishes.

I don't think you will use your card from the 6000. I don't recall a card being in my 942. I'm thinking my poor memory :eek: is telling me that the installer said the card was 'built into the 942'. (You can take this statement to mean I'm not absolutely sure.)

I didn't buy mine on eBay. But I've purchased and sold a lot of things on eBay, with good success. But some people have been burned. I think the important thing is to be sure the seller has a lot of ratings, and that they are good.

On timing, if the newer box is due in a month or two, I'd wait. I waited a year before buying mine, and I finally gave in and got it. That's been almost a year ago now. It all depends on how anxious you are, and if you are willing to wait through some delays.

audio dropouts on the Discovery channel

anyone else experiencing audio dropouts from the digital audio output of the 942? seems to happen regularly every few minutes

Thanks

It is a common topic on the 942 support thread here (http://www.dbstalk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=88)

Regarding HD, How does Dishnetwork PQ compare to OTA/cable?My locals are significantly better than the Dish HD channels...

Thought I'd post this for any future prospective Dish DVR owners:

I had a lot of trouble with my Dish 942 DVR (random reboots, etc.). Every time I would call and they asked if I was using a UPS. I was, so we went on to debug the issue. The finally gave up and sent me a new unit which had the same problem! After further research, I realized that my UPS did NOT have Automatic Voltage Regulation. AVR keeps the voltage at an exact level... a UPS does nothing unless the power drops to below a certain threshold (70V, etc.). I got a unit with AVR and all my problems went away. The Dish techs never thought to mention this so I am passing the info along!

Bottom Line: It is very likely that you will need to purchase/use a automatic voltage regulation unit with the Dish DVR units (they are known to have flaky PSUs). You can get AVR in a UPS (and thus have battery backup) or just AVR capability in a surge protector.

Greg_R

Good to know. My 942 gets flaky every once in a while Might just be the problem.

Thanks
Steve

Can the 921 HD recorder record two different hi def programs at the same time?
Yes...but not two OTAs. 2 SATs or one SAT and one OTA.

OK, I have a question about a way(s) to record 2 OTA-HD programs at the same time. I have a 921 that I purchased, not leased, 18 months ago and I get almost all of the local OTA-HD with strong signals using my indoor antenna. If I upgrade to the 622 with the new satellite dish and keep my 921 (which most opinions seem to say you can), could I connect one line to each receiver, each connected to a separate indoor antenna, and then be able to watch and/or record 2 OTA programs at the same time?

Deuces suggested this simple idea to watch one OTA and record the second:
OK, somebody stop me if I'm crazy, but I have a question. I have a Dish DVR 942 (2 satellite tuners and 1 OTA tuner), therefore I can record and/or watch 2 satellite HD channels at once, but only 1 OTA HD channel. I want to know if what I am thinking is possible, if it is crazy, or if it will reduce my picture quality. Could I split the HD signal from my OTA antenna and run one into the DVR 942, and the other into another input on my TV. So when, on a night like tonight I can still record NCIS and watch (on the feed straight into the TV) the bowl game between FSU and PSU? Call me crazy if you must, is it possible, will I lose any quality?

Thanks
And DroptheRemote replied:
Deuces, it's not a crazy question.

You may get a slight deterioriation in the signal by splitting it, but as long as you had a strong signal to begin with (and I recall that you did), it probably won't be an issue in terms of losing the ability to view all the stations you're currently receiving.

Try it and see -- the cost is minimal.

Will either one of these work? Is there any other way?

I appreciate any and all suggestions.

doctom,
I think that you should be able to connect a line to each dvr and have it work. You don't need really need 2 antennas. You could use one and split the signal, feeding one to each dvr. That should be ok. This applies to your second question as well. I agree with DroptheRemote, in that you shouldn't see much difference in your split antenna signal as long as you started with a good strong signal.

Thanks Jedi35, that's good news to hear! I'll try the simple solution first and see how that works.

doctom,
I think that you should be able to connect a line to each dvr and have it work. You don't need really need 2 antennas. You could use one and split the signal, feeding one to each dvr. That should be ok. This applies to your second question as well. I agree with DroptheRemote, in that you shouldn't see much difference in your split antenna signal as long as you started with a good strong signal.
Thanks Jedi35, that's good news to hear! I'll try the simple solution first and see how that works. After thinking about the second scenario above I have some follow-up questions to it, because I'm not sure I understand about splitting the antenna signal correctly. It sounds like I am to split the antenna feed so one goes as usual into the normal imput on the receiver and the other line goes directly to a TV input. Do I just connect it to any coaxial imput on the TV? How do I select the OTA channel going to the TV...with the TV remote? Sorry, if these sound like stupid questions but I just want to be clear about what I'm doing.

Thanks.

Thought I'd post this for any future prospective Dish DVR owners:

I had a lot of trouble with my Dish 942 DVR (random reboots, etc.). Every time I would call and they asked if I was using a UPS. I was, so we went on to debug the issue. The finally gave up and sent me a new unit which had the same problem! After further research, I realized that my UPS did NOT have Automatic Voltage Regulation. AVR keeps the voltage at an exact level... a UPS does nothing unless the power drops to below a certain threshold (70V, etc.). I got a unit with AVR and all my problems went away. The Dish techs never thought to mention this so I am passing the info along!

Bottom Line: It is very likely that you will need to purchase/use a automatic voltage regulation unit with the Dish DVR units (they are known to have flaky PSUs). You can get AVR in a UPS (and thus have battery backup) or just AVR capability in a surge protector.

Well, I have the Canadian version of this box (called the 9200, through Bell Expressvu) and I'm on unit number 3. First box was bought in August 2005 and worked flawlessly (except from odd bright green/yellow stripes once or twice) until January 2006, when all of a sudden, "you have a serious hard drive problem" appeared on screen. A few minutes with tech support and they determined a new unit should be sent to me. A few days later, it arrived.

After hooking it up, it was clear that the replacement unit had a problem of a different sort, but only on recorded programming. Every 20 seconds or so, the playback (video and audio) simply freezes, just like pressing the PAUSE button for a moment. After verifiying that this issue affected only material recorded onto the HD (LIVE stuff seems fine), I contacted tech support again and we went through all the hoops....still could not rectify this issue. So he said they are sending me yet another unit. He says they have received "some other callers" with this problem.

When it works, this system works well indeed. But the hard drive and the software/hardware buffers that allow the input/output of programming from/to multiple sources/displays seems to be under-designed for the tasks it is being asked to do.

Yes, I have the unit hooked up to a Belkin UPS with voltage regulation.

We'll see what happens with the third unit.

Well, I have the Canadian version of this box (called the 9200, through Bell Expressvu) and I'm on unit number 3. First box was bought in August 2005 and worked flawlessly (except from odd bright green/yellow stripes once or twice) until January 2006, when all of a sudden, "you have a serious hard drive problem" appeared on screen. A few minutes with tech support and they determined a new unit should be sent to me. A few days later, it arrived.

After hooking it up, it was clear that the replacement unit had a problem of a different sort, but only on recorded programming. Every 20 seconds or so, the playback (video and audio) simply freezes, just like pressing the PAUSE button for a moment. After verifiying that this issue affected only material recorded onto the HD (LIVE stuff seems fine), I contacted tech support again and we went through all the hoops....still could not rectify this issue. So he said they are sending me yet another unit. He says they have received "some other callers" with this problem.

When it works, this system works well indeed. But the hard drive and the software/hardware buffers that allow the input/output of programming from/to multiple sources/displays seems to be under-designed for the tasks it is being asked to do.

Yes, I have the unit hooked up to a Belkin UPS with voltage regulation.

We'll see what happens with the third unit.

Ditto here, I have exactly same situation on my second 942 receiver (pausing recorded HD movie every1-2 minutes during playback ) , first receiver also had a bad hard drive after 5 month of use and also it died in 01/06.

Now still waiting for a call from their tech on what to do next after my call to complain ( I was told it will take 10-14 days for their engineers to figure out solution to my problem ) it is now 9 days past and still waiting.

Hi,

I notice that it's been a while since anyone has posted to this thread. I hope it's OK that I posted now (this is my first post).

I have an HD-ready TV (i.e. no built in tuner). I am looking to purchase an HD tuner with built in DVR if possible so I can view/record OTA HD stations. I don't watch a lot of TV so OTA is all I really need.

I read through this thread to try and determine if the 942 would work for this. It would appear that it does, but I'm just curious if it requires a Dish Network subscription in order to view OTA's. If that is the case, can someone recommend an HD tuner/DVR combo that doesn't require a subscription?

Thanks and sorry if this is in the wrong place!

I knew if I held out long enough karma would come my way. Today in the mail i got a postcard from E* saying that they are phasing out all of the older HD (MPEG2) receivers by August 15th 2007, and I am eligible for a free upgrade to the newest model.

So the install of new receiver (622 ) is free the newer HD channel package is only $5 more a month (now including the HD network locals) and they will give me a $10 discount for the next 10 months. So i get more HD channels and a newer receiver.

I end up paying less than my current subscription rate (for the next 10 months) because of the $10 rebate per month, then after that the increase is only $5 per month.

Great deal and I do not have to pay anything for the upgrade receiver. If you have an older 942 receiver you are going to be doing what I am. I guess MPEG 2 broadcasts are going away.

Sweet

unstuck

Recently I lost the HDMI signal out of my 942. :( I tried a different cable and still no signal. Temporarily I'm using component. Anyone have any issues on this?