Low Cost HDTV with Free Locals!
Written: Mar 09 '01 (Updated Mar 09 '01)
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Pros: Good quality receiver, free local HD channels with 8VSB
Cons: Outdated User Interface, problems with 8VSB, lack of extra features
The Bottom Line: Until Echostar builds an HD receiver with OpenTV, Picture-in-Guide and other User Interface improvements, this it THE receiver to get!
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| benjaminyoung's Full Review: EchoStar 6000 Digital Satellite System |
The Dish 6000 receiver has some concrete benefits, the most obvious being its ability to provide high definition viewing at a fairly low cost. I use it with the HDTV-ready Sony 36" TV.
That's right -- you don't need an actual HDTV. Any "HD-Ready TV" (with 1080i inputs) will do the trick. This greatly reduces the cost associated with this new technology. You can even use this receiver with "regular" TVs but HD signals are downgraded to standard. A better solution is to buy the best HD-ready TV you can afford (such as Sony's XBR series -- they will be coming out with several new models this summer), which allows you to switch to HD mode and use the 6000 receiver to get the best picture quality available.
The optional 8VSB module is a great idea, and it allows you to receive local HD broadcasting at no additional cost. In LA, almost all local channels are available, which eliminates the need to buy the Locals package ($5/mo. savings). However, BE WARNED, the 8VSB module has an integrated fan (similar to a PC's) which stays on all the time and can be irritating if your unit is not in an entertainment stand with doors to block the noise or if you do not sit at a good distance away from the receiver.
Others have commented on the "old-fashioned" user interface, and the receiver's screens do seem less modern than DirecTV's and lack the functionality of other models (the 4900 includes Picture-in Guide and a slightly better look, for example). The reason for this and the fact that this receiver downloads program info on demand (not in advance as with the 4900, for example) is that Echostar has been unable to package processor-intensive features in this first generation, relatively low cost, offering. This is also apparently the reason OpenTV is not included with this receiver. According to Echostar, the intensity of HD programming required simplifying the receiver's features. Whether this is true or not, its price makes the Dish 6000 a MORE than acceptable and its features are quite adequate.
Despite the small 8VSB annoyance issue and the other small areas that could be improved, the 6000 receiver remains the best, most cost-effective, HD solution on the market. Unless you do not plan to get HDTV capacity any time soon (in which case a 4900 or other model might be more suited to your needs), this the receiver to get for optimum picture and sound quality.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 450
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Epinions.com ID:
benjaminyoung
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Location: Los Angeles, CA
Reviews written: 12
Trusted by: 2 members
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