Good in some small ways
Written: Nov 15 '01 (Updated Jan 21 '02)
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Pros: DVR free with Hookup, No Monthly Fee, Good Picture, Dolby Digital
Cons: Single Tuner, No Artificial Intelligence, Very Fragile Software
The Bottom Line: If they are giving it to you free with installation take it! Otherwise this isn't worth it
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| daperlman's Full Review: Dish Network DishPVR 501 System |
****Update 1/21/2002*******************************
I am now on my fourth unit and it continues to erase data inexplicably. I have given up on Dish network and this equipment altogether. Despite their constant failure...I still had to pay to get out of a stinking contract.
****Update 12/2001*********************************
DISH network has downloaded a software updated that includes the following upgrades:
-view guide while watching recorded program
-Downloads 7 days of info. was 48 hrs. before
resulted in the following bugs:
-erasing of certain programs
-freezing up of unit
Also I have upgraded customer service to avg. from terrible. The head software engineer contacted me regarding the problems I was having and that is exceptional service. But if all you can do is call customer service number you are in for a long night.
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Some of you may hear DVR or PVR, and think to yourself, that this is like Tivo or Replay TV. This in fact is not the case.
Why it is not like Tivo or Replay
Replay and Tivo can run in lieu of or on top of your digital or analog cable or satellite receiver. The PVR-501 is a Dish Network receiver with a hard drive...that's it. Tivo and Replay do things like keyword searches, and theme channels, this does not. Some Tivo receivers allow you to watch live tv, while recording other live TV, this does not.
Pro's
This was free with installation (can't beat that price). It retails for $199-$399 (not worth it). No additional equipment is need for this to work, no need to do much in setting this up (no hassle factor). Also since this integrates the hard drive with the receiver, picture is great. This receiver has Dolby Digital output, (for surround sound). Amazingly Tivo and Replay don't put this feature on their receivers--sound advantage: dish. With the 501 you really don't pay for programming (Tivo you pay monthly or lifetime subscription, Replay this is included in the price of equipment). UHF remote (can be used through walls)
Cons
This most obvious con is that the PVR501 (even if it is working perfectly) does not do what the Tivo and replay do. This is a mystery to me. as all the hardware is there. The software simply doesn't do anything. Most problematic (I think this is a deal-breaker) is the quality of the unit. Not only is the software unimpressive, but it lacks error handling in some key situations. If you press buttons too quickly you could crash the unit or worse do irreversible damage to the hard drive. (I've done both twice). Additionally, the unit's hard drive is extremely noisy (not sure why). UHF remote is not that dependable when house is bigger than 1 story.
Bottom Line
I was happy to get this free. It greatly influenced me to get Dish network. I now have some regrets, as I am on my third unit and the hard drive noise annoys me at night. If it breaks Dish will send you a new one, but this routine is getting old. At the end of the year they are coming out with a unit far superior to this one. If you do have Dish hold out for the Unit the 731.
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 0.00
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Epinions.com ID:
daperlman
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Reviews written: 51
Trusted by: 7 members
About Me:
Mission: Find recipe for Nabisco Space Foodsticks. Foil conspiracy responsible for disappearance of Foodsticks.
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