excellent product-but SLOW.
Written: Jan 06 '00
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Pros: great picture and sound, webtv features
Cons: occasionally slow, fee-based hard-disk recording
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| ndpatel's Full Review: EchoStar DishPlayer 7100 Satellite System |
we initially had a webtv plus box and TCI digital cable, and the webtv could never interface with the cable box right. since we were looking into satellite tv anyway, we picked up the dishplayer.
since we were already accustomed to the webtv interface, there wasn't a significant learning curve, but the webtv interface is by far the prettiest tv guide/settings/menu system i've ever seen.
my parents use the webtv as their primary internet link, and my sister and i use it as second access, so in comparison to a real 4+ browser on a fast computer, the webtv is s-l-o-w. it's acceptable, though, and having it on a big tv makes it easy for everyone to use. the service can retrieve remote POP mail, so it works for everyone. additionally, it can use an existing ISP, so you don't pay double internet access charges every month. although there are some features of the web that hobble the unit, webtv networks updates the built in browser all the time. the next upgrade should give it instant messaging and java capabilities, increasing it's usefulness even more.
the dish service is great--never a dropped signal. the unit does have a strange propensity to "update" itself all the time, though. since this usually only happens late at night, it's not a major problem. the picture and sound are stellar, and pay-per-view movies are in full dolby digital sound with DVD quality video. the unit also has three games built in: you don't know jack, DOOM, and solitaire.
live video can be paused for up to five hours standard, and if you subscribe to the personal tv service (5.95/mo) you can record up to five hours of programming directly to disk, with fast forward, rewind and pause capabilities. live tv is then augmented with instant replay features. since no vcr is involved in the recording, all of it can be done via the easy to use menu systems. we don't have personal tv, so i can't attest to the quality, but paused programs continue with no noticeable loss of clarity. the only big problem is that sometimes the OS "lags": you push a button, and it does nothing. a prime example is calling up the program guide--it can easily do nothing for almost two seconds, while you goofily stomp away at the guide button. annoying, but not crippling.
all in all, the dishplayer is great for reducing the tangle of wires associated with the proliferation of home-theater components. although it can be a little rough around the edges, it's a solid buy.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 199+shipping
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Epinions.com ID:
ndpatel
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Member: Nilay Patel
Reviews written: 3
Trusted by: 1 member
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