Dish Network ViP 622 (320 GB) DTV Receiver / 180-Hours DVR

Planning/Purchase:
I was a DirecTV subscriber for several years before deciding to delve into the HD arena and after many phone calls to Direct, I found that my most cost effective (read cheapest) upgrade path was to switch providers and invest in Dish Network (DN) equipment. I started out with their 942 HD/DVR receiver, an excellent model, and upgraded to the ViP622 DVR about 6 months ago. I researched through several online forums related to satellite and HD technology, and found a lease upgrade path to the 622 that was a relatively low cost fee ($199), after rebate. These days, I believe an even better deal can be had.

Contacting DN customer support can be a "hit or miss" experience, depending upon who ends up on the other end of the phone. Anticipating this, I had a clear idea of the costs associated with my upgrade, and the equipment I had in place and would need to complete the install myself. Armed with this information, I managed to convince the sales staff, and ultimately the tech support folks, to send me the 622 directly and allow me to complete the install myself. I received the new Set Top Box (STB) after only a week. This was an excellent turn around time and a very pleasant upgrade experience overall. Now, after several months of viewing HD and SD programming, receiving a variety of software updates, and interacting with the 622's user interface, I am extremely happy with my investment.

Set-up:
I have a two dish antenna set-up (D500's) that receives signals from the 61.5, 110, and 119 slots, and am using all Dish Pro and Dish Pro Plus switches and equipment (DP Dual, DPP Twin). I also have a ViP211 hooked up in another room. The 622 easily swapped into my set-up, where the 942 was. I use a single coaxial run from the satellites to a DPP Separator (splits the sat signal to both tuner inputs) and connected my OTA antenna to the RF input on the box. I'm running Component out to a Vizio plasma (model P50HDTV10A) and Optical audio to a Yamaha A/V receiver (model HTR5750), that drives Yamaha NS-BP4500 Home Theater Speakers. For those who are upgrading to HD for the first time, and/or don't have an interest in this technology beyond seeing a better picture on their HDTV, I'd recommend a professional installation.

After running the initial software download and contacting Dish tech support, my Platinum package was authorized on the receiver. The user interface is instantly recognizable as belonging to DN equipment and is user friendly and, for the most part, intuitive in its use. I made sure to select settings on the 622 that would output 1080i at a 16x9 screen ratio. 720p is also a setting option but, I prefer that my TV deinterlace/scale signals to native resolution as it has an excellent chipset for this function.

Earlier versions of the 622 tend to run "hot." So, to protect the components inside, and my investment, I added a laptop cooler to blow air underneath and into the STB. This resulted in dropping temperatures by 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit. A welcome change, as any computer based technology can be susceptible to heat-related problems. My understanding is that later versions of the 622 have improved design characteristics that address this issue.

Picture Quality:
MPEG4 is still "under development" and this compression format does not yield any noticeable benefit in terms of picture quality. However, the 622's ability to decode MPEG4 signals means that I can receive more and all new HD channels that DN broadcasts in this format. Between OTA and DN sources I receive approximately 40 channels where HD programming is present. HD picture quality is excellent and, as displayed on a 50" plasma, totally immersive. Signal dropouts are infrequent and only tend to occur in the worst of weather (rain, snow) conditions. SD picture quality varies with the quality of the originating signal (channel provider) but, I have been very happy with the viewing experience thus far. Since adding the Vizio plasma I've even increased the amount of time I spend watching "regular old TV."

Sound:
Digital Optical out provides for 5.1 DD decoding on HD broadcasts, via my Yamaha A/V receiver. This is an essential element in creating that feeling of "being there." Two channel audio programs are matrixed via the Yamaha, which creates the next best thing to "being there".

Features/Reliability:
The 622 has so many features that I'm only going to hit a few of the "high notes" in my review. Sufficed to say, this STB is pretty darn neat.

While it's most often referred to as a two tuner receiver, the 622 actually has three tuners. Two that record HD/SD from satellite and one that records HD/SD from terrestrial broadcasts (OTA). Signals can be output in HD or SD to a primary HDTV, and SD or down-rez'd HD can be backfed to one or more other SDTV's in the home. Translation... this one STB can feed signals to multiple TV's in a home but, only a single TV will receive HD signals (unless one employs some creative wiring scheme).

DVR Recording functions are user friendly and can be initiated by selecting a program from the Electronic Program Guide (EPG), by conducting a search for a particular program, or by setting manual timers. With the exception of few minor hiccups due to software glitches, I rarely miss a recording. What's even better is, because of the multiple tuners and output features, I can be recording three different programs and watching two other recorded programs on two different TV's in my home. While I don't take advantage of this particular function, it definitely has a certain "bragging rights" appeal. Total recording time depends upon format but, generally it's 200 hours of SD and up to 30 hours of HD, with rumors of external HDD support for archiving being on the way.

The interactive EPG is a huge benefit of subscribing to satellite. It holds nine days worth of programming and, as mentioned earlier, can be used to set recording and other kinds of timers (auto tuning or reminder). There's also on-screen caller-id for identifying those unwanted phone calls, and other interactive features for news, sports info, and games. Finally, Video On Demand (VOD) is a recently added service/feature. While I haven't been impressed with the selection of movies or functionality of this particular feature, others may find it very useful.

The 622's reliability is the only area where I can find any real faults. Software updates can sometimes introduce temperamental behaviors such as audio drop-outs and glitchy recording, and my 622 has rebooted itself spontaneously on a few occasions. It isn't the rock sold unit that my 942 seemed to be but, has been fairly easy to live with. Reducing the operating temperatures seems to have helped with its demeanor some and overall, I'm extremely satisfied.

Summary:
The ViP622 DVR provides a ton of features and viewing options. Anyone with an HDTV should take a closer look at this gem of an STB.