I4U Reviews DISH's ViP 622 HD DVR [Update]
by Ben Drawbaugh 
posted May 23rd 2006 at 10:10PM
It seems that DIRECTV has been slipping for some time and now with this week's rumor about DISH adding more HD channels this review couldn't have come at a better time for those considering a switch.
For some time one of the reasons to stick with DIRECTV is because of the HD TiVo, even with all its problems it is still one of the best HD DVRs out there, after reading this review it doesn't appear to me that this has changed yet. In Dennis's review he raves about the 622, but doesn't seem to care much about the fact that you can't record two HD channels at once, or can you? According to him you can't, but we tried to verify this and only became more confused.
Just like the new 2Wire Homezone box the 622 supports two TVs and two remotes, but only one can be a HDTV. Highlights include HDMI, S-Video, Component and TiVo like scheduling, as well as a 30 second skip.
It is nice that the box is available for lease, but evidently DISH will only lease you one of them.
[Update added multiple recording capability.]
Filed under: Satellite
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jason @ May 23rd 2006 11:31PM
I have had the VIP 622 for a couple of months.
You can actually record THREE High Def shows at the same time - 2 from satelitte and one from an attached OTA antenna.
Playing back of shows: one output is HD and one output downcoverts to SD for a second TV.
Ben Drawbaugh @ May 23rd 2006 11:35PM
Jason,
That is pretty cool, but I assume you can't record two OTA channels at once then?
Fish @ May 24th 2006 3:24AM
Like the other satellite company, DISH offers several programming packages based on the number of all-digital channels that you want, including high-definition.
Vince @ May 24th 2006 4:04AM
I should have mine in about a week. I've heard the same that it will record OTA in HD or SD, Satalite in HD, and Satalite in SD at the same time. All while watching something pre-recorded if you so desire.
And I can vouch for them not letting you lease more than one. I tried to convince them otherwise for nearly a month. Though if you look around you can purchase them for 499 now.
Errett Porter @ May 24th 2006 7:03AM
Correct, no 2 OTA shows at the same time. But being able to record 3 HD programs at once while viewing another is great. I got my 622 in April and have been thrilled with it.
Dan @ May 24th 2006 10:30AM
I have the 622 and yes, it can record two HD channels at once as I've done it many times. It's no TiVo, but for right now it's pretty close and pretty much a DishNetwork subscriber's only choice.