Take Dish Network Programs on Your PVP Gadget Review - Your lifestyle gadget site

PocketDish Portable Media Companion AV700E is a fantastic match for your Dish Network DVR recorder (and no we are not a commercial). You can download up to 40 hours of television to this PVP (personal video player). It sports a 7″ LCD and according to Ohgizmo.com you can record up to 160 hours of video from other sources at a lower resolution. The AV700E also plays back music and photos, but only rocks a crappy 4 hour battery life (big ow!). Probably best suited for the train or bus ride home.

And, big AND, we also discovered that you can transfer your Dish Network recordings to the Archos AV500. A much more economical and probably in all likelihood versatile player.

Starts about $600.

For more info see Dish Network.

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Dish Network Offers First Ever DVR With Built-in Slingbox, The VIP 922 Gadget Review - Your lifestyle gadget site

During our time at CES, Echostar saw it fit to announces some pretty astounding and cool news: they unveiled a DVR box with a built in Slingbox, called the VIP 922.  What’s this mean?  Those who sign up with the satellite TV service provider (they’re competitor is DirecTV) will not only get access to an HD DVR box with a 1TB hard drive, but a DVR box whose content can be accessed from any where in the World.

You see, thanks to the built-in Sling technology and hardware, the die hard TV fanatic will be able to tap into their box at home and stream their recorded media to a myriad of devices (laptop, iPhone, Blackberry) anywhere they’re located assuming they have a broadband connection.

Without seeing an on hand demonstration it’s hard to say, but it sounds like Echostar has also thrown in a remote with a UI and form factor which is similar to Panasonic’s Easy Touch Remote Control; something we saw at CES.

The Dish Network VIP 922 will be available later this Spring.

Check out the other features offered:

• News feeds located on the home screen, giving viewers instant access to national news, weather, sports, and stock quotes.
• Ability to organize channels by channel name or number.
• 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480i and 480p support.
• Internet-delivered DISH On Demand including 1080p content.
• Ability to move one day in the guide while browsing full screen EPG or partial EPG.
• Connections to home networks via Ethernet, HomePlug Turbo (the next generation of HomePlug that allows for faster in-home transfer of content using home power lines), or WiFi (with optional WiFi adapter).
• Powerful search capability across all available video sources, including IP, VOD, satellite or DVR.
• Intuitive timer creation and DVR management, allowing users to categorize programming by groups (video source, title, genres) or by content description (date, length, ratings and more).
• Ability to load photos, MP3s and selected Internet content.
• Future upgrades such as photo sharing, movie ticket purchases, family calendars, instant messaging, streaming audio, and the ability to transfer content within a home network.

[Ehomeupgrade]

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Gadget Rumor: Google And Dish Working On Android Set Top Box? Gadget Review - Your lifestyle gadget site

Rumors suggest that Dish and Google might be collaborating to create a set top box for your TV.  According to leaks from within Google’s staff, they have been trialing the concept and deciding upon whether to go ahead with the project or scrap it.

The main idea is that the Android powered platform would find channels on Dish, YouTube, Metacafe and other website media channels and allow you to easily view it via your tv, transmitted by a box that would sit on top of your television. You would also be able to create playlists and perform refined searches of your TV programs using a keyboard.

Google could possibly make money by selling advertising space on their channel, much like they sell targeted website advertising space on their search engine.

As of now Google and Dish have yet to comment, so there is no indication as to whether or not they’ll move ahead with the project.

Read

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Google TV + Dish Network Demoed (video) Gadget Review - Your lifestyle gadget site

Okay, we still stand by this week’s post about Google’s Google TV troubles, but that doesn’t mean the software itself isn’t going to be good. Google has proven they’re pretty good on that front in the past. Case in point is a new video showing off Google TV integrated into Dish Network, taken at the recent Comic-Con 2010 by StuffWeLike. You see the smooth search function, and HD Youtube playback. Check it out below, and hope that TV providers are impressed as well.

Read

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Dish Network Just Bought Blockbuster For $228 Million Gadget Review - Your lifestyle gadget site

Dish Network just bought Blockbuster for $228 million in cash.  We can only assume that DirectTV is laughing their asses off, all the while scratching their heads.

What the hell does Dish plan to do with 1,700 retail locations?  There’s no way they could break even on the investment by trying to hock their service and boxes at Blockbuster locations, right?  How many subscribers would they have to nab to make this worth their while?

According to the press release issued today, “Blockbuster will complement our existing video offerings while presenting cross-marketing and service extension opportunities for DISH Network,” said Tom Cullen, executive vice president of Sales, Marketing and Programming for DISH Network.  Perhaps there’s some sort of licensing agreement that Blockbuster still has right to that could net Dish Network an amount of money that would justify the acquisition.

DISH Network Agrees to Acquire Blockbuster Assets

ENGLEWOOD, Colo., April 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — DISH Network Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) announced that it was selected as the winning bidder in the bankruptcy court auction for substantially all of the assets of Blockbuster, Inc. DISH Network’s winning bid was valued at approximately $320 million. After certain adjustments are made at closing of the transaction, including adjustments for available cash and inventory, DISH Network expects to pay approximately $228 million in cash to acquire Blockbuster at the closing which is expected to occur in the second quarter of 2011.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100611/LA19624LOGO )

“With its more than 1,700 store locations, a highly recognizable brand and multiple methods of delivery, Blockbuster will complement our existing video offerings while presenting cross-marketing and service extension opportunities for DISH Network,” said Tom Cullen, executive vice president of Sales, Marketing and Programming for DISH Network. “While Blockbuster’s business faces significant challenges, we look forward to working with its employees to re-establish Blockbuster’s brand as a leader in video entertainment.”

Completion of the transaction is contingent upon satisfaction of certain conditions, including bankruptcy court approval.

Safe Harbor Statement under the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995:

Except for historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements set forth above involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any such statement, including the risks and uncertainties discussed in DISH Network Corporation’s Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements included in its recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 10-K. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and DISH Network Corporation expressly disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

About DISH Network

DISH Network Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH), through its subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C., provides more than 14.1 million satellite TV customers, as of Dec. 31, 2010, with the highest quality programming and technology with the most choices at the best value, including HD Free for Life. Subscribers enjoy industry-leading customer satisfaction, the largest high definition line-up with more than 200 national HD channels, the most international channels, and award-winning HD and DVR technology. DISH Network Corporation is a Fortune 200 company. Visit www.dish.com.

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Dish Network Tailgater Portable Satellite Weighs Just 10lbs Gadget Review - Your lifestyle gadget site

Published: September 2, 2011

By our account TV is responsible for the vast influx of overweight Americans.  That, and fast food.  As a kid your parents would tell you to go outside and play.  Sure, that worked 20 years ago, but with the advent of portable technology there is no escaping Tinsle Town’s reach.  And now, thanks to Dish Network, you’ll never miss a live broadcast of a game or a show no matter where you and your family travels.  In other words, the final nail has been hammered in the obesity coffin.

Okay, the so the above is purely hyperbole, and the Tailgater Portable HDTV System is clearly targeted at the die hard NFL fan who wants to maximize their NFL Sunday ticket while hanging outside the stadium.  It weighs no more than 10lbs and works any where in the 48 contiguous United States, provided you’ve got a line of site to Dish’s satellites, which if memory serves correct hovers over Texas.

It’s capable of receiving a 480i, 480p, 720p and 1080i signal and includes a built-in handle and weather-resistant cover. The Tailgater Portable HDTV System requires no direct power connection, and instead draws energy from the connected Dish box via a coxial cable.  However, you’ll need to power the box, and for now the Tailgater Portable HDTV System is only compatible with the HD Solo Receiver; sorry, no DVR compatibility.  Dish recommends a portable generator or an inverter to power your system off of your vehicle’s DC power supply.   But make sure you start your vehicle periodically, unless of course you need an excuse not to come home from the game.  Lastly, you’ll need some sort of HDTV.

For those of you that already subscribe to Dish, and have a SOLD HD, you’ll be able to pick one up al a carte for $350.  Alternatively, Dish offers a combo package of $499.  And it would seem that in a comparison of Dish vs Directv, the latter doesn’t offer a comparable product.

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DISH’s New Super Joey Lets You Record Up to 8 Shows Simultaneously Gadget Review - Your lifestyle gadget site

DISH has made their award-winning Hopper Whole-Home DVR platform even better with the addition of the new Super Joey. The new device adds an additional two network tuners to the Hopper’s already three, so your household can easily record up to 8 shows at the same time. This means no more family feuds about what TV shows should take priority over others. Channel conflicts will be a thing of the past for DISH hopper customers! According to DISH’s senior vice president of product management Vivek Khemka, the Super Joey will make it easier for customers to enjoy more of their favorite programs. Combined with the Hopper’s 2,000 hours of storage, customers will have never run out of viewing options. The Super Joey was first released at the 2014 CES Show where it won the CES 2014 “Editors’ Choice” award from Reviewed.com. Super Joey is powered by a 1305 MHz, 3000 DMIPS Broadcom BCM7346 processor, features remote finder functionality, and supports MoCA and Ethernet connectivity.

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DISH Customers Can Nix Annoying Wires With The Wireless Joey Gadget Review - Your lifestyle gadget site

Wires are seriously annoying. In a world where everything is wireless nowadays, it’s kind of hard to tolerate devices that still rely on them.

Read: DISH versus DirecTV

DISH fans who hate wires can now opt to get the Wireless Joey, which allows customers to bring the Joey system with them anywhere without the need for Ethernet or coaxial wiring. Basically, it’s the same experience as a regular wired Joey but with the freedom to go anywhere. The Wireless Joey comes with PrimeTime Anytime, AutoHop and the same abilities to rewind, pause, record, fast-toward and view TV stuff as the other Joey system, too.

The Wireless Joey is also the first in the industry to feature 802.11ac wireless technology, which provides a stronger signal and faster data transfer speeds (up to three times faster than other competitor’s wireless video offerings). The new wireless Joey is powered by a 900MHz 2000 DMIPS BCM7418 processor, in addition to a Broadcom BCM4360 802.11ac chip that operates at the 5Ghz band. DISH users can add the Wireless Joey to their entertainment system for a one-time fee of $50 for the wireless access point then pay $7 a month for each device they want in their home (each wireless access point can accommodate three Wireless Joey devices).

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Dish Network Updates Dish Anywhere App with Personalization Features Gadget Review - Your lifestyle gadget site

Most of the recent news about DISH Network has focused on its Sling TV project that allows subscribers to stream live channels and potentially give up cable forever. But Dish hasn’t been ignoring its other properties: It has just released a massive update for its Dish Anywhere app, including new personalization options.

Read: Sling TV Comes With a Free Fire Stick to Try it Out

Dish Anywhere is a companion app designed to be used on mobile devices in conjunction with satellite service. It can help users sling their TV content, watch Video On Demand content, browse menus, etc., so forth. The latest updates, in addition to creating a new interface, also allow users to create their own separate profiles and switch between different Anywhere profiles based on who’s using the TV.

Each profile will contain separate, personalized features for viewers. This includes recommendations for new programs, a watchlist that customers can use as a reminder list for shows and movies, and a recently watched section for picking up where you left off. There’s also a collection of other new add-ons including more advertisements for new content and a remote function that allows users to control their satellite with the Dish Anywhere App.

If these updates have a familiar ring to them, it’s because Dish is making efforts to change Anywhere into a more streaming-like app. From Xbox SmartGlass to Netflix, we are already used to many of these features in other platforms – Dish no doubt wants to make sure the latest tools are also available on its satellite service.

Additionally, the personalization options could be handy in a household with varying tastes. Different spouses may appreciate recommendations and recently viewed shows keyed to their own interests. Ditto for roommates sharing satellite, teenagers, and so on.

The update is currently available on iPads, Android Tablets, and Kindles. It will be coming to smartphones later this year. Check out our expert DISH vs DIRECTV to compare the brand to its competitor.

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DISH Network Review, A Hands On Experience Gadget Review - Your lifestyle gadget site

DISH Network is one of two of the major satellite TV providers here in the US.  Its competitor is DirecTV (read our DirecTV review), and if you can’t decide between the two you should definitely read our DISH vs DirecTV comparison.  For now, though, I’m going to examine the top 10 features that makes DISH Network an attractive proposition.  To be clear, this is just one of many Dish Network reviews we have on the site, but it is my most in-depth take on the provider.

1. DISH Hopper Review and Dish Anywhere Review

The DISH Hopper allows you to watch TV any where.

The Hopper, or the Hoppa’ as seen in the commercials, is in essence Sling.  Sling was bought by DISH a few years ago and if you’re not familiar the company, or in this case hardware, it allows you to watch and control TV from any where – this is known as DISH Anywhere – you’ve got an Internet connection; WiFi, 4G, LTE.  Needless to say your bandwidth will dictate the quality of the stream, but you probably already knew that.  And, yes, you read that write.  Even if you’re abroad, as in Europe, you can view TV, though last I checked Live TV was not accessible.

In order to take advantage of The Hopper you’ll need a decent Internet Connection at home and ensure that your Hopper Box is connected to your router, either by way of Ethernet or WiFi.  The latter part should be moot as your DISH installer should set this up for you, though if you’re more technical it’s a synch if you follow the onscreen instructions.

That said, you’ll want to  ensure you have a good “Up” pipe as you’ll be streaming from your home to machine.  If you don’t, the image quality can become poor and/or your stream will stutter making viewing anything but enjoyable.

If for some reason you don’t have an Internet connection while outside the confines of your home, and can plan ahead, you can also transfer your recorded programs from The Hopper to your mobile device or computer.  Again, you’ll need to plan ahead, as the process to transfer from The Hopper to another device takes time.  To be completely candid I’ve never had the patience to do so.  Nevertheless, it’s great if you plan to be on plane for a long period of time and you don’t feel like throwing money away on the Airline’s On Demand service.

And, last but definitely not least, the DISH app. It works with Android, iOS and your computer.  Just download it, punch in your credentials and you’ll have access to not only your Hopper’s contents and live TV, but an array of On Demand shows and films.  In fact, the UI and all together experience is better than that of the Hopper’s as things are intuitive and slick.  It’ll be interesting to see how they merge the app’s design into the Hopper.

2. DISH On Demand

DISH Anywhere allows access to DISH On Demand

To a large degree DISH has just about every new movie that you could wish for, provided it’s out and available.   There are a few occasions when something will come out on “DVD” before DISH, but for the most part they’ve got all the major motion pics to keep you satiated.  There are two types of On Demand to note, though.

There is On Demand that doesn’t require an Internet connection and is sent to your DISH box via the satellite connection.  The upside here is that movies are delivered almost instantly.  The downside is that there selection is limited compared to the Internet based offering.

The On Demand that delivered via your home’s Internet, has a far vaster selection.  Not only can you order new movies, but TV shows as well.

Your box will require that it downloads the show or film before it can start to stream, but if you’ve got a decent Internet connection it will largely be a moot issue.  I prefer to download the movie and watch it later, as it is saved to your box and you won’t experience any playback interruptions as it’s already been saved locally to the DISH box.  And one last perk here: if you pay for Premium Channels, such as HBO, you’ll be able to order those as well without any additional charges.

A few other things to note:

• Some movies are offered in 1080.  They generally cost more, but the quality is discernible, especially on larger screens.
• Downloaded movies, if you pay for them – some are free – will last up to 30 days but expire within 24 hours after you begin to watch them.  Again, this only applies if you’ve “paid” for it.

3. DISH Joey Boxes

The DISH Joey lets you watch TV in many rooms simultaneously.

The Joey Boxes are smaller boxes that can be placed throughout your home.  They connect to the Hopper, or main box over your home’s Coaxial Cable.  What’s great about the Joeys is that they’re small and they work with the remote over RF.  That means you can hide them behind things, such as TVs and books, and they can still be controlled without a direct line of sight.  To me this last feature is key as I’m not graced with a massive living room.

For complete disclosure’s sake, the Joeys, while solid for the most part, they can be a bit laggy at times when trying to access On Demand or digging deep into the menus of the DISH.  If you’re looking for an upgrade, I’d suggest looking at the Super Joey box, which is more powerful and allows for more TVs to be connected to a Hopper.

4. DISH Network Joey Wireless Box

This is fairly new to DISH.  And a necessity to remain competitive.  In short, the DISH Wireless Joey doesn’t require a cable coaxial connection and can be placed virtually any where in your home.  However, since it connects over your home’s WiFi connection you’ll need to ensure that it has a signal back to the Hopper.  Setup is fairly painless, though it will take a bit of back and forth, as I experienced, between the Hopper and where ever you setup the Wireless Joey.

5. DISH Network Image Quality

Yes, DISH provides an HD picture.  But it’s not true 1080.  But, and yes another but, you’ll likely be none the wiser if you’re watching your films and TV shows on a 60″ or smaller screen.  Toss it onto a larger screen and you’ll notice some of the pixelation.  That in mind, the blacks can sometimes be a bit overly compressed leading to a blocky image.

For the most part I’m satisfied with DISH’s picture quality.  I don’t care so much about television shows, and if I could change anything I would ask for the premium channels in full HD.  But alas, beggars can’t be choosers.

6. DISH Network Service Reliability

You’d think with satellite TV you’d get questionable picture quality and connection. Now, for full disclosure’s sake I do live in Souther California.  Which is to say we don’t experience much inclement weather.  So of course your mileage may vary depending on that.  But for the past 2+ years I’ve never had my service drop or go down – not once.

What I have had happen, though, is that I’ve had a few Hopper’s that have effectively died on me.  The first one lasted almost two years and then the hard drive stopped working.  Not a big deal as DISH immediately sent me a new Hopper in a few days.  The biggest caveat was losing all of my recorded shows.  The second one had a tech glitch with it and wouldn’t record shows.  So it was back to ordering a new one.  Again, the replacement Hopper showed up in two day’s time, making their shipping expertise on par with Amazon’s Prime Service.

Lastly, and very rarely, the On Demand doesn’t work.  The resolve is sometimes as simple as resetting the Hopper or its Internet connection.  Other times I’ve had to call and ask them to flip a few switches on the back end to get it running again.

7. DISH Network On Screen Displays, Menus and Navigation

DISH Network Guides and Menus Hands On

This might be my biggest hang up about DISH.  At times it feels a bit old, especially in light of today’s tech.  Which is to say the menus aren’t as intuitive as I’d like them to be.

Now, that isn’t to say they haven’t tired.  Not too long ago, they added a Game Finder button.  Hit the blue button on the remote and you can view scores from your favorite teams and most importantly locate the channel and live feed of the game in question. It may not seem like much of a feature, but when you want to find the game and find it right away this is an excellent resolve.  You’ll just need to practice a bit of a patience as it takes 30-45 seconds to load.

All that in mind, ordering a show, film or changing a setting isn’t more than a few clicks or button presses away.  The biggest bottle neck is diving deep into the On Demand section, as there seems to be an endless array of shows and movies to choose from.  It’s effectively a rabbit hole that goes fairly deep, and much like Netflix, you can spend more time trying to find something than actually watching it.

And of note, DISH recently integrated Netflix into the Hopper.  So you’re never too far from your streaming media.  And each respective Premium Channel’s On Demand menu is integrated into the “guide” such that you can easily access it.

8. Speed of Joeys and Hoppers

If you’re looking for the fastest possible experience, when navigating menus, calling up On Demand shows, then you’ll want to look to the Hopper or the Super Joey box.  Both are fairly fluid and fast, especially when compared to the regular Joeys, which at times can be slow to display icons and “call up” menus.  The biggest bottle neck that I’ve experienced is when trying to view the On Demand section, which for either type of box can take a few seconds.

9. DISH Network Customer Service

Read the comments on our DISH vs DirecTV piece and you’ll gain some insight to how people feel about any respective TV provider.  Which in my mind is par for the course.  Which is to say, no matter the consumer product, you’ll find an irate customer or frustrated consumer.

To that end, DISH has provided nothing but stellar customer service when I’ve had an issue with the box or service.  As mentioned, when my Hopper broke, they sent me one in just two day’s time.  And they included a built-in return label, which is to say all I needed to do was remove the previous one. The only thing they didn’t include was tape – ho-hum.

10. DISH Network Installation

Inviting what is effectively a random person into your house is always a disconcerting experience.  Fortunately, DISH installers, at least in my case, were not only competent but extremely professional.  They showed up on time, were knowledgeable about the installation process, as well as the tech that they were setting up.  There is no disputing that this could vary from location to location, but it would seem, based on my experience, that DISH goes to great lengths to ensure that the installers know their stuff, both about the equipment and codes that they have to adhere to when installing in a residential home.

11. DISH Network Reviews Conclusion

DISH may not be the only satellite TV provider, but there is no doubt that they produce an excellent product and service.  Their customer service is responsive, their installers are professional and knowledgeable, and they’re constantly pushing the envelope in terms of new equipment and features.

Keep in mind that DISH isn’t the only player.  Other options include DirecTV (their direct competitor), COX, Time Warner, AT&T Uverse (now DirecTV) and others.  To learn more about those satellite and cable providers check out our satellite tv reviews.

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DISH Anywhere App Review Gadget Review - Your lifestyle gadget site

The DISH Anywhere app was developed as a companion to the Hopper® Whole-Home HD DVR and offers you the ability to watch live satellite TV directly on your smartphone or tablet. The app has an array of advanced features, including Hopper DVR integration, live streaming, offline viewing, live programming guide, and more.

Enjoy Live Satellite TV Anywhere?

As a leading provider satellite TV programming, DISH Network provides over 14 million subscribers with the latest in viewing innovations. One of these innovations is the DISH Anywhere app, which allows you to enjoy DISH programming on the go from anywhere. Here are the features in more detail.

Stream TV to Your Mobile Device

The app fully integrates with your DISH Hopper HD DVR with the latest Sling technology to deliver recorded or live streaming TV programs to your mobile device. Whether you’re in the grocery store or on a camping trip, you can use the app to watch the big game or your favorite shows anywhere at any time. The DISH Anywhere also comes with various features designed to take your viewing experience to the next level of convenience and enjoyment.

Read: DISH vs Comcast

How to Download the App

After downloading the app in the iTunes or Google Play store and completing the installation process, you need to link the app to your online DISH account, as is the case with other DISH apps, to begin enjoying the full programming from DISH directly on your mobile device. The app integrates with your Sling-powered Hopper HD DVR, allowing you to watch all of your favorite shows anywhere, anytime.

Standout Features of DISH Anywhere

The DISH Anywhere app offers complete DVR management, allowing you to schedule recordings of your favorite programs, delete shows, manage recording conflicts, and more. When you consider the fact that it supports the streaming of on-demand movies as well, the app truly provides you with everything you need to enjoy the same TV viewing experience you have at home when you’re out and about and on the go, minus the 50-inch TV of course.

Electronic Programming Guide

In addition to full DVR and on-demand functions, DISH Anywhere also features a fully integrated electronic programming guide, providing you with the ability to view programming schedules up to seven days in advance. It allows you to search for shows, movies, sports, and other programs by titles, keywords, networks, actors, and genres.

Read: DISH vs Time Warner Cable

Offline Viewing Mode

We are really liking DISH Anywhere’s offline viewing mode, which imports the recorded shows stored on your Hopper HD DVR and saves them in your tablet or smart phone. This means you can watch all of your recordings anywhere you want, even in locations without an Internet connection.

New Features and Updates

In addition to the standard features we listed above, the DISH Anywhere app is constantly updated with new features, such as a recently updated interface, in order to provide users with the most enjoyable viewing experience possible.

Custom Profiles for Each User
For instance, the latest update allows users to make their own profiles and use their profile when watching TV. Every profile contains specific features personalized for each user, including new program recommendations, a recently watched section allowing you to pick up right where you left off, and a programming watch list reminding you of shows and movies you want to watch.

Read: DISH vs DIRECTV 

Ability to Personalize Recommendations
These personalization options are particularly helpful in households with varying taste in shows, because each person can enjoy recently viewed shows and recommendations according to their own interests. This makes it ideal for homes with teenagers, roommate situations, and so on. Other new add-ons have also taken place, including a remote function allowing you to control the DISH satellite using the DISH Anywhere app.

Improved Tablet Interface
DISH Anywhere has also been improved for iPads and Android tablets. With a re-designed user interface and new discovery features that allow users to easily find new programs to watch, DISH Anywhere provides one of the best user experiences in the business.

Pros

• Automatic setup
• Full Hopper HD DVR integration
• Intuitive programming guide
• Ability to watch live, recorded, and on-demand programs
• Built-in search engine

Cons

• Transferring and converting files can take some time
• Fast Internet connection is needed

Final Thoughts
As the mobile companion to the award-winning Sling-powered Hopper HD DVR, the DISH Anywhere app allows you to enjoy your satellite TV subscription right on your mobile device. Whether you’re shopping for groceries, killing time at the doctor’s office, or embarking on an RV adventure, DISH Anywhere provides you with on-demand entertainment regardless of where you are. With a ton of convenient features and regular updates as well, it’s a must-have app for any DISH subscriber.

If you would like to enjoy the DISH Anywhere app and all that it has to offer, visit USDISH.com and begin enjoying outstanding DISH service today!

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DirecTV vs. DISH for RV’s: Satellite TV for your Mobile Home Gadget Review - Your lifestyle gadget site

So you’re thinking of getting satellite TV for mobile home, but what’s the difference between DirecTV vs. DISH for RV’s? The main reason why thousands of people prefer traveling in RV’s is because of the comfort that this type of traveling provides. Television is a huge part of this. It is common for bigger RV’s to have multiple TV sets, which are usually visible from their patio. Since people mostly use RV’s for travel, and thus are always on the move, a cable TV will not work for that type of lifestyle. Simply put, you wouldn’t be able to use cable TV if you’re camping in the woods.

For this reason, most RV owners usually prefer using satellite television because of the many benefits available from this type of service. One of these being the ability to conveniently move a receiver when traveling to different places. In order to receive a signal for your satellite TV, an antenna is required, which comes from a dish. They come in a variety of options to choose from depending on your needs. Today, let’s take a look into DirecTV vs. DISH for RV’s.

DirecTV vs. DISH for RV’s

When it comes to the satellite business, DirecTV and DISH are the two most recognized companies in the United States. Both of them have their own advantages and disadvantages.

DirecTV for RV’s

DirecTV has a bigger market compared to DISH. This means that they have more channels and a larger array of sports packages for their customers. They also have a larger number of channels, which are available in High Definition (HD). DIRECTV makes use of two satellite bands connected with KA band satellites and KU band satellites.

In order to receive HD channels on your subscription, you will need to have the three pieces of LNB oval dish. DirecTV has a wide range of local channels, which you can have sent via satellite. DirecTV also offers national West Coast or East Coast feeds, which are sent from the regular off-air broadcasting networks.

DISH for RV’s

On the other hand, DISH doesn’t have as many HD channels as DirecTV. This is why they can keep all of their channels while using only a KU band. However, this would still require the use of two satellite dishes.

When you want to change the channels on your DISH satellite TV, the signal would need to go back and forth between the satellites. So you may notice some delay or lag in between the process. This is because the signal received by dome type antenna will need to move to another antenna located on the other satellite. In order to avoid this problem, you may want to purchase an oval dish, which can track both satellites effectively at the same time.

[RELATED: DISH vs DIRECTV Comparison]

It’s important to note that DISH doesn’t offer regular channels to their customers anymore. Instead they decided to incorporate a pay-as-you-go system. This allows users to temporarily disable the service while they’re at home. Then the user has the ability to reactivate it once they’ve decided to move to a new location.

Types of Satellite Dishes

Most RV’s are equipped with the ready-to-go features in order to handle a satellite TV installation. Usually, a roof mounted dome or dish is utilized, as well as important connection points if an external dish is necessary.

Tripods

You may also purchase external tripods, which perform like mounted dishes. They function exactly the same as a dish, which is connected to your mobile home. The only difference is that the dish is attached to a tripod, which is portable, meaning you can conveniently set it up once you arrive at your new location.

Roof-Mounted Dishes

The first rooftop dishes that were implemented for this kind of travel, which are still sold on the market today, are used manually, so you would have to adjust them frequently in order to get the best signal. Modern rooftop units automatically acquire the signals without needing any adjustments.

Most of these units come enclosed in a dome cover for protection. The only downside to this is that the dish is fairly small, because they are specifically manufactured so that they fit inside the dome. The strength of the satellite’s signal directly relies on the dish’s size, which means that dome type units usually cannot get a strong signal like a bigger open dish can.

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DirecTV vs. DISH vs. TIME WARNER: Who’s the Best Provider? Gadget Review - Your lifestyle gadget site

There are a number of reasons why the three giant competitors in the TV broadcasting industry, DIRECTV vs. DISH vs. TIME WARNER, can be compared to one and other. They each have a subscriber base of over 10 million and have set standards not only in TV broadcasting, but also in other fields like mass communication. These facts make it very perplexing for consumers who are trying choose among them if they need to switch providers.

New products and tweaks to their services, features, and packages leave their consumers confused about which service provider is better than the other. If you are a new customer, choosing one of them could even be more confusing because all of the offers are so attractive. Why not put them to the test?

The Face-off: DirecTV vs. DISH vs. TIME WARNER

DIRECTV

DIRECTV’s main selling points are based on exclusivity. They have a general entertainment network, dubbed ‘Audience Network,’ exclusive for DIRECTV subscribers. Their subscribers also have exclusive access to sports packages, like the NFL Sunday Ticket or the NASCAR Hot Pass. DIRECTV offers the most HD channels. It also offers more packages to choose from when compared to DISH.

Other outstanding features include:

• Smart apps
• Streaming services
• Live TV on your mobile devices
• 1 TB hard drive DVR

What makes DIRECTV have a continually growing subscriber base while other HD channels are losing them is what we already mentioned—their exclusivity. They also target audiences who are diehard fans of football. You will pay more to access NFL, but it is worth it. If you spend a lot of time watching football on TV, then you know which company to choose from among the giant providers.

Apart from exclusivity, DIRECTV also offers exceptional quality HD pictures and great sound. Their whole-home DVR, dubbed ‘The Genie,’ is convenient and reliable. You can bundle your home phone, the Internet, and cell phone services via AT&T, saving you a substantial amount of money. You can also watch live and pre-recorded TV on a mobile device. New customers enjoy great deals, apart from free installation. For long-time customers, freebies and discounts will see some significant dollars off rising costs.

The Downsides

• It is greatly affected by weather and is more likely to go out during rain and windstorms.
• It is more expensive when compared to DISH
• It has fewer On-Demand options
• The DVR has less capacity that DISH’s

DISH

DISH provides crisp and clear pictures and superior audio. It has the most channels, and the packages are very affordable. They offer startup packages that are cheaper than those of DIRECTV. New customers enjoy great deals, including free installation. DISH is undoubtedly the cheapest among the three giants. With DISH, you can record up to six TV shows at once.

More outstanding features include:

• International channels
• Affordable packages
• 2TB capacity DVR
• Remote control locator
• Internet service

You can also hop through commercials on DVR. DISH also provides ‘Tailgater’ at a cost, a portable satellite that allows you to watch TV anywhere. You need a satellite dish and receiver to access the DISH Network, but you can choose from DVR or non-DVR Receivers. But with a DVR receiver, you can watch your favorite shows whenever you like it.

The Downsides

• It is also unlikely to weather the storm
• Lacks some popular channels, like Animal Planet and Bravo. You can only find these in the much more expensive packages.
• The Tailgater is also expensive
• There have been a considerable amount of complaints with regard to their customer service

TIME WARNER

TIME WARNER offers more local channels, as well as home security systems, home phone service, Internet service, and home control systems. Unlike DIRECTV, TIME WARNER can weather the storms.

More Outstanding Features Include:

• High-quality digital pictures, and more on-demand services.
• Provides a lot of extras, ranging from remote access systems to manage your lights and thermostats, to carbon monoxide detectors, to alarm systems.
• The equipment is less cumbersome, and does not require a contract.

TIME WARNER is ideal if you do not want to place a satellite dish on your property, or if you are not allowed to. If you are looking for the most On-Demand programs, then TIME WARNER is your ideal choice. Moreover, if you like the extras, then TIME WARNER takes the crown.

The Downsides

• Fewer packages
• More expensive for fewer channels
• Includes local franchise fees
• Picture and audio quality are still low when compared to what satellite TV can offer
• On-screen troubleshooting help is not available
• You cannot access TIME WARNER if you are in a remote place

All in All

As you can see, as much as the three competitors seem to have almost similar services, each one targets a specific audience. Ultimately, DIRECTV vs. DISH vs. TIME WARNER is not meant to prove that one is better than the other. It is meant to help you, the user, to determine which service meets your needs and fits your preferences.

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DirecTV Genie vs. DISH Hopper: How the Genie and the Hopper Compare Gadget Review - Your lifestyle gadget site

DIRECTV and DISH both have whole-home DVR features, dubbed the DIRECTV Genie and DISH Hopper systems. But let’s take a look at what makes these two different from each other.

The DISH Hopper

The DISH Hopper offers a basic DVR setup that lets you record up to six shows at a time. However, the shows you can record are limited to four local channels and two added satellite channels.

The Hopper has recently been upgraded to include a new setup. With this new setup,  the user can rewind back to the start of a show as it is in progress. This means that a person can start from the beginning, even after the show has already started. This works as long as a program is in the VOD library.

The Hopper also records primetime programs. It will automatically record your favorite shows, as they appear each week. The ‘Primetime Anytime’ feature also allows you to watch primetime shows up to eight days after they aired. You can even permanently save some of your content as needed. The ‘Primetime Anytime’ recordings will not be included in your DVR capacity either.

The ‘AutoHop’ feature will let you skip commercials on some networks. This is specifically for local channels and for pre-recorded shows in the ‘Primetime Anytime’ setup.

You can also stream On-Demand programs through an online connection. You just need to link Hopper up to a smartphone or tablet so you can easily enjoy watching your favorite show in a variety of places. Additionally, you can add extra receivers to your Hopper. These are called Joeys, and they will link up to the main DVR unit so you can play back items in other spots around your home.

The SRS TruVolume system works well to keep the volume at a steady level. It automatically controls the volume on whatever you are watching, preventing the levels from spiking as you switch from one channel to the next.

The DIRECTV Genie

The DIRECTV Genie functions similarly to the DISH Hopper, and records five channels at a time. This is one less channel than the Hopper, but the Genie allows you to record five shows on any HD channel. You can do this regardless of whether it is HD or not. However, the Genie only offers 1 TB of data storage space, which is obviously less than what the 2 TB that the Hopper offers.

The Genie offers an On-Demand streaming system. This streaming system will allow you to watch shows that are on the VOD network at any time. And it allows you to watch shows up to five weeks after they air. You can scan the guide for information on the programming that will appear up to two weeks in advance. Additionally, you can set recordings for those times in the future.

Just like with the Hopper, you can restart a show that you missed from the beginning in real time. The Genie also has a unique picture-in-picture viewing system. This viewing system lets you watch two programs at the same time on the same screen.

The Genie also has a recommendations feature, which will recommend shows to you based on what you have already seen.

Like with the Hopper, you can get up to four Genie models, and the Mini Clients can be placed anywhere in your home.

The Cost of the DIRECTV Genie vs. DISH Hopper

The Genie and Hopper are both available for free with select packages, but you can get up to three of either the Genie or the Hopper free with select programs. You will not be able to take advantage of either offer with cheapest packages, although the terms will certainly vary based on whatever package you might choose.

What Other Receivers are Available?

DIRECTV and DISH both have their own alternative options for satellite tv receivers. Individual options for each are available with HD support, but some of them do not offer any DVR support. Also, some options use SD signals, and are made exclusively for traditional standard definition television sets.

The features that are included will certainly vary, so it helps to look at each option in order to see what might be more appropriate for your general demands. The Hopper and Genie are both different in terms of what they have to offer, so be sure to compare them before you make a decision on which option might be right for your television viewing desires.

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DISH Network Comes Down Hard on Satellite Pirates Gadget Review - Your lifestyle gadget site

While most of our piracy problems today either involve Game of Thrones or, you know, actual pirates, Dish Network is focus on a more traditional problem: Satellite feed piracy. Dish has been busy filing civil lawsuits against satellite pirates, where the common fee is $10,000 for ah, “borrowing” a Dish feed without paying for it. You can find out a lot more about DIRECTTV vs. DISH Network services in our guide to the two big satellite giants, but this is yet another step that is differentiating Dish from the now AT&T-managed DIRECTV.

So, how does one pirate satellite content? We’re not going to give you any pointers, but basically it involves hacking a Dish satellite receive so that it can decrypt the satellite feed without authorization. It’s very easy, especially if you buy hacking tricks from another person or company. The problem is that many users don’t realize how illegal this is – or even if they are doing it. According to one of the latest offenders to pay the fine, he had bought a satellite box off the internet and didn’t know it was hacked. True or not, that’s not going to stop Dish from going after you, especially when it comes to protecting their valuable pay per view content.

These Chinese hacking devices are a problem for Dish – but lawsuits are proving effective.

So why the crackdown? Because it works – and may even be lucrative. Just this year DISH Network has successfully sued a major Chinese pirate broadcast network (one that produces hacking devices that take even more work out of pirating), and won $3.6 million by suing a man who trafficked serve passcodes that could be used to hack Dish security on a software level.

These satellite piracy cases, unlike much of the online piracy happening today, are typically easy to prove and involve trails that can be quickly followed to find a culprit. We are impressed that Dish is working to make a statement here, although the world of satellite hacking is small fry compared to the vast internet hacking communities out there. Still, you have to start somewhere.

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How To Program a Dish Network Remote: Using Your Remote with a New Device Gadget Review - Your lifestyle gadget site

Did you just get a new device like a TV or Blu-Ray player? What about a new Dish Network remote control or receiver? If you did, then you’ll need to program your Dish Network remote so that it can control that device before you start channel surfing. The process is a bit more involved than you might expect, so let’s go over how to program a few Dish Network remote models!

One reason people have trouble trying to program Dish Network remotes is because there are a lot of different models out there, for a collection of different devices. We’re going to try to cover the most popular remotes, but if we don’t get to yours, we have a suggestion: find the remote that looks the most similar to yours, and see if the instructions are close enough to apply. If you just can’t figure it out, call up customer service and ask them to walk you through it. Sometimes a step-by-step lesson is just what you need to figure out how the remote works.

Table of Contents

• Connecting to TVs or Other Devices (Not Receivers)
• Connecting to Receivers

Connecting to TVs or Other Devices (Not Receivers)

50.0 and 52.0 Models

Dish 52.0 model

These models are some of the more advanced versions of Disk Network remotes, and tend to work with modern, more modular menus. Because the two processes are so similar, we’re grouping them under the same set of instructions. However, since the remotes are a little different, stay patient and make sure that you are picking the right buttons and on-screen options.

Dish 50.0 Remote model

Step 1: Turn your TV/Device on, and press the Home button on the remote twice – it’s the house icon in the upper left corner. This should pop open the Dish menu, with rows of colorful icons to choose from. If your TV stays blank, make sure that your Dish receiver is properly connected to the TV using the right ports (this is a common early problem, and should always be the first thing that you check if something goes wrong).

Step 2: In the Dish menu, look for a turning gears icon (see below)  to find Settings. Select Settings, which will bring up another menu that deals with all your accessories and controls. Toward the top you should find an icon for your Remote Control. Head over there and select it next.

Settings is easy to spot in the menu section.

Step 3: This brings to a screen that lists TV and additional device sections, and if any models are already known to the unit (none probably are, or you wouldn’t be doing this). Select the type of device that you are trying to create a permanent connection to.

Step 4: This will bring up a screen with a few different options for interaction with the device. Keep this screen in mind because it’s handy for programming additional features on smart TVs, but for now you want to choose the TV Pairing Wizard at the top to make this easy.

Step 5: The next screen will bring up a list of brands. Choose your device brand, then choose Next. This will lead you to a testing screen that will ask you to push the Volume and Mute buttons on your remote. The system has automatically chosen a pairing code that it thinks will work, but it needs you to make sure. The Volume and Mute buttons are easy ways to see if the remote is interacting with the TV: push them, and you should immediately seen volume change/mute effects on the screen.

TV brand selection

Step 6: If you see the Volume effects on the screen, congratulations! Your remote is paired. You can select Finished and get out of here. If you don’t see any Volume effects and nothing seems to work, then choose Try Next Code instead. This will move to a different code that the system thinks will work with the remote and brand. Try again, and keep cycling through codes until you find one that works.

40.0 Model

Dish 40.0 model remote

The 40.0 remote is a little weird, because it’s used with two different Dish Network remote programming menus. Here’s the deal: if your typical Dish channel lineup menu (where you browse what’s on TV) has the preview and summary to the right side of the screen, then go up to our instructions for the 50.0 and 52.0, because they are exactly the same. However, if your menu screen has the preview and info at the top of the screen, the process is similar but a new walkthrough is helpful. Start here.

Step 1: Press the Menu button on your control – it’s toward the top, and says “Menu” right above it, so it’s kind of hard to miss.

Step 2: This should bring up a series of icons that you can access for more information and apps. Again, if this menu doesn’t come up then you need to check your cable connections and make sure that everything is working correctly. Look for the icon that says Settings and select it.

Step 3: Another series of icons will pop up. Select the one that says Remote Manager. This will bring you to a screen that says “TV Code,” “DVD Code” and “AUX Code.” Pick the one that matches the device you are setting up, and proceed.

Make sure to choose the right device!

Step 4: You can check your manual for a setup code if you want at this point, but the system can help you find one if you choose “Lookup Code.” This choice will take you to another screen where you can choose the brand of your device and select Next.

Step 5: You will now be asked to test your Volume controls. The Volume buttons are the plus and minus signs above the “wheel” on your remote. Try them out and make sure that the volume signals on the TV/device are responding.

Step 6: If the volume controls do nothing and there’s no sign on any readout, then try another code. While you can go through every code available on your model, we suggest instead that you choose “Enter Model” and enter the exact model of your device to pinpoint just what you need. When you find the right code, select Yes and Save. You’re done!

20.0, 20.1, 21.0, and 21.1 Models

Older Dish remote models

These are all earlier remote controls for Dish Network: they have a lot of buttons, but the programming process is thankfully a bit easier. Note, however, that these older products may not be as compatible with newer TVs and other devices. Like other tech, Dish Network devices can age out of the market, so if you haven’t updated your Dish receiver in a while, it may be time to look into an upgrade – especially if you run into problems trying to figure out how to program Dish Network remotes to TV models that are far newer.

Step 1: Look up your three-digit remote control code. These remotes don’t support an automatic search for remote control codes for whatever device you happen to be using. So your first step should be to break out the manual and check for the right Dish Network remote programming codes for your TV, DVD player, or whatever other device that you’re using. Check in the early pages of the manual, or if you can’t find it, then Google your model number and “remote control code” because others may have had the same question. If you have to, you can always call customer service or look up support on the Dish website.

Choose the right device button.

Step 2: Activate the right device setup. Look at the four buttons at the very top of your remote. You’ll see options for TV, DVD, and AUX. Choose the option that describes the device you are connecting the most accurately, and then hold down that button until all four of the buttons flash.

Step 3: You should now be able to enter the three-digit code using the number pad at the bottom of the remote. But wait! If you are using the AUX mode, there’s a special extra step: You have to identify which type of device is connected to the AUX port. This effectively turns the three number code into a four number code. If you are connecting a TV, start with a 0. If you’re connecting a DVD or similar device, start with 1. If it’s another device, start with 2. Note that this only applies to the AUX button. If you are setting up the other two buttons, stick with the three-digit code.

Step 4: Once you are done inputting numbers, press the pound/hashtag sign. This should cause the button you are programming to flash three times.

Step 5: Test out the connection by pressing the power button. The device you are trying to connect to should turn on or off! If the Dish remote is not working, make sure the connections are set up correctly.

Connecting to Receivers

Are you trying to connect a remote to an existing DISH Network receiver and having some trouble? There’s a separate setup procedure for connecting to receivers that you’ll need to follow. The good news is that it’s generally simpler than connecting to other devices. So, let’s again break it down by remote and what steps you need to take!

Note: These remotes are designed to be paired with the intended DISH Network receiver. They aren’t designed to be paired with DISH receivers that are too much older or too much newer. In other words, don’t try to pair a remote from one model with a receiver from different model.

52.0 Model

Dish 52.0 model

Step 1: Take a look at your receiver. You should see a smaller, round button on the right side called Sys Info, right by the red reset button. Give it a press. This should cause the System Info screen to pop up on your TV, but you can ignore it for now.

Step 2: Look on the side of your remote – the first side button should be SAT. Give it a press, too.

Step 3. Now look at the front, top portion of your remote. Right under the home button, you should find a button that says Back. Press it too.

Step 4: Now look at your TV. The System Info screen should vanish. If it doesn’t, manually reset the remote and try again.

50.0 Model

Dish 50.0 Remote model

Good news! This is just like the 52.0 model. The only difference is that, when you press the SAT button on the side of the remote, it should respond with three chimes to let you know that you’re doing the right thing (the 52.0 model doesn’t make any sound). Otherwise, repeat the steps just as they are for the 52.0.

40.0 Model

Step 1: Head over to your receiver and look for a button that says Sys Info. It’s usually on the right-hand side, although this can vary between receiver models. Once you find it, press it and wait for the System Info screen to pop up on your TV so you know that you’re in the right mode.

Dish 40.0 model remote

Step 2: Now go to your remote. Along the top you should see four buttons. The first one should say SAT: press it down. You should hire three growing chimes to let you know that this step worked.

Step 3: Look down on the lower right part of your remote, next to the selection wheel. You should see a button labeled as “Cancel.” Press it. This should automatically make the System Info window vanish from your screen. If it stays, then the connection didn’t work. Try to reset your remote and try again.

Other (Older) Models

Older Dish remote models

This applies to any other, older receivers you may have – in other words, the silver remotes. This is unlikely to apply to your situation unless you broke your old remote and received a brand new version. Since it’s probably been a few years since you paired the remote, it’s time for a refresher on how to do it.

Step 1: Press the System Info button. For older receivers, this button is located behind the door on the receiver front – the panel that pops open. This should also bring up the System Info screen on your TV screen.

Step 2: On your remote, you should see four buttons at the very top. Press the SAT button on the very left.

Step 3: Now look down for the red Record button, which should be in the lower center of your remote. Press it next (don’t worry, it won’t start recording anything).

Step 4: On the System Info screen, the middle button should say “Done.” Select this, and you should be finished!

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If you love college football than I strongly suggest you check out DISH. Why? They now offer the “most college football and is the only satellite TV provider to offer the Pac-12 Network nationwide.”

Cost per month is $13. And with that you’ll also gain access to Pac-12 Networks, NFL Redzone, NFL Network, FOX Sports 2, Big Ten Network, MLB Strike Zone, NHL Network, NBA TV. Not too shabby. But if you purchase DISH today, up until October 18th (2017), they’ll include the Multisport Pack, provided you opt for their Top 120+ package.

Of course, if you’re an NFL fan than you’ll want to turn to DirecTV since they have exclusive right to the pro league. Moreover, they included it for “free” when you purchase their CHOICE package, which is $60 month (first year only – $111 a month after that) according to our handy chart found on our DISH vs DirecTV comparison.

That all being said, DISH does allow you to view up to 4 games simultaneously using their multi view feature, or Picture-in-Picture. They also have a built-in Hopper app that can display scores from all sports while you watch.

You can find more info here.

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Puerto Ricans are pretty big fans of satellite TV: Across the island, there were around 145,000 subscribers choosing Dish Network over DirecTV, for example. And that’s a big were.

Hurricane Maria swept through and decimated the island, particularly the electrical grid, which means that Dish Network lost those subscribers and had to take a big write off. While Dish did get some subscribers on the U.S. mainland, overall it still lost about 130,000 satellite subscribers, and those are some unpleasant numbers to talk about.

However, Dish Network also had some very positive news to share. First, the losses in Puerto Rico weren’t quite as bad analysts feared, since reports had estimated 155,000 lost subscriptions when in fact they only lost 129,000. Second – and more interesting to us – is that the losses are being made up by Sling TV, the Dish streaming service.

Sling TV has improved, and won viewers over.

In the same period as the losses on the satellite side, Sling TV subscribers grew between 224,000 and 264,000, far above expectations.

Sling TV is an odd beast: It has a great offering, allowing you to pick and choose simple channel packages, but when it come out a couple years ago we were disappointed but the clunky interface and very poor streaming quality. Those have slowly improved over time, and streaming has of course become more popular. So here are a few notable lessons for this surprising change:

• Streaming is now more of an alternative to satellite than before: This is a tough sell for satellite providers, because they are currently trying to convince cable buyers to drop cable in favor of satellite, not the cheaper streaming. Sling TV’s cheapest package is currently $20 per month for a slew of popular channels. This is weird, because satellite isn’t well-placed to compete directly against streaming. The fact that consumers are choosing between the two is putting the market in an odd place.
• It’s not just young customers: Dish reports that they are also seeing surprising activity across all ages. That means older folks are feeling more comfortable about turning to streaming, especially since it’s offered by a recognizable TV brand.
• Dish is probably going to become a target: Specifically, major telecom companies may get very interested in buying Sling TV. This is going to be a difficult decision for Dish Network. Just how much does the satellite company want to transition into streaming? Does it see Sling as a side project, or a core part of its business? Answering these questions is going to become very important in the coming year.

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Even with some of the greatest universal remotes (read more here for additional info on remotes) known to man, changing the channel can still be an annoying process—especially if you are also trying to master a new TV, find a channel you’ve never tried before, or any other common holiday challenge.

Dish Network knows this, which is why one of their big new features is full voice command when surfing your satellite channels.

Read Next: DISH goes head-to-head with DirecTV

Chances are good that – thanks to the rise of Cortana, Alexa, Google Home, and the others – that you are a lot more familiar and comfortable with voice commands now than you were a year ago. If the thought of changing your channels with a command rather than a traditional remote is appealing to you, here are the details: The voice command feature will be available on all second generation Hopper DVR models for free, but you will be able to purchase the upgrade on your current Dish system (assuming it’s a newer, compatible model) for a one-time fee of $20. Not too bad!

The remote still functions as a traditional remote, when necessary.

The voice command feature is tied to a new remote (top universal remotes reviewed here). The remote, which features motion activated backlighting (meh) and two customizable buttons (interesting), has microphones that turn on when you hold down the voice button. This allows you to change to a channel of your choosing, find out what’s on, and even browse Netflix, along with other basic commands.

Frankly, the remote is a cool upgrade just for the customizable buttons, since you can program them to go wherever you want and save time with the remote. However, it’s important to mention that the Dish voice command options are also available via other smart home devices like the Amazon Echo or Amazon Dot. You can link Alexa to a Hopper 3 or later model and use her to change the channel if you don’t like the idea of another remote to juggle.

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The Dish Voice Remote is a $30 remote control that comes with newer Dish Network products and services – or you can buy the remote separately for a slightly older system as an upgrade. If you like telling your TV what to do rather than pushing too many buttons, check out the reviews for this new feature!

Satellite Reviews

There are a couple different new Dish remotes, but Satellite Reviews focused on the version with the touchscreen, which allows you to press down on a side button and speak to the remote commands like, “Guide” or “Search ____” to find what you’re looking for. You can also do more complete searches for things like movies with a specific actor, games with a specific sports team, and so on. SR’s tests showed that the voice recognition appears extremely accurate, probably due to the short-range nature of the mic.

DISH’s Voice Remote goes for $30 right now (special pricing as it may increase to $50 in the near future). It’s also only compatible with the Hopper 3 DVR and 4K Joeys. So, if you have older equipment installed and are generally happy with your program guide and setup, it’s probably not worth the upgrade just for the remote. However, if you’ve been on the fence about upgrading to the Hopper 3, the Voice Remote may just tip the scales for ya. It definitely lets you navigate quicker and more efficiently…and really makes the whole process of finding and watching TV programs quite a bit more enjoyable.

A microphone button on the voice remote allows for commands.

Tom’s Guide

TG liked the scroll function, which allows users to quickly scan through multiple channels in a familiar way rather than using old-fashioned buttons. They also praised the system for being able to find pretty much anything, or at least make a meaningful suggestion to help you locate the right show or movie. However, they also noted that multiple results seemed a little confused, making it difficult to tell what was the most recent show, what was saved in the DVR, and wasn’t airing yet.

I was impressed with the accuracy and ease of use of the Dish Voice Remote; try as I might, it recognized almost everything I said. And you can use voice commands to search for just about anything, too. But while voice search is the most prominent feature of Dishꞌs new $30 remote, itꞌs the other things, such as backlit keys and a smaller, more hand-friendly design, that really make this a smart upgrade for Dish owners.

Amazon users

Amazon users really didn’t care for the touchscreen aspect of the new remote! Some found that, because of the size of the remote, it often took two hands to use the touchscreen accurately, and that it was too easy to push the wrong button and end up somewhere wrong. Others found that the touchpad malfunctioned or had other problems (although to be fair others really enjoyed it) – so it’s probably best not to buy the Voice Remote just for this feature.

It works exactly as it’s supposed to, but I have to admit that the touchpad is a real pain in the butt. Most of the time you have to hold it in one hand and push the “virtual buttons” with the other or you will end up on some obscure channel you didn’t want. It’s a nice idea – in theory – but in practice, not so much. It does work well though and is smaller than your average remote.

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