View Full Version : DISH PVR921 Info
Eyedox
11-24-2002, 11:36 PM
ECHOSTAR PVR-921
EchoStar's soon to be released PVR-921 HDTV Compatible, Twin Tuner, PIP, Satellite Receiver should include a 200G to 300G Hard Drive for recording both Standard and High-Definition Programming. It will be high speed internet ready with high resolution graphics for online gaming, possibly competing with PS2 and X-BOX and should be compatible with new "VIDEO ON DEMAND" Technology and other services not yet available.
The PVR-921 could realize new features for years to come.
This may end up being the box we are all waiting for!
It's networkable, possibly moving, up to, a GIG a second.
It will have "FireWire" and DVI
It will use DISHPRO Technology, STARBAND, DSL, wireless and more.
It should mirror the PVR-721 with HDTV.
It'll be released, maybe, in January 2003.
It is projected to cost between $1,000.00 - $2,000.00.
Follow the *JVC TU-9000, that might give you some idea.
(This info courtesy of a DBS Reseller site).
OK, it's the latter part of January. 2003. Anyone know of the availability of this HDTV Receiver ? I'm all set to buy my HDTV set, but I'm not settling for the Dish 6000 receiver, which my satellite provider is pushing. Not while this baby is around.
clapple
01-23-2003, 01:31 PM
There is a Dish "Tech Talk" broadcast Feb.10. Perhaps ????????? we will get some information then.
Thanks. How did you know I was the most impatient person around. I could hardly type this reply with all my fingers crossed like this. <s>;)
clapple
01-23-2003, 02:28 PM
No more impatient than I. I have been waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting.................
I have a perfectly good Dish 6000; but no PVR.
All I can get out of DISH is that it will record 60 hours of HD and 120 hours of SD. They say 'SPRING' for the availability. Most likely won't record HD off an OTA antenna since the signal is not encoded from the SAT antenna. I keep calling and trying to get a tech who will 'talk' :)
Just as impatient as everyone else,
Lee
Isn't there an adapter for OTA signals that you incorporate into your receiver instead of using an outside antenna ? That way it would be encoded by the receiver the same as any other signals from the dish. Thus, you could record OTA channels on the PVR.
Well, I could last out until the PVR921 appears, but then would BEV be able to discern that it was not a 6000 model when I called to have it recognised ? I'd hate to wait and then find out that my end run was blocked. So long as they got their pound of flesh, why should they worry ? :mad:
I don't know much about the 6000 other than there are adapters or plug in modules. One for Discovery HD not sure about the other, might be for OTA. OTA = antenna. clapple has a 6000, he could tell us more. The SAT receivers I have looked at (all Direct TV) have the HD tuner for OTA built in and don't require an adapter. I bought a refirbished Toshiba DST-3000 (direct TV) just to get the OTA tuner. I think I've seen posts about OTA only receivers on the market, but the 3000 was under $400 and gets the job done.
HD programming on SAT (either Dish or Direct) still 'sucks' :( and OTA works just fine (programming sucks too). I have no experience with HD on cable.
I wouldn't buy the DISH 6000, I'd wait. Before I bought the PVR-921 DISH would have to really upgrade their HD programming, especially if it didn't record HD OTA. Maybe by then SAT and CABLE will have all the locals in HD and we won't need OTA.
I guess the good new is that the hardware is going to get cheaper and better and the programming will continue to improve.
Lee
Well, my problem is that I'm not one of the many grey marketeers who use the DirectTV here above the 49th parallel. I've been there, done that when DirectTV first appeared and Canada didn't have a TV satellite service. Now I'm a legit subscriber to Bell ExpressVu and to enable me to go HDTV I need yet another receiver.I hear the DishPVR921 is close to $2K US, so that's $3,100Cdn. If this keeps up the necessary satellite equipment outlay will exceed the cost of the TV.
I guess Sony only makes the HD200 for the DirectTV market because of the numbers involved. This is where once more STANDARDIZATION would have been to the benefit of the unsuspecting consumer, which is probably explains why it seldom happens. :(
Quoting myself:
HD programming on SAT (either Dish or Direct) still 'sucks' and OTA works just fine (programming sucks too). I have no experience with HD on cable.
In saying I don't care for the programming, I'm not saying there isn't any. ABC, NBC and PBS have a good deal of it, I just don't care for it. I watch almost all my movies on DVD, I do watch AMC and TMC and the Western channel (not much chance of them being HD). Can't wait for ESPN to go HD.
The prices on the HD STB's has really dropped in the last three years. I imagine the PVR921 or something like it will get cheaper too. The new Sony HD200 (Direct TV) is $749. Lots of choices for Direct and that helps with the prices.
Lee
clapple
01-23-2003, 05:58 PM
LeeS,
I have both the module for Discovery and future HD programs, and the OTA module.
It is my understanding, that the PVR921 will have all the included, so it should be capable of recording OTA HD.
I see you now have a PVR. When recording, is it as noisy as a computer hard drive? Certainly hope not.
I see you now have a PVR. When recording, is it as noisy as a computer hard drive? Certainly hope not.
You have to get your ear right up next to it to hear anything. Very quiet.
After having a PVR, I wouldn't be without one now. Using it to record programs is great but watching sporting events live is where its at. Do your own instant replays, slomo etc. Pause the game and go for a cool one come back and start right were you left off. Pause your game for 45 minutes and then you can zip through all the commercials. I'm really spoiled :D
I called DISH today and told them I'd beta test one of the 921's during the Super Bowl for them. That got a laugh.
Here's the plan. ABC HD OTA for the game. The 501 will record the game in SD from ABC on the DISH. We can go to the PVR during breaks if needed. Could always bring the 32" downstairs and set it up next to the 65 :D Too bad the PIP functions don't work with the component inputs.
Lee
clapple
01-23-2003, 07:55 PM
>> You have to get your ear right up next to it to hear anything. Very quiet. <<
That's good news.
Now back to the REAL question. WHEN??????
Eyedox
01-23-2003, 09:38 PM
Originally posted by jgvp
I hear the DishPVR921 is close to $2K US
Actually, the PVR921 is most assuredly going to be around $999, according to most sources and reports at CES 2003.
When you consider that the Toshiba HDTV recorder is all of $2K US, I fail to see how the PVR921 can come in at half that price.
Eyedox
01-24-2003, 10:45 PM
Originally posted by jgvp
When you consider that the Toshiba HDTV recorder is all of $2K US, I fail to see how the PVR921 can come in at half that price.
For two reasons:
1) ECHOSTAR makes the hardware, and they can make up the cost with subscription revenue over time. Why do you think Microsoft sells every XBOX at a loss? They pay MORE to make it than they sell it for! (Cost to build ~$259-299 and Sells for $199) Why? Because they will make it up in royalties from the sales of 3rd party games once they get an installed base.
2) DISH Network is not stupid ... they've realized that for something even as technologically advanced as the PVR921, people are not going to spend more than $1000 on any STB, unless it does your dishes and can mute your wife. Besides, they may lose a little money for awhile, but when they start mass-producing them (when every Wal-Mart hick owns an HDTV), they'll make it up in spades.
Well, we agree on one point then that no one is going to pay more than $1K for a STB, so let Dish Network be guided accordingly. It still means that we Canadians will pay $1,518.40 as of tonight. If Bush keeps on with the Iraq invasion, who knows we could be back at par again. ;)
billw
01-27-2003, 12:47 PM
Doesnt JVC make this for Echostar?
Wolfpacker96
02-11-2003, 12:14 PM
I'm sure you guys have noticed, but dish has come out with the PVR721 but it of course doesn't have HD. I guess it's the illegitimate stepchild of the PVR921. Hopefully that means it's coming out soon!
billw
02-12-2003, 09:14 AM
I spoke with one of my contacts at JVC.
This is the deal.
The JVC TU-9000 should hit the street in late April. It will have less HD capacity then the 921 and it will not include an OTA receiver.
The PVR921 which is "basically the same unit" will be released some time ( a gues of month or two) thereafter. It will have a larger HD (cant find my notes) and a built in OTA reciever.
So I would say summer time!
Called Dish (again) yesterday afternoon (2/11) and asked about the 721 and 921. They don't sell the 721 direct and won't talk about the 921 yet.
Heck of a deal on the 721 if you are not already a subscriber. Something like $349 for the whole setup. AND $549 just for the unit for those of us who are suscribers. :( I haven't shopped around for prices.
I still like the idea of having an OTA receiver. But if SAT/Cable gets the HD on the locals I guess it wouldn't matter. But I'd keep the old DST-3000 in the closet. :)
Lee
edit: WhooooHoooo, 200
Wolfpacker96
02-12-2003, 03:17 PM
Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong, but I've never heard any talk of having HD local channels thru the satellite dish. I doubt the current technology would allow Dish or Directv the ability to broadcast all the local channels in all the markets across the country in HD. They already compress the heck out of the local stations and make them look worse than the cable/satellite stations (at least Dish does where I live). I suppose they could broadcast local HD in a couple of markets like NYC or LA, but most of us would be SOL.
Even so, the 721 isn't built to handle HD, it's just a regular ole' PVR. I seriously doubt it has a firewire or DVI connection. If you want to watch satellite HD programs you'll have to hold out until the 921.
On the PVR721, I was just checking on it because one of the members has one. Just curious since it has two tuners. I know its not HD.
Someday SAT/Cable will have the locals in HD :) Just wishful thinking on my part. I'll try to be more clear about wishful thinking and fact.
Lee :)
Wolfpacker96
02-12-2003, 03:35 PM
Oh that's fine. I just misunderstood you on the 721. I thought you were saying it was HD. Do you not have digital cable with local HD stations in Portland? I just don't think satellite will ever have local HD, at least not in the near future. I hope I'm wrong though.
We have 'digital cable' but no HD. AT&T says they have no information on HD coming to Portland. With Comcast buying AT&T maybe we will get it. I haven't called AT&T in a month, but I doubt the answer is any different.
7 of 9 stations in town transmit HD OTA. The other two will come online later in the year. Of the 7 that transmit I think I've only seen HD on 4. I don't count FOX among the 4. I'm only 25 miles from the tower and get 100 on the ones transmitting.
Lee
Eyedox
02-13-2003, 12:16 AM
Originally posted by billw
Doesnt JVC make this for Echostar?
JVC and EchoStar have been working TOGETHER on the HDPVR technology. Contrary to rumor, DISH is NOT farming out the STB technology to JVC.
Some more info for those interested in this unit...
http://www.vssll.com/pvr921.html
By my calculations, it should record a maximum of about 28 hours of HD (not the 40 claimed) and in actuality, you need to leave some "space" on the HDD, so 20 HD hours might be a better number to use. Still a nice sized HDD and a lot better than the 80GB that are rumoured for some other PVRs...
57U,
Thanks for the post. DVI and Firewire should make most people happy. I hope the price comes down :(
Lee
billw
04-08-2003, 09:56 AM
Originally posted by Eyedox
JVC and EchoStar have been working TOGETHER on the HDPVR technology. Contrary to rumor, DISH is NOT farming out the STB technology to JVC.
That would explain why the specs for the Dish model and the EchoStar are considerably different.
JVC basically stated that the Echostar product will offer a larger hard drive and a built in 8VSB tuner
BEAKER
04-09-2003, 06:56 PM
Did you happen to get any idea for costs for one of the JVC units? This draggin out thing by Dish Network is too much. Question for you, are they continuing to improve these 921 units until they are released or are there a bunch in a warehouse just waiting to be shipped out? Any other insight would be greatly appreciated. I am stuck with my 301 receiver for now.
There are several reasons for the delays - these affect all HDPVRS - Cable, Satellite, Stand-alone.
1. The units were pretty buggy and needed to be debugged (lost programmes, not recording as programmed, difficulty doing "pause live TV", etc).
2. The HDD was too small (and expensive) when they started planning these units. Now that they have 250 GB and a 250 GB drive is "affordable", that is good news.
3. The issue of copy protection was a concern (and still is) but they've probably got a way to "take care" of this issue using firmware, or firmware updates as necessary (software).
MacKenzieIII
04-30-2003, 05:05 PM
Any new info on this puppy? I might be way out of my price range. But wow does it look nice.
• PROXUS •
05-05-2003, 04:34 PM
Pretty nice box ;)
http://www.dishretailer.com/ts2002/Disk3/MVC-018S.JPG
http://www.dishretailer.com/ts2002/Disk3/MVC-016S.JPG
expected 3rd quarter of '03 I think. They still work on GUI.
CES, PVR921, TU-PVR9000
Short video showing the Echostar booth at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas including glimpses of the Echostar PVR921 and JVC TU-PVR9000.
The PVR921 will be available this spring, no price set yet but, if you have to ask ...
Q&A
Roger: Huntsville locals?
A: Hopefully in March. Our 2nd city in AL, will share the Birmingham spot beam.
Joe: Has an SW64, planning to add a 921.
A: Split each LNB output to feed a 2nd SW64. The "B" ports on the 2nd SW64 will also each need a load feed. Or could convert to DishPro and chain 2 DP34s if all receivers are DishPro models.
Many: Caller ID problems
A: Must subscribe, connect the phone line, enable Caller ID on the setup menu, ground receiver. The distinctive ring problem is being looked into with the modem manufacturer.
Chris: Any 6000 to 921 upgrade offer?
A: Working on something for very old equipment like the 2000.
Jack: Has 4000, program info is so slow it's useless
A: Have been working on the problem 4-6 months, have re-ordered the way we get the guide data. The compressed guide caused a problem on one receiver model and was taken down. Will be relaunched on Wednesday (2/12), uses 2:1 compression. The 508 is getting a forced upgrade this week for it. The guide got large because of must carry stations as well as adding more cities. Working on a few more tricks that may work only on some receivers, should be ready by summer. The idea to split the guide into national and local channels is being looked at for farther down the road.
Bob: Discrete power codes for 721?
A: Coming in the March upgrade.
kevinw
05-05-2003, 06:38 PM
Are the pictures of an actual box or a prototype? The thing is the size of a small microwave. So much for a slim design.
Florida Phil
10-16-2003, 07:10 PM
Did this thing ever get released? No one I speak to knows anything about it. No one has posted on this for months?
I thought I saw a post on it in the last day or so. Search the site using the model number. Here's one post (and there's another in the post below this one).
http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?s=&threadid=6413
Did this thing ever get released?
Note quite, but we are getting close. I watched the Dish Technical Chat on Monday night, look to the end of this thread.
http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5862
Quick answer, mid-end November. (this November:))
Lee
BEAKER
10-16-2003, 07:27 PM
PVR921 is not on website yet. Lots of new receiver goodies coming out when they get the new satellite up and running. Scheduled to happen early November. Start saving your money. Charlie Chat listed the unit to sell at $999. for the 921. Sure it's loaded but that is a fat price!
Florida Phil
10-16-2003, 07:49 PM
Thanks for the replys. What is Super Dish? I already have more dishes on my house than I want. Am I going to have to have yet another dish fitted now?
So a search on this forum for superdish - you'll get 14 hits!
Check the last or near last post in this thread. Its fresh, pixels are still warm :)
http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?s=&threadid=6743
Lee
IPAonTAP
10-17-2003, 09:49 AM
Lee, you are too quick. I barely hit enter on this post, and here you have posted it in an appropriate thread.
Latest announcement - see link.
http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20031029005960&newsLang=en
Wolfpacker96
10-30-2003, 05:02 PM
I wonder if this receiver will be able to pick up and record local HD stations OTA. Be a shame if it didn't. But how could they implement the recording part? How could you schedule a show for recording when the show isn't listed in the schedule?
For information on how to get a new DVR, call 800-333-DISH (3474) or visit www.dishnetwork.com.
The website is still not updated for any new info on DVR921 or SuperDish. Also called and nothing newer than what we have posted already.
I wonder if this receiver will be able to pick up and record local HD stations OTA.
It will record two sat channels in HD and you can watch OTA HD or it will record 1 sat in HD and the OTA in HD while you watch another sat channel in HD or whatever. The OTA stations are integrated into the channel guide. The recorder is time based and not name based so you just pick a time to record.
We just need to know when (exactly) and if there will be deals for new and existing customers. :)
Lee
Wolfpacker96
10-31-2003, 08:48 AM
I wouldn't hold my breath for any deals. I don't think I've ever seen any deals for the current HD receiver, but who knows. I hope I'm wrong! Thanks for the info Lee. Time based ain't as nice as my DVR, but if I can record HD who cares!!
Time based ain't as nice as my DVR, but if I can record HD who cares!!
All Dish's PVRs are time based. You can select an item on the guide for recording, if for some reason (sporting events come to mind) the program in that time slot changes the PVR will still record that time regardless of what the actual program is. Dish is talking about upgrading their PVRs to name based recording like the Tivos do. When, I have no clue, just something that came up on a Charlie Chat.
Lee
esarjeant
11-18-2003, 01:23 PM
model 6000 - OTA adapter is the 8-VSB
any 6000 purchased from feb 2003 has the Discovery adapter already in it.
921 - sometime Jan, $999, 11 hours HD, 120 SD, made my JVC, no gaming capabilitys, but everythign above is correct, and on demand is included
firewire will be on the unit, but WILL NOT WORK, Software flash making Firewire to work will be inMARCH 2004
JEFFDUBE
11-22-2003, 12:58 PM
I had heard this unit was going to be released Novenber 15th. Did anyone hear about it?
On the 921, the last I heard at my A/V store was they are shipping to dealers on Dec 1st.
Lee
esarjeant
11-22-2003, 09:50 PM
Nov 15 was the release date, it was pushed to Dec 1 :-)
Florida Phil
01-22-2004, 07:35 PM
Does anyone have any?
Rare as hens teeth as the saying goes. I gave up and got an 811.
My store has never gotten any in. They are out there.
Lee
kevinw
01-22-2004, 09:09 PM
Well if this thread is any indication, it is over a year old and we are not any closer to having the 921 readily available.
I have seen them on Ebay- pay the price
http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?cgiurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com%2Fws%2F&krd=1&from=R8&MfcISAPICommand=GetResult&ht=1&SortProperty=MetaEndSort&query=Dish+921
Florida Phil
02-01-2004, 05:21 PM
I have phones all the Dish retailers that there site mentions. Not one of them has them. This is a joke.
