Build Your Own DVR

Supporting DBSTalk.com and SatelliteGuys.US

User Add-on/External Storage

Dish Network has been aware of the need for extra storage since at least August 2001 has looked into how to allow users to add external since at least May 2005. Working demos have been shown at CES and Team Summit conventions. As of February 2007 the engineers seem satisfied with its performance and say how it is released is a business decision. On the June Charlie Chat, they announced it should become available in “August or late summer” (Dish watchers know to consider even this delayed target as very fuzzy). From the July Retailer Chat (SatelliteGuys.US), “They will be RELEASING the External Hard Drive support! ... for the 622 and 722.”

Will work with most any off-the-shelf USB 2.0 external drive with external power source (not USB-powered).
Capacity limit stated as 750GB though larger drives >1TB will work as long as they are a single drive in the enclosure (no “multi-LUN”).
Get a quality drive, such as one with a red “Dish Network compatible” sticker on the box.
DRM will apply.
Drive will be usable with any capable receiver on the account (was initially married to one receiver), though not between DVR (e.g. 622) and non-DVR (e.g. 211) receivers.
The problem with Seagate Free Agent drives going to “sleep” can be fixed by using this Seagate utility.

DVR Archiving

Available for the 612, 622, 722, 722k.

Quick Facts: DVR External Hard Disk Drive Storage (Dish PDF)
Photos from CES 2007
Minimum drive size: 40GB
Playback from the drive (demo video, SatelliteGuys.US)
There will be an activation fee of $39.99, applies to all DVR receivers on the account.
No additional monthly fee.

DVR Conversion

Available Nov 19, 2008 for the 411, 211, 211k. Possible future feature for the 222.

Activation issues - The 411 seems to have been left off the CSR screens, unknown if that is by intent or if it is an oversight that will eventually be rectified. Many customers are reporting activations that don't take, and getting double-billed when they try again. A CSR told a customer their drop-down menu first shows "external storage" which is for the 622/722. The proper 211 conversion is on another drop-down below that. Check your billing statements for the next couple months to be sure there is only one charge.

Press release
dishnetwork.com info page with downloadable brochure
Make a DVR that functions similar to a 510.
9-day EEPG
Minimum drive size: 50GB; maximum: 1TB
There will be an activation fee of $39.99, applies to all non-DVR receivers on the account.
No monthly DVR or other usage fee
Record simultaneously from satellite and OTA while watching a recorded event

Portable Devices

Most receivers can control a PocketDISH portable recorder/player.

Receiver Modification

Nextcom R5000-HD modifies your owned 6000, 211, 411 or 622 for archival to PC or D-VHS.

Have a correction or addition? E-mail the Editor