Dave Horvath
9 Aug 2007 8:14
Current and potential customers of the satellite company Dish Networks will be treated to an upgrade that allows for USB external storage for their ViP622 MPEG4 High Definition DVR today. Officially launching this service, Dish Networks will allow its customers to plug in an external USB hard drive and transfer content directly from their DVR receiver to the hard drive for viewing at a later date. Customers will be asked to pay a one-time $39.99 "enabling fee" for this service. The software is available today, however customers will not be able to subscribe to this service until the 15th of August.
Additionally, and coinciding with the release of the USB storage, Dish Networks is opening a new feature that enables the ethernet port on the back of their VIP622 receivers so users can "phone home" via the Internet. Although, most savvy satellite users know how to use their satellite systems without the use of a phone line, this service will also make the necessity for a landline to be connected to your box a thing of the past. Also, scheduling things like pay-per-view can be done remotely and no longer require you to dial in. Enabling ethernet on the back of their devices also is the next logical step in the launch of their new service, DishONLINE Video On Demand slated for September.
As the name implies, the DishONLINE service will allow its users to view movies, shows and other content whenever they would like. Couple this with the ability to store DVR material on the USB and it seems like it could be a good time to either be, or become a Dish Networks customer.
Source:
Multichannel News