Review: Dish Network Hopper

[Rodolfo]

After reading the rosy articles from other reviewers about the Hopper system this may come as a splash of cold water to Dish fans, or as a “yes, we know, it has been always that way” to some satellite service history followers, why?

I reviewed primarily the image quality side of the system, as I would do with other HD video provider service or media, and I concluded that it should be better, and it could be if Dish wants.

None of the other publications said a word about the subject of Dish’s image quality, they rather concentrated in admiring the Hopper’s impressive feature set and functionality, which, do not take me wrong, I fully concur with the reviews in that area, the features are great, but to me the image quality should be the main requirement of any video service contract/package, not just a sophisticated set-top-box or a mile-long channel lineup.

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[jborchel]

Good review. I've read many times that Directv HD image is slightly better than Dish. Enough reads that D* is probably better.

Beware of Native setting in these HDMI days. I've had enough handshake problems when using my JVC RS40 that I had to turn it off. When the handshake refused I usually had to pull the plug on the JVC. Not a good thing for the bulb, as we all know. Not a problem when the Native mode is off. The JVC is definitely the responsible party though. The Panny plasma has no problem at all with any handshaking.

I went through an extensive analysis with the Hopper/Joey vs the D* HR34/H2x. Ended up with an HR34 and HR21 combo using whole house video function. It works great. More simultaneous recordings with the D* combo and slightly better picture,(they say).

[rml]

Spot on review. Hopper image quality is definitely softer than alternatives but a bargain on all other fronts, especially in my area (mid-coast Maine), where cable picture is sharper but transmission is unreliable. The Darblet looks interesting but expensive ($350); awaiting your review.