|
Tuesday August 14, 2007
|
 A post over on TV Predictions, er, predicts that the DISH ViP 622 HD DVR is currently loading software that will allow owners to finally use that USB port for something: i.e., hooking up extra storage.
EchoStar requires a $5.98 monthly fee for DVR service and will charge a one-time only $39.99 fee to enable the USB hard drive service, the site claims. Currently, the ViP 622 stores 35 hours of high-def programs. There's also a quote there from a DISH spokeswoman, but it's not quite clear whether she's confirming the report or just touting DISH's alleged history of innovation.
If true, it will be interesting to see how the content is preserved. File system? DRM wrapper? Some sort of MAC locking? It's a bit hard to believe that this kind of solution wouldn't be hacked, and quickly, but it's an interesting report nevertheless.
|
|
|
Stumble
Digg
del.icio.us
Slashdot
August 14, 2007 4:23 PM
This isn't a prediction anymore...My Vip622 startup screen now shows a message regarding this feature and gives a number to call in order to active the service.
August 14, 2007 5:23 PM
They charge for that? That's interesting... DirecTV offers it for free on their competing HR20 box, and via a much faster eSATA port.
August 15, 2007 9:44 PM
It does work via USB 2.0, and supports up to 750 Meg Hard Drive. You can even have more than one, at this time is does not support USB hub or Daisy chaining USB drives
August 22, 2007 6:57 PM
Activated it because was told the USB storage would be compatible with my laptop. Unfortunately, the USB port is not powered, so need separate power source. First thing the DVR did was reformat the drive to EXT3 (Linux). Transfer is SLOW (40 min for 2 hr HD movie), but can use DVR or shut it down while transfer proceeds. Am trying to get to work with my laptop using IFS Drive, but file format probably won't work with media players.
Just another DISH screw-up. Thinking of asking for money back!
August 26, 2007 4:43 AM
Let us know how you come out on this...I know if you pop the disk out you can mount it as a linux disk and the files are easily readable (I think just standard MPEG4 files). I would expect it would be the same if they exported it...Just don't want to waste $40 only to have the files protected by true DRM. I'm not looking to further distribute the files...just want to be able to take my programs with on the road.
August 28, 2007 6:58 PM
Excuse me cheap skates...
Name one cable or satellite company that allows the use of the USB ports. There is only one and that is Dish Network. They first started finding uses for USB ports via their Pocket Dish (100 times better than the pay-per-tvshow of the video Ipod).
The new USB storage feature will allow their users to store both SD and HD versions of their favorite shows; entire HD TV series if one wants. For $40 - plus $100 per hard drive, one can now store ALL episodes of any show or movie in both HD and SD.
Right now, the only option for this is a DVD burner with only 400 lines of resolution (costing $400 plus expensive blank DVDs). You could spend $1000 for a HD VHS tape recorder (obsolete technology). You could wait until HD-DVD or Blue-Ray burners come out (probably for $1000 or more plus costly blank HD-DVDs).
This is ground breaking, but not for cheap skates who whine over a minor one time activation fee of $40.
October 24, 2007 6:51 PM
It doesn't cost Dish anything to active a port already built into the box, just more another opportunity to charge a fee. Extra remote..fee, extra tv.. fee, my 19.95 promotion is now $60.00 w/ fees.