DISH Network ViP 922 HD DVR hands-on and video

DISH Network was on hand at CES in order to demonstrate its first SlingLoaded DVR, the beefy ViP 922. We stopped by to give the set-top-box a look, and while it was a touch large for our tastes, the front panel did look pretty attractive. We even got the oh-so-kind booth attendant to run through the menus for a few minutes (which won't be backwards compatible with other DISH DVRs, by the way), and while the Sling icon and a few internet connected apps weren't operational on the demo unit, we figure you'll get the point. Have a look at the gallery below / video above!

DISH Network ViP 922 HD DVR hands-on and video

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 9th 2009 7:36PM]

1-800-SEND-NOW.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 9th 2009 8:15PM]

looks like they still need to tweak the system a little more, but it looks tons better than the 722. looks like they added HD menu's finally and the interface looks a lot faster

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 9th 2009 8:16PM]

Wow, that's sweet. This is one of the first non-Tivo DVR's that I think I might actually consider switching too. I hate Cox anyway, so maybe it's time to hang a dish again.....

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 9th 2009 8:37PM]

Tivo, are you paying attention here???

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 9th 2009 8:43PM]

So, the previous versions (622 & 722) are NOT upgradeable?

I have a 622 and my parents have two 722's. Guess we are S.O.L.

Unless, we want to pay for the upgrade.

So, I should cancel my service now. Then, sign up as a new customer after these are released and I will probably get them cheaper than if I want to upgrade as an existing customer.

I so love how the existing customer always has to pay more than the new ones!

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 9th 2009 8:56PM]

Nope -- we were told the new UI will not be applied to older DISH DVRs.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 9th 2009 10:09PM]

ugh thats not fair! i want the new UI on my 722. :(

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 9th 2009 10:46PM]

Found it funny the guy kept on going, "this doesn't work yet but, this doesn't work yet but..." but it all does look pretty impressive. Hopefully D* will be watching and allow their old models be upgraded. If it weren't for the sports packages, I would have signed up for E*. Better prices and from the looks of it better hardware/software.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 10th 2009 3:55AM]

OTA is supported using the MT2 module. It has 2 OTA tuners and if in single mode you can record up to 4 shows at once. 2 SAT tuners and 2 OTA tuners total. The ViP722k and ViP222k both require this module in order to get OTA. This module is about $30 and slides right into the back of the unit.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 10th 2009 12:30PM]

Aww man we just had our 722 installed last week and now theres a new DVR!?!?!?!?!?!?

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 10th 2009 1:40PM]

Dang! I was hoping that the VIP 922 was further along (ready for release NOW). Looking for something to tide me over until Directv gets the DirecTivo back... :(

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 10th 2009 5:40PM]

This UI and DVR look really impressive. HD menu's, full colorful graphics, multiple application support, view photos off memory sticks and your network, built in slingbox. Simply incredible.

Why aren't cable operators taking these types of innovations seriously and implementing them in their own networks?

Oh and I'd love a waterproof version of that WiFi sling player LCD so I can watch the news when I'm in the shower getting ready for work in the morning. I've always dreamed of one day being able to do that!

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 10th 2009 7:28PM]

They need to add a second HDMI out port so you can run two hdtv's off of the box instead of one HD picture and one SD picture.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 24th 2009 11:04PM]

just so you know, the 722 and 622 have dual tv1 outpus, they are mirrored. you could connect tv1 to hdmi and also have a 2nd tv1 connected using component.
you will see the same thing on both tv's

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 22nd 2009 1:27PM]

Any idea when this is due out?