Originally published July 20 2005
Dish Network's new DVR has some of TiVo's best features
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Dish Network's 942 digital video recorder provides audio-video enthusiasts with integrated satellite receivers for standard and HD programs. They also incorporate off-the-air tuners that capture local digital television signals carrying HDTV programming when the receiver is attached to an antenna.
Audio-video enthusiasts thirsting for a variety of high-definition television programming have found precious few watering holes along the trek.
The 942, Dish's second high-definition DVR, is an upgrade from the 921 released in the fall.
Both DVRs have integrated satellite receivers for standard-definition and HD programs via satellite.
The DVRs also have off-the-air tuners that capture local digital television signals carrying HDTV programming when the receiver is attached to an antenna.
While the Dish 942 does not have all the bells and whistles of a TiVo, it does offer some comparable features.
If a viewer wanted to record "Law & Order" every week, the 921 regularly would record from 10 to 11 p.m. on Wednesdays.
The 942 is able to discern whether a certain week's episode is new or a repeat and record only new episodes, if desired.
This ability is similar to what TiVo owners know as the season pass, although Dish's software does not have a snazzy name for it.
The 942 also features the ability to feed two televisions in different rooms with different programs, if desired.
That second feed can be controlled by a second remote control that operates on UHF signals so that it can work through walls.
Viewers who choose this arrangement, however, sacrifice much in picture and sound quality by being forced to use the coaxial output.
That second feed is not in high definition or even the improved picture that composite or component connections provide.
That second feed has only monaural sound rather than stereo or surround sound, which can be provided by other types of connections.
Also, the viewer in the main room would lose some of the usefulness of the 942's picture-in-picture function because the receiver's second tuner would be used for the second room.
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