I did read the article (well... I glanced at it) but I still don't see what Dish has that DTV doesn't and hasn't had for some time, though I grant that some of the features are fairly new to DTV as well with the new HR34 which has 5 tuners, not 3, along with 2 TB of storage PIP and internet connectivity for VOD.
I'm not picking on Dish, but even Clint admits they've been falling behind and I really don't see this as much more than catch-up... not that there's anything wrong with that.
Where to start, the Hopper has...
* A 2TB HD (The HR34 only has a 1TB HD)
* EHD support
* PrimeTime Anytime - very cool feature that records all primetime programming from ABC, NBC, CBS & FOX using only
ONE tuner. Programming is cached for 8 days and can be saved as needed. Primetime Anytime recordings do not impact user recording space.
* With Primetime Anytime enabled you can record up to 6 HD shows simultaneously.
* Full DVR functionality which means the ability to manipulate live programming from any location, not just the main location.
* The ability to pause live TV in one room and pick it up in another. No additional steps required. Press pause in the living room and press play in the bedroom.
* Supports optional Sling adapter which has no associated monthly service fee and will be $29.99 as of 2/1/2012.
* Blockbuster @Home support which now includes over 10,000 streaming titles to
any connected television. This is in addition to DISH Cinema and traditional PPV and VOD services.
* The ability to "stack" Hoppers giving users 6 tuners as opposed to 3. When stacked all locations automatically "see" one system, one DVR library, one "set timer" process, and the ability to select any tuner from any location seamlessly.
* USB OTA tuner support
* Zoned music with over 70 channels of SiriusXM. DISH is moving all SiriusXM stations to channel 99 using an expandable/collapsible guide feature. All channels will display album art etc.
* Apps and games including social media apps like Facebook, etc.
* For lack of a better term: "Parent View." Single button ability to see what the kids are watching in other rooms.
* 750 Mhz Broadcom processor which is lightning fast. More than twice the processing power of the HR34.
* The Hopper utilizes "Joeys" at the remote location. A Joey is slightly larger than your hand and can be easily slipped behind a wall mounted TV. A single Hopper supports 3 Joeys. So a single Hopper can support up to 4 HDTVs just like the HR34. However, each Joey has a 750 Mhz Broadcom processor so that the Hopper is not over-taxed.
* Since the Hopper utilizes the MoCA standard all Joeys can be installed using standard cable splitters and RG6 or RG59 cable meaning you can "light-up" every outlet in your home and move your TV & Joeys at will.
* Bluetooth support for things like wireless headphones (NICE!).
* Zigbee remote technology. Meaning the Hopper and Joeys can be stored out-of-sight and out-of-mind. No more IR remotes!
I've also heard that the Hopper will have apps for HBO GO and Max GO, but that's not confirmed.
As per the Washington Post the Hopper will be
FREE to new customers agreeing to a two-year commitment.
and FYI ..
America's Top 250 with Blockbuster @Home has 100 everyday channels in HD compared to 65 for Choice Ultimate (using my market as a baseline, your market may vary). These are not PPV or VOD channels, these are everyday channels like you locals, AMC, ESPN, Versus, EPIX, Sony Movie Channel, Universal HD, etc.
Seems a bit more advanced, but maybe that's just me ....
