Dish Network has added a whole bunch of new features to its receivers that are making them easier to use and more fun than ever before. Though the receiver was first invented just as a way to translate programming and make the scrambled satellite signals into the form of the television programs that we watch on our TVs, it soon became apparent that the receiver could hold many more functions that would make them more appealing for customers and more user-friendly. With that realization came the addition of features like the electronic program guide and parental control locks. These features let the customers have better control over their television viewing and gave them all the information they needed to find the programs that were most appealing to them.
In recent years, television technology has gotten much better. New technologies are being unveiled every day and the addition of formats like high definition television are causing great changes to the world of television. Because of all the changes that are occurring and the wealth of new possibilities for television improvements, Dish Network has been making some major changes to its receivers. For anyone who has been a subscriber for a while, seeing changes in receivers doesn't seem that unusual, but the newest changes are bigger than most of the past ones. Many of these new features are present only on the high definition receiver models, because these are the most advanced of the receiver models, but some of the changes are also affecting the standard definition models. Even the basic Dish 311 and Dish 322 have been the recipients of some interesting features that are sure to change the way television is watched.
Interactive television is one of the newest changes to modern television. This has definitely not matured to its full potential yet, but the possibilities are mind-boggling. Currently interactive television allows viewers to access things like local news, lottery numbers, sports scores, and weather at the touch of a button. With a lot of talk about expanding the on-demand programming selection and making it easier for viewers to watch exactly what they want when they want, interactive television will probably start playing a larger role in the viewer's television watching than it does now. All Dish Network receivers are set up to allow access to interactive features.
High definition television access is another big receiver feature. Only two Dish Network receivers currently have this ability: the VIP211 and ViP622. These receivers have special equipment that allows them to read 4 types of viewing resolutions, including the high definition resolutions, instead of just the standard definition ones. Because the HD receivers are more advanced than the regular receivers, they also have extra features like Ethernet ports and USB 2.0 ports. These receivers even have a special ability to utilize DishComm technology. If you are not familiar with it, DishComm lets people listen to satellite audio from any room in the house by sending the signals through existing power and phone wiring.
Digital video recorders are another of the newer features and these, like HDTV ability, are only found on two Dish Network Satellite receivers: the DishPlayer DVR 625 and the ViP622. People who have taken the plunge to try out this new technology find it extremely satisfying and easy to use.
The features found on Dish Network receivers differ depending on the receiver model, but they are all designed to make viewing as easy and enjoyable as possible as well as to keep up to date with modern technologies.
