CES 2014: DISH Network Announces New Hopper Features

January 7, 2014

Image Credit: DISH Network

Enid Burns for redOrbit.com Your Universe Online

On Monday at the 2014 International CES in Las Vegas DISH Network made several big announcements, including a number of enhancements to its award-winning Hopper Whole-Home HD DVR platform. This included offering DISH subscribers the ability to record eight shows at once, which would all but eliminate channel conflicts.

By pairing the Hopper with the new SuperJoey, a client that adds two network tuners to the Hoppers three native tuners, users can record even more programs and share them throughout the house via 801.11ac Wi-Fi. This provides users with the ability record eight shows simultaneously any four shows plus the four major broadcast networks, or provide users with the option to use the five network tuners to watch and record any five shows from any network at the same time.

The Hopper continues to break new barriers in terms of accessibility, affordability and mobility, said Joseph P. Clayton, DISH CEO and president. You see that in the way in which DISH delivers more content and virtually ends channel conflict with SuperJoey. Our new Wireless Joeys and software-based Virtual Joeys make in-home installation options almost limitless. And, our app strategy continues to lead the way with best and most value-packed mobile entertainment experience in the market.

In addition to affordability, DISH operates on three pillars in its strategy: Affordability, available everywhere, and ease of use.

The American consumer only cares about three basic requirements for their video needs, said Clayton, at a CES press conference.

The Wireless Joey system further provides users with options to stream recorded programming even where coaxial and Ethernet wiring is unavailable. The Wireless Joey installation includes an Access point along with the Wireless Joey Client, which creates its own dedicated 802.11ac Wi-Fi cloud within the home. The company noted that this does not degrade the Hoppers video quality and will even work in homes that do not have dedicated Internet access.

In addition to going wireless, Joey is also going virtual, as DISH announced that it has developed a Virtual Joey software application that integrates the Dish Hopper HD-DVR experience directly on 2013 and 2014 LG Smart TVs. This app can be used in place of hardware-based Joey, which further increases the options where coaxial and Ethernet connectivity is not available. The wireless Joey allows users to install or bring their TV to hard-to-reach places such as mounting a set over a fireplace or bringing a TV into the back yard.

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CES 2014: DISH Network Announces New Hopper Features