Best HD Provider & DVR: DISH Network

100+ HD channels & the best HD-DVR

Updated March 11, 2009 -> added video demo of ViP922 DVR Set Alert

Many people have bad memories from previous experiences with satellite TV. Early equipment was flakey, and there was no real benefit over plain old cable TV. That has all changed.

First, you need to know a dirty little secret: not all HD is the same quality. In fact, many supposedly "HD" broadcasts are provided at such a low bitrate that the picture looks only marginally better than standard TV. You see this frequently with cable providers, as many are running into major bandwidth limitations that require them to skimp either on the bitrate or the number of channels (most skimp on the bitrate). By contrast, the best satellite providers have bandwidth to burn - and you can see it in the superiority of the picture.

DISH Network is easily our pick for Best HD Provider, besting all other cable and satellite providers. They have over 100 HD channels now (including your local channels), and more coming all the time. And the HD channels look great thanks to plenty of bitrate.

Another big consideration is the DVR you'll be getting with your HD provider. Here again, DISH Network has the best HD DVR anywhere, with slick and easy operation and a killer feature you won't find elsewhere: the ability to skip forward in 30 second increments to blow by commercials. Once you have it, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it.

PC Magazine gave DISH Network's DVR a glowing Editor's Choice award, and we couldn't agree more. The issues they mention with regard to limited local HD channels have been fixed since the review was published, but all the good points still hold true.

The good (+)

• more HD channels than any other cable or satellite provider
• HD picture quality is far superior to cable
• includes the best HD DVR available anywhere
• upcoming Slingbox features are noteworthy (see On The Horizon for details)
• less expensive than cable

Shortcomings (-)

• not everyone can get a signal (trees can be a problem)
• more difficult to install than cable

Where to Buy

You can order DISH Network by clicking here or by calling 888-825-2557. There should be no charge for the equipment (even the HD-DVR is free) and installation charges should be minimal.

On The Horizon: VIP922 (Q2 2009)

DISH Network will probably release their new VIP922 DVR sometime in Q2 2009. The VIP922 will incorporate new technology from recently acquired Slingbox that will allow you to watch anything on the DVR (live broadcast or recorded material) from any computer or smartphone in the house!

For example, you will be able to watch the news on your smartphone while waiting to pick up the kids, or your kids could watch a TV show on their laptop while you watch something on the big TV. If this concept makes your head hurt, we understand (but the concept is simple: a VIP922 DVR will simply turn all your computers and smartphones into TV terminals).

Check out the video below for a quick look at the new VIP922.

Dish VIP922 DVR Demo

In addition, DISH Network is readying a free service that works with the VIP922 as well as older DISH Network HD DVRs (VIP622 and VIP722) that will allow you to schedule recordings on your DVR right from your computer's web browser - a surprisingly handy feature.