Dish ups the Challenge to Cable
January 2016 – In a show that was dominated (in square footage) by televisions, now supporting up to 8K images, Dish Network rolled out new platforms to deliver content. Dish showed off their new Hopper 3 with Sling. They also introduced a companion device the HopperGO.
The Hopper 3 from Dish is a next generation set top box (STB) that will be appearing at customer installations in early 2016. Taking a big leap from the Hopper 2 with a built in DVR and sling, the new Hopper 3 take STBs to a new level. To start with it is a 4K capable unit – even though, DISH is not delivering any 4K channels at this time, with the integration to YouTube and Netflix the 4K content is accessible and viewable in full resolution. The Netflix search is now integrated in to the standard content search for the unit that includes linear TV, VOD, DVR recordings and now Netflix. The search is also enhanced with a voice control interface. For 4K viewing, the Hopper 3 can decode and output 60 FPS with HDR (10-bit color). The STB supports both H.264 and H.265 Codecs, is compatible with HDR10/BDA 2.0 encoded streams and connects through standard HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2 interfaces.
The real power is the enhanced DVR. The DVR can record from to 16 built-in tuners onto 2TB (500hrs) of built in storage. The 16-tuner configuration puts an end to tuner conflicts for watching content, live TV and recording on the DVR. The large number allows for the first ever “sports bar mode” in a consumer residential unit. This mode presents any 4 FHD feeds can be displayed onto a single 4K screen while the Hopper 3 still supports normal viewing in multiple rooms and having multiple channels being recorded. The Hopper 3 is joined by the new 4K Joey to run the local devices. The system can now support up to 7 Joeys in the configuration using MOCA2.0 and GBE connectivity.
The new Hopper 3 is a centerpiece STB that brings multiple entertainment sources to a single location. The new Netflix and YouTube integration join several Hopper apps and features options to customers, including Pandora, Vevo, The Weather Channel and Hopper Arcade. To allow for additional storage, the Hopper 3 now supports expanded storage through a USB3.0 connection. This provides not only high speed transfers but multi-TB capacity capability.
As a companion device, Dish has enhanced the mobile experience. The Hopper 3, like the Hopper 2 supports Sling for DishAnywhere access to live TV, VOD and stored content on the DVR from remote locations and mobile devices. To allow the user to enjoy this same content on the mobile device without a live internet connection they have released the HopperGO. The 64GB storage device (100 hr of DVR content) has a built in WiFi hub to stream content to multiple (up to 5) mobile devices without an internet connection. The content is transferred to the unit from the Hopper 2 or 3, and then can be played back anywhere. The device is USB rechargeable for up to 4hrs of playback, and can recharge while the data is being transferred with the same cable. The HopperGO is available for a one-time charge and has no on-going cost associated with the use.
