Dish Network pushes new DVR functions

Despite the looming potential for a permanent injunction on its DVR products from a litigant TiVo, Dish Network announced today new DVRs, including some that are also DTV converter boxes, and some that can be added to existing equipment.

In October, Echostar announced that it would pay $104 million to TiVo as a part of the two companies' nearly four year legal battle over DVR technology patents. This settled the 2006 jury decision in favor of TiVo, however, the "legal workaround" in Dish's DVR technology is still disputable, and TiVo continues to seek a permanent injunction.

Regardless, Dish Network announced two more DVR products this morning: its DTVPal, a digital converter box with built-in DVR for over-the-air signals, and USB HDD DVR upgrades to two existing Dish receivers.

The digital-to-analog converter box offers Gemstar's ubiquitous Interactive Programming Guide and the ability to record up to 150 hours of SD or 30 hours of HD programs. The DTVPal is based upon the Echostar TR-50 and requires no Dish Network contract and no monthly fees to use.

Unfortunately, it is not government subsidized due to its recording functions, and therefore has an MSRP of $299. Dish Network reminds customers that they can alternately subscribe to certain Dish Network "welcome packs" that cost less than $10 a month.

Dish subscribers as well will be receiving DVR functionality on their ViP211 and ViP211k receivers. With an upcoming conversion feature that will be available at the end of November, customers will be able to attach external hard drives to their set-top box. Supporting common hardware, Dish recommends attached hard drives be between 50 GB and 750 GB.

The DVR functionality must be activated by Dish Support and incurs a one-time fee of $39.99. Then, their STB receives DVR menus, name- and search-based recording, and timer settings for both satellite and over-the-air broadcasts.

Orders for the DTVPal will begin on November 19, and the DVR conversion to ViP211 and 211k receivers will be available at the end of the month.