Dish ViP222 HDTV with MPEG4

Dish ViP222 from Dish Network

 

Review:

The Dish Network Vip222 satellite receiver contains 2 individual HDTV tuners in one box. These Tuners are designated TV1 and TV2. TV1 is intended for use at a HDTV or Standard TV in the same room as the Vip222. The 222 has modulated outputs for both the TV1 and TV2 tuners. The allows for the easy distribution of TV1 and TV2 pictures throughout a house. The modulators operate on either UHF or CATV channels and are not HDTV signals. It is important to note that ViP222 cannot provide two HD TV outputs for two TV's. TV1 must connect to the ViP222 using the analog HD RCA jacks or the HDMI port. TV2 connects only via a standard composite video jack (yellow) or the modulated output. All HD channels are down converted to standard definition before outputting to TV2.

Anyone considering the Dish Vip222 DVR receiver should give some consideration for the effective range of a UHF remote control. UHF remotes do have range limitations. Dish Network advertises a UHF remote range of 200 feet. However, that is though open air, and does not take into account the reduction in UHF remote range caused by walls and floors. Usually 1 normal wood framed floor or 2 walls is a safe assumption for effective UHF remote operation. UHF remote usable range is greatly reduced if passing through masonry or concrete walls or floors.

The ViP222 is basically the same as the 622, without the DVR ability.

The Dish Network Vip222 does require some special wiring considerations. There are four methods used to provide signal to this receiver and carry signal to the 2nd television (TV2).

Option 1

Use three coax cables from the outside to the satellite receiver location. Use two coax cables to provide satellite signal to the dual tuners and another coax to carry the signal back out to the 2nd television.

Option 2

Use two coax cables from the outside to the satellite receiver location. Use two coax cables to provide satellite signal to the dual tuners and use diplexers to piggy back the 2nd television signal on to one of the two coax cables.

Option 3

Use DISH Pro Plus upgrade equipment to reduce the two cable requirement for the dual tuners to one coax cable. A second coax should be used to carry the signal back out to the 2nd television.

Option 4

Use DISH Pro Plus upgrade equipment to reduce the two cable requirement for the dual tuners to one coax cable. Use diplexers to piggy back the 2nd television signal on to the one coax cable.

Dish Network 222 Features:

  • MPEG-4/MPEG-2 technology

  • Two HD/SD satellite tuners1

  • Digital off-air tuner1

  • Two independent TVs supported

  • – TV1 HDTV or SDTV

  • – TV2 SDTV

  • HDTV digital audio/video output2

  • USB 2.0 port3

  • Ethernet port3

  • dish home Interactive TV

  • Parental locks

  • On-screen Caller ID4

  • Up to 2-day Picture-In-Guide with optional widescreen Electronic Program Guide (EPG)

  • Software upgradeable via satellite

  • DISH Comm™ compatible3

  • DISH Pro Plus compatible

  • Remote controls (2)