After answering a number of questions from friends and co-workers, I decided that it was time to put together a little FAQ list.  If you have any questions that you feel we should add, please to send them to info@jriver.com   
   

   What other online resources are available for DishPlayer

Here are some valuable sources of information on the DishPlayer and other Echostar products.

• www.dbsforum.com  - A great website with discussion groups about the DishPlayer an more.

• alt.dbs.echostar  - Usenet list for Echostar information.

• www.deja.com   - Search their Usenet archive for old discussions of DishPlayer

There are a number of places online that you can purchase the DishPlayer at drastically discounted prices.  Here are the ones I have found.  I do not endorse any of these sources as I have not personally purchased from them.

• www.DishNetwork.com  

• www.dishdepot.com

• www.satelliteone.com 

• www.gradys.com     

 What option codes are available on the dishplayer? 

Ben Reser has a great list of remote codes on his web page at http://ben.reser.org/dishplayer/codes.html 

 Why is my 7100 so loud   
  

Recently I had the chance to do an upgrade on a newer model (7200) and noticed some differences between it and my older 7100.  The newer models appear to have a rubber silencer to help it operate with almost complete silence.  Here are some pictures from the upgrade.  At first I thought that it was a difference between the 7100 and 7200 but it appears that it is a change made to later model DishPlayer's.

7200 Drive (in case) Rubber Silencer

 Where is the virtual keyboard?   

Want to do keyword searches with your remote control?  Anytime you are in a edit box in DishPlayer you can select go and access a virtual keyboard.

 I have two 7100's will I get two new Remotes?   

Yes you will.  For each 7100 you have and active PTV services, you will receive a new remote control.

 I've lost my Manual.  Do you have the remote codes?   Update

No I don't, but i recently misplaced my manual too and found the displayer remote codes are available in the displayer help menu's. 

What's New in 2.3.2?   

There is not a lot of new features in this upgrade.   It appears to have removed the quiet disk option (the drive now automatically shuts down when off). The jury is still out on if this fixes the common switch errors people are seeing.   You can now hide the Personal News Channel and most users have mentioned that the annoying pauses are gone when recording in the background. 

And before you ask... The old remote still does not control PTV features and CallerID is nowhere to be seen. Still waiting.

I want to buy 2 DishPlayer's, how many accounts do I need?   

If you have two DishPlayer's, you are only required to activate PTV services one time.  This makes PTV available to all DishPlayer's on the account.  However, you will have to sign up for a WebTV account for each box that you want to use to access the internet. 

Will DishPlayer support HDTV signals?   

Support for HDTV signals has not been announced and is unlikely.

Can I use my old remote when I get the new one?   

If you have a 7100 and activate PTV services, you will be sent a new remote.  If you use the new remote the old remote will no longer be able to control your PTV services.  To use the old remote again, use option code 6429 to reset it back.  Rumor has it that they a will be updating the software to allow both to work. 
What inputs and outputs does the it have? 

Here is a list of the inputs/outputs on the DishPlayer.  Click on the picture to see a close up.

Parallel Port - For Printer Cable/Antenna in/out 2 sets of Audio outputs 2 sets of composite outputs S-Video output Toslink (optical) - DD/PCM audio output Phone IN Accessory Port  Satellite Digital Input

Can I record over the air or cable broadcasts?

No, currently the DishPlayer can only record the programs that come off of the satellite.  It is unlikely that this feature will ever be added unless Echostar hid a MPEG encoder in the box somewhere.

What is the difference between the 5000 and DishPlayer?

See the DP Vs 5000 Page for lots of information about the differences  between these models.
   

What is the difference between the 7100, 7200, 7120, 7220 ? 

Basically here are the differences

Hard Drive Size
The 7100 comes with a 8 gb hard drive which can 
store 4-5 hours of programs.  The 7200 comes with a 17.6gb hard drive which can store 8-10 hours of programs

Remote Control
The 7100 comes with the old style remote, but
you will be sent the new version when you activate PTV. The 7200 includes the new remote in the box.

Keyboard
The 7100 Includes WebTV Keyboard.  The 7200 Optional Keyboard costs $50

Dish
The 7120 is the 7100 with the 18' Dish which can only be pointed at one satellite (usually 119')   The 7222 is the 7200 with the Dish 500 Dish which   can be positioned to see 110 and 119 Locations.
   

Can you upgrade the hard drive?

Of course you can.  Most ATA33 and ATA66 drives appear to work. 

How do I upgrade the Hard Drive?

I have included pictures of a 7100 in the midst of an upgrade   Click on the thumbnails to see larger pictures.  If the pictures look two scary, you should probably get the 7200 and be happy.  A quick word of warning.  This upgrade will most likely void your warranty and should only be undertaken if you are familiar with computer components.  Please proceed at your own risk

I will not go into detailed instructions on how to do the upgrade  but basically it works like this.  

Remove the case screws (4 in back, 4 on side). Remove the metal top by sliding it off of the top. Unplug the hard drive power and IDE connector. Remove the old hard drive frame (3 screws). Replace the hard drive by removing the rails and adding them to them to the new drive. Replace the rails Plug the connectors back in Replace case lid Replace the screws.

Top View  Hard Drive Close-up

Original Hard Drive

Follow this link for even more detailed instructions on how to install your own hard drive http://ben.reser.org/dishplayer/.  
   

I don't want a bigger hard drive how small can I go.  

So far the smallest I have heard of being successfully used was a 1.2 GB Maxtor.  Let me know if you have tried a smaller drive and it worked.
   

Why is my Web TV service so Slow 

The slowness of WebTV is caused by two issues.
1. the modem is running as 33.6 by default. If your isp supports X2 connections (many have phased this out) you might try option code 12357(with the unit off, press Option, Option, Option 12357). As I understand it the modem doesn't yet support v.90
2. The other reason it is slow is that the pages have to be reformatted by Web TV to fit on your screen.

What Hard Drive is the quietest?  

Having a noisy hard drive in your TV room can be really annoying. 

How much does it cost.  

Here are the list prices the two units.

• DP 7100 - $199  - Rebates not available.  Includes Keyboard.

• DP 7200 - $349  - Rebates available  for new subscribers.
  

You will also need some programming to get any use out of your system  

• To use WebTV service you will need to subscribe.  Prices range from 15.95 - 24.95* per month.

• To subscribe to Personal TV you will need to pay Dish Network 9.95* per month.

• If you subscribe to PTV and WebTV you get a discount on your WebTV bill.!

Thanks, but I still have questions?  

If this web site wasn't able to answer all of your questions, feel free to send us a quick question to be added to the list