A satellite TV connection is a prerequisite for every television, whether it is HD or Digital. Satellite connection to a TV can be analog or digital, and an analog connection is usually what is called an RF connector. This RF connector hooks up with the TV at the back to provide analog content. Most customers in America today are switching to digital connection via composite or HDMI. HDMI stands for High Definition Media Interface and can easily provide high-definition content to TVs. These HD connections usually require a separate set-top box.
Most set-top boxes from Dish Network not only bring you high-definition content but also give you the ability to record the programming. They are hence called DVR receivers or Digital Video Recorder receivers. With the click of a few buttons, you can even pause or fast forward live TV! If your needs are simple, get the Solo VIP 211k. You will not get the freedom to record anything with this receiver but what you would certainly get is high-definition and standard definition content. The resolutions that this device supports are 480i, 480p, 720p and 1080i. Dolby Digital Audio is an extra add-on that you get.
If you happen to miss recording convenience, Dish Network has the Solo DVR VIP 612. With this receiver, you get to record a soap while watching another at the same time. You can also see a show that has already been recorded and have two shows get recorded in the background. The beauty of DVRs allows you to playback, pause and record TV as you watch it. You would definitely need some space to record your show so the device gives you 320 GB of hard disk space, allowing you to build a decent collection of recorded shows.
Note that these receivers support just one HD TV at a time. Have 2 TV sets at home? You need the Duo VIP 222k. This device lets you hook up two HD TVs but note that it does not allow digital video recording. It is hence quite similar to Solo VIP 211k.
Should you need to hook up your set-top box to two HD TVs and want the ability to record as well, the DVR VIP 722k is built just for you. This is one step up from the Solo DVR VIP 612 because it allows you to connect to two HD TVs at the same time. Not only that, it also features a good 500GB of hard disk space allowing you greater room to store your recorded shows. Because it is a DVR, you get the awesome ability to record live TV and even pause or forward.
If you simply want the best DVR receiver, switch to VIP 922 DVR. It gives you a huge 1 TB hard disk space which is unparalleled among set-top boxes in the media world. Not only that, it also allows you to watch live TV on your laptop or any compatible mobile device. Equipped with two remote controls for greater flexibility, this is the device to get if you want the best and the latest.