New DISH Software Brings Kids On Demand Shelf to DVR

DISH Upgrades Hopper Software; Simplifies Navigation and Hopper-TV Integration

• First Pay-TV provider to enable HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronic Control) technology
• On Demand User interface update delivers faster, easier browsing
• Second-screen app, DISH Explorer, now controls all TVs in Hopper ecosystem

DISH is rolling out the latest software for its Hopper® Whole-Home HD DVR, making DISH the first pay-TV provider to implement HDMI-CEC technology to control users’ televisions. The software update, code named “Denver,” is the fifth in a line of Hopper updates this year.

In addition to the upgraded Hopper and television integration, DISH has made updates to the box’s navigation and search interfaces. These enhancements, including On Demand shelf organization and control of Joey boxes with the DISH Explorer app, will improve user experiences on Hopper with Sling and Hopper set-top boxes.

HDMI-CEC Technology

With a new HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronic Control) function, the moment a user turns on the Hopper, the television will automatically adjust to the proper viewing input. For example, customers who last watched a Blu-Ray no longer have to manually switch back to their TV’s satellite input to view their DISH channels.

“The ‘Denver’ release for Hopper is all about continuing to improve the TV viewing experience for our customers,” said Vivek Khemka, senior vice president of product management at DISH. “With so many devices connected to the TV, we find confusion arises when consumers switch between inputs. Our Hopper’s HDMI-CEC feature helps eliminate that confusion.”

Additional Updates

In addition to the HDMI-CEC, “Denver” improves the Hopper experience with the various enhancements detailed below.

On Demand Shelves: Hopper’s On Demand section now displays rows, or shelves, organized with movie and show tiles displayed horizontally across the screen. This makes it easier for users to scroll through their options and select from the more than 20,000 titles available in DISH’s On Demand collection. As part of this new design, DISH includes a “Free for Kids” shelf that features On Demand content filtered by content ratings appropriate for children.

DISH Explorer: To create a seamless browsing and content discovery experience, the DISH Explorer app can now control all televisions in a Hopper ecosystem. To further enhance the program discovery capability within DISH Explorer, the app now includes a new “See Also” recommendation feature. This allows users to easily find similar programming options. DISH Explorer is a highly-rated, second-screen iPad app that easily finds programming, engages on social media and serves as a remote control.

Search: Hopper’s search function now produces results from all possible sources, including the programming guide, recorded content and On Demand. Results. This is also presented in the shelf-based format, making it easy to view and select from the displayed options.

Programming guide: When users visit HBO, Starz, Encore, Epix and History in the programming guide, an option to select that channel’s On Demand page will appear with additional content options.

Help app: A new “Help” app provides customers with information to better maximize Hopper features and settings. The app is accessible from the “Menu” or by pressing the blue button on the DISH remote.

My Thoughts

DISH is always putting out fabulous new updates, but this most recent upgrade is great for kids. You can now organize your saved shows and movies into shelves. This makes it easier to find exactly what you're looking for and also makes it possible to separate the kids shows from the adult shows.  Not only is this more organized, but it keeps kids from watching shows that may not be appropriate for them.  Once the shelves are saved, you can access them both at home and on the go with the mobile app. They can watch on iPads, laptops, even your phone. This is perfect when one kid has a sports practice and I have to drag the three younger ones along. 

I also love the addition of the new help applications. I am not the most tech savvy person. Half the time I have to ask my teenager to help with with anything electronic. With the help app, I can learn step by step how to get the most out of my hopper at just the touch of a button.This makes for a lot less confusion on my part and my son is glad I'm not bugging him every three minutes.

If you would like to learn more about all the great features DISH  has to offer, you can visit their website to learn more about their packages. Also be sure to follow them on face book.


***Please note I received a complimentary VIP installation and service from DISH in order to facilitate my review. Opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.***