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Dish Network’s Hopper takes another big leap forward in 2013

Ryan Waniata
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Dish Network HopperWatch out Smart TVs, set-top boxes and on-demand cable services, Dish Network is looking to rock your world in a big way. We had a chance to see the next step in satellite television from the company, which not long ago was viewed by many as simply a cheaper version of DirecTV. And we’re here to tell you: Dish Network is not kidding around. With a serious upgrade to it’s popular DVR system, The Hopper, the company is bringing all of it’s customers into the next era of television.

The Hopper was revealed at last year’s CES, and made a name for itself with its ability to automatically skip over adds in certain commercial programming. But the Hopper’s refresh, which will be launching within the next few weeks, is offering an incredible flurry of new apps that should make Dish Network one of the biggest content players on the block in 2013. Adding to it’s already popular on-board apps like “What’s Hot”, “Game Finder”, and“Rotten Tomatoes”, the Hopper DVR now incorporates the popular “Sling” technology on board with it’s new 7425 chipset.

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What does “Sling” technology do for the Hopper? How about allowing you to watch anything that’s on live TV, or saved to your DVR anywhere there’s an Internet connection via your tablet, PC, or smartphone. The Hopper even allows you to upload DVR recordings directly to your iPad, so you can bring your shows anywhere – even without an Internet connection – with the “Hopper Transfer” app.  Apart from mobile and downloadable TV, the new Hopper also has specialized apps for watching TV while interacting on your computer or tablet, features Bluetooth connectivity, built-in Wi-Fi, and more.

CEO Joe Clayton is well aware of what he calls consumer’s “full blown sprint” to mobile entertainment, and he’s making sure the company is ready to accommodate the runners. One thing we’re sure of: Pretty soon you won’t be able to avoid your favorite TV shows, even if you want to. And with an intuitive looking user interface, good pricing, and an embrace-the-consumer attitude, Dish Network is poised to survive the onslaught of consumer exodus from satellite and cable TV to content streaming sites for at least a few more years.

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Ryan Waniata
Ryan Waniata
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Ryan Waniata is a multi-year veteran of the digital media industry, a lover of all things tech, audio, and TV, and a…
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