DISH Network today released their newest set-top whole-home DVR/satellite receiver with built-in 4K media streaming called the Hopper 3 with sling. The third-generation Hopper features 16 tuners, 4-terabytes of storage delivers an enhanced 4K experience and supports up to seven TVs simultaneously. In the coming weeks, Hopper 3 will launch the Netflix app and integrate Netflix titles into its universal search results.
I don’t know you anyone that needs to record 16 shows at once, but with this device and DISH Network satellite service you can for an extra $15/month. The set-top box also doubles as a media streamer, and can even stream in 4K Ultra HD resolution.
The Hopper 3 works seamlessly with the recently released companion set-top for “other” TVs in your home called the 4K Joey (pictured top), which streams 4K content. Your home only needs one Hopper that acts like a server, while the Joey’s are the clients that make other TVs function as if they were connected to Hoppers too. The 4K Joey is also HDMI 2.0/HDCP 2.2-compliant.
DISH says Hopper 3 is powered by the fastest set-top box processor available, the Broadcom BCM7445 quad-core ARM application processor at 1.5 GHz, 21K DMIPS. It contains a two TB hard drive for up to 500 hours of high-definition recording, or 2,000 hours of standard definition recording. For 4K viewing, the Hopper 3 can decode and output 60 FPS and 10-bit color. It supports H.264 and H.265 and is compatible with HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2. It is the first DVR to support USB 3.0. Hopper 3 is compatible with HDR10/BDA 2.0 encoded streams.
Sports Bar Mode
DISH is the first pay-TV provider to offer the 4K Sports Bar Mode, a multi-channel view that divides the screen into four 1080p quadrants. The feature works by decoding any four different HD feeds and displaying them simultaneously.
Netflix integrated into Hopper search
By integrating Netflix into universal search results, customers who search for a TV series will see a list that incorporates episodes from Netflix, DVR recordings, on demand options and future airings, depending on availability of each. Netflix 4K content will also be available for viewing on the Hopper 3 and 4K Joey, broadening the selection of Ultra HD content available to customers. Netflix inclusion in universal search will be available on both Hopper 2 and Hopper 3.
YouTube integration
In the coming months, DISH will launch YouTube on Hopper 3, bringing viral videos and content from a new generation of entertainment stars to the TV screen via a set-top box. YouTube joins several Hopper apps and features that together bring a range of entertainment options to customers, including Netflix, Pandora, Vevo, The Weather Channel and Hopper Arcade.
Price and Availability
Qualified new and existing DISH customers can receive one Hopper 3 at no upfront cost. The Hopper 3 system requires a whole-home DVR fee of $15 per month and $7 per month for each Joey, including the newly available 4K Joey.
