Dish Network unveiled the Hopper 3 DVR early last month at CES 2016 in Las Vegas. The device, which packs 16 tuners, gives users the ability to simultaneously stream four HD channels in a single 4K TV in a feature known as Sports Bar Mode.
Compared to the Hopper 2, the Hopper 3 is a massive update that adds several new features. The DVR is powered by 64 GB of RAM with a quad-core Broadcom 7445 CPU, with Dish claiming that it is seven times faster compared to Hopper 2. Hopper 3 also features 2 TB worth of internal storage, which is capable of saving about 500 hours of HD programs.
For users looking forward to upgrading to the Hopper 3, the wait is over. Dish has finally made the new DVR available to subscribers nationwide.
Dish says the Netflix app for Hopper 3 will be released over the next few weeks, with the Hopper 3's universal search results to integrate Netflix titles.
"Packed with industry firsts, Hopper 3 is the most advanced DVR in the world," says Dish executive VP and chief technology officer Vivek Khemka, noting that the company has continued to make investments in the DVR's innovation ever since the first Hopper was released in 2012.
"DISH has a history of being at the forefront of consumer entertainment technology, and I'm proud to say that Hopper 3 offers no exception," Khemka adds.
In addition to what has already been mentioned about the Hopper 3, the DVR is also able to support up to seven TVs and works with the standard Joey, Wireless Joey and the new 4K Joey.
The 4K Joey, a new client that has been made available for Dish subscribers, is able to play 4K ultra HD programs and can easily be integrated into Hopper 3 to serve as a complete solution for subscribers with more than one 4K TV within the home.
According to Dish, both new and current subscribers could receive one unit of the Hopper 3 with no upfront charge, depending on certain qualifications. The Hopper 3 has a whole-home monthly charge of $15 and an additional monthly fee of $7 for every Joey.
