PocketDish is one of the latest entertainment innovations, brought to the market by EchoStar. The devices are designed to make it convenient to access videos, music, games and photos anytime and anyplace. With three separate versions of PocketDish, it is possible to store up to 40 hours of programming, 20,000 songs, and 400,000 photos.
Movies and shows can be downloaded from DISH Network DVRs or other devices and watched in the car, a waiting room, or at a friend’s house.
Each device comes with a rechargeable battery that allows 4 hours of viewing time before recharging. Music and photos are also readily downloaded to give access to favorite songs and good memories at any location. With music playback only, the battery will last approximately 12 hours before needing to be refreshed.
The other PocketDish feature is its gaming capability. Brain teasers, role-playing games and adventure games are all accessible in one small package.
Currently three versions of PocketDish are on the market. The AV402E is the entry-level version and offers many features.
It houses a 2.2 inch LCD screen in a device that measures 4.2 in x 2.4 in x 0.7 in. The 20GB hard drive gives storage capacity of 20 hour of video, 10,000 songs, and 200,000 photos.
This version does not contain a built-in DVR, so video programming must be transferred from select DISH Network DVR players. Audio and photos can, however, be transferred from any compatible source.
The AV500E is the middle version of PocketDish, offering more features than the AV402E. For roughly double the price, the 500 offers an extra 10GB of hard drive space and DVR capabilities. This device, with 30GB can store about 30 hours of video, 15,000 songs and 300,000 photos.
It also has a larger LCD screen at 4 inches and a slightly larger body size. The biggest difference, though, is its ability to record shows from any TV, satellite receiver, cable box or VCR. Because it is a DVR, it can also be hooked up to a television to play any recorded shows on the larger screen.
The most advanced version is the AV700E. It has the same DVR capabilities as the 500, but includes 40GB in hard drive, allowing storage of 40 hours of video, 20,000 songs, and 400,000 photos.
It also features a 7 inch screen for easier viewing. Both the AV500E and AV700E come complete with a remote control, docking station, removable battery and stand.
With all of the PocketDish models, programming can be downloaded free from compatible DISH Network DVRs or other devices. If a USB 2.0 port is used, one hour of programming can be downloaded within 5 minutes.
The PocketDish can also be hooked up to a receiver without a compatible USB connection, but download time will increase to 1 hour for each hour of programming.
All versions also allow software upgrades via satellite or the DISH Network website. Plus, PocketDish offers parental control locks to let parents limit kid’s access to inappropriate programming.
PocketDish combines the capabilities of several audio-visual devices to offer a very versatile and portable technology. It offers many of the benefits of satellite TV in a hand-held format, plus storage and playing capacity for music, photos and games.
