How To Watch TV Online With DISH Network
Aside from the ability to watch streaming online content on many newer LCD and Plasma televisions, probably the most exciting development in TV recently is the Slingbox. This streaming-video device not only allows users to program their DVRs remotely, but also lets them watch movies online, watch TV episodes online and more from remote locations using their computers and smart phones.
This might sound like a dream come true for anyone with a long public-transit commute to work, but there is a catch: Of all the subscription TV providers out there, currently only DISH Network® allows you to watch satellite TV on your PC or smart phone in this way. “Why?” you ask. Well, because currently only DISH Network’s ViP922 DVR/Receiver features Slingbox technology.
But saying this is easy and probably you’ll see similar statements elsewhere. What’s not easy though, and what’s probably the reason you came to InternetLion.com, is you want an explanation of how to get your hands on a DISH Network ViP922 and how, once you have one, you can use it to watch TV online for yourself. Those explanations are the reason we put together this webpage, and they’re exactly what you’ll find by scrolling down.
How To Watch DISH Network Online
The first thing you’ll have to do if you want to watch TV online using Slingbox technology is you’ll have to have a Slingbox-compatible computer or smart phone. As of this article’s publication, SlingPlayers are available for select brands on six smart-phone brands: Nokia Symbian, BlackBerry, iPhone® , Android, Windows Mobile, and Palm. Specific examples of some compatible models include the iPhone® 2G-4G and iPod® Touch; the Nokia N73, Nokia E65, Nokia N95 and Nokia 6120 classic; the BlackBerry Bold, BlackBerry 8820, BlackBerry Curve 8320, BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220 and BlackBerry Pearl 8120; the Android; almost any device using Windows Mobile (WM 5 and 6 Standard and Professional); and select Palm devices.
The Revolutionary DISH Network ViP922 SlingLoaded DVR
After purchasing one of these platforms, you’ll next have to get the DISH Network ViP922 DVR/Receiver. Now, DISH Network makes the 922 available to every customer, whether you’re in D.C. or Seattle. But the company also requires your household to be able to support a ViP922 system before they’ll let you use one. Therefore, the next step in being able to watch movies online, and watch TV episodes online is to make sure your home system is compatible with a ViP922.
The two main things you’ll need for this are a high-speed Internet connection and an appropriate router. Your Internet connection must have a downstream bandwidth capacity of at least 1.5 Mbps, and it must have an upstream bandwidth capacity of at least 150 Kbps. DISH Network recommends your router be a Linksys WRT400N Simultaneous Dual-Band Wireless-N Router, a D-Link DGL-4500 Xtreme N Gaming Router or a D-Link EBR-2310 Ethernet Broadband Router.
How To Watch TV Online On Your PC Or Mac
Next, because you will need to network your ViP922 with a home computer to watch TV online using a SlingPlayer, you will need to make sure your computer meets certain requirements too. As for that, DISH Network recommends that if your computer is a PC it have Microsoft Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 with the latest updates for its operating system; Internet Explorer Version 7 or higher, or Firefox Version 3.5 or higher for its Web browser; a Pentium 4 class processor or equivalent with 256 MB RAM in standard-definition streaming capabilities; and an Intel 2.4 GHz Core 2 Duo class processor or equivalent with 2 GB of RAM and video acceleration support on its graphics card for its high-definition streaming capabilities.
If, on the other hand, the home computer is a Mac, you’ll need Mac OS 10.5.7 (Leopard) or later for your operating system; Firefox Version 3.5 or higher, or Safari Version 4.0 or higher for your Web browser; an Intel-based processor with 2 GB of RAM for SD; and an Intel 2.8 GHz Core 2 Duo class processor or equivalent with 2 GB of RAM.
Assuming you have all these component parts, you will be able to order a ViP922 on lease from DISH Network that will allow you to watch DISH Network online so you can do everything from watch TV episodes online to watch movies online. Once your Vip®922 is working properly as a DVR/Receiver (a $10/mo. leasing fee applies), to watch DISH Network online you will now need to fire up your home computer and go to DISHNetwork.com.
In the upper right corner of the DISH Network’s homepage you’ll find the “Login” option. Click it, and once you have accessed your account, click “DISH Remote Access” under “My account.” You will then click the “Watch Live TV” option, and if it is your first time using this feature, you might be prompted to download and install a plug-in. Don’t be alarmed. Downloading this software is completely safe and is necessary if you want to watch satellite TV on your PC or Mac. Also, be sure to select “ViP922” from the dropdown menu after clicking “Watch Live TV” if you have multiple DISH Network receivers in your household. Otherwise, you might download a plug-in that is incompatible with your ViP922.
How To Watch TV Online On Your Smart Phone
After setting things up so you can watch satellite TV on your PC or Mac, you’ll next want to sync your smart phone with your DISH Network ViP922. Depending on which smart phone you own, this process can be more or less involved. With iPhones®, for instance, you must download a $29.99 SlingPlayer app from Slingbox.com. Other smart phones do not require a fee. Either way, though, you won’t have to pay for the software if you complete a few preliminary steps.
Specifically, you’ll go to DISH Network.com on your smart phone and again log into your account. Again you’ll select “DISH Remote Access” under “My Account,” and again you’ll wait for DISH Network’s systems to verify your connection. Then, you’ll create a Sling account, which will automatically use the same information you input for your DISH Network account unless you change it. Finally, you will download the SlingPlayer Mobile made for your specific smart phone, and once finished, log into your SlingPlayer Mobile account to watch DISH Network online from anywhere. This is a one-time installation and set-up process for your devices. Once they’re set up, then you’re ready to watch any time. Click here to learn more about switching to DISH Network so that you too can enjoy cutting-edge technology. Time to watch TV online or on your smart phone now!
* iPhone is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.
Disclaimer: Please note that this article was written when the satellite TV provider DISH was branded as DISH Network. As of 2/1/2012 DISH Network has changed their branding name to DISH. Article post date: 09/23/2010.
