Here's my latest correspondence with Dish Technical Support regarding discrete power codes for the PVR 721:

Question (sent 01/21/03):

Just got software version L109 for the PVR721. Still no discrete power on/off codes. They exist, to the best of my knowledge, for all of your receivers except for the PVR 721 and the Dishplayer. Come on guys, MAKE IT HAPPEN!

Bob L.

Response (received 01/24/03):

Thank you for your email correspondence. Currently there are no plans to add discrete power codes to the model 721. The discrete codes were added to other receivers for compatibility with the new EZ Remote. As the 721 has many advanced features that require the use of the associated remote, there would be no reason to use the EZ remote with it.

Sincerely,

Matt W.

Technical Support

Dish Network


I've been corresponding with Dish since last August on this issue but apparently they aren't considering adding discretes to the PVR721. Is anyone else speaking with them on this subject? Any suggestions as to how we can convince them to add the codes?

Bob

Dish Network have to be explained the reasons that we programmin' kind of guys want discrete on and off commands (and often other possible discrete codes too). They, and many other companies simply do not know why these codes are neccessary until maybe it is explained to them in the least complicated manner possible. They must learn that this is not just for a few techno-geeks, but more so for the multitudes "average" non button pushin', please give me products that are simple, consumers.

Scoop

Update-sent an email to tonight's Dish Technical Forum regarding the addition of discrete power codes to the PVR721. They said on air that the codes would be added in the next download which should be out in March.

Bob L.