The Dish Network DVR-625 is a dual tuner satellite receiver and DVR, an updated version of the DVR-522. The unit is available to Dish Network satellite TV subscribers without charge depending on the length of commitment and the type of subscription package, although the DVR-625 also carries monthly DVR service fee. Because this model cannot record or receive HD programming, however, its appeal will be limited.

As well as a respectable 100 hours of storage capacity for standard definition programming, the DVR-625 features two tuners for a host of viewing options. You can record two live programs at the same time while watching a third previously recorded show, or you can record a TV show on one channel while watching another live show on a different channel. The dual tuners also make it possible to view and record on separate TVs in your home. The DVR-625 includes a UHF remote as well as a standard IR. This can operate as far as 200 feet away from the unit, and through walls and doors. One person can watch and record the big game on the living room TV, for example, while someone else watches a movie on the den or bedroom TV. Alternatively, if used in single mode, the DVR-625 provides a picture-in-picture function.

This DVR also incorporates an interesting video-on-demand feature. The DVR-625 downloads a VOD movie to a separate hard drive, so you can then watch it whenever you want in the next 24 hours. While this may not be true video-on-demand, it is a convenient feature for satellite TV users. The Electronic Program Guide displays up to nine days of programming and searches via program name, subject, or actor. While we found it to be an easy to navigate EPG, it doesn't quite match the intuitiveness or the ease of use of TiVo's interface.

The DVR-625 offers 50 automatic and manual timers, as well as features like parental controls and lists of your favorite shows. The unit boasts an optical digital output for Dolby Digital and Linear PCM digital audio. It lacks the advanced sharing features of the latest TiVo models, but for Dish Network customers not interested in receiving or recording HD programming, the dual tuner DVR-625 makes a solid choice for DVR.

Pros: Up to 100 hours of SD programming, separate hard drive for VOD content; dual tuners
Cons: No HD receiving or recording

Warranty
1 year, parts and labor