ViP 722 Features and Remote

As we mentioned previously, the ViP 722 has two tuners which can be used in dual mode or as a picture-in-picture configuration. We opted for the former, but in either case users can record one show while watching another. The system comes with two remote controls - one IR and the other RF - which means of course that you can control "Zone 2" of the ViP 722 from virtually anywhere in the house. What's more, a single 'Mode' button allows you to "commandeer" the second zone when it's not in use and activate the PIP functions in your primary viewing room. Flexible? Yes. Great for football season - heck, yes!

The back panel of the ViP 722 includes TV1 connections for HDMI, component and composite video connections (it also has S-video but I hope that connection dies a quick, yet painful death on most newer products). TV2 is supported via either composite video and stereo audio or the In-home distribution F connector which sends 480i via coax. You can "split" a single dish cable feed to feed both tuner inputs on the back and there is a dedicated OTA (over-the-air) antenna input. If you are using the RF remote, you'll need to connect the remote antenna which extends the range of the remote so that you can use it throughout your house (unless your name is Bill Gates and you live in a home the size of Disney World). All inputs are clearly labeled and even the remotes are decidedly marked for use in either TV1 (Green) or TV2 (Blue) zones.

The front of the unit has two spring-loaded doors. The left reveals a smart card slot that is presently unused) and the right provides access to Power and menu controls. There is also a front-accessible USB port and System and Program Info buttons. In a pinch you could use the panel navigation to get around if you misplaced the remote - though for long-term use this would be ridiculous. In the middle of the unit are three holes for receiving IR signals. TV1 and TV2 are also represented by two lights each. The first indicates power and the second shows the record status. Dual and Single mode indicators are also present. If you can't get a signal on Channel 60 (default) in other rooms, check this mode setting.

Remote Controls

The remote controls are identical except that one is, of course, RF and the other IR (infrared). In the hand they feel very comfortable and you can reach approximately 80% of the control surface with your thumb without moving your hand from its initial position. The remote is separated into 3 main sections, with source and navigation controls at top, DVR functions in the middle and keypad at the bottom. The layout is intuitive and what I would call a perfectly dense arrangement. The buttons are close enough together that they make the overall remote small, but far enough apart that you won't be hitting anything by accident, even if you have larger hands. While the majority of buttons are round, the arrangement and size variance of buttons helps them maintain a tactile separation so you can operate much of the remote by feel. I am also VERY pleased by included functions such as Skip Forward and Skip Back which allow you to virtually breeze through commercials on DVR content. If you come from cable and have never had a 'Skip' function, this is going to change how you watch recorded TV forever.

Compared to the remote that came with my Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8300HD, I'd say the functionality is similar, but this remote is overall far easier to navigate and use.

Of course, I pulled all of the functionality of this remote into my trusty Universal Remote MX-3000 as soon as I could. This allowed me to access the system (which is located in a closet) from my theater room.