ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- DISH is rolling out the latest software for its Hopper Whole-Home HD DVR, making DISH the first pay-TV provider to implement HDMI-CEC technology to control users’ televisions. The software update, code named “Denver,” is the fifth in a line of Hopper updates this year.

In addition to the upgraded Hopper and television integration, DISH has made updates to the box’s navigation and search interfaces. These enhancements, including On Demand shelf organization and control of Joey boxes with the DISH Explorer app, will improve user experiences on Hopper with Sling and Hopper set-top boxes.

HDMI-CEC Technology
With a new HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronic Control) function, the moment a user turns on the Hopper, the television will automatically adjust to the proper viewing input. For example, customers who last watched a Blu-Ray no longer have to manually switch back to their TV’s satellite input to view their DISH channels.

Additional Updates
In addition to the HDMI-CEC, “Denver” improves the Hopper experience with the various enhancements detailed below.

On Demand Shelves: Hopper’s On Demand section now displays rows, or shelves, organized with movie and show tiles displayed horizontally across the screen. This makes it easier for users to scroll through their options and select from the more than 20,000 titles available in DISH’s On Demand collection. As part of this new design, DISH includes a “Free for Kids” shelf that features On Demand content filtered by content ratings appropriate for children.

DISH Explorer: To create a seamless browsing and content discovery experience, the DISH Explorer app can now control all televisions in a Hopper ecosystem. To further enhance the program discovery capability within DISH Explorer, the app now includes a new “See Also” recommendation feature. This allows users to easily find similar programming options. DISH Explorer is a highly-rated, second-screen iPad app that easily finds programming, engages on social media and serves as a remote control.

Search: Hopper’s search function now produces results from all possible sources, including the programming guide, recorded content and On Demand. Results. This is also presented in the shelf-based format, making it easy to view and select from the displayed options.

Programming guide: When users visit HBO, Starz, Encore, Epix and History in the programming guide, an option to select that channel’s On Demand page will appear with additional content options.

Help app: A new “Help” app provides customers with information to better maximize Hopper features and settings. The app is accessible from the “Menu” or by pressing the blue button on the DISH remote.

Dish Network LLC (Nasdaq: DISH)