That simply ignores the need for PTAT to have dedicated space. Yes, I am vehemently defending that. To seriously suggest there could be a "warning" when you go to use the PTAT is what would cause a "sh*t storm." PTAT is a major part of the Hopper and people will want to simply hit a button and have it set. When you say you only have 500GB that ignores how much recording is done from the Networks at night, in most cases alot. So you are ignoring all that space where a good portion of recording is taking place, and where programs can stay there for eight days without being deleted. Space not needed for the individual recordings, at least not like it was with the VIP series. That's a very important distinction when looking at allocated space. If you are among the few that never records network TV, but still want the features of the Hopper/whole home, if the allocated space is not enough, yes, there is the EHD.
The EHD is fast becoming an integral part of the Dish system, Hopper or VIP. I think suggesting using one is wise for a couple of reasons, to make it sound like you are asking someone to do something outrageous is not really on target either. No you shouldn't have to, but I don't think you do. As is pointed out here often and correctly from time to time, we are often power users compared to most. Many users won't even realize the space allocations or ever really be concerned with running out of space. Dish is seeing the DVR hard drive more for holding programs recently recorded and to be watched in a reasonable amount of time, and the EHD more for those programs/movies you want to save or watch at a much later time. That shows in how most everyone says Dish has the use of an EHD down better than others. You could say Dish has the EHD for the power users among us.
As for the rest of the space for VOD etc, I can see room for change. (Which I already said in other posts) I think a good argument can be made some of that is too much. I think if there is a place to make a change, it all comes down to the VOD space, not the PTAT space.
In general, a family that is routinely using up the hard drive space, is probably a family that needs two Hoppers anyway for more tuners, giving them double the space. A household that needs no more than one Hopper probably has enough space. Yes, always the exceptions.
And to be fair, it's there, having two Hoppers where the VOD space really jumps out as being too much.
You mentioned Dish comparing their drive size to others. If you do use the features provided by any provider, and alot of people certainly do - VOD, regular recording of shows including Network, etc.. who can hold more programming, Dish or them? To me that's the point. Only looking at the individual recordings and ignoring Network recording and VOD ignores what alot of customers will use.
You mention something that I have seen posted before, and it is a good point. I think three Joeys on one Hopper is fine if one room is for very occasional use. But if all Joeys are in rooms that get used to any degree, there is probably going to be disappointment. That's because you can't watch something live on one Joey, different than anyone else is, even if nothing is recording. Since Dish won't let you rectify that with a VIP receiver instead of a Joey in the set-up, most people won't realize that at first. If CSR's (other than here!) were well trained, they could explain that to potential customers. Like that's going to happen.......
