Dish Network has announced a software upgrade, code-named “Denver," for its Hopper whole-home HD-DVR. This new enhancement offers improved VOD interface and new features to the Dish Explorer screen application.

The satellite TV provider has modernized its DVR with an HDMI-CEC function, which means the television can automatically fine-tune to the Hopper input as soon as a user turns on the box.

DISH has enhanced the box’s navigation and search interfaces features, which helps users to improve user experiences on Hopper with Sling and Hopper set-top boxes. They can also use the DISH Explorer app to get control On Demand shelf organization and Joey boxes.

“The ‘Denver’ release for Hopper is all about continuing to improve the TV viewing experience for our customers,” said Vivek Khemka, senior vice president of product management at DISH. “With so many devices connected to the TV, we find confusion arises when consumers switch between inputs. Our Hopper’s HDMI-CEC feature helps eliminate that confusion.”

The software update also opens up shelves of movie and show titles to view what's in Dish's On Demand collection, including a "free for kids" shelf with only content appropriate for children, and an improved search function, which will look through all possible sources of content in the Hopper's universe, such as programming guide, recorded content and On Demand.

In addition, the company has also released new “Help” app to offers its customers with information that helps them known more about Hopper features and settings. The app is available from the “Menu” or by pressing the blue button on the DISH remote.

DISH Network Corporation, through its subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C., claims to provide approximately 14.049 million satellite TV customers with the highest quality programming and technology with the most choices at the best value, including HD Free for Life.