I've been with DISH for more than 15 years and have NEVER had a DVR last more the 6 months. I just replaced the Hopper 3 after only 5 months, a new record.
I also have certain programs on certain channels not record properly. I'll set up a new SERIES timer and it won't automatically record any future programs at all. In this instance, every program must be manually set to record.
The only thing keeping me with DISH are my archived programs saved on external hard drives. If these programs could be read and played by DIRECT TV, or any other provider, I'd be gone today.
Equipment quality is not a concern for DISH. 15 years of continuous failure says it all.