Adding Dish 5000 to a Existing Setup

[mdrobnak]

Hi everyone, I had dish network installed in May of 02. I have the Digital Home Plan (planning on getting rid of that when 1 yr is up...)... I have 1 DishPVR 501, and 1 Dish 301...Now.. I'm getting the second dish installed on Saturday, as it's necessary to get some of the local channels here (that was my way of getting a free dish for HD hehe). I am going to purchase a Dish 5000 receiver from someone. Here's the problem: I do NOT know what was installed...The most I can get out of it is "Installed Switch Model 500 Twin"...Does this mean I'm using DishPro equipment?

If so, what happens if the 5000 is connected? And I don't know what will be changed when the second dish is installed..

Anyone have any insight, and where to get this "legacy" adapter (If I need it?!?!)??

Thanks a lot
-Matt

[Bob Haller]

STOP, the 5000s days as a HD receiver are numbered. All HDs are going to eventually moved to a new scheme the 5000 cant decode. You will need a new receiver, sorry....

[mdrobnak]

I am aware of the new 8PSK encoding that will *eventually* be implemented -- however, in the mean time I will be able to record quite a few movies. :) (I have a MyHD HDTV card for the PC)

As I said my question comes down to this:

* What will the installer most likely install

* Will I need one of the legacy adapters

* If Yes to second question, where do I get it?

-Matt

[boba]

You will have to wait for the install to know for sure what you will have for equipment. If you were installed in May you have a Legacy Twin, Dish Pro didn't start until the summer. If you only have 2 receivers subscribed they will only put in equipment to support 2 receivers so I would expect two SW-21s cascaded with your existing TWIN. Unless that 5000 is a gift I wouldn't bother with it the 6000 is much better for HD and it is lacking. DISH needs to get new HDTV equipment to the market place.

[boba]

ALSO if you are DHP you must continue to subscribe on both receivers until your contract reaches its end or you will get a chargeback for voiding the agreement. The 5000 will have to be added as a third receiver until you return the equipment. You might also want to check with DISH to find out what you will have to return at the completion of the contract. DISH OWNS ALL THE EQUIPMENT you are only renting it.

[mdrobnak]

Yeah, I'm aware that I'll have to add it as a third receiver -- another $5 a month for the 5000, but that's OK. I look at it this way:

While QPSK is still in use, I can get tons of HD movies. When it's no longer in use, the modulator will still pass SD content with AC3 audio. This is still very useful, as it gets it into my computer easier, and still digital -- unlike my PVR solution which goes digital -> analog -> digital. (still decent pq, but not that great)

As for the equipment issue, I'll have to look into that when it comes time for the end of my contract.

[HTguy]

Originally posted by mdrobnak

As I said my question comes down to this:

* What will the installer most likely install

2 SW-21s cascading your legasy TWIN w/the dual LNBF on the 2nd dish

* Will I need one of the legacy adapters

No. But with that set-up you will need to replace the TWIN w/2 dual LNBFs & replace the SW-21s w/a SW-64. A local retailer can sell you what you need & give you something back for what you don't.

* If Yes to second question, where do I get it?

You will only need the adapter if you opt for new DishPro eqmt; i.e. DP TWIN, DP Single & DP-34 switch. Overall, this will cost more than the above.

-Matt

[mdrobnak]

Ok, thats good news... I wasn't sure if I had DishPro or legacy equipment... I will only have 2 units actually hooked up, but paying for 3 (thats fine with me for now).

Thanks for your help.

-Matt

[BobaBird]

Shouldn't be too hard to tell from the ground. The DP Twin has a prominent dp logo. See http://www.dbstalk.com/postings.php?s=&action=getip&postid=62023.

[mdrobnak]

Aah, I see. I will take a look when I head home today.

-Matt

P.S. This (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?postid=62023) will show the thread you are referring to.

[Bob Haller]

If your considering adding a 3rd receiver or one like the 721 or 522 with 2 coax connections talk with the installer in advance. TRhey might give you a good deal on a upgrade to support extra leads... Assuming your not planning on doing it yourself...

BTW the 5000 on 3 slots guide was nearly useless for looking in advance. Has that improved at all?

[Marcus S]

No, as a matter of fact I finally got so put out at the useless info button that would say "Acquiring Program Info From Satellite", and after two mins come back and say "Info Not Available" that I RA'd the receiver twice and eventually got E* to replace it with a 4900. No CID, but alot more functional.

[Bob Haller]

I took mine off line over this issue. Anyone want to buy it, no adapters here.

[BobaBird]

Matt, thanks for fixing the link. I posted it w/o checking to see if it still worked.

[mdrobnak]

Well, the good news is that the 61.5 sat which I was worried about had a flawless view of the sky...

I have very good signal levels -- 117 on 119, 117 on 110 (tp 15 for both), and 120 on 61.5 (tp 20)...

Now, to get my 5000 setup.. I can't wait! :D

Those who said I had legacy LNBs -- you were correct. The installer put in a second dish 500 dish, and did the cascaded SW21 method.

Install time took around 30 minutes I'd say. The installer said he's been doing this for 4.5 years, very professional, very curteous.

Dish is many levels better than Cablevision in many respects...Except internet access. :( I love my optimum online. That's the only real reason I kept family cable -- get a discount on OO, and we keep news 12 westchester, and local Weatherchannel weather forecasting.

Enough now -- I need to go find a receiver. hehe

-Matt