Any way to upgrade a 301 to a 508?

[sgeery]

I am a relatively new subscriber to Dish Network. (approximately 3 months). I signed up for the one year commitment with AT150, local channels, etc., and received 3 301's and one 508. I am very pleased all in all, but am hooked on the PVR. I asked DishNetwork customer service if I could return a 301 for a 508. They said I would have to pay the 5 dollars per month for the 301 until my commitment expires, as well as an additional 5 dollars per month for the new receiver. Can anyone tell me if there is a way around this? Also, if I were to pick up a 508 at say, Sears, and hook it up myself, would DishNetwork even know the difference between it and the 301 currently hooked up? I realize this sounds naive, but I am a newby!!!

Thanks!

[Mark Lamutt]

Are you on the digital home plan (ie you didn't purchase the receivers initially)? If so, I don't believe they'll let you swap one of your 301s out for a 508. You could add a 508 to the mix as a 5th receiver if you really wanted to, but you will also have to buy the additional switch to make it work. And you'd be charged the additional $5 a month for the extra receiver. And, no you can't just swap a 508 for one of your 301s - you'd have to call dish to subscribe your new 508 to get any programming on it (aside from the promo channels).

All of these limitations don't apply, though if you originally purchased your equipment and are under a different plan.

BTW, Welcome to DBSTalk sgeery! :hi:

[sgeery]

Mark, thanks for the quick reply! Yes, I am subscribed to the digital home plan, so I guess you could say I am renting the equipment! Well, it sounds like I am out of luck for about 9 more months. I really don't want to pay 5 dollars each month for a 301 and an additional 5 dollars for a 508. I will just have to wait till my year is up and by then maybe the 721 will be as cheap as the 508 is now!!!

Thanks,

Steve

[boba]

Sgeery you misunderstood DISH I believe, you would have to purchase the additional 508 and pay the $5 additional receiver fee. You could replace one of the 301's physically so you wouldn't need an additional switch, but you must continue paying the duplication fee and keep the 301 on the account for the full 12 months or you would void your contract.

[Mark Lamutt]

Ah, thanks for the clarification boba. I wasn't aware that they'd let you swap one out for another if you kept paying the fee for the swapped out one.

[sgeery]

Thanks, guys, that wasn't what I wanted to hear, but it was what I was afraid of!

Steve