501 suddenly won't acquire signal

[FrustratedDishNetworker]

Hi gang. I'm real suspicious about this one...

Exactly one year and two days ago, we settled a complaint with Dish Network and were provided the 501 PVR that we had purchased three months earlier for the fourth receiver in our system. Yesterday, we were supposed to downgrade our service from Top 150 to Top 50 (the day after our contract that went along with the 501 expired).

Now, suddenly today, the 501 can't acquire a signal (all three other receivers are having no problems at all). Dish tech support weenies are arrogant and NO HELP as usual -- their comment is "the unit's dead, and as of today, it's out of warranty, so buy a new one".

Why does this sound a bit fishy to me? It's too conveniently timed. Does Dish have a way to "purposely disable" one of these things?

I'm also trying to solve this long distance, since I'm working in California and my (non-technical) spouse is in Texas (where the 501 is located). I"ve already tried the standard stuff -- turn it off, remove and replace the smart card, restart, check the signal strength, yada yada yada...no dice.

Any brilliant ideas greatly appreciated ... at this point, I'll even take dumb ideas that are different than any of mine (g).

Thanks in advance, folks...

[Bob Haller]

Swap its location with one that works. If it works at a new location its cabling. If it doesnt the box died. They can turn off the programming but not cause a lost signal.

Did you take it off the account? If you did add it back. Then buy the systenm warranty $2 a month wait 31 days and call and they will advance replace it for $15 shuipping only.

Or add the warranty NOW and they will replace it for a lesser price than no warranty.

Add credit card autopay and theres NO shipping fee either.

EVERYONE should buy the $2 a month system warranty oit covers EVERYTHING with the dish brand including remotes.