Norristown, PA Local Contractors/Installers

[msdizzydolores]

Hi everyone,

I'm still struggling about whether to switch to Dish or stay with Comcast (whom I hate, and their recent HIKE in prices...my freaking bill is $116 a month and I used to only pay $65....wtf???????? :nono2: )

Anyway. I will be taking time to look at my Comcast line up and compare it to Dish and Direct so I can make an informed choice. My main interest is to retain the channels I like from Comcast and then add the SouthAsian Hindi Mega Package. That would bring me to about the same flipping price I'm NOW paying with Comcast...

So, any suggestions? And where can I find a list of local installers for the Philadelphia area? I keep reading not to go through Dish directly? Why? And what is the advantage of going local?

Also, I want only one DVR for my bedroom and have 2 other tv's in the house....suggestions?

Thanks. I just want to get on with this....

[Mertzen]

And where can I find a list of local installers for the Philadelphia area?
Yellow pages, google

I keep reading not to go through Dish
directly? Why?
Some of the subs and even in house are very new at installing satellite and lack the experience. But remember that you more often read complaints then praise
And what is the advantage of going local?More personalized service, often more experienced tech. Quicker response for trouble calls.


Also, I want only one DVR for my bedroom and have 2 other tv's in the house....suggestions?
.

One dual tuner, two TV box. This way you can access DVR content on two tvs. And a single tuner, single TV box.

[phrelin]

Hi everyone,

I'm still struggling about whether to switch to Dish or stay with Comcast (whom I hate, and their recent HIKE in prices...my freaking bill is $116 a month and I used to only pay $65....wtf???????? :nono2: )

Anyway. I will be taking time to look at my Comcast line up and compare it to Dish and Direct so I can make an informed choice. My main interest is to retain the channels I like from Comcast and then add the SouthAsian Hindi Mega Package. That would bring me to about the same flipping price I'm NOW paying with Comcast...

So, any suggestions? And where can I find a list of local installers for the Philadelphia area? I keep reading not to go through Dish directly? Why? And what is the advantage of going local?

Also, I want only one DVR for my bedroom and have 2 other tv's in the house....suggestions?

Thanks. I just want to get on with this....There are many people with success stories about going directly through Dish. However, if I had a local dealer that actually does installs (be careful to avoid "order-takers" such as our local Radio Shack franchisee), I'd go that direction.

Also, I'd prefer to have two DVR's, perhaps a ViP722 and a ViP612. That allows you to record four (or probably in your case with off-the-air, six) programs at the same time.

Oh. And just so you are fully informed coming from cable, read the thread on video on demand (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=155543).

[msdizzydolores]

Thank you both for your responses. I only posted for a list because I've read in other threads to post and ask for recommendations...I don't want to just go through the phone book and pick some jackhole that screws me up.

So should I call Dish and see who I have locally, or what should I do? I'm new to this and I've been at this for three years and have finally made my decision to GO FOR IT....so this is the only concern now.

[coldsteel]

There is a retailer lookup on the Dish website.

[msdizzydolores]

Yup...been there for the past two days...nothing in the area codes around me...except in Philly which is 1/2 hour from me.

Hmmmmmmm

[phrelin]

Yep, I stuck in my brother-in-law's zip code (19403) and came up with zero. If you want Dish, call Dish. Sounds like you know what packages you want. You want a ViP722 DVR and either a ViP612 DVR or a VIP211 reciever. Assume you may have problems with the phone call and/or installation. You may not have any problems, but stuff happens. If you're willing to have autopay and on-line billing, you can get Cinemax for 1¢.

[coldsteel]

And HBO and Starz free for 3 months.

[msdizzydolores]

Yep, I stuck in my brother-in-law's zip code (19403) and came up with zero. If you want Dish, call Dish. Sounds like you know what packages you want. You want a ViP722 DVR and either a ViP612 DVR or a VIP211 reciever. Assume you may have problems with the phone call and/or installation. You may not have any problems, but stuff happens. If you're willing to have autopay and on-line billing, you can get Cinemax for 1¢.
Now I know it's a SMALL WORLD. I actually live in the 19403 zip code. How funny is that :lol: I live in Norristown/West Norriton WOW!

Ok, I talked to Dish today and I asked a specific question about them installing and a contractor...he told me that installers charge me a fee/but Dish doesn't to install.

Then I asked about having an issue and he said they would not charge me if someone came out. That is not what I've read here a few times.

Also...I'm afraid of them running my credit. I had some issues for the past 3 years due to medical bills and who knows if they'll approve me :(

I want this so badly.

[msdizzydolores]

And HBO and Starz free for 3 months.
Ok...this whole DVR/Receiver thing confuses me.

I have tech degree and a tech background...but I've slacked off for YEARS....so I have no HD tv's in my home. I have 3 tv's...I definitely want to record in my bedroom and possibly in the living room. The other bedroom I just want the ability if someone stays over, to watch what they want to watch.

Sooooo geniuses of all things satellite...what should I ask for?
I'm going for the following:

$32.99 250+channel deal for the 6 month deal
$5.99 for local channels (is that correct?)
Hindi Mega Pack for $54.99


When I read the deals what is the 4 room set come with? You all are telling me to get this and that but these deals make my head spin. I think this is why I'm confused :D

[phrelin]

Ok...this whole DVR/Receiver thing confuses me.

I have tech degree and a tech background...but I've slacked off for YEARS....so I have no HD tv's in my home. I have 3 tv's...I definitely want to record in my bedroom and possibly in the living room. The other bedroom I just want the ability if someone stays over, to watch what they want to watch.

Sooooo geniuses of all things satellite...what should I ask for?
I'm going for the following:

$32.99 250+channel deal for the 6 month deal
$5.99 for local channels (is that correct?)
Hindi Mega Pack for $54.99


When I read the deals what is the 4 room set come with? You all are telling me to get this and that but these deals make my head spin. I think this is why I'm confused :DWhat are the chances you might get an HD TV in the next year?

[msdizzydolores]

Not sure. Haven't really thought about it. Any reason why?

[coldsteel]

It's cheaper to get an HDDVR now instead of later. Especially with Dish dropping the HD Enabling fee.

Plus, locals with the 250 is only $5, then $5 for the DVR capability.

[msdizzydolores]

Ok,
So the rep I spoke with this afternoon, I just called and left him a message to call me back so he can run the credit and take the card number. Do I really have to give them my CC #?

And if I get approved, I'm going with the suggestion of the ViP 722 and the ViP612??? I have to go and look up what they do....I have no clue. But once I get it in house (God, I'm praying I get approved) I will learn it quickly.

I just want my Hindi stations...that's all I care about :D

[msdizzydolores]

I GOT APPROVED. HA HA!!!!
They will be out next week. I should have let them come this week...but I need to wait to take off. Next Wednesday.

I took the HBO'/Starz too for 3 months.

Now I have to get my letter to the Association to approve the Dish on the roof.
And since I don't have HD they are giving me the 625...only one. That will control two tv's and then a single receiver I think....does that sound right?

Any suggestions????

[phrelin]

You can look at the 625 on Dish's web site here (http://tech.dishnetwork.com/departmental_content/TechPortal/content/tech/receiver/625.shtml) and if you do an advance search for threads with 625 in the title, you can browse around to see what folks have to say about it. Make sure everything you are expecting is up and running before you sign the form and the installer leaves.

[msdizzydolores]

Got it. Any other suggestions?
Also, when should I cancel my Comcast account?

[tsmacro]

Got it. Any other suggestions?
Also, when should I cancel my Comcast account?


I wouldn't cancel your Comcast acct until after your dish system is installed and working. If for some reason your installer doesn't make it (trucks break down, people get sick, etc.) you wouldn't want to be w/out any tv if you didn't get installed at the scheduled time.

[msdizzydolores]

Thank you. That's what I thought. I will wait until that following Monday to cancel it.
Also, I ordered the wrong package (Silver 200) this morning but changed it later this afternoon when I got the email confirmation that I chose the wrong package. Will that cause a problem?
I checked my online acct and both packages are showing and one my third call they said it will correctly reflect the Gold 250 package within 24 hours. I hope so.
I can't wait to ge this done. :)

[coldsteel]

I checked my online acct and both packages are showing and one my third call they said it will correctly reflect the Gold 250 package within 24 hours. I hope so.
I can't wait to ge this done. :)



The way the Gold 250 will be shown, if the rep added the DVR Advantage is the Classic Silver 200 with locals and DVR combined then the Classic Gold 250 Bonus Pack.


Also, +1 to tsmarco, excellent suggestion!

[msdizzydolores]

Yup,
$10 more by adding the Gold 250 package and it's done exactly the way you stated it should be.

And I will be getting 2 Dual DVR's which I'm shocked by...I have 2 tv's...used to have 3, now I'm going to go get a lil tv for the 2nd bedroom since I gave that 19in away. I don't want to screw up my order and not have a tv in the other bedroom :p

Thank you all so much for your help. I will let you know how things turn out.
Ohhhhh...do you think they will have to run wiring, or will they use my existing Comcast wiring?

[coldsteel]

Thank you all so much for your help. I will let you know how things turn out.
Ohhhhh...do you think they will have to run wiring, or will they use my existing Comcast wiring?


Depends on how good/bad the existing cabling is. I'd eyeball it first; if it's not RG6, have/force the Dish guy to run new.

[msdizzydolores]

What the heck is RG6? LOL
I know Comcast had to run cable when I first brought my condo and my uncle drilled a hole through my bedroom floor and ran the cable up to my tv and then ran under the carpet to the other bedroom. The cable do-dad in my bedroom doesn't work...so that is why he drilled.

We shall see what happens...*sighs*

[msdizzydolores]

Ok, I got a flat screen HDTV for the other bedroom. I don't care about HD stations...so is it worth it to ask for an HD DVR? No one stays on that bedroom but my niece when she wants to spend the night.

Suggestions?

[phrelin]

The issue for you is whether you want to pay more for HD now. If you'd prefer not to, don't bother but understand when you do want HD you will pay something to upgrade.

HD is actually much better than SD. But it just depends on how much TV you watch. If you get HD you'll move that TV.

[msdizzydolores]

I watch tv...but not too often. I mostly watch Hindi dvd's and boring stuff LOL
I don't want to upgrade to HD right now...we shall see. That would mean I would have to get a new tv for my bedroom and I do not want to do that right now.

[scoobyxj]

Yup,
$10 more by adding the Gold 250 package and it's done exactly the way you stated it should be.

And I will be getting 2 Dual DVR's which I'm shocked by...I have 2 tv's...used to have 3, now I'm going to go get a lil tv for the 2nd bedroom since I gave that 19in away. I don't want to screw up my order and not have a tv in the other bedroom :p

Thank you all so much for your help. I will let you know how things turn out.
Ohhhhh...do you think they will have to run wiring, or will they use my existing Comcast wiring?


I would recommend at least re cabling to the receivers if it's possible. A lot of Cable TV system's coax has a reputation for not being of very good quality, and Dishes receivers (expesially the dual tuners) are pretty hard on coax. Not doing so could cause unexplainable intermittent signal losses down the road.

[msdizzydolores]

Ok. I will see what they want to do
Wednesday. I was actually thinking about this today.