What does-F mean in DP s/w version

[Geronimo]

Don't ask me why but I was offered free PTV today. Being the glutton that I am I broke out my trusrty Dishplayer and hooked it up in lieu of my 3700. Of course why I paid $99 for a 508 instead of waiting for the 522 I don't know.

I had some set up problems. I called 1 800 333 3474. The CSR told me that if you see a -F at the end of any software version it means you might have a memory fault.

Sadly I am skeptical of guidance from CSRs. Can anyone advise me.

Happy 4th.

[Geronimo]

Well the PTV does not work. And because of the -F they won't give me an authorization code etc. I have tried two CSRs. Is it possible that this is correct?

[Bill R]

A "-F" after the DishPlayer software version could indicate a possible problem memory problem but the techs need to have you do several other tests to indicate if the receiver is really faulty.

Here are what the "-N" or a "-F" after the DishPlayer software version mean: "-N" indicates that the software is being read from N-RAM (nonvolatile Random Access Memory) and "-F" indicates that it is being read from FLASH memory (which is faster). It is quite normal (despite what any CSR tells you) to see a "-F" during normal DishPlayer operation.

[Geronimo]

That is about what I assumed. But there is not a whole lot of point to a DP without PTV. So if it does not appear soon I don't know what I do.

[Bill R]

Check your service code (on the same page as the software version). It should read 0000007F (0). If it doesn't, they didn't add the PTV feature (or else your DishPlayer missed the authorization hit for it).

[Randy_B]

It has been a while since my DP days, but could the Jenny code (option 8675309) help out? I can't remember the wipe/set to default settings code, Bill . . .?

[Geronimo]

This morning my DP had the familiar screen congratulating me for having received a software upgrade. I went through the 10 minute download. I still had a 44 hour guide and no PTV. I called and got an excellenrt CSR who should have been given the rest of the day off.

She verified that I could receive 110. She checked software vesrions. We ran a Switch check and this time I saw a 15 minute download screen. She had me check the PTV and the guide. In both cases nothing had happened. She sent an authorization code and in 2 minutes I could watch old recordings (before I was limited to 10 minutes) and had the full guide.

So today is my Indepencence Day. I have my Dishplayer back and I have freedom from OTV fees fort at least awhile. I think this would make a great movie. Mel Gibson could play the frustrated Dishplayer owner. Laurie Farkas could be the helpful CSR.

OK maybe it is not a feature film. But they could show it on Channel 101. After all most of us have learned how to use our remotes by now.

[BobaBird]

In the movie version the helpful CSR makes a house call to help you learn how to use your remote. :D The problems you were having unfortunately confirmed that something I was afraid of has come to pass.

Why is Microsoft allowed to prevent Dish customers from seeing the full EEPG that they pay Dish for in their regular subscription and that is provided by Dish, not M$? Especially after Dish gave free dish upgrades to those that needed it so they could see it.

[Jacob S]

So does this -F and -N code go for the 501/508/721 as well?

[Geronimo]

Ia m not sure I follow Boba? Not aboutt he moview about Microsoft.

[BobaBird]

The DP used to use a 7-day EPG that WebTV got from TV Data instead of Dish's 44-hour EPG that was sourced from Tribune. (There used to be an option do load the Dish EPG for those times WebTV corrupted the download or the guide wasn't accurate.) When PTV and the 7200 were introduced, WebTV made subscribers pay for PTV to see the whole guide. I don't like those terms, but for the sake of argument I'll concede they can control access to information that generates an actual expense for them.

Enough history. After the recent software change, the DP no longer uses guide information purchased by MSN/WebTV - it gets Dish's 9-day EEPG. MSN is no longer providing the EPG, it is no longer an expense for them, yet they are still controlling how Dish customers can access the Dish EEPG.