DishPlayer to 508 - Should I do this (LONG)?

[EPS]

Monday I called D* because I've noticed that every so often, the guide on my DishPlayer picks up channels that I hadn't selected. Thus I would have to randomly go in and un-select them. It was getting annoying so I figured I'd call TechSupport to see what was going on.

The girl on the phone takes my info, puts me on hold and comes back and tells me to do a 32768 (complete reset), unplug, pull card, etc. I do it all, and the DP comes back and won't download the Prog Guide. She ***THEN*** tells me that the preceeding procedure tests to find out if the HD is failing on the DP. Well, now I've got a NON-WORKING DP that only gets one or two channels. Hell, I can't even type in the channels that I have in my packages to get them.

She then goes on a litany about how they can offer the 501/508 for $149 no commit, blah, blah, blah. I tell her that I want to understand what the 501/508 is by reading info on the Net and I'll get back with them.

I get off the phone, ***PISSED*** for obvious reasons, because they DIDN'T tell me prior to doing this that it may render the DP useless. So, I get out my DP codes and try doing a 7225000. 1st try doesn't work - still won't d'l the guide. 2nd try works and DP is back to working.

However, thinking about everything that happened, I came here to DBStalk forums and have been lurking and reading everything going on. With this DVR fee coming on the 510's the 508's seem like a good deal.

So, my question is this: Should I call back and purchase 1 (or 2, if they'll let me) of the 508's. I realize that I need to PUSH to make sure it's a NEW (non-refurb) and that it truly is a 508 and not a 501. OR, should I hold off and wait until the 522 comes out?

My current setup is as follows: DP in fam room w/ one output to Fam room TV, other output to Bedroom TV.

I'm finishing my basement which is why I was thinking of having them send me two. That way I could have them install everything and put a new switch on the dish to get up to 4 receviers (cause they'll pay for it all to be installed). I'd probably leave the 3 recievers on the account for a month, and then call & cancel one of the boxes, but at least I'd have the equip (extra 508 & switch) for later.

Let me know your thoughts.

(PS- I've also read the posts about the 508 being a "cross-grade" or possibly a "downgrade" to the DP, and I understand that.

[Bill R]

EPS,

I am also a DishPlayer owner and I am also getting strange number (or channels you have already de-selected). I think it is just another bug in the DishPlayer's software. The CSR is wrong about your hard drive going bad.

As for getting a 508: I carefully compared the DishPlayer's features to the 508 features and was very disappointed in the 508. It isn't a bad receiver, but it just doesn't have all the features that the DishPlayer has (I wound up getting a 721 but I can't recommend buying one until DISH gets the software more stable).

As for you problems with the DISH CSR: I sure wish that DISH would inform their CSRs that there is NO code that will cause the DishPlayer to retrieve the EPG after you use the reset code (32768). As you found out, the 7225000 code will no longer do it. Running the switch test should get your channels back but you will have to wait until after the overnight download to get your EPG back.

[HTguy]

According to CE on the RChat today, 508s are sold out. All they have left thru E* direct is reman'd 501s.

There are many local retailers w/508s in stock but you won't get one for $149.

[forklifter]

Ya i just found out No more 501 or508s I just got a refurb cause my modem went bad in the old 501 I asked if I could keep the old receiver for 150 and they said for 250 i could keep the old one No way so I asked about getting a 508 None avaiable only 510s for 149.99. Keeping the old 501 is a total ripoff but nothing I can do about it

[Mike Richardson]

It really doesn't matter if you get a refurbished or a new one as long as it works and it's not dirty or anything.

[TomCat]

Just keep telling yourself that, Mike. Many folks have a differing opinion, including me.

A refurb is simply a used box that at one time had problems that has a limited waranty attached. It may be fixed, and probably is to some extent, but it was definitely wonky enough for someone to return it at one time, and might not be fixed "all that well". Having at one time worked repair in a Zenith factory I can tell you that we had a number of units that we considered "dogs", but that didn't help keep them out of the refurb pile. The "refurb" procedure may involve some repair, but typically if nothing appears wrong after running on the bench for 15 minutes, out it goes to the next customer. Time is money. Paint it and ship it. Incentive pay for repairmen is based on pieces-per-hour.

I would also guess that the number of failed units among refurbs is much higher than the number of failed units among new units, infant mortality units included. Probably about the rate of failed marriages among the remarried, which is much higher than first marriages. It's basically a used car. Even a "pre-owned" BMW sells for a steep discount over a new one.

+++++++++++++++++++++++

Maybe I just got in under the wire. I ordered another 501/8 unit on a $149 exchange for my 4700 receiver Tuesday night, and they made no mention of stock running out, but they do still have that odd policy where "it might be a 501 or it might be a 508...we just don't know". Pot luck seems like a sorry way to run a railroad. Of course, I may come home to a voicemail saying "Uh....sorry, we ran out. Deal's off. We've got plenty of 510's, though". Sure hope not, because then I'd have to go for another 721. They did promise no refurbs, though, which would have been a deal-breaker.

[Bob Haller]

It really doesn't matter if you get a refurbished or a new one as long as it works and it's not dirty or anything.

I will never accept another refurb. For no other reason than tiring of swapping boxes and setting up favorites.

Refurbs have a terrible reputation...

[Peluso]

does anyone know if Dish ever thought about having a premium line of receivers? separate development team and QC. They could charge more but be able to offer a huge increase in quality and maybe even add some troubleshooting tools to the product.

[EPS]

Bill R,
Thanks for the info... I need to re-look at things between the two.

Sorry to knock this back to the original topic, but I'd appreciate more information such as Bill R has provided. Especially from other users that have gone from a DP to a 508 and their experiences getting used to the differences.

Thanks again!

[Jacob S]

For what Dish charges for their receivers compared to the competition, they all should be premium already. It seems like the prices are higher and the quality is lower in which is such a shame, although I can say that the base receivers that do not have DVR capability have been more reliable than the receivers that preceded it.

[Mike Richardson]

If someone gets a refurb and it doesn't break then that's the end of it. They're happy, DISH is happy. If someone gets a new box and it doesn't break then that's the end of it. They're happy, DISH is happy. Either way, assuming the unit does not break or have problems, then everyone is happy. Now, I'd understand wanting a new unit if I was paying the full $299 or whatever price it is. If I was paying $299 I'd demand a 508 too. But with these cheapo ones for like $149 I wouldn't care if it is refurbished IF IT WORKS. I'd probably want a 508 though.

Now, maybe refurbished models break more. If you have the extended warranty DISH has to fix it. If the regular warranty is in effect DISH has to fix it. If you are on DHP and it's a rented PVR DISH has to fix it. In most cases they have to fix it. And as long as it is fixed then the only problem I see is the downtime and maybe lost recording and favorite lists. But if you had a 1000/2000/3900/Whatever before you had the PVR then didn't you have to redo your favorite lists anyway?

[Mike Richardson]

For what Dish charges for their receivers compared to the competition, they all should be premium already. It seems like the prices are higher and the quality is lower in which is such a shame, although I can say that the base receivers that do not have DVR capability have been more reliable than the receivers that preceded it.

They need more deals for cheap receivers.

The free PVR promotion for new subs is a start but I'd like to see at least $99 and 1 year commitment for a 510 for existing subs. Also must have the 510 on the account for the year so that they get their fee. So even after the year you're only out $159 for the PVR if you have AT100/150.

Maybe they could use some old refurb 501s and have a $49 no commitment deal with the PVR fee.

Maybe a deal on 721s with a PVR fee. $199/1 yr maybe?

If the MSRP on 111 receivers is going to be $49 I'd like to see them offered to long time subs/AEP subs/"good" subs for $29 or something. EDIT: Actually, what the hell, if they're that good of a sub I say let them have a 111 for free assuming they haven't gotten any other deals recently. No strings, just free. DISH will make it up in the extra receiver fee. (maybe a stipulation that the 111 must be activated for 1 year or something)

Just some random thoughts.

[origkds]

EPS,

Moving from a Dishplayer to a 508 is in the top 10% of better decisions made in my life.