Please confirm what I get if I upgrade to HD

[Boston]

As I can see it is all positive, is there anything I am missing?
Any invalid assumptions?

- Dishes and LNBs upgraded which adds EA satellites, all current programming unaffected
- my 510 DVR will be upgraded to a HD DVR (excludes 922) remaining SD receivers unaffected
- with HD free for life promotion, I get HD platinum for $10 more than what I pay for America top 250
- 3 months free HBO & Showtime, 3 free movie coupons

Do larger dishes reduce rain fade?
Am I missing any charges, assumed service call for upgrade free.

[BattleZone]

Assuming you get switched over to EA, you'll get a new dish (Dish 1000.4) and ALL of your receivers will have to be upgraded to ViP-series receivers, as most content, including much of the SD programming, is MPEG4 encoded, and your old SD receivers won't be able to decode it.

You'll have to pay for a tech visit. $95 if you don't have the Service Plan, $15 if you do. You'll have a 2-year commitment with $15/month remaining ETF.

You'll need clear Line-of-Site for the Eastern Arc sats.

[Stewart Vernon]

I thought if you went with an EA setup all receivers would have to be MPEG4 capable... which means existing SD receivers (DVR or not) would have to be replaced with newer ones.

Battlezone was typing at the same time as I was...

[Jim5506]

The dishes for EA and WA (D1000.4,D1000.2) must be bigger because they are de-focused in the horizonal plane in order to service three lnb's instead of one. They were designed to achieve approximately the same signal strength as a single lnb dish, but some feel they have slightly lower signal levels.

[scooper]

I thought if you went with an EA setup all receivers would have to be MPEG4 capable... which means existing SD receivers (DVR or not) would have to be replaced with newer ones.

Battlezone was typing at the same time as I was...

If you still want to use older SD MPEG2 equipment - you will need to keep the Dish500 as well as the new EA dish.

[Boston]

Thank you for the replies. Now appears it may not be worth it for me to take the promo to upgrade to HD.

I have a 510, 311, and 322 currently with AT250 and locals. I could sign up for the service plan and later drop it to reduce the service charge, but am not interested in ponying up for two HD receivers especially where one of the TVs connected to the 322 is not even HD.

[scooper]

well - maybe , maybe not.

Any of the VIP MPEG4 receivers TV2 outputs are in SD only - the receiver will downgrade the HD channels to SD (and it should be the best SD you will ever see on satellite :D ) .

If you keep the Dish500 for your older receivers as well as do the Eastern Arc dish, the system will work. You'll just have the equivalent of 2 systems - one Dish 500 and one EA for HD.

[Boston]

well - maybe , maybe not.

Any of the VIP MPEG4 receivers TV2 outputs are in SD only - the receiver will downgrade the HD channels to SD (and it should be the best SD you will ever see on satellite :D ) .

If you keep the Dish500 for your older receivers as well as do the Eastern Arc dish, the system will work. You'll just have the equivalent of 2 systems - one Dish 500 and one EA for HD.

Are you saying that I can add just one dish for the EA and keep the existing setup for the remaining receivers? My new receiver would then be separate from the switch that the rest of the receivers are working off. Then I could migrate the other receivers as needed/wanted?

Would I lose any channels on the new receiver (current switch combines 61.5,110 and 119)?

[scooper]

With the full EA dish - you would not not be missing anything (and gaining additional HD channels on 72.7 that you currently don't have a dish for)

And that's exactly what I''m saying - if you do the EA dish for HD now, you could then migrate the other receivers over as you can afford to, while leaving the Dish500 for the older SD receivers in the meantime.

[BattleZone]

The only problem would be convincing Dish to do that; it's against business rules to have non-MPEG4 receivers on an EA account.

[scooper]

So boston would HAVE to replace his 3 current receivers (322, 510, and 311) with at least 2 Dual output MPEG4 receivers.
One to replace the 322 (probably a VIP 222 /222K) with its 2 locations, and
One to replace the 311/510 (I would assume he would want a 622/722/722K).

Or - replace each of the 510 and 311 with a VIP211, paying the $40 Hard Drive activation.

[Boston]

As I view my options, I could upgrade the 510 to a 722 which could then also replace the 311

- this would eliminate the monthly receiver fee but lock that TV to SD
- can anyone explain the pros/cons of the 722 versus the 612 as far as their DVR capabilities (I believe those are my options)

This could still leave the issue of upgrading the 322. Any ideas on how I might negotiate a deal for an upgrade to a VIP222? Free is good, but what is the best I might expect?

Another thought, there is no need to replace any of the coax that runs between the rooms or from the satellite dishes to the receivers is there?

[lparsons21]

My experience tells me that when Dish does an EA changeover, they will provide the equipment needed to do it also. You may have to push on them a bit if you are inside contract and if it has been less than a year since you used Dish'n it up. That was my case.

But they did the antenna change and upgraded my 625 to a Vip612 for the $15 service call fee, and I had to agree to a new 2 year commit. My bill actually went down as the Vip612 is a 'solo' receiver. I never actually needed a duo to start with.

I have read of others getting more than one box replaced during these EA switchovers under the same deal.

Heck, ask for it. Worse thing that happens is they say no or give you some other offer.

[coldsteel]

Call in and check, you may qualify for a 'whole home upgrade', to swap everything to EA/vip receivers. That's free with a new 24-month commitment, no install charge.

[Boston]

Trying to figure out how a complete HD makeover would work.

The two TVs connected to the 322 are both standard definition. The Vip722 specs say that TV1 output is both HD and SD and TV2 is SD. Will they both work on the Vip722?

The TV near the receiver would connect to the audio/video output on the rear of the VIP722 if I upgrade, but would the other TV still connect to the coax that it is currently connected to? (does that connect to the in-home distribution output on the back?)

[BattleZone]

I believe the answer to all those question is YES.

[Boston]

Thanks for all the help. Called today and was able to get a complete upgrade for all three of my receivers to their HD equivalents just for the two year commitment.

One thing that I forgot to ask the CSR when I setup the appointment was whether I needed to supply any HDMI cables that are needed. Since I do not have any do I need to pick some up before the installers come?

[scooper]

I would assume you will need to supply your own HDMI cables, but I would wait until after the service to get them in case I'm wrong.

[Kent Taylor]

Thanks for all the help. Called today and was able to get a complete upgrade for all three of my receivers to their HD equivalents just for the two year commitment.

One thing that I forgot to ask the CSR when I setup the appointment was whether I needed to supply any HDMI cables that are needed. Since I do not have any do I need to pick some up before the installers come?

HDMI cables are a crap shoot lately. I received them for my 622 and 722 but I don't believe my 612 had an included HDMI cable. I bought several from Monoprice.Com (http://www.monoprice.com/home/index.asp) so I always have several on hand. I've made a lot of my neighbors happy when they get a new TV but no cables.

[Boston]

System was upgraded today.

Both the 612 and the 211k came with 6' HDMI cables. One was too short for my installation, but I had bought a twin pack of 12' cables at COSTCO for $40 so I was all set (COSTCO has a great return policy if I didn't need them)

Installer swapped out the existing dishes with an EA setup and got a strong signal. I am very happy with the HD quality and improved picture quality on the SD channels.

Also very happy with the improved features of the newer receivers especially the 612 over the 510.

Haven't had opportunity yet to record a program, but it is not clear how to watch one program while recording another.

[James Long]

Haven't had opportunity yet to record a program, but it is not clear how to watch one program while recording another.
Pretty simple. Once you have timers set up they will fire off in the background. If any overlap they will take over the main tuner as well (with warning). If there is no overlap then you use the main tuner to watch anything you want live and the background tuner recording is barely noticeable ... until you go to the DVR list and see the recording in progress or see it in the guide with the recording signal.

If you manually start a recording feel free to change the channel and watch something else. The receive warns you if a recording will be interrupted.

[swallman]

Don't mean to hijack the thread, but I also plan to upgrade to HD in the near future and have a few similar questions. One important question is in regards to location of the dish. It is currently installed on the side of the house and the wife has been bugging me to get it off there for years.

So I will be installing a 2" OD galvanized pole (already have) in the ground further away from the house and about 20' higher in elevation. Will the installer have an issue using this size of pole? (I can't take it back now). Also, I currently have a "SuperDish" (I believe). Not sure what sats I'm currently hitting but am located in western Wisconsin. Will the new dish be aimed in a similar direction (need to make sure I have clearance).

[BattleZone]

For all current Dish Network dishes, you'll need a 1.66" (1 5/8") outer diamter pole, which is a very common size. A chain-link fence post works great, and is cheap and easily available. Don't use the 2" (2 3/8" OD) pole, as it isn't directly compatible with any current Dish or DirecTV dish.

[swallman]

For all current Dish Network dishes, you'll need a 1.66" (1 5/8") outer diamter pole, which is a very common size. A chain-link fence post works great, and is cheap and easily available. Don't use the 2" (2 3/8" OD) pole, as it isn't directly compatible with any current Dish or DirecTV dish.

Thanks, I'll pick one up this weekend. Does anyone know what sats I will have to hit at what locations ? Just want to confirm against where my current dish is pointed.

[scooper]

Either 110/119/129 or 61.5/72.7/77 , depending if your area is a western arc or eastern arc market for your locals.

[swallman]

Where would I find that info ? I'm in the LaCrosse/EauClaire, WI DMA.

Hoping I am hitting the west as I have better clearance in that direction.

[scooper]

Where would I find that info ? I'm in the LaCrosse/EauClaire, WI DMA.

Hoping I am hitting the west as I have better clearance in that direction.

http://www.dishnetwork.com/packages/local/default.aspx

Then you can take the channel numbers and goto James Long's site and see what satellites they are on. (Use the 4 digit ones for this)

[swallman]

OK, I think I got it. Looks like my SD locals are currently coming from 110 and HD locals would be coming from 129. So I imagine I will get setup with 110/119/129 ?

[scooper]

Correct

[swallman]

Thanks!

Oh, one last thing (should've started my own thread I guess)...

My current dish is mounted on the side of the house and there are cables going from the dish the the switch (I believe it is called), then cables going from the switch to the appropriate receivers. The switch is mounted on the side of the house near the dish.

Since I'm moving the dish away from the house (probably about 20 feet or so), how many cables will I need to run from the new dish to the switch ? Does the switch need to be really close to the dish ?

I have a box of RG-6 rated for direct burial that I purchased a few years ago that I will run to save the installer some time.

[Boston]

Everything has gone so well thus far until I looked at my billing charges online

I have a VIP612(HD Solo DVR), VIP211k(HD Solo), and VIP222k(HD Duo)
America's Top 250, HD free for life and the service plan

These charges do not look right to me. I indicate where I agree/disagree, am I right or where am I wrong?

America's Top 250 ........ $64.99 .... OK
Duo (2TV) Receiver ...... $14.00 .... OK
HD Solo Receiver .......... $7.00 ..... OK
HD Solo DVR Receiver ... $10.00 .... OK
Solo Receiver .............. $7.00 ..... ??? don't understand this one
DVR Service ................ $6.00 ..... OK
Service Plan (15/25) ..... $6.00 ..... OK
TV2 Receiver Connection . $5.00 .... because only 612 is connected to phone?
HD 250 Free ............... $0.00 .... OK
.................

Total ..................... $119.99 (excludes taxes / credits)

[scooper]

Thanks!

Oh, one last thing (should've started my own thread I guess)...

My current dish is mounted on the side of the house and there are cables going from the dish the the switch (I believe it is called), then cables going from the switch to the appropriate receivers. The switch is mounted on the side of the house near the dish.

Since I'm moving the dish away from the house (probably about 20 feet or so), how many cables will I need to run from the new dish to the switch ? Does the switch need to be really close to the dish ?

I have a box of RG-6 rated for direct burial that I purchased a few years ago that I will run to save the installer some time.


One cable per receiver, if less than 4. 3 cables going from dish to switch if you need more than 3 receivers, then one cable per receiver from switch to receiver. I'd put any / all switches inside the house out of the weather if at all possible.

[swallman]

One cable per receiver, if less than 4. 3 cables going from dish to switch if you need more than 3 receivers, then one cable per receiver from switch to receiver. I'd put any / all switches inside the house out of the weather if at all possible.

OK, now I'm a bit confused. With 2 Receivers, do I only need to run 2 coax from the dish (one to each receiver) ? In this case is there even a switch ? (I currently have 3 receivers and have a switch).

Basically, I want to wire it up so I have plenty of flexibility in the future. I'm thinking 3 coax runs from the dish to a central point in my basement (where the switch, etc.) would be, then runs from there to the receivers as needed (those are already in place for the most part).

Would that be sufficient ?

[scooper]

OK, now I'm a bit confused. With 2 Receivers, do I only need to run 2 coax from the dish (one to each receiver) ? In this case is there even a switch ? (I currently have 3 receivers and have a switch).

Sorry for being stupid on this...

The 1000.2 LNB has a built in 3 port switch (along with an input which you won't need). So, if you are planning on only 2 receivers - you could get by with just 2 runs of coax from the dish to the house, one for each receiver. I would go ahead and run 3 since you're digging anyway - that way you're prepared for any possible expansion.

"Basically, I want to wire it up so I have plenty of flexibility in the future. I'm thinking 3 coax runs from the dish to a central point in my basement (where the switch, etc.) would be, then runs from there to the receivers as needed (those are already in place for the most part)."

That is exactly the way I would wire it.

[RasputinAXP]

Everything has gone so well thus far until I looked at my billing charges online

I have a VIP612(HD Solo DVR), VIP211k(HD Solo), and VIP222k(HD Duo)
America's Top 250, HD free for life and the service plan

These charges do not look right to me. I indicate where I agree/disagree, am I right or where am I wrong?

America's Top 250 ........ $64.99 .... OK
Duo (2TV) Receiver ...... $14.00 .... OK
HD Solo Receiver .......... $7.00 ..... OK
HD Solo DVR Receiver ... $10.00 .... OK
Solo Receiver .............. $7.00 ..... ??? don't understand this one
DVR Service ................ $6.00 ..... OK
Service Plan (15/25) ..... $6.00 ..... OK
TV2 Receiver Connection . $5.00 .... because only 612 is connected to phone?
HD 250 Free ............... $0.00 .... OK
.................

Total ..................... $119.99 (excludes taxes / credits)

You should have:
Top 250........$64.99 <- should INCLUDE most expensive receiver, the 222k.
DVR Service....$6.00
HD Solo DVR...$10.00
HD Solo Rcvr...$7.00
Service Plan....$6.00
HD250 Free.....$0.00

Total: $93.99 excluding taxes etc. There's something very not right with the bill.

[Boston]

Swallman,

First a disclaimer, I am no expert. However, when I updated to HD because I was having switch errors and the switch was mounted outside, the installer replaced my two dished (110/119 and 61.5) to the Eastern Arc dish which does not require a separate switch (it is built in).

This may solve your issues.

[Boston]

You should have:
Top 250........$64.99 <- should INCLUDE most expensive receiver, the 222k.
DVR Service....$6.00
HD Solo DVR...$10.00
HD Solo Rcvr...$7.00
Service Plan....$6.00
HD250 Free.....$0.00

Total: $93.99 excluding taxes etc. There's something very not right with the bill.

BINGO! Give that man a prize.

Thank you, just got off the phone and that is the correct amount. Apparently, the installer had not removed two of the old receivers from my account. (they did not appear in my listed equipment online)

[RasputinAXP]

BINGO! Give that man a prize.

Thank you, just got off the phone and that is the correct amount. Apparently, the installer had not removed two of the old receivers from my account. (they did not appear in my listed equipment online)

Nice! Glad I could help. Surprised I was on the nose, though. I think I spend too much time here. :rolleyes: