Newbie

[Trisuper]

Hi all.

I am a newbie to the Dish DVR scene. Am looking to upgrade my standard receiver to a DVR and would like to have some recommendations on what I should purchase. I would love to have a "dual" tuner so I could record 2 shows at once or watch/record different shows.

I have spoken with the Dish CSR folks and they tell me that I cannot purchase anything like this right now. Really confusing because I see that they are available but why won't they let me purchase/lease this equipment.

Really confused!

Thanks for any and input you have.

[cdru]

Only new subscribers are able to get a dual tuner receiver from Dish. Being an existing sub, you are in the same boat as many of Dish's customers are. As an existing customer, you would only qualify for a 510 (or a 508 if they were still selling them). Other options would be to go on ebay and find one there. Be wary though as they can come with a balance due on them or be stolen. You could also get a 921, which has dual tuners, but is quite expensive due to being a hi def DVR.

[finniganps]

You can purchase the 721 which is a dual tuner. I've had one since April and am really happy with it! You should shop around a bit to get the best price and look on the buy/sell forum on this site.

[Bob Haller]

You can buy a brand new 522 on e bay, e mail me for the contact info for actvation before purchase and confirm my contact can still do it. Your good to go:)

hallerb@aol.com

[larrystotler]

E* is selling 501s(35 hour) direct to dealers for $129, so you could probably score 1 for about $150-180. 508s are running $179 to dealers. 501s and 508s do not have a $4.98/month VoD fee.

[Trisuper]

Thank you all for your input. I did a little searching through the forums and noticed a reference to dishdepot. I see that this site is offering the 721 receiver. I am just about to click the purchase button but would like to know if any of you would recommend this site.

Another question. Why is there no monthly charge with this receiver? Is it because it is purchased equipment? Told you I was new to all of this :)

[Chris Blount]

Thank you all for your input. I did a little searching through the forums and noticed a reference to dishdepot. I see that this site is offering the 721 receiver. I am just about to click the purchase button but would like to know if any of you would recommend this site.

Another question. Why is there no monthly charge with this receiver? Is it because it is purchased equipment? Told you I was new to all of this :)

Hi Trisuper and welcome to DBSTalk!

Yes, DishDepot is an excellent retailer. You should have no trouble with them. Tell Mark (the owner) we sent you. :)

The 721 has no monthly DVR fee because it was released before the DVR fees were applied to Dish Network receivers. The 721 is a good DVR and will serve you well.

[cdru]

Please note that there is a major difference between the 721 and the 522. The 522 has 2 outputs that are independent of one another. The 721 only has 1 output. If you just want it for a single TV, then either would work and you likely will be happy with the 721.

And sorry for what I posted above. I completely forgot about the 721. Momentary brain fart I guess.

[Trisuper]

Again doing some research comparing the 721 and 522 receivers. Looks like I can get a 721 without much problem but I may have a problem if I buy a 522 from a dealer or off of e-bay due to the fact that Dish may not allow me to subscribe the 522 receiver. Has anyone had this problem?

I am not looking to run the receiver to 2 TV's at the moment so I am thinking the 721 will work just fine. Since this is an older receiver, I am worried about support and problems.

[John Walsh]

I will vouch for Dish Depot. You can be assured that Mark will take care of you there.

[tuckercom]

Thank you all for your input. I did a little searching through the forums and noticed a reference to dishdepot. I see that this site is offering the 721 receiver. I am just about to click the purchase button but would like to know if any of you would recommend this site.

Another question. Why is there no monthly charge with this receiver? Is it because it is purchased equipment? Told you I was new to all of this :)

I have purchased all my receivers, 721, 811 & 921 from Mark at Dish Depot. Great guy, he'll treat you right.

[Trisuper]

I was wondering if there is any special setup items needed when using a dual receiver. I have a pretty old receiver (about 4 years old). Not sure of the model but it is a JVC receiver. I am on the brink of purchasing the 721 but want to make sure I have the needed dish and switches or whatever I need.

I've looked on line for some manuals but I haven't found any that provide answers to my questions.

Thanks again

[boba]

I was wondering if there is any special setup items needed when using a dual receiver. I have a pretty old receiver (about 4 years old). Not sure of the model but it is a JVC receiver. I am on the brink of purchasing the 721 but want to make sure I have the needed dish and switches or whatever I need.

I've looked on line for some manuals but I haven't found any that provide answers to my questions.

Thanks againYou will need two cables coming from the dish to the 721 receiver it will not operate correctly with only 1 tuner connected. :) :) :)

[larrystotler]

How many receivers do you currently have and what switch do you have? Use Menu/6/1/1/switch and report the installed switch model. If you have 2 receivers and a 500 Twin, then you will need to upgrade to a Quad. If you have legacy units, 4 digit model #s, then you will need to have a legacy switch, or you will need Dish Pro Adapters, which will makes things more expensive.

[Trisuper]

I have 2 receivers but am looking to replace only 1 of them. the info that I get off of the setup screen is Model:3900. Switch: SW21 and SuperDish?? The dish itself is a dual LNB.

Reading the last post by larystotler makes me think that I have some issues to deal with before making the switch to a 721 receiver.

trisuper