Does it work?

[jimreeve]

There is a used 921 that I am interested in buying, but I don't want to walk into a trap. The seller is a responsible individual, but he has no knowledge of 921 behavior, but just fell heir to this unit.

Without connecting anything but a TV to the 921, he says that he plugged it into the AC and turned it on, he first got a round dish logo on the screen. After a short period, the logo dissapeared. He says that the power button does nothing for a couple minutes, then after a couple minutes, there is just static (snow) on the screen. (I don't know if he was feeding his monitor with a video signal or with RF) He goes on to say that the power button turns the power light on and off, but nothing appears on the screen.

Do any of you 921 owners have any clue as whether this unit is acting weird? Is it just timing out because it doesn't find anything on the Dish antenna ports?

If this behavior that he reported is not unexpected under the circumstances, I might just buy the thing and give it a try ... providing that I can get a good price. I already have the necessary DISH 500 and DISH Pro LNBF.

[tnsprin]

There is a used 921 that I am interested in buying, but I don't want to walk into a trap. The seller is a responsible individual, but he has no knowledge of 921 behavior, but just fell heir to this unit.

Without connecting anything but a TV to the 921, he says that he plugged it into the AC and turned it on, he first got a round dish logo on the screen. If this behavior that he reported is not unexpected under the circumstances, I might just buy the thing and give it a try ... providing that I can get a good price. I already have the necessary DISH 500 and DISH Pro LNBF.
Do menus come up when using the remote or do box warnings come up? Obvious after the boot process (which sounds normal) is needs to

detect your dish/switch configuration

locate the satellites

download the software (the initial machine comes without a complete set of software)

[jergenf]

If the original owner had ever used it I would imagine he saved some programs on the DVR. You should be able to view the programs in the DVR list. Also menu options should work for example menu 6-1 should display the info page. You'll need to know the receiver and smart card number in order to verify there isn't a balance remaining from the original owner. You will not be able to activate the unit until the balance is paid so include that offset in the total price.

See if you can get a guaranty statement from the seller that gives you enough time to verify the operation. Legally anything you buy, even when it states as is, has an implied guaranty that it will function for it's intended purpose.

Also make sure you get the manual, remote, UHF antenna for the remote control and any other satellite equipment that he no longer needs.

[lujan]

Also, the 921 requires that you have two lines coming in from the dish to the Sat inputs. The third one may not be required as it is for the locals.

[JD Robinson]

Legally anything you buy, even when it states as is, has an implied guaranty that it will function for it's intended purpose.

Most states have this law for used cars, but it doesn't extend to other merchandise, especially when the seller tells you up front that they don't know if it works or not. :)

The fact that the logo comes up means that the video is connected properly, and even a disconnected 921 would display something other than static while searching for a signal. I've never used the RF output on my 921, though.

I'd stay away from this unless the price is really good.

[jimreeve]

Thanks guys!

Based on your information, I am not going to buy this boat anchor.

Much appreciated.

[Michael P]

I just received a warrenty replacemnet 921. After unhooking the satellite connections from old unit I plugged it back in. As posted above I still have acces to the DVR recordings, and am backing up the programs I want to keep to VHS (the most action my VCR had since the 921 first came into my life last November :D).

The "HDTV" logo is always the first thing you will see. After it disappears try hitting the menu button. You shoud be able to navigate the menu to the DVR listings.

However, for best results you need to have both satelite antenna inputs connected. The unit will need a software update that downloads off the satellite. The software update takes over 40 minutes to install. You would be able to watch DVR recordings, Off-Air,and satellite programs while the installation is taking place.