Too Many Options...

[ItsJustMe]

O.k., I'm kind of new the satellite market. I used to own a large disk with C-band and Videocipher II. Since then, I moved into a new house 10 years ago, and all I have now is cable...Now I'm sick of cable and their prices.

I got a flyer from Dish Network yesterday. Free 4 room install, Free 4 room systems, Free this and Free that. I talked to them and asked that after 3 months how much after all the free stuff has expired for the 4 rooms with satellite and HBO. With satellite service "Americas Top 120" in all 4 rooms and 11 HBO channels it will be $60.00 per month plus a one time $49.99 set up fee. Sounds very reasonable.

Any pros and cons? Should I be looking at FTA? I'm sure that there will be some folks who have been very satisfied with DN and I'm sure that there are some that have not, but I'm just trying to get a general big picture (pardon the pun).

[navsatx]

O.k., I'm kind of new the satellite market. I used to own a large disk with C-band and Videocipher II. Since then, I moved into a new house 10 years ago, and all I have now is cable...Now I'm sick of cable and their prices.

I got a flyer from Dish Network yesterday. Free 4 room install, Free 4 room systems, Free this and Free that. I talked to them and asked that after 3 months how much after all the free stuff has expired for the 4 rooms with satellite and HBO. With satellite service "Americas Top 120" in all 4 rooms and 11 HBO channels it will be $60.00 per month plus a one time $49.99 set up fee. Sounds very reasonable.

Any pros and cons? Should I be looking at FTA? I'm sure that there will be some folks who have been very satisfied with DN and I'm sure that there are some that have not, but I'm just trying to get a general big picture (pardon the pun).


hello. sounds like a good deal. I have been a loyal DISH customer for since some years since leaving TWC and DISH Network is the best out there in my opinion beats Direct Tv , COX and TWC. Excellent packages -reasonable pricing, awesome international programming and for those wanting Sky Angel christian programming they the only ones who can give access to Sky Angel channels. That's why I think they are the best and the only ones i recommend.

[boba]

Take the free with a large grain of salt. You will never own that equipment it is leased from DISH and always remains their property. They do expect you to pay to maintain their property, that is why they sell the DHPP protection plan. Investigate the threads about buggy software with DISH branded products.

[moedog]

You will pay $5.00 extra for each additional reciever---if you get all four recievers that will add $15.00. Also, locals will cost you another $5.00. And don't forget taxes. Foer the level of service you describe, I doubt you'll get out for less than 80. And I will remind you that if you're looking for a number of channels similar to digital cable, you will need to go with AT 180, which will include about 30 shopping channels and numerous audio channels. Dish is a very good service, but if you decide to go that way, I would suggest you deal with a reputable dealer, not someone who sends you a flyer.

[oljim]

Also look at a DVR or 2 in the mix

[psnarula]

that $49.99 one time fee is refunded on your first bill if you agree to an 18 month contract.

[FTA Michael]

I enjoy my Dish Network + FTA setup. A Dish receiver (and subscription!) for the channels I really want, plus FTA to pick up stray feeds and other stuff you can't find anywhere else. (My current fave is a Russian sports network.)

Quiet Dish benefits:
* Sports alternate channels. Particularly when ESPN has two baseball games broadcast simultaneously to cover blacked out areas, you get to choose either one, as long as you're not blacked out.
* Superstations. For a few dollars more, you can subscribe to KWGN, KTLA, WPIX, WWOR, and WSBK. Time-shifted WB/UPN, distant local news, and the occasional sporting event, although the Red Sox games are blacked out. :(
* Sports Pack. For a few dollars more, you can get all the regional sports networks but most of the pro sports and some of the college games are blacked out. But I prefer to see the glass as 20% full -- for example, the NHL replays have been in the clear. For much more, see http://www.dbstalk.com/showpost.php?p=438320&postcount=15
* Public Interest channels. Some are actually eduational, some are goofy. You might find something you like there. My favorite, Classic Arts Showcase, requires a second dish.

Drawbacks:
* UPN. If you're used to getting it from XHUPN, you won't find that on Dish. You can add a single UPN Superstation or more to compensate.

[ItsJustMe]

Thanks for all the replys. The flyer that I have came directly from DN. I understand about the $5 extra for additional boxes. The package comes with 2 receivers and I would have to pay for 2 additional.

One problem that I have is getting internet service. I have cable internet through the local cable company and I really need to have high speed internet (I run a business out of my home). Do any of the satellite packages offer internet service? DN told me that they do not but that their customers get a discount through Earthlink. Earthlink has satellite service but you have to use their dish.

One other question...Can you use a standard VCR to record satellite? Can I record programs just like I did with cable?

Thanks

[scooper]

You probably can continue to get internet through your cable company - but you would loose any bundle pricing you're currently getting. You could also look into DSL service from your phone company.

VCR recording of DBS - no problem. In fact, it may even be possible that your satellite reciever could turn on the recording on your VCR (provided your VCR was left ON). But you REALLY want the DVR - trust us on this :) .