Old question - new answer? New Dish prospect seeks best deal..

[vettejock99]

Hey all -

After checking in here for over a year, I am finally done with my cable company and willing to try to negotiate this murky maze of satellite. I have spent way too much time trying to prep myself, but it seems that there are so many questions. Here is what I am looking for:

America's Top 100 Plus (minimum so I can add the Sports Pack)
Sports Pack (I can see ALL RSNs, like Fox Sports Southwest even if I live in California, yes)
My locals
High def locals, and Discovery HD, ESPN HD, etc.

I have 1 HD tv and 3 standard def TVs (soon to be 2/2), and I am looking for the best option to setup a system. It seems obvious it will be a Vip 622 and then something else. I require HD DVR for the main TV, and it would be nice to have at least SD DVR on 1 or more of the other TVs.

So, can I get all of this with a Superdish via a local reseller or Dish Network and without signing up for a contract or being out a lot of money? It looks to me like I would pay roughly $63/month for 10 months and then $83/month, and that latter number looks like it is getting high. Really in about 10 months I think I will have more options to either stay with DISH or do some sort of fiber TV (FIOS or Uverse).

Sorry for the rambling. It is getting late here. Anyway, if the above sounds about right, can anyone recommend the best and/or cheapest place to contact to get it done?

Thanks!

[finniganps]

I don't think it's possible to do what you want without a contract commitment (best deal, little money out, and no commitment).

[vettejock99]

That does make sense.... Well then, I guess I should ask - without a contract what is my best option?

[CABill]

You can use DishBuilder at the DISH website and setup what you describe. Nothing out of pocket for initial startup (programming for two months is charged right away), no commitment, and a 622 and 625. That would yield two $5.98 DVR fees, plus a $5 lease on the 2nd receiver. If you can get by with just the 622 and send its TV2 to all the other rooms, the 2nd receiver could be a 322 to avoid the $5.98 2nd DVR fee. To sign up for the above, tell the builder you have 1 HDTV and 3 SDTVs.

At www.dishtv.com/mydish.jsp, pick the three boxes on the left on the 1st screen. Then DishHD and locals, skip HBO if you don't want it, then add 3 TVs. Make one HD and DVR for it, DVR for the other two if you want two DVR dual output receivers. Pick the
No Commitment box if desired. If you pick the 18 month box, you'll get a $50 credit on the bill. The $50 Activation fee appears as a 1 time setup always. It is only on the "last page" where you are given a chance to enter a ClubDish number to offset the $50 Activation fee.

To get out of the $50 activation, you would need a ClubDish referral. I'll PM a URL to a sample. Check family members for DISH subs as they benefit from making a referral.


You MIGHT want to consider AT200 with the DishDVR Advantage deal. There is a $13 difference between AT100 and AT200 (until next Feb). You'd done $5 of the difference by getting the RSN w/ AT100 Plus. You don't need to go that route when you sign up though. Go with the No Commit (assumes that is important to you) as a new sub. An existing sub can do DishDVR advantage with EITHER CC Auto Pay or 18 month commit - pick autopay. It saves $3.98 more of the difference, so you'd be paying a net of $4/month for the additional channels of AT200. Might, and might not, be worthwhile to YOU.

[vettejock99]

I am going to try to putll the trigger on something like this today. I have a question, though - I wouldn't get the other RSNs out of my area with AT200 though, right? I need AT100 Plus and Sports Pack (or something bigger with SP), right?

[Hall]

The multi-sports package (http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/whats_on_dish/pay_per_view/sports/multi_sports_packages/packages.aspx) -- for $5.99/mo, right ?? -- requires AT100+ or higher. AT200 is higher. :)

[Hall]

So, can I get all of this with a Superdish via a local reseller or Dish Network and without signing up for a contract or being out a lot of money? It looks to me like I would pay roughly $63/month for 10 months and then $83/month, and that latter number looks like it is getting high. Really in about 10 months I think I will have more options to either stay with DISH or do some sort of fiber TV (FIOS or Uverse). Dish's prices are most attractive when you do not include multiple receivers, DVRs, and so on. The fees that come with those things do add up... Just curious, what roughly equal programming and equipment can you get from your cableco and at what monthly price ??

[vettejock99]

I am going to try to putll the trigger on something like this today. I have a question, though - I wouldn't get the other RSNs out of my area with AT200 though, right? I need AT100 Plus and Sports Pack (or something bigger with SP), right?

Also, as a new subscriber, if I take advantage of the HD DVR free special, do I own the VIP622 or do I have to send it back if I cancel later? I presume any other equipment would for sure be leased.

[vettejock99]

Dish's prices are most attractive when you do not include multiple receivers, DVRs, and so on. The fees that come with those things do add up... Just curious, what roughly equal programming and equipment can you get from your cableco and at what monthly price ??

From COX, I get basically the equivalent of AT100 and an HD DVR on 1 TV, other TVs all get "free" analog SD cable, but that is only a portion of the channels, and I pay around $75/month, so Dish seems like a better deal for sure. I can't understand why satellite has to seem so confusing, though....I guess it is because it just seems like Dish and DirecTV take such different approaches on locals, lease/own, etc...

[vettejock99]

anyone? i know it has only been a few hours, but if I get an answer I think I can pull the trigger - can't wait!

[CABill]

You don't own the 622, it is a lease. Hall is quite right about the added lease fee and DVR fee if you do get a 2nd DVR or just a 2nd 322. If you can get by with just the 622 and coax from it to feed all the other TVs in the house (limiting you to watching two things), it is a lot cheaper.

Edit: I hope the "question" was lease/own. I can't help with "why different approaches" .

[vettejock99]

You don't own the 622, it is a lease. Hall is quite right about the added lease fee and DVR fee if you do get a 2nd DVR or just a 2nd 322. If you can get by with just the 622 and coax from it to feed all the other TVs in the house (limiting you to watching two things), it is a lot cheaper.

Edit: I hope the "question" was lease/own. I can't help with "why different approaches" .

Nope, you guys nailed it - thanks again for the info!

[saltrek]

I just wanted to mention about the sports pak. Since you brought it up a couple of times, it seems like an important part of your decision.

You will be blacked out of most pro sports games that are broadcast from your non-local RSN. You will be able to get some college stuff and the end of pro games that run over their alloted time.

[vettejock99]

I just wanted to mention about the sports pak. Since you brought it up a couple of times, it seems like an important part of your decision.

You will be blacked out of most pro sports games that are broadcast from your non-local RSN. You will be able to get some college stuff and the end of pro games that run over their alloted time.

Thanks for the consideration. You're right, it is very important to me, but I am primarily a college football guy, and also a little basketball and baseball. I really like pro sports, NFL, NHL, especially, but not enough to pay a premium at the moment. That's what sports bars are for around my house ;)