newbie needs basic info

[Zoom]

I couldn't find a Dish FAQ anywhere, so if it exists, please point me to it. Or if there are other info sites, let me know.

I'm moving into a brand new home and I'm jumping to satellite! I've compared Dish to DirecTV and I want Dish. I want a DishPVR setup (508). I don't think I need two tuners, but I'm open to it. (I'll be living alone and I'd be willing to have the same programming on all my TVs in the house for now.) I might add a base receiver (no PVR) later or if it's part of a good package I'll take it initially. For programming, I'll probably choose the Top 100 package. I'm in one of the top 40 areas so local channels are available to me and I'll be signing up for that.

I've got a bunch of what must be FAQs, but here goes...

(1) How do I find the best deal? I've seen lots of the WOW! promotions and it seems they're all a little different. Do I order over the net, by phone, a local retailer, or Sears, or Radio Shack? How do I get the cheapest overall deal?

(2) Are there hidden costs? It looks like for the Top 50 and local channels, I'll be paying $38/month (31.99+5.99). Is that it?

(3) Are there add-on fees each month for using the PVR? Are there extra monthly fees for extra boxes? According to your pricing chart, it appears not (for Dish).

(4) Do you buy the box or rent it? If you can do either, what are the pros and cons each way?

(5) Is the 721 model worth it?? Seems damn expensive for an extra tuner and 50% more drive space.

(6) Is it possible to use a regular receiver with a ReplayTV or similar third party PVR? What are the pros and cons?

(7) What's the deal with choosing either music channels OR sports??

(8) What other technical issues do I need to be looking at when evaluating new subscriber deals? Someone said that I want a "Dish 500" dish with 2 dual LNBFs (2x2=4?). I'm clueless, so any info here would be much appreciated.

(9) I like NFL and college football, but not much else. Can I get extra games with the basic packages (besides what's on the local channels)? What are my options for paying for more games?

(10) Can I record Pay-Per-View movies on the PVR? If not, can I control the PPV movies (pause, rewind, FF, etc)?

(11) Someone told me there's a deal with Earthlink and Dish, a discount for having both. Is this true? (I'm going to be signing up for Earthlink cable modem service.)


Thanks in advance!

[dbronstein]

I'm not an expert, but I can answer a couple of them:

6: We used a ReplayTV with a Dish box for two years and it worked fine. The only thing is it's slow changing channels because the Replay triggers the receiver so you wait for that, then the Replay has to buffer.

5: We switched to a 721 a couple of weeks ago to get the two tuners. Depending on how much TV you watch, the single tuner gets to be a pain in the rear.

9: You can't get any of the NFL games, you can only get them on DirecTV. I don't know about college.

10: I haven't tried yet on the 721 so I don't know, but we could record them on the ReplayTV without any problems.

Dennis

[BobaBird]

2. That's the price for AT100 plus locals. AT50 is $22.99/mo.

3. No. Yes, $4.99/mo for receivers #2-6 on your account. Dual tuner models count as one receiver.

4. Up to you. The lease program is Digital Home Plan, adds $5/mo for rent and service. Owners can get a service agreement for $2/mo.

6. Yes.

8. That gives you more flexibility to go beyond 2 receivers down the road. Many systems come with the Twin, basically 2 LNBFs with an integrated switch, which is easier to install but will have to be replaced when you want more than 2 receivers or tuners.

10. Yes, including Dolby Digital if present. DD will not be recorded if you use a stand-alone PVR.

[Zoom]

Great replies! Keep 'em coming! Still need some good replies to #1!!!

[drjake]

1. Don't look for the cheapest overall deal, you'll get those on the Internet, but then you'll typically be responsible for installation. A local retailer will probably provide you the best service and most will match the deals provided by the big boxes.

8. Most systems now come with a DishPro Dual LNB which will allow you to add more receivers by adding a DP34 Switch.

9. DirecTV''s exclusive relationship with the NFL expires this year. Dish is negotiating with the NFL to add games. There is no guarantee that Dish will get it though. Dish does have the ESPN game plan for college football.
7. Never heard of this, you get music channels if you subscribe to a package that includes them you get them.
11. As far as I know, the Earthlink Promo hasn't been rolled out yet.

[Zoom]

Mods, should this topic be moved to a more general forum?

[HTguy]

Originally posted by dbronstein
I'm not an expert, but I can answer a couple of them:

...9: You can't get any of the NFL games, you can only get them on DirecTV. I don't know about college...

Dennis
Actually, you get 5 NFL games every week plus playoffs & SuperBowl w/ESPN & locals or DishNets. For college games, you get a lot on locals & RSNs and you can subscribe to ESPN's Game Plan.

The promos are the same wherever you go. You're likelier to be a lot more satisfied with the installation & service you get from a full-service local specialist.

For a single PVR508 (which can be fed to multiple TVs like I do w/my PVR501) the most economical "upfront" deal is the Digital Home Plan. You'll pay $99.99 to get it installed but you 1st month subscription is free.

However, w/all DHP subs you pay $5mo for the lease & the In Home Service Agreement. That's $60 a year you can save buy buying the system. With either the FREE DISH or FREE FOR ALL promos your net cost would be $200. So just decide if you're likely to be using it after 3 years + 2 months & how much the IHSA is worth to you.

There is no monthly charge for using the PVR as there is w/TIVO & REPLAY TV.

[Bill D]

1. Allsat.com, is one of those internet dealers, not sure of their current deal, but I know several people who have purchased from them and have had no problems. I think they do make you commit to a year's worth or programming. They seem to have the best deals, if thats what you are looking for.

[dbronstein]

Originally posted by HTguy
Actually, you get 5 NFL games every week plus playoffs & SuperBowl w/ESPN & locals or DishNets. For college games, you get a lot on locals & RSNs and you can subscribe to ESPN's Game Plan.

Obviously. I assumed he was asking about games above and beyond what you get over the air and on ESPN.

Dennis

[dbronstein]

Originally posted by HTguy
There is no monthly charge for using the PVR as there is w/TIVO & REPLAY TV.

ReplayTV has no monthly charge.

Dennis

[rowdymon]

Stay away from allsat; they don't have a very good customer service record IMO. Stick with a local installer; go to bestbuy or whatever and show them a printout of the page you want to pricematch.

[Zoom]

Any more opinions on allsat? That was recommended to me by someone else. They call a local installer, right, so I'll get the same service as I would get if I went directly to a local dealer... right?

I like the idea of asking for a pricematch, though. Whenever possible, I prefer buying direct from a local dealer for anything that might require service.

Best Buy and Circuit City only sells DirecTV, though, right? From what I've seen, the only local (national) Dish retailers are Sears and Radio Shack. Anyone have an opinion on those options?

Or should I find a satellite-only shop? Anyone know of a good one in the Raleigh/Durham area?

[Curtis0620]

Originally posted by dbronstein


ReplayTV has no monthly charge.

Dennis

Yes they do. Go buy one now, you must pay $9.95/mo. or $249/lifetime.

[cnsf]

For #1, stick with a bigger name like Sears, Walmart or Dish itself for purchase and installation. It's worth the extra few bucks for the peace of mind.

Also, if you decide on buying equipment, get the Extended Warranty deal for $3.99/mo from Dish.

[dbronstein]

Originally posted by Curtis0620 Yes they do. Go buy one now, you must pay $9.95/mo. or $249/lifetime. [/B]

Then it's new, because when I bought mine there was no fee and I've never had to pay one.

Dennis

[Zoom]

Keep the info comin', folks. I'm probably going to sign up for service this weekend, so I'm looking for all the opinions I can get for all these questions. Thanks!! The responses to date have been very helpful!

[drjake]

cnsf, I have to disagree, as an independent Dish Retailer, we provide good customer service and know our products. The same can't be said for the Big Box retailers. Our pricing is the same as the big boxes (we will match any specials they run). The big boxes use independent installers or DNSC. I don't think that gives you peace of mind.

Zoom,
I would suggest getting some references on some local independents and choose one that is highly recommended.

[HTguy]

Originally posted by Zoom
Any more opinions on allsat? That was recommended to me by someone else. They call a local installer, right, so I'll get the same service as I would get if I went directly to a local dealer... right?

I like the idea of asking for a pricematch, though. Whenever possible, I prefer buying direct from a local dealer for anything that might require service...

Or should I find a satellite-only shop? Anyone know of a good one in the Raleigh/Durham area? No, a local installer is not the same thing as a local full service dealer. When you buy from an internet dealer or direct from DISH you get either a coupon for a free install from a RSP (Regional Service Provider) or DISH schedules it from their own service co. (DSNC). Generally the work is way below the standard of a local dealer trying to maintain a reputation & get referrals. Sometimes the work is done by subcontractors of subcontractors and you get down to mopes that will take a job for next to nothing & do the work accordingly. Service & tech support after the install is non-existent.

To find a local pro click the Local Retailer link on the website (ignore Sears & RS), ask any friends or neighbors for advice or referrals, or go here: dumpcable.com (http://www.dumpcable.com) .

[cnsf]

Originally posted by drjake
cnsf, I have to disagree, as an independent Dish Retailer, we provide good customer service and know our products. The same can't be said for the Big Box retailers. Our pricing is the same as the big boxes (we will match any specials they run). The big boxes use independent installers or DNSC. I don't think that gives you peace of mind.

Zoom,
I would suggest getting some references on some local independents and choose one that is highly recommended.

Jake,

I have no intention of discrediting the local retailer, however, the big guys are more likely to be around in 10 years or support their product with no hassles. Not so say "you" won't, but odds are that Sears, Walmart and Costco will be around to sub to the local retailers/installers if there is a problem.

[jrjcd]

actually, sears, walmart, costco, et al have no interest in "servicing" the customer beyond the initial sale and certainly not a year down the road, much less ten-this is why it's passed off to the toothless wonders of DNSC, and where they may be in ten years will be anyone's guess(it's certainly a possibility that charlie might get tired of the whole thing before the next decade is over and whoever the new owners of E* would be might nt see the value in having anything like DNSC in operation)...

[Joel B]

Go with Dish itself for the install...my 2 cents

[mwgiii]

I bought my equipment off the internet at Satellite Technology. http://www.satellitetech.com/index.html and installed it myself. They did not put my SW21 switches in the box (I have Dish 500 + 61.5) When I called them they overnighted them to me. I would buy from them again.