Dish Network confusion

[episodic]

So I'm ready to sign up for the 120 channel package.

It is supposedly 40 bucks, hook up 3 tvs, get a dvr - all that. . .

I go to sign up on the webpage - and the price goes to 57.00

I'm like wtf. . .

So I get on the live chat - and she says that I can hook up the three tvs by selecting 2 tvs and utilizing the dual tuner in the dvr or something - but I have to have a landline phone, and then it would only be 52.00

I don't have a landline phone - so I'm like what do I have to do - she was like pay 5 more dollars for another connection - back to the 57.00.



I have 3 non-hdtv tv's.

I want to watch tv on all three at different times if I want.

I want one to have a dvr thing.

I wanted the 120 channel package.

WTF does a phone have to do with anything?

 

[GeekDrew]

IIRC, satellite receivers need a phone line to communicate purchases and programming with the parent network.

 

[klah]

Originally posted by: episodic

WTF does a phone have to do with anything?

That is the only way to determine that all of the receivers are being used at the same physical location. Otherwise you could simply sign up for 10 receivers under one account and use them at 10 different houses.

 

[rmrf]

Originally posted by: GeekDrew
IIRC, satellite receivers need a phone line to communicate purchases and programming with the parent network.

yep, there is no uplink with satellite, only downlink. that is why satellite internet sucks donkey balls.

 

[episodic]

SO, how can they get along without a phone for 5 bucks more. That is what I don't understand.


That seems like a ripoff.

What do all you people with only cell phones do?

 

[rmrf]

Originally posted by: klah

Originally posted by: episodic

WTF does a phone have to do with anything?

That is the only way to determine that all of the receivers are being used at the same physical location. Otherwise you could simply sign up for 10 receivers under one account and use them at 10 different houses.

actually, when the installer came to my house, he said it didn't even matter if the receivers had phone lines, it's only for convenience, otherwise you have to call in any payperview or stuff like that.

 

[episodic]

Originally posted by: rmrf

Originally posted by: klah

Originally posted by: episodic

WTF does a phone have to do with anything?

That is the only way to determine that all of the receivers are being used at the same physical location. Otherwise you could simply sign up for 10 receivers under one account and use them at 10 different houses.

actually, when the installer came to my house, he said it didn't even matter if the receivers had phone lines, it's only for convenience, otherwise you have to call in any payperview or stuff like that.

I could care less about ppv - so anyone with dish know anything for sure?

 

[Blayze]

Dish Network charges you $5 for an additional reciever. The $5 extra charge for the dual tuner is waved if you have a phone line connected to it.

So with a dual tuner and a single tuner you end up only paying the $5 extra for the single tuner if you have the dual connected.

The dual tuner will work fine without the phone line, but you will pay the extra fee. Some of the Dish Home features want work, like checking your bill, etc... Also you will need to phone in your PPV purchases. There is also a $5 a month DVR fee unless you have a 501, or a 508 DVR. They are single tuner DVRs with no fees. The 510, 522, etc... all have the DVR fee.

Also if you are leasing the equipment sometimes they add on their warrenty. If this is added, and you don't want it you can remove it and get $6 back a month.

 

[episodic]

So really it is not better deal than cable once all the charges they 'don't advertise' are tacked on.

Crap, thought I was gonna get something better than what I have.

 

[Blayze]

Depends on your Cable company. I switched from Adelphia Digital Cable and the 180 package with locals, a dual tuner, and a single tuner is still a lot cheaper than what I had with cable. I also have more channels and they are better quality. Our Dish bill is $60ish a month, and thats with the home protection plan warrenty. Adelphia was over $80 for 3 TVs with Digital Cable, and no premium channels.

I do not have a DVR, but plan to add one soon. I may just buy one though, because the price to swap one of my leased recievers is almost as much as buying one.