Thinking about moving to DN

[MRP]

As a long time (15+ years) BUD user I'm thinking of moving to a small dish. As I have some interest in German programing I'm looking at Dish Networks as an option.
I haven't had any luck in finding out what the drive is to install the system myself vs. just have someone do it (other the aggravation factor and I get done the way I'd like it done). If I do install my own equipment who do I go to for a subscription, is this cheaper in the long run? I'm looking for a main viewing room with all the channels and 4 with just basics.
Any advice appreciated.

[pmb1010]

I've never had dish or directv, been a cable subscriber for decades.

I have thought about switching a bunch of times. The thing keeping me with cable is high speed internet, and quantity of HD channels.

You have the distinct advantage of being "new customer". They always see to have very attractive options and offers for new customers, which are not available to repeat or renewing customers. So big discounts, free HD recording receivers and stuff like that are a big advantange to hook you as a new customer.

When one sat provider or the other makes it advantageous - in free offers, cheaper prices, more HD content, etc THEN and only then will I "burn" my new customer status to make the switch.

Use that to your advantage. You have lots of leverage at this point. Get all that you can on your signup with these folks.

[MRP]

I tried the cable route, when they wanted to split my Internet connection I told them no. Even though there are open drops on the main they never got back with me after saying they would look into it. So I've given up on them (also no International programming).

[wejones]

The thing about them giving deals to new customers is true. I have DTV, not Dishnet, and I installed my first dish, but when local channels became available, I needed a 3 sat dish to get the local channels. They came out and wired a new dish, and would have given me a new receiver if I needed it, and even asked if I wanted additional receivers. I assume DN would be the same. I don't like the way they installed it though, because they grounded it 75' from the house, and the only lightning damage I've ever had has been to DTV equipment after that installation. There is one aspect about DirecTV (not sure if it's true for Dishnet) that may be important to you, and that is that you can either lease or own your own equipment. When you go to a store, the assumption is that you are leasing, but apparently you have the option when you sign up for service. I think Dishnet also does lease or own, but I'm not sure.

With DirecTV, I don't think there is an option to have different number of channels in different rooms, it's just an additional $5/mo for additional receivers. Again, not sure what the deal is with dishnet, but I'm guessing that it's simpler to get same service on all receivers.

One thing that often isn't clear via the advertising, is that even though Dishnet advertises that they "have the NFL", the NFL Sunday Ticket is only on DirecTV, so if NFL is important, Dishnet is out.

[pictureon]

Dishnetwork would provide you with everything needed for free if you're new customer. You'll have to call and sign up, choose your channels and receivers and they would come and install up to 4 rooms for free. If you're getting international channels and HD channels then you'll need HD receiver and dish 1000+. If no HD then dish 500+. They have HD receivers with DVR, which they offer for free now (VIP 622). However you'll have to pay $20 extra for HD channels (about 28) and $5.98 for DOD service.
To do so you can go either with dishnetwork or through a retailer. Since retailers do not get any payment if you cancel within 6 months, you'll have to sign a third party agreement or an 18 month contract. To go with dishnetwork you'll have the option of signing a contract or not. There are incentives for signing a contract, such as free activation and free protection plan.
Things to know:
Dishnetwork first bill is for 2 months.
The cash back offer for $10 and $20 credit may take several weeks to show up on your bill.
You may not get credit if you do not send the form on time.
Dishnetwork customer service is not the best in the world.
Some International channels are low on quality.
Standard Def channels quality is worse on HD receiver and HD TV

[wejones]

Originally Posted by pictureon

..... However you'll have to pay $20 extra for HD channels (about 28) and $5.98 for DOD service.
.....

Been sitting here trying to figure out what DOD stands for. I used to work for the Dept of Defense, but I don't think that is it.
I was thinking something similar to VOD (video on demand), perhaps digital on demand or somthing, but nothing I could think of makes sense.... so I give up.... I'm curious what is DOD???

[Corey]

DOD is Dish On Demand? I'm not sure that's right.

I've had DishNetwork for about 10 years... since about a year after they started.

My biggest complaint has been mentioned above.. marginal customer service. They are good about helping you get your dish working, but if you have any special problems, or issues, you are in for some trouble, in my experience. To resolve one issue, I think I had to get on the phone with them about 5 times, each time they assured me that it was resolved, only to recur again the next month.

And of course, the other issue of them not offering free or inexpensive upgrades to existing customers is another annoying thing. They offer great deals to new users, but they figure they have existing users locked in (straight-jacketed), and they can't easily move to another service. It has been like pulling teeth to find their upgrade offers and figure out how to obtain them. I finally gave up and just ordered Dish 1000 from Sadoun for ~$100, which was very easy.

[rainman]

you are right corey DOD stands for DishOn Demand.

[elgemcdlf]

Have you looked into the available channels in German via FTA? Perhaps just adding a DVB MPEG2 receiver to your current setup would solve your desires. There is also Globecast. Do not know the pricing or availability. Same as Dn/DTV in regards to it is their equipment. In other words you can not use a CI receiver of your own.

[boroda1]

There is only German channel on Globecast - Dolphin TV.
Dish has 2 + Euronews , which is not German, but has German audiotrack
They ask $17 monthly for this deal, plus they will charge $5 access fee, if none of "packages" selected. They may provide with leased equipment and free installation. If you have no HD TV, it has no sense to get HD receiver or subscribe to HD package.

[Darkman]

Globecast also has that Euronews channel with German audiotrack .. among 7 available audiotracks / languages


(DISH only has 6 available languages - they do not have Spanish one, currently anyhow ... where Globecast has Spanish one as well)
I know.. - he probably isn't interested in Spanish one in any case

[elgemcdlf]

I ran through the Atlantic sats and found some German language channels FTA but honestly did not pay attention to what they were.