DishPro Technology FAQs

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DishPro Technology FAQs

Legacy???
What do you mean when you say a "legacy" receiver or "legacy" installation?
"Legacy" receivers are all of those released before the Dish301 receiver. These include: Models 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 2700, 2800, 3700, 3800, 3900, 4700, 4900 and DISHPlayer. "Legacy"
receivers do not include DishPro Technology (they do not have the DishPro logo on the receiver) and do not have the physical components to become a DishPro receiver. To function in a DishPro installation, they
need to be connected to a DishPro Adapter. We've named our original LNBFs (Single, Dual, Twin, Quad) and original switches (SW21, SW42, SW44, SW64) as "legacy" to differentiate them from the new DishPro
LNBFs (DishPro Single, DishPro Twin) and Switches (initially, DishPro DP34 switch). An installation with "legacy" LNBFs and switches would be called a "legacy" or "original" installation.

Do I need to replace my original (legacy) LNBFs and switches with the DishPro LNBFs and
switches?
In most cases, no. The new DishPro receivers (Dish301, DishPVR 501, DishPVR 721) are backward compatible and will work in a "legacy" installation without a problem. There may be times when it is
logical to replace the LNBFs and switches with DishPro LNBFs and switches. For example, if a customer has a Twin and needs to add a third receiver, depending on the cost of the DishPro LNBFs and switches
(still to be determined), it may cost the same to replace the Twin with a DishPro Twin (or two DishPro Singles) and a DishPro DP34 switch, instead of buying two Duals and an SW44 or SW64 switch.

Can I use a legacy switch (like an SW21) with a DishPro LNBF?
No, legacy switches and LNBFs are not compatible with DishPro LNBFs and switches.

Can I use DishPro switches and LNBFs with the original EchoStar receivers now?
No, the older "legacy" receivers do not have the capability to be upgraded to DishPro Technology. If used in a DishPro installation, they will need to be used with a DishPro Adapter.

If I have only DishPro receivers, do I have to use DishPro LNBFs and DishPro switches?
No, you have the choice of using either DishPro LNBFs with DishPro switches or legacy LNBFs with legacy switches. DishPro receivers are "backward compatible" and work in either type of installation.
How many DishPro DP34 switches can I use in one installation?
At this time, up to three DishPro DP34 switches can be used in one installation, for up to twelve tuner inputs (Dish301 and DishPVR 501 are single tuner input receivers; DishPVR 721 is a two-tuner input
receiver).

Is it true I have to use higher quality installation components?
Yes, FOR DISHPRO INSTALLATIONS, the ground blocks, diplexers, line amps, barrel connectors, wall plates, cable (RG-6), surge protectors, etc., all need to be rated to 2150 MHz and be able to pass DiSEqC. If
you have materials in stock that aren't rated to 2150 MHz or don't pass DiSEqC - not a problem. You can still use those for new Dish301 system installations (since those systems won't ship with DishPro LNBFs
for a few more months), and for installations with just a Model 6000 (since it is not DishPro capable). You can use them in repair calls, or you can use some of the components (e.g. barrel connectors, wall plates) to
distribute the receiver's signal via the Channel 3/4 Modulated Output to other rooms in the house.

If a house is pre-wired with RG-6 cable, but the cable is not labeled as being swept to 2200 MHz, can I use it?

Probably. Cable that is swept tested to 2200 MHz provides insurance that it will meet the specified requirements for DishPro. Even if the 2200 MHz specification is not labeled on the cable, most quality RG-6 should be suitable. Remember, coaxial cable may suffer performance issues if improperly installed during the pre-wire of the home. Use caution, as there may be existing signal splitters or other components buried
inside the wall of an existing distribution. These may further degrade or completely interfere with DishPro (as well as legacy) satellite signals.
How far can I run the RG-6 cable from the LNBFs to the furthest receiver?
The maximum cable distance from the LNBFs to the furthest receiver is 200 feet.

Where should I install the DP34 switch - closer to the LNBFs or closer to the receiver?
It's generally best to place the switch closer to the receiver. As long as your RG-6 or better cable run from the LNBFs to the furthest receiver is less than 200 feet, the switch can be placed anywhere in that range and
will operate reliably.

For satellite reception from three orbital locations with just one receiver, is my only option using a DP34 switch?
Yes, at this time, that is the only option for receiving three orbital locations using DishPro LNBFs (a DishPro Twin LNBF (or two DishPro Single LNBFs) on the Dish500 dish antenna and a DishPro Single
LNBF on the Dish300 dish antenna). We are working on another switch for those few installations that only have one receiver and three orbital locations. The DP34 switch in this installation allows the customers the flexibility to easily add on more receivers later.

If I have DishPro LNBFs and DishPro switches, one or more DishPro receivers (e.g. a Dish301 or DishPVR 721) and two legacy receivers (e.g. a Model 6000 and a Model 4900), do I just use one DP Adapter for the legacy receivers?
No, you'll need a DP Adapter for each and every legacy receiver in the installation.

If I want to install more than two receivers, do I have to swap out the DishPro Twin for two DishPro Singles and a DishPro switch (like we do now with the legac y Twin LNBF)?
No. One of the many advantages of DishPro Technology is that you can use the DishPro Twin to directconnect
up to two receivers or connect both cables from the DishPro Twin LNBF to send the 110° and 119° signals to a DP34 switch.

Does the "super surge" feature of DishPro receivers mean I don't need a Panamax surge protector?
No, "super surge" provides added protection to the receiver's AC power line, satellite input, TV/antenna input and phone input. Panamax can protect not just the receiver, but everything plugged into their surge
protector with an insurance policy - be sure to view Panamax's warranty for complete details. Super surge and the Panamax surge protector provide a win-win situation for the customer.