I'm getting DishNetwork!

[Mark Strube]

Friday May 19th is the install date. We haven't been having any real issues with cable (except for this recent horrible HD-DVR software update), but I want the better HD channel selection, and nicer HD-DVR.

Here's what we're getting: Dish1000, one ViP622 HD-DVR, one ViP211 HD, and two Dish 311 receivers.

(So there will be 5 tuners connected to the Dish1000... it can support that right?)

We're getting the DishHD Platinum channel package, locals added (for the SD boxes mainly), and then for HD locals we're going to be using the off-the-air antenna connections on the HD boxes. (Which is really sweet... this means I can record 18-1 directly into my DVR.)

Thoughts? Anything to watch for during the install?

I'm curious what general direction the dish will need to be facing? The family doesn't want the dish on the front of our house (the front of our house is facing south), so I'm hoping the installer can find a good location without it being too visible from the road (there's a good amount of trees around here, but we have a pretty clear view west and south).

Also, might we be able to use the existing wiring from our cable service? I know we'll need to run new wiring to my room since we're keeping cable internet, and that's where the modem is... but the rest of the house is ready to go unless we need to use a different type of coax?

Any help or tips would be appreciated! :wave:

[jkane]

Can I have one of my recievers added to your account since you are getting everything!     (Kidding of course.)

Nothing spectacular to see during the install.  BUt, I'd keep an eye on the installer anyhow.  They are independents, and each one will do things differently.  So, that means we can't say if they will reuse the cable or not.  Some will, and others will not.  If you can get new cable, do it.  It's easier to rip out old stuff than it is to have someone come back and run new ones.  Especially since it's a fixed fee for what ever they need to install.  Get your money's worth!

The dish points pretty much south.  Maybe just a bit to the east of south.  It has a higher look angle than you'd think, so it'll clear low trees.  However, I have seen installers put it else where because they don't want a tree to grow into it's sky view.  They are not tree experts either, so don't expect them to figure out if that tree will grow or not.  Again, they are each independent, and some are better than others.

[Joseph S]

Any more info on avoiding trees?

I'm looking at a place with a pine tree SW with a little opening area from the ground. How much room do you need? Hoping to keep it on back patio or back room window over patio. Can I use second floor windows? It would have side windows facing south on both floors and rear windows that could cover south, SW, West. Not sure if roof will be an option, likely not given it's a condo.

[oz]

Friday May 19th is the install date. We haven't been having any real issues with cable (except for this recent horrible HD-DVR software update), but I want the better HD channel selection, and nicer HD-DVR.

Here's what we're getting: Dish1000, one ViP622 HD-DVR, one ViP211 HD, and two Dish 311 receivers.

:

How much is this all costing you?

[Mark Strube]

How much is this all costing you?

There was an upfront charge of $399 since we're getting so many receivers + the HD-DVR.

[Chinatown]

Can I have one of my recievers added to your account since you are getting everything!     (Kidding of course.)

Nothing spectacular to see during the install.  BUt, I'd keep an eye on the installer anyhow.  They are independents, and each one will do things differently.  So, that means we can't say if they will reuse the cable or not.  Some will, and others will not.  If you can get new cable, do it.  It's easier to rip out old stuff than it is to have someone come back and run new ones.  Especially since it's a fixed fee for what ever they need to install.  Get your money's worth!

The dish points pretty much south.  Maybe just a bit to the east of south.  It has a higher look angle than you'd think, so it'll clear low trees.  However, I have seen installers put it else where because they don't want a tree to grow into it's sky view.  They are not tree experts either, so don't expect them to figure out if that tree will grow or not.  Again, they are each independent, and some are better than others.

Having had Satelite for 7 years  ( "Dish", now "D" ), you will notice an immediate difference in the video quality as well as customer service that is available 24/7. You will probably be saving $100.00 + per year, when compared to similar packages from TW. Congratulations for making the switch.  

Regarding the placement of your dish.......See if it can be mounted where you can get a broom at it. This will ellimnate the problem with snow. Speaking of which, your collective time of outages will be about 5 to 7 minutes per year.

[AndrewP]

I have my Dish on the east corner of the house, aiming soutwest.
Don't like the idea of putting it on the roof.
Never, ever had to broom it in winter in 5 years. But it will be easy if I will need to do it. Perfect location:).
Abou cabling. HD DVR 622 requires two sat. lines. There is a device, called Dish separator, which allows to have only one line. If you want 622 in dual mode (use with the second SDTV), then you will need a second line. So you can install one new line to 622. Use old cable line as the feed for second TV, running back to the cable splitter. Then you can run it to all other TVs in the house.
I don't use it a dual mode. Istead I use both HD outputs and connect component ones tho the projector TV and HDMI to the projector. By doing that I can watch (mostly recorded) shows on a huge screen in the basement.
Dish is the HD leader, and hope they will be even better on May 31 (supposed date for StarzHD launch) ann in June (FoodHD and HGTV-HD). :wave:

[Mark Strube]

Well the existing line going to my room is going to be used for the cable modem, so we'll need to run 2 new lines to my room anyways since I want to be able to record 2 satellite and 1 OTA program all at the same time. (I won't be using the TV2 output on it)

[AndrewP]

Well the existing line going to my room is going to be used for the cable modem, so we'll need to run 2 new lines to my room anyways since I want to be able to record 2 satellite and 1 OTA program all at the same time. (I won't be using the TV2 output on it)

Ask to run three lines to 622. First one will be for the Sat (with Dish separator), the second for the OTA and the third for TV2 output. Although it can be accomplished with two lines by using diplexers.

[bradsmainsite]

Just curious what number did you call to get this  and where are they located.

WARNING!:  Whoever you received the install with ie retailer you are married to for life so I hope its someone local and not DNSC, or you will be SORRY! :bang:

See this to many times to even count anymore, and usually have to come in and clean up this mess once created by these monkies (dealing with 2 right now).

[Mark Strube]

Ask to run three lines to 622. First one will be for the Sat (with Dish separator), the second for the OTA and the third for TV2 output. Although it can be accomplished with two lines by using diplexers.

I'm confused... I already have OTA antenna lines running to both HDTV's. What's this about seperators and diplexers? This is all new to me. (And like I said, I'm NEVER using the TV2 output, but I still want both of the HD-DVR's tuners hooked to satellite for my own dual/triple recording purposes.)

[Mark Strube]

Just curious what number did you call to get this  and where are they located.

WARNING!:  Whoever you received the install with ie retailer you are married to for life so I hope its someone local and not DNSC, or you will be SORRY! :bang:

See this to many times to even count anymore, and usually have to come in and clean up this mess once created by these monkies (dealing with 2 right now).

Well I have no idea... I just called Dish's national 800 line to set everything up. Is there a way I can find out?

[bradsmainsite]

If you called Dishes 1-800 number your already screwed cause you gotem (DNSC).

See if you can cancel and try to get someone local (ask around) also DO NOT use diplexers this is the poor mans way of cheating only if it is impossible to get another wire there.   Diplexers are extremely lossy and you need 2 which compounds the problem further.

If you cannot find a local guy who comes highly recomended I could check my sources (we don't travel that far) to recomend someone for you, or I'm sure someone on this board knows someone in your area.

[Mark Strube]

Well, I already paid for the equipment and everything... I'm assuming I'd have to manage to get a refund for everything, not to mention probably getting a much later install date? If there was a way to transfer an order, I'd be up for that... OR I'd possibly be willing to cancel and re-order everything IF I could get an install within this next week. So, if you think that can happen, feel free to give me some names.

[bradsmainsite]

Another one fallen prey to DNSC what a shame.

I'm afraid you cannot transfer the only way is to cancel and get a refund.

I don't know if it can be done that quick or not if you were in my area I would make the effort but the way they pay now and charge backs its  just not economically feasiable.

Maybe you will get lucky and get someone who is a real tech, but the odds are certainly stacked against you.

Please tell of your experience with DNSC when completed I would be very curious
to know where they came from and what qualifications they have (SBCA, ASCET)
you might want to ask upfront.

From what I have seen lately Dish is supposedly offering a 30 day money back quarantee :confused:  this is a new one can't figure out how they work that one with charge backs.

Someday I quess I'll have to post a little piece on how the sat industry really
works then people would understand why things happen the way they do, (come to think of it that would not be a little post, so thats why I have not done this yet).

Good luck and if you have questions later post them the dialog would be great on this forum to help those in the same situation as yourself and hopefully keep others from having to deal with future fustration of DNSC.