Dish Network General FAQ
Our Dish Network Satellite Frequently asked questions is divided into three sections. Please select the section most pertinent to your query. If you cannot find an answer please either email us or call customer service. Please also review our articles and information pages. There are a number of comprehensive articles on choosing and setting up your satellite system. Click here to review the articles. The Dish Network FAQs are:-
Q) Why should I buy from an independent retailer instead of DISH Network Directly?
A) The retailer is your main source for not paying Manufacture's Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP). Some retailers prices are so unbelievably low because they purchase inventory in quantities that give them the largest discounts available. They also receive incentives for acquiring new customers; they apply a substantial portion of these incentives towards the great promotions online so their customers can enjoy huge savings. It also radically expands the customer support base. After all the customer is king!
Q) What is the Dish Network Promo Code number all about?
A) The number is there to identify the route by which you got to the special prices available to you from your independant retailer. The number is critical to getting you the maximum discounts available. Our Dish Network Promo number is 9130.
Q)Can I check my account status online?
A)You may view your current or previous billing statements, add services, or make payments to your account online. Keep in mind that the Free installation offer requires that you agree to automatic monthly billing on your credit card
Q) What is the Warranty?
A) Under the primary promotion (Digital Home Advantage), DISH Network backs all of their equipment with lifetime warranty. Under the secondary promotion (Free Dish), DISH Network backs all of their equipment with a full warranty, one year parts and labor. You may also be interested to know that DISH Network offers an extended warranty Digital Home Protection Plan (DHPP) for $5.99 per month. This warranty covers several things including all DISH Network Branded DBS video equipment in your home and reduced rates on in-home service, should it be needed. Since the Digital Home Advantage is already covered under lifetime warranty, an extended warranty may not be necessary. If you sign for a full year in advance. you can get the Digital Home Protection Plan for free!
Q) What is Dish Network's refund policy?
A) Dish Network offers a 30 day refund policy on unused installation certificates. Your retailers's sole liability is limited to refund of unused installation certificate within 30 days of purchase. Certificates are not refundable after installation. For further details please review the designated retailer's terms and conditions.
Q)I broke my remote. Can I buy a new one?
A)Yes! A remote control is $49.99 + $5.00 shipping. (Total $54.99) You can order by phone using MasterCard, Visa, or Discover at 1-877-998-DISH . Your new remote will arrive within 7-10 days of your order.
Q)Do I need a cable-ready TV?
A)No. Dish Network is compatible with every TV ever manufactured! Installation is free on all models of television.
Q) Is there a way to upgrade or downgrade my system?
A) Yes you can upgrade or downgrade your Dish Network system at any time. Just call or email the office.
Q) Can I have more than 4 Receivers?
A) You can have up to 6 receivers on one account. Please note that your fifth and sixth receivers on the account will add a $4.99/month additional outlet fee. Your first four receivers are installed FREE.
If you need a fifth or sixth receiver, you must pay $99.99 each + $59.99 installation for each extra receiver. You will pay DishNetwork directly at a later time for your additional receivers.
Q) Am I committed to a long term contract?
A) No there is no commitment and you can work on a month by month basis. There are several benefits including cost savings and free insurance for signing up for a year with Dish Network.
Q) Who are DISH Network and why should I buy their Satellite TV system?
A) DISH Network owns two of the three full continental U.S. (CONUS) coverage orbital slots. CONUS 119ø WL is where satellites EchoStar IV, EchoStar VI, and EchoStar VII reside. These satellites transmit a majority of the core programming available with DISH Network Echostar V and Echostar VIII is located at the second CONUS, 110ø WL. These provide part of America's TOP 150 channels, a few premium movie channels, a majority of DISH Net Local channels, Spanish Programming and few other International channels. DISH Network also owns two additional side satellite slots, 61.5ø WL and 148ø WL. EchoStar III orbits at 61.5ø WL and EchoStar I and EchoStar II orbit at 148ø WL, both of which deliver a majority of the international services, HDTV and Sky Angel (Sky Angel is only at 61.5)
DISH Network is also the sole designer and developer of the entire DISH Network system, including the receivers, the satellite dish antenna, as well as much of the software and on-screen graphics. This vertical integration enables them to offer lower costs to the consumer and they will always strive to be the lowest cost provider.
They also provide all DISH Network programming. Their mission is to be the consumer's one-stop-shop for all your DBS needs. This is not true with the competition, which makes them so unique. Also, please keep in mind that the recent launch of EchoStar IX will greatly add to the already impressive DISH Network programming lineup.
DISH Network's audio and video is the highest standard available. But we would like to urge you to test this out for yourself. Their programming rates are very competitive with cable and DirecTV.
Q) What number do I call if I have any further questions?
A) If you don't wish to email us, you can call Call:- 1-800-315-0788 Promo code: 9130.
Q) What number do I call for billing issues?
A) Questions on your order invoice call 1-800-315-0788. Programming and other billing questions simply call DISH Network at 1-800-333-3474.
Q) What number do I call for technical problems?
A) Simply call DISH Network at 1-800-333-3474.
Q) Does DISH Network offer an HDTV compatible receiver?
A) Yes, there are several HDTV receivers like the new DISH 811 HD and HD-DVR 921 available.
Q) How much is a second receiver or replacement receiver?
A) The most common standalone receiver is the DISH 301. The DISH 301 costs around $99.00. (Call for current pricing) First time DISH Network subscribers can save a great deal of money by purchasing one of our Muli-TV Combo Packages.
Q) We have a satellite dish antenna and during heavy rain and snow we lose our signal. Is there something we can do to eliminate this?
A) The problem could be that your external connections on the cable are not weatherproofed. If there is water getting into the cable connection, it would cause the types of problems you are seeing. We recommend that you wait until the weather is clear and you are obtaining a good signal so that you are sure the cables are dry. Then use a good silicone sealant on all of your exterior cable connections.
Repeaking your dish antenna will also help to minimize this problem. The higher your signal strength, the less you will experience this fade.
Heavy rain and snow could also cause you to lose signal strength due to the dish antenna not being able to see the satellite. If you live in an area where inclement weather is a regular occurrence, you might want to consider using a slightly larger, 24" dish antenna. You may also want a satellite dish cover. For more information on satellite dish covers see our satellite dish cover page.
If you do try and re-peak your dish for optimum signal, please ensure that it is safe to do so BEFORE attempting this procedure.
Q) Why does a phone line connect to the receiver?
A) For most applications the phone line is for on-screen Caller ID, impulse Pay-Per-View and DISH Home Interactive TV. There is also a special consideration in regards to our primary promotion (Digital Home Advantage), where there is no additional outlet fees provided all dual-tuner receivers (DISH 322 or DVR 522) are continuously connected to the customer's phone line.
Q) Is DISH Network service available in Canada?
A) Unfortunately, DISH Network is expressly prohibited from distributing their programming services to anyone outside the U.S., its territories and possessions as dictated by DISH Network's programming contracts with the programmers.
However, DISH Network is currently working with a Canadian DBS service, ExpressVu of Canada. ExpressVu has the same MPEG2-DVB technology found in DISH Network receivers. Please visit their website at Expressvu.com or call 905-272-9171 for information on ExpressVu!
Q) Can I get Dish Network service in Puerto Rico?
A) Yes, it is available in Puerto Rico. *Additional hardware and fees may apply.
Q) Is DISH Network available in Alaska and Hawaii?
A) DISH Network's America's TOP 120 is now available in Hawaii and Alaska. AllSat is only able to perform installations in Hawaii, not Alaska at this time. If you wish to subscribe to America's TOP 180 or America's Everything Pak a second dish is required for an additional fee. Without a second dish you will only be able to view America's TOP 120 programming channels and a not all, but most, of the premium movie channels when you subscribe to America's Everything Pak.
Q) How many receivers can I have?
A) You can have up to 6 receivers on one account. Your first four receivers are installed FREE. If you need a fifth or sixth receiver, you will have to pay for the extra receivers. There is also an installation of each extra receiver. You will still only pay the basic charge today to get set up. You will pay Dish Network directly at a later time for your additional receivers.
Q) What should I do if I am going to move?
A) DISH Network has a program just for you called DISHMover. DISH Network will send you a new dish and provide you a professional installation at your new home for free or for a minimal shipping fee, allowing you to leave your current dish connected at your old location. All you have to do is take your dish network receivers and remote controls with you.
Q) I own a commercial establishment and want to start showing DISH Network. How do I do so?
A) We appreciate that you are looking into DISH Network for your establishment but cannot offer these systems for commercial use. To activate a commercial account or receive information on starting one, please contact: "DISH Network Commercial Services Department." Information: 1-800-333-3474.
Q)What is HDTV?
A)High definition television (HDTV) is a new kind of television system that involves improvements in both the production and reception of television broadcast system. The most distinguishing features of HDTV are the aspect ratio and increased lines of resolution. HDTV's aspect ratio is 16:9 (Width:Height) as opposed to 4:3 of the current NTSC system. This will make the home theater atmosphere exactly as it was meant to be. Films will retain their original size and resolution, and the sound can be delivered in "digital-quality" 5 channel digital audio. How is DIRECTV's HDTV offering different from other companies' HDTV service? DIRECTV's is the first satellite TV service whose receiving system is built into HDTV sets, so viewers who purchase this HDTV equipment will have easy access.
Q) What is TiVo?
A)TiVo automatically finds and digitally records up to 140 hours of programming you have preselected. No need to miss your favorite show! Record every Spielberg movie, home improvement programs, History Channel, Dora cartoons, Cooking, Ball Games, whatever you choose. It's automagic and it works while you are in the restaurant, on the sports field or just sunning your self in Mexico or the Bahamas. Record out of time zone sport events. There is no end! Tivo also includes pause, rewind and slo-mo live TV.
Q)Does the TiVo® box work with Echostar/Dish Network Receivers?
A) TiVo® box is compatible with Dish Network receivers that support IR control (all recent Dish Network receivers so). However, if you have a Dish Network receiver that does not support IR control, such as the EchoStar 4000 or JVC 4500, the TiVo box will not be able to change the channel on your satellite receiver unless you upgrade to a newer receiver.
Q) I have DIRECTV now, but I want your service. How do I do that?
A) You would need to purchase a DISH Network system. DISH Network and DirecTV receivers feature a different architecture. DISH Network is one of the most technologically advanced, high-quality satellite TV systems available. Our receivers are fully MPEG-2/DVB compliant, offering you excellent quality in audio and video. After you plug in the new receiver simply replace your dish with the DISH Network DISH 500 on your existing mount and re-aim toward our satellite.
Q) I have Dish Network now and I want to change to DIRECTV. How do I do that?
A) Well we think this is a mistake as we are cheaper and more flexible than Directv. We also have a bigger selection of channels and more programming options. Directv is a great company but you will have to purchase their equipment to see their channels. Click here to order Directv directly from them.
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