Dish Network Programming 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) After I make my purchase, how do I activate my programming?
A) After placing an order you will be provided with an installation certificate and toll free number where you can schedule your free installation, 24 hours a day, and set up your programming selection. The installer will bring the satellite dish and receiver(s) with them, therefore, there is no equipment to ship so installations can be scheduled right away. A customer service representative will help you activate all the programming you would like.
Q) Can I get Spanish or Latino Programming from Dish Network?
A) Absolutely there are several Latino Program options which can be combined with the other channels.
Q) Can I get Chinese Programming from Dish Network?
A) Absolutely there is a Chinese Program options which can be combined with the other channels.
Q) Is it possible to watch separate programming on two televisions with the DISH Network system?
A) Yes, we do offer this type of setup. You will need a satellite TV dish antenna with a dual output LNBF (Included in the Model 2812, 3700, 3720, 3822, 4720, 4722, 5000, 5022, 6023, 7100, 7200 and the JVC D-VHS systems), and a separate receiver for each television. You can buy one receiver and watch local channels on one TV while watching DISH Network channels on the other. However, you can not watch 2 different DISH Network channels simultaneously with only one receiver.
Q) Do I have to choose my programming when I place my initial order?
A) No. If you are not sure of which packages you desire, you can simply choose the basic programming package for now. You'll then have time to consider your options. Just keep in mind that you'll have to decide before the installer comes to your home. We will also mail you full color information which clearly outlines your choices.
Q) Can I substitute one channel for another in my basic package?
A) Dish Network strives to make satellite programming as affordable as possible. One way to help keep costs lower is to provide stations in packages, rather than mostly a la carte. Allowing customers to substitute channels would have the adverse effect of forcing us to raise prices, both for overall programming, and for a la carte stations. To prevent this, no substitutions are allowed.
Q) Does Dish Network offer adult programming.
A) Yes there are adult dish network channels! In fact we offer some of the best adult channels available. They are however not part of the regular packages as we keep these for family viewing. Adult channels from Dish Network are an add on package.
Q) How to activate the Adult Guard (Parental System Locks)
A) The Adult Guard feature gives you the capability to remove the Adult channels (Playboy, TEN, Extasy, and Adultvision) from your Electronic Program Guide. This prevents any children in the household from viewing the programming OR accessing the program information. To activate Adult Guard follow these simple steps. (NOTE: procedure may vary for some receivers)
- Press the MENU button
- Highlight the LOCKS option, press SELECT
- Choose the CHANNEL LOCKS option, and press SELECT
- Scroll through the listed channel numbers till you see the Adult channel (495-497). Highlight the channels, and press the select button once on each channel. (NOTE: You should see a checkmark appear next to the channel information)
- Highlight the SAVE option, and press SELECT
- Highlight the LOCK SYSTEM option, and press SELECT
- Enter a 4 digit password, then highlight OK and press SELECT
- Re-enter the password for confirmation, then highlight OK and press SELECT
- Your system is now locked (NOTE: This also automatically locks out the PPV channels, and requires the password be entered to view or order PPV)
- Press the GUIDE button, notice the padlock in the upper left corner is now closed, and the adult channels are not listed in the guide any more. To view an adult channel after activating Adult Guard follow these steps:
- Press the MENU button
- Highlight the LOCKS option, press SELECT
- Enter your 4 digit password, highlight OK and press SELECT
- Highlight the UNLOCK SYSTEM option, and press SELECT
- Your system is now unlocked, and you can view the adult channels.
- When done viewing, re-lock your system following the instructions above.
- If you have any questions or problems, please contact us @ 1-800-333-3474, or feedback@echostar.com If you want to leave the adult programming in the Electronic Program Guide, but still wish to restrict viewing. Follow these steps:
- Press MENU
- Highlight the LOCKS option, press SELECT
- Highlight the RATINGS LOCKS option, press SELECT
- Highlight the NR/AO option, press SELECT a checkmark should now be in this box.
- Highlight the SAVE option and press SELECT.
- Highlight the LOCK SYSTEM option, and press SELECT
- Enter a 4 digit password, highlight OK, and press SELECT
- Re-enter the password for confirmation, highlight OK and press SELECT
- Your system is now locked, the PPV channels and any show that has a NR/AO (Not Rated/Adult Only) rating will require that you enter the password in order to view
Q) How do I get my local networks?
A) Local Networks are available to anyone who has a qualifying ZIP Code under the SHVA ruling. However, to ensure proper use, you must click here to see if you qualify. DISH NETS East and West (NY and LA) are the only broadcast networks available from their CORE satellites (119 degrees). All other cites are available from DISH Network's SPECIALIZED satellites (110 degrees). The DISH 500 antenna must be dedicated to this locations to receive their signals. Therefore, if you would like basic programming and local networks, you must have the DISH 500 which comes standard on all our complete systems. Also, under the SHVA ruling, anyone with a qualifying ZIP Code will be able to purchase these services. A new law went into effect November 24, 1999 which now allows satellite companies to carry locals into local markets on a broader scale. Click here to find out more about local programming.
Q) UPN and WB -- Do you carry UPN and WB Networks?
A) Yes, we currently carry WB Networks: KTLA (Los Angeles), WPIX (New York) and KWGN (Denver) as well as UPN Networks: WSBK (Boston) and WWOR (New York).
Q) Can I get NFL Coverage?
A) DISH Network broadcasts over 230 NFL preseason, regular season and post-season playoff games without having to purchase a costly season package subscription! (Game access subject to channel availability and programmer restrictions.) Extensive NFL coverage is available on ESPN which is already included in DISH Network's basic packages. You can also watch exciting NFL match-ups on either your local networks or, if qualified, on Local Broadcast Networks or Distant Broadcast Networks East and/or West Coast network feeds. Not only will you get to watch your favorite NFL teams in action, but you can also check out other great sports programming that includes your regional sports network, college football, Major League Baseball, NBA Basketball and NCAA Basketball.
Q) Can I get International Programming?
A) Many International Programming packages are available. However, you would need to have a second Dish installed in addition to your main system because the International Programming is delivered from a different satellite in the sky. You should also be aware that International Programming carries an extra monthly charge in addition to your monthly programming for English channels. You are required to subscribe to at least the America's Top 60 channel package in English before you are eligible to add additional International Programming.
Q) How do I get Dolby Digital (AC-3) audio?
A) Dish Network currently only provides Dolby Digital (AC-3) soundtracks on two HBO channels, two Showtime channels, two Starz channels and their `home theater' Pay-Per-View channels 512-513 on the 119 satellite and PPV channels 520-525 on the 110 satellite. You can look for the "DD" symbol in the Electronic Program Guide (EPG) to see if the movie is broadcasted in Dolby Digital. These channels also show some movies in their original letterbox format. DISH Network will expand their DD offerings through time. In order to take advantage of the higher quality audio provided by a DD soundtrack, you must have both a satellite receiver that supports DD Audio, and a DD decoder (generally part of your surround sound system). Currently, the satellite receivers that have a built in DD Audio Output are the DVR 510, DVR 522, and HD 811. These receivers have a built in TOSLINK style optical output. What is the difference between Dolby Surround and DD? First Dolby Surround only has 4 channels; Left, Right, Center and Surround(rear). Dolby Digital (AC-3) has 5.1 channels; Left, Right, Center, Right surround, Left surround, and low frequency effects (Sub Woofer). In addition, DD includes a Phase Delay which gives the illusion of a sound reflection which is either closer or further from you than the actual speaker and gives a more realistic sound profile.
Q) What are the programming charges for a second receiver?
A) There is no "programming" fee for your 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th or 6th receivers. Whatever programming you subscribe to on your "main" receiver will automatically be on your "secondary" (extra) receivers. Under our primary promotion (Digital Home Advantage), there is also no additional outlet fees provided all dual-tuner receivers (DISH 322 or DVR 522) are continuously connected to customer's phone line. There will be a $5 per month lease fee when a 3rd receiver is selected. Under our secondary promotion (Free Dish) there is typically a second receiver Access Fee of $5 per month for each secondary receiver you may have. This fee covers the cost of broadcasting, modem expenses, billing and satellite transmission fees.
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