DISH Ending new MPEG 2 Receiver Activations

[Scott Greczkowski]

MPEG-2 NEW CUSTOMER SALES, ACTIVATION TO END LATER THIS YEAR

At DISH, we believe we produce the best technology in the pay-TV industry. In order to continue offering our customers the most advanced technology at the best price, we must continue not only to innovate, but also to recognize when it’s time to eliminate old technology from our portfolio.

As a result, DISH will end the sale and exchange of all MPEG-2 receivers beginning on July 1, 2016.

MPEG-2 receiver models:
? 311 ? 311k ? 322 ? 381 ? 811 ? 512 ? 625 ? 522

 

[bobvick]

Slowly working toward converting the WA to MPEG4? Maybe they can do it by turning off premium channels first, then those exclusive to AT250 and so on. I am sure it will take a number of years to complete. I am surprised it has taken them this long.

 

[nelson61]

I'd guess with the flat or declining pay tv market, they must have plenty of MPEG4 boxes being returned which can be recycled into the western arc.

 

[bluegras]

so does that mean that dish is making more room for folks on the western arc to get more hd channels just wondering you guys?just asking a good question?

 

[Troch77]

so does that mean that dish is making more room for folks on the western arc to get more hd channels just wondering you guys?just asking a good question?

No, it means you'll have less.

Samsung Galaxy S6 Active

 

[long_time_DNC]

Interesting move, though not really unexpected. In fact, as was mentioned above, it's surprising they took this long to make that move. I had an 811, but that was a really long time ago. I had a 622 for a number of years, and now have a 722 and a 211...so looks like I'm set for MPEG-2 to go away...

 

[bobvick]

I'd guess with the flat or declining pay tv market, they must have plenty of MPEG4 boxes being returned which can be recycled into the western arc.

That's a good point, additionally I suspect that they have a plan to go all MPEG4 which is the real driving force. They'll need the extra space that the additional compression can provide to offer any 4K content that comes down the pipe (ESPN, etc...). Also it wouldn't hurt for them to top off their HD offerings as well.

 

[Troch77]

Well that explains why Dish replaced my 2 311`s with 211z recievers when they come to replace my 8 yr old 722 receiver last week and moved me to the eastern arc

Well, not really, they moved you to Eastern arc, because more than likely that's where your HD locals come from or your DMA was moved to EA and you got 211's because Eastern arc is mpeg4 only.
Really had nothing to do with what's being talked about here.


Samsung Galaxy S6 Active

 

[bluegras]

No, it means you'll have less.

Samsung Galaxy S6 Active

funny real funny i like the emotion icon

 

[zippyfrog]

I am really surprised they didn't phase out these boxes last year when they gave out all the warnings and notices that the QPSK boxes were on the way out.

 

[Stargazer]

The question is when will they end the activations for these receivers? I still have a few 311's left and a 322 that I will want to sell off before they become bricks.

 

[Troch77]

The question is when will they end the activations for these receivers? I still have a few 311's left and a 322 that I will want to sell off before they become bricks.

They are already bricks....

Samsung Galaxy S6 Active

 

[Stargazer]

Before they become useless bricks lol.

 

[Juan]

The question is when will they end the activations for these receivers? I still have a few 311's left and a 322 that I will want to sell off before they become bricks.

As a result, DISH will end the sale and exchange of all MPEG-2 receivers beginning on July 1, 2016.

 

[jegrant]

Yeah, I have to admit it seems like a waste of money, that they just upgraded me to an 8PSK MPEG-2 311, and now we're doing another round.

 

[DishSubLA]

They won't be going to all MPEG4 at WA anytime real soon, IMHO. This just ends the sale and exchange by July 1, and then "Activation to end later this year." IMHO this is more of a software cost issue. I mean, it is probably more economical to focus software engineers on MPEG 4 boxes only with even less staff and cost and monitoring of MPEG2 boxes. From what is stated in the press release, this will take some time. Now all those software coders going to the new building in downtown Denver can focus on MPEG4 and SlingTV and whatever new media box/streamer Dish may surprise us with. It makes sense to just stop supporting MPEG2 boxes.

FWIW, I think Dish should have the H3 as the ONLY box for all new subs and eventually have that be the standard/only box/system for all installs. Everyone would get the best Dish experience and it could result in less churn than ever and actually result in a net gain of subscribers.

 

[TheKrell]

Everyone would get the best Dish experience...

Some of us hate the new interface and already get the best Dish experience! MS can keep their W8 and W10, too.

 

[charlesrshell]

Some of us hate the new interface and already get the best Dish experience! MS can keep their W8 and W10, too.

Don't have a clue what you are talking about, but Happy Birthday to you anyway.

 

[Troch77]

They won't be going to all MPEG4 at WA anytime real soon, IMHO. This just ends the sale and exchange by July 1, and then "Activation to end later this year." IMHO this is more of a software cost issue. I mean, it is probably more economical to focus software engineers on MPEG 4 boxes only with even less staff and cost and monitoring of MPEG2 boxes. From what is stated in the press release, this will take some time. Now all those software coders going to the new building in downtown Denver can focus on MPEG4 and SlingTV and whatever new media box/streamer Dish may surprise us with. It makes sense to just stop supporting MPEG2 boxes.

FWIW, I think Dish should have the H3 as the ONLY box for all new subs and eventually have that be the standard/only box/system for all installs. Everyone would get the best Dish experience and it could result in less churn than ever and actually result in a net gain of subscribers.

Problem with that is now you are forcing DVR on everyone, with an additional fee with no non DVR option.
That would sink dish fast.
Nothing wrong with the VIP solos or Wallys.


Samsung Galaxy S6 Active

 

[TheKrell]

Don't have a clue what you are talking about...

I'm talking about the so-called "modern" interface that's all flat tiles like my cell phone. Am I wrong about the Hoppers?