501 Receiver died - need to accept new 2yr commitment?

[huffdaddyz400]

My 501 DVR died a few days ago. It will not power up. I called the DISH CR and they are telling me that they will replace the 501 with a VIP612 but I need to accept a new 2yr commitment? HUH? They said they are upgrading everyone to MPEG4 and they are only sending out newer receivers and since it is an "upgrade" I need to have a new agreement?

Is this new or something? I have been with DISH for 10+yrs and they are maing me accept a new commentment agreement.

 

[gbjbany]

try this thread sounds like it's $99 to avoid it
http://www.satelliteguys.us/dish-network-forum/150140-2-year-committment.html

 

[boba]

Add DHPP to your account for $5.99 and see if they replace it with a 501 or 508.

 

[cwk3]

Isn't the 501 one of the old PVR's? I didn't know they leased them. I paid for mine so it belongs to me but will eventually have to retire it and would hope that I could upgrade for a vip something when I go HD in the bedrooms.

 

[Stargazer]

Dish does not want to put out anymore money unless they get it from you with monthly fees and money upfront or another commitment so that they can get a return on their investment with you. I do not blame them. On the other hand, many people will consider switching providers if they have to commit to anything because they can get a new customer promotional deal that way.

 

[ggw2000]

Why not..

buy a VIP211K for $179 and put an external harddrive on it like I did. I replaced my 501 with this setup a couple days ago and it works like a charm. You need to get rid of the Mpeg2 receiver anyway as you maybe missing out on a lot of channels that are Mpeg4 anyway.
Time to throw out the old .
If you really feel you absolutely need a 501, I have the one I removed which works great. I had purchased it years ago.
Gerry

 

[tcpuccio1]

Look on E-bay for a 501 or 508 receiver. They both have no DVR fees and you can just delete your old receiver from you account and add a new one and pay month to month no commitment. That is iff you own the 501 that just broke. If you leased it your stuck with them for the next 2 years and if you opt out early they will charge you to an early cancellation. I Just bough my self a new 722 to replace a 942 that is going to be obsolite the first part of 2009. won my equipment so I just pay month to month. They hate that! But it's your right to do what you want to do. I'm sure if you have been a customer for 10 years you will keep them as your provider for years to come if they don't rub you the wrong was by locking you up for 24 months!