Billions of pre-sub questions (well, seven for now...)

[ksnh]

Pre-sub questions, direct to you after a failed (and truly wretched) chat w/a Dish rep who absolutely knew how to link me to the TurboHD web page and then end the chat:

1. I have a technically challenged wife, who will implode if forced to deal with toggling between cable (for local HD's) and any dish box. I've read that some of the HD boxes will allow OTA channels to be received and added to the program guide; are there any HD boxes that permit a similar addition of channels from a basic "no box" cable feed so that only the Dish box and remote would need to be used?

2. I've read most of the post-August 1 package change threads, and the confusion makes me want to bang my head on a desk until HD no longer matters. I have existing lifeline cable that give me "actual" local channels, which I want to keep. I had pretty much settled on TurboHD Gold, but now I'm not sure what the future will bring. The current offer is $50/mo. x 24, with a $120 price break over the first six months, for a before-tax total of $1080, w/$300 (max) cancellation fee. The only new TurboHD Gold package I could find was $60/mo. w/DVR, so I'm assuming $54/mo. w/o. DVR. I also didn't see any Classic-type 6 month credits for TurboHD, so I'm figuring $54/mo. x 24 = $1296, with a $360 max cancellation fee. I also don't see any suggestions that the TurboHD packages will now get PlatinumHD @ n/c. So it seems like "now" beats August; any thoughts?

3. Where can I see exactly what HD channels I would get w/Classic Silver or GoldHD? It seems like a "Where's Waldo" situation on the Dish web site.

4. Where can I see exactly what RSN's I would get w/Turbo GoldHD? I see a list of a bunch; are they all included? I specifically want NESN (I'm in NH), but am interested in others as well.

5. Has anyone had really good luck w/wireless HDMI, and if so, what setup? I have a long outdoor run to go from HD box @ set #1 to set #2, and would prefer a wireless option if viable.

6. Are there any non-DVR boxes that will do PIP?

7. For a two room non-DVR setup, with one HD set and one SD (at least for now until I resolve #5): what's my best box? It looks like I would get a 222K by default; am I missing any spiffy non-DVR features that I would only get from a "non Dish-supplied" box?
​

That's it; any and all feedback is appreciated!
​

 

[Jim S.]

#1. No.

 

[TNGTony]

1. I have a technically challenged wife, who will implode if forced to deal with toggling between cable (for local HD's) and any dish box. I've read that some of the HD boxes will allow OTA channels to be received and added to the program guide; are there any HD boxes that permit a similar addition of channels from a basic "no box" cable feed so that only the Dish box and remote would need to be used?​

Many, not all, Dish HD boxes have an OVER THE AIR (ATSC) TV tuner which allows you to hook up an antenna for local HD and digital channels. These channels are integrated into the OTA guide. Its great.

This will NOT work with 99..9% of "lifeline" cable services. Most digital cable systems use QAM modulation schemes, not ATSC. Dish Network does not include a QAM tuner in their receivers. Many TVs don't even have this feature. I emphasize to anyone buying a new TV to ensure it has QAM capability. Don't let sales people talk you into believing "they all have it."

You don't mention where you are from in NH, but HD locals (ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC) are offered in the entire state from the corresponding market.

2. I've read most of the post-August 1 package change threads, and the confusion makes me want to bang my head on a desk until HD no longer matters. I have existing lifeline cable that give me "actual" local channels, which I want to keep. I had pretty much settled on TurboHD Gold, but now I'm not sure what the future will bring. The current offer is $50/mo. x 24, with a $120 price break over the first six months, for a before-tax total of $1080, w/$300 (max) cancellation fee. The only new TurboHD Gold package I could find was $60/mo. w/DVR, so I'm assuming $54/mo. w/o. DVR. I also didn't see any Classic-type 6 month credits for TurboHD, so I'm figuring $54/mo. x 24 = $1296, with a $360 max cancellation fee. I also don't see any suggestions that the TurboHD packages will now get PlatinumHD @ n/c. So it seems like "now" beats August; any thoughts?

Beats the hell out of me! I couldn't make heads of tails out of the new price/package changes. However it seems to me if you are interested in two premium packages (HBO/Showtime/Starz/Cinemax) you get a better deal if you sign up and get installed before august 1. I could be very wrong.

3. Where can I see exactly what HD channels I would get w/Classic Silver or GoldHD? It seems like a "Where's Waldo" situation on the Dish web site.

I do not have a real answer for you. Sorry.

4. Where can I see exactly what RSN's I would get w/Turbo GoldHD? I see a list of a bunch; are they all included? I specifically want NESN (I'm in NH), but am interested in others as well.

Go to the Dish Network Web site (Satellite Television - DISH Network - 1.888.825.2557) click on packages>locals. Enter the information requested. When you get back the locals you qualify for, it will also list the RSNs you would get with 100plus and higher packages.

5. Has anyone had really good luck w/wireless HDMI, and if so, what setup? I have a long outdoor run to go from HD box @ set #1 to set #2, and would prefer a wireless option if viable.

Never tried this. Sorry. I currently use a 150' long HDMI cable with no issues and it cost me less than $70 at monoprice.com

6. Are there any non-DVR boxes that will do PIP?

I don't know how familiar you are with DVRs, but I see absolutely no reason NOT to get a DVR. If you've never had one, they will change the way you watch TV. Even the most tech retarded person once shown how to use this in a home environment will threaten a person with death and dismemberment if you try to take it away. If you have used one and don't want one, I say you never used your old DVR to its potential! I cannot watch TV without my DVR.

7. For a two room non-DVR setup, with one HD set and one SD (at least for now until I resolve #5): what's my best box? It looks like I would get a 222K by default; am I missing any spiffy non-DVR features that I would only get from a "non Dish-supplied" box?

I want to make sure you are aware that Dish's two room boxes can only output one HD signal at a time. The box can feed two HD TVs with HD signals simultaneously, but only if they are mirroring each other {TV1 HDMI & Component output). TV2 is strictly SD via RF, Composite or S-Video. A standard installation will use a diplexer and a coax to send the signal to TV2 via RF.

See ya
Tony​

 

[david_jr]

I don't know how familiar you are with DVRs, but I see absolutely no reason NOT to get a DVR. If you've never had one, they will change the way you watch TV. Even the most tech retarded person once shown how to use this in a home environment will threaten a person with death and dismemberment if you try to take it away. If you have used one and don't want one, I say you never used your old DVR to its potential! I cannot watch TV without my DVR.

GREAT answer!!!

 

[allargon]

Pre-sub questions, direct to you after a failed (and truly wretched) chat w/a Dish rep who absolutely knew how to link me to the TurboHD web page and then end the chat:

1. I have a technically challenged wife, who will implode if forced to deal with toggling between cable (for local HD's) and any dish box. I've read that some of the HD boxes will allow OTA channels to be received and added to the program guide; are there any HD boxes that permit a similar addition of channels from a basic "no box" cable feed so that only the Dish box and remote would need to be used?


5. Has anyone had really good luck w/wireless HDMI, and if so, what setup? I have a long outdoor run to go from HD box @ set #1 to set #2, and would prefer a wireless option if viable.
​

#1) Forget it. Even QAM is going the way of the do-do bird. QAM channels are either encrypted requiring a cable card, or SDV (and encrypted) requiring an advanced cable card or a set top box.

#5. Long runs with HDMI stink. Consider a long component cable instead. Wireless HDMI is very expensive. It does work. However, I've never read of any one of the solutions doing super long runs though.

Geffen's $800 solution only goes 30 ft and won't do 1080p60.

Gefen EXT-WHDMI wireless HDMI extender Audio & Video Distribution reviews - CNET Reviews


​

 

[wolfjc]

Pre-sub questions, direct to you after a failed (and truly wretched) chat w/a Dish rep who absolutely knew how to link me to the TurboHD web page and then end the chat:

1. I have a technically challenged wife, who will implode if forced to deal with toggling between cable (for local HD's) and any dish box. I've read that some of the HD boxes will allow OTA channels to be received and added to the program guide; are there any HD boxes that permit a similar addition of channels from a basic "no box" cable feed so that only the Dish box and remote would need to be used?"

I also have tech challenged wife. In my setup the DVD and the Dish are on different inputs on the TV and she always had trouble in switching between them.
So I went to Amazon and bought a Harmoney 880 universial remote. You programe it over the internet and it will setup your TV the way you need it.
I reduced my remote count from six remotes to just one.
Harmony has a great many different remotes and there other makers of universal remotes just so no one thinks I am working to Harmony. I just like mine.​

 

[Mojo Jojo]

Pre-sub questions, direct to you after a failed (and truly wretched) chat w/a Dish rep who absolutely knew how to link me to the TurboHD web page and then end the chat:

1. I have a technically challenged wife, who will implode if forced to deal with toggling between cable (for local HD's) and any dish box. I've read that some of the HD boxes will allow OTA channels to be received and added to the program guide; are there any HD boxes that permit a similar addition of channels from a basic "no box" cable feed so that only the Dish box and remote would need to be used?

2. I've read most of the post-August 1 package change threads, and the confusion makes me want to bang my head on a desk until HD no longer matters. I have existing lifeline cable that give me "actual" local channels, which I want to keep. I had pretty much settled on TurboHD Gold, but now I'm not sure what the future will bring. The current offer is $50/mo. x 24, with a $120 price break over the first six months, for a before-tax total of $1080, w/$300 (max) cancellation fee. The only new TurboHD Gold package I could find was $60/mo. w/DVR, so I'm assuming $54/mo. w/o. DVR. I also didn't see any Classic-type 6 month credits for TurboHD, so I'm figuring $54/mo. x 24 = $1296, with a $360 max cancellation fee. I also don't see any suggestions that the TurboHD packages will now get PlatinumHD @ n/c. So it seems like "now" beats August; any thoughts?

3. Where can I see exactly what HD channels I would get w/Classic Silver or GoldHD? It seems like a "Where's Waldo" situation on the Dish web site.

4. Where can I see exactly what RSN's I would get w/Turbo GoldHD? I see a list of a bunch; are they all included? I specifically want NESN (I'm in NH), but am interested in others as well.

5. Has anyone had really good luck w/wireless HDMI, and if so, what setup? I have a long outdoor run to go from HD box @ set #1 to set #2, and would prefer a wireless option if viable.

6. Are there any non-DVR boxes that will do PIP?

7. For a two room non-DVR setup, with one HD set and one SD (at least for now until I resolve #5): what's my best box? It looks like I would get a 222K by default; am I missing any spiffy non-DVR features that I would only get from a "non Dish-supplied" box?
​

That's it; any and all feedback is appreciated!
​

Pre-sub questions, direct to you after a failed (and truly wretched) chat w/a Dish rep who absolutely knew how to link me to the TurboHD web page and then end the chat:

1. I have a technically challenged wife, who will implode if forced to deal with toggling between cable (for local HD's) and any dish box. I've read that some of the HD boxes will allow OTA channels to be received and added to the program guide; are there any HD boxes that permit a similar addition of channels from a basic "no box" cable feed so that only the Dish box and remote would need to be used?

2. I've read most of the post-August 1 package change threads, and the confusion makes me want to bang my head on a desk until HD no longer matters. I have existing lifeline cable that give me "actual" local channels, which I want to keep. I had pretty much settled on TurboHD Gold, but now I'm not sure what the future will bring. The current offer is $50/mo. x 24, with a $120 price break over the first six months, for a before-tax total of $1080, w/$300 (max) cancellation fee. The only new TurboHD Gold package I could find was $60/mo. w/DVR, so I'm assuming $54/mo. w/o. DVR. I also didn't see any Classic-type 6 month credits for TurboHD, so I'm figuring $54/mo. x 24 = $1296, with a $360 max cancellation fee. I also don't see any suggestions that the TurboHD packages will now get PlatinumHD @ n/c. So it seems like "now" beats August; any thoughts?

3. Where can I see exactly what HD channels I would get w/Classic Silver or GoldHD? It seems like a "Where's Waldo" situation on the Dish web site.

4. Where can I see exactly what RSN's I would get w/Turbo GoldHD? I see a list of a bunch; are they all included? I specifically want NESN (I'm in NH), but am interested in others as well.

5. Has anyone had really good luck w/wireless HDMI, and if so, what setup? I have a long outdoor run to go from HD box @ set #1 to set #2, and would prefer a wireless option if viable.

6. Are there any non-DVR boxes that will do PIP?

7. For a two room non-DVR setup, with one HD set and one SD (at least for now until I resolve #5): what's my best box? It looks like I would get a 222K by default; am I missing any spiffy non-DVR features that I would only get from a "non Dish-supplied" box?
​

That's it; any and all feedback is appreciated!
​

3. Satellite TV Programming & Local Channel Guide at DISH Network (I found this site to be very helpful since the channels are better organized than the Packages website in my opinion.) I have been comparing D*'s and E*'s for a few months now, and we are thinking about switching due to we love movies. We are just not big sports fans; however, I do think E* still has enough sports channels. The Packages website is good for information, too, but I do not find it as organized as the PDFs again. Satellite TV and HD Satellite TV Packages - DISH Network Of course, if you find E*'s website too difficult to navigate (which it can be at times), Wikipedia has a list which I use from time to time. However, Wikipedia can be edited by anyone and may not be up-to-date. With saying this, I have not found much problems with it, but I wanted you to know that it is not straight from the source. [ame="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Dish_Network_channels"]List of Dish Network channels in the United States - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia@@AMEPARAM@@/wiki/File:Ambox_outdated_serious.svg" class="image"><img alt="Ambox outdated serious.svg" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8f/Ambox_outdated_serious.svg/40px-Ambox_outdated_serious.svg.png"@@AMEPARAM@@commons/thumb/8/8f/Ambox_outdated_serious.svg/40px-Ambox_outdated_serious.svg.png[/ame] I also found this comparison website : https://customersupport.dishnetwork.com/DishCart/land.do? Turbo HD List Website: DISH Network - 1.888.825.2557 (We really want the standard definition channels, too......not sure if this is what you wanted, though.) I hope this helps. I personally like the Gold 250 w/HD package because of the Encore channels (I believe the $10 extra for HD Gold gets you Encore East HD w/o the standard channel as well as the other HD channels....Gold 250 gets you two SD west feeds of the The Movie Channel, the various SD Encores, and the west SD feed of Encore.) We are also unsure about whether to wait until August 1 or before because I read that some of the offers expire July 31 according to the website; I hope that is not true for the HD DVD reciever upgrade (although we are not really worried about the DVR...we know the service is $5.00 or $5.98 extra depending on the package tier and HD choice.....so, not sure if we really want that extra costs.....however, if the HD DVR is &quot;free,&quot; then I suppose we would get it and maybe love it......). We would be stoked to have HDNET Movies and MGM HD if the $10 extra fee goes away, and they are placed in just the HD $10 package. *Also, E* does offer locals for $5/month extra with a qualifying package; some may be in HD. You just have to put in your zip code and check on this website: https://customersupport.dishnetwork.com/customernetqual/prepAddress.do With E*, we would actually get an extra local channel as well as a regional and collegiate sports network not available on D*. Again, I hope this helps you rather than confuse you.