Dish CSR please comment on mixed arc set-up for Puerto Rico and USVI customers
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Hey Dish, the competition is starting to get better in the USVI
Innovative Cable TV launched high-definition television programming and digital video recorders throughout the territory on March 14. Graciela Rivera, general manager of Innovative Cable TV, said, “High-definition programming and digital video recorders are products that customers have been requesting for quite some time, and we are very excited about these important additions to our Innovative offerings.”
wo new Motorola set-top converters were introduced to Innovative customers this week. Customers choosing HD/DVR converters will have the ability to record shows digitally to view at their convenience and will also have the ability to pause, fast-forward and rewind live TV.
hirteen HD channels have been added to our current expanded level of service with a mix of varied and diverse popular channels to appeal to a wide variety of current and new subscribers, including ESPN HD, Travel Channel HD, USA HD, a new channel, Universal HD and more. These channels are available to all expanded service customers with an HD converter and an HDTV,” Rivera said.
Innovative Cable TV launched high-definition television programming and digital video recorders throughout the territory on March 14. Graciela Rivera, general manager of Innovative Cable TV, said, “High-definition programming and digital video recorders are products that customers have been requesting for quite some time, and we are very excited about these important additions to our Innovative offerings.”
wo new Motorola set-top converters were introduced to Innovative customers this week. Customers choosing HD/DVR converters will have the ability to record shows digitally to view at their convenience and will also have the ability to pause, fast-forward and rewind live TV.
hirteen HD channels have been added to our current expanded level of service with a mix of varied and diverse popular channels to appeal to a wide variety of current and new subscribers, including ESPN HD, Travel Channel HD, USA HD, a new channel, Universal HD and more. These channels are available to all expanded service customers with an HD converter and an HDTV,” Rivera said.
We can get as technical as we want, but history is our side. I'm a Dish Network subs since 1997. Back then we needed a minimium 6 footers and a X500 receiver, cost on the Dish $600 and receiver $150. I got Dish right after Alfastar went out of businness. We were not recongnized as a Dish Market nor locartion 119 as official but they did activated our account with PR address. In 1998 the Dish boom in PR started and many including myself started our own business re-selling for Dealers and only charging for the installation. Average price for a system was $899 and many happy customer even tough 2 transponder from then 119 were very weak annd even a small cloud in front on th Dish will block HBO and others as I remember. Back in 2000 a new sat was moved to the 110 location, once again Dish hasd no issues actigvating the customer the Top-200 at the time which required 119 and 110. During 2003-04 CBS-Hd was added to the 61.5 location and I remember that Dish had no problems adding CBS-HD from new york to those who paid for the East Networks, I was one of them. Also new channels were just part of the packages, some International channels.
A friend and I became Authorized Dealers on 2004 and we identified a Niche Market, HD installations. When the VOOM Package was added, we had no problems activating that Package for new and existing customers willing too pay a great deal of money for 2 6 footers and a 4-5 footers. Also many mone their existing 6 footers and got the package. I remeber that I was if not the 1st the second person that got the Voom in PR on my personal account. I was making good money until all of the sudden Dish stop activating the Voom package in PR due to people starting calling to get the package and not having the necessary Dish to get it then asking for refunds. That always should be handled by Retailers. My business went to the drain after that.
Voom got screwed and Dish kept some channels and added new ones, National HDs. They call it the Dish Silver, Gold and Platimum. Again Dish lets up keep the channels and all 3(110-119-61.5) location were supported.
I can keep going but those were some examples when Dish had no issue gettting our $$$$. Last year on June on the Retailer Seminar on San Juan they promised that Pr will have the same business rules as US, well this is not happenning. Why do we pay the same amount for the Premiums and we keep losing the HD channels. If they deseigned a Dish HD package for PR, do the same for Premiums. This is all people is asking, I know that we've progressed, but we are paying the same for less.
In my case I haven't done that but I planned to take my AEP down to the Top-250. Once you get used to the HD quality there's not going back. And yes, I love the Dish features I have a 922, and use the Sling almost everyday. Specially when I go to a hotel and a channel selection just blows. I paid $174 including taxes every month for my 922-722-622 system. I was a victim off all the price and additional receivers fees, and keep them because my family and I got used to the dual tunners recordings. There's no comparison in service in PR but things are changing.
Sorry for the long post.
Tom
For now according to Innovative's ad they are offering one channel in HD, ESPN. Cost is around $60 per month with a single digital converter. They are upgrading from DCT 1000s to DCT 2000s. While this is an improvement the DCT 2000 is still ten year old technology.
Because much of Innovative's plant is either 450 or 400 Mhz depending on which island you are on Innovative has to use maximum compression to offer the number of channels they do which doesn't improve picture quality.
Jim
Because much of Innovative's plant is either 450 or 400 Mhz depending on which island you are on Innovative has to use maximum compression to offer the number of channels they do which doesn't improve picture quality.
Jim
If they are offering HD and a DVR then it aint going to be a DCT 2000, if I remember it only has S video out at best. They must have some other type of box
The equation is simple, if you buy 10 pounds of cheese, get home and all you got is 8 pounds, how would you feel????, specially with the investment people here have made on overall equipment. Why would they leave 119 transponder 5 whose spot beam is dedicated for Puerto Rico/USVI with just a WGN and leave the rest empty. And they keep taking people very expensive subs money. I made my change and no longer provide my 194.00 a month and more and my money is no longer being sent DISH. Very simple. Do I feel bad, yes. But it's against my principle not to be taken a as a sucker. When you pay over 2,500.00 a year for a half empty plate I could not tolerate it. I am the kind of individual that when I loose my love for something I never go back.
Call it what you want but everyone has its limits and mine was reached
If it was just that simple why wouldn't Tony just state that rather then some longwinded explanation on the curve of the earth, which had nothing to do with the question posed. Also
the channels are being received in SD anyway
Innovative hasn't updated their Web site yet to promote the HD & DVR services they will be offering. I agree they will need something other than the DCT 2000 to offer enhanced services. Probably the reason they migrated from the DCT 1000 to the DCT 2000 is that the surplus and scrap dealers no longer could supply DCT 1000s as major MSOs replaced this serices this series of DCTs 8 - 10 years ago.
Even with Innovative's upgrades they still will have a one way system meaning to order PPV you need to call them on the phone.
Until Innovative completes a complete rebuild they will not be competitive with either Dish or Direct. Then they still have to overcome the disadvantage of their poor customer service and high service prices.
Jim
Even with Innovative's upgrades they still will have a one way system meaning to order PPV you need to call them on the phone.
Until Innovative completes a complete rebuild they will not be competitive with either Dish or Direct. Then they still have to overcome the disadvantage of their poor customer service and high service prices.
Jim
There are other two HD packages. The ones for Dish Latino Dos PR customers and Dish Latino Max PR customers. Still there is no reason why couldn't dish include the missing HD from 119/110 PR HD packages on 61.5 to make the HD packages complete for PR.
If you add a 61.5 satellite to your setup you could get the few HD NBA-LP (about 50% of games) that Dish broadcast on their NBA LP package for this current season. I could help you with this if you want me to. Just PM me. ABC-HD is available over the air to select portions of the island as I type this.
I did provide a long winded explanation didn't I?
Sorry.
This is entirely different, and if I could get PM'd some account numbers from anyone who is getting the "out of area" message, I will see what I can do. This message is typically a related to blackout, not unlike sports blackouts, to a certain zip and it may be something that unintentionally happened during some change, but I can research exactly what the deal is. Also, if you can provide the channel names and numbers, and what satellite/transponder they come from (along with signal strength), that would help me get to a resolution. I can honestly say I have not heard of that message appearing on any other channel then I described, until now. Thanks for clarifying that there is an actual error message other then a "no signal" type thing. Also, let me know if you happen to see Attention 013 on any of those channels as well, which is more what I was thinking would be present (usually an authorization issue due to a missing orbital/transponder combination or lack of signal from the same).
As far as the full array of channels, I still believe there is somewhat of a limitation regarding transponders that carry the channels and the footprint that they make (which goes back to my original posts) based on angles and sat positioning, along with bandwidth limitations due to MPEG2 compression. Research lends that, depending of course on what is being sent, somewhere between 6 and 12 channels can be provided per transponder in that form of compression. Therefore, to give a full array of 250 channels (assuming that there are no other packages with different channels) there would need to be a minimum of 22 transponders (rounding up) designated to PR/VI in order to support just the AT250. Add in channels not found in the AT250, such as some DISH Latino and international channels, as well as premium channels like HBO and Starz, and the requirement grows larger still. Now combine that with the location of the satellite and angles available to reach the same location, and you start running into the limitations I posted about earlier. The previous information I provided, based on everything I had researched up to that point, suggests the problem that I was eluding to. No contradictory information had been found at the time of those posts. The conversion to MPEG4 compression (and the associated switch on gear, etc) should help the situation considerably by freeing up bandwidth. I will, however, continue to search for both supporting and dissenting information and may stumble across something, or someone, that can help us get to a more satisfactory answer. As always it takes time, but I would be glad to investigate further and see if I can provide more information on the issue.
As far as any thoughts about a contract issue, I find that doubtful. If a customer pays for a channel set, especially premium channels, I believe that whether or not they have signal or support, some portion (not sure what percentage) of the "charge" for the channels goes to the programmers. HBO subscribers, whether or not they can receive the channels due to signal or any other limitation, still increase the payment due when we cut the check to HBO. I cannot imagine that HBO would "discount" anything because a few (if not all) of the channels cannot be sent to a particular area. Someone subscribed to the package, we collect money on that package, HBO expects to be paid 100% of whats due to them. Just my thoughts, and as always I can be wrong.
Sorry.This is entirely different, and if I could get PM'd some account numbers from anyone who is getting the "out of area" message, I will see what I can do. This message is typically a related to blackout, not unlike sports blackouts, to a certain zip and it may be something that unintentionally happened during some change, but I can research exactly what the deal is. Also, if you can provide the channel names and numbers, and what satellite/transponder they come from (along with signal strength), that would help me get to a resolution. I can honestly say I have not heard of that message appearing on any other channel then I described, until now. Thanks for clarifying that there is an actual error message other then a "no signal" type thing. Also, let me know if you happen to see Attention 013 on any of those channels as well, which is more what I was thinking would be present (usually an authorization issue due to a missing orbital/transponder combination or lack of signal from the same).
As far as the full array of channels, I still believe there is somewhat of a limitation regarding transponders that carry the channels and the footprint that they make (which goes back to my original posts) based on angles and sat positioning, along with bandwidth limitations due to MPEG2 compression. Research lends that, depending of course on what is being sent, somewhere between 6 and 12 channels can be provided per transponder in that form of compression. Therefore, to give a full array of 250 channels (assuming that there are no other packages with different channels) there would need to be a minimum of 22 transponders (rounding up) designated to PR/VI in order to support just the AT250. Add in channels not found in the AT250, such as some DISH Latino and international channels, as well as premium channels like HBO and Starz, and the requirement grows larger still. Now combine that with the location of the satellite and angles available to reach the same location, and you start running into the limitations I posted about earlier. The previous information I provided, based on everything I had researched up to that point, suggests the problem that I was eluding to. No contradictory information had been found at the time of those posts. The conversion to MPEG4 compression (and the associated switch on gear, etc) should help the situation considerably by freeing up bandwidth. I will, however, continue to search for both supporting and dissenting information and may stumble across something, or someone, that can help us get to a more satisfactory answer. As always it takes time, but I would be glad to investigate further and see if I can provide more information on the issue.
As far as any thoughts about a contract issue, I find that doubtful. If a customer pays for a channel set, especially premium channels, I believe that whether or not they have signal or support, some portion (not sure what percentage) of the "charge" for the channels goes to the programmers. HBO subscribers, whether or not they can receive the channels due to signal or any other limitation, still increase the payment due when we cut the check to HBO. I cannot imagine that HBO would "discount" anything because a few (if not all) of the channels cannot be sent to a particular area. Someone subscribed to the package, we collect money on that package, HBO expects to be paid 100% of whats due to them. Just my thoughts, and as always I can be wrong.
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I did provide a long winded explanation didn't I?
This is entirely different, and if I could get PM'd some account numbers from anyone who is getting the "out of area" message, I will see what I can do. This message is typically a related to blackout, not unlike sports blackouts, to a certain zip and it may be something that unintentionally happened during some change, but I can research exactly what the deal is. Also, if you can provide the channel names and numbers, and what satellite/transponder they come from (along with signal strength), that would help me get to a resolution. I can honestly say I have not heard of that message appearing on any other channel then I described, until now. Thanks for clarifying that there is an actual error message other then a "no signal" type thing. Also, let me know if you happen to see Attention 013 on any of those channels as well, which is more what I was thinking would be present (usually an authorization issue due to a missing orbital/transponder combination or lack of signal from the same).
As far as the full array of channels, I still believe there is somewhat of a limitation regarding transponders that carry the channels and the footprint that they make (which goes back to my original posts) based on angles and sat positioning, along with bandwidth limitations due to MPEG2 compression. Research lends that, depending of course on what is being sent, somewhere between 6 and 12 channels can be provided per transponder in that form of compression. Therefore, to give a full array of 250 channels (assuming that there are no other packages with different channels) there would need to be a minimum of 22 transponders (rounding up) designated to PR/VI in order to support just the AT250. Add in channels not found in the AT250, such as some DISH Latino and international channels, and the requirement grows larger. Now combine that with the location of the satellite and angles available to reach the same location, and you start running into the limitations I posted about earlier. The previous information I provided, based on everything I had researched up to that point, suggests the problem that I was eluding to. No contradictory information had been found at the time of those posts. The conversion to MPEG4 compression (and the associated switch on gear, etc) should help the situation considerably by freeing up bandwidth. I will, however, continue to search for both supporting and dissenting information and may stumble across something, or someone, that can help us get to a more satisfactory answer. As always it takes time, but I would be glad to investigate further and see if I can provide more information on the issue.
As far as any thoughts about a contract issue, I find that doubtful. If a customer pays for a channel set, especially premium channels, I believe that whether or not they have signal or support, some portion (not sure what percentage) of the "charge" for the channels goes to the programmers. HBO subscribers, whether or not they can receive the channels due to signal or any other limitation, still increase the payment due when we cut the check to HBO. I cannot imagine that HBO would "discount" anything because a few (if not all) of the channels cannot be sent to a particular area. Someone subscribed to the package, we collect money on that package, HBO expects to be paid 100% of whats due to them. Just my thoughts, and as always I can be wrong.
these channels:
327 The Movie Channel HD (East)
340 Encore HD (East)
351 Starz HD (West)
352 Starz Edge HD
on your HBO analogy, that is exactly our point. we pay 100% like every other customer but you only deliver us 80%. So we expect 100% delivery of service.
Want to free up space dump all the SD feeds, that have an HD feed and remember we get most of our channels already off the 119/110 so we are not looking for 250 channels to be added
Hi Tony and thanks for your efforts
Here are some preliminary details (not home, can't get account):
Ch. 327 (9481) TMC-E (Sat 110, trsp 19, Signal strength of 70 [and that measure is with sky completely cloudy and raining; usually (in previous checks, clear sky) signal strength in this transponder is 86])-
Attention 743: This program is not available for viewing in your area. Select "OK" to go back, or select "Help" for more information.
Ch. 340 (9505) ENCORE-E (Sat 110, trsp 19, Signal strength of 70 [and that measure is with sky completely cloudy and raining; usually (in previous checks, clear sky) signal strength in this transponder is 86])-
Attention 743: This program is not available for viewing in your area. Select "OK" to go back, or select "Help" for more information.
The following HD channels I don't have in my guide, but are on the same transponder, same signal strength (there should be no signal or reception problems for us):
152 CBS C
351 STARZ W
352 SEDGE
As a matter of fact, we do get HD channels from that same transponder (ex. CI). No problems at all.
Tony, if you can get this taken care of, and help us receive our "lost" channels back, you would make a whole bunch of people VERY happy. (Plus it would be great for prospective customers, knowing that they get more HD from Dish)
Thanks
Here are some preliminary details (not home, can't get account):
Ch. 327 (9481) TMC-E (Sat 110, trsp 19, Signal strength of 70 [and that measure is with sky completely cloudy and raining; usually (in previous checks, clear sky) signal strength in this transponder is 86])-
Attention 743: This program is not available for viewing in your area. Select "OK" to go back, or select "Help" for more information.
Ch. 340 (9505) ENCORE-E (Sat 110, trsp 19, Signal strength of 70 [and that measure is with sky completely cloudy and raining; usually (in previous checks, clear sky) signal strength in this transponder is 86])-
Attention 743: This program is not available for viewing in your area. Select "OK" to go back, or select "Help" for more information.
The following HD channels I don't have in my guide, but are on the same transponder, same signal strength (there should be no signal or reception problems for us):
152 CBS C
351 STARZ W
352 SEDGE
As a matter of fact, we do get HD channels from that same transponder (ex. CI). No problems at all.
Tony, if you can get this taken care of, and help us receive our "lost" channels back, you would make a whole bunch of people VERY happy. (Plus it would be great for prospective customers, knowing that they get more HD from Dish)
Thanks
MPEG4 would be the only transition that would benefit PR/VI customers as far as more channels within the same bandwidth limitation, and that requires the current subscriber base in the area to have MPEG4 capable receivers. This could be at cost to the customer, of course, and that would be counterproductive to the purpose of the thread in general. In regards to an immediate benefit for PR/VI customers, this would not really be feasible for numerous reasons. Simply removing SD feeds when the channel is available in HD (without MPEG4 conversion) would mean two things: anyone without an HD-capable receiver would not get the HD channels and they would not be provided SD anymore, furthering the annoyance of not having all the channels that are paid for. It would also be limiting the bandwidth as HD requires more information, not less, then SD (especially when considering the audio improvements that go with the video improvements) under the current MPEG2 compression. Also consider this transition would not just affect PR/VI customers, but any CONUS customer that receives the same channels. This would oust some of the already "peeved" customers by going the wrong way to deal with the issue.
Believe me, I understand the purpose behind your argument. A switch to increase more channels in the same bandwidth like that takes time and preparation, in order to make it as painless as possible to all the customers who do not currently have capable equipment. My assumption, based on the requirements for new subscribers (MPEG4 as I mentioned before) is that prep work has already been started.
--Edit-- To ljdonato, already tracking this down and seeing what I can do to get this back for you.
Check signal on Sat 110, trans 19. Just checked the list here on Satguys, and cross-checked with the master engineering list. Shows the same thing.
I'm not home now, but we always have a strong signal coming from tp19. I hope you are right that its just an error, I do think that Dish took them away on purpose.
Tony like other have mentioned before, we appreciate your disposition to solve our problems. This is the first time someone from Dish really listen our claims. Thank you.
Hi Tony
I don't quite get your request. What shows the same thing? (The List for DISH sats seem to be down right now. I can access everything for other providers and FTA but not for Dish sats)
Anyway, I'm not home now, but I have always kept an Excel spreadsheet in my laptop and phone, with my signal strength on various conditions (cloudy, clear, raining, storm), sats (just before a new one gets functional, and after) and antennas (different sizes). For 110 tp 19, I usually have a signal strength of 86-88. Yesterday morning, I checked and annotated (because it was really cloudy, cold, and raining here) and it was, as stated in my previous post, 70. And I am positive that I am receiving programming from that transponder (CI, I checked last night)
Hope this helps.
