Help with simple upgrade

[Eddie Trojan]

Greetings -

I would like to add a receiver to my current DN configuration. We have a Dish 500 with dual LNB, but are already running two receivers (301 and a 508). I've been considering purchasing another 508 so I can avoid the monthly DVR fees, and understand I'd need to purchase a quad LNB as well. I have a few specific questions:

1. I don't know what a "Legacy" receiver is, but have noticed that some LNBs are not compatible with Legacy units. What do I need to look for here?

2. If I purchase a refurbished 508 unit with yellow card, then purchase and install the proper quad LNB, what further steps do I need to take to activate the reciever?

3. Is it a good idea to be purchasing a receiver right now, considering the pending implementation of MP4?

4. We are purchasing another TV to run on this set-up and are probably going to purchase an HD Sony unit. I don't plan on subscribing to the HD service at this time but the TV we are looking at does have a coax UHF/VHF input... can I use this in non-HD (low-def?) mode without problems?

5. DN says they will come out and do the install and give me a new receiver for about $200, but I believe I'd have to pay an additional $10 per month - $5 for the extra unit and $5 for the DVR fee. I understand that there is no fee for the DVR 508 - so the way I see it, if I purchase my own equipment and do the install myself my bill will only increase by $5 per month. Does this sound correct, or am I missing something?

6. The way I see it, it's a push money-wise for having DN do the install and the lease of equip vs. myself doing the install and purchasing the equipment. The only difference should be the $5 per month... yah, I guess I'm cheap. Again, does this sound right?

Thanks in advance for helping out this newbie. I greatly appreciate it.

 

[thiggin2]

You would need either a quad or a switch to hook up another 508. The receivers you have will work on both legacy or DP.
Adding another 508 would only be $5 more per month.
I dont think I would worry to much about the Mpeg4 change over, from what I've heard only HD will change over first. It might still be awhile before we a forced to do it.

 

[CastleGrayskull]

Why not upgrade your current 508 to a 522/625 and feed two tv's? You are going to put $4.99/mo towards an additional receiver fee with another 508, so why not put the money you'd be putting on that fee and use it for the DVR fee ($4.98/mo) on the 522/625. With a phone line plugged in there is no additional receiver fee, your monthly cost will be the same as if you had two 508s on your account. Ta da!

The promotion is DISH n' it up. If DISH comes out to do the upgrade it is automatic they will change out your LNB's with a DP Plus Twin as it is part of the upgrade. If it is through a retailer it is up to their discretion about the cost of the LNB/Switch. (Retailers correct me if I'm wrong).

Good Luck Eddie!

 

[Eddie Trojan]

This just makes too much sense - thank you very much for the help! I'll be going through dish and getting the dual receiver.

 

[SimpleSimon]

This just makes too much sense - thank you very much for the help! I'll be going through dish and getting the dual receiver.

But note that you (or Dish) will STILL need to swap out the LNB.

You'll likely get a DPP-Twin, because that will save having to run a second satellite feed to the 522/625.

 

[BobaBird]

1. Your receivers are all DishPro. The older 4-digit model number receivers are legacy. Your Dish 500 probably has a Twin (if it was dual there would be 2 of them) which can be DishPro or legacy. As long as you're upgrading, look for the DP version.

2. Tell Dish you are adding a receiver, be ready to provide the receiver and smart card serial numbers.

3. What thiggin2 said.

4. You should also see composite and S-video inputs on that TV.

If you go with the 625, replace the 301 and keep the 508.