I called to sub to Dishnetwork Today!

[Dugout Doug]

And they are installing tomorrow!

I want to know a few things.

First off, I am in the top 200 channels, with 2 DVR boxes, controlling 4 rooms, with HD essentials.

I am paying $65 a month. Getting 3 $39 credits over the next year.

Are there any deals out there that I can get if I call and threaten to balk at the install? If so, please let me know so I can call today and get in on them.

Also, I have been following the HD stuff on this site for about a month before making this move, I have a few things to say.

First off, I am getting my locals here in Hampton Roads Virginia in the next month or so, that is a BIG plus!!

Second, you guys are very let down here by how slow this process is, but I am with cable now. I have a $100 cable bill, and most of what I am paying, only goes on one tv.

I have one HDTV, and so I have to pay;
$7 for the box
$15 for digital tier
$6 DVR fee

Thats insane!! I will be able to cancel TiVo, and save $40+ a month with Dish Network.

I looked at Directv and they don;t have any plans to get my locals, so I went with dish.

So, aside from my initial questions above, one more question is, is there anything more that I need to know about Dish other then the slow adding of HD channels?

Thanks guys, and GREAT FORUM!

 

[mdonnelly]

But, your locals will show up in HD at Dish's whim. Don't make your decisions based on something that isn't available TODAY.

 

[Dugout Doug]

Haha, yeah, I thought that too. I DO get them OK with the antenna, and I have been tracking what they announced VS what they have done, and they are indeed adding the locals in HD that they said they would in April and May.

Hell, Richmond even came early.

But this 3x $39 credit I get in the first year, is that they same ad the 3 onths free on the website?

 

[mdonnelly]

Haha, yeah, I thought that too. I DO get them OK with the antenna, and I have been tracking what they announced VS what they have done, and they are indeed adding the locals in HD that they said they would in April and May.

Hell, Richmond even came early.

But this 3x $39 credit I get in the first year, is that they same ad the 3 months free on the website?

Yep, that's it. But it's not three consecutive months. It's spread out through the year.

And I know what you mean about cable and HD. Cox does the same thing here in OKC.

 

[gkjdc24]

Call them back and tell them that you want to cancel, unless they waive the cancellation fee. Just say that you aren't completely sure about making the jump from cable and you don't really want to get locked into something for 2 years. They will tell you that you won't be eligible for the discounts, but be persistent with them. I did that and they gave it to me.

The discounts will appear on your 1st, 10th and 20th month bills.

Good luck and good choice!

 

[Dugout Doug]

Call them back and tell them that you want to cancel, unless they waive the cancellation fee. Just say that you aren't completely sure about making the jump from cable and you don't really want to get locked into something for 2 years. They will tell you that you won't be eligible for the discounts, but be persistent with them. I did that and they gave it to me.

The discounts will appear on your 1st, 10th and 20th month bills.

Good luck and good choice!

are you saying that they gave you the discounts WITHOUT the 24 month commitment?

 

[gkjdc24]

Yessir

 

[Dugout Doug]

Can I get in on the 1 cent a year cinimax too?

 

[gkjdc24]

I did. You just have to be persitent with them. Tell them your Dad, or a friend got the same deal. If they don't do it then cancel. Wait a few hours and call them back.

I would bet that they don't let you cancel though. They will transfer you to an account specialist and then you should get what you asked for.

Good luck!

 

[Durangee]

Hello Doug,

You may want to double check that monthly price. If your getting 2 DVR boxes it may be more than $65/month.

Top 200 DVR Advantage : $49.99 Includes locals and DVR fee on one box
Hd essentials: 10.00
2nd receiver lease fee 5.00
2nd receiver DVR fee: 5.98

Total: 70.97

 

[Dugout Doug]

So, how do they run the lines for the additional TV's for the dual TV DVR's?

Haha, every time I call back they are giving me something new.

I just got HD essentials for 6 months free.

Durangee, Thanks, I will call again about this, the guy told me that it was 64.00 for DVR Advantage, $5 for sends reviever, and $10 for HD Essentials. No free 6 months for HD essentials. So I just gained that.

Lets see, what other promos can I get under guys?

 

[WiCkeDuDe]

They run a line from the dvr to the tv2, or if there is an existing line to the tv they will tap into that line in someform, usually diplexers. Tv2 backfeeds can be rG59 cable, and I agree that your price doesnt not sound right.

Thats what I pay with 1 HD Dvr, so yours should be $10 higher with a 2nd dvr.

 

[Durangee]

So, how do they run the lines for the additional TV's for the dual TV DVR's?

That will depend on the installer. If feasible, the installer may run new cable from the dvr location to the 2nd tv. If not, he may use diplexers to combine signals on the existing cabling in your home.

It really depends on the layout of your home and the access he'll have to each tv location and the existing cable.

 

[Durangee]

Also, not sure if the csr's told you the duel tuner DVR boxes will need telephone line connection. If not, an additional $5.00 fee per box will apply. The price I quoted above also assumed telephone line connection.

 

[mstregamer]

If you get a CSR from INDIA than just hang up until you get someone that you can understand and that they can understand you! Hopefully someone from the USA!

 

[Dugout Doug]

If you get a CSR from INDIA than just hang up until you get someone that you can understand and that they can understand you! Hopefully someone from the USA!

Haha, did that twice.

Apparently the guy I signed up with DID forget to tell me about the $6 DVR fee for the 2nd reviver.

Its ok, between you guys and I, no biggie. $70 is still better.

But as far as they were concerned, I was PISSED!

Got 6 months of a $10 credit.

 

[KAB]

I think you've stretched the rubber band about as far as you're gonna get.

 

[Dugout Doug]

I think you've stretched the rubber band about as far as you're gonna get.

Got one more, $50 referral to someone that sent me a PM about something I need to do in a month or 2, and that gives me.....$30 credit too!



Big bucks, no whammy, no whammy...........

 

[pablitovt]

Ya, when I called they promised me hampton-roads locals as well. That was at the end of 2006... After 6 different antennas, hundreds of different setups, and hours of wasted time screwing w/ OTA... I'll be thrilled to get the locals SOON. My contract is up at the end of the month, and will be switching if the locals aren't on.

And ya, the local Cox is terrible, but that's what most of the people in our area have. Anyway, anything is better than cox

 

[FitzAusTex]

Check out the HD-Only package:
DISH Network -- Dish HD

$29.99/month +$5 locals + $7 for 2nd receiver + $5.98 DVR fee each ($11.96) = $53.95 + tax

I've been living with this package for 2 months, so far so good. If E* truly adds the 25 HD channels that Charlie mentioned last month, it will be a very good deal.

You get the SD versions of any HD channel that has an SD version, and SD locals even if E* doesnt yet provide your locals in HD. You can also add the SD Public Interest channels (C-SPAN, etc) for free. You CANNOT get your RSN with this package, however.