newbie question

[rjad]

I am planning to get a new dishnet install, with top60/Local (with available).
since some of my locals are on 148, I guess I will get two dishes (500+300).
I will need two receivers for now, and have no plan for HDTV for at least
a few years.

1) shall I go with digital home or one of the "free" plan?
I would think "Free dish" or "free-for-all" is better because
you get to own the equipment. Does "Free DISH: mean I only own the DISH,
not the receiver?

2) for the two receivers, I guess I can go either 301+301, or 510+301,
right? It seems there is an extra $4.98 Video on demand for 510. Is
this fee for first year only, or do I have to pay it forever?

3) I have several RG6 running from outside to the central closet inside.
and RG6 homerun from closet to every rooms.
Do I have a choice on how to wire, or they will do
whatever they think is cheapest? I would like to have
three lines (from dish 500 and 300) going to the closet and have
a DP34 switch in the closet for my two receivers. This will allow
future growth.

 

[Mr Tony]

1) shall I go with digital home or one of the "free" plan?
I would think "Free dish" or "free-for-all" is better because
you get to own the equipment. Does "Free DISH: mean I only own the DISH,
not the receiver?

After a year, it is yours..all of it

2) for the two receivers, I guess I can go either 301+301, or 510+301,
right? It seems there is an extra $4.98 Video on demand for 510. Is
this fee for first year only, or do I have to pay it forever?

Unless you have America's (almost) everything pack, its 4.98 per month recoccuring

3) I have several RG6 running from outside to the central closet inside.
and RG6 homerun from closet to every rooms.
Do I have a choice on how to wire, or they will do
whatever they think is cheapest? I would like to have
three lines (from dish 500 and 300) going to the closet and have
a DP34 switch in the closet for my two receivers. This will allow
future growth.

that is the best option. If you have the lines run, they should hook it up that way

since some of my locals are on 148, I guess I will get two dishes (500+300).

If you get it directly through Dish, make sure you tell them that up front (that you have some locals on a 2nd dish). If its not on the work order, the installer will try to stick you paying for the 2nd dish.

which local area are you in? (just wondering because some areas dont need a 2nd dish)

 

[rjad]

San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose area. Do I need/qualify a second dish for local?

Why would anyone take the Digital Home (lease) over the Free equipment plans?

Do I need to pay extra for DP34 switch?

 

[Mr Tony]

San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose area. Do I need/qualify a second dish for local?

YEP (you actually make a haul)
KRON 4 (IND)
KRCB 22 (PBS)
KTSF 26 (IND)
KMTP 32 (IND)
KTNC 42 (TV AZTECA)
KSTS 48 (TELEMUNDO)
KTEH 54 (PBS)
KCSM 60 (PBS)
KTLN 68 (REL)

Why would anyone take the Digital Home (lease) over the Free equipment plans?

People who want no worries in case the equipment blows up..the non do it yourselfer

Do I need to pay extra for DP34 switch?

If you're getting it for the 2nd dish, no. Dish will supply the dish and all necessary hardware to receive those channels

 

[rjad]

2) for the two receivers, I guess I can go either 301+301, or 510+301,
right? It seems there is an extra $4.98 Video on demand for 510. Is
this fee for first year only, or do I have to pay it forever?

Unless you have America's (almost) everything pack, its 4.98 per month recoccuring

hm, maybe I should just go 301+301. do I really need 510?

 

[rjad]

Do I need to pay extra for DP34 switch?

If you're getting it for the 2nd dish, no. Dish will supply the dish and all necessary hardware to receive those channels

for my config (dish 500+300, receiver 301+301 or 510+310),
Can any other switches do the job, or DP34 is the only option?

 

[Mr Tony]

The DP34 would work the best, and since you need the 2nd dish for "must carry", Dish provides it for free.

The DP34 would allow you to hook up to 4 receivers off one switch, or add more for more receivers.

 

[boba]

Rjad & Iceberg DNSC for two receivers will install a DP Single LNB a DP Splitter and two DP-21 switches, that is cheaper for DISH than a DP-34.

 

[tconnors]

I have a home plan (didn't know I had it until I called and asked why my bill was $5 higher than I thought it should be)... Have had a 301 and 501 for 4 years. Will they let me drop the "home plan"? Is the equipment "mine"? If I buy their 811 deal, and I want to replace my 301 with it, do I need to send them my 301? Curious what my options are.

 

[rjad]

Rjad & Iceberg DNSC for two receivers will install a DP Single LNB a DP Splitter and two DP-21 switches, that is cheaper for DISH than a DP-34.

thanks boba, you are absolutely right! I just checked www.dishnetwork.com and that's what they said there. What is DNSC ?
now the question is if I can request DP34 so that I can have a better future growth possibility? or shall I just take whatever they give me and put them on ebay to get some $$ so that I can buy a DP34 myself?