Tom this is from Dish Network Fees FAQ
Why does DISH Network charge a receiver lease fee for my Standard or High Definition receiver?
The receiver lease fee for the first activated receiver on your account is included in your programming package price when you subscribe to qualified programming. An additional receiver lease fee of $5.00 per month for a standard definition receiver (Solo, Duo, Solo DVR, and DuoDVR), or $7.00 per month for a high definition receiver (HD Solo, HD Duo, HD Solo DVR, or HD DuoDVR) will be charged to your account for each receiver activated beyond the first.
When I got Dish installed I got 625 & 311. I have classic 200& DVR advantage + I play $5 for 311 as additional SD outlet. I didnt pay/buy any of the above 2 boxes.
My point is....even if I buy HD box...I continue to pay additional outlet box. It appears thats that what Dish calls a lease fees ie combined with outlet fees. Therefore....buying the HD box at such high price makes no sense to me at all.
As u mention..Dish is looking to open a local office. Hoping that whatever happens...I get a HD box (preferably DVR)..at a cheap price if not free upgrade
. Till then...I will wait.