Receiver Rev and Rom Verions Help

[fire_317]

Can someone explain the Receiver Rev and Rom versions? I am lookig at upgrading to a 721 and I found one with a Rev of A21 and ROM 10. What is the Rev and Rom and Should I stay away from them or are they ok? I guess, does these mean anything? One is being advertised as eaisly programable? What does that mean? Is that an upgrade and how do I do it? Does the 721 have a smart card built in? What is a blue card? I have seen the 721 advertised with out card. Will my card from my model 5000 receiver (the one I want to upgrade) work in the 721? Where can I purchase just a card and how much should I expect to pay for a card? Can a 721 be activated on a current customer (since 1997) account?

Sorry for all the questions, but I am not educated on this. Any thoughts or questions, please let me know.

Thanks
Dan

 

[HokieEngineer]

Dan,

You dont have to worry about any of those things (rom, rev, etc). You should get a receiver that comes with a card though, otherwise you have to go through the hassle of getting dish to send you another one, paying them $50 i think. I wouldn't buy just a card off ebay or anywhere unless you trust the person, theres a good chance the card has been tampered with, and dish might not let you activate it.

So if you want a 721, either call dish up, or find one on ebay that comes with a smartcard. Or check the classifieds on this forum.

Good luck!

 

[SimpleSimon]

Most of the posted details on rev & rom and such are only of interest to hackers.

To give you a couple of specific answers, smartcards are "married" to their receiver - you can NOT legally switch them out. Blue cards are the older ones - supposedly they are the last hackable ones.

It's always a crapshoot buying used receivers off of ebay - communicate with the seller BEFORE bidding and get an idea of who he is and what he's about.

 

[Pepper]

Before buying, ask for the receiver and smartcard numbers. If the seller won't give them to you, don't buy. call 800-333-3474 with those numbers and ask if the receiver is clear to add to your account and whether there's an outstanding balance owed.