Retailer Chat Recap - June 12, 2007

[Scott Greczkowski]

Well folks as is normally the case, the day after a consumer Charlie Chat, Dish Network usally has a Retailer Chat the next day, and yesterday was no exception.

I missed the live airing of the chat but did manage to DVR the replay which aired this morning at 3am. And now using my trusty Slingbox I am able to report to you highlights of yesterdays retailer chat.

As always I will only report on items of interest to the consumer, and not dealer sensitve items.

So now here we go!!

We are welcomed by Erik Carlson and Jim Defranco and they go over the schedule of happenings of todays show.

They jump into things by talking about new HD programming...

The go over the Local HD launches in Oklahoma City, OK., Honolulu, HI. and Anchorage, AK. This bring Dish Networks HD locals into 32 markets which 51% of the population.

More HD Locals and SD locals are coming.

They then announced some changes to the new Enhanced DishDVR Advantage Package. (see slide 7 below)

Some of the changes include.... The offer is exdended through August 14th.
The AT250 package no longer requires a movie package or Dish HD
Credit Card Auto Pay is now optional under the DishDVR Advantage package

For existing customers, the promotion has been extended until August 14th, and must agree to a 18 month commitment, and a form of auto pay. (See Slide 8)

New promotions are coming August 15th and these will be announced on the next retailer chat which is July 10th.

They then go into marketing materials and how retailers can make their own ads. (Nothing really interesting here for consumers)

 

[Scott Greczkowski]

They then start talking about NASCAR and all the wins they have had. Dish All Stars have won 4 of the races this year.

They are saying how important it is that retailers advertise NASCAR. They then show an ad feature the Dish All Stars Team.


Channel 101 will relaunch on July 1st with a new look, viewers will be told "Welcome to the Dish Network Neighborhood"

Two live hosts will walk customers through a 30 min loop of how to use Dish Network. Retailers should tune that channel in as the first channel a person sees and also the tech should record channel 101 to show them how to use the DVR.

Some of the topics will include:
Using your system
Dual Tuner Basics
Troubleshooting Tips
Your First Bill & Payment Options
The Weather Channel Interactive
and more (see slide 4 below)

They then talk about Dish U which is a training website for retailers and installers. Whats funny is on Dish U they have a course on how to sign people up for Credit card auto pay, and get this ... the training is sponsored by American Express.


Next up they go into talking about Dish Latino, they want retailers to promote "Copa De Oro" which is a big soccer tournament which will be airing June 6 - 24th on Univision, Telefutura and Galavision.

Now onto Dish International, with new channel launches
First up is Global One which will launch June 14th on channel 702 from 61.5 and 148 which is a Hebrew language channel from Israel.

Israeli Movie Channel will also launch on June 14th on channel 703 from 61.5 and 148. This channel will feature the best and greatest Israeli movies of all time.

These channels will be included in "The Israeli Gold Package" for $24.99 a month, or the "Israeli Platinum Package" for $34.99 a month and also includes Global One and EuroNews.

They then go on to talk about Dish PrePaid.

 

[Scott Greczkowski]

They then talk about High Speed Internet and how new customers and existing customers can earn $100 back for signing up for High Speed Internet via Dish Network or a Dish Network retailer.

This high speed internet includes Wildblue and DSL services.

AT&T is also offering additional cash back for their customers as well if the customer is in an AT&T area.


Next up its the best part of any chat... Its Tech News with Leslie Harper!

Leslie starts off by talking about the new ViP 222 MPEG4 HD Receiver, she goes over its features. She says its like a 622 but without the DVR.

She then goes on to tell us about the differences between the Dish 1000 and the Dish 1000.2.

And then she throws a plug in for the Installer Handbook.

With that she tosses it back to Jim and Erik.

Jim and Erik go over the pricing of the 222 and say it is eligible in all installs.

Next up they talk about the MobileDish. They want to clarify some information about it.

The Mobile Dish requires a seperate account from a customers regular residential account. And the cost of the MobileDish, the 311 receiver and installation must be paid for by the customer.

They then talk about the VOOM Channels moving to MPEG4 (why didn't they mention this on the Consumer chat?)

They say that a customer will be able to swap a "like for like" to MPEG4, for examble a 811 for a 211 or a 942 to a 622.

Dish will be calling all the customers to get them to migrate. The program starts now and the channels will move to MPEG4 on August 15th.

Jim wants to know if the customer can keep the $9.99 HD package or if they must upgrade to the $20 Dish HD Package. No one has an answer to that one, but they will find out and notify retailers. Erik thinks that people will need to agree to upgrade to the $20 HD package to get the like for like swap.

A clarification comes through on this and if the customer declines the upgrade and to move to the $20 DishHD package they will lose the VOOM channels yet continue to pay the $9.99 a month for the old HD package they have.

That wraps up the chat for new information and the chat then moves on to questions most of the questions are dealer sensitive, but here are a few interesting ones.

1) When are the new pocketdishes going to be available?

Jim says a new version is coming but no ETA

2) Whats with the recordings being lost on the 50x series

Answer, we are working on it

Thanks for being SatelliteGuys members! We hope you enjoyed our recap!

 

[MikeD-C05]

What does it mean when they say the following models aren't participating in the redeployment program starting 7/01/07?

They mention the follwing models :7200,501,508,510,721,921,942, 522,625 and the vip 622 receiver.

 

[Scott Greczkowski]

That means if a customer cancels their dish network service within 180 days a retailer could take their equipment and redeploys it to another customer.

Now under the new rules, retailers can not redeploy DVR's. Instead they would RA the DVR and get sent anothre DVR to replace it, this allows Dish to fully check the DVR's and prevent old technology from going back into the field.

 

[TuxCoder]

I hadn't seen that MobileDish before. Interesting looking.

Batteries not included? (excuse the obscure 80s reference)

 

[kstuart]

That means if a customer cancels their dish network service within 180 days a retailer could take their equipment and redeploys it to another customer.

Now under the new rules, retailers can not redeploy DVR's. Instead they would RA the DVR and get sent anothre DVR to replace it, this allows Dish to fully check the DVR's and prevent old technology from going back into the field.

Not old technology - rather it's bad hard drives.

 

[kstuart]

Next up they go into talking about Dish Latino, they want retailers to promote "Copa De Oro" which is a big soccer tournament which will be airing June 6 - 24th on Univision, Telefutura and Galavision.

This is in English as "Gold Cup" on Fox Soccer Channel (ch. 149).
USA doing very well so far.

 

[MikeD-C05]

That means if a customer cancels their dish network service within 180 days a retailer could take their equipment and redeploys it to another customer.

Now under the new rules, retailers can not redeploy DVR's. Instead they would RA the DVR and get sent anothre DVR to replace it, this allows Dish to fully check the DVR's and prevent old technology from going back into the field.

Thanks that makes sense.

 

[wainwright]

They then talk about the VOOM Channels moving to MPEG4 (why didn't they mention this on the Consumer chat?)

They say that a customer will be able to swap a "like for like" to MPEG4, for examble a 811 for a 211 or a 942 to a 622.


Scott,

When you originally posted the news, you listed the 921 and 942 as upgradeable to the 622. However, the slide included in this post shows only the 942. Do you know if the 921 is included?

 

[BobMurdoch]

Did they announce an expiration date on this swap program? My account goes into DishPause hibernation while they renovate my house starting this Sunday. My account will be offline until October approximately. Do I try and wait until I get things reactivated or do I do the swap during the downtime?

I've got a 622 with a busted HDMI out as well..... Was gonna swap it out when things were offline..... Anyone know if the $5.99 extended warranty plan that I have doesn't work during the downtime?

Thanks for any info,... otherwise I'll try the ceo@echostar.com route....

 

[mrsdrgn]

Where is Telefutura? It is no longer available on Dish. It use to be on 271.

 

[kokomogator]

Same question as above on the 921 swap.....also, what if you own the 921, if they alow the swap, would it be owned or leased?

Thanks!

 

[zevs]

The AT250 package no longer requires a movie package or Dish HD

Wonder why they only put this on the New Customers slide? Isn't this available to existing customers now too?

 

[navychop]

Leased.

 

[RIRWIN1983]

With TWC Interactive now being mentioned on 101 Starting 7/1. Is it safe to assume this is going to be rolled out fully now?

 

[dennispap]

They then announced some changes to the new Enhanced DishDVR Advantage Package. (see slide 7 below)

Some of the changes include.... The offer is exdended through August 14th.
The AT250 package no longer requires a movie package or Dish HD
Credit Card Auto Pay is now optional under the DishDVR Advantage package

For existing customers, the promotion has been extended until August 14th, and must agree to a 18 month commitment, and a form of auto pay. (See Slide 8)

An 18 month commitment is NOT required. They said, as what the slide also says,
CHOOSE between 1 of the 3 options.

 

[KE4EST]

Great Re-Cap Scott!!

 

[dozoclown]

Any indication what SD cities were going to be added?

 

[loves2watch]

They then talk about the VOOM Channels moving to MPEG4 (why didn't they mention this on the Consumer chat?)

They say that a customer will be able to swap a "like for like" to MPEG4, for examble a 811 for a 211 or a 942 to a 622.


Scott,

When you originally posted the news, you listed the 921 and 942 as upgradeable to the 622. However, the slide included in this post shows only the 942. Do you know if the 921 is included?

As part of DISH Network’s strategy to continue being the leading provider of HD programming, we are moving our VOOM HD Original channels (see table below) to MPEG-4.

VOOM HD Originals will no longer be available in MPEG-2, effective August 15, 2007. Customers who are still subscribing to the VOOM HD Originals package for $5.00/mo. and still have MPEG-2 equipment may be eligible to participate in a free customer “like-for-like” receiver upgrade program.

VOOM HD Originals Package ($5.00/mo.) - No Longer Available
• Animania HD • Film Fest HD • HD News • Monsters HD • Rush HD • Equator HD • Gallery HD • Kung Fu HD • RAVE HD • Ultra HD


Free Customer “Like-for-Like” Receiver Upgrade - Effective June 11, 2007 through July 31, 2007

There are customers across the country who are still subscribing to the VOOM HD Originals package for $5.00/mo., but only have MPEG-2 equipment. For these customers, we want to help them to continue receiving their VOOM HD channels by allowing them to complete a free “like-for-like” equipment upgrade.

These customers may be eligible to upgrade to a ViP-series / MPEG-4 receiver so that they can subscribe to DishHDTM. DISH Network is contacting these customers, but if a customer contacts you about exchanging their receiver for a “like” MPEG-4 receiver, and you are their Retailer of Record, you can perform the upgrade.

• Free Customer “Like-for-Like” Upgrades:
o Model 6000 or DISH 811 receivers = ViP211
o Model 921 or 942 receivers = ViP622 DVR

If customers prefer not to upgrade their receiver for a “like” one, (for example, they wish to upgrade their DISH 811 receiver for a ViP622 DVR), they may be eligible to qualify under the DISH’n It Up Promotional Program, and be charged standard upgrade fees.

“Like-For-Like” Upgrade Process for Participating Retailers:

• Initial Requirements:
o You must be the original Retailer of Record.
o The customer must qualify for the DISH‘n It Up Promotional Program.
o The customer needs to have one or more of the eligible receivers (6000, 811, 921 or 942) active on their account.
o The customer must request a “like-for-like” receiver upgrade (ViP211 for a model 6000 or 811, ViP622 DVR for a model 921 or 942).
o The customer must currently be subscribed to the $5.00/mo. VOOM HD Originals package.
o The customer needs to subscribe to DishHD. If the customer is newly subscribing to the DishHD package, they may be eligible for the $100 HD Bonus Offer (up to 10 monthly credits of $10 each).

• Customer Qualification Steps:
1. Call the Retailer Care Line at 303-723-3800 after you have generated the DISH’n It Up Agreement.
2. Provide the Retailer Care Line agent with the customer’s account number to verify that the customer is on the list of accounts that are eligible for the free “like-for-like” upgrade.
3. The Retailer Care Line agent will verify that the customer has eligible receivers active on their account and that you are the original Retailer of Record.
4. Provide the agent with the DISH’n It Up Agreement number.
5. Print the agreement from the Retailer Care Site and complete the installation.
6. When complete, fax the signed agreement as instructed by the Retail Care Line agent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q Can any customer participate in this free customer “like-for-like” receiver upgrade program?

A No. Only customers subscribing to the $5.00/mo. VOOM HD Originals package with an MPEG-2 receiver (model 6000, 811, 921 or 942) may participate in the free customer “like-for-like” upgrade program. Please note that if a customer were to choose a receiver that is not “like-for-like”, standard DISH’n It Up pricing would apply.

Q How much money do I collect from the customer?

A Nothing. Under this free customer “like-for-like” receiver upgrade program, customers will not be responsible for paying any DISH’n It Up fees associated with their upgrade. Please keep in mind that since you will not collect this money from the customer, DISH Network will pay you for the eligible customer
upgrade fees (under the DISH’n It Up Promotional Program) as well as any incentives associated with the eligible upgrades.

Q Is DISH Network requiring customers to participate in this free “like-for-like” upgrade?

A No. Customers are not required to participate in this upgrade. However, since the (MPEG-2) VOOM HD Originals package for $5.00/mo. will no longer be available, customers will no longer be able to receive this programming (and will no longer be charged the $5.00/mo. for it) after August 15, 2007.

Q For customers who decide not to participate, what HD programming would they still receive?

A If a customer decided not to participate in the free “like-for-like” upgrade, they will lose access to the VOOM HD Originals package (10 channels). However, their subscription to the MPEG-2, $9.99/mo. DISH Network HD Pak will continue to be grandfathered (5 channels - ESPN HD, Discovery HD Theater, HD Net, HD Net Movies, and TNT HD). The DISH Network HD Pak had previously been a requirement for subscribing to the VOOM HD Originals package.

Q Is the customer required to subscribe to the DishHD package under the free “like-for-like” upgrade?

A Yes. One of the requirements of the free customer “like-for-like” receiver upgrade (in the DISH‘n It Up Promotional Program) is subscribing to the $20.00/mo. DishHD package.

Q Why would an eligible customer not want to participate in this free “like-for-like” upgrade and subscribe to DishHD?

A Good question. Even though customers could choose to maintain their subscription to the 5-channel (MPEG-2) DISH Network HD Pak for $9.99/mo., keep in mind that for just $10.01/mo. more, they could instead subscribe to the DishHD package, which has up to 27 MPEG-4 / HD channels - including the
VOOM HD Originals channels they will lose. And, customers would be able to take advantage of a “free” upgrade to an MPEG-4 receiver! Please keep in mind that qualified programming of AT100 or higher is required with a subscription to DishHD.

Q Can a customer upgrade from a model 6000 or 811 receiver to a ViP622 DVR?

A Not for free, because the free upgrade program is only available for “like-for-like” receiver upgrades. These customers can, however, upgrade to a ViP211 receiver under the free upgrade program, which is a single-tuner MPEG-4 receiver. Customers with a model 6000 or 811 receiver who wish to upgrade to a ViP622 DVR, a dual-tuner MPEG-4 DVR, would be required to do so under the standard DISH‘n It Up Promotional Program and would be responsible for all standard upgrade fees and applicable charges.

Q If a customer participates in the free “like-for-like” receiver upgrade, can they also participate in the $50 DISH’n It Up Bonus Offer?

A No. These customers would only be able to participate in the $100 HD Bonus Offer with their initial subscription to the DishHD package, and not the $50 DISH’n It Up Bonus Offer. However, standard DISH’n It Up receiver upgrades would be eligible for the $50 DISH’n It Up Bonus Offer.