Some kind-of-technical questions from a potential new subscriber...

[Fate7]

Hi all… Been considering getting jumping from cable to satellite, probably Dish, and have a few kind-of-technical questions. I’ve been lurking here for some time, and have really enjoyed these forums. I would appreciate if anyone has any thoughts/suggestions on my potential set-up!

I’ve got 4 TVs: two HD, and two SD. I’d like DVR capability on the two HD sets. I’m assuming I’ll need 2 VIP722s each supporting one of the HD TVs and one of the SD TVs. I also have a new OTS Channel Master antenna (with rotator) that I need installed and connected to each of the DVRs. Right now I have coax lines running directly from the old cable demark into each room of the house. I have an unfinished basement below all of the rooms, so I’m assuming that running any new coax wouldn’t be terribly difficult.

So, my questions are:
1) Does the “free professional installation” include any inside in-wall (re?)wiring needed to link the SD TVs to the HD TVs directly?
2) Will the installer also be able to install the OTA antenna (and rotator) while setting up the sat dish? Any guesses as to how much extra this might cost (ballpark estimates, I know, I know.)? Can they provide the mounting parts for the OTA antenna? (I do have the 5 foot mast pole.)
3) If they can install the OTA antenna, would they also (be able to) run the additional wiring to support the coax for the OTA signal? I’m assuming that I’d need dual-jack coax faceplates installed as well (one jack for satellite, one for OTA). Is this something I’d need to provide? I am assuming the installer will have the coax, but I don’t know about the faceplates, splitters, etc, etc. Or is there some way to have the satellite signal diplexed with the OTA somehow?
4) I notice on the DishTV site there is a listing of “Public Interest” channels “available at no additional cost to DISH Network customers. May require additional dish antenna to view this programming. Additional fees may apply.” Does anyone have any additional information about this? I can’t find any details (cost?) on the website.
5) I can’t find a way to configure 2 HD DVRs (622/722) on Dish’s online configuration application, so I’m guessing I would need to buy (not lease) the second 622/722 DVR ($549, ouch!) Are there better places to purchase one?
6) I’m assuming from what I read on the forums here that it is best to avoid the Homezone HD DVR for the moment, and stick to the VIP622/722, yes? HZ HD is still buggy?
7) Finally, stupid question, probably… I see the DVR Advantage package recommended in this forum, but I’m not entirely sure what the actual “advantage” is (pun intended)… For $39.99, it includes the Top 100 lineup and a DVR. However, The Top 100 by itself is only $29.99 monthly. So, you don’t pay the $5.98 DVR fee, but you pay $10 extra per month? What am I missing?

Any comments/suggestions/advice are welcome!
Thanks in advance,
Shawn

 

[Max Wright]

You're going to have trouble having someone answer all those questions, but I'll answer some that I think I know the answer to.

1) If the room is unfinished then I think they would do that. But since it is a finished room, I doubt it. They'll get the wires into the place as close to the location of the TV as possible, but beyond that, it is up to you.

2) This is going to vary based on the retailer. When I had this done with my OTA, the local company was really nice, they sold me the antenna and installed it. It is not one that rotates (I don't need that). They included this on my HD upgrade from them. Best answer would be to call some of the DISH retailers in your area and ask some of these specifics. It really depends on the third party retailer.

3) When I had this done, they did it all at the same time as the install of the satellite. So probably, again you'll have to check with your potential third party peeps.

4) Each of the satellites that your dish can pick up (typically around 3 satellites) has 5 or so public interest channels. These vary from the NASA channel (why they include that as one I don't know, but it works) to other random ones like a station out of BYU. The additional fees is if you want a specific one, which means adding an additional dish for you to pick it up from the different satellite. Most of these are worthless but interesting to have.

5) They'll only let you lease one at a time to start with. You'll have to purchase the other one, or wait a few months and call back and get the second one. Or really try to sweet-talk the CSR. Go through the The Dish Store - Powered by Metro25 if you decide to purchase the second one. When you're installing, tell the installer you plan on having the second HD receiver eventually. You'll probably be able to get a VIP 722/622 DVR and a regular receiver to start.

6) I don't know enough about that yet. I assume it is still buggy. the 722/622 is really still the best out there. Period.

7) I think the DVR Advantage package contains the level higher than the Top 100 (so Top 150) . It equates to around a $4-$5 savings, assuming you are wanting the Top 150 package.

I'm not the best expert on this, just thought I'd throw my knowledge on this. Maybe someone else will correct/clarify anything I'm saying in here. You're doing the right thing first in checking out this forum and asking questions.

 

[iceondsom]

7) The DISH DVR Advantage (DDA) includes your local channels too. That's what you were missing. It is a good deal. For $39.99 you get a DVR (dual-tuner of course), AT 100 programming, and your local channels. For $10 more you get AT 200 programming. DDA would save you $3.97 per month.

 

[Fate7]

Aha! DVR Advantage also includes locals... I get it then. I swear I didn't get that from the site... Thank you iceondsom! It's surprising how much less exepensive Dish is vs Direct TV. (Now if they can just get the HDs....)

And thank you, Max for your thoughts... I'll avoid the HZ HD for now, and take your suggestions about the 2nd DVR. That's a drag you cannot lease more than one!

 

[Pepper]

Your options for HD-DVR are ViP722 or ViP622. The 722 is black, has a bigger hard drive, and an improved VC-1 decoder chip (which they aren't using yet).

I am pretty sure the 622-HZ is only available to AT&T HomeZone customers, not normal Dish customers.

 

[Walker1]

7) The DISH DVR Advantage (DDA) includes your local channels too. That's what you were missing. It is a good deal. For $39.99 you get a DVR (dual-tuner of course), AT 100 programming, and your local channels. For $10 more you get AT 200 programming. DDA would save you $3.97 per month.

I have DDA & I might want the 200 pkg. Are you saying I'll get all the chs. on the middle pkg. for just $10 more a month? I was told by a rep that it would be more. I didn't mention that I had the DDA pkg. as the rep was looking at my acct.

 

[iceondsom]

Aha! DVR Advantage also includes locals... I get it then. I swear I didn't get that from the site... Thank you iceondsom! It's surprising how much less exepensive Dish is vs Direct TV. (Now if they can just get the HDs....)

And thank you, Max for your thoughts... I'll avoid the HZ HD for now, and take your suggestions about the 2nd DVR. That's a drag you cannot lease more than one!

Have faith on the HD channels. DTV has been boasting about their line up for over a year and they still don't have what they've been promising. That's not DISH's modus operandi. They don't leak details to the public before they go to market. It won't be long now though...