Advice on Upgrade to HD

[WMU1991]

Hi everyone, I'm wanting to upgrade to HD from my two-room DVR set-up. I think that I have a 522 receiver (I'm not all that tech savvy like many of you on this forum). I called about a flyer in my last bill that said upgrade to HD for $25 or less. I want a two room HD dvr, for one HDTV and one SDTV. What I think that I understood from the person on the other end was that I would have to pay $100 for a new HD receiver to be sent out so that I could hook it up myself. Is there anyway to avoid paying the fee to get the new receiver? If the receivers are the property of Dish Network, why do I have to pay $100 to upgrade so that I can have HD service (and pay more on my monthly bill)? I tried asking these questions on the phone, but the language barrier was just too much.

I also asked if the Turbo HD package was available to existing customers, and she said it would be starting on Feb. 1. (at least thats what I think that is what she said). I did try emailing ceo@dishnetwork.com, but they haven't responded after about 5 days. Any advice you could give would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

 

[Laddyboy]

In all likelihood, you will either need to have your dish replaced by another dish or have another dish added to your current setup. Generally E* will install any new antenna needed and the HD DVR for the upgrade fee and a 24-month commitment. Otherwise, you usually pay $99 for the installation. Unless you already have HD service (which you don't), E* will almost always insist on sending a tech to do the install.

The reason you have to pay an upfront fee is because the receivers are expensive and if subs discontinue service, E* is out quite a bit of money. The first leased HD DVR is included in the program fee for the package. The DVR fee is "waived" on the first receiver if you select the Dish DVR Advantage plan which also includes locals.

If you are not currently under contract, you may have some leverage in getting E* to lower your upgrade fee for the receiver either through the retention or CEO office. The receiver would probably be a 722 or 722K. The 722 has a single OTA HD tuner and 2 sat tuners. The 722k has 2 OTA HD tuners and 2 sat tuners unless you opt for the 2 sat tuner only configuration.

 

[iwannarock1]

I want a two room HD dvr, for one HDTV and one SDTV. What I think that I understood from the person on the other end was that I would have to pay $100 for a new HD receiver to be sent out so that I could hook it up myself. quote]

If the 522 receiver is the only you have, you most likely don't have the correct dish, and will need to have a new one hooked up to get the HD channels. That's most likely where the fee comes in. Try calling during the day, before 5 pm est, and you may better luck getting an english speaking person.

No matter how smart or tech savy you think you are, it is worth the $100 to get your HD dish installed by someone who knows what their doing, and to get your receiver hooked up correctly.

 

[theoak]

If you think about it too ... that $100 not only will get you a new receiver, but also a new dish, and the labor involved to install and point the dish. CEO is not going to be able to do anything for you if you do not have the equipment.

 

[dennispg]

I have a very similar situation.. But I've already got HD. I currently have a ViP 622 driving one HDTV and an SDTV. I've got the Super dish or whatever because we have international channels.

There was no tv in the gameroom yet, so I made sure with the tech when we had our service installed 18 months ago that I would be able to install a new DVR later without any extra setup. I've got a new HDTV in there now, so now I need a new DVR...

Do I really have to pay an additional monthly fee AND pay to buy the whole DVR? Is there no way for me to just pay a monthly leasing fee for it? I'd be happy to commit to another 24 monthhs if thats necessary... I would like a ViP722.

 

[Laddyboy]

I have a very similar situation.. But I've already got HD. I currently have a ViP 622 driving one HDTV and an SDTV. I've got the Super dish or whatever because we have international channels.

There was no tv in the gameroom yet, so I made sure with the tech when we had our service installed 18 months ago that I would be able to install a new DVR later without any extra setup. I've got a new HDTV in there now, so now I need a new DVR...

Do I really have to pay an additional monthly fee AND pay to buy the whole DVR? Is there no way for me to just pay a monthly leasing fee for it? I'd be happy to commit to another 24 monthhs if thats necessary... I would like a ViP722.

You should be able to lease another HD DVR from E*. There will be an upfront charge as well as a $7 monthly lease fee and $5.98 monthly DVR fee though.