Installer only providing S-Video for HD Install

I just got off the phone with the installer (my wife is the one home) and he said that they won't even give you a set of componet cables for a HD receiver installation. He said they didn't even have a set on the truck. The only thing they would do is sell me a short HDMI cable for $25. I'm getting a VIP222 reciever installed and the HD-only package.

In another thread, people were asking why they would just give you a component cable rather than HDMI but I can't even get that.

Is there supposed to be a minimum standard for an HD install? The installer claims that the VIP222 only comes with a S-Video cable. If that is true, that is pretty lame. Do you think Dish customer service would give me any credit for this substandard install?

If you are paying for HD service then you wont get it from an S-Video cable... I got a set of component cables at no charge and you should too. Complain, complain, complain!

Yes, a component cable is included in the box with your new receiver. Hooking your box up via component is the only way to check your hd channels anyway, I find it hard to believe they arent included.

Yes, a component cable is included in the box with your new receiver. Hooking your box up via component is the only way to check your hd channels anyway, I find it hard to believe they arent included.

Thanks for the info. I saw your reply while I was in the midst of an online chat session with Dish. I relayed this info to the CSR and then I got a "please give me a couple minutes" response. Only then did they admit that the installer should have given me a set of component cables. So, they are supposed to be shipping a set out to me. It was like pulling teeth just to get that.

I'm guessing that the installer must be selling the things on ebay. Either that or he just wants to get some sort of kickback on selling the overpriced HDMI cables.

One other thing that didn't make sense is that the installer told my wife that even with HDMI, the best we'll get is 720p reception for HD channels. The CSR said that this is incorrect that it should be 1080i.

This installer leaves a lot to be desired. First he misses the appointment, then cheats me out of a crummy cable and tops it off with misinformation. I hope he did a decent job putting up the dish hardware.

That's funny. I've gotten a 6 foot HDMI cable for free with the last 3 cable boxes I've gotten from Comcast.

Dude, you got ripped off by whoever went to your house... He probably though your wife was stupid ( no disrespect) and just took advantage of the situation... When those guys come to my house, I made sure I am there and they don't leave the house until I am satisfied with service...

Yes, a component cable is included in the box with your new receiver. Hooking your box up via component is the only way to check your hd channels anyway, I find it hard to believe they arent included.

WRONG!!
There is NO HD cable included in the 211, 222, 622, 722 boxes from the factory. Some installers may supply them for free, and some installers may have them on the truck and charge you. I have heard that replacement(usually refurbs) receivers also have them in the box. BUT, new from the factory -- NOT IN THE BOX!!!!
But, You spent BIG money for an HDTV and you didn't get a cable from the big box store, shame on them.

fred

720p is the highest progressive quality you will get, if you are capable of 1080i then you can set it up that way in the menu also.

I talked to the installer myself over the phone after my wife told me that neither a component cable or a HDMI cable was being supplied. In fact, the only cable he would use to hook it up was the SD cable that was MINE.

What I have a problem with is that he would not even give me the component cable that was supplied with the receiver as confirmed by Dish.

Furthermore, I don't have a problem with what I spent on the TV because it was a good value. However, I do have a problem spending too much on overpriced HDMI cables when a much cheaper version will do just as well.

Polo - as it turns out, as soon as I got home I was able to set it up in 1080i with no problems. I had a HDMI cable that was going from my DVD recorder to the TV so for now I'm just using that for the receiver. Anyway, thanks for the help.

WRONG!!
There is NO HD cable included in the 211, 222, 622, 722 boxes from the factory. Some installers may supply them for free, and some installers may have them on the truck and charge you. I have heard that replacement(usually refurbs) receivers also have them in the box. BUT, new from the factory -- NOT IN THE BOX!!!!
But, You spent BIG money for an HDTV and you didn't get a cable from the big box store, shame on them.

fred

Lol, tvs dont come with cables either, thats for sure. I dont recall if my 211 came with component cables, but my 811 I know did come (in the box) with component cables, plus a 30' telephone cable. I remember that component cable well, as its the only component cable that has ever failed on me (the green went bad after a week or two). I must admit, to offer a 'install' of equipment, and not include a cable, is like bringing your car to the tire shop for new tires and being expected to provide your own compressed air. Im glad you got a cable from dish Irish :)

WRONG!!
There is NO HD cable included in the 211, 222, 622, 722 boxes from the factory. Some installers may supply them for free, and some installers may have them on the truck and charge you. I have heard that replacement(usually refurbs) receivers also have them in the box. BUT, new from the factory -- NOT IN THE BOX!!!!
But, You spent BIG money for an HDTV and you didn't get a cable from the big box store, shame on them.

fred

Fred, the only thing I can say is that i have purchased 2 brand new ViP 622's and both came with a HDMI and component cable set. Same goes for my DVR 942 and DVR 921.

Dish shipped my ViP211 directly to me since I already had a 622 and it had an HDMI cable in the sealed box.

The 622 came with composite and S-Video only, but I already had a component cable set for my Sony D-50Q.

Fred, the only thing I can say is that i have purchased 2 brand new ViP 622's and both came with a HDMI and component cable set. Same goes for my DVR 942 and DVR 921.

Wow, thats cool of them to include both hdmi and component...but then Jim's didnt come with either, wth?

Dish shipped my ViP211 directly to me since I already had a 622 and it had an HDMI cable in the sealed box.

The 622 came with composite and S-Video only, but I already had a component cable set for my Sony D-50Q.

My 211 directly from Dish also had an HDMI in the box.

never ever deal with the installer after the order has been placed

always get the CSR when ordering to include the wire with the order or tell them you don't want there business

they will always put you on hold and come back with an "ok" the wire will be included because there interested in the programming you buy, not the install

and as for an installer, ask for a non-sub-installer so you get a company guy who knows wtf he is doing

and at a last resort, during the install if you feel the installer is screwing you, call CSR while he is there which will put him on his toes to do it right

my 2 cents PS - your paying top dollar for there equipment and programming, don't settle for anything but that when its being installed...If installer says he doesn't have it on truck (wire) then tell him to come back when he does (odds are he will find one)

there was comments with guys having trouble with using the hdmi cable with the dish boxes something about the hdmi connection on the reciever isnt too secure from inside the box and causes the screen to apear washed out looking. Do u see anything that looks odd with the hdmi cable plugged in?

Ok in the case with the dish recievers problem using the hdmi cable, if you use a component cable, for the channels that broadcast in 1080 like i know sometimes espn or certain shows of some channels, will the use of the component cable allow you to get 1080 resolution? And thats why i pm'd irish brew as well as posted here because they're coming here thursday and i already actually ordered my cables from monoprice and if irish didnt have trouble with his box im gona call a CSR and make sure they annotate for the installer to bring an hdmi cable if one's not in the box so i can at least try both though i have some coming but for my other components respectively.

I just had an install about 2 weeks ago. I got the HD only package and a VP722. I also did not get component cables or HDMI with the receiver or HDMI. The installer said he didnt have any. So I asked how can you supply me with HD only without cables, he said I have to get my own, no other answer.
Since my TV is about 6 years old a Toshiba I use component anyway so I was scrounging around looking for some AV cables to use and he said they would not work for HD. He said that the Dish tecks were taught at school that only component cables would pass HD, he said the showed them by using some cables on a TV at the school and the HD looked like a bad analog OTA signal compared.
Who knew? I have been using AV cables for about 6 years. I have 2 HD Tivos for OTA, I was using Unity motion HD receiver to watch FTA HD five years ago. Anyway after I swapped one of my Tivos cables over to the 722 he couldn't stand it and went to his truck and magically found some component cables. After hooking them up he couldn't see any difference but left still insisting they couldn't work. I wanted to press him about a coax cable vrs a AV cable for digital audio but though better. One caveat, maybe some old smallish cheap AV cables wont pass the high freqs without drop offs or ringing but for 6ft most decent AV cables will do just fine. If you have doubts have someone swap them while you watch and cant see which is which or go you could buy some monster cables at about $60 they will work really better (not).

In answer to nyg052003 If your TV will produce 1080I it is very doubtful that you will see much difference between 1080I and 720P unless you sit too close and have very good eyes and are really picky. PBS used to broadcast 1080 content before they fell apart, I also believe Voom used 1080 on some channels. I think you will see a much greater difference between the channels that Dish compress more than others. As bandwidth tightens Im sure this will become apparent. Already you can see more artifacts on some non sports programs.

just for my knowledge more so i wanted to know rather the cables , using component would prevent you from getting 1080 if indeed you had everything that would allow you to get 1080

just for my knowledge more so i wanted to know rather the cables , using component would prevent you from getting 1080 if indeed you had everything that would allow you to get 1080

COMPONENT will pass 1080i !!!!!!!!!
I prefer it and optical digital over hdmi. Much more reliable!!
And no picture quality difference in my good eyes.

Again, any refurb from Dish may come with HD cables.
Our distributer (Richmond, Va) has never sent us an HD box with HD cables!!!!!! And we get em factory sealed. We've been this way before in discussions. It may be that one mfg plant supplies them and one doesn't!! I don't have the answer.
But, knowing what I know now, I wouldn't buy a new HD screen unless they threw in a good HD cable!!!!!
No cable , no TV deal.

fred

Again, any refurb from Dish may come with HD cables.
Our distributer (Richmond, Va) has never sent us an HD box with HD cables!!!!!! And we get em factory sealed. We've been this way before in discussions. It may be that one mfg plant supplies them and one doesn't!! I don't have the answer.

fred

Yeah, apparently myself and a half dozen other posters in this thread are wrong (according to you anyway). Doesnt the law require refurb to be posted on the box? Cause my boxes have never been refurbs as far as I know.

Well, I've installed about 130 HD systems! Not one HD cable in factory sealed box.

(back a few yrs ago, 811s came with an HD cable, but no more)

fred

WRONG!!
There is NO HD cable included in the 211, 222, 622, 722 boxes from the factory. Some installers may supply them for free, and some installers may have them on the truck and charge you. I have heard that replacement(usually refurbs) receivers also have them in the box. BUT, new from the factory -- NOT IN THE BOX!!!!
But, You spent BIG money for an HDTV and you didn't get a cable from the big box store, shame on them.

fred

NOT wrong............I got a 622 6 weeks ago, component cable was IN the sealed box when he opened it.

I got a 722 last week, and the component cables were in a sealed plastic bag with a phone cord.

I can post a picture if you wish. I didn't open the bag, since a friend that used HDMI on his system gave me a really nice set of 1.3 components.

The tech told me they never knew what was in the box until they opened it, but components were INCLUDED in every install he did for DISH.

When i got the 622, last July, mine were included. I still have a the component they supplied-it has to be form there since I never bought any-and I use the HDMI for my DVD player.

I have Monster Cable for the sat.

I just had an install about 2 weeks ago. I got the HD only package and a VP722. I also did not get component cables or HDMI with the receiver or HDMI. The installer said he didnt have any. So I asked how can you supply me with HD only without cables, he said I have to get my own, no other answer.
Since my TV is about 6 years old a Toshiba I use component anyway so I was scrounging around looking for some AV cables to use and he said they would not work for HD. He said that the Dish tecks were taught at school that only component cables would pass HD, he said the showed them by using some cables on a TV at the school and the HD looked like a bad analog OTA signal compared.
Who knew? I have been using AV cables for about 6 years. I have 2 HD Tivos for OTA, I was using Unity motion HD receiver to watch FTA HD five years ago. Anyway after I swapped one of my Tivos cables over to the 722 he couldn't stand it and went to his truck and magically found some component cables. After hooking them up he couldn't see any difference but left still insisting they couldn't work. I wanted to press him about a coax cable vrs a AV cable for digital audio but though better. One caveat, maybe some old smallish cheap AV cables wont pass the high freqs without drop offs or ringing but for 6ft most decent AV cables will do just fine. If you have doubts have someone swap them while you watch and cant see which is which or go you could buy some monster cables at about $60 they will work really better (not).

In answer to nyg052003 If your TV will produce 1080I it is very doubtful that you will see much difference between 1080I and 720P unless you sit too close and have very good eyes and are really picky. PBS used to broadcast 1080 content before they fell apart, I also believe Voom used 1080 on some channels. I think you will see a much greater difference between the channels that Dish compress more than others. As bandwidth tightens Im sure this will become apparent. Already you can see more artifacts on some non sports programs.

I'm curious, when you say A/V cables are you talking about the composite cable (yellow) with the red and white stereo cables? Cause if that is what you are using (unless you hook the composite cable and the two audio cables into the component spots (and do not use the analog audio)) then the dish network guy would be correct. Composite cannot transmit HD. But, if you were to put the yellow cable into the green input, the red into the red input and the white into the blue input (basically you put the composite cable and audio cables into the component inputs) than you would be able to get the HD because the cables are the same thing, they are just different colors when they are used for different application. To further explain what I am talking about, I use the red and green cables from the component cables (the red, blue and green ones) to bring audio from my digital converter box to my stereo and it works flawlessly. So, the point of my post was to try and figure out what exactly you were talking about.

-Shark2k

That's what I was talking about connecting the AV cables to the component inputs I use yellow to green, red to red and white to blue, doesn't really matter as long as the same colors on each end to the same inputs. The installer knew this also since I showed it to him. I said one could use a set of AV cables in place of the component cables that only the colors are different but the cables are basically the same. He disagreed. He looked at the picture and said it looks really good better than most he has seen but it wasn't true HD.

That's what I was talking about connecting the AV cables to the component inputs I use yellow to green, red to red and white to blue, doesn't really matter as long as the same colors on each end to the same inputs. The installer knew this also since I showed it to him. I said one could use a set of AV cables in place of the component cables that only the colors are different but the cables are basically the same. He disagreed. He looked at the picture and said it looks really good better than most he has seen but it wasn't true HD.

Yeah, well at least we know we are right :). If he really knew anything he would know that they are the exact same cable otherwise it wouldn't work properly. I wonder if that installer knows you can use a composite cable for digital coax, because they are the same cables also. Anyway, thanks for clarifying. After re-reading your post that's what I figured you meant, but just wanted to make sure. I actually found out about component cables and composite & the audio cables being the same when my roommate and I had to hook up the VCR to his projector using a set of component cables. I didn't think it would work because the colors were different (and subsequently I figured that meant different cables) but my roommate thought it would and I ended up being wrong. Oh well, it's nice knowing more than the installer sometimes :)

-Shark2k

I found a little difference between the digital audio cable and a component cable the connector on the digital cable is a little larger, making the component cable very tight but it works anyway. The cable itself is basically the same. I still don't understand the logic of not supplying a component cable with the 722 HD recorder though. Its kind of incomplete with out the cable. I have read some people get them in the box and some don't, strange.

Well, I've installed about 130 HD systems! Not one HD cable in factory sealed box.

(back a few yrs ago, 811s came with an HD cable, but no more)

fred

So do you call your appointments in advance to tell them additional supplies, requiring additional money, will be required if they dont have hd cables laying around? Ever get any adverse responses to that? I only ask because I know Id be pissed if an installer called me to inform me Id be required to purchase rg59 or rg6 if I didnt have any laying around. Or is it a matter of, 'just the bare minimums to get it to work (composite), doesnt matter if its an hd box or not' kinda thing?

Good question, I would think that a lot of Mom and Pops don't have them and wouldn't even know how to hook them up.

My 411 came without any cables as did my tv which was Westinghouse. The installers (3) came without tv cables (nothing) and the connector from dish cable to box cable wasn't HD certifited. And they drove over my lawn when arriving.

Not really a big deal about the hdmi cable but only having and SD female/female connector was kind of pathetic between 3 of them.

Local very small cable company here.

They brought me a Motorola HD DVR and in the box was a set of 5-wide cables and an HDMI cable. The box was sealed, but when he opened it, there was a dent in one side, so I think its a returned unit.

He did say that without the cables, they can't set the box up, so thats why they include them.

I would recommend that you call Dish and tell them that there is no sense sending out an installer with a HD box/DVR if they aren't going to supply the cables to connect it to your HD TV.

So do you call your appointments in advance to tell them additional supplies, requiring additional money, will be required if they dont have hd cables laying around? Ever get any adverse responses to that? I only ask because I know Id be pissed if an installer called me to inform me Id be required to purchase rg59 or rg6 if I didnt have any laying around. Or is it a matter of, 'just the bare minimums to get it to work (composite), doesnt matter if its an hd box or not' kinda thing?

My retail owner/friend tells 'em up front. "You'll need HD cables" "you can purchase them yourself (don't pay for over priced monster!) or we have them at a very good price.
You know dang well cable is provided with installs!!!!!
We take along a few indoor type antennas also and try scanning for locals.

fred

NOT wrong............I got a 622 6 weeks ago, component cable was IN the sealed box when he opened it.

I got a 722 last week, and the component cables were in a sealed plastic bag with a phone cord.

I can post a picture if you wish. I didn't open the bag, since a friend that used HDMI on his system gave me a really nice set of 1.3 components.

The tech told me they never knew what was in the box until they opened it, but components were INCLUDED in every install he did for DISH.

Not component!
20 ft Phone line comes with COMPOSITE cable. YRW

Ok guys if i remember correct, with my sony surround setup back in 2001 , in the package there was a cable with a orange end, one male in on each end and im thinking it was a coaxial cable. The reciever im going to setup now has 2 opticals and 1 coaxial but appears that only one of the optical works so i was gona use that 1 and then the coaxial. I have cables coming from monoprice should be tommorow however i didnt order any coaxials. Not sure how a composite cable looks so im not sure if that was a composite cable or not. Gona go look now to see. If indeed it is a coaxial and you guys say a digital cable is a digital cable and either works or dont im guessing that should be sufficient to run my hd satellite box am i correct?

A coax cable has a center conductor of copper wire with a shield. It could be used with a Video, audio or RF signal if the connector will fit. An optical cable has a center conductor of fiber optics and will only pass a signal that has been converter to optical. So the AV or Component cable should be ok for the audio, rf, or composite signals but not an optical signal even though the optical signal could be video or audio a little confusing. Also the optical connector is different. Usually the coax connector (orange) is a little larger and will be a tight fit for the other cables but will work.