Thinking about switching to Dish and I have a few questions.

Hi,
I just got my first HD TV. I've been on DirecTV for MANY years. I want to get some HD programming and it looks like the prices are better with Dish. But I have a few questions.

Question 1) How much is this REALLY going to cost?
Here's what the online price quote says:
America's Top 200 $40.39
Silver HD $10
Local channels $5
Package qualifies for DVR Advantage
Total Monthly $59.99

But then the fine print says: "Additional charges may apply... prices are only estimates... Monthly estimate reflects promotional price, monthly bill will reflect then-current price when promotional period expires." There is PLENTY of room for them to jack up the rates in that loose language. Am I just overly paranoid? Are there other fees I'm not seeing?

Question 2) Receivers. What's the deal with purchasing the receiver/dvr vs. leasing? When I signed up for DirecTV 10+ years ago I purchased the dish and receiver for $100 and that was it. The website shows you all the DVR's available but there's no mention at all about what you get and what you will pay. I've read around here about buying them on E-bay... which sounds a little shady. I've also read about buying from a national dealer like Solid Signal. I'm really confused about this. Is it better to buy your own receiver? With one TV I'm thinking the 612 is probably the best receiver for me. Does that make sense.

Question 3) What's the deal with the HD packages? I've noticed that they say 150 channels by the end of the year but the channel card on their website only lists about 50 with platinum. I've read rumors around here that Dish is probably going to roll out a big package change in February... do you think it's wise to wait for that to happen? I've got an antenna, I can live with DirecTV and my OAT locals in HD for a while if the consensus is the package will be better. If the kids channels were all HD I would just go with an all HD package but I've got a 2 and 4 year old so that's out of the question.

Question 4) I live in Seattle and I've read several references to issues in this area over a dead satellite. Am I going to have problems with Dish until this is replaced?

Question 5) If you don't subscribe to an HD package do you still get the local channels in HD?

HELP! I'm so confused and there is so little information on their website.

you will probably get the VIP 722. up to 50 hours of hd recording space. drop the locals and use your antenna. there is a connector in the 722 for it. the locals ota are probably better quality. There is also local tax. the old 129 satalite is still working but will be better with the new sat going in it's place.

Hi,
I just got my first HD TV. I've been on DirecTV for MANY years. I want to get some HD programming and it looks like the prices are better with Dish. But I have a few questions.

Question 1) How much is this REALLY going to cost?
Here's what the online price quote says:
America's Top 200 $40.39
Silver HD $10
Local channels $5
Package qualifies for DVR Advantage
Total Monthly $59.99

But then the fine print says: "Additional charges may apply... prices are only estimates... Monthly estimate reflects promotional price, monthly bill will reflect then-current price when promotional period expires." There is PLENTY of room for them to jack up the rates in that loose language. Am I just overly paranoid? Are there other fees I'm not seeing?

Question 2) Receivers. What's the deal with purchasing the receiver/dvr vs. leasing? When I signed up for DirecTV 10+ years ago I purchased the dish and receiver for $100 and that was it. The website shows you all the DVR's available but there's no mention at all about what you get and what you will pay. I've read around here about buying them on E-bay... which sounds a little shady. I've also read about buying from a national dealer like Solid Signal. I'm really confused about this. Is it better to buy your own receiver? With one TV I'm thinking the 612 is probably the best receiver for me. Does that make sense.

Question 3) What's the deal with the HD packages? I've noticed that they say 150 channels by the end of the year but the channel card on their website only lists about 50 with platinum. I've read rumors around here that Dish is probably going to roll out a big package change in February... do you think it's wise to wait for that to happen? I've got an antenna, I can live with DirecTV and my OAT locals in HD for a while if the consensus is the package will be better. If the kids channels were all HD I would just go with an all HD package but I've got a 2 and 4 year old so that's out of the question.

Question 4) I live in Seattle and I've read several references to issues in this area over a dead satellite. Am I going to have problems with Dish until this is replaced?

Question 5) If you don't subscribe to an HD package do you still get the local channels in HD?

HELP! I'm so confused and there is so little information on their website.

Question 1
Other fees if you don't have a phone line connected they charge you a $5 monthly fee for sattelite usage charge for receiver updates.

Question 2
You can buy a receiver from e-bay but buyer beware just make sure you get the numbers off the receiver and call dish and they can tell you if it is not a leased receiver and if it has a balance on it. Also you might not get a warranty with it.

Question 3
You can wait but don't hold your breath! Also Dish has been known to drop HD content without notice VOOM is a good example of this. Also read this.
http://www.tvpredictions.com/young121208.htm

Question 4
Don't know

Question 5
You wont get locals in HD if you don't subscribe to it however you may be able to get them with an antenna hooked up to the receiver.

Why would I want to buy the receiver from an online vendor? Is there a lease fee that I'm not seeing in the quoted price?

i have had dish for about 2 years now. they have made more than a few mistakes, like charging my credit card when they weren't suppose to, and told me that my receiver was leased when i bought it. they took care of all the problems so i figure there not crooks but screw up things from time to time. point is they take care of the problems.

I'm confused about all the packages. I get the top 250 plus ALL the HD channels and only premium package is ENCORE. I could get Skinamax for 1 cent if I go for billing on my credit card. My bill, after the promo period, is now $80. That's too much. If DISH does not provide RFD and SPEED in HD soon, I may switch to another provider. I still watch VOOM recordings.