Well, I just got Dish Network

[Miggy]

I just ordered it today and will be installed on Saturday. I got the PVR 501 system, top 100 channels, local stations and a UPN station for $46.5 a month. This sounded like a good deal to me.. hopefully it will be. Any stories to share for current users on how good these systems are and how well the PVR system works? The lady I ordered it from said it worked the same way as UltimateTV, i.e. you can set it to record, say, Frasier, every time it comes on. The reason I went with this instead of Direct TV/ Ultimate TV is because of the Microsoft connection. They are just taking over too many things Plus, no way I need any time of internet access on my TV or that wireless keyboard. Anyway, just would like some confirmations on this system good or bad and any advice.

Thanks!

Miggy, the Thief

[1138]

Well, there's always DirectTV with Tivo.

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1138 - DVD File Forum Greeter/Moderator
Someday, I will be the most powerful Jedi ever.

[Miggy]

Well, ummm, thanks for that, 1138, but was hoping to hear from someone who had experience with the Dish Network (especially the PVR 501 receiver) system.

I know I read messages where people said they had this...

I guess if nothing else, I'll see for myself on Saturday.

Miggy, the Thief

[1138]

Well, I was just pointing out that their are ways to go with DTV that are not Microsoft.

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1138 - DVD File Forum Greeter/Moderator
Someday, I will be the most powerful Jedi ever.

[Miggy]

Yeah, I found that out in my research. I mentioned that as sort of a side joke. Another important factor was so that a friend could refer me and get a credit on his account. At least that's what was supposed to have happened. They got out of it by a loophole. What was that loophole? The fact that I got a PVR system instead of a normal 301 system. Now, just why they don't want to honor his credit because I got a better system (and will be paying more for the monthly fee) is something I can't figure out. Seems like they'd be even more glad I went with a the more expensive plan.
Anyway, as I explained to my friend, if I can't get the PVR system, I just can't get it because with my work schedule, I have to record almost everything I watch. Oh, well.

I guess I'LL report back after Saturday on how well it works. The Dish Network owners around here must be a shy bunch

Miggy, the Thief

[Joe Michaels]

I love my Directivo but I will be happier in January when I get UPN.

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Email: joe@dvdfile.com
Visit Joe's Home Theater .com Updated daily!

[Miggy]

Joe,

My parents are in the same situation. I've taped Enterprise for them every week and gave them a full tape plus a second with last week's episode. That was one of my questions when I was ordering it was to make sure I could get UPN. I don't know if they will also offer it as a normal network channel next year as well, but at least I could order it for $1 a month, which isn't too bad. And all that fuss for one show!

What do you do currently for Enterprise? Do you have just a normal antenna and pick up the local feed or did you keep basic cable?

Miggy, the Thief

[1138]

I don't get my locals over the satelite. They're too compressed looking and I can just get them over the air with my regular Tivo, so why pay $5 a month for them.

And actually, EchoStar, who owns dish, is trying to buy DTV. SO pretty soon (if it's allowed to get by the government), they'll own both sat systems.

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1138 - DVD File Forum Greeter/Moderator
Someday, I will be the most powerful Jedi ever.

[Miggy]

I was telling my uncle about getting Dish Network and he said the deal already went through, that they kept raising their bid for DTV until whoever they were competing with gave up. So, he said it didn't really matter which one you got in the end.

Miggy, the Thief

[1138]

Yeah, they outbid Fox Corp. (I.e., Murdoch).

But the rumor is Fox deliberately dropped out because they don't think the buyout will make it past the government. I guess they'll try and claim that cable is their chief competitor. But personally, I don't want it all being one company because that doesn't benefit us.

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1138 - DVD File Forum Greeter/Moderator
Someday, I will be the most powerful Jedi ever.

[Miggy]

Well, I said I'd give an update and here it is, although not much of one. I got a call at 12:30 from a Dish Network Rep. and immediately got bad vibes that something was wrong. Well, they didn't get some shipment in on time and so had to reschedule. The next day that I can be at home all day is this Saturday, so will have to wait another week. I certainly hope this isn't going to be a trend with their service! At least they called me early as they could so I didn't wait around all day for nothing.

Miggy, the Thief

[Miggy]

After some uncertainty, the sat. got installed today. So far so good ...

On a side question, are there any movie channels you can get that regular broadcast letterbox and Dolby Digital? I wouldn't be interested in getting any movie channels otherwise. I see a Starz! Theatre. That seems the best hope.

Miggy, the Thief

Edited to remove mention of an EASY problem that the solution finally dawned on me

[This message has been edited by Miggy (edited 12-01-2001).]

[1138]

LBX: Only select PPV's

DD: Yes, StzE, HBOE, and select PPV's. Even though the West COast version say they're DD< the're just 2.0 and ot 5.1 like the east.

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1138 - DVD File Forum Greeter/Administrator
There is the old Vulcan proverb: only Nixon could go to China.

[Miggy]

Yeah, that is what I'm finding out here on my 2nd day. I flip through all the movie channels just to do a "poll". DD seems to be available most of the movie channels, but it's pretty random and not that common. Even new movies aren't guaranteed to be DD. And I did see on some of the PPV, the letterbox versions. So, looks like I'll just cancel the movie packages once my free trial runs out.

What are your feelings on the movie channels? Do you have some just for the heck of it? Maybe to catch a movie you wouldn't otherwise care about on a day when there's nothing else to do? I just wish they'd put out one movie channel that always did LBX and had DD when a DD version was available and played some reasonably new movies a long with catalogue titles. That I'd be interested in!

Miggy, the Thief

[Miggy]

*crickets chip*

BTW, I like the new forum! I loaded it up tonight at work (for the first time in a few days) and thought, 'Woah!'

Miggy, the Thief

[1138]

Doh! Sorry.

We used to have all the movie channels, but we eveanutally switched over to just HBO stuff. Even with all of them, there was often nothing on and/or stuff you'd seen a bajillion times. HBO has some good original programming, so I think it's better to have over STARZ if you had to choose.

[The Riddler]

I have had Dish Network for....going on 3 years now! I started out with the Top 100 + The Superstation Package (WPIX, WWOR, etc. ) + the Starz/HBO/Showtime package....but downgraded to JUST Top 100.

I find ALL the pay channels repeat there movies a little TOO frequently (especially when U get an East, West, 3, 4, etc. feed) &, since I'm an avid DVD buyer, most of what they give I own on DVD anyway (which I'd rather watch...better quality).

I really have no complaints about Dish Network! I pay a lump sum annually, so I average roughly $30 a month which kicks the sh*t out of cable in this area for the same thing. I just hope the DTV/Echostar merger doesn't screw us Dish owners over!!!!!!!

[Miggy]

1138, that's a good point about HBO's original programming. I suppose if you like their shows, it might be worth the $10/mnth or so to get just one HBO channel. I think I will just let this free preview month go by and then cancel them all out. I have enough to watch as it is without getting hooked on any of the HBO shows

Riddler, the DN guy who installed my system starting talking about the buyout and told me that within a year, all the DTV equipment would be replaced with EchoStar equipment. So, IF he's correct, it really won't affect us DN customers. We'll just have to wait and see how it all turns out.

Miggy, the Thief

[1138]

I hope it doesn't screw either side over. DTV is bigger, but Dish is doing the buying.

On a side note, DTV succesfully launched their new satellite which should begin spot beaming of all locals in a region that they carry locals for (right now it's just the four main networks). Plus, the new sat is going to take a load off the old ones which should help improve picture quality some.

[Miggy]

1138, is that why they say they will start carrying UPN first of next year? That will be good news. For the past 2 months I have been recording Enterprise for my parents and then taking them a tape's worth when I get it filled up. Now, I don't mind doing this, you understand, but it will be good not to have to worry about it any more

Miggy, the Thief