Upgrade to HD Question

[TLM9999]

Current Setup:
(1) 311 Receiver
(1) 322 Receiver
Classic Gold 250 (Paid Annually)
No Local channels
2 Dish 110,119 & 61.5

First Question:
Do I need to upgrade the Satellite Dish or can I keep the current dishes?

I am looking at 211k and a 222k receivers to replace my current ones.
What are the added costs? Is it cheaper to lease or buy?

I assume that I have to upgrade to HD Gold package to keep the 250 channels.

Last question, Can I still pay Annually? If so, do I still get a month discount?

Thank You,

TLM

[Laddyboy]

Current Setup:
(1) 311 Receiver
(1) 322 Receiver
Classic Gold 250 (Paid Annually)
No Local channels
2 Dish 110,119 & 61.5

First Question:
Do I need to upgrade the Satellite Dish or can I keep the current dishes?

It depends on what satellite your locals are on. If they are on 119, 110, or 61.5, then no change would be needed. On the other hand, E* tends to replace whatever you have with a 1000.2 or 1000.4 one dish solution when you upgrade to HD. This of course usually results in a 24-month commitment unless you agree to pay the install cost (usually $99). They like to do the install themselves when you first upgrade to HD but you can do it yourself if you persist and want to save some dollars.

I am looking at 211k and a 222k receivers to replace my current ones.
What are the added costs? Is it cheaper to lease or buy?

Each HD receiver has a fee of $7 per month whether you lease or buy your own. The first lease fee is included in the programming package cost for qualifying packages (which includes yours). The only reason one might buy and not purchase is to avoid a commitment. Financially it is to your advantage to lease if E* doesn't make you pay a lot upfront. Otherwise 211ks and 222s are available relatively cheap at eBay and other places, sometimes for less than what E* might charge.

I assume that I have to upgrade to HD Gold package to keep the 250 channels.

Yes if you stay with the Classic package, you need to add on the HD for another $10. There are the Turbo, all HD packs, that are cheaper of course.

Last question, Can I still pay Annually? If so, do I still get a month discount?

They made me give up my annual subscription. They said it had to do with the package promotion or whatever. I never did understand why that was the case. I talked to three different CSRs. Maybe you'll have better luck.