activating the DVR feature on a VIP211K - NOT !!

**MikeInAlaska** · 11-22-2009 12:24 AM

On my second long call to Dish network now. The Dish Network "system" says they need to set up a technician visit to activate this feature. I explain to the rep that what I need is a DVR feature activation code sent down from a satellite... not a technician visit.

The rep says the local Dish Network installer can activate this feature on my receiver. Am I totally off base or is this way far fetched sounding?

**jckm78** · 11-22-2009 01:39 AM

clueless csr, hang up and try another csr.

**MikeInAlaska** · 11-22-2009 03:05 AM

>> clueless csr, hang up and try another csr.

ding! you win the prize : )

Actually there seemed to be something weird about it all, and I think its associated (AGAIN) with being in Alaska. The 1st rep said no way it could be done, had to be done locally. Second rep said "It SAYS you need a local installer, but thats not right." and then hung up on me on hold. The 3rd rep knew the workaround.

So yes... the answer for this situation is - keep calling.

**DishSubLA** · 11-22-2009 04:28 AM

It's called CSR Roulette. A game many Dish subscribers must know how to play. What I can't figure out is that, so far, 100% of the time, it is the 3rd CSR who knows what they are doing and gets the job done.

**wolfjc** · 11-22-2009 10:20 AM

Originally Posted by DishSubLA

It's called CSR Roulette. A game many Dish subscribers must know how to play. What I can't figure out is that, so far, 100% of the time, it is the 3rd CSR who knows what they are doing and gets the job done.

Or you can be ask to be routed to a tech.
When I activated my 211 as a dvr the CSRs could not do it but the tech guy did and very quickly.

**KAB** · 11-22-2009 10:28 AM

Originally Posted by DishSubLA

It's called CSR Roulette. A game many Dish subscribers must know how to play. What I can't figure out is that, so far, 100% of the time, it is the 3rd CSR who knows what they are doing and gets the job done.

'Cause third time's a charm.

**MikeInAlaska** · 11-22-2009 03:46 PM

I'd been watching Dish standard def on an ancient 1000? receiver for 10 years I bet. Now in the last month I am watching 1080i HD on a 1080 plasma, and now with this DVR. I had really thought Dish was crappy quality. WOW was I wrong !

**Smith, P.** · 11-22-2009 04:20 PM

Originally Posted by deathcow

I'd been watching Dish standard def on an ancient 1000? receiver for 10 years I bet. Now in the last month I am watching 1080i HD on a 1080 plasma, and now with this DVR. I had really thought Dish was crappy quality. WOW was I wrong !

Well, don't rush with conclusions !

Buy Blu-Ray player ($78 at W*Mart !), then you'll now what kind of crap you're watching now.

**MikeInAlaska** · 11-22-2009 05:35 PM

Actually I have a blu-ray (and certainly appreciate it.) I would counter though by saying... go hook up a 1000 series Dish receiver and watch SD on it for a week : ) HD 1080i looks superb.

I also hooked my Dad up (he lives on the adjacent lot) to my HD (my 129 dish) and I notice that on his 720P LCD television HDTV looks dramatically inferior to 1080P plasma. I think its not only the 720 versus 1080 resolutions, I think the LCD takes something out of it.

**Pen15head** · 11-22-2009 07:46 PM

also, do not forget to make sure your dads reciever is set up to output on 720p. (on the remote : menu-systemsetup-hd setup). its amazing how many people watch 480p on their 720/1080 tv's because they did not adjust the output.

glad your tv has better picture and you got your dvr activation on your 211. enjoy!