About to switch - need help

[AlanRB]

Thanks in advance for your help. About to switch from Comcast. several questions:

1. I have read that there are a number of bad installers. How can I be assured of getting one who does an excellent job and takes pride in his work? (Denver area).
2. If number one is a not likely or a crapshoot, what could I do in advance that would ensure a good install (I am very handy and have a better than average understanding of electronics)?
3. I currently have 3 HDTV’s (one in basement, one on first floor, one on 2nd floor) and 1 SD TV on second floor. I believe I want VIP 722k’s on two of the HDTV’s and a standard HD receiver on the HDTV in the basement (with the capability to add an external HD in future). The SD on the second floor would not be used much so I do not want to pay a lease fee (rather buy an inexpensive box).Do not want to run off one of the 722's as this would limit my recording capabilities (??).What would the equipment list look like? Also how can I guarantee that I will get the 722K’s verses them trying to pawn off older slower equipment.
4. What is the best Sat antenna currently available?
5. I also have an antenna in the attic that does a very good job pulling in OTA signals. If I initially subscribe to having the OTA channels included, can this be dropped if I decide that my OTA is superior than what is provided? If so what additional hardware would be needed? (leased or purchased)
6. Also I understand that there is a price increase coming. If I subscribe to the AEP+HD am I at least locked into that price for 2 years? (exempt from increase)?

Thanks!

[CowboyDren]

1) Crapshoot.
2) Do some planning on your own, and be specific with the installer about which holes go where. If they screw it up, it's on Dish to make it right; don't be afraid to raise hell.
3) I'd put 1x 722 on the second floor, so that the HD and SD sets up there are covered. I'd then put 2x 612 in the other two locations. Dual tuners, single HDTV out each.
4) 1000.2, aka Western Arc service.
5) You don't have to buy locals for OTA to work, but you do have to buy locals for the guide data to work. Your OTA channels WILL be superior, and it turns the 722 and 612 boxes into tri-tuner boxes instead of dual...but if you don't pay for it, the OTA section effectively acts like a VCR with manual timers and no program information for the events you record.
6) I don't think so. DirecTV does that sometimes, but Dish doesn't. Price increases with pay-TV are a way of life, and I've personally never been bitten very hard. Usually less than $3 per month per year, and I've been a subscriber for 4 years...I think. Don't sweat it; everybody rate-jacks, not just Dish.

[burtom]

3) I'd put 1x 722 on the second floor, so that the HD and SD sets up there are covered. I'd then put 2x 621 in the other two locations. Dual tuners, single HDTV out each.


I think CowboyDren meant 612.

[sam_gordon]

Thanks in advance for your help. About to switch from Comcast. several questions:


5. I also have an antenna in the attic that does a very good job pulling in OTA signals. If I initially subscribe to having the OTA channels included, can this be dropped if I decide that my OTA is superior than what is provided? If so what additional hardware would be needed? (leased or purchased)

Thanks!

I suggest doing this in reverse. I believe any "package" deal you get at signup is contingent on keeping the same level (at least not downgrading) of service. So if you sign up for OTA, then decide to cancel it, it might adversely affect your pricing.

[CowboyDren]

I think CowboyDren meant 612.

Yes. Sorry.

I suggest doing this in reverse. I believe any "package" deal you get at signup is contingent on keeping the same level (at least not downgrading) of service. So if you sign up for OTA, then decide to cancel it, it might adversely affect your pricing.

This hasn't been my observation. Usually the contract bottoms out at Classic Bronze (AT100), and as long as you have at least that, the contract is valid.

[AlanRB]

Thanks for all your help. But this future price increase has me concerned. It looks like I would be locked into a 24 month open ended contract from their perspective (I pay whatever they want to charge for the balance of the contract). I wanted to go with the AEP+HD (including locals) and with (2) 722k's (one upstairs to service the HDTV in MB and the SD in guest room, another 722K in FR to also output a SD signal to a small HDTV in basement office (all I watch is CNBC anyway)). However, I understand that the included HD DVR fee will no longer be included in the AEP? Now does that mean a $34.00 increase (2x$17.00)?? Even the CSR couldn't answer...

Also is there a way to add a DUO receiver to the upstairs (replace the 722K) and add a hard drive to a receiver, thus eliminating the $200 fee plus the monthly fee?

Alan

[CowboyDren]

AEP subscribers don't pay additional DVR fees like Classic subscribers do; one fee covers the house. The contract is two years, so you may be looking at +$3/mo for Feb'10-Feb'11, and another +$3/mo for Feb'11-Dec'12...maybe, which is to say if anything happens at all. A pair of 722k's will do the job nicely, except that you can't do PiP in the front room if TV2 isn't just a mirror of TV1. A pair of 612s or a 612 in the FR and a 222 or 211 in the basement offers much more flexibility.

[hyperguy]

You can pay the $99 install fee and there is no contract