What will really happen Feb 1st ?

[waltinvt]

I think the current clamor of discontent Dish customers will pale in comparision to what we're going to hear come Feb-1st or whenever the new HD in MPEG4 channels launch.

Most of us here in these various HD threads have at least 1 thing in common. We've invested big $$$ in HD hardware & programming and have been on the edge of our seat so to speak for a loooooong time, waiting for Dish to follow through on their various promises - most of them revolving around new & better HD programming. We've also seen what we started out with (full rez HD & 942s that worked) get degraded (HD Lite & 942s that now have various problems for many).

Now Feb 1st is just around the corner. Some of those promises Dish made are about to become reality and we'll be sitting here with our expensive HD receivers, paying our $120+ a month Dish bills and reading threads about the new HD channels that WE WON'T BE ABLE TO RECEIVE.

A few of us might be lucky enough to obtain a 622 before the launch but highly unlikely and if we do, we're expected to forfit $200.

What's wrong with this picture and why the hell aren't more of you upset?

[dlm10541]

What's to be upset over?? We are just a few weeks from what we want- more HD.

We have an idea of what will happen by reading this forum. New receivers will be required and most do not seem upset over the rumored upgrade paths.

After all you don't see Sony upgrading your TV when a new model comes out. Nor did they upgrade it for you when HD became available.

I sympathize with those that spent good money on the 942. I just dropped D* inspite of having purchased their HD DVR due to lack of HD. I feel I am way ahead right now and will not groan over the wasted money on the DVR--my mistake after all

[mdonnelly]

All those Chats taught me one thing: never count on what they say on the Chat being correct. Wait until the product is released. That's why I didn't drop $799 on a 942 in November. That's why I didn't buy another 811; I leased one in exchange for an owned 311 (Charlie gave me the 311 for free when I signed up).

This whole DBS business is in a state of flux, with cable on the move, and FIOS ramping up. Flexibility for the corporation and consumer is paramount right now. You have to be prepared to jump fast, and lease is the way to go.

[StevenD]

What's to be upset over?? We are just a few weeks from what we want- more HD.
We have an idea of what will happen by reading this forum. New receivers will be required and most do not seem upset over the rumored upgrade paths.
After all you don't see Sony upgrading your TV when a new model comes out. Nor did they upgrade it for you when HD became available.
I sympathize with those that spent good money on the 942. I just dropped D* inspite of having purchased their HD DVR due to lack of HD. I feel I am way ahead right now and will not groan over the wasted money on the DVR--my mistake after all

Yes, most of you who do not have HD receivers (or only have one) are probably quite happy.

However, a number of us have MULTIPLE HD-DVRs and we are basically screwed. We are only allowed ONE upgrade. We will have to fork out abunch of money again if we want to get more channels. It would cost me about $1700 to upgrade my receivers (942, two 921s and an 811). Thats a year and a halfs worth of programming when I switch to FiOS when it becomes available...which should be in February or March. I feel really sorry for the folks that dont have FiOS as an option.

I guess I'm wrong to think that Charlie should take care of his BEST customers. Those of us who have multiple HD-DVRs probably all spend around $150/month with Dish, in addition to the thousands of dollars that we have shelled out on equipment.

Fortunately, I have learned my lesson and I will not go out and purchase equipment based on what Charlie says will happen. I will actually wait for it to happen. Two years ago, I spent almost $400 on a SuperDish and a DP+44 because Charlie said "ALL HD IS GOING TO 105." 105 has never seen an HD channel.

[dlm10541]

I have to agree.

I just hope I didn't make a mistake by not waiting to sign up..I have a leased 411 that is MPEG4-didn't see a need for the 211 for a few years.
This time I am waiting on a DVR. I do have a leased cable DVR with fwber full rez HD-at least for now.
A CSR said I would automatically get the new channels but even if not true at least I am a phone call away and out very little

[Weezknight]

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ADVERTISING BOX

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Does anyone know if on 2/1 if we can upgrade to a 211 and still pay the old HD pricing? I don't want the new HD channels yet, but are they going to force me out of my old pricing structure if I lease the new receiver?

I currently have the 811 with AT180 + HD Pak, and I want the new receiver to keep my future options open, but I don't want to pay into the HD "metal" packages just yet.