See the 'new to dish' thread above. I think I milked the sales rep for every deal possible. I'll summarize (although the sticky does a pretty good job as well):
I had to:
- sign-up for 18 mo commitment (no big deal..its for my parents and they aren't going anywhere)* The $13.33/mo pro-rated early exit penatly applies
- commit to 200/ch month minimum
- commit to HD (for cheap DVR below)
In return I got:
- locked-in "monthly rates" until jan 09 for tier, dvr monthly rental, etc.
- on-site repairs/replacement of anything that breaks for FREE for 18 months* This is huge as my parents need something 'like cable' where they can make a call & someone shows up to fix stuff. Given how many times the replay broke on them and the fact I'm 550 miles away..having DISH show up to replace the DVR is a huge plus.
- $49.99 install fee waived due to 18 mo commit.
- $20/mo off bill (MIR) for 10 months due to (a) getting HD and (b) getting 200/channels
- Additional 'bouncy' rebate of another $20/mo off bill (MIR) for months 11-20 but you have to mail it in later; you can't mail both in the day of the install.
Fees (for first 20 months):
- $41.99/mo for 200/ch & HD
- $5.00/mo for local
- $3.00/mo for HD DVR (622) rental..with the 100/ch plan I think the DVR is $5.98/mo
So aside from taxes, our monthly bill should be $49.99 and after 20 months, it would go up to $69.99.
The risk you face waiting until Aug 15 is a potential overhaul of the deals/specials currently going on. Could be good..could be bad. My gut tells me they're going to tout the new 722 and HD channels as a reason to slightly increase rates or change the HD pricing model completely. Thats based on absolutely NO HARD EVIDENCE so take that with a grain of salt.
PS WIth a 30-day opt-out; you could sign-up now..set your install date to be aug 16..then bail on the deal the day before if you see something better on the 15th. That way you can protect yourself either way.