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silversurfer

Supporting Founder

Last reply Dec 2, 2003 · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

Voters Say DISH Receives More Service Calls

From our friends at SkyRetailer.com

C-Band, DirecTV Close Behind

It started out as a poll to determine which satellite TV service received more service calls from subscribers, and later the poll confirmed what many may have known already. But, after nearly 250 votes in a two week time frame, democracy has spoken: DISH Network is the satellite TV company that receives the most service calls for its equipment.

However, this could also fall on the appropriate methods of training involved with satellite TV - namely the SBCA's National Standards and Testing Program. Are retailers receiving enough training? Are they receiving the right training?

According to the SkyRETAILER poll, 35.7 percent said a DISH Network system receives the most service calls. And, 33.7 percent said C-Band was service call prone and DirecTV was the least of the three at 30.5 percent. Still, a pretty even trouble call.

What does this mean? Although the poll is highly unscientific and more of a snapshot of readership opinion, it does shine a light on a very troublesome issue: Product quality. Is DISH Network (and all of satellite TV for that matter) producing equipment to the minimal standards?

Some retailers also complained that DISH fails to meet its "seal" of quality ... but that could be said about all of the platform providers. And, retailers and installers can be at fault for service calls as well. If a satellite TV installation is performed inadequately, customers will react.

So, in essence, we need feedback on these issues. E-mail SkyRETAILER your thoughts and let us know your experiences: ryan@mediabiz.com.

8 Replies · 2537 views

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Randy_B

Nov 25, 2003

. . . And the Dish philosophy of using paying customers as unwilling beta testers.

Ransack

Nov 25, 2003

Randy_B said:
. . . And the Dish philosophy of using paying customers as unwilling beta testers.

If every company ever waited to release a 100% perfect product, then our economy would come to a complete stand still as very few products would be released. Also, you don't find every bug in beta testing and unfortunately, that means it's already in the hands of the consumer. It then up the the individual company in how they deal with it..

silversurfer

Dec 2, 2003

Satellite TV Poll Invokes Major Reaction

From our friends at SkyRetailer.com

Retailers Swarm Editor's E-mail Inbox

After publishing our story on the SkyRETAILER poll asking which satellite TV provider (DISH, DirecTV or C-Band) receives more service calls, retailers wrote furiously to include their personal opinions and views. To say the least, SkyRETAILER's e-mail inbox was inundated with e-mails from those who supported our findings and those who thought we were way off.

(To read last week's story on the poll, visit http://www.skyretailer.com/viewskyretailer.cfm?ReleaseID=431#Story1)

Although the poll favored DISH as the service that receives more calls, it was a close race - DirecTV and C-Band weren't far behind. Here are some of our e-mail reactions throughout the past week (the retailers quoted below are kept anonymous):

--"In our experience, very few service calls are a result of poor quality equipment or poor quality 'professional' installations. There are many, many things that trigger service calls. Failed equipment/poor 'professional' installation accounts for just a small percentage of them. Many of our service calls are a result of poor self-installations. Many are caused by the customer's inability to understand and operate their system. In the summer time, thunderstorms will cause a lot of service work."

--"The satellite companies have, in some respects, brought on the high percentage of service calls on themselves. By continuously cutting install fees, or asking more for the same install fee, the satellite companies are, in essence, getting what they pay for."

--"I have had a C-Band 4D high-definition TV system for over eight years and can honestly say in that time frame I've only had to replace one LNB, which I did myself."

Thanks to all the retailers that replied and wrote SkyRETAILER. Your participation in this is greatly appreciated and is desired in future polls and requests for comments.

jlhugh

Dec 2, 2003

Let's just put it this way. I know of installers that screw up on purpose, so they can come back a month or 2 later for the service call and get the extra $$$.

Nick

Dec 2, 2003

Consumer Competency Questioned

It seems everyone has forgotten the most serious technical problem ever
faced by consumers -- the ubiquitous flashing 12:00 on VCRs around the
world. Despite millions of complaints by hapless VCR owners, electronics
manufacturers continued to replicate the design flaw, causing millions of
users to tear their hair out in frustration.

One victim of the flashing 12:00 syndrome was quoted as saying "I've tried
watching movies, but that flashing 12:00 was so darn distracting I just gave
it up and went fishing. Our kids have tons of movies they are unable to enjoy,
so they just go outside to play. It's so sad."

After receiving thousands of complaints about the flashing 12:00 VCR design
flaw, the CEA announced an investigation would be opened into charges that
most electronics manufacturers were oblivious to consumer needs in failing to
address the issue.

After inteviewing groups of consumers, design engineers, manufacturers and
retailers, the CEA concluded that the root cause of the flashing 12:00 problem
was that the average consumer was simply unable to understand the most basic
owner manual instructions and, therefor, is unqualified to operate any consumer
products more complicated than a toaster.

The CEA, in a press-release, said it will partner with DeVry College, a nationwide
chain of technical schools, to develop special courses to instruct consumers in the
proper use of their electronic products. Course offerings will include:

VCR 101 - How to tell time with your VCR
DVD 101 - Playing with your discs like frizbees
TV - 110 - Hooking up a "Rabbit-ear(s)"
DBS 120 - How to call for technical support
C-Band* - Alien signals and what they really mean (course conducted by S.E.T.I)

*Graduate level only, some prerequisite courses may apply
Those completing special education courses will receive completion certificates
in specific categories suitable for framing. Consideration is now being given to the
requirement that consumers show the appropriate certificate before purchasing
electronic products.

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TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Today at 3:12 AM · posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Project Helix Price Rumor: Could the Next Xbox Cost $1,800? #shorts

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!

View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/x3Zbzo-tk-s

Direct YouTube Link - Project Helix Price Rumor: Could the Next Xbox Cost $1,800? #shorts
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed

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Scott Greczkowski

Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Cutting Edge

Last reply Today at 2:45 AM · posted in The Chit Chat Club

Song Name Game Part 3!

Sometimes a thread gets so many posts in it that is can cause issues for the server so that why today we introduce The Song Name Game Part 3!

So let the game continue!

The last song was added by Bobby who posted...

One Meat Ball - Andrews Sisters

CONTINUE ON AND HAVE FUN! WELCOME HOME TO SATELLITEGUYS.US!

Here are the original rules for the game as posted by WebbyDude back in 2006. http://www.satelliteguys.us/threads/68645-Song-Name-Game

Just name a song title and the band who performed it. The next person does the same thing, but needs to list a song title or band name which includes a word from the previous entry. Pick songs from any genre.

Example:

Long Live Rock and Roll -- Rainbow

Rainbow in the Dark -- Dio

Another example:

Ride the Lightning -- Metallica

Lightning Strikes -- Ozzy Osbourne

Get it?

An additional note: we all know that song titles, sometimes, use profane words. Because this is a family friendly website it is advised that you clean up that title up a bit. This is accomplished by using something like sh!t instead of the real word. Thanks....

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dishstaller

Yesterday at 11:42 AM

Little Miss Dangerous - Ted Nugent

RaiderPower

Yesterday at 1:24 PM

Little Miss Can't Be Wrong - Spin Doctors

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sdfntx

Yesterday at 3:01 PM

Jump Down, Spin Around - Harry Belafonte

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long_time_Dish

Yesterday at 4:27 PM

Stop Draggin' My Heart Around - Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks

Reactions: FTA4PA, gms49ers and dishstaller

hwkn

Today at 2:45 AM

This Old HEART Of Mine(Is Weak For You)-The Isley Brothers

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iJustine

Last reply Today at 2:38 AM · posted in iJustine

iPhone Duo Crease?

Time for another AWESOME video from iJustine!

View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/YxfvCOQv5uE

Direct YouTube Link - iPhone Duo Crease?
The official iJustine Website's Website
Buy her book!

1 Replies · 9 views

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telstar_1

Today at 2:38 AM

It's not even where it folds!

iJustine

Today at 2:12 AM · posted in iJustine

Reading on the iPhone Duo!

Time for another AWESOME video from iJustine!

View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/2KkkNffbY40

Direct YouTube Link - Reading on the iPhone Duo!
The official iJustine Website's Website
Buy her book!

0 Replies · 5 views

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iJustine

Today at 2:12 AM · posted in iJustine

Playing Xbox on the iPhone Duo!

Time for another AWESOME video from iJustine!

View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/6t2FDCK5y40

Direct YouTube Link - Playing Xbox on the iPhone Duo!
The official iJustine Website's Website
Buy her book!

0 Replies · 8 views

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iJustine

Today at 2:12 AM · posted in iJustine

iPhone Duo Fold Animation

Time for another AWESOME video from iJustine!

View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/_9uczoPSEaI

Direct YouTube Link - iPhone Duo Fold Animation
The official iJustine Website's Website
Buy her book!

0 Replies · 7 views

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SuperDish_Fan23

Last reply Today at 12:04 AM · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

Its crazy how the ViP922 is so rare for no reason.

Why are ViP922s So rare? like its crazy how ebay has none, i checked everywhere, also, i got a ViP222k now, which is actually activated!

20 Replies · 500 views

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Strega

Yesterday at 2:34 PM

That's not really unusual. Cable companies like to the provide the box too. The phone company provided the phones in until the government forced them to allow third-party phones.

Reactions: charlesrshell

Almighty1

Yesterday at 7:02 PM

Strega said:
That's not really unusual. Cable companies like to the provide the box too. The phone company provided the phones in until the government forced them to allow third-party phones.

Yes, the Western Electric phones that says "Bell System Property, NOT FOR SALE, Western Electric".

Reactions: AZ., Bobby and charlesrshell

AZ.

Yesterday at 9:10 PM

Almighty1 said:
Yes, the Western Electric phones that says "Bell System Property, NOT FOR SALE, Western Electric".

someone is showing their age

Reactions: Almighty1 and charlesrshell

Almighty1

Yesterday at 9:38 PM

AZ. said:
someone is showing their age

LOL. It depends if the person saw it during the years when they were actually still available which is 1968 to 1983 meaning the person could be 43-58 years old or they can even be a few years old if they learned to read and write at a young age and actually saw a telephone with that label somewhere recently just like even here in San Francisco, payphone still exist physically in public places but whether they can be used or not is a different issue. It still looks like this even today:

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dishstaller

Yesterday at 10:03 PM

I opened my Radio Shack in Sept 1984 and right about that time they did the whole deregulation thing with the phone companies. I bought TONS of those phones that had been refurbished with a new outer shell. You could throw one of those out of a 3 story high window and it would still work.
That was an interesting time in history. I would have older customers come in and ask about phones.....they were terrified that they were going to get into trouble hooking up a second phone without the phone company knowing about it. One of the funniest episodes of WKRP was the one where Johnny thought the cops were showing up because they had an unregistered phone. I guess younger folks can't conceive of a time when you were limited to the number of phones you could have in your house....and limited to the length of the cord

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navychop

Yesterday at 11:01 PM

AZ. said:
someone is showing their age

You should hear his stories about when rocks were soft and pterodactyls were the new kid on the block!

Reactions: Foxbat, charlesrshell and Bobby

dishstaller

Today at 12:04 AM

dishstaller said:
One of the funniest episodes of WKRP was the one where Johnny thought the cops were showing up because they had an unregistered phone.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CA0yZ1nrm6M&pp=ygUPd2tycCBwaG9uZSBjb3Bz

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dishstaller

Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter

Last reply Today at 12:02 AM · posted in The Chit Chat Club

Country singer John Anderson died today

He was 71 yrs old. One of my favorite songs is Seminole Wind....the violin is killer.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8sh9P3X33w

5 Replies · 45 views

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FTA4PA

Yesterday at 10:53 PM

Rest In Peace

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mikew

Yesterday at 11:01 PM

I Wish I Could Have Been There is an amazing song. Rest in peace Mr Anderson.

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Bobby

Yesterday at 11:03 PM

Rest in peace.

Reactions: dishstaller

comfortably_numb

Yesterday at 11:04 PM

Hope you're out there Swingin', John.

Reactions: dishstaller

dishstaller

Today at 12:02 AM

mikew said:
I Wish I Could Have Been There is an amazing song.

That's one of those songs that hits a little too close to home for me. I like the song but just can't listen to it. It's kinda like that song "Daddy never was the Cadillac kind".....reminds me too much of my Grandfather who died Feb 18, 1995.

niembre

Last reply Yesterday at 11:21 PM · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

OTA no working after Update

My OTA is not working anymore. This started after the latest update. I have the OTA dongle with a OTA antenna that I've been using for years. My hopper does not recognize the dongle anymore and when I go to the OTA setting, it has a screen that says to plug a dongle into the USB. I tried unplugging and plugging back, in the same usb port and other ports. The Hopper does not recognize it. Anyone have same issue?

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Scott Greczkowski

Sep 24, 2026

Did you people having this issue contact Brittany yet? Shes trying to keep track of things and it would be good for you to contact her as maybe she can get this somewhere and get fixed.

Now while unofficial, I am hearing this issue wasn't caused by DISH's software team, but was caused by a chipset driver update that seemes to have hosed some older USB devices. If this is indeed the case I can see why DISH didn't know and why they are slow in fixing it as they need the chipset company to fix its drivers and release them to DISH so they can be pushed out to all.

DISH does not hate you guys nor do they want you to buy new USB dongles. I am rather sure they didn't even know this was an issue until they saw it posted.

Again contact Brittany if you are having this issue, so she has your info and hopefully she can do something for you to keep you happy.

Reactions: Foxbat, Briant73, pamajestic and 3 others

bookworm370

Sep 25, 2026

Scott Greczkowski said:
Did you people having this issue contact Brittany yet? Shes trying to keep track of things and it would be good for you to contact her as maybe she can get this somewhere and get fixed.

Now while unofficial, I am hearing this issue wasn't caused by DISH's software team, but was caused by a chipset driver update that seemes to have hosed some older USB devices. If this is indeed the case I can see why DISH didn't know and why they are slow in fixing it as they need the chipset company to fix its drivers and release them to DISH so they can be pushed out to all.

DISH does not hate you guys nor do they want you to buy new USB dongles. I am rather sure they didn't even know this was an issue until they saw it posted.

Again contact Brittany if you are having this issue, so she has your info and hopefully she can do something for you to keep you happy.

Thanks, but until they do, can't Dish just revert to the old driver that worked? Then test the new driver when delivered,d before pushing it again.

But then what does an old CIO know! I've only reamed quite a few buttholes from my people that didn't do that!

Reactions: ppappas, Almighty1 and charlesrshell

slow_poke_pete

Sep 27, 2026

bookworm370 said:
Thanks, but until they do, can't Dish just revert to the old driver that worked? Then test the new driver when delivered,d before pushing it again.

But then what does an old CIO know! I've only reamed quite a few buttholes from my people that didn't do that!

dish can't revert back to older drivers or updates. although just one reason not to buy the ota dongle!!!

Reactions: charlesrshell

ppappas

Sep 30, 2026

slow_poke_pete said:
dish can't revert back to older drivers or updates. although just one reason not to buy the ota dongle!!!

They can absolutely put the old driver back if they wanted. This is an embedded software environment in which they have total control. All they have to do if build a new version of firmware with the old OTA driver and test it of course. They just don't want to spend the resources doing so. If they are not going to continue supporting the single tuner adapter, then they have to say so.

Reactions: slow_poke_pete and charlesrshell

Almighty1

Oct 1, 2026

ppappas said:
They can absolutely put the old driver back if they wanted. This is an embedded software environment in which they have total control. All they have to do if build a new version of firmware with the old OTA driver and test it of course. They just don't want to spend the resources doing so. If they are not going to continue supporting the single tuner adapter, then they have to say so.

Unless of course they didn't keep a copy of the old drivers and can no longer get it. Then there is always the their support for the product is EOL after a x amount of time so it will make the consumer have to buy the current product offering.

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Briant73

Yesterday at 9:19 PM

Anyone heard any updates on this, I'm still having the issue so thought I'd check in.

Reactions: charlesrshell

Almighty1

Yesterday at 9:48 PM

Briant73 said:
Anyone heard any updates on this, I'm still having the issue so thought I'd check in.

No updates but if you can get DISH Technical Operations to roll you back to H710 or earlier even though H708 would be best because it also eliminates another problem like in this comment, you will also no longer have the problem as long as you don't update manually or forced to any new version until the problem is fixed as the problem started in H711 and still exist in H712 and H713.

https://www.satelliteguys.us/xen/th...ftware-version-713-is-out.423921/post-5108817

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dishstaller

Yesterday at 9:57 PM

Installed an off-air antenna a couple days ago for a customer who had just cancelled his Dish service. He had a dual off-air adapter and gave it to me. Cool. I'll keep it on the truck....might come in handy. Got to admit I don't watch anything as far as live tv goes anymore. Even if we have severe weather, our local channels will have a live feed on Youtube.

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navychop

Yesterday at 11:21 PM

In other news, it was announced that the software fix for the two tin cans and a string will not be forthcoming. A hardware fix is required. However, that fix will let you receive stations from a gazillion miles away.

Truck roll charges may apply. Two year commitment required.

Reactions: Bobby, dishstaller and charlesrshell

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MartyDe

Last reply Yesterday at 10:37 PM · posted in Over the Air Television By RabbitEars.Info

ATSC 3 converter boxes

Interesting article about the work being done to develope an ATSC 3 converter box. Yes it does mention affordable.

Pearl TV Issues Progress Report on Low-Cost 3.0 Converters in Advance of NAB Show New York

Group has secured lower pricing from key tech players to make less costly boxes available

www.tvtechnology.com

6 Replies · 216 views

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navychop

Tuesday at 12:03 PM

DEATH TO NEXGEN!

Reactions: primestar31, RaVo68, gms49ers and 1 other person

TRG

Tuesday at 12:12 PM

17 years ago the US turned off analog OTA signals in favor of digital broadcasting. Now the push is ATSC 3 "Nextgen TV". But nobody seems to be able to agree on DRM implementation protocols. People don't want to hook their TV up to the internet in order to watch over the air TV. At least I don't. With all the data they collect about your viewing habits the box should be given away at no cost.

Reactions: N5XZS, osu1991, slow_poke_pete and 1 other person

navychop

Tuesday at 12:27 PM

Comb your hair.

primestar31

Yesterday at 7:29 PM

navychop said:
DEATH TO NEXGEN!

It's dead, they just don't know it yet. They killed it by forcing DRM on it, and that TOTALLY botched implementing it.

There is absolutely NO compelling reason for anybody to switch to ATSC3.0. They only want it as a total and complete money grab.

Reactions: FTA4PA and navychop

navychop

Yesterday at 10:37 PM

I truly hope you are right.

Reactions: FTA4PA

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Voters Say DISH Receives More Service Calls

Project Helix Price Rumor: Could the Next Xbox Cost $1,800? #shorts

Song Name Game Part 3!

iPhone Duo Crease?

Reading on the iPhone Duo!

Playing Xbox on the iPhone Duo!

iPhone Duo Fold Animation

Its crazy how the ViP922 is so rare for no reason.

Country singer John Anderson died today

OTA no working after Update

ATSC 3 converter boxes

Pearl TV Issues Progress Report on Low-Cost 3.0 Converters in Advance of NAB Show New York