Here is my defective 811 story.
Just finished the basement with all new wiring etc.
Wanted to take me big screen and Dish 811 down in the basement. Unhooked the 811 on Saturday, got enough people to help move the big screen down in the basement Sunday, and finally got around to hooking everything back up on Monday. Spent 3+ hours neatly wire tying everything together, only to find out as soon as I power up my 811, it constant cycles through the Acquiring Satellite Signal screen. Goes between "Default odd & even transponders" and 105 odd & even transponders," never looks at 110 or 119 which are the only thing it can see.
Check and re-check 100 times my cabling to make sure it was plugged into the correct "Satellite In" coax jack and not the OTA antenna jack or the remote jack. All is well.
Thinking it must be a cabling problem since it is all new wire in the basement, I trace all wires and properly label them. I then take my 311 which was moved into the basement bedroom with all new cables and hook that up. Works like a charm. So then I take the cable from the back of my 811 and run it over to the back of the 311 and it works also. That eliminates any bad cabling. They agree after 3 different phone calls it is the 811 and probably right where the coax enters the machine.
I have a defective 811 and Dish says I can buy a refurb one for $49.95 plus $14.95 S&H. Or I can sign up for the no commitment Dish Home Protection Plan for $5.99 per month and get a refurb one sent to me for free. I can then cancel the Protection Plan and be on my way. But next time I have a issue, they may not let me cancel the plan if I sign up to use it again.
My questions are:
1. Anybody else have this issue with an 811?
2. I chose the Protection Plan route to get a replacement here my the end of this week, is that the better route than paying the $49.95 + $14.95? Either way they say once I get the replacement receiver I will still own it, as I do the defective unit.
3. Should I cancel the Protection Plan or is it worth it to have?
4. Should I be scared of Dish saying I have intention damage to my cosmetically PERFECT looking 811 receiver after they inspect it and charge the crap out of me?
Any other comments welcome. Whew, this got long, sorry.