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Scott Greczkowski
Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Cutting Edge
Last reply · posted in The Merger Zone
Termination Follows Rejection by DISH DBS Noteholders of EchoStar Debt Exchange Offer Terms

DIRECTV to Continue Executing Strategy to Deliver Future of Pay TV to Consumers

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- DIRECTV (the "Company") today announced that it has notified EchoStar of its election to terminate, effective as of 11:59 p.m., ET on Friday, November 22nd, 2024, the Equity Purchase Agreement (EPA) pursuant to which it had agreed to acquire EchoStar's video distribution business, DISH DBS ("DISH"). The termination of the Agreement follows DISH DBS noteholders' failure to agree to the proposed Exchange Debt Offer Terms issued by EchoStar, which was a condition of DIRECTV's obligations to acquire DISH under the EPA.

"While we believed a combination of DIRECTV and DISH would have benefitted all stakeholders, we have terminated the transaction because the proposed Exchange Terms were necessary to protect DIRECTV's balance sheet and our operational flexibility," said Bill Morrow, CEO of DIRECTV. "DIRECTV will advance our mission to aggregate, curate, and distribute content tailored to customers' interests by pursuing innovative products and providing customers with additional choice, flexibility, and control. We are well positioned for the future with a strong balance sheet and support from our long-term partner TPG."

DIRECTV will continue to invest in next-generation streaming platforms and revolutionize the industry through new packaging options while integrating content from live TV alongside direct-to-consumer services.

The termination of the DISH acquisition does not affect TPG's acquisition of the remaining 70% stake in DIRECTV from AT&T, which is expected to close in the second half of 2025.

About DIRECTV

As a leader in sports and entertainment for 30 years, DIRECTV provides industry-leading content and an amazing user experience with or without a satellite. By reimagining what is possible, DIRECTV's mission is to aggregate, curate and deliver exceptional, innovative service tailored to customers' interests. In 2023, DIRECTV elevated the customer experience by delivering Gemini, which can integrate customers' content from their third-party streaming services onto a single one-stop, digital experience. At DIRECTV, the sports season never ends, and customers are treated to broadcasts of several major sports, including the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, and multiple domestic and international soccer leagues. DIRECTV provides customers the choice of watching sports, movies, and TV shows on their TVs at home or their favorite mobile devices via the DIRECTV app.

Contacts

Investor Contact: investors@directv.com

Media Contact: media@directv.com

SOURCE DIRECTV
64 Replies · 8854 views
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CSM
What if DTV merged DTV via the Net and Stream, they would have the option of paying the ARF, RSN and Gemini Air fees after the first one being free per month? However, how many customers would opt to pay those fees to get the Gemini Air?
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b4pjoe
What if DTV merged DTV via the Net and Stream, they would have the option of paying the ARF, RSN and Gemini Air fees after the first one being free per month? However, how many customers would opt to pay those fees to get the Gemini Air?
Both already have those fees. They are just hiding them in the higher package prices on Stream. So if they merged the two services which package price would they go with?
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C
CSM
Both already have those fees. They are just hiding them in the higher package prices on Stream. So if they merged the two services which package price would they go with?
I know you have said you think the normal prices for DTV via Net would probably be what the regular price for Satellite is. However, it will be interesting to see what they really are once the people that signed up for DTV via Net will really pay once the two-year price lock expires, and they would post their reactions, especially if the plan to cancel depending on how much they go up? I think that will be in April of 2025, right?
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b4pjoe
I know you have said you think the normal prices for DTV via Net would probably be what the regular price for Satellite is. However, it will be interesting to see what they really are once the people that signed up for DTV via Net will really pay once the two-year price lock expires, and they would post their reactions, especially if the plan to cancel depending on how much they go up? I think that will be in April of 2025, right?
Their problem is just the prices of their packages are not competitive with YTTV and Hulu Live TV and then when you add on the extra fees their prices are really out of whack. I am sure they thought having their own box with remote would justify the extra fees on via Internet. They were wrong. Then they thought they could offer a separate streaming service without boxes with remotes and without the extra fees to compete with YTTV and Hulu Live TV. But then they got greedy and raised the package fees at a price to being equal to via Internet package prices plus extra fees. Every time they turn around they shoot themselves in the foot over again. Everything they do is an attempt to separate you from your money.
C
CSM
Their problem is just the prices of their packages are not competitive with YTTV and Hulu Live TV and then when you add on the extra fees their prices are really out of whack. I am sure they thought having their own box with remote would justify the extra fees on via Internet. They were wrong. Then they thought they could offer a separate streaming service without boxes with remotes and without the extra fees to compete with YTTV and Hulu Live TV. But then they got greedy and raised the package fees at a price to being equal to via Internet package prices plus extra fees. Every time they turn around they shoot themselves in the foot over again. Everything they do is an attempt to separate you from your money.
I wonder what made DTV think customers would want to pay those extra fees for the Gemini Air when the other Gemini Osprey didn't have any fees because you paid for it in full with DTV Stream? Unless when the Air breaks you get a new one for free because you are paying the extra fees?
b4pjoe
I wonder what made DTV think customers would want to pay those extra fees for the Gemini Air when the other Gemini Osprey didn't have any fees because you paid for it in full with DTV Stream? Unless when the Air breaks you get a new one for free because you are paying the extra fees?
Because they thought it was brilliant to create a new streaming service with extra fees. They love those extra fees. Once again…they were wrong.

Does Internet have the protection plan? I don't think they do. But they are leasing the box to you so they should replace it for free. Not sure if they would or not.
Former member 208119
Because they thought it was brilliant to create a new streaming service with extra fees. They love those extra fees. Once again…they were wrong.

Does Internet have the protection plan? I don't think they do. But they are leasing the box to you so they should replace it for free. Not sure if they would or not.
i think there streaming will go by the way of there sat service with there rates. they forget that most people are not looking for a live tv streaming service there going for the on demand services.
C
CSM
i think there streaming will go by the way of there sat service with there rates. they forget that most people are not looking for a live tv streaming service there going for the on demand services.
I still watch live TV.
comfortably_numb
Ok, color me confused here. There are 3 different DirecTV services? Satellite, DirecTV stream (using your own device) and DirecTV Internet (using their proprietary box)? Is this correct?
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b4pjoe
Ok, color me confused here. There are 3 different DirecTV services? Satellite, DirecTV stream (using your own device) and DirecTV Internet (using their proprietary box)? Is this correct?
You get one device of theirs free if you sign up for DIRECTV via Internet so you are automatically charged the $15 per month Advanced Receiver Service fee and you also have an RSN fee for Choice and above and a 2 years contract which also gives you a 2 year price lock. For other TV's you can either use the app or get more DIRECTV box which you pay $7.00 per month for as long as you have them.

DIRECTV Stream has no ARS or RSN fees but the package prices are higher then on stream so you really don't save much.

DIRECTV's business strategy is to confuse users as much as possible.
comfortably_numb
DIRECTV's business strategy is to confuse users as much as possible.

It would certainly seem so.
C
CSM
This was the initial press release:

DIRECTV is streamlining the brand to create a simpler and more seamless customer experience.

In the current state today, DIRECTV's products are divided by their method of delivery: DIRECTV is a Satellite product and DIRECTV STREAM is a Streaming product.

As DIRECTV's Marketing teams have learned more about the STREAM customer base, they've seen different behaviors and values between those who are BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) DIRECTV STREAM customers and those who have DIRECTV STREAM using the Osprey Device. STREAM with Device customers are often coming from a Cable provider, and they're looking for a service that aligns with what they've had in the past, with similar pricing/offers, but with a better experience overall.

New Unified Brand

To solve for the needs of these customers and to create a more unified DIRECTV brand, as of April 6, 2023, Device customers will both fall under the "DIRECTV" Brand. DIRECTV Satellite will become a sub-brand called, "DIRECTV via SATELLITE", and DIRECTV STREAM with Device will become a sub-brand called, "DIRECTV via INTERNET."

BYOD STREAM customers will stay with the "DIRECTV STREAM" brand.
b4pjoe
DIRECTV is streamlining the brand to create a simpler and more seamless customer experience.
Obviously DIRECTV doesn't know the definition of streamlining, simpler or seamless.
C
CSM
Obviously DIRECTV doesn't know the definition of streamlining, simpler or seamless.
Yeh, not confusing at all. LOL.
Former member 208119
I still watch live TV.
so do we still watch live tv. but most of the people signing up for streaming are going for the more on demand style services and rotating between services once there done binge watching there shows
Scott Greczkowski
Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Cutting Edge
Last reply · posted in The Chit Chat Club
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....
68532 Replies · 2673000 views
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H
TAKE IT As It Comes-The Doors
ClarkGable
Take It To The Limit - The Eagles
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harshness
Take It To The Limit - The Eagles
The two instances of "The" should have been highlighted.

Take
Me to the River - Talking Heads
dishstaller
Blinded By The Light - Manfred Mann's Earth Band
Bobby
I Saw The Light - Todd Rundgren
meStevo
Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in The Sports Section
Schedule drops tomorrow. Mandatory mini camps in June. Hall of Fame game August 6th.
112 Replies · 1752 views
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osu1991
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M
Hopefully nowhere near a microphone.
Y
Hopefully nowhere near a microphone.
After having experienced Gus Ferguson trying to call soccer games, I'm uncertain why NFL football analysts get hate. Even the "worst" of them are pretty good.
meStevo
Jalen Hurts out indefinitely as they treat and monitor a superficial blood clot in his leg.


View: https://x.com/RapSheet/status/2111074303185989663?s=20
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meStevo
Browns lead the AFC North 🤣

Seth Meyers What GIF by Late Night with Seth Meyers
meStevo
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Former member 209992
Last reply · posted in SatelliteGuys Support Center
For some reason, the satelliteguys.us site is loading a lot slower than usual on both Chrome on my Asus laptop and Safari on my iPhone.
I'm also seeing longer appearances of the blue bar at the top and the "3 blue bars" loading symbol.
Is anyone else also having the same problem? Thanks in advance.
541 Replies · 18542 views
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Scott Greczkowski
Was down due to an emergency update at the ISP. They did email me seconds before they took it down and apologized for the short notice.

However once the server was back online NGINX failed to start.

I was at the grocery store and just rebooted the entire server and everything came back up again.

Just got home from the grocery store I will bring in the groceries and then take a look at what NGINX failed the first time.
comfortably_numb
Was down due to an emergency update at the ISP. They did email me seconds before they took it down and apologized for the short notice.

However once the server was back online NGINX failed to start.

I was at the grocery store and just rebooted the entire server and everything came back up again.

Just got home from the grocery store I will bring in the groceries and then take a look at what NGINX failed the first time.

NGINX
The site uses Nugenix?!


View: https://youtu.be/_DhEEo5S9fg
Scott Greczkowski
Ok checked it out and for some reason the web server (NGINX) tried starting before the DNS resolver fully loaded. This is why it worked when I rebooted the machine.

Thanks to ChatGPT it had me change the NGINX config to prevent this from happening again.

With that said I can't prevent the ISP from doing emergency upgrades which was the cause of all of this.
navychop
Nature will develop better idiots.
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TRG
TRG
Nature will develop better idiots.
God help us.
Scott Greczkowski
I guess this is what the downtime was about.

IMG_0607.webp
Ramy
Supporting Founder
Last reply · posted in The Sports Section
Really excited for this season with Kentucky having a new coach and some really exciting recruits. Probably won't last long, but here's hoping this season is great.
150 Replies · 1817 views
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Foxbat
They ought to have fun with this… :devilish
osu1991
They ought to have fun with this… :devilish
Was thinking same thing. It should be a good week for sec shorts and roll call
R
A lot of upsets yesterday, but my LSU Tigers won.
Foxbat
Best fan sign I saw during the ND-BYU game: "Bear ate your Lucky Charms!" (Bear being the Cougars' QB). I was going to suggest, "Have you or your team been involved in a Carr crash?"
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M


They get cruel sometimes, very very cruel.😈. Hated to see my dawgs go down but I still say being ranked #1 is a hex on you!
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Peter Parker
Supporting Founder Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in DISH Network Support Forum
No idea what improvements might be involved.
20 Replies · 884 views
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bookworm370
Has anyone noticed an FF stutter with 713? I used to be able to hit FF a few times and skip smoothly. After 713 (maybe 712), when I skip forward, there is a definite stutter for as many times as I have pressed FF.

Can anyone check on this and report back? Recorded programs and then press skip forward a few times to see if it's smooth? Normally, it just jumps to the right place after the skips.
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N
I'm getting fabulous picture on Ch. 148 4k, but zero audio with H713. This is with a recorded show (Notre Dame game). Anyone else have this? Audio is fine on every other channel.
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R
Has anyone noticed an FF stutter with 713? I used to be able to hit FF a few times and skip smoothly. After 713 (maybe 712), when I skip forward, there is a definite stutter for as many times as I have pressed FF.

Can anyone check on this and report back? Recorded programs and then press skip forward a few times to see if it's smooth? Normally, it just jumps to the right place after the skips.
My wife mentioned that her remote is acting strange this morning. She hit FF and it went to 15x FF.
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Foxbat
Wife bought me a t-shirt that has "have you tried turning it off and on again?"
Here's the one I need:
1792365258110.webp
dishstaller
Here's the one I need:
Just ordered one....that's great.
jsmit86
I'm getting fabulous picture on Ch. 148 4k, but zero audio with H713. This is with a recorded show (Notre Dame game). Anyone else have this? Audio is fine on every other channel.
It's a known issue.
For a temporary fix, go into the menu, Audio, and turn Dolby Audio "OFF". You will have PCM stereo audio.

I was able to give the tech ops team some data logs so they could diagnose the problem, and they rolled me back to H708 temporarily. It fixed that issue.

They let me know that they understand what caused the issue, and it will be fixed within a few weeks in a new update.
Former member 208119
Last reply · posted in SiriusXM Satellite Radio
My year was almost up and we got the new bill for a year of service for $ 360.00 insane sat radio is becoming like cable!!! i logged into my acct and hopped onto chat and told the rep that i wanted to cancel. she understood my concern and went quiet for a few minutes. i figured that she was canceling my service. she comes back and said that she seen that i have been a sub since 07 and then offers me the same package for a year for 120.00 with taxes and fee's!!! i grabbed it. after almost having a stroke :biggrin
239 Replies · 11067 views
Foxbat
Well, that was a waste of effort. Our new Cadillac comes with a three-month free trial. Good that it's free, bad that I'll have to go through the Cancellation Dance all over again…
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N6BY
Well, that was a waste of effort. Our new Cadillac comes with a three-month free trial. Good that it's free, bad that I'll have to go through the Cancellation Dance all over again…
I just bought a Ram 1500 truck with a 3 month free trial. What to do when it ends?

All I want is music and news, but it is listed for $11.99 + $5.00 more for news. But $16.99 per month isn't worth it to me.
comfortably_numb
What to do when it ends?

Ask for the "All Access Plan" for $5/month.
harshness
Ask for the "All Access Plan" for $5/month.
Since the agents are now AI, you keep refusing the offer until you can justify the cost.
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B
What i noticed with my last renewal XM is now billing me $4.99 monthly instead of one time yearly payment.
Jimbo
What i noticed with my last renewal XM is now billing me $.99 monthly instead of one time yearly payment.
Did you accidentally get on the wrong plan ?
I still do the once a year plans.
Jimbo
Since the agents are now AI, you keep refusing the offer until you can justify the cost.
Not entirely true ...
If you ask for a Human, you'll get one ...
You will definitely know when you do.
S
Not entirely true ...
If you ask for a Human, you'll get one ...
You will definitely know when you do.
Don't you mean phone sex operators:biggrin
Jimbo
Don't you mean phone sex operators:biggrin
Is That why you keep SXM ??? :biggrin
B
Did you accidentally get on the wrong plan ?
I still do the once a year plans.
I have to think maybe more people dont keep track of the monthly XM bill. Every time i renew i put a reminder on my calendar week before its time to renew. My wife told me the other day not to renew her and then i told her you are not going to be able to listen to XM at home. Then she changed her mind...!!
TRG
TRG
I have to think maybe more people dont keep track of the monthly XM bill. Every time i renew i put a reminder on my calendar week before its time to renew. My wife told me the other day not to renew her and then i told her you are not going to be able to listen to XM at home. Then she changed her mind...!!
I get an e-mail every month reminding me that X amount will be charged to my credit card. If I see it go up I get on chat or pick up the phone. But I also remember that my year is up in December.
B
I get an e-mail every month reminding me that X amount will be charged to my credit card. If I see it go up I get on chat or pick up the phone. But I also remember that my year is up in December.
yea i don't understand WHY, like you I get a notice each month. Mine is also up in December.
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Jimbo
yea i don't understand WHY, like you I get a notice each month. Mine is also up in December.
You get an email every month to let you know they are billing you for the next month.
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Foxbat
Mrs. Foxbat reminded me it's that time of the year to do the Cancel Tango💃🏽

The A.I. agent appears to be better than in the past. It got to the acceptable price quicker than previous years, no human operator involved. $5/mo and I still have over $50 in SiriusXM credit from my FordPartner benefits.
Jimbo
Mrs. Foxbat reminded me it's that time of the year to do the Cancel Tango💃🏽

The A.I. agent appears to be better than in the past. It got to the acceptable price quicker than previous years, no human operator involved. $5/mo and I still have over $50 in SiriusXM credit from my FordPartner benefits.
I forgot you can pay that with Ford Pass points, I won't be due again till Feb, but I'll have to remember to try it ... Not sure what needs to be done, but I do have a substantial amount of points currently.
S
Is That why you keep SXM ??? :biggrin
when i say cancel. they give the moon and stars!!! iv'e gotten free radios and a free month once since it was my bday ;).
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osu1991
Pub Member / Supporter
Last reply · posted in The Chit Chat Club

The number-one US state for EV growth, according to the June 22 Yardi report?
Oklahoma.


:eek


It has no ZEV mandates and "minimal" incentives, Yardi says, but also has cheap electricity, high multi-car household rates (so, for example, a non-Lightning Ford F-150 pulls their trailers), and a consumer base willing to switch.
113 Replies · 928 views
meStevo

Never realized that Tesla is losing to BYD at manufacturing too, which IMO is Tesla's biggest accomplishment and area of innovation. Nice writeup about the state of play and how we got here though. I have no faith that we're moving any productive direction though sadly, most changes and efforts feel reactionary rather than rooted in making use of the time being bought by tariffs, with few exceptions.

So: how are the cars so cheap, and what is being cut to get there? The best public accounting comes from the Rhodium Group, which compared BYD, Geely, and Leapmotor against Tesla's Chinese operation, a fair comparison because it removes labor costs and shipping from the equation entirely. Their estimate is that BYD builds a car for about $4,700 less than Tesla builds a Model 3 in Shanghai, roughly 15 percent of the Model 3's price. The breakdown is the interesting part. Direct government grants account for about $292 per vehicle, which is 5 percent of the gap. The biggest single factor is vertical integration: BYD makes about 80 percent of its top-tier components in-house, against 37 percent for Tesla, and that eliminates roughly $2,369 per vehicle in supplier markups. Lower overhead, meaning cheaper engineering talent and administrative cost spread across enormous volume, accounts for another $1,719. And BYD pays its suppliers on 155-day terms, against Tesla's 60, which is worth about $214 per car in float. When people say the Chinese advantage is subsidies, the per-vehicle number says otherwise. When people say it is slave wages, the Tesla Shanghai comparison says otherwise too. The advantage is mostly that BYD decided, twenty years ago, to make its own batteries, its own motors, its own power electronics, and its own semiconductors, and Western automakers decided the opposite.​
harshness
The EV company to watch out for is SAIC. They seem likely to take over Government Motors at some point.

GM originally struck a JV deal with SAIC to gain access to China. Now SAIC has taken China back with the substantial library of technology GM shared and they're looking to export to Mexico, South America, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.
osu1991
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harshness
If it weren't for the sky-high electricity prices...

Of course, the real scare with Winter coming is the insane cost of heating oil.
dfergie
Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU!
Last reply · posted in The Chit Chat Club
Stumbled across this ... http://www.gaspricewatch.com/USGas_ZipSearch.asp
I found no local prices, although it did show stations at my location...
Added these to this post...
USA National Gas Temperature Map
State By State Gasoline Taxes
Gas Buddy

Ethanol Free Stations

5553 Replies · 460691 views
Bobby
Regular$5.999​
Premium$6.399​
Diesel$7.999​
at Costco, Rohnert Park.​
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dishstaller
Regular$5.999​
Premium$6.399​
Odd that out there, Prem is only 40 cents higher. Here it's a full dollar more.

Last night it was about $4.17 gas, $6,19 diesel.
harshness
Odd that out there, Prem is only 40 cents higher. Here it's a full dollar more.
On the West Coast, a 40-cent differential is common. It used to be 30 cents before the prices rose above $3.

A "full dollar more" sounds like it may be boat gas (non-alcoholic), which is a whole different discussion.
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Foxbat
Here in Indiana, the difference between Regular and Premium is usually a dollar, but some charge even more:
1792374072446.webp
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dishstaller
A "full dollar more" sounds like it may be boat gas (non-alcoholic),
Both non-ethanol and prem run about the same....buck more. When we were up in TN it was a buck more up there as well.
harshness
In Oregon, our premium boat gas is about a dollar more than our corn premium. Several stations only offer the non-corn premium grade.
SuperDish_Fan23
Last reply · posted in DISH Network Support Forum
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!
4 Replies · 109 views
dishdude
They didn't sell many, they were pricey and not out long. Quickly got replaced by the Hopper.
T
They were high-end specialty, somewhat buggy and the 612/622/722 just overwhelmed it in popularity.
HipKat
I think they were more of a transitional receiver bridging the VIPs to the Hopper. They were a PITA to install and were buggy. Personally, I thought at the time that they were the best receiver out there. The versatility of the VIP's with the new Hopper GUI and, by far, the coolest-looking front plate and lighting.
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AZ.
AZ.
Well if it is because of reliability that wouldnt shock me.I went through 5 or 6 of them in little over 2 years. I loved the Sling when it worked! Saved lots of money having it in the day. That was probably 15 or 16 years ago?
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