Social Feed

mr.bud

Last reply Oct 6, 2006 · posted in DIRECTV General Forum

Should I buy a used receiver with or without access card? Plus other questions.

I'm adding televisions to my existing Directv account. Does it matter, if I buy a receiver on Ebay, whether or not it comes with an access card? I've noticed that some do, and some don't.

As well, I am, as they say, on their "A list". I suspect this is because I have just about every channel they offer, plus HD, etc. Now, they tell me that if I add 5 televisions that I have to lease 5 new boxes at $49 each. I've told them that I already have 3 old boxes (from my pre-Tivo days), but they said if I use these they will charge me something like $99 each to "install" them. Does this make sense? Or should I call retention and start bitching at them about this?

What about buying something used? Does anybody think this is a good idea?

Thanks.

19 Replies · 3347 views

Load Replies (19) Reply Legacy View

charper1

Oct 6, 2006

USSB - United States Satellite Broadcasting

When the service launched in 1994, Hubbard offered programming under the moniker of USSB (mostly premium channels, plus MTV and others) and Hughes offered programming under the banner of DirecTV (mostly basic services). DirecTV later bought USSB .

I however wasn't brining up any Dish, PrimeStar or anything else because I thought we were talking about DirecTV in the DirecTV thread; sorry.

PrimeStar was the first DBS system in the United States (1991) but slowly declined in popularity with the arrival of DirecTV in 1994 and DISH Network in 1996. PrimeStar, unlike modern high-powered DBS systems, was a medium-powered DBS-style system utilizing FSS technology that used a larger 3-foot (91 cm) satellite dish to receive signals. PrimeStar used the older DigiCipher 1 system for digital compression of analog satellite signals. PrimeStar Partners sold its assets to Hughes (former parent company of DirecTV) in 1999 and the service was shut off.

AlphaStar was another direct-to-home satellite broadcasting service for the United States market. It was the first direct-to-home satellite broadcasting service in the United States to use the internationally-accepted DVB-S broadcasting standard and used 39" satellite dish receivers. AlphaStar service launched in July of 1996 but was discontinued completely by September 1997 with 40,000 subscribers as the company went through bankruptcy proceedings.

damaged

Oct 6, 2006

Since noone is going to say it outright, I will, this tech007 guy is full of it. I don't think he is, or ever was a tech, for D* or any other satellite company. I call shenanigans.

If he is, god help D*.

damaged

Oct 6, 2006

tech007 said:
And what is the whole purpose of charging you 20 dollars and then refunding it back???

Uhh, gee, I don't know, maybe to GET new customers, and KEEP a new and existing customer, maybe because it is worth the 20 bucks for them to insure there are no older cards in use?

D* does not make its money by selling access cards, it makes its money by selling programming.

Your info is not just outdated, it is wrong. Period.

Stargazer

Oct 6, 2006

I know someone that had Directv and was wanting to get an additional receiver on their account activated but it had an older card and they were requiring $20 to get a new card sent out and get the receiver reactivated. They UTTERLY REFUSED to not charge them that amount. Directv lost a customer to Dish Network.

damaged

Oct 6, 2006

Stargazer said:
I know someone that had Directv and was wanting to get an additional receiver on their account activated but it had an older card and they were requiring $20 to get a new card sent out and get the receiver reactivated. They UTTERLY REFUSED to not charge them that amount. Directv lost a customer to Dish Network.

They WILL charge the 20 dollars, they will NOT waive it initially, BUT, if activated within 14 days, they WILL credit your account.

See, until the card is activated, it is not trackable, and therefore, they want the $20 dollars for it in case you never do activate it, however, once it is activated (within 14 days), it becomes trackable, then they know who has the card, where the card is (well, they hope), and know they are getting fees for subscription, and whom the subscription is for, they will happily credit your account, I would imagine that your friend couldn't get the access card fee waived because they don't want a bunch of untracked access cards (which they never got paid for) floating around, ALSO, if his card was of the older HU/P3 type, those are known hackable cards, which they want out of circulation. If he had paid the fee, and activated it within 14 days, he would have gotten a credit for it.

View all replies (19)

TWiT Tech Podcast Network

32 minutes ago · posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

RTX Spark: NVIDIA's AI PC Powerhouse Details! #shorts

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!

View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/PSGt6dUXdnI

Direct YouTube Link - RTX Spark: NVIDIA's AI PC Powerhouse Details! #shorts
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed

0 Replies · 1 views

Replies Reply Legacy View

SuperDish_Fan23

Last reply 40 minutes ago · 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!

7 Replies · 180 views

Load Replies (7) Reply Legacy View

HipKat

Today at 8:55 AM

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.

Reactions: charlesrshell

AZ.

Today at 9:02 AM

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?

Reactions: MikeD-C05 and charlesrshell

telstar_1

Today at 1:22 PM

HipKat said:
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.

I don't recall that they came out just before hopper, but rather that they came out even before 722. Or could be thinking of 921.

As to the title pf the post, "rare" does not necessarily mean valuable or desirable.

Reactions: MikeD-C05, Mr Tony and charlesrshell

Nominal

Today at 4:30 PM

telstar_1 said:
I don't recall that they came out just before hopper, but rather that they came out even before 722. Or could be thinking of 921.

As to the title pf the post, "rare" does not necessarily mean valuable or desirable.

You are thinking of the 921. The 922 was the first DVR with Sling functionality built in (that was eventually disabled along with the Sling Adapter for the 722s and the 1st Hopper because they relied on now-defunct Adobe Flash technology). With the bugginess described by others and the removal of its marquee feature (Sling) the 922 faded into obscurity once the Hopper 2 with built in Sling was released and they finally made the concept into a fully functional product.

Reactions: HipKat and charlesrshell

dishdude

40 minutes ago

I had one, the front panel lighting was cool, the menus were fresh and a lot more modern looking than the ViPs. However, it was very buggy and the Sling functionality just didn't work well - I think it was due to internet speeds at the time. I think I had to pay $40 for the Sling app on my phone iirc.

Reactions: charlesrshell

View all replies (7)

Scott Greczkowski

Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Cutting Edge

Last reply Today at 4:16 PM · 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....

68534 Replies · 2673207 views

Load Replies (68534) Reply Legacy View

Reactions: c-spand

ClarkGable

Today at 6:49 AM

Take It To The Limit - The Eagles

Reactions: long_time_Dish, RaiderPower, FTA4PA and 1 other person

harshness

Today at 9:30 AM

ClarkGable said:
Take It To The Limit - The Eagles

The two instances of "The" should have been highlighted.

Take Me to the River - Talking Heads

dishstaller

Today at 10:20 AM

Blinded By The Light - Manfred Mann's Earth Band

Reactions: long_time_Dish and RaiderPower

Bobby

Today at 11:52 AM

I Saw The Light - Todd Rundgren

Reactions: long_time_Dish and dishstaller

long_time_Dish

Today at 3:29 PM

Little Bit Of Light - Strange Weather

Reactions: dishstaller

EatMyVolts

Today at 4:16 PM

A Little Bit of Soap -- The Jarmels

View all replies (68534)

TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Today at 4:12 PM · posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

"You Can See Everything" Is 1 of the Century’s Best #shorts

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!

View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/A_V4A_ne8wE

Direct YouTube Link - "You Can See Everything" Is 1 of the Century's Best #shorts
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed

0 Replies · 5 views

Replies Reply Legacy View

Peter Parker

Supporting Founder Lifetime Supporter

Last reply Today at 4:07 PM · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

DISH Hopper 3 Software Version 713 Is Out

No idea what improvements might be involved.

22 Replies · 955 views

Load Replies (22) Reply Legacy View

Reactions: LQQK and reubenray

bookworm370

Saturday at 3:17 PM

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.

Reactions: charlesrshell

naptime

Yesterday at 1:05 AM

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.

Reactions: charlesrshell

reubenray

Yesterday at 6:14 AM

bookworm370 said:
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.

Reactions: charlesrshell

dishstaller

Yesterday at 1:01 PM

reubenray said:
My wife mentioned that her remote is acting strange this morning.

Had a customer call recently saying their remote was really acting up, some buttons no longer functioned. Told them to reboot the Hopper....problem fixed.
Wife bought me a t-shirt that has "have you tried turning it off and on again?"

https://www.amazon.com/Have-Tried-Turning-Again-T-Shirt/dp/B07G1ZV9W9/ref=sr_1_11?crid=3NNRAEED195WV&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.86TxUTPcw48CRYlDcLntwpMxbPDBfjiLu4wMZGX3VN6ajG_cFCuoDBJT7pS9CW2mjThKlke5Z6dlXH8bJKkQF4s892wGVU1ca_00S0BQz6F15V30_4szIdWeycvw3_zoVtsULQASM8bGcgvsKms930xApC43y_-YBVN0Q8Xsf_csSqXcmhWpresARdXHfx2VazllrXI8asduvrbnk9S3CGnzjqnVTkjzFSpSQLdQKA6Dx_7UfbQIBBJsqAmQwwtDGqM0YKVIkjV4ARgVJvJ69vLPhxV0m8pkJQd_2w_QX_A.-jSy9OqrqWdxPBsgZGia1hHMbvDAKxxhRn9kK1EBdCc&dib_tag=se&keywords=have%2Byou%2Btried%2Bturning%2Bit%2Boff%2Band%2Bon%2Bagain&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1792342839&sprefix=have%2Byou%2Btried%2B%2Caps%2C265&sr=8-11&customId=B0752XJYNL&customizationToken=MC_Assembly_1%23B0752XJYNL&th=1&psc=1

Reactions: Almighty1, Foxbat and charlesrshell

Foxbat

Yesterday at 7:14 PM

dishstaller said:
Wife bought me a t-shirt that has "have you tried turning it off and on again?"

Here's the one I need:

Reactions: Almighty1, dishstaller, charlesrshell and 2 others

dishstaller

Yesterday at 10:15 PM

Foxbat said:
Here's the one I need:

View attachment 194877

Just ordered one....that's great.

Reactions: Almighty1, long_time_Dish, Foxbat and 1 other person

jsmit86

Today at 9:57 AM

naptime said:
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.

Reactions: Almighty1, reubenray, naptime and 2 others

long_time_Dish

Today at 3:57 PM

jsmit86 said:
They let me know that they understand what caused the issue, and it will be fixed within a few weeks in a new update.

Oh, you mean "soon"? :biggrin

Reactions: charlesrshell

Almighty1

Today at 4:07 PM

jsmit86 said:
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.

I guess they will be busy when lots of people start asking for rollbacks to H708 now that you mention that downgrades of software does exist because it will likely fix the OTA Single Tuner and the IR Remote problems in H710-H713.

Reactions: charlesrshell

View all replies (22)

dfergie

Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU!

Last reply Today at 4:01 PM · posted in What's Cooking?

What's For Lunch?

We have a Breakfast and Dinner thread so...

Continuing from the Breakfast thread, found Cornbread mix so ...
Yellow Cornbread Mix
2 Hatch Green Chiles -diced
1 Egg
2/3 cup of milk
add to greased pan
Bake for 400f 20-25 minutes(From instructions)
now to put together and try... this to go with pinto beans...

5446 Replies · 335520 views

Load Replies (5446) Reply Legacy View

TRG

Oct 10, 2026

Two Chicago style hot dogs and a Fanta orange soda.

Reactions: Bobby and dfergie

Mr Tony

Oct 12, 2026

Little mini pepperoni pizza, green beans, apples and chocolate milk.

Reactions: dfergie

dfergie

Oct 12, 2026

TRG said:
Fanta orange soda.

Sitting in fridge cooling off, bought 1 along with 2 Mexican Cokes at La Tienda... (I keep a few cokes stashed as well as in fridge and camper fridge)

Reactions: TRG and Mr Tony

Mr Tony

Today at 2:17 PM

Garlic cheese bread
Green beans
Apples
Chocolate Milk
Some weird noodles.

(They have salad and a couple other fruits if wanted)

Reactions: dfergie

TRG

Today at 3:41 PM

Club sandwich and corn chowder. Iced tea.

Reactions: Bobby, Mr Tony and dfergie

dfergie

Today at 4:01 PM

Chili dog bowl, water… (homemade chili)

Reactions: TRG, Bobby and Mr Tony

View all replies (5446)

dfergie

Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU!

Last reply Today at 3:54 PM · posted in TV Shows

Stargate SG-1 Discussion

Stargate SG-1 cancelled, Atlantis renewed

Monday - August 21, 2006 | by Darren Sumner

The future of Stargate is in question today, as SCI FI Channel has cancelled the long-running Stargate SG-1, Multichannel News reported today and a GateWorld source has confirmed. The news regrettably follows the airing of the show's milestone two-hundredth episode on Friday.

Stargate Atlantis, meanwhile, has been renewed for a fourth season, with the network hoping to see that the spin-off series can stand alone, according to a source.
Source Gateworld

2032 Replies · 184001 views

Load Replies (2032) Reply Legacy View

dfergie

Sep 10, 2026

The Tokra pt 1, I know pt 2 will be next...
(came across on Pluto tv live, went to media server for "clean" version)

Reactions: Foxbat and long_time_Dish

reubenray

Today at 1:30 PM

I have gotten back into watching SG-1 and I have recorded most of the episodes to binge watch. What episodes are about the Antarctic or was this a movie? Also where could I watch the SG-1 movies?

osu1991

Today at 2:00 PM

Watch Stargate SG-1 for Free Online | Pluto TV

Stargate SG-1 picks up where the blockbuster film left off as the SG-1 team sets out to explore the mysteries of the Stargate and the worlds beyond it in the pulse-pounding series which became a worldwide phenomenon and a science fiction classic. Stream Stargate SG-1 for free on Pluto TV.

pluto.tv

long_time_Dish

Today at 3:47 PM

reubenray said:
I have gotten back into watching SG-1 and I have recorded most of the episodes to binge watch. What episodes are about the Antarctic or was this a movie? Also where could I watch the SG-1 movies?

Well, there are a couple involving the Antarctic. "Solitudes", S1 E17 (one of my favorites), Then, "Lost City', S7 E21 and E22. Then, in the SGA pilot, "Rising", S1 E1 and E2, it starts out in the Antarctic for about the first 20 minutes or so.

Reactions: osu1991 and dfergie

reubenray

Today at 3:54 PM

long_time_Dish said:
Well, there are a couple involving the Antarctic. "Solitudes", S1 E17 (one of my favorites), Then, "Lost City', S7 E21 and E22. Then, in the SGA pilot, "Rising", S1 E1 and E2, it starts out in the Antarctic for about the first 20 minutes or so.

Which one has O'Neil being Ancients? I am at the end of Season 8 now.

View all replies (2032)

TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Today at 3:02 PM · posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Elon Musk’s Wildest Demo Yet! Is It Real?

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!

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

Direct YouTube Link - Elon Musk's Wildest Demo Yet! Is It Real?
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed

0 Replies · 13 views

Replies Reply Legacy View

Bobby

Supporting Founder Lifetime Supporter

Last reply Today at 2:37 PM · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

Dish 4K Event Listings (No Discussion)

This is a thread that will keep you apprised of 4K events that will be showing on Dish channel 540. Keep looking here for information.

As of today, 9-27-17, there are no scheduled events posted for the next 2 weeks. That is subject to change on a daily basis.

762 Replies · 167236 views

Load Replies (762) Reply Legacy View

Reactions: HipKat, bryanw20 and charlesrshell

Bobby

Tuesday at 8:48 PM

MLB, Brewers at Dodgers, Thursday 10-15, 6PM PDT, Channel 148-02.

Reactions: charlesrshell

Bobby

Tuesday at 8:50 PM

CFB, Notre Dame at BYU, Saturday 10-27, 4:30PM PDT, Channel 148-03.

Reactions: Foxbat and charlesrshell

Bobby

Tuesday at 8:52 PM

NASCAR, Freeway Insurance 500, Sunday 10-18, 12PM PDT, Channel 148-04.

Reactions: long_time_Dish and charlesrshell

Bobby

Thursday at 3:57 PM

CFB, Ohio State at Indiana, Saturday 10-17, 9AM PDT, Channel 148-01.
CFB, Arizona State at Texas Tech, Saturday 10-17, 12:30PM PDT, Channel 148-01.

Reactions: Foxbat and charlesrshell

Bobby

Today at 2:37 PM

CFB, Ole Miss at Texas, Saturday 10-24, 4:30PM PDT, Channel 148-03.

Reactions: charlesrshell

View all replies (762)

Ramy

Supporting Founder

Last reply Today at 2:11 PM · posted in The Sports Section

2026-27 NCAA College Football

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.

151 Replies · 1873 views

Load Replies (151) Reply Legacy View

Reactions: Mike0616

reubenray

Yesterday at 6:19 AM

A lot of upsets yesterday, but my LSU Tigers won.

Reactions: Howard Simmons, Mike0616 and Jimbo

Foxbat

Yesterday at 6:34 PM

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?"

Reactions: Jimbo and Mike0616

osu1991

Today at 10:03 AM

View: https://youtu.be/mUq0cZaflyc?si=odZ2TTCweQXCWNBR

Reactions: Howard Simmons and Mike0616

Mike0616

Today at 11:08 AM

osu1991 said:
View: https://youtu.be/mUq0cZaflyc?si=odZ2TTCweQXCWNBR

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!

Reactions: Howard Simmons

Jimbo

Today at 2:11 PM

Mike0616 said:
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!

Yup, I agree, I'd rather be 2 or 3 till the last few weeks.

View all replies (151)

Top

Back

Search

Search

Social Feed

Should I buy a used receiver with or without access card? Plus other questions.

RTX Spark: NVIDIA's AI PC Powerhouse Details! #shorts

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

Song Name Game Part 3!

"You Can See Everything" Is 1 of the Century’s Best #shorts

DISH Hopper 3 Software Version 713 Is Out

What's For Lunch?

Stargate SG-1 Discussion

Watch Stargate SG-1 for Free Online | Pluto TV

Elon Musk’s Wildest Demo Yet! Is It Real?

Dish 4K Event Listings (No Discussion)

2026-27 NCAA College Football