BUNCH of questions before I proceed to modify my Dish subscription/equipment. Help?

[dare2be]

I got that notice when I first switched to the Flex Pack. It was well past 30 days since I had made my last change, and I was never charged the $5 then or any time subsequently switching out add-ons.

I believe to get the $5 Autopay discount you have to speak to a CSR or DIRT.

 

[dare2be]

So I chatted:

Me: $5 Autopay discount with the Flex Pack?

Johanson Tan: Hi, I'm Johanson Tan. Thanks for contacting DISH.

Me: I'm currently on the Flex Pack. How do I take advantage of the Autopay discount?

Johanson Tan: I can definitely help you out on this

Johanson Tan: Please give me a moment to check this issue for you further

Johanson Tan: Thank you for your patience.

Johanson Tan: Upon checking here currently your account is getting this $5 discount on your bill.

Me: So it won''t show on the website, but will on my next bill?

Johanson Tan: Correct

Me: ok, thank you. bye

You have disconnected.

 

[KAB]

Got my first "flex" oriented bill today. Credit was on there. Yes, did not show on line. So, I don't worry about that

 

[Gaze]

Okay, guys. Thanks a million.

I'm gonna run with that.

 

[Gaze]

14. In order to receive NFL Network, will I have to be subscribed to AT200 or higher? Also, is there any way to add NFL Network only during football season?

* I may be wrong, but I thought I remember that when NFL Network contract was renewed, it was added to the National Pack? Someone else will have to verify.

Woohoo! I can confirm this information is true.

 

[dare2be]

Hold the phone. I believe NFL Network is in free preview at the moment.

So, no confirmation yet.

 

[Troch77]

NFL Network is in Free preview until October 15th.

https://www.mydish.com

 

[Tampa8]

Hold the phone. I believe NFL Network is in free preview at the moment.

So, no confirmation yet.

Good point.

 

[Troch77]

Here are the current Flex pack add- on packs.

 

[Gaze]

Hold the phone. I believe NFL Network is in free preview at the moment.

So, no confirmation yet.

aaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh!

so it WAS too good to be true

 

[nelson61]

Forgive the piecemeal responses. Hope others can fill in the gaps.


5. Is there any downside to buying my own Hopper3 (off eBay or other)? Won’t that save me money in the long run, or am I missing something?

* No, there is no money savings in buying. Just the opposite (added upfront purchase cost). Monthly fees are the same whether buying or leasing. You might be locked into a new 2-year contract on a lease upgrade, however.

Never have been able to understand this. It costs them something like $800 to acquire a customer. The hopper is probably something like $200.
Why tie up your money in long term assets if the customer will do it for you?
If I were the Cajuna and wanted "sticky" retention, I would encourage buying boxes and give a credit of something like $1 per month.
Once they have the box, they are going to think hard about changing providers.
A low enough number that you still made the same or more money as compared to the leased boxes over a couple of years.

 

[boba]

Never have been able to understand this. It costs them something like $800 to acquire a customer. The hopper is probably something like $200.
Why tie up your money in long term assets if the customer will do it for you?
If I were the Cajuna and wanted "sticky" retention, I would encourage buying boxes and give a credit of something like $1 per month.
Once they have the box, they are going to think hard about changing providers.
A low enough number that you still made the same or more money as compared to the leased boxes over a couple of years.

For your answer you need to consult a tax accountant concerning depreciation of assets and Federal Taxes..

 

[Troch77]

Never have been able to understand this. It costs them something like $800 to acquire a customer. The hopper is probably something like $200.
Why tie up your money in long term assets if the customer will do it for you?
If I were the Cajuna and wanted "sticky" retention, I would encourage buying boxes and give a credit of something like $1 per month.
Once they have the box, they are going to think hard about changing providers.
A low enough number that you still made the same or more money as compared to the leased boxes over a couple of years.

I think if you buy, you shouldn't be charged DVR fees or mirror fees.

 

[navychop]

Well, no fee for thinking that.

 

[MikeD-C05]

I think if you buy, you shouldn't be charged DVR fees or mirror fees.

From your lips to GOD's, oh wait a minute, DISH's ears.

 

[dare2be]

From your lips to GOD's, oh wait a minute, DISH's ears.

Whatever was said, equal chance of either hearing it.

 

[MikeD-C05]

Whatever was said, equal chance of either hearing it.

You're right. It would be like making a pact with the Devil to get out of paying fees to DISH ,whether you bought your equipment or not.

 

[KAB]

Never have been able to understand this. It costs them something like $800 to acquire a customer. The hopper is probably something like $200.
Why tie up your money in long term assets if the customer will do it for you?

Because at least 90% of the their customers won't! No Upside. Why go out of pocket when you don't have to? I've been going through that scenario as I am getting ready to move to a new new home and will need some new equipment. MORE out of pocket we don't need now. Lease works for me.

 

[bryanw20]

OK I have some questions too, and one answer
At least for me, Flex pack w/o the $10 locals (on my vip722) still had the programming guide for the locals!

OK now to my questions:
as stated I still have a 722, it fills my needs, I can watch #2 anywhere in the house, record 4 shows at a time (2 sat 2 local); but it has recently started acting up, random reboots, etc. I've been a Dish customer for many years, out of contract obviously, not paying the monthly 'insurance' fee.

Should I contact dish about an upgrade to a hopper & wireless joey? Think it'd be free/near free, maybe just an instalation fee? (I could probably DIY unless I need new outside hardware.)
Can I still modulate the output of either the hopper and/or joey to watch on my other TV's? (I know it's the same show, but is it possible? will it output both hdmi & rca at the same time)

Any other benefits/drawbacks to upgrading?

 

[ChadT41]

It does require a new LNB, and a single cable from the hub too the hopper.