Help->Current subscriber needs upgrades...

[sNaKeYeZ]

I think I asked a similiar question to this already, but it's been a long while back.

I currently have a model # 3900 receiver and a Dish 500 dish. Lately, the Dish 500 signal has gotten worse....I get like 74 signal strength on the 119 sat. My receive has always been crappy with the "Info not available" on the guide all the time on everything that isn't currently on.

I pay by the year for my package, pay by the month for the distant locals (FOX in Atlanta, UPN/WB package). I own all my equipment.

What I NEED is a single, simple upgraded receiver, the model # 301 would suit me fine! We only watch TV in the living room, and I share it with a wireless a/v transmitter to two other rooms in the house occasionally. I also NEED a SuperDish, as I will be forced into taking a local FOX station in the next couple of months when it goes live. Anyway....

What should I do? I'd really rather not lease equipment, I'd rather own it. I mean, a single receiver can't be that bad. The original installer from back in February 2001 has since gotten out of the business as far as I know. There is another Dish Network local installer that I'd prefer to use if needed. I had read where I could only deal with the original installer if I ever needed anything, so what should I do about that?

I am fairly handy, I have thought about buying a used 301 receiver from eBay or buying a new/refurbished one from Radio Shack. I'm not too sure how hard it would be to switch over from my current 3900 receiver. I've also thought about buying a SuperDish, but I'm nervous about setting that up as well.

I'd much rather someone who knows what their doing install everything.

What should I do?

Thanks!

 

[Beachbum]

Actually, I have a 301 sitting on my desk right now! My cousin gave it to me after getting rid of Dish Network....I'm sure she owes money on the account or something, but you could just order a new card from dish and be good to go? Make an offer....
I was going to sell it on ebay.

 

[sNaKeYeZ]

My 3900 has a yellow card in it. I just put it in and activated it a few months ago.

Could I just swap cards?

 

[sNaKeYeZ]

Bah, searched and found that ya can't swap activated cards. Oh well.

I think I'm going to call Dish Network and see what I can get. Someone tell me if they think this is reasonable:

I want to BUY a new 311,
I want to BUY a new SuperDish,
I want it to be installed by a pro, hopefully using my existing coax 'cause it was a pain in the butt to run from outside to inside.

I don't mind paying for this stuff. Do you think that when I call this could happen?

*edit* Also, would Dish let me choose the installer I want in the area?

 

[KE4EST]

Opps double post/ disregard

 

[KE4EST]

If the local retailer for dish is someone that has a good name don't call dish.
Go to them tell them what you want to do and let them install everything for you. They want let you choose and installer if you call the 800 number.

Also, not sure what you mean by being forced to get fox in a couple of months. However if your locals are coming and are going to be on super dish. If you wait until they are,you can get a superdish upgrade for $50 if you sign another 18 month contract. If you don't want to sign another contract then they will sell you one for around $200 and of course installation will be more.

Your poor signal is more than likely your dish, out of adjustment or tree growth. Also you can use the existing cable if it, if it is RG-6 in good shape and swept tested to at least 2.2 Ghz.

I hope this helps

 

[sNaKeYeZ]

If the local retailer for dish is someone that has a good name don't call dish.
Go to them tell them what you want to do and let them install everything for you. They want let you choose and installer if you call the 800 number.

Also, not sure what you mean by being forced to get fox in a couple of months. However if your locals are comeing and are going to be on super dish. If you wait until they are,you can get a superdish upgrade for $50 if you sign another 18 month contract. If you don't want to sign another year contract then they will sell you one for around $200 and of course installation will be more.

Your poor siginal is more than likely your dish, out of adjustment or tree growth. Also you can use the existing cable if it, if it is RG-6 in good shape and swept tested to at least 2.2 Ghz.

I hope this helps

Thanks for that reply. I had just called Dish Network to see what they'd say. A nice fella named Jim told me to try the local guys first. Since I just want to buy (not lease) a new 311 and a SuperDish, he said local guys could probably beat Dish Network on pricing due to the shipping.

Locals are here already. Let me clarify. ABC/CBS/NBC went live 6 months ago or so here. I don't watch those often, so I still watch them via plain old antenna. I DO subscribe to Fox in Atlanta because there is no local Fox station. But, a brand new local Fox station is in the works and will go live by the end of the year and that would mean Dish Network would force me into getting the local station only, the way I understand it anyway.

So, tomorrow I will call the local installers that I like and see if they can help me.

 

[BobaBird]

Hold off on the SuperDISH. You may find your existing antenna to be sufficient for the new Fox too. LIL is for those 1) with OTA reception problems, 2) who want to record to a Dish DVR (which you imply you don't want), 3) want an all-in-one-box solution to avoid having to switch inputs, or 4) enjoy MPEG artifacts.

Tips on buying used receivers: http://ekb.dbstalk.com/235