Dish Network FAQ

Does DISH Network have an extended warranty?
DISH Network offers customers the DISH Network Protection Plan for $5.99 per month. This warranty covers most "DISH Network" branded DBS equipment in the same home. The warranty terms are active the moment you add the DHPP service to your account. The equipment with the issue must be active on the account. In some cases you may be required to return the equipment. The equipment return will include packaging and prepaid shipping lables. This service is not currently available annually.

How do I find out what local digital channels are available in my area?
You can visit the following websites: www.nab.org or www.fcc.gov.

Why does DISH Network update software?
From time to time, DISH Network updates the software in its receivers to improve the performance or add new features. These changes sometimes utilize circuitry that was previously unused before and on very rare occasions, may cause a problem within the receiver. Their policy is to constantly improve the performance and features for their customers. There is no charge for these enhancements. It's recommended the receiver be in standby mode (plugged in but turned off) to receive software successfully.

What can I do about snow and ice on my dish?
If you experience signal loss due to the accumulation of snow and ice on your dish, gently by hand or with a small broom, brush as much of the snow and ice off as possible. You may want to have an installer move the dish to a location where it can be easily reached. If this is not an option, there are several aftermarket products available that will reduce the amount of snow or ice buildup. There is the HOTSHOT dish or a DISH Cover.



We're ready to install the dish antenna, but our homeowner's association will not let us. Can you help us?
The DISH Network dish antenna size is 20 inches in diameter and complies with the Satellite Consumer Bill of Rights, a regulation issued by the FCC on August 6, 1996. This bill essentially stipulates that residential consumers have a right to install a satellite system on any residential establishment that they own, as long as it is entirely contained within their own, private residential area. This regulation preempts local zoning ordinances, such as Home Owner Association (HOA) covenants and restrictions regarding the installation and use of DBS dish antennas. This rule, among many others, was required by Congress in the Telecommunications Act. Some HOA's have been fighting to maintain restriction rights by threatening court action on tenants with dish antennas. In some cases, they have argued that a dish is installed in a common area (such as the air space above the homeowner's roof where the dish is installed) in order to disregard the provisions of the Satellite Consumer Bill of Rights. Congress is on your side in this manner, but your HOA may prove to be of greater influence after installation.

Do I have to have a professional installation or can I install it myself?
All promotions include a FREE professional installation and most promotions require the system to be professional installed to enable your warranty. Therefore, we recommend that you seriously consider having your new system or second dish professionally installed to ensure that all aspects of the job are done correctly.

Can I paint the satellite dish?
It's recommended not painting your dish as it may cause signal loss and void your warranty. If you do decide to paint your dish, you can use any color of paint that you choose. Do not get paint on the front cover of the LNBF (the white plastic cap that faces the dish), and avoid latex and metallic paints. It's also recommended that you use as few coats as possible as more paint will increase signal loss.

How can I find out what kind of off-air antenna is best for my location?
www.antennaweb.org is a valuable resource to determine what kind of antenna is best for your area. Simply submit your address and instantly find out what type of antenna best suits your location and programming needs.

Is it possible to watch separate programming on two televeisions with the DISH Network system?
Yes, it is possible with their two new receivers, the DISH 322 and the DISH Player - DVR 522.

Do any of your receivers support picture and picture?
The DISH 721 supports PIP within the receiver itself and so will the DISH 921 receiver. In order to use your TV’s PIP you would need to connect 2 of their receiver to your TV by feeding one PIP input with your satellite signal and the other with your OFF- air antenna signal, VCR, or second receiver.

How can I upgrade to HDTV?
In order to receive HDTV broadcasting you will need a HD receiver, signal from 110° satellite location and a High-Definition Television. The HD 811 receiver is the latest single-tuner HD receiver that delivers DISH Network standard and high definition satellite programming and receives off-air analog and digital broadcast, where available. The HDTV programming is positioned on their 110° satellite. If you already have a DISH 500 you will receive signal from this satellite. To find out if you have a DISH 500, search for channel 9900 on your Electronic Program guide. If you have this channel you have a DISH 500, if you do not have this channel you will need to upgrade your DISH 500. If you have this channel you are already prepared to receive the HDTV signal.

Where can I buy an HDTV receiver?
They have currently released HD in a box. This includes a DISH 811 HD receiver. Choice of a 34" CRT HDTV monitor or a 40 " Rear projection HDTV Monitor. All active customers can participate.

I have DIRECTV now, but I want your service. How do I do that?
DIRECTV's equipment is not compatible with DISH Network services. DISH Network offers a wide variety of equipment, promotions and services. All DISH Network systems are sold with the DISH 500. The systems include true MPEG2 compression for the highest quality in audio and video providing CD quality sound and 100% digital video, parental lock-out features, and on-screen program guide and several other features that put these receivers at the cutting edge of the market. There is a 90 day warranty on all direct installations and a one year manufacturer's warranty is included with all DISH Network equipment, wherever purchased.

How do I get another receiver and what is the monthly charge?
To watch different channels on separate televisions at the same time, you will need an additional receiver for each TV. Customers who own MORE than two receivers or dishes may be required to purchase additional equipment.



Do you offer programming in High-Definition (HDTV)?
DISH Network currently provides the DISH Network HD Packages. This includes HDNET, HDNET Movies, ESPN HD, Discovery Theater and TNT HD. Their long term plan is to provide more HDTV content than any other provider. They plan to continue to support these channels and programs and as more HDTV channels become available they will be added to their line-up. Local networks or channels other than those listed above are not currently available in HDTV.

Why does DISH Network charge for local channels?
They pay each affiliate for the rebroadcast rights. Since not all customers qualify to receive local networks, they cannot add the local channels to their basic packages. Cable companies do charge for the local networks. As all cable customers are able to receive local channels, the price is incorporated into the basic package price.

How can I purchase Pay-Per-View (PPV) movies/events if I do not have a phone line connected?
1) Mobile Service - $20.00 per year (not available monthly),
2) Telephone Automated System (1-877-DISH-PPV or 1-877-347-4778) - $1.00 fee per transaction
3) Online - $1.00 fee per transaction
4) Customer Service at 1-800-333-DISH (3474) - $5.00 charge for ordering a Pay-Per-View through a representative

Can I substitute one channel for another in my basic package? I don't want to upgrade my basic package, but I want some of the channels that only come in those packages.
Allowing customers to substitute channels or add a favorite channel to their package would force DISH Network to raise prices. To prevent this, they do not allow channel substitutions. DISH Network strives to make satellite programming as affordable as possible. Their packages have been setup to balance cost effectiveness and consumer demand. One way to help keep their customer’s programming costs low is to provide stations in packages, rather than ala carte.

Where can I view sports on DISH Network?
NHL Center Ice - You can receive over 1000 NHL games on this season.
NBA League Pass - For even more NBA games on your DISH Network system.
ESPN Full Court - Receive over 16 weeks of college basketball games from the ACC, BIG TEN, SEC, CONFERENCE USA, BIG EAST, BIG XII, ATLANTIC 10 and MOUNTAIN WEST!
ESPN Game Plan - More than 100 college football games from some of the top conferences around the country.
National Broadcast Stations - There are many games broadcast nationally on channels such as ESPN, ESPN2, Fox Sports World, ESPN Classic, USA, WGN, TBS, or TNT.
Local Networks - You can view many professional sports including NFL, NHL, MLB, and NBA games on local networks.
Pay-Per-View - DISH Network also has many types of sports available on DISH on Demand Pay-Per-View.

Do you offer CD Music channels? Can you change the music on the CD Music channels?
DISH CD is available in the America's Top 120 package for $34.99 per month or ala carte for $4.99 per month. Additional mono music stations are also available in the America's Top 180 package for $44.99 per month. The additional music stations are not available ala carte. The music channels are divided into music categories and the song selection is preprogrammed. We are not able to offer the ability to request certain songs or artists.

Can I order a movie package or locals without basic programming?
Yes, you can order premium movie packages or locals only and are not required to subscribe to a basic programming package such as America’s Top 180/120/60, DISH Latino, DISH Latino Dos, DISH Latino Max or Dominion Sky Angel programming. Please be advised, there is a $5 access fee monthly charge for not subscribing to a basic package in addition to the monthly charge for the movie or local package.

Can I get just international programming?
Yes, you can purchase international programming services only. Along with the cost of the international programming, there is a $5.00 monthly charge. This is an administrative fee, as it does cost more to rebroadcast the international channels. If you want only international programming, then you will only need one dish pointed to either their 61.5 or 148 satellite locations. If you wish to add international programming to your American programming, you may require a second dish and additional equipment.

What programming is not available in Alaska, Puerto Rico, and Hawaii?
Most of their basic and premium programming is broadcast from the 119 and 110 satellite locations. Customers residing in Alaska, Puerto Rico or Hawaii are not able to receive the 110 satellite signal or any of the channels broadcast from this satellite with the standard 20 inch dish. You may be able to receive the 110 satellite signal with a bigger dish.

Why do I need a phone line connected to my receiver?
A phone line connection is required in order to provide non-interrupted programming. The phone line will not interfere with your telephone use. If the receiver is using the telephone line and someone picks up the telephone, the receiver will immediately stop and try again later. The same will be done if a call is received. The receiver will only use a toll free (800) number. Its primary purpose is to provide continuous access to DISH-On-Demand movies and events.
Pay-per-view purchases are stored within your receiver and limited to a specific purchase amount. If the maximum purchase amount ($25) or you have made 9 purchases, the system will not allow you to purchase any further pay-per-view events until the purchase information has been downloaded to their computers and paid for. In addition, your programming will be interrupted with reminders to attach a phone line, until the purchase information has been downloaded. The phone line connection allows your DISH-On-Demand movies to download automatically and is then processed by their computers. These purchases are then applied to your regular bill.



What are the different methods for paying my bill by credit card?
One-time Credit Card Payments:
You can make secure online payments using their Customer Support Center. This free service works with any major credit or debit card and posts to your account immediately. You can also make payments by calling the Automated Phone System and following the voice prompts. If you have a 3900, 4900, 111, 301, 311, 322, or DVR501/508/510 receiver, you may also make a payment through DISH Home (channel 100). If services are interrupted, the services will be restored ususally within 5-10 minutes once a payment is made.

Credit Card Auto-pay (CCA):
This feature deducts your monthly charges from your credit or debit card on the due date. You may choose to discontinue paper bills or continue to receive the statements (You will not need to send a payment should you choose to continue receiving these statements.).

What are the methods for paying my bill with cash?
Western Union Quick Collect

MoneyGram Express Payments
DISH Network Cash Payment - $1.00 fee for this payment option
PreCash DISH Payment - $5.00 fee for this payment option

Can I stop receiving statements in the mail?
Yes, you may discontinue mailed statements by contacting their Customer Service Center. You may also select the option on your payment coupon, which is sent with the statement. If you intend to pay your bill online each month, please be advised that your due date may vary from that of other customers. DISH Network recommends asking a representative when your due date is, as they do not send out e-bills or email reminders.

What are the methods for paying my bill by check?
One-time Check Payments
You can make secure online payments using the Customer Support Center. There is no fee for this payment option.

Electronic Funds Transfer
This feature deducts your monthly charges automatically from your checking or savings account on the due date. There are no fees for this service.