Dish Network
 

Q: Can I install a Dish Network dish myself?
A: Yes, you can use the installation manuals but professional installation is recommended.

Q: How do I get free professional installation for my Dish Network System?
A: With the purchase of a Dish Network System or when you commit to 12 months of programming most retailers provide free equipment and free professional installation of the dish and up to four receivers in four different rooms.

Q: Can I install a Dish Network dish indoors?
A: Yes. The dish can be positioned indoors, pointing through most glass windows, if the setting offers a clear view of the southern sky. Also, if you are renting you need to get permission from your landlord.

Q: Is the service available outside the USA?
A: The service is available in the continental USA, Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. For those last three you might need a slightly larger dish.

Q: Do I get IHSP ?
A: In Home Service is extended warranty protection with on-site service provided by the DNSC organization. Currently, IHSP is only offered as part of the Digital Home Plan, but there are dedicated efforts to offer this program a la carte to the entire customer base.

Q: What is DishPoP ?
A: The DishPoP service delivers a combination of live and prerecorded programming to TV/plasma monitors. The customer send their content and playlist to DNBS for broadcast to each of the customer's locations via satellite. DishPoP's flexibility makes it simple to change the programming order at any time, without interrupting the current playlist.

Q: What are the advantages of DNBS ?
A: Using the Services of DNSC, DNBS is able to provide clients the latest technology for successful business communications offering the latest in receiver technology: DishPVR receivers to enable the viewer to pause or record live broadcasts, broadcast encryption and set-top boxes to receive your company's private broadcasts as well as public Dish Network programming.

Q: Why does Dish Network require an access card?
A: The access card acts as a "pass key" for your system, giving you access to the Dish Network digital highway.

Q: Can I hook up multiple TVs to one Dish Network receiver or do I need one receiver for each TV in the house?
A: Yes. You can watch multiple TVs from a single Dish Network receiver. But you do have to watch the same channel and you will also lose the stereo sound.

Q: What about International Programming ?
A: Dish Network offers many International Programming packages but you would need to have a second Dish installed in addition to your main system because the International Programming is delivered from a different satellite in the sky.

Q: What about Adult Programming?
A: Dish Network currently offers four different types of adult programming that can be added to your basic packages. The packages are available on a monthly subscription basis and include: Ecstasy, The Erotic Network and Playboy TV.

Q: What about Internet Access?
A: Dish Network provides fast satellite Internet Access through StarBand which allows you to watch TV and surf the net at the same time. The StarBand/Dish Network satellite Internet service requires a larger dish that is capable of receiving signals from 3 satellite orbital locations.

Q: Can I get HDTV with any Dish Network System?
A: Yes, but you must have a television with a built in High Definition decoder or you must purchase an external decoder to attach to your television. To take advantage of high definition television (HDTV) programming, you must have a Model 6000 or a Model 5000 receiver. Please refer to our Dish Network Equipment section for more info.

Q: Do I have to connect my receiver to my phone line?
A: The primary reason for the phone line is to ensure the availability of DISH-on-Demand. If a phone line is not connected, you may not be able to order any pay-per-view events and movies. In addition many of the new Interactive TV features will not be available to you. They recommend that the receiver should be less then 20 feet from the phone jack.

Q: Can I switch from DirectTV to Dish Network services?
A: DirectTV dish and cabling are compatible with the Dish Network service. However your dish will need to be realigned to a different satellite location. Using your DirecTV dish will prevent you from receiving some local stations and most of the programming in the America's Top 150 package. This is because it will not be looking at the secondary satellites. Therefore, it is recommend to upgrade to the Dish 500, which allows you to receive a signal from both of the main Dish Network satellite locations with one dish. Dish Network and DirectTV receivers use different architecture, so unfortunately their receivers are not compatible.

Q: What is Dish 500 ?
A: Dish 500 is the world's first 500 channel digital satellite TV system. Dish Network has developed an advanced 20" dish antenna that enables the reception of signals from TWO satellite locations at the same time. This versatility gives you the capability of receiving up to 500 channels of audio and video programming as well as data services.

Q: How many receivers can one family have?
A: You can have up to 6 receivers on one account. If you have more than 6 you would need a separate account.
Q: How do I move my dish network to a new location ?
A: Just pack your receiver and remote and move. Leave your  dish antenna behind. Dish network will take care of the rest. 

Satellite TV

Q. Can I receive Satellite TV?
A. Almost everyone can receive satellite TV, but if you want to use an 18" or 24" dish, you need to be on the mainland United States (excepting Alaska). In Hawaii, and in some parts of Alaska, you will probably need to use a larger dish. Most manufacturers will say that you need a clear line of sight to the southern sky without blocking trees, hills, or buildings. In fact, most reasonably clear lines will be OK, but if you are in a city and there are many buildings, you will have problems. Talk to your local suppliers, they will have some experience of what is possible and what is not.

Q. Do I need permission to install a TV dish?
A. If your TV dish is less than a meter in diameter, then under FCC guidelines you can install it. However, you may have to conform to guidelines regarding proper installation, and there may be some regulations you need to adhere to if you live in a historical property or district. Federal law requires you to make sure that the installation is safe.


Q. If I have more than one TV, will I need more than one TV dish?
A. No, but you may need more than one receiver that is hooked up to the TV dish. If you are happy to watch the same channel on each TV, then you can use one receiver box. If you want a choice, then you need a receiver box for each TV.


Q. Can I receive my local channels on Satellite TV?
A. Some providers do broadcast local TV, but they have a duty to broadcast all local channels, and cannot choose to broadcast simply those they want. For this reason, check specifically when you are contracting for your satellite TV.


Q. Do I have to buy a satellite system, or can I lease it?
A. It is possible to lease a satellite tv system; look carefully at the terms and make sure that you are not paying more than you otherwise would if you simply bought a satellite system using credit. There may be some benefits regarding maintenance, upgrading etc when you take out a leasing agreement.


Q. Can I have interactive TV using a satellite system?
A. Yes, but check that your satellite system is a two way system - that is it acts both as a receiver and a broadcaster. Most systems that are used for broadband Internet access and telephone are two way satellite systems.


Q. Will bad weather affect my satellite system?
A. Mostly, no, but occasionally rainstorms can be so severe that they may stop reception for the duration of the storm. However, this is a purely temporary situation, and you will find that your signal is restored automatically.