Dish Network and DTV Receiver is Well Worth the Learning Curve!

After years of getting cable television via Adelphia (remember their scandal?), I decided to switch over to the DISH Network. That was over two years ago. My original installation included a DTV receiver, which was just replaced because the first one died.....more on that later. But, I will tell you up front that my video recorder is the DVR-525 DTV. From what I can see in the product details, my receiver is basically the same as the newer DVR-625.

My current set-up is the Top 200 programming package, Cinemax (5 movie channels), service to two televisions, one receiver and two remotes. At the time of installation, I was given the option of getting a second dish to add a couple of local channels, which I did. And, I also paid a few extra bucks for a protective cover for the main dish, which should help protect the dish and help prevent any ice/snow accumulation and problems it could cause. Until recently, I was subscribing to the Starz movie network, which was dropped when I added Cinemax.

Installation was arranged through a local company in Lockport, NY and went without a hitch. The technician arrived at the appointed hour, installed the dishes in the location of my choice and wired in the system. Then, he took care of getting everything up and running. Recently, my receiver died and I called the toll free customer service number. After trying a few procedures, the agent said that a new receiver would be needed. They shipped out a receiver, which arrived in three days....so I was without service for three days. But, once the receiver arrived, it was time to swap it with the broken one. My son tried to do this since I wasn't home, and he couldn't get it working. When I got home, I didn't fare much better. But, with a call to technical service, they had me up an running in about 30 minutes, and the female technician that assisted me was extremely pleasant and helpful! To be fair, if I had waited and called the retailer in Lockport, I may have gotten a receiver a little faster....but it was during the Christmas holiday and I'm sure they were very busy.

We've been very happy with Dish Network in terms of service, quality of signal, overall programming and especially the video recorder. As to programming, just as with cable service, there is just a lot of junkie channels as part of the packages. Determining whether a satellite or cable provider has better programming for the money really depends on the user i.e. I could be just as happy with programming from a cable company. Only rarely does weather conditions have any impact on reception. When there is sever lightning, reception and/or satellite signal may be temporarily lost, but I think I lost more viewing time with cable failures. I don't have a high definition television, so I can't help you with any evaluations in that area.

Having a video recorder is fantastic! The receiver allows you to record two programs while watching a third channel. I've never ran out of room to record....but the recorder automatically deletes older data. I hate to watch shows with commercials, so I use the recording option as much as possible. Using the recorder is somewhat more than easy....you need to read the manual and understand the many options you have. It is very important to understand the single/dual mode switch located on the receiver. In dual mode, both televisions can view separate programming, whether live or recorded. In single mode, both sets will have to watch the same program, this can really get funny when someone goes upstairs, turns on the television and changes the channel. You end up having "dueling remotes". However, there is a reason for single mode.....when recording two different programs at the same time, you have to be in single mode to view a third program. This voids the ability to watch different programs on both televisions.

Operating the remote, and using the various menus is a little more complicated that basic cable television. From my point of view, if you're comfortable on a computer, the recorder and remote will be fairly easy. If you are "technology challenged", be prepared for a longer learning curve. But, technical help is never more than a phone call away. I'm closer to age 60 than 50, and I don't have any problems with the technology, but it wouldn't be the system for my parents' generation, for the most part.

If you have children, you will want to learn about filtering programming, which can be done with the Dish system. With such expansive programming and movie channels, there is a lot of programming that shouldn't be seen by children and teenagers. When I switched to Cinemax for a movie package, I wasn't aware of the fact that some of their late night programming is nothing but soft-core porn. Also, be aware of "pay for view" programming. While there is a tremendous amount of pay for view programming, we haven't ever purchased any....don't know why we haven't.

As with cable companies, programming packages change frequently, and monthly cost does go up from time to time. Make sure you understand the various fees for the program package, video recorder access, protection plan for the recorder, taxes, etc.

My only complaint with Dish network has been their website. While it is fine for getting information about your account, programming packages and other information, it is terrible for making any changes to your monthly service. They have cleverly designed the site so that you can add programming packages or upgrade your service, BUT....you CAN'T delete any of your monthly services. I was so irritated by this that I emailed them. I received a response that totally missed the point of my email. They responded by trying to explain the need for a $5 service fee when you make a programming change. A follow-up email requesting a supervisor to call was basically ignored....and I just dropped the issue. But, I still think it is a poor sales technique....if you can add programming via the web, you should be able to cancel programming.

Calling customer service to arrange different programming was a mixed bag. The first time I called, to drop Starz Network, I could barely understand the sales rep, and she failed to add Cinemax to my programming. When I called back, I had a very good experience....I could understand the gentleman, and he took care of my request.

So....I don't have a problem recommending Dish Network and their video recorder. If you are nervous about the technology, visit a local retailer for Dish Network and check out the technology with a "hands on" demonstration.