When people buy satellite television, they rarely go back to cable. Obviously there are a ton of reasons for that, but that means that most satellite tv subscribers are in it for the long haul. When you first sign up for Dish Network or DirecTV its great having new shiny equipment. However in time new technology comes along and old technology becomes obsolete. This means that eventually you will need to replace your current Dish and Receiver to get new programming and a clearer picture.

Making the decision that you need a new dish and receiver can be a bit tricky because new technology is always coming out, when when you buy something one day, it seems to be almost obsolete the next day. However I have found that a good rule of thumb is to replace your Dish system when you upgrade to a new television. Most people replace their TV every 4 to 5 years.

These days many people are upgrading their old Dish systems so that they are able to receive HD (high definition) channels and programming. If you are with Dish Network you need to have a Dish 500 or 1000 system to receive the HD channels that they offer. Dish HD channels and programming also require one of the following receivers iP211, ViP222, ViP622 DVR or ViP722 DVR receiver.

The good news is that if you are upgrading your Dish system because you want to get the HD content, they are constantly running deals and promotions that might allow you to get a free HD DVR, and a new dish at no charge. If you are upgrading because you just bought a new television, you probably want to look into the HD programming and packages that Dish offers because your new television can probably take advantage of this new technology.

If you have just moved into a house which already has a satellite dish installed, you always want to check and make sure that it is the latest hardware the satellite company offers. If it isn’t and you are signing up to become a new customer, you always should request new hardware because you can often get it for no charge, and that way you stay up to date and can get the most programming for the best price possible.

I also recommend checking your providers website every now and then just to see what is new and if they are offering any new services. If these services require equipment that you don’t have, thats a good way to tell that your receiver or satellite dish may be out of date, and you might want to consider replacing it.

The Dish 1000 is the newest addition to Dish Networks satellite dish hardware. This system was developed to provide Dish Network customers with full HD (High Definition) channels and content. The Dish 1000 receives signals from satellites located at 110°W, 119°W and 129°W.  Before the Dish 1000 was developed, Dish Network subscribers needed to use 2 satellite dishes to receive full HD content.  This new system solves that problem for most customers, however some customers still require 2 separate Dishs to view HD content, depending on location. It is estimated that about 70% of the current subscriber base can receive full HD content with just the Dish 1000 system.

Dish 1000 Specs

Dimensions:

* 1 5/8″ mounting mast
* 18″h x 23″w dish face

Standard Configuration:
DISH 1000 includes a DP Plus Twin and a DP Dual (or DP Single) LNBF – no switch needed for up to two receivers.

* DP Plus Twin LNBF for orbital locations; 110°, 119°
* DP Dual (or DP Single) LNBF for orbital locations; 129°

* When installing with a DPP 44 switch, the DP Dual must be connected directly to the switch and NOT to the DPP Twin.

Valid Receiver combinations include:

* Any DISH Pro or DISH Pro Plus Receiver
o Up to two DISH Pro Plus Receivers each with DISH Pro Plus Separators for the single-cable installation advantage.
* One Legacy Receiver with one DISH Pro or DISH Pro Plus Receiver

Receivers NOT compatible with DISH 1000: (*no 129 support)
1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, JVC-IRR, DISHPlayer 7100/7200

Receiver Overview

The Dish 301 Receiver is DISH Network’s standard old receiver model. It has a low profile with a slim 2 inch thick design that is only 15 inches wide and 11 inches deep. Dish 301 provides all of the functions that any top of the line receiver has, these functions include: remote access to the DISH Network Electronic Programming Guide, V-Chip parental lock controls and automatic event timers. The chassis is compatible with virtually any entertainment center cabinet and is small enough to even be used as a set top box. This receiver includes a 4-component infrared remote control that is universal. This remote has the capability to control up to three other electronic devices, it comes standard with 1 S-Video output, 1 set of RCA A/V outputs and a Phone Jack.

Receiver Features

• Favorites List
• Program Information
• Themes List
• Browse
• Parental Control Locks
• Automatic and Manual Event Timers
• One-Touch Channel Return
• Closed-Caption Support
• 3 Buttons: Power, Channel Up, Channel Down
• Infrared Sensor/infrared blast emitter
• Light indicator: Green light indicates receiver is on; no light indicates standby mode
• Smart Card receptacle and door

Receiver Specifications

• Satellite Antenna Input
• TV Antenna/Cable Input
• RF Modulated Output: Outputs satellite source on channel 3 or 4, or passes through a connected antenna/cable feed to the television.
• 1 set RCA-Type Audio/Video Outputs
• 1 S-Video Output
• Phone Jack
• 2-Prong Power Cord
• Size: 1.75″[h] x 15″[w] x 10.625″[d]
• Weight: 5 lbs
• Color: Black

Dish Network has upped their satellite game in a big way, offering unbeatable service and high-value programming packages. Many customers have flocked to Dish Network after less-than-stellar experiences with DirecTV or the inability to acquire large-scale television channels as a result of their physical location. Dish Network, like DirecTV, is able to offer satellite television to just about everyone in America (and even some Canadians who receive the signal).

At the core of their service is their programming- Dish Network has partnered with some rather large and prestigious networks, such as Discovery Channel and HBO. This content is broadcast over their state-of-the-art satellite network and received by your personal dish at your home. Depending on your receiver, you may be able to do an assortment of things with it once it arrives:

If you have a DVR (digital video recorder) you can pause, rewind, and record live TV. The advanced features of the DVR will enrich your programming, allowing you to manipulate the television stream as you watch it, record the shows that you want to watch again, and generally do more with your television.

If you have a HD receiver you’ll be able to watch high-definition channels. While the standard receiver that is included with your satellite package will allow you to watch television and purchase-pay-per-view, you will be unable to view high-definition channels, even if you have high-definition channels included in your program or a high definition TV.

Dish Network is very proactive about the acquisition of HD receivers. High definition television is still a relatively new technology, and the receivers require pretty significant changes when compared to a standard receiver.

Problems With a Your Dish Network Receiver

Like all things technical, Dish Network receivers are prone to the occasional fritz or error. This will happen every now and then, and unfortunately it is something that can’t be avoided. If this happens quite frequently, you may want to talk to Dish Network’s customer service, as your receiver may be damaged or defective. If you have not caused it any physical damage, it will likely be covered by a warranty.

In light of the errors that sometime occur we’ve decided to prepare a small self-help guide to save the amount of time that you will spend on the phone with the customer service department.

Your receiver cannot receive the signal – This is the most common error that you will encounter, and it is unfortunately one that you may not have direct control over. This error occurs any time that the receiver is unable to detect a strong enough signal to warrant it displaying a picture or projecting an audio stream.

There are many reasons that this error my occur, such as the satellite signal itself being interfered with by poor weather or significant electronic interference.

What to do about it.

If this happens every now and then it’s not a big deal, and as such requires no action on your part. If it is quite frequent, however, you are going to want to perform some basic diagnostics:

Ensure that the satellite has a good connection – Check to see the strength of the signal that the satellite is receiving. If it is not picking up a strong signal, change the alignment of the dish and see if you can remedy it.

If you are unable to gain a strong signal you may need to change the location of your satellite dish to one that is completely unobstructed and has a clear view of the southern sky.

Check to make sure that there are no problems with your account – Your receiver will not display a signal if your account has gone into arrears. If you lose your signal for a prolonged period of time (more than a few hours), call Dish Network and ensure that this is no the case.

You cannot order pay-per-view – If you have it specified in your account that pay-per-view cannot be ordered this is not the fault of your receiver. However, if you have not made such a request and are unable to order pay-per-view it is probably because you do not have your receiver plugged into your phone line.

Your receiver has a small built-in modem that will dial out and connect with Dish Network, place the order, and then confirm your order. If the modem is not plugged into the phone line it will not be able to do this.

What to do about it.

Plug your phone line into the back of your receiver to give your receiver an active connection and allow it to order pay-per-view.

The signal is blurry, pixelated, or just generally bad – Check to see that all connections are made properly and that the satellite is receiving a strong signal. If so, check your TV settings and make sure that they are as they should be.

Next, go into the menu of your receiver and see if any errors are displayed or if there is a problem with the software itself- it will let you know if it needs to be updated. As well, check to see if it is all channels or just one channel. If the receiver is malfunctioning, it will be doing so for all channels. If it is only one channel that’s not working correctly it is likely on the broadcasting end and is not a fault of your receiver.

There are very few errors that persist outside of what was listed here. As always, if you are experiencing frequent errors you should call Dish Network’s technical support and gain assistance, as they may be able to correct the problem or take active steps to getting it dealt with.

DirecTV has been called the king of satellite television, and for good reason. DirecTV has been around for what seems like forever, and when someone says satellite television, DirecTV is always the first name that comes to mind. It’s no surprise to hear that DirecTV is on the forefront of satellite technology, introducing receivers with amazing capabilities and massive built-in hard drives.

Of course, even the best receivers on the market (as DirecTV arguably maintains) are prone to errors, mistakes, and defects. What’s important is determining whether you are experiencing a rather common error, such as a loss of picture, or if your receiver is actually defective. This process can be difficult and frustrating if you don’t know what you’re looking for, and many technical support companies would love nothing more than to send a support technician to your home, complete with a new receiver and a bill to go with it.

Save yourself the time and first assess if whether the errors you are receiving are the result of defective hardware or not:

Record when you receive the errors – If they occur randomly, infrequently, or only on specific channels, chances are good that your receiver is not defective. Defective receivers tend to experience the same errors over and over again, and this is exasperated even further in specific isolated conditions.

Record the date, time, and channel that you were watching. If you have another functioning receiver in the house, tune into the same channel and see if it also experiences the outage. If not, than you have successfully determined that it is the receiver that is the problem. If it does experience the same outage, then you are safe believing that it is the station itself.

Note the severity of the errors – Small video imperfections or audio desynchronizing happens every now and then on all satellite receivers. If you notice that this is happening to you in a rare basis there is little that you can do to correct it. However, if your receiver begins to randomly restart, distort video on all channels, etc., it’s a fair bet to assume that the receiver itself is defective or damaged in some way.

Basic Receiver Reinstallation

If you’ve opted to replace your receiver, or have simply purchased another receiver, having to pay someone $100 to come and install it for you can be frustrating. Receivers are not cheap- at a tad of $100 for a base model, having to pay someone another $100 to come install it for you is like the straw that broke th camels back.

Luckily, installing a satellite receiver is a relatively straightforward process. All you need to know is a few vital pieces of information and you’ll be up and running in no time.

1. Remove the old receiver – Unplug all of the connections (making sure to label what each one of them was), unplug the receiver from the electrical outlet, and remove your access card.

2. Place your new receiver in its position – When choosing a position it is important that you place your receiver in a location where the remote will have a direct line of sight to it and that all necessary cables and wires will be able to reach the back of the receiver.

3. Reinstall all of the connections – The back of your new receiver will have a few different A/V or RCA outputs. They will all be output as opposed to input, save the connection of the coaxial cable that runs from the satellite dish to the receiver. Plug in all of the connections (you labeled them before you unplugged them from the other one, right?). Plug in your access card (if necessary) and power on the receiver.

4. Configure the receiver – Using the remote, configure the menu options as you are prompted. These will include things such as the date, time, year, and any receiver specific functions or customization options.

5. Enjoy – Start watching TV! Assuming that all of the cables were correctly labeled and plugged in, your receiver should now be sending a digital audio and video stream to your TV, home theater, or both!

It is unlikely that your receiver is defective, however, and replacement is definitely a last resort. DirecTV has a reputation for reliable hardware, and our experience with their receivers has shown nothing but good things for us. Everything worked (as it was supposed to) and we have yet to run into any kind of error or mistake that could be blamed on the receiver in any way.

What is Dish 500 ?

The Dish 500 is a 20″ satellite dish used by Dish Network subscribers. This new dish model is slightly larger than the previous Dish 300 which was only 18″ however it allows subscribers to receive more content and additional features. This is accomplished by allowing you to receive a satellite signal from 2 satellite locations (119° and 110° ) at once.

Dish Network recommends that all subscribers upgrade to the new hardware. This is because the Dish 500 allows Dish Network to offer more channels than with previous models due to a better receiving capability. Dish Network has also started to launch channels exclusive to subscribers with Dish 500 hardware, such as History Channel International and The Science Channel. In the near future, many more channels will be available exclusively to subscribers with a Dish 500 or Dish 500 Pro.

Overall the Dish 500 hardware allows for a larger selection of local and nationwide programming, and in many cases better signal reception. Upgrading to Dish 500 will also give you access to 29 additional Pay Per View channels, 2 new Showtime channels, 2 exclusive HBO channels and 2 new Starz Movie Pack channels.

The Dish 500 and Dish 500 Pro hardware also have other advantages such as allowing you to access data service such as Satellite Internet and audio programming. You can also receive some HD content through this hardware, however for full HD content we recommend the Dish 1000 satellite system. The Dish 500 is compatible with DISHPro Receivers, 301, 311, 322, 411, 501, 508, 522, 622, 721, 811, 921, 942s.

TiVo. DirecTV. Both of those names are associated with revolutionary television experiences. The TiVo was one of the first personal video recorders (PVR) on the market, and the brand has gained a cult-like following as users everywhere warm up to the intuitive interface and intelligent features. Stand alone TiVo, which operates via cable as opposed to satellite, has been heralded by its legions of fans as one of the best things that’s ever happened to cable TV. It’s likely that you’ll probably agree with them once you’ve experienced TiVo’s slick interface, impressive networking capabilities, and intuitive pause, rewind, fast-forward, and recording features.

The TiVo is known for its simplistic design and feature-rich capabilities. The latest TiVo models have massive hard drives (250 gigabytes or more) that can store hundreds of hours of television shows and movies, and they feature the latest in audio/video technology, allowing you to get the most out of your home theater. If you have Dolby surround sound and a high definition TV, TiVo will fit in to your home theater just fine.

Users that don’t have an expensive home theater setup will still enjoy TiVo’s wealth of features, programming guides, bookmarking services, video recording, and ease of use. And, of course, TiVo will still be there in the event that the use decides to purchase a high definition TV or audio system.

TiVo and DirecTV

DirecTV is one of the most popular choices in America when it come to personal satellite services. Subscribers of DirecTV get access to literally hundreds of different channels, premium movie services, and interactive content. When TiVo and DirecTV combined their collective technologies, the DirecTV TiVo was born, both in standard and in HD forms. That partnership was a few years ago, and after the initial price shock and massive consumer demand for the TiVo receivers, prices have finally come down to a very affordable level and have put DirecTV TiVo within reach of just about everyone with a DirecTV satellite bolted onto the side of their home.

Purchasing a TiVo model that has been designed specifically for DirecTV makes the process of adding TiVo to your home quite simple: buy it, take it home, install it, and enjoy. The only TiVo model that is currently available for DirecTV is the high definition model, and now at competitive price points, it is an HD PVR that is competitive and intuitive.

Some of the main features of the HD TiVo unit are:

High Definition Output - 480i, 480p, 720p, or 1080i. The TiVo has an indicator on the front of the unit that lets you know what resolution it is currently sending to the TV. With 1080p having just been released, and with the sheer expense of 1080p televisions, most users won’t even notice the difference. Most of DirecTV’s high definition programming is broadcast in either 720p or 1080i anyway, though there are rumors floating about that DirecTV and TiVo are going to be releasing a 1080p receiver.

Dual Tuners – The HD TiVo is capable of receiving a dual satellite signal, allowing you to watch TV and record to the built in hard drive at the same time. This is the definition of multitasking, folks, and it is revolutionary and incredibly easy to use.

Upgradeable Hard Drive – The HD TiVo comes with a 250 gigabyte hard drive already installed, allowing you to store over 30 hours of high definition programming or 200 hours of regular programming. That’s a lot of TV, no matter how you look at it. Recent innovations in hard drives, however, have produces single drives that are capable of storing 1,000 gigabytes of data- imagine 120 hours of high definition programming or 800 hours of regular programming! That’s over 5 days of high definition programming or 33 days of regular programming- you may never have to watch live TV again!

Pricing and Service

Users of the standalone TiVo service have two options of payment: $13 a month, or a one time fee of $300. While some have complained about having to purchase the TiVo and then purchase the service, others simply shrug it off has a cost of doing business. For DirecTV subscribers, there is only an additional $5 a month added to their account for the ability to use TiVo. This is above and beyond the $10 a month that DirecTV charges for receiving HD channels.

When HD TiVo’s were first released they were fetching prices in excess of $1,000. You should be able to find them for under $350 today, but they are still in fairly high demand and are often hard to come by. Once you’ve got yours, however, a whole new world of interactive television programming is at your fingertips. Enjoy!