SATELLITE SERVICE F.A.Q

Do all cable tv companies require a credit check?

Yes,if equipment is involved its a company policy, Some also require large deposits. We do not.

So what do i need to Signup for Dish Network?

You will be ask for personal information, One is, The Last 4 Digits of your Social Security Number, The whole number is no longer needed. A more secure system has been put into place to assure your privacy. A credit card with the correct mailing address. Thats basically it the rest is basic information Phone address and email. The amount of money you will need at signup is the package price you choose.

How much do I have to pay up front?
In addition to your first month of service that is automatically charged to the Credit card you supplied us with. No Account signup fee will ever be charged. We will Not put your account on autopay unless you ask. We will need a credit card or debt card with Visa/Master Logo Discover or American Exp. to put on your account in order to qualify you at signup. For all offers, significant restrictions apply to DISH Network hardware and programming availability. Requires Last four digits of your Social Security number, credit check, valid major credit card or Bank card with visa/matercard logo and qualifying programming 

Will Having a Dual Tunner Save me $$$ Money?
A Dual Reciver will save you money, Lets take a 6 Room setup, The first TV outlet is FREE, every one outlet after the first is $7 making a 6 Room setup cost an additional $35, but if your using Dual Tunners it would only cost $14 So you Save $21 per month by using dual tunners, and that would really add up over 24mo..

What does Basic/Standard installation consist of?
Installation is considered standard if the Dish can be placed on a solid surface (House, Garage, Shed, Deck...) relatively close to the television sets to be connected, and that the cable(s) can be ran from the Dish to the rooms they are to be connected to through the walls or into a basement then up through the floors. If you request the Dish to be placed in the yard on a pole, or the cables to be ran inside of the walls, through an attic, in a crawl space, or in any other means outside of the standard installation, you may be charged an additional installation fee. Installation of Telephone Jacks, Mirror Lines, and extra receivers beyond 6 TV's are not included in the basic installation. Talk to your installer to communicate your installation concerns, and Line of Site issues before the installer begins installation to avoid unexpected charges.

I Live in an apartment or other Rental property, can I get Dish Network?
Most of the time satellite dishes are allowed so long as they are not attached to there building property, and is installed on the ground with a pole or Non-Pen Mount. Some landlords may require an additional security deposit before allowing installation of satellite dishes. Refer to your Lease agreement, and talk to your landlord or complex manager and ask about there rules regarding satellite dishes before signing up for satellite service.

How can I get a cheaper Dish Network bill without changing my packages?
You can reduce your Dish Network monthly bill by simply signing up for Club Dish (No charge to sign up) and refer your friends and family to Dish Network. You will receive a $5 credit on your bill for 10 months per person you refer to Dish Network (up to $25 off per month).

Do I need a credit card to subscribe to DISH Network?
Yes, our promotions require a credit card for contractual purposes, as we supply the equipment at little or no cost. We do require that the name on the credit card and the name on the DISH Network account match to prevent fraud. If you do not have a credit card or debit card with a credit card logo on it, than you can also purchase a Pre-Paid credit card (available at retail merchants). When the account is set up, the credit card number is linked to the account in a secure location that cannot be read by our Customer Service Representatives. If the contract is defaulted, the promotion cancellation fee (if applicable) is charged to that card. You are not required to make your monthly payments with a credit card.

Can I paint the dish antenna so that it blends in with my house?
We do not recommend painting your dish as it may cause signal loss. If you do decide to paint your dish, 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. We also recommend that you use as few coats as possible as more paint will increase signal loss.

I have trees in front of my dish. What can I do?
If your system has been installed for a while and you lose signal during clear weather, you may have obstructions (trees, buildings, mountains, power lines, etc.) causing interference with the satellite signal. If you cannot find a different location that provides a clear line of sight to the satellite, you may have to trim your trees.

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, if safe to do so, gently by hand or with a small broom, brush as much of the snow and ice off as possible. Your signal should return shortly. (Spray it with Pam snow and ice wont stick to it).

Why do I need a phone line connected to my receiver?
A phone line or internet 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. This provides continuous access to DISH Network Pay-Per-View movies and events and allows use of the Customer Support Application and other Interactive TV applications on channel 100.

DISH Network Pay-Per-View purchases are stored within your receiver and limited to a specific purchase amount. The phone line connection allows your DISH Network Pay-Per-View purchases to download automatically and be processed by our computers. These purchases are then applied to your regular bill.

A phone line or internet connection is also required with some of the features of dish home Interactive TV on channel 100. “dish home” is available on the models 3900, 4900, 111, 301, 311, 322, 501/508/510, 522, 625, 721, 811, and 942.612,722

What are the benefits of DISH Network periodically updating receiver software?
From time to time, we update the software in our receivers to improve the performance or add new features. There is no charge for these enhancements. Please note that the receiver must be in standby mode (plugged in but turned off) to receive software downloads successfully.

The download process takes between 5 and 15 minutes. It’s best to leave the receiver off overnight, or when you are not watching TV for an extended period of time. In our dual-tuner receivers, like the DISH 322, DISH PLAYER-DVR 522, DISH PLAYER-DVR 625, and DISH PLAYER-DVR 942, both TV1 and TV2 power indicators on receivers need to be off in order to receive a software download.


The time in my Electronic Program Guide (EPG) is incorrect. What can I do?
During an initial activation, the time will be set normally 10-15 minutes after the programming is authorized. The time is set according to the ZIP code listed for the physical address, which is federally assigned.

If it has been more than 15 minutes since activation, you can perform a Smart Card reset. Please note that the following receivers have no physical Smart Card present; DISH 111, DISH 311, DISH 322, DISH 811, DISH Player - DVR 522, DISH Player - DVR 625 and DISH Player – DVR 942.

Caution: The Smart Card could be damaged by a Static Electricity discharge. To prevent this, you should touch the outside of the receiver prior to removing the Smart Card.

• Locate the Smart Card. The Smart Card is normally located behind a door on the front left of the receiver.
• Carefully remove the Smartcard for 15 seconds then reinsert the card.

• Remove electrical power from the receiver by unplugging the receiver from the AC electrical outlet.
• Wait 15 seconds.
• Plug the receiver back into the AC electrical outlet.
• If you are still receiving the incorrect time, please contact our Technical Support Department at 1-888-284-7116 for further assistance.

I need a Professional Installation. Who do I call?
Simply call 1-855-267-2776 to schedule an installation time convenient for you.

Can I install my satellite TV system myself?
You can not install the DISH Network satellite system by yourself at this time.

Do you have an equipment/installation protection plan?
DISH Network offers customers the DISH Home Protection Plan Free for the first 9 months of service then only $5.99 per month there after. This program covers most "DISH Network" branded DBS equipment in the same home. The program terms are active the moment you add the DHPP service to your account. Malfunctioning equipment must be active on the account at the time you exercise the DHPP. In some cases you may be required to return the equipment for an exchange. The equipment return process will include packaging and prepaid shipping labels for your convenience. The program also includes In-home servicing if the problem cannot be resolved through troubleshooting over the phone with our technical agents. For only $29 an authorized technician will come to your home if needed.

For more information on the DISH Home Protection Plan, including the terms and conditions, please click here.

What is Secondary Audio Programming (SAP) and how do I activate it?
An alternate language may be available for particular programs. Some programs, such as movies, show at the start whether an alternate language is available. Pay-Per-View movies which offer alternate audio will have 'SAP' in the program information screen.

To activate alternate audio/SAP, follow these five easy steps:

1. Press the MENU button on your remote control.
2. Select the SYSTEM SETUP option in the Main Menu.
3. Select the ALTERNATE AUDIO option.
4. Select a language in the LANGUAGES list.
Note: If the program is broadcast in an unlisted language, select the ALTERNATE option to hear that language. If the program is broadcast only in the listed languages, select the ALTERNATE option to hear English.
5. Select the SAVE option to save your choice.

Note: An alternate language applies only to the audio part of a program and does not change the language used in the receiver menus. If your programming does not have alternate audio available, you will hear the normal English version.

Do you provide Dolby Digital (AC-3) audio?
DISH Network provides Dolby Digital audio on some Pay-Per-View channels and select movies on HBO, Starz, Cinemax and Showtime (all HDTV channels are Dolby Digital). The program has to be sent to us in Dolby Digital format for us to provide it in Dolby Digital. These channels may also show movies in their original letterbox format (LBX). To see if a program is in Dolby Digital, look for the "DD" symbol in your Electronic Program Guide (EPG).

In order to take advantage of the higher quality of audio provided by Dolby Digital, you must have both a DISH Network receiver that supports Dolby Digital Audio and a Dolby Digital decoder (generally part of the surround sound system).

Currently, the DISH Network receivers that have built in Digital Audio Outputs are the models 4900, JVC DVHS, DISHPlayer 7200, 6000, DISH Player-DVR 501/508, DISH Player-DVR 510, DISH Player-DVR 522, DISH Player-DVR 612, 625, DISH Player-DVR 721, DISH Player-DVR 921, DISH Player-DVR 942. These receivers all have built in TOSLINK style optical outputs. The models 4000 and 5000 can be upgraded to have digital audio outputs via an adapter that plugs into the high speed data port on the back of the unit. This adapter will give the unit both a TOSLINK style connection and a coaxial style connection and is only sold through local retailers.

Is it possible to watch separate programming on two televisions with one DISH Network receiver?
Yes, it is possible with our newest receivers: the DISH 322, the DISH Player-DVR 522, the DISH Player-DVR 625 & the DISH Player-DVR 942. The dual-tuner DISH Player-DVR’s reflects some of DISH Network’s best technology, allowing you to watch programming on two televisions and adding DVR functionality – so you can record, pause and replay live TV. The DISH Player 942 offers DVR and HD capabilities. With its ability to connect two or more TV’s, you can enjoy HD and SD programming in two separate rooms.

Do any of your receivers support picture-in-picture (PIP)?
Our DISH Player - DVR 522, 625, 721, 921 and 942 supports PIP. Simply press the PIP button. If the 522, 625 and 942 do not respond, you’ll need to change them to Single Mode.

In order to use your TV’s PIP you would need to connect one of our receiver’s outputs to your TV’s PIP input, and the other PIP input with your off-air antenna signal, VCR or second receiver.