Dish Network FAQ

Dish Network FAQ

Is the equipment and installation really FREE?

You really do get all of the equipment you need to receive satellite TV in up to four rooms. (Each room can watch different channels at the same time.) You simply pay a $49 activation fee at the time you place your order which Dish Network will then credit back to your account on your 1st bill. This means you can get up to $1,500 worth of satellite equipment installed in your home without having to purchase the equipment!

I don't have a credit card, what can I do?

Most of 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. When the account is set up, the credit card number is linked to the account in a secure location that is unseen by our Customer Service Representatives. If the contract is defaulted, the cancellation fee of the promotion (if applicable) is charged to that card. You are not required to make your monthly payments with a credit card. If you do not have a credit card, we suggest that you consider having a roommate or other household member who may have a credit card, obtain service in their name.

Why should I buy from iDish Network instead of DISH Network Directly?

We offer the same packages as DISH Network at the same prices. However, we strive to offer the best customer service in the industry. We utilize unique ways that no one else uses to help you get your DISH installed as quickly as possible so that you may enjoy your satellite television as quickly as possible.

I have DIRECTV now, but I want your service. How do I do that?

You would need to purchase a DISH Network system. DISH Network and DirecTV receivers feature a different architecture. DISH Network is one of the most technologically advanced, high-quality satellite TV systems available. Our receivers are fully MPEG-2/DVB compliant, offering you excellent quality in audio and video. After you plug in the new receiver simply replace your dish with the DISH Network DISH 500 on your existing mount and re-aim toward our satellite.

What's included in a Free Installation?

A Free Professional Installation Includes:

Install and site one satellite antenna to a single-family dwelling

Connect satellite antenna to satellite receiver using 100 feet or less of (DISH Network approved) RG-6 cable. Use appropriate indoor and outdoor fittings as required by DISH Network.

Route cable through an outside wall of a normal frame structure or only one layer of masonry. Cable is exposed on the outside of structure or exposed in a crawl space or basement **

Grounding of system components to DISH Network specifications

Connect one satellite receiver to one TV, existing cable TV feed and VCR.

Connect satellite receiver to telephone jack (if located within 25 feet of receiver - please note that this is required to order special services and pay per view events)

Verify signal strength and test system

Allow DISH Network receiver to download software

Activate programming with DISH Network

Provide customer education on system operation and programming for up to 20 minutes

** fished or in-wall wires/cables are considered "custom work" and will require additional charges. Also note that cable cannot cross doorways or otherwise cause a tripping hazard.

Pole Mount - $75

Wall Fish - $40 each

Chimney Mount (straps) - $59

Additional Outlet (to mirror one IRD) - $65 each

Residential Phone Outlet - $65 each

I live in an apartment/townhome, can I get Dish Network?

You can get 100% digital service without owning a house! In fact, a January 1999 FCC ruling states that apartment, condominium, town home and single family home renters can install either satellite dishes or TV antennas in exclusive areas. Visit the FCC website for details. A Landlord Permission form is available should you need one.

My Home Owners Association will not allow satellite dishes, what can I do?

Our dish antenna size is 20" and complies with the Satellite Consumer Bill of Rights, a regulation released by the FCC on August 6, 1996 . This regulation PREEMPTS area zoning ordinances and Homeowner Association covenants and restrictions on DBS dish antennas. This rule was required by Congress in the 1996 Telecommunications Act. Some HOA'S have been fighting to keep restriction rights by threatening court action on tenants with dish antennas, in some cases arguing that a dish antenna is installed in a common area, calling the air space above the homeowner's roof where the dish antenna is installed, the common area. Congress is on your side in this matter. For more specific information please contact: SBCA (Satellite Broadcasting & Communications Association): (703)549-6990, and at SBCA.com.

How does the installation work, do you install nationwide?

All of our installations are done through the DISH Installation Network, a division of DISH Network. Since their network is nationwide we are able to offer you a professional installation anywhere in the US, including Hawaii, with one exception being Alaska. The DISH Installation Network is comprised of employees and authorized subcontractors that must meet some of the highest installation standards in the industry. This means you get a quality installation with a company you can count on to back up the work they perform. Certified, insured, and a 90 day installation warranty. Why have your installation done through anyone else?

After I make my purchase, how do I activate my programming?

After placing an order you will be provided with a toll free number where you can schedule your free installation and set up your programming selection. The installer will bring the satellite dish and receiver(s) with them; therefore, there is no equipment to ship so installations can be scheduled right away. A customer service representative will help you activate all the programming you would like.

Why does a phone line connect to the receiver?

For most applications the phone line is for on-screen Caller ID, impulse Pay-Per-View and DISH Home Interactive TV. There is also a special consideration in regards to our primary promotion (Digital Home Advantage), where there is no additional outlet fees provided all dual-tuner receivers (DISH 322 or DVR 522) are continuously connected to the customer's phone line.

How long is the estimated installation time?

After placing an order you will be provided with a toll free number where you can schedule your free installation and set up your programming selection. The installer will bring the satellite dish and receiver(s) with them; therefore, there is no equipment to ship so installations can be scheduled right away. Installations dates are available 7 days a week; even weekends.

Does my TV need to be cable-ready?

Dish Network is compatible with all makes and models of TV's.

Can I get Dish on my motor home trailer?

Dish Network does have packages available for your RV or motor home. However, they may be slightly different from the program advertised on this website.

Show me all of the available channels

Our Package Comparison Chart shows the different programming packages with the included channels. We also offer a complete Channel Description Guide that lists the details of each channel.

Can I get my local stations?

You must live in a designated market area to receive local channels. Designated market areas are determined by your local networks, not DISH Network. If you don't qualify, you can still use a regular aerial antenna to get the local channels.

Am I required to choose my programming right now?

If you are not sure which packages you prefer, you may either skip the section and decide later or you may simply choose the basic programming package for now, postponing your decision until you installation date and time.

Is it possible to make channel substutions in the basic package?

In order to prevent the unnecessary price increases that would be incurred by the customer if Dish Network were to allow channel substitutions, Dish Network does not allow such exchanges within the basic channel packages. Dish Network does offer the Outdoor Channel and Bloomberg Television a-la-carte for under $2.00 per month each.

How can I lock out adult programming?

The Adult Guard feature gives you the capability to hide the Adult channels (Playboy, The Hot Zone, EClip, TeN, and Extasy) from your Electronic Program Guide or lock them out. This prevents any children in the household from viewing the programming or accessing the program information.

You can restrict your receiver from viewing programming that contains:
1.) Certain ratings (PG 13, R, NC-17, etc.)
2.) Certain expanded ratings (violence, nudity, etc.)
3.) Certain channels (HBO, ESPN, etc.)

Once the locks feature is activated, the system will require a 4-digit PIN number (that you create) to access any program that contains the ratings that you have locked out. To learn more about the locks feature, please refer to your User's Guide.

Do you offer any UPN and WB stations?

These channels may be included in your local channel packages. If you do not qualify for locals, you may order the Superstations package. The Superstations package includes 3 WB and 2 UPN services for only $5.99 per month or $1.50 per channel:
KTLA (WB) (From Los Angeles)
WPIX (WB) (From New York)
KWGN (WB) (From Denver)
WSBK (UPN) (From Boston)
WWOR (UPN) (From New York)

What about NFL Coverage?

DISH Network broadcasts as many as 231 NFL preseason, regular season and post-season playoff games without having to purchase a costly season package subscription. (Game access subject to channel availability and programmer restrictions.) You can also watch exciting NFL match-ups on either your local networks or if qualified, on Local Broadcast Networks or Distant Broadcast Networks East and/or West Coast network feeds.

International Programming

Many International Programming packages are available. Please note, that you may be required 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. The cost to have this second dish installed on your home is $99 in addition to the $49.99 activation fee. International Programming carries an extra monthly charge in addition to your monthly programming for English channels. You are required to subscribe to at least the America's Top 60 channel package in English before you are eligible to add additional International Programming. (English programming packages begin at $31.99/mo.) If you are interested in subscribing to an International Programming package only, without any of the American programming options, please contact us for details.

How many receivers can I have?

You can have up to 6 receivers on one account. Your first four receivers are installed FREE. If you need a fifth or sixth receiver, you must pay $99.99 each for the extra receivers. Installation of each extra receiver will cost $59.99. You will still only pay us $49.99 today to get set up. You will pay Dish Network directly at a later time for your additional receivers.

What are the programming charges for a second receiver

There is no "programming" fee for your 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th or 6th receivers. Whatever programming you subscribe to on your "main" receiver will automatically be on your "secondary" (extra) receivers. Under our primary promotion (Digital Home Advantage), there is also no additional outlet fees provided all dual-tuner receivers (DISH 322 or DVR 522) are continuously connected to customer's phone line. There will be a $5 per month lease fee when a 3rd receiver is selected. Under our secondary promotion (Free Dish) there is a second receiver Access Fee of $5 per month for each secondary receiver you may have. This fee covers the cost of broadcasting, modem expenses, billing and satellite transmission fees.

Does DISH Network offer an HDTV compatible receiver?

Yes, the new DISH VIP 622 Digital Video Recorder and Dish VIP 211 standard receiver are both now available.

What is HDTV?

HDTV - High Definition TV is the "Cadillac" of Digital TV. Unlike regular Digital TV, HDTV is available for certain programming today!

The key differences between HDTV and digital TV are:

Aspect ratio. Both HDTV and Digital TV are displayed in a 16:9 ratio.like a rectangle or how movie screens in a theater are shown.

Resolution. Higher resolution means a clearer, sharper picture. HDTV is broadcast in up to 1080 lines while Digital TV will be broadcast between 580 - 780 horizontal lines.

Sound. HDTV is broadcast in Dolby Digital surround sound. Digital TV will be broadcast in CD quality sound.

HDTV equipment.

It is not enough to just purchase a HD Television to take full advantage of HDTV broadcasts. Consumers must also subscribe to HDTV services and have an HD receiver / DVR. Some over the air HD programming from local channels is available with just the HDTV

What is the Warranty?

Standard warranty includes no-cost repair/replacement of manufacturer defects during the first 90 days. After the first 90 days, a $14.95 shipping charge applies to warranty equipment replacement by mail, and a $99 in-home warranty trip service charge applies. For complete warranty information, including our optional DISH Home Protection Plan, revisit our website at www.dishnetwork.com or call (800) 333-DISH for full terms and conditions

Does DISH Network offer high speed internet service?

Not at this time. In the meantime check out the package/discount offers available to Dish Network subscribers by signing up with EarthLink. Click HERE for details.

What is iDish Network's refund policy?

You must pay a $49.99 Activation Fee. iDishNetwork.com offers a full, no-hassle refund of the $49.99 activation fee prioor to activation of the account. Such fee is completely nonrefundable once the system is activated. You will receive a $49.99 credit on your first bill.

What should I do if I am going to move?

DISH Network has a program just for you called DISHMover. DISH Network will send you a new dish and provide you a professional installation at your new home for free or for a minimal shipping fee, allowing you to leave your current dish connected at your old location.

Is DISH Network available in Alaska and Hawaii?

Absolutely! Residents in Hawaii can get over a hundred DISH Network channels in addition to their local channels, pay-per-view entertainment, sports, and 23 movie channels. Unfortunately, Alaska residents are not eligible for this offer.

Is service available in Puerto Rico?

Service is currently not available in Puerto Rico.

Is DISH Network service available outside of the U.S. (specifically, Canada)?

Unfortunately, DISH Network is expressly prohibited from distributing their programming services to anyone outside the U.S., its territories and possessions as dictated by DISH Network's programming contracts with the programmers.

What number do I call for billing issues?

Questions on your order invoice call 1.800.434.7451 or e-mail customerservice@idishnetwork.com. For programming and other billing questions simply call DISH Network directly at 1.800.333.3474.

What number do I call for technical problems?

Simply call DISH Network directly at 1.800.333.3474.

What number do I call if I have any further questions?

You may call us at 1.800.984.1750 or contact us via e-mail at customerservice@idishnetwork.com.