DISH Network Guide for Dummies

So you are looking for quality satellite TV amusement? The two biggest American Satellite TV providers are DirecTV and Dish Network. DirecTV has larger market share but in this article we will focus on Dish Network because we believe that Dish Network provides bigger bang for your buck currently.

 

Dish Network® (Nasdaq:DISH) has more than 13 million satellite television subscribers (April 2009 estimate) and is the second largest provider of advanced digital television services in the US. DISH Network's services include hundreds of audio and video channels, DISH On Demand, Pay-Per-View, Interactive TV, HDTV, sports and International programming. They also offer free Standard Professional Installation and 24-hour customer service. DISH Network is a Fortune 500 company so it is likely to be around in future.

 

Dish Network service is offered all over the US including Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Alaska. Out of the continental United States a larger dish will normally be needed to pick up a clear signal. The size of the satellite dish may range from 24-inches to a 1.5 meter dish depending on the location.

 

Dish Network has a large number of packages covering all kinds of viewing requirements. Some examples are:

 

Standard-Definition Packages:

 

DishFamily: Over 50 channels of low-priced, family-friendly programming.

Classic Bronze 100: Over 100 channels

Classic Bronze 100+: Over 100 channels. Including Local Channels plus Regional Sports Network(s)

Classic Silver 200: Over 200 channels

DishDVR Advantage: Most popular package! Has in excess of 200 channels including local channels and SIRIUS music.

Classic Gold 250: Over 250 channels

America's Everything Pak: Best value

 

High-Definition Packages:

 

TurboHD Bronze: Over 50 channels

TurboHD Silver: Over 60 channels

TurboHD Gold: Over 65 channels

Available Ad-ons: HD local channels, PlatinumHD, DishDVR Advantage

 

Spanish Programming (Dish Latino):

 

DishMexico: 55 channels

DishLatino Clasico: 65 channels

DishLatino Plus: 75 channels

DishLatino Dos: Over 200 channels

DishLatino Max: Over 230 channels

Available Ad-ons: HD Essentials, HD Ultimate

 

International Programming: Over 150 channels in 28 languages

 

Dish Network offers free Professional Installation by qualified technicians and can be installed within 24 hours. At no extra cost, you can get up to 4 rooms hooked-up. Each room will get its own DVR High Definition Boxallowing different channels to be watched simultaneously in different rooms.

 

Dish Network Pay-Per-View offers movies and events in HD. You must have an HD TV in addition to an HD capable satellite receiver box and a DISH 500 antenna in order to view HD programs. If you want to watch Pay-Per-View movies than that can be done by following means: Telephone Automated System, Online, Customer Service and Mobile Service.

 

Ordering on the web is one of most favorite ways to order Pay–Per–View movies and events. You do not have to call in like while using Telephone Automated System but it functions precisely the same otherwise. Dish Network will broadcast the movie or event that you ordered to all the satellite receivers in your house.

 

For subscribers who are unable to have their satellite receiver consistently hooked to a phone line, but do not move around, the Telephone Automated System is best option. There is an extra charge per transaction with this option, which is added on to your account.

 

If you call Customer Support Center and speak to a representative then they can order a Pay–Per–View for you. Ordering a Pay–Per–View through a representative (sports packages are excluded) attracts an additional cost.

 

Mobile Service is for people on the move, such as truck drivers and RV owners. You can order a maximum of nine movies before your smart card becomes full. Once your smart card fills up you will need to connect your digital receiver box to a phone line in order to erase the purchases. This service is only available on one receiver per account and attracts a yearly cost (not available monthly).

 

The options outlined above should allow you to choose a package with ad-ons in order to meet your TV viewing requirements.