Top 25 DISH Network Technical Questions:

1. Help!! What does all these words mean? DVB? MPEG-2? etc?

• Answer: We have a page of definitions here.

2. Is your system 16 or 32 bit?

• Answer: Our digital receivers have always been 32-bit processor-based systems.

3. Is it possible to watch separate programming on two televisions with DISH Network system?

• Answer: The ability to operate more than one television independently through DISH Network satellite TV system will require a model 4000, 5000 or JVC Digital VHS primary system, which is capable of being connected up to five secondary receivers. Then you may add an additional receiver (either IR or UHF) starting at $99 per additional receiver to add to your other TVs.

  The additional receiver will allow the duplication of your programming package by a separate satellite signal being sent to your other TVs, so they can work independently. The cost of each additional feed of programming is only $4.99/month. Of course, you can hook up as many TVs as you like to just one receiver, but they will all receive the same programming.

4. How do I scroll faster in the Program Guide?

• Answer: The VCR fast forward and rewind buttons on your remote work for page up and page down in your electronic Program Guide.

5. I am, ready to purchase a new DISH Network system, however I am concerned about the "blocking" or "pixelization" that I have heard about. Can you enlighten me?

• Answer: Pixeling occurs when you have a weak or low signal strength. The higher your signal strength, the less likely you will see pixels. We suggest at least a 70% signal strength for the best picture and sound quality.

6. I want to upgrade my receiver to the model 5000. How do I do that?

• Answer: You would need to purchase the model 5000 receiver directly from us or at a participating independent retailer. At this time we are not considering a trade-in or upgrade option. You may consider using our newer model as a primary unit, and the current receiver you have as a secondary unit.

7. How many secondary receivers can one family have?

• Answer: We can accommodate up to 6 receivers on one account. Once you exceed 2 receivers, you do need a multiswitch to transmit the signal to all receivers.

8. I have the model 4000 or 5000 and can't seem to find my 10-event VCR timer or one-touch VCR record button on my UHF remote. How do I program my VCR to record?

• Answer: Choose a future event either from the onscreen program guide or by using the Browse or Theme option. Press the select button to view the Create Event Timer menu. Highlight the desired type of event timer (VCR, Auto-Tune, or Reminder). Press Select. Highlight the desired timer frequency (usually it’s Once). Press Select. Highlight Create to save the timer.

  Instruction on how to use the Event Timer functions are in the 5th chapter of the User and Installation Guide that came with your system.

9. Will my receiver ever have VCR timer capabilities?

• Answer: The VCR Event Timer capability is available in the model 4000, 5000 and JVC D-VHS receivers only. You can check your model number on the IMPORTANT SYSTEM INFORMATION screen (press menu, 6, 1, 3).

10. Should I power off the receiver when it's not in use?

• Answer: It really makes no difference. The power usage leaving the receiver on or off is almost immeasurable.

11. What is the warranty on your receiver and can I extend it?

• Answer: LABOR: For a period of ninety (90) days from the original date of purchase, if we determine that the equipment is defective subject to the limitations of this warranty, we will replace it at no charge for labor. We warrant any such work done against defects in materials or workmanship for the remaining portion of the original warranty period.

  PARTS: For a period of one (1) year from the original date of purchase, we will supply, at no charge, new or rebuilt replacement parts in exchange for parts we determine are defective subject to the limitations of this warranty. We warrant any such replacement parts against defects in materials or workmanship for the remaining portion of the original warranty period. (Note: "Parts" means items included in this package, which may include the dish antenna assembly, receiver, LNBF, remote control or antenna mounting hardware. It does NOT include other parts purchased separately.)

  This warranty "does not cover" replacement of Smart Cards that are lost or damaged by the user.

  This warranty "does not cover" installation of DISH Network system. If applicable, such installation will be warranted under a separate installation agreement.

  This warranty "does not cover" consumer instruction, physical set-up or adjustment of any consumer electronic equipment, remote control batteries, signal reception problems, loss of use of the equipment or unused programming charges due to equipment malfunction.

  This warranty "does not cover" cosmetic damage, damage due to lightning, electrical surges, fire, flood or other acts of God, accident, misuse, abuse, repair or alteration by other than our factory service, negligence, commercial or institutional use, or improper or neglected maintenance.

  This warranty "does not cover" equipment sold AS IS or WITH ALL FAULTS, equipment removal or reinstallation, shipping damage if the equipment was not packed and shipped in the manner we prescribe, nor equipment purchased, serviced, or operated outside the contiguous United States of America.

  Extended warranties are available for purchase.

  (Extended warranties are only available within 30 days of the system being purchased.)

12. I have been having trouble with my UHF remote control. After using the remote for a few seconds, it stops working. Can you help me?

• Answer: You may be experiencing some UHF interference. Try attaching a 10' coaxial cable to the receiver at the UHF antenna "IN" jack and the antenna attached to the opposite end of the cable. If you still have intermittent problems you can try a 10db attenuator between the UHF antenna and the receiver to help filter out some of the interference.

13. How many UHF remote addresses are there? I don't want my remote to control my neighbor's receiver by accident.

• Answer: You can address your UHF remote to your receiver using any one of the 15 (1 - 15) addresses.

14. I was reviewing the features of your receivers and couldn't figure out what "Macrovision anti-tape copying." Does it mean I can't record a movie on my VCR?

• Answer: Because all of our programming is copyright protected, our programmers require us (all manufacturers of video recording equipment now build this feature into their products) to include this feature in our receiver. It is very rare that programmers actually require us to activate it and you should not experience any difficulty recording your favorite programs.

15. Is your DBS satellite TV service compatible with RCA, Sony, GE, etc., DSS systems?

• Answer: The DBS dish antennas and LNBFs are compatible. In order to receive our programming you do need to have our receiver box to decode the signal. DISH Network also uses MPEG-2/DVB, the highest quality video available.

16. I've heard about solar interference. What is it?

• Answer: We are subject to solar interference twice a year during the solstices. When the sun passes behind the satellite it sometimes causes interference with the signal.

17. Can I set something on top of the receiver?

• Answer: We suggest not setting anything on top of the receiver to allow airflow through the receiver.

18. I have your C-band equipment, can you help me?

• Answer: We do have a C-band department ready to serve you Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mountain Time. Please call 303-790-7878.

19. We have a satellite TV system and during heavy snow, the snow piles up on the dish antenna. Should we do something?

• Answer: Just brush the snow off the dish antenna. A helpful hint: spray Pam Cooking spray on the dish every few weeks. This causes the snow and ice to slip off the dish antenna and not accumulate as fast.

20. I went to order PPV, and an error message came up. What's wrong?

• Answer: Our technical support department is available to serve you 7-days-a-week between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. Mountain Time. Please call 1-800-322-5552 or e-mail us at tech@echostar.com.

21. I went to order PPV and I was locked out. What can I do?

• Answer: This depends on the error message you received.

  1. If the error message you receive says that your smartcard's credit limit has been exceeded or that the event is in the process of being authorized, you need to ensure that a phone line is connected to the back of the receiver. Then allow the receiver time to 'call home'.

  2. If the error message stated that the channel was locked, you just need to enter your 4 digit password.

  3. If the error message said that you did not have authorization to view or purchase this program, please contact us at 1-800-322-5552 for assistance.

22. I lost my password for the channels locks. Can you help me?

• Answer: You will need to call our technical support department for assistance; 1-800-322-5552.

23. My receiver keeps blocking local sports games. How can I fix that?

• Answer: Each sports team has their own region or territory. If your ZIP Code is not within the team's territory, the game will be blacked out.

24. My receiver says the Smart Card is not authorized to view this channel. What does that mean?

• Answer: Something may have happened to your programming. Try a front panel reset; power off the receiver using the front panel buttons (do not use the remote) then power the receiver back on using the front panel buttons. If your programming returns, your receiver froze up and just needed to be reset. If programming does not return, please contact our technical support department for further assistance. 1-800-322-5552 or e-mail us at tech@echostar.com

25. I am trying to receive some international channels from your new satellite, but can't get a signal lock, what am I doing wrong?

• Answer: Make sure that when you are aiming your new dish antenna that you are locking onto transponder 2.