STT--Need Satellite Primer

My $0.02 assuming you are talking about Dish Network.

"--I'm told that to get more than the "Top 200" I'll need two dishes, the 4 ft and the 6ft. due to the transmissions from two different satellites. True/False and any other comments about this? I read something that suggested that only the "Top 100" could be viewed with the smaller satellite. What *are* the facts?"

Most installers recommend 1 dish per satellite. There are 3 satellites of interest down here. 1st dish points at Echostar7, this gets you basic programming(Dish 300). 2nd dish points at Echostar8/10, this gets you extended programming(Dish 500) and some HD if you get the right receiver. 3rd dish points at Echostar3, gets you more HD. Now with that said, I have several friends who use one 6' dish with two lnb's to get both Echostar7 and Echostar8/10 and they are happy with that setup. I have three 6' dishes.

"--I'm told that with one account (whether using the single smaller dish or the two dish option) I can use the service at more than one unit on a property with no additional cost except for the extra receiver(s) and/or wiring issues, such as where one has an apartment under a house or a separate guest cottage. True/False and any other comments about this?"

Depends on whether your installation is a private residence or a hotel. If a private residence then you are allowed up to 5 receivers on the same account at a single location. I have 2 in my main house and 2 in the guest house. You pay a regular charge for the first receiver depending on your programming package. You can then add additional receivers for $5 per month each and they get the same package as the first.

"--I'd like to own my equipment (dish and receivers) outright. One service seems to offer that, the other seems to require a monthly per receiver charge in perpetuity. What's with the fee? Do I get something more for it? If I don't pay this with another company, am I missing some service?"

You can definitely own your own equipment. Some installers rent receivers to customers to lower the upfront equipment cost. You might get better service if your equipment fails. I own my own equipment.

"--If I bought used equipment and had it installed, shouldn't I be able to initiate my own contract with Dish Network?"

Yes. I activated my own equipment with Dish network directly. 1-800-333-DISH.

"--One service seems to require a contract and has fees for cancellation, the other doesn't. Why the difference, and is it possible to have a contract with Dish Network down here without such a provision?"

Usually the requirement for a contract is tied to discounts on the equipment. For instance if you take advantage of one of Dish's promotions for a free receiver you would have to sign a contract. If you buy your own equipment used from someone or through Ebay like I did then no contract is required.

"--I'd like to see local (Virgin Islands) channels. Once service says it can be arranged, the other says no go. Which is it? Does anyone have any experience with this?"

No locals package for the VI. We have to get our networks through AllAmericanDirect.com they are provided through Dish on Echostar7. Funny thing is they offer a "locals" package if you live in Puerto Rico which includes two VI networks.

Could not have said it better Rotor. Good speaking with you this afternoon Lola. Hope you are clear now.

Thanks, Rotorhead! Terrific information!

And thank you, SkystheLimit! I enjoyed talking with you, too, and I am now able to make a much more informed decision.

Best,

Islandlola

FYI.
Dish network is getting ready for a big upgrade in a month or so. In preparation for this they upgraded my 2 HD receivers for free. They have been adding more and more HD. The two new receivers had to be activated. This means talking to both Dish and AllAmericanDirect. I asked AllAmericanDirect about HD networks and was told to expect them around Christmas time or at the latest February.

Dish is definitely the way to go if you want HD. The only other way to get HD in the islands is C-Band.

I heard that Dish launched a new satellite a couple of weeks ago and that it will be online in September. I suspect this is the upgrade they're getting ready for but I don't have information on what the new satellite might mean for a new customer (e.g., a need for fewer dishes to get enhanced or HD programming?)

Possibly. We'll see.

I'm on STX, any advice for installers? I've tried a few and can't get them to call me back.

Thanks,

Sean