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Dish Network FAQS

What is DISH Network / EchoStar Communications Corporation?

EchoStar Communications Corporation (Nasdaq:DISH) serves more than 13 million satellite TV customers through DISH Network®, and is a leading U.S. provider of advanced digital television services. DISH Network's services include hundreds of video and audio channels, Interactive TV, Pay-Per-View, DISH On Demand , HDTV, sports and International programming, together with Standard Professional Installation and 24-hour customer service. EchoStar has been a leader for 25 years in satellite TV equipment sales and support worldwide. EchoStar is included in the Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) and is a Fortune 500 company.

Where is DISH Network offered?

DISH Network service is offered all over the U.S. including Hawaii , Alaska and Puerto Rico . Areas outside the continental United States will usually need a larger dish to receive an adequate signal. The size of the dish may range from a 24-inch dish to a 1.5 meter dish depending on the location.

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.

Do I need a credit card to subscribe to DISH Network?

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 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.

What is the benefit of HDTV over regular satellite TV?

Greater picture detail with higher resolutions, truer color, clearer reception, a theater-like widescreen picture and multi-channel Dolby Digital surround sound.

What is DVI and how is it better?

DVI (Digital Visual Interface) is a digital video connection between HD receivers and supported HDTVs. This type of connection provides a high-quality image and no quality loss due to the fact that all signals are purely digital. DVI does not include audio.

What additional equipment do I need to receive off-air HDTV programming?

A DISH Network HD receiver and an off-air antenna are needed to receive digital off-air signals if available.

I would like to know about the DISH Player-DVR 522.

The DISH Player-DVR 522 is a dual-tuner receiver capable of recording up to 100 hours of programming. It also has the ability to pause live TV, record programming, and skip recorded commercials – all on two TVs!

The DISH Player-DVR 522 is available to both new and qualified existing DISH Network customers. Qualified existing customers can lease the DISH Player-DVR 522 under our DISH’n It Up promotion.

I would like to know about the DISH Player-DVR 625.

The DISH Player-DVR 625 is an advanced two-tuner satellite receiver and integrated digital video recorder (DVR) capable of recording up to 100 hours of programming, with an additional capacity reserved for DISH On Demand programming. Like the DISH Player-DVR 522, this dual-tuner receiver provides the ability to pause live TV, record programming, and skip recorded commercials – all on two TVs!

I want to learn more about your Internet access using satellite.

DISH Network is working on the background technology for a next-generation satellite Internet service, utilizing specially designed broadband satellites launched in late 2004. This service, DISH Network (EchoStar) Broadband, will be an always-on, high-speed, 2-way internet access service with a full array of ISP features (such as e-mail and web hosting), world class premium content (such as streaming video and audio) and our award-winning customer service.

How do I reset the satellite receiver?

Reset the satellite receiver by unplugging its electrical cord from the AC power outlet. Leave it unplugged for 15 seconds and then plug it back in, it will power back on. If you are unable to easily access the electrical cord, press and hold the power button on the front panel of the satellite receiver for 5 seconds and then release.

How can I modify my account without contacting Customer Service?

Our online Customer Service Center & dish home Interactive TV on Channel 100 offers numerous self help tools.

• Pay your bill
• Add programming to your account
• View current & previous billing statements
• Sign up for debit check/credit card AutoPay
• Update expiration date for debit check/credit card AutoPay
• Subscribe to the DISH Entertainment Magazine or DISH Flicks
• View billing Terms and Conditions
• Read important messages from DISH Network
• Sign up for paperless billing
• Update your billing address, phone number and/or alternate phone number

What is a Service Access Fee?

The Service Access Fee is a $5.00 monthly fee applied to all accounts that do not subscribe to one of our basic programming packages. The costs we incur to deliver specialty programming are far greater than what we pay for our basic packages. This small monthly charge allows us to provide specialty programming at a reasonable price.

Why does DISH Network charge a $5 leased receiver fee under the DISH’n It Up promotion?

DISH Network charges this fee for each receiver leased through the Existing Customer DISH’n It Up promotion. This fee helps cover the costs associated with broadcasting programming to you through the additional receiver.

Why does DISH Network charge an equipment rental fee under the Digital Home Advantage promotion?

A $5.00 equipment rental fee for the first receiver activated is included in the promotional base programming package price. An additional equipment rental fee of $5.00 per month will be charged to your account for each receiver activated beyond the first.

Does DISH Network offer satellite service to businesses?

Yes, DISH Network offers service to such businesses as Apartments and Condos, Offices, Retail Stores, Bars and Restaurants, Hotels, Hospitals and Assited Living, and to University, Government and Military institutions.

How can I pay my bill with my debit/check card or credit card?

You can make secure online payments by logging onto My Account or through our customer service application on dish home Interactive TV on channel 100. You can also make payments by calling our Automated Phone System at 1-888-284-7116 and then following the voice prompts. DISH Network charges $5 for debit check/credit card payments made over the phone through a Customer Service Representative.

Can I sign up for an automatic payment program?

DISH Network offers a free service called debit check/credit card AutoPay, where your monthly charge is deducted from your debit check/credit card on the payment due date. To activate this service, please visit our Customer Support Center online by clicking here or tune to channel 100 (dish home) on your receiver. As this process will take one full cycle to take effect, please be sure to pay the current balance when you sign up to prevent a late fee from being charged. You will continue receiving a bill unless you choose to discontinue receiving a paper statement by signing up for Paperless Billing. Your current and previous statements are available to view online by logging onto My Account on dishnetwork.com.

How can I pay my bill by check?

You can make a check by phone payment online by logging onto My Account or by calling our automated phone system at 1-888-284-7116. You will need the routing number, checking account number and check number. There is a $9.99 fee added to your check if the transaction is completed over the phone. The payment will post to your account within 24 hours. It will be withdrawn from your account within 3 business days.

DISH Network is a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) provider and was launched in March of 1996. Dish Network provides satellite television, audio programming and interactive television services to both households and businesses in the United States. Dish Network competes with DIRECTV for the satellite TV market and against cable TV companies. EchoStar, the parent company of DISH Network was founded in 1980 by Chairman and CEO, Charles W. Ergen. EchoStar launced its first satellite on December 28, 1995 and that same year EchoStar established the DISH Network brand name to market its satellite TV system.

EchoStar boasts 14 satellites in its U.S. fleet, providing hundreds of channels to its viewers, including interactive programming, sports programming, international programming, high-definition (HD) programming and business television networks. Dish Network offers the most HD programming channels of any satellite or cable provider. Dish Network also offers premium movie and premium sports packages. Premium Movie packages include 9 HBO channels, 6 Cinemax channels, 11 Showtime channels and 9 Starz! channels. Premium Sports packages include: NBA League Pass, ESPN Full Court, MLS Direct Kick, NHL Center Ice, MLB Extra Innings, ESPN GamePlan and more. Dish Network has several different packages to select from including the DishFamily package, the America's Top 100 package, America's Top 100 Plus package, America's Top 200 package, America's Top 250 package and America's Everything Pak. DISH also offers the DishLatino package for its Hispanic viewers and several International packages. For the music lover in your family DISH also offers Sirius Satellite Radio. Also, you can get Local channels with every package. No matter what your television viewing tastes, Dish Network offers programming for the entire family to enjoy.

Dish Network is currently offering free satellite equipment for up to 4 TV's, free DISH DVR or HD receiver upgrade, free standard installation nationwide and three months of free programming (24 month committment required). All Dish Network programming is 100% digital - no fuzzy picture like you get with cable - providing the most perfect, crystal clear picture imaginable. DISH also has packages starting at just $19.99 a month; making DISH Network the best all-digital price in America. DishNetwork has over 12 million subscribers and that number increases daily. With the cost of cable TV rising almost monthly; isn't it time you stopped feeding the pig and make the switch to Dish Network Satellite TV today? With hundreds of channels to choose from and all in 100% digital quality, you'll be glad you did!