Frequently Asked Questions – Equipment FAQ

Receivers

How many receivers are included with DISH Network service?

Currently, you can get as many as three (3) DISH Network receivers with each account. Many times, you will be able to connect as many as six (6) TVs to these three receivers.

Do you hook up my main DISH Network receiver?

The installer will help you connect your main DISH Network receiver to both your satellite dish and your TV. However, the connection to your TV may only be basic and not utilize connections that involve cables not shipped with the receiver.

Do I have to pay to use my DISH Network receiver?

The first receiver on each DISH Network account has its fee waived each month.

Can I buy my DISH Network receiver?

In some instances, customers may choose to purchase their DISH Network receiver. You will have to contact DISH Network directly at 1-800-823-4929 to do so.

Do I need a separate DISH Network receiver for every TV in my house?

Not in all cases. Some DISH Network receivers will allow you to send signals to two TVs at the same time. However, at this time, you will need a separate DISH Network receiver for each TV that you want to hook up to an HD signal.

Do you hook up additional DISH Network receivers in my house?

If you have these additional receivers installed at the time that you sign up for DISH Network, you can have the installer hook them up. If you order additional DISH Network receivers after your account has been established, they will be shipped to you and you will have to install them yourself.

Do I have to pay to use additional DISH Network receivers?

There may be an additional monthly charge for each DISH Network receiver beyond your first. This charge will depend on the receiver that you select and the promotions available at the time that your account was created.

Can I buy extra DISH Network receivers?

In some instances, customers may choose to purchase extra DISH Network receivers. To do so, you will have to contact DISH Network directly at 1-800-823-4929.

What are the features of each of your receivers?

You can see all of the features for each DISH Network receiver here. Each receiver’s main functions are highlighted in an easy to follow format so that you can make the right choice when choosing one.

What is your most popular receiver?

Currently, our most popular receiver is the ViP 622 DVR. It is a fully functional DISH Network HD DVR. It fulfills most of our customers’ basic television watching needs.

Can I adjust the internal volume of my receiver?

Yes, you can adjust the volume using the remote control that came with your DISH Network receiver. Press the plus or minus volume buttons to raise or lower the internal volume of your receiver.

Can I use a non-DISH Network receiver to get DISH Network?

No. You will need to use a DISH Network receiver to receive dish TV service from DISH Network. Receivers from other providers will not work.

Will my DISH Network receiver work with another cable or satellite provider?

No. Your DISH Network receiver is only compatible with DISH Network service. You will not receive a signal from other service providers if you use DISH Network receivers with their TV service.

Do I have to return DISH Network equipment when I end my service?

It depends. If you leased your receiver, you will need to return it to DISH Network. They will inform you of your specific commitment when you call to cancel your service. If you purchased your DISH Network receiver, you will be allowed to keep it.

HD Receivers

Do I need a special receiver to get HD from DISH Network?

Yes. You will need an HD-capable receiver to get an HD signal from DISH Network. There are a number of HD receivers, with or without DVR functions, for you to choose from.

Besides a receiver, do I need any other special equipment to get HD from DISH Network?

You will need an HD capable TV to receive and display an HD signal from DISH Network. You will also need to make sure that your DISH Network receiver is connected to your TV in a way that allows a true HD picture to be sent.

What are the features of each of your DISH Network HD receivers?

You can see all of the features for each DISH Network HD receiver here. Each receiver’s main functions are highlighted in an easy to follow format so that you can make the right choice when choosing one.

What is your most popular HD receiver?

Currently, our most popular receiver is the ViP 622 DVR. It is a fully functional DISH Network HD DVR. It fulfills most of our customers’ basic television watching needs.

Do I have to pay to use my DISH Network HD receiver?

The first receiver on each DISH Network account has its fee waived each month.

Can I buy my DISH Network HD receiver?

In some instances, customers may choose to purchase their DISH Network HD receiver. You will have to contact DISH Network directly at 1-800-823-4929 to do so.

Do I have to pay to use additional DISH Network HD receivers?

There may be an additional monthly charge for each DISH Network HD receiver beyond your first. This charge will depend on the receiver that you select and the promotions available at the time your account was created.

Can I purchase additional DISH Network HD receivers?

In some instances, customers may choose to purchase additional DISH Network HD receivers. To do so, contact DISH Network directly at 1-800-823-4929.

Can I adjust the internal volume of my HD receiver?

You can do so using the remote control that came with your DISH Network receiver. Press the plus or minus volume buttons to raise or lower the internal volume of the receiver.

Can I use DVR with HD programming?

Yes. If you have an HD DVR, you will be able to record and play back your programs in HD at your convenience.

Do I have to return my DISH Network HD receiver when I end my service?

It depends. If you leased your HD receiver, you will need to return it to DISH Network. They will inform you of your specific commitment when you call to cancel your service. If you purchased your DISH Network HD receiver, you will be allowed to keep it.

DVRs

What is DVR?

A DVR is a Digital Video Recorder and it allows you to record live television programs so you can watch them again later. Read an overview of the DVRs available from DISH Network.

What are the capabilities of DVR?

You can make recordings of television programming, pause and rewind live TV, and catch instant replays of live events. DVRs give you total control over your TV.

What are the features of each of your DISH Network DVRs?

You can see all of the features for each DISH Network DVR here. Each DVR’s main functions are highlighted in an easy to follow format so that you can make the right choice when choosing one.

What is your most popular DVR?

Currently, our most popular receiver is the ViP 622 DVR. It is a fully functional DISH Network HD DVR. It fulfills most of our customers’ basic television watching needs.

Do I have to pay to use my DISH Network DVR?

The first receiver on each DISH Network account has its fee waived each month.

Can I purchase my DISH Network DVR?

In some instances, customers may choose to purchase their DISH Network DVR. You will have to contact DISH Network directly at 1-800-823-4929 to do so.

Do I have to pay to use additional DISH Network DVRs?

There may be an additional monthly charge for each DISH Network receiver beyond your first. This charge will depend on the receiver that you select and the promotions available at the time that your account was created.

Can I purchase additional DVRs from DISH Network?

In some instances, customers may choose to purchase additional DISH Network DVRs. You will have to contact DISH Network directly at 1-800-823-4929 to do so.

What is the difference between DISH DVR and TIVO?

TIVO is a maker of a branded DVR interface and receiver box that is not tied to any particular television provider. The term has become somewhat ubiquitous and is often used instead of saying DVR.

What is the difference between DISH DVR and UVerse?

These systems belong only to the television providers that offer them to customers. DISH Network gives its customers the opportunity to use their DVRs, while AT&T UVerse allows customers to use their UVerse DVRs.

What is the resolution capability for my DVR?

The standard definition DVRs can output up to 480p. The high definition DVRs can output up to 1080p.

Can I use DVR with HD programming?

Yes. If you have an HD DVR, you will be able to record your programs in HD and play them back in HD at your convenience.

Can I watch DVR on my computer?

If you have your DVR connected to your computer using a PC TV Tuner Card, you will be able to view the signal from your DVR. If you have a Sling-enabled DVR, you will be able to view your recordings and live TV from any computer and many mobile devices.

How many programs can I record at one time using DVR?

You can record up to two programs at the same time on DVRs with dual-tuners.

How do I play back a recording on DVR?

Select the program from your list of recorded programs and choose the play option.

How do I delete a recording on DVR?

Select the program from your list of recorded programs and choose delete.

How long will my DVR keep my recording?

Your recording will remain on your DVR unless you try to record another program when your DVR is full. In this case, the oldest recording on your DVR will be removed to make room for another recording. You can, however, select some programs to keep “forever” so that they will not be deleted until you delete them yourself.

How much space does my DVR have for recordings?

Recording space will depend on your DISH Network receiver and whether or not you are recording in high definition. Some models can record more than others, but if you are recording in high definition, your recordings will take up more space, limiting the hours of recordings your device can store.

What happens when my DVR is full?

It will begin to delete older recordings to make space for your newer recordings. It will delete the oldest recording on the DVR (that is not marked to be kept until manually deleted) and will continue to do so until enough space is available for the newer recording.

Can I watch a show while recording another on DVR?

If your DVR has two tuners, you can watch one show while recording another. You can even watch a recording while recording two other shows.

If I record a program in one room, can I watch it in a different room?

With the DuoDVRs, you can watch programs back in another room, if both TV are connected to the same DVR.

Can I put my recorded show onto a DVD?

No. You will be able to store recordings on an external hard drive, but you will not be able to take those recordings and play them back without a DISH Network DVR.

Can I attach an external hard drive to my DVR for more space?

Yes. You can attach an external hard drive to your DVR to expand its storage space. There is a one-time additional charge to activate this service.

Can I record to a DVD recorder if I have that show recorded on my DVR?

Technically, no. You should not archive recordings to a DVD using a DVD recorder or any other software or hardware.

Can I adjust the internal volume of my DVR?

You can do so using the remote control that came with your DISH Network receiver. Press the plus or minus volume buttons to raise or lower the internal volume of the receiver.

Do I have to return my DISH Network DVR when I end my service?

It depends. If you leased your DISH Network DVR, you will need to return it to DISH Network. They will inform you of your specific commitment when you call to cancel your service. If you purchased your DISH Network DVR, you will be allowed to keep it.

Phone Lines

Why does a phone line connect to my DISH Network receiver?

Connecting a phone line to your DISH Network receiver allows your programming guide to update more frequently and gives you the ability to order pay-per-view programming directly from your receiver.

Is a phone line required to get service from DISH Network?

No. You do not have to attach a phone line to your DISH Network receiver in order to get service. You, will however, need to hook up a phone line or an Ethernet cable in order to get frequent programming updates directly through your receiver and to make purchases from On-Demand or Pay-Per-View.

Fees/Warranties

Do I have to pay to use DISH Network equipment?

The first receiver on each DISH Network account has its fee waived each month.

Can I purchase my DISH Network equipment?

In some instances, customers may choose to purchase their DISH Network receiver. You will have to contact DISH Network directly at 1-800-823-4929 to do so.

Do I have to pay to use extra DISH Network equipment?

There may be an additional monthly charge for each DISH Network receiver beyond your first. This charge will depend on the receiver that you select and the promotions available at the time that your account was created.

Can I purchase additional DISH Network equipment?

In some instances, people may choose to purchase additional DISH Network equipment. You will have to contact DISH Network directly at 1-800-823-4929 to do so.

Is there a warranty available for any DISH Network equipment?

There is a service plan available for DISH Network equipment called the DISH Service Plan. It is currently $6/month and offers coverage like full replacement of broken receivers, power surge protection, and video cable replacement. Learn more about DISH Service Plan by calling DISH Network at 1-800-823-4929.

Other/Contact

Do I have to return DISH Network equipment when I end my service?

It depends. If you leased your equipment, you will need to return it to DISH Network. They will inform you of your specific commitment when you call to cancel your service. If you purchased your DISH Network equipment, you will be allowed to keep it.

Who do I call if I want to purchase additional DISH Network equipment?

You will have to contact DISH Network directly at 1-800-823-4929 to make additional purchases.

Who do I call if I have question about or problems with my DISH Network equipment?

Problems with your equipment can be resolved by calling DISH Network at 1-800-823-4929. They can also answer any questions that are not covered here.