Frequently Asked Questions – Packages/Programming FAQ
- What is your most popular DISH Network package?
- Currently, the most popular DISH Network package is the America’s Top 120. This is the most basic package, and many customers eventually upgrade from it to get additional channels. The America’s Top 200 package is also very popular among DISH Network subscribers.
- Are local channels included in DISH Network packages?
- Yes, almost all DISH Network packages now include local channels! DISH Network now also offers local channels to the entire United States.
- Is there any way to add individual channels to my DISH Network package?
- There are some channels that are available on an a la carte basis, but for the most part, channels are only available as part of a package. Many international channels, premium movie channels, and specialty networks are available as additions to DISH Network packages.
- Can I substitute channels in my DISH Network package?
- No. DISH Network packages do not allow for substitutions. You will receive the channels that are included with the package that you select. You can add channels by selecting another DISH Network package or by adding international programming, premium movie channels, or specialty channels.
- Do you offer seasonal sports packages?
- We offer a wide variety of seasonal sports packages. These packages can be added to nearly any DISH Network package. Please see the complete list of current and future offerings on our DISH Network Sports page.
- Are there any charges for upgrading or downgrading to a different DISH Network package?
- Charges can apply if you make changes to your programming. These charges depend on the changes you make and are determined by DISH Network. Once your DISH Network service begins, you will have to contact DISH Network at 1-800-823-4929 to make any changes to your programming.
- Who do I call if I want to make changes to my package or programming?
- To make changes to your DISH Network programming once you are a DISH Network subscriber, you will have to contact DISH Network directly at 1-800-823-4929.
- Are DISH Network channels the same across different regions?
- There are some minor differences between programming in different regions. For example, you will receive local channels and regional sports networks based upon the zip code where you have service installed. Select programming, such as the Big Ten Network, is only available in certain regions. Programming options are also different for Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.
- Are local channels included in DISH Network packages?
- Yes, almost all DISH Network packages now include local channels! DISH Network now also offers local channels to the entire United States.
- Can I substitute channels in my DISH Network package?
- No. DISH Network packages do not allow for substitutions. You will receive the channels that are included with the package that you select. You can add channels by selecting another DISH Network package or by adding international programming, premium movie channels, or specialty channels.
- Is there any way to add individual channels to my DISH Network package?
- There are some channels that are available on an a la carte basis, but for the most part, channels are only available as part of a package. Many international channels, premium movie channels, and specialty networks are available as additions to DISH Network packages.
- Are there any DISH Network exclusive channels?
- Many channels such as DishHOME, DISH on Demand, and others are exclusive to DISH Network. Other channels may start out on DISH Network before other providers pick them up. Call Sterling Satellite today at 1-800-951-9529 to learn which channels are currently only offered by DISH Network.
- What is DishHOME?
- DishHOME is DISH Network’s exclusive channel that offers you the latest news and information regarding DISH Network and its programming. You will be able to see exclusive content, special on demand programming, and other great features when you tune in to DishHOME!
- What sort of sports channels does DISH Network offer?
- DISH Network offers you an incredible variety of sports channels, including ESPN’s family of networks, the NFL Network, the NHL Network, and NBA TV. For a full list of the sports networks currently offered by DISH Network, see our DISH Network Sports page.
- What does DISH Network offer for HD channels?
- DISH Network offers you more HD channels than any other provider, with more than 200 channels currently available in HD! You can see the complete lineup of DISH Network HD channels on our HD page. You can even get only HD packages from DISH Network. Learn more about DISH America – DISH Network’s HD only packages.
- How can I find out if my favorite channels are available in HD?
- Please check our current lineup of HD channels here. This lineup is updated regularly to reflect the constant additions to HD programming made by DISH Network.
- What is DISH on Demand?
- DISH on Demand gives you instant access to tons of great programming. With DISH on Demand, you can see shows, movies and more with the push of a button. Some programming choices, such as Pay-Per-View movies, are available for an additional fee.
- What sort of On-Demand options are there on DISH Network?
- DISH Network offers a variety of on demand programming options. You can see shows, movies, and more through the DISH on Demand service.
- Do you have to pay for Movies and Video On-Demand?
- For Pay-Per-View Movies, you will have to pay an additional fee. However, DISH Network does offer a great deal of programming for free through the DISH on Demand service.
- Do DVRs have On-Demand?
- DISH Network DVRs can access all DISH on Demand programming. Some movies that are available for Pay-Per-View can be downloaded to your DISH Network DVR and can be viewed for 24-hours after you start watching them.
- How does DISH Network Pay-Per-View work?
- DISH Network’s Pay-Per-View programming can be accessed from your DISH Network receiver. It can be delivered through your satellite dish or through an Ethernet cable that you have connected to your receiver.
- What sort of Pay-Per-View offerings are there on DISH Network?
- DISH Network offers a number of Pay-Per-View choices. There are movies, sports, and specials events available through Pay-Per-View.
- How much are Pay-Per-View purchases?
- The price of each Pay-Per-View program varies. There is an additional charge for movies in HD. Sports packages have set rates that are determined by the date when you purchase the package. Special events have rates that are set by the event organizers.
- Can I use my DVR for Pay-Per-View?
- You can use your DISH Network DVR to access all of DISH Network’s Pay-Per-View options. You will not, however, be able to record Pay-Per-View programming to watch later. You can use your DVR to download movies on demand that you can watch at your convenience. You will have 24 hours to watch the movie after you begin playing it.
- Can I control access to Pay-Per-View programming?
- Yes. You can set controls based on the ratings of the content, or you can require that users enter in a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to complete a Pay-Per-View transaction. If you are concerned about unauthorized purchases, you may want to disable the ability to make purchases unless a PIN is entered.
- Is there a DISH Network program guide?
- Yes. All receivers come equipped with a program guide that shows you show titles, channels, and air times. You’ll always be able to find what you’re looking for with this easy to use guide.
- How can I find out what’s on DISH Network?
- Just press the “Guide” button on your remote. This will bring up the programming guide, giving you access to tons of information about the great shows that can be seen on DISH Network, now and in the future.
- What sort of Pay-Per-View offerings are there on DISH Network?
- DISH Network offers a number of Pay-Per-View choices. There are movies, sports, and specials events available through Pay-Per-View.
- What sort of On-Demand options are there on DISH Network?
- DISH Network offers a variety of on demand programming options. You can see shows, movies, and more through the DISH on Demand service.
- Where can I find ratings for DISH Network programming?
- Rating information for each program can be found in the show listing for each program in the Program Guide. Either the MPAA rating for the movie will be shown or the network rating which includes notifications of violence, sexual content, and language.
- Does DISH Network offer emails or updates about changes to my package or programming?
- As a DISH Network customer, you have the option of providing an email address at sign-up through which DISH Network can contact you about your account, DISH Network services, and special offers. You will be able to change this address as well as some of the options associated with the information that DISH Network sends you.
- How can I find out what’s on DISH Network?
- You can check out the programming guide, get emails from DISH Network, or see Sterling Satellite’s daily guide on What to Watch on DISH Network!
- Can I get notifications when DISH Network offers free programming choices?
- Yes, you can get emails from DISH Network each month that tell you about the latest free previews, popular on demand programming, and more.
- What languages do you offer programming in?
- We offer programming in a number of languages. Please see our international programming page for additional information and a complete list of the languages and countries that DISH Network carries programming from.
- What is SAP and how does it affect my programming?
- SAP stands for Secondary Audio Programming and allows you to hear an alternate audio stream for the program. Many times, the SAP track is a Spanish language track.
- Where can I find ratings for DISH Network programming?
- Rating information for each program can be found in the show listing for each program in the Program Guide. Either the MPAA rating for the movie will be shown or the network rating which includes notifications of violence, sexual content, and language.
- Are there any programming restrictions based on location?
- There are some minor differences between programming in different regions. For example, you will receive local channels and regional sports networks based upon the zip code where you have service installed. Select programming, such as the Big Ten Network, is only available in certain regions. Programming options are also different for Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.
- Does DISH Network offer emails or updates about changes to my package or programming?
- As a DISH Network customer, you have the option of providing an email address at sign-up through which DISH Network can contact you about your account, DISH Network services, and special offers. You will be able to change this address as well as some of the options associated with the information that DISH Network sends you.
- Who do I call if I want to order DISH Network?
- Call Sterling Satellite at 1-800-951-9529 to sign up for DISH Network today!
- Who do I call if I want to make changes to my package or programming?
- Call DISH Network at 1-800-823-4929 to make changes to your programming.
- Who do I call if I have other questions about DISH Network packages or programming?
- If you are not currently a DISH Network customer, call Sterling Satellite at 1-800-951-9529 to learn more information. If you are a DISH Network subscriber, you should call DISH Network at 1-800-823-4929.