Two Dishes Are Better Than One
Written: Oct 30 '99 (Updated Nov 13 '99)
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Pros: Local stations
Cons: none
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| ryansridge's Full Review: EchoStar 3720 Dish Network System |
We recently switched from Primestar to the Dish Network so we could receive local network feeds. Our 3720 satellite system consists of an EchoStar 3700 integrated receiver/decoder (IRD), two 18inch attennas each aimed at a different satellite, and an electronic switch box. This two dish system and local satellite feeds are unique to the Dish Network. The other satellite services provide network (NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX, and PBS) east and west coast feeds but not necessarily from stations in your area. Currently the local feeds are on a different satellite and only available from thirteen cities (see http://www.dishnetwork.com/programming/2dish.htm for a list of the cities). However, as demand grows and if FCC regulations allow, more cities will be added.
The 3700 IRD is pretty utilitarian in design but comes with a decent four component infra-red universal remote control. As with all direct broadcast satellite (DBS) systems, the audio and video reception is excellent except during heavy precipitation and for a few minutes twice a year when the sun is directly behind the satellite.
Installation is pretty straight forward even with the twin dish option, especially in our case since we reused the existing dish mounting pedestal and cables. Connection to other video equipment can be made with either coax or RCA cables for much better audio and video quality.
The controls are easy to use although not intuitive. The system comes with very good installation and operation documentation. The on screen displays and menus are quite complete. It has parental and system lock- outs that are password protected.
The twin dish system is great if you want to receive satellite broadcast quality local news, weather, and sports in addition to all the other DBS programming.
Dish Network was/is running a free system special for existing PrimeStar customers so we only paid for the second dish option.
We subscribe to the top 100/CD package ($28.99 per month) and the local station package ($4.99 per month).
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 149
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Epinions.com ID:
ryansridge
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Member: D. McCandless
Location: Rural Pennsyltucky
Reviews written: 51
Trusted by: 316 members
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