I have been a Dish Network Subscriber since 1997, so I have a pretty good idea how things work and have had several occasions to call Dish tech support. I bought the system from a dealer on the Internet. But first things first.

1) When I installed the system (myself), I didn't know how easy/hard it would be so I invested in a "Satellite Finder" a box that helps you aim the dish. It cost me $40 and installs between the dish and the receiver. It has a meter and also puts out a tone so while aiming the dish, you can watch for a signal on the meter and listen for the tone. This device is highly recommended! A neighbor tried to install his Dish using the on-TV screen graphics, and the response on the TV is so slow, he kept missing the satellite. After working half a day to find it, he borrowed my meter and had it spotted in 30 seconds. Most dealers sell this device.

2) I have a model 5000 in the living room and a model 3000 in the bedroom. I like the 5000 because I can connect my local TV antenna and the Dish receiver adds the local channels to its menu so I can view local channels through the Dish receiver. Also, the 5000 has caller ID. When someone calls, their phone number comes up on the TV so you know whether to get up and answer the phone or not.

3) My son has the DirectTV system and he pays a lot more to get the same programming. Dish does not have as many pay per view or sports channels as DirecTV, but these things aren't that important to me. I can get ESPN and Fox Sports and that is fine. If you pay for a year's subscription up front, you get a month free. So we don't go the monthly route at all.

My 3000 model has operated flawlessly in the bedroom. The 5000 model has crapped out twice - both times it was out of warranty. When I called Dish tech support, I had to wait at least 20 minutes both times. However, the support people were very good. They walked me through tests that showed the receiver had a problem. Even though it was out of warranty, they let me exchange the old receiver for a new one. They sent me a new receiver via UPS. Then I installed the new receiver and returned the old in the same box. As long as I returned the old receiver within 12 days, I was not charged the price of a new receiver. They even paid shipping, so I have no complaints. My current 5000 model receiver is working fine - so far.

Bottom line: I like the Dish service just fine. Tech support makes you wait for a long time on the phone, but it is an 800 number and the support I got was excellent. The programming is great. I have my home theater connected to the Dish receiver and watching movies is like being in a movie theater. I would not hesitate to recommend the Dish network for anyone looking for satellite TV.



Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 279 - included 2 receivers and programming