Top 25 DISH Network Programming Questions:
1. When will you have the NFL
Sunday Ticket or similar offering?
- Answer: The NFL has decided to extend their exclusive arrangement with
another satellite provider for one more season. We regret the NFL failed to see
the value in distributing their programming through many broadcast sources like
DISH Network, but we will continue negotiations with them and other sports
broadcasters to bring you more coverage of your favorite teams in the future.
We do have an option to access the NFL without a preset package. Our East and
West coast network feeds and ESPN will carry several games every week. You must
be eligible to receive our East and West coast network feeds, packaged together
for $7.99/month.
2. Can I get out-of-market
regional sports networks?
- Answer: Customers of America's Top 60 CDSM package receive the Regional Sports Network (RSN)
that covers the region in which they live according to their ZIP Code. For an
additional $4.99/month, America's Top 60 CDSM
customers can subscribe to our MultiSport package, which includes all the
regional sports networks (21 channels). Blackout restrictions deny access to a
majority of professional and approximately 40% of collegiate sports on these
channels. However, there is a wide variety of other exciting sports programming
to choose from.
3. What additional programming
will be available in the upcoming months?
- Answer: In addition to local digital networks in selected cities, we have
just added the NASA channel,Bloomberg Television and TV Japan as a la carte
services. Also, America's Top 50 CD basic package has been extended America's
Top 60 CDSM. These additions include AMC,
Bravo, Classic Sports Network, Independent Film Channel, Romance Classics,
MSNBC, CBS Eye On People and Toon Disney. We will continue to add more
international, educational and informational programming. Though we cannot
comment on specific channels until contracts are signed, KEEP CHECKING THIS
SITE FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION AND LISTINGS.
4. How do I get my local
networks?
- Answer: EchoStar III, which recently became operational, will be
distributing local broadcast network signals within their DMA to unserved
households in the top 10 or so markets east of Denver. We plan to offer local
broadcast networks for the Central and West Coast regions sometime second
quarter 1998. The cost is $4.99 per month, per local network package. The
package will consist of local ABC, NBC, CBS, a national FOX and PBS feed.
First, ensure you are qualified to receive our digital local networks as these
services are available only in selected areas. To see if your home has network
coverage, simply enter your zip code here (REMEMBER: Our list is always growing
so check OFTEN!). If qualified, congratulations, you may now receive your local
channels right through your satellite system!! Simply order your network
services by calling 1-800-322-5552. If you do not qualify you can still receive
local broadcasts via an off-air antenna (rooftop, attic or rabbit ears).
5. When are you going to add
adult programming?
- Answer: Playboy TV (channel 497) is available on a monthly subscription
basis ($12.99/month) and AdulTVision (channel 499) is available as a 24-hour
pay-per-view service ($5.99 per 90 minute movie).
To request either of
these services, please call 1-800-322-5552. Once Playboy TV has been ordered,
the full programming lineup will appear in your electronic Program Guide as
channel 497 (until that time it will be hidden on the guide). The AdulTVision
pay-per-view selections on channel 499 will also appear on the electronic
Program Guide once you subscribe to Playboy TV.
AdulTVision provides a selection of 90-minute pay-per-view movies. To
access the AdulTVision listing in your electronic Program Guide, you must call
1-800-322-5552 and ask a Customer Service Representative to unlock the
AdulTVision channel listings. Once this channel is unlocked, the movie listings
will be displayed on the electronic Program Guide, and you may order
pay-per-view movies via remote control. Your telephone line must be connected
to your receiver in order to receive uninterrupted pay-per-view service.
AdulTVision pay-per-view movies are nonrefundable.
The Parental Control lockout feature may be used to avoid unwanted viewing
of these products. Customers must be 18 years or older to order adult
programming.
6. Do you know how many
international channels will be added?
- Answer: At this time, we do not know exactly how many additional
International channels we will add in the future. These negotiations are
lengthy and complicated and it is unwise for us to comment on their status
until a contract is in place. Currently, we carry TV5 (French Language
Television), RTPi (Portuguese Television), RFI (Radio France Internationale),
TV JAPAN (Japanese Television) and hope to provide additional channels in the
future.
7. How and when do you plan to
meet the sports programming demand?
- Answer: Customers of America's Top 60 CDSM package receive the Regional Sports Network (RSN)
that covers the region in which they live according to their ZIP Code. For an
additional $4.99/month, America's Top 60 CDSM
customers can subscribe to our MultiSport package, which includes all the
regional sports networks (21 channels). Blackout restrictions deny access to a
majority of professional and approximately 40% of collegiate sports on these
channels, however, there are a wide variety of other exciting sports
programming to choose from.
8. How do I get national feeds
of the major networks?
- Answer: You can purchase these national network feeds through our Broadcast
Network Package which consists of East and West Coast feeds of ABC, CBS
and NBC, as well as national feeds of FOX and PBS. Get East or West Coast
Package for $4.99 per month or get both for $7.99 per month.
Combine these packages with the Superstations package, which consists of KTLA
(WB Network), WSBK (UPN Network), WPIX (WB Network) and WWOR (UPN Network) for
only $9.99.
Prices and packages effective May 1, 1998. Please read this legal
disclaimer established by the FCC to see if you qualify for these network
services. These rules are outlined by the FCC and do not reflect the decisions
of DISH Network.
ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX national channels are available only for homes (1)
which cannot receive an acceptable picture from local ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX
affiliates via a conventional rooftop antenna and (2)which have not subscribed
to cable television within the last 90 days.
9. I don't qualify for the four
main national feeds. Can I add PBS?
10. Do you carry UPN and WB
Networks?
- Answer: WSBK, Boston and WWOR, New York are UPN networks; WPIX, New York
and KTLA, Los Angeles are WB networks. Our Superstations package (available May
1, 1998), which includes these four networks, is available for $4.99/month.
11. When will you have Artist
and Song listings for your music channels?
- Answer: Although we do not have a firm date to offer yet, we are currently
working on this project and hope to have this enhancement on your screen by the
end of the year. Stay tuned to the website for information as it develops.
12. When do I choose, activate
and pay for my programming?
- Answer: You can choose from DISH PIX, America's Top 40SM or America's Top 60 CDSM basic programming packages starting at $15 per month.
You can then add any premium programming services we offer such as multichannel
movie channels, national network feeds, international programming or the data
services AgCast and Signal. Once your system is installed and you have an
adequate signal strength, just call 1-800-322-5552 and a Customer Service
Representative will ask you what programming services you would like to
receive. You have the option of paying for your programming on a monthly
billing cycle or paying for many programming services on an annual basis where
you could receive a discount on the cost of the programming.
13. I have a competitor's system.
How do I receive your programming?
- Answer: It would be necessary to purchase a DISH Network receiver. DISH
Network and DSS receivers feature a different architecture. DISH Network is the
most technologically advanced, high-quality 18" satellite TV system
available. Our receivers are fully MPEG-2/DVB compliant offering you excellent
quality in audio and video. After you plug in the new receiver, just simply
re-aim your current satellite dish antenna toward our satellite.
14. Is DISH Network programming
available outside the U.S. (specifically Canada)?
15. Can I purchase just a
Premium Service?
- Answer: Yes, you can purchase only premium programming services and are not
required to subscribe to a basic programming package. However, there is a
charge of $5.00 per month to have your service set up and billed that way.
16. Can I buy just foreign
programming?
- Answer: Yes, you can purchase only international programming services and
are not required to subscribe to a basic programming package. However, there is
a charge of $5.00 per month to have your service set up and billed that way.
17. What are the programming
charges for a second receiver?
- Answer: To receive the identical programming on your second receiver as
your primary receiver, the 2nd Receiver Access Fee is $4.99 per month for each
additional receiver.
18. When will you provide
programming encoded in Dolby Digital?
- Answer: At this time there is no programming available in AC-3. Until
programming is available, there is no reason to market standard receivers with
this capability. When AC-3 is utilized by our programmers you should expect to
see an EchoStar DISH Network receiver with AC-3 capabilities built in.
Meanwhile JVC has released a new DISH Network receiver with Digital VHS and
AC-3 built-in.
19. When will you be providing
HDTV signals?
- Answer: As we grow over the next two years, we will have the largest
channel capacity of any satellite or cable television company, which means more
programming choices and data services for you to choose from. We will be
supporting HDTV as it comes into the market. We do not have plans to switch the
whole system over to HDTV overnight. We will support some limited channels and
programs as they arrive to us in HDTV format.
20. When will you offer
different feeds of more of your channels, especially a local feed of The
Weather Channel?
- Answer: The Weather Channel provides DISH Network with a national feed of
this channel, so whatever programming provided nationally is what is available
to DISH Network. Currently, only regional weather information will be
available, scheduled by The Weather Channel. Picking up local feeds of the
Weather Channel will require more satellite space, which at this time is
unavailable.
21. Do you offer a Program Guide
in print and/or online?
- Answer: We offer a printed version of our Program Guide that you can order.
Just call 1-800-322-5552 and you can order DISH Entertainment Magazine
for only $3.95 per month or $39.99 per year.
22. Where can I go to request
new channels to be added?
- Answer: Request a Channel - Contact us to request a channel through E-Mail,
we are always interested in feedback.
23. Can I pay my bill by credit
card?
- Answer: Yes. You can fill in your credit card information on the back of
the monthly bill, or you call our 1-800-322-5552 number and our service
representatives will be happy to take your payment. We are considering
alternative payment methods, and are currently testing automatic payment
options. While scheduled payment is actually available through DISH Network, it
is currently available to our leasing customers only.
24. What is going on with sports
blackouts?
- Answer: Each network independently negotiates the broadcast rights directly
with the professional teams. The regional sports networks compete for the local
broadcast rights with local stations in order to provide coverage of a
particular team to consumers who live within that team's home territory. The
national broadcast rights for professional teams are usually held by networks
such as ESPN and are available to all consumers except those located in the
team's home territory. In order for a consumer to be eligible for a particular
team's game, his ZIP Code must fall within that team's defined territory. If a
consumer's ZIP Code falls outside of the team's territory, he will be blacked
out unless the game is carried on a national network. DISH Network has no
control over blackout restrictions and all distributors (both satellite and
cable) are required to follow the rules as the leagues define them.
25. How do I know which regional
sports network I will get with America's Top 60 CDSM?
- Answer: Each regional network defines its own territory based on a range of
ZIP Codes. In order to be eligible for a particular regional network, your ZIP
Code must fall within that network's territory. Upon activation, your ZIP Code
will be reviewed and your regional sports network will be assigned to you.
There are currently 21 regional sports networks.