GOOD DEAL or NOT? Dish Network HDTV package for $999

[dragoneyez]

Pay just $1048.99
Receive a $49.99 credit on your first bill, making your system $999.

Includes:
1 dish antenna
34? Direct View HD monitor or 40? Rear Projection HD monitor
1 DISH 811 HD receiver
1 DISH 301 receiver (optional)
FREE Standard Professional Installation

More info here:
http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/products/system/index.shtml

 

[cix22]

Originally posted by: dragoneyez
Pay just $1048.99
Receive a $49.99 credit on your first bill, making your system $999.

Includes:
1 dish antenna
34? Direct View HD monitor or 40? Rear Projection HD monitor
1 DISH 811 HD receiver
1 DISH 301 receiver (optional)
FREE Standard Professional Installation

More info here:
http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/products/system/index.shtml

I'd be weary since you don't get a brand or model on either TV. Another thing that people need to be aware of is the limited scope of HDTV broadcasting. While most of the major networks and several smaller ones (ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, ESPN, HBO, DISC, KPBS) broadcast in HDTV, it's only certain shows that get the actual HD treatment. Most of the major hit shows have are simulcasted in HDTV, but the majority of content on all stations that have an HDTV feed is still standard television. Several stations like Discovery and KPBS have all HDTV channels which are cool, but there content is still limited, so you seee Jeff Corwin wrestling an anaconda three times a week. While he is humorous, it does get old.

Also with the DISH deal it looks like you'd have to pay an extra $10/month in addition to your standard monthly subscription rate, so if you're paying $40/month for standard feeds, you're paying $50/month if you want HD. And I don't know how much they're claiming that their receiver is worth, but Time Warner gave me an HD capable cable box for free, as well as waiving the $6/month HDTV fee after I told them that I already had an HD Ready TV.

To sum up, no brand given on TV, limited HDTV content currently available, possibly overcharging for the receiver (do you get to keep it after you cancel their service?)...

I'd feel more comfortable buying a TV from somewhere that I could stand in front of it and watch HD content on it, but that may just be me.

 

[WTT0001]

To new subscribers the 811 Receiver is worth $99 with a one year contract or is free with a 2 year contract.

 

[mboy]

I believe the TV is some variety of RCA. Check more out here:
Text

 

[c627627]

What's HDTV programming availability going to be like, say this time next year?

Would someone please post the latest HDTV programming outlook?

Back in the day, they were saying by 2006.... etc. etc.

 

[ccchuck]

currently neither Dish nor Directv offer many, if any network (ABC CBS NBC, etc) shows in HD. They have HD channels such as HBO HD, PPV, some sports offerings, etc.
In my case I want the networks in HD or otherwise don't want to go to the trouble or expense.

 

[sat4fun]

Originally posted by: ccchuck
currently neither Dish nor Directv offer many, if any network (ABC CBS NBC, etc) shows in HD. They have HD channels such as HBO HD, PPV, some sports offerings, etc. In my case I want the networks in HD or otherwise don't want to go to the trouble or expense.

Toss an antenna and you will get hdtv ota.

 

[hconnor2]

been reading a bit on the avforums about hdtv and most seem pretty unhappy. main reason? they have heretofore not had any tivo capability. thankfully dish has an hdtivo now. but its about a grand. i'm told directv will have a tivo in the spring in the 600 range. dish ought to match this. i'll jump in then!

 

[rich644]

Over 80% of primetime network television in broadcast in HD. and yes most local stations are passing the signal along. Like sat4fun said, just get an inexpensive UHF antenna, Antennas Direct , and you are set to receive the locals.

There are currently over 1100 digital stations in the US. Check out the Tonight Show, you can even read the model number off of Jay Leno?s microphone.

As for the premiums, I agree that Discovery HD is repetitive, but still pretty cool. And the HD feed of HBO and Showtime, on a large screen (mine is 10 foot) makes a DVD look like crap in comparison. I haven't been to the theater in over a year, because a feature film in HD, on the right equipment, is a much more enjoyable viewing experience.

As I explained to my wife, " Look at all the money we?ve saved! This home theater is paying for itself!"

 

[lowlevel]

Originally posted by: cix22

Originally posted by: dragoneyez
Pay just $1048.99
Receive a $49.99 credit on your first bill, making your system $999.

Includes:
1 dish antenna
34? Direct View HD monitor or 40? Rear Projection HD monitor
1 DISH 811 HD receiver
1 DISH 301 receiver (optional)
FREE Standard Professional Installation

More info here:
http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/products/system/index.shtml

I'd be weary since you don't get a brand or model on either TV. Another thing that people need to be aware of is the limited scope of HDTV broadcasting. While most of the major networks and several smaller ones (ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, ESPN, HBO, DISC, KPBS) broadcast in HDTV, it's only certain shows that get the actual HD treatment. Most of the major hit shows have are simulcasted in HDTV, but the majority of content on all stations that have an HDTV feed is still standard television. Several stations like Discovery and KPBS have all HDTV channels which are cool, but there content is still limited, so you seee Jeff Corwin wrestling an anaconda three times a week. While he is humorous, it does get old.

Also with the DISH deal it looks like you'd have to pay an extra $10/month in addition to your standard monthly subscription rate, so if you're paying $40/month for standard feeds, you're paying $50/month if you want HD. And I don't know how much they're claiming that their receiver is worth, but Time Warner gave me an HD capable cable box for free, as well as waiving the $6/month HDTV fee after I told them that I already had an HD Ready TV.

To sum up, no brand given on TV, limited HDTV content currently available, possibly overcharging for the receiver (do you get to keep it after you cancel their service?)...

I'd feel more comfortable buying a TV from somewhere that I could stand in front of it and watch HD content on it, but that may just be me.

Heh. . . according to the Dish Network reps I talked to late last week (in both sales and technical support) "they are manufactured by EchoStar. . . EchoStar is us, Dish Network". I knew of the association between EchoStar and Dish Network, but the claim that they manufacture their own TVs has me wondering if the CSRs I spoke with know what they are talking about.

Anyone have any input that would support or refute their claim?