Frequently Asked Questions

Questions or comments may be sent to webmaster@4dishnetwork.com

How many receivers can I have?

You can install up to 4 receivers to one dish. 
Each additional receiver on the account will add a $4.99/month addition outlet fee.

After I make my purchase, how do I activate my programming?

A Customer Service Representative will call you and help you activate all of the quality programming you would like.

Are local networks (i.e. ABC, NBC, CBS) be available via my DISH Network system?

For a current list of Networks available through DISH Network for only $5 a month!

Why do I need a phone line connected to my receiver?

The smartcard inside your machine interprets information and stores the specific programming codes that your unit has been authorized for, including Pay-Per-View purchases. From time to time, the card will be prompted to communicate with DISH Network (usually once you have purchased 9 PPv's or your unit has gone 60 days since it's last call-in). DISH Network can send information to your receiver via the satellite (i.e. programming, software upgrades, authorization commands) whenever your system is locked on to our signal. 

Your unit cannot, however, communicate back to DISH Network in the same manner. Therefore your unit is designed to contact DISH Network via fax modem, much like your computer. If a "call home" condition exists and the unit has access to an active phone line, it will try to dial a preset phone number (you may notice the clicking noises coming from the receivers when this occurs). Once a connection is made, the machine will transmit the information via phone line back to DISH Network and make room for the next round of purchases. As you can see there is no other way to accomplish this without a phone line being connected to your receiver.

Can I substitute one channel for another in my basic package? I don't want to upgrade to the 100 or 150 package, but I want some of the channels that only comes in those packages.

DISH Network strives to make satellite programming as affordable as possible. One way to help keep costs low is to provide stations in packages, rather than mostly a la carte. Allowing customers to substitute channels would have the adverse effect of forcing them to raise prices, both for overall programming, and for a la carte stations. To prevent this, no substitutions are allowed.

How do I hook up my VCR?

If you are using the RCA connections: Run the red, white and yellow connects from the satellite receiver to the VCR line inputs. Then run the line outputs to the TV video 1 input. Select LINE IN on your VCR and video 1 on your TV.

If your are using coaxial cable: Run the coax from the TV set out of the satellite receiver to the antenna in of the VCR. Then run the VCR out to the TV set coax in. Put the switch on the back of the VCR and the VCR's channel to 3 or 4. You must also put the switch on the back of the TV and the TV's channel to 3 or 4.

You can combine the RCA out of the receiver to the VCR and the use coax out from the VCR to the TV. Be sure to put the VCR in the LINE IN mode and the TV on channel 3 or 4.

You will have to refer to your VCR and/or your TV owners manual for help on selecting the LINE/AUX INPUTS.

Can weather affect my satellite reception?

There is a low probability that your DISH Network system will be affected by weather. Severe rain or snowstorms may interrupt reception for brief periods, and cause a temporary loss of picture quality. If the dish or low noise block (LNB) converter accumulates too much wet snow, the strength of the signal can be weakened by the snow’s water content. People living in high snowfall areas may want to purchase a heated dish, which has been shown to greatly reduce these problems.