Welcome to the Dish Detective FAQ blog, hosted by me, the Dish Detective, a brilliant yet humble satellite TV expert. I’m here to solve all the mysteries of your satellite dish television system.

While Digicom Satellite – the company that employs me – serves Southern California, you’ll find this blog helpful no matter where you live. My information is simply that good.

Because I work for a full-service satellite dish company that represents both DISH Network and DIRECTV, you’ll be privy to my insights on a wide range of topics.

Here’s a sampling of the topics I’ll be covering:
  • Should I select DISH Network or DIRECTV? What are the differences?
  • I love my neighbor’s HD satellite TV. How does it compare with a standard signal?
  • What types of satellite TV sports packages are available?
  • Does dish DVR work like cable DVR?
  • Can I package my dish Internet, phone and TV services?
  • How do I get a commercial account for my restaurant, hotel, hair salon, school, or break room?
  • How can I access satellite TV through my laptop while traveling? What’s TV Everywhere?
  • Now that DISH Network owns Blockbuster, what dish movies and TV shows can I get?
  • What DISH Network local channels are available? How about DIRECTV local channels?
  • Is there custom DishLATINO service? What about other international channels?
  • How do dish service calls work? Does the technician call me first?
  • I need help with set up on my DIRECTV. Where can I call?
  • I cannot find my DISH Network contract? How do I get a copy?
  • How long does it take to complete a DISH Network dish installation?
  • Does dish size matter when it comes to satellite TV?
  • My DISH Network receiver is labeled “EchoStar”. What does that mean?
  • How do storms impact satellite TV reception?
  • When I view my DIRECTV picture, I sometimes see snow. What causes this?
  • Occasionally, the tiny pixels on my screen get blotchy. Why?
  • What does it mean if my satellite TV shows a blue screen? What about a black screen?
  • Can I switch my TV from DISH Network to DIRECTV, and vice versa?
  • I am a film nut. What are my best options for getting HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, and Starz?
  • Is it hard to set up parental controls on my satellite TV?
I want to answer all your satellite TV questions. Email them to: sales@digicomsat.net or call my coworkers at 888-744-3396. Or, click here, post a question and someone will get back to you shortly.

Dish Detective
Have a High Def Day!
Dish Detective,

 I’m so confused. What’s the difference between DISH Network and DIRECTV? -Sylvia in San Diego

Sylvia, you present one of the great mysteries of the universe, a question that has stumped mankind for generations, or at least for the 15 years these satellite TV titans have slugged it out.

Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place because the Dish Detective is overflowing with wisdom and will happily solve this conundrum.

DIRECTV was founded in 1990 and launched its satellite TV service four years later. Today, the company serves more than 19 million customers in the U.S. from its El Segundo, CA, headquarters. Separately, DIRECTV Latin America serves more than 10 million customers in Central and South America.

DISH Network was launched in 1996 as EchoStar Communications. The company’s roots actually go back to 1980 when the founders launched EchoSphere, the company that predated EchoStar. In 2008, EchoStar split from DISH Network to become a separate satellite technology provider. Today, DISH Network serves more than 14 million customers nationwide from its Englewood, CO, headquarters.

Both companies offer hundreds of channels, and many add-on services like High Definition signals, DVR, Internet, phone and remote computer access. Sylvia, no doubt you are asking yourself, why DIRECTV?

Allow me to explain in a single word – NFL Football. OK, I suppose that’s two words, or possibly four if you spell out National Football League. The bottom line is DIRECTV exclusively offers viewers the NFL Sunday Ticket. For about $300/year, you can watch every Sunday NFL game no matter where it is played. This is especially helpful in Southern California, where most residents cheer for teams hundreds or thousands of miles away.

As the older and slightly larger provider, DIRECTV has built its reputation on strong marketing, quality service and premium programming. Depending on what packages you choose, it might cost you a few more dollars than DISH Network, but it might be money well spent.

So Sylvia, why choose DISH Network? I’m so glad you asked. DISH Network is a little smaller and hungrier than DIRECTV, so you may find better deals for virtually the same service.

DISH Network has become increasingly competitive. Buy purchasing Blockbuster Video, DISH Network now offers its customers a library of more than 100,000 movies, including many newer releases, as well as vintage TV shows.

The company also is aggressively promoting its TV Everywhere service. In early 2010, it launched its mobile service using the SlingLoaded DVR, the Sling Adapter, and Dish Remote Access Mobile App.

So Sylvia, which satellite TV company suits your needs better, DIRECTV or DISH Network?

If you want to talk it through, my coworkers at Digicom Satellite will be happy to share their secrets about both dish TV services. Just email your questions to sales@digicomsat.net or call 888-744-3396. Or, click here, post a message and someone will follow up with you shortly.

Dish Detective
Have a High Def Day!
Dish Detective,

Is High Definition TV really better than regular TV? How many HD channels can I get? -Larry in LA

Larry, allow me to guide you to TV paradise. High Definition (HD) viewing is a visual explosion. It’s like seeing a brilliant sunset, the aurora borealis, and a fall forest color change all rolled into one.

It’s like eating super high quality Swiss chocolate, riding a roller coaster, and surfing a giant wave. OK, those last three descriptions might be slightly exaggerated, but only a little.

HDTV is four to five times clearer than a standard signal. This is accomplished by packing many more pixels per square inch into your screen. This results in a picture that a standard signal cannot match. Colors are more vibrant, images are more defined, and the overall picture provides you with a far better sense of depth.

HD is no longer a new phenomenon. Nearly all domestic broadcasters use HD cameras and equipment so that viewers can experience this technology.

Currently, there are more than 200 HD channels, including most major channels, sports channels and local channels. The one exception is that many international channels don't yet offer HD. Once you have HD service, you’ll still be able to receive standard channels.

To get HD channels on your satellite TV, you’ll need to subscribe to any one of several packages. HD is beneficial to you only if you have the proper equipment. A good provider will make sure your system includes the best receiver and controls.

You have a lot of flexibility in selecting an HD package that fits your needs. For example, your provider can customize one TV to receive HD and a second TV to receive a standard signal, all from a single dish. You won’t need extra equipment, just different equipment, which looks the same as standard equipment.

Larry, based on customer feedback, you will love HDTV, probably more than your dog or golf clubs. It’s among the most-requested items in all dish TV packages.

Once you see HDTV, standard TV just doesn’t compare. And the larger your TV screen, the bigger the difference. If you own an HD-enabled TV with a large screen, it’s almost a necessity to get HD service. It’s a vastly better experience.

If you reside in SoCal, Digicom Satellite can meet all of your HD needs, from selecting the right package to installing the best equipment to finding the right HDTV. Just email your questions to sales@digicomsat.net or call 888-744-3396. Or, click here, post a message and someone will follow up with you shortly.

Dish Detective
Have a High Def Day!
Dish Detective,

What kind of sports programming is available with DISH TV service? -Paul in Palm Springs

Paul, remember the big game you wanted to watch only to learn it wasn’t available on your TV? Of course you don’t, because you never saw it!

That won’t happen when you subscribe to any one of several fantastic sports packages available with satellite TV service.

There are about 40 sports channels. You can watch pro football, baseball, basketball, hockey, auto racing, soccer, rugby, bowling, tennis and golf. There are shows on hunting, fishing, shooting, biking, outdoor survival, and adventure racing. You can watch volleyball, softball, and handball - pretty much any activity with the word “ball” in it.

Love a sport so much you want to see it at every level - pro, college, and high school? It’s available. World Cup fan? You can watch all matches, from the qualifying rounds to the final game. Olympics nut? If you can handle it, you can view hundreds of Olympic events.

Let’s start with one of the most popular sports packages - NFL Sunday Ticket. This is available from DIRECTV and literally allows you to watch every single NFL game played. You no longer have to worry about blackouts or regional-only broadcasts – you get it all.

DISH Network also offers excellent football coverage through its Multi-Sport Pack featuring NFL RedZone. Or maybe you want to see local teams play. Fox Regional Sports offers great coverage of high school and college athletics.

Because there are four main sports viewing packages, you can purchase only what you want to watch. The larger the package, the more sporting events you’ll receive.

Beginning packages start at $20/month for 80 channels. There are season ticket packages, which allow you to watch sports during their seasons. There are packages that include channels for college sports, so you can watch your college team win in every sport it plays. And there are pay-per-view channels, which allow you to watch specific sporting events.

Many packages include the ESPN channels, the Fox Sports national channels and international channels. If you live in Southern California but root for a team outside the area, satellite TV is definitely the way to go.

Paul, what could be better than settling back in your recliner, drinking a root beer or two, and seeing your favorite team crush its arch-rival in high definition glory?

If you want great sports programming, my coworkers at Digicom Satellite will be happy to share their secrets about each sports package. Just email your questions to sales@digicomsat.net or call 888-744-3396. Or, click here, post a message and someone will follow up with you shortly .

Dish Detective
Have a High Def Day!
Dish Detective,

Please explain how my DVR works with my DISH TV service. My kids tell me it’s time to learn how to operate it myself. Help! -Nancy in Newport Beach

Nancy, I share your pain. After years of enabling me, my son refused to keep programming my sports watch. I blame him for slow times in my last couple marathons.

Fortunately, I have great news. Dish DVRs are actually simple devices to operate, even for tech-challenged people. With just a little practice, you’ll be saving and replaying shows like a pro.

Your DVR allows you to control your TV viewing, instead of allowing your TV viewing to control you. It’s a wonderful device for saving time, not missing your favorite shows, and managing your family’s TV content.

A dish DVR operates seamlessly with your satellite TV service. The DVR is not a separate piece of equipment. It’s built into your receiver box and operates using your remote control.

DVRs are programmed to work with your system and provider. They won’t work with another service. That means you cannot take your DVR to your friends’ house and expect it to work with their dish service. It also means that if you discontinue your satellite TV subscription, your DVR won't work.

Your DVR has a hard drive that constantly records shows. When replaying a show, you can fast forward, rewind, and skip commercials. This is particularly helpful when content is not family-friendly.

DVRs have had enormous impact on viewing habits. By recording shows, you enjoy complete flexibility. You watch programs whenever you want. You start, pause, and stop them whenever you want. With quick fingers and little caffeine, you can watch an entire TV series in a matter of hours.

DVRs have a lot of features. You can record on two TVs at once. You can record something on your main TV and watch it from another TV later. You can record two programs simultaneously, and watch 2 other recorded events at the same time.

Many people now record everything they want to watch so they are always in control. They can view segments instead of entire programs, saving a lot of time in front of their TV.

Nancy, what is your time worth? The cost is minimal – starting at just $6/month. That’s a deal for a service that gives you so much control and saves you time.

My coworkers at Digicom Satellite will be happy to provide step-by-step instructions on operating your DVR. Just email your questions to sales@digicomsat.net or call 888-744-3396. Or, click here, post a message and someone will follow up with you shortly.

Dish Detective
Have a High Def Day!
Dish Detective,

How can I get Internet service for my DISH TV? -Olivia in Oxnard

Olivia, remember the world before the Internet? Me either!

I’m not surprised you want to connect your satellite TV service with the Internet. As the world becomes ever-more reliant on the Internet, our devices need to perform even more tasks.

Depending on where you live, there are different options for getting Internet service. For example, if you live in a rural or semi-rural area, you can get Internet through your satellite dish system. This is a great option if you own a vacation home in the boonies.

Two providers, Hughes Network and Wild Blue, offer dish Internet service throughout Southern California. Digicom Satellite partners with both of them and can set you up.

If you live in a high-density area with lots of Internet service providers, there are other options that could serve you better. AT&T, Verizon, Time Warner, Charter Communications, Clearwire, and RoadRunner all serve SoCal. These companies offer their service through cables, telephone wires, or wirelessly.

Because these companies compete aggressively, you are able to get you a lower price, especially when packaged with your DISH TV service. You can select the options and upgrades you like into a customized package. And if you spend a lot of time online, you should consider buying an Internet-enabled TV.

The advantage of working with a provider like Digicom Satellite is they can package your DISH TV, Internet and even your phone service into a single agreement, often times saving you money. They also can help you select your Internet speed, coordinate installation of all equipment, and simplify your billing.

My coworkers at Digicom Satellite are ready to help you customize your Internet, phone and satellite TV services. Just email your questions to sales@digicomsat.net or call 888-744-3396. Or, click here, post a message and someone will follow up with you shortly.

Dish Detective
Have a High Def Day!
Dish Detective,

I own a business. My customers would love watching satellite TV. What kind of impact will we experience if I add DISH TV service? -Tony in Tarzana

Tony, what a great question! This is a case where mixing business with pleasure is a great idea. You’ll definitely improve your business by setting up a commercial DISH TV account.

Statistically speaking, business owners demonstrate extremely high satisfaction with their satellite TV service. Once an owner subscribes, he or she rarely cancels. They are thrilled because their customers are happy while viewing good programming.

Here’s an example. Most people dread waiting rooms, which typically are stocked with old magazines and bad coffee. Normally, the perceived wait time is a huge negative for customers. Some never return. By adding DISH TV, customers are entertained and their perceived wait time is minimized.

Many businesses benefit by offering satellite TV. Restaurants, bars, hair salons, dentists and doctors, car washes, auto repair shops, schools and daycare centers all can improve customer satisfaction.

One of the beauties of a commercial account is the ability to customize your programming. For example, bars can show sports, restaurants can offer news, doctors and dentists can provide family channels, financial planners can show business and stock news, and schools and daycare centers can offer educational or children’s programming.

Adding DISH TV to employee break rooms is a valuable perk. It allows staff to take a mental break and return to their duties refreshed. You can choose English, Hispanic or international programming.

Satellite TV requires only a minimal investment and offers a great return. Dish Network offers an excellent a la carte service for businesses, allowing you to purchase only what you want to show to your customers.

There are 30 mini a la carte packages, with the starter package available for just $20 per month. For restaurants and bars, your maximum fire occupancy rating establishes the rate you pay, which helps keep the cost low for small diners and coffee shops.

Tony, if you want to bring in more customers and keep them coming back, DISH TV service is the way to go.

My coworkers at Digicom Satellite will help customize your commercial business with customer-pleasing satellite TV programming. Just email your questions to sales@digicomsat.net or call 888-744-3396. Or, click here, post a message and someone will follow up with you shortly.

Dish Detective
Have a High Def Day!
Dish Detective,

How can I get DISH service on my laptop so I can watch TV while traveling? -Linda in Laguna Hills

Linda, you will love my answer. Every customer who subscribes to DISH TV has access to dishonline as an on-demand feature for free. This means whatever programming your subscription provides is available to you at dishonline.com. This could be hundreds of recorded TV shows, movies and sports.

There is no cost to you and this not a promo deal. Once you set up your account, you simply click a button on your computer to record a program via your DVR and watch it whenever you want.

A second awesome free service is TV Everywhere, which allows you to watch TV programs live anywhere in the world through high-speed Internet. It's like you are sitting at home using your DVR.

You can watch these shows on your laptop, iPad or smart phone. I go to my daughter’s basketball games and sneak a peak at other sports programs using my phone (let’s keep this our little secret).

The only requirement is a one-time fee to purchase a Sling Adapter, which connects your DVR to the Internet. You can install it yourself. The cost is $99. There is a $99 rebate if you are a new customer. You do need to have a High Definition DVR connection for TV Everywhere to work.

My coworkers at Digicom Satellite are ready to help you set up DishOnline or TV Everywhere. Just email your questions to sales@digicomsat.net or call 888-744-3396. Or, click here, post a message and someone will follow up with you shortly.

Dish Detective
Have a High Def Day!
Dear Dish Detective,

What does Dish Network's merger with Blockbuster mean for me? -Sandra in San Clemente

 Sandy, you'll be quoting movie lines so often that your friends will run for cover. Why? Because Blockbuster brings more than 100,000 films and TV shows to your screen. As a Dish Network customer, you have access to it all.

Because Blockbuster has contracts with major film and TV production companies, they offer the most recently released movies and newest TV series (way fresher than Netflix). You can get these using your satellite TV or stream them on demand online. And you can even order them by mail and do in-store exchanges, all as part of your contract with Dish Network.

Sandy, you'll also love the price. For new subscribers to Dish Network, Blockbuster movies are free for the first year. Otherwise, the cost is just $10 per month and your entire family can watch. That's the price of a single ticket at a theater!

The bottom line for you is the addition of Blockbuster to Dish Network means more "anywhere anytime" content. In addition to Blockbuster, you have access to HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, and Starz movies, plus hundreds of other channels.

My coworkers at Digicom Satellite are ready to add Blockbuster movies and TV shows to your subscription. Just email your questions to sales@digicomsat.net or call 888-744-3396. Or, click here, post a message and someone will follow up with you shortly.

Dish Detective
Have a High Def Day!
Dish Detective,

What kind of Spanish-language and international channels can I get with satellite TV? -Hector in Hermosa Beach

Hector, you’ll be pleased to know that all Digicom Satellite staff speaks Spanish and that 30% of our customers choose a Latino package.

For Dish Network, which operates DishLATINO, Latino programming is its largest non-English service. Currently, three Latino-focused satellite TV packages are available in SoCal, including exclusively Spanish-speaking and a mix with English.

Programming comes from Ecuador, Columbia, Argentina, Chile, and Mexico. Billing can be sent in English or Spanish. Visit Digicom Satellite’s Website to see what special offers are available.

Hector, SoCal residents can receive an incredible 200 international channels in 29 languages, including Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, and Philippine. Most international programming originates from the home countries rather than in the U.S.

International channels are available as packages or you can add them individually. International channel feedback is very positive and often the reason why subscribers initially signed up for Dish Network. In case you were wondering, this programming is not available from cable providers.

My coworkers at Digicom Satellite are ready to set you up with DishLATINO or international programming. Just email your questions to sales@digicomsat.net or call 888-744-3396. Or, click here, post a message and someone will follow up with you shortly.

Dish Detective
Have a High Def Day!


Digicom Satellite

1538 Howard Access Road, Suite B, Upland CA 91786 US
Telephone: 888-744-3396 Facsimile: Email: sales@digicomsat.net

Office Hours: Monday to Saturday 8:30 am - 8:00 pm, Closed Sunday
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