A New Dish – Something for Everyone!
By Parrish Reinoehl, Pathfinder Networks
May 2006
In past articles I’ve discussed Dish Network and the advantages it offers over standard television and even cable TV. I won’t bore you with all the marketing hype about how Dish Network is a better value than Comcast or about how much better the picture quality is with Dish (which is true, by the way).
One of the negatives with Dish Network has always been their use of the SuperDish antenna in our area to receive the local channels. I’m sure you have all seen this dish on the roofs of your neighbors (or even have one yourself). It’s a little over 3’ wide and has a tripod type mount. It’s not quite as big and obnoxious as the old C Band dishes (these were the huge behemoths used in years past) but it is still unpleasant to look at. The SuperDish was required to view programming on three separate Dish Network satellites. These satellites are located at 105º (this is where the locals were at), 110 º, and 119 º. If you wanted to view the Voom High Definition package you also had to have another “wing” dish pointed at 61.5 º. Obviously this could get quite cumbersome and unsightly!
On May 5, 2006 Dish Network will revamp their satellite line up for the South Bend, IN market- and it couldn’t get much better! For those wishing to view the standard Dish Network packages (Top 60, Top120, Top180, etc) and also view the South Bend locals you will now only need the tried and true (and small) Dish 500 antenna. That’s right- all of you with the older Dish 500 antenna that didn’t want to upgrade to the SuperDish for your locals (or couldn’t because of line-of-sight problems) will now be able to get your locals! All that is required is to give Dish Network a call and say “I want my locals!” This is a great change and one that we as a dealer have been looking forward to for some time. We will no longer be using the old SuperDish for new installs- new customers will be getting the smaller Dish 500. If you currently have a SuperDish then you do not need to do anything- you won’t need to change your antenna unless you want to view High Definition content.
If you own a High Definition television and want to view High Definition content (who wouldn’t- the picture is absolutely amazing! If you’ve never seen a true High Definition picture you owe it to yourself to check it out) Dish has a package just for you. Dish Network has released a new line of High Definition tuners. These tuners all use the new MPEG4 compression scheme. The previous generation of Dish receivers (both high definition and standard) used MPEG2 compression. The only thing you really need to know about these two compression types is that MPEG4 allows for a much greater amount of data to be transmitted on that satellite. MPEG4 allows for a far larger amount of High Definition content to be available. Even locals in High Definition are in the works (likely within a year!) Those signing up for a High Definition package will get the new Dish 1000 antenna. This new antenna hits 3 different satellites much like the old SuperDish antenna. However, and much to the delight of our installers and home owners, the Dish 1000 is almost identical in size to the Dish 500 antenna! Even the Voom channels will be viewable with this new antenna- no more wing antenna pointed at 61.5 º!
Dish Network has also recently announced a new programming package aimed at those wishing to buy the minimum in programming and/or those with small children. This new package is called the Dish Network Family Pack and is priced at $19.99 per month ($24.99 if you want locals). The Dish Family Pack comes with 40 family friendly channels. You will get channels such as Nickelodeon, Animal Planet, Discovery Kids, The Science Channel, Food Network, Hallmark Movie Channel, Fox News, The Outdoor Channel, and DIY- to name just a few. All channels in this package are family friendly and contain no adult content. Even the adult oriented pay-per-view channels are blocked. This is a great package if you have children or just want to view some great channels all at a great price.
Dish Network is always at the forefront of providing the best in new technology and the best value for your hard earned dollar. These new changes reflect that philosophy!
As always, feel free to give us a call or stop by our store in Niles at Belle Plaza if you would like further information about Dish Network or to schedule an install.
About the Author:
Parrish Reinoehl is President of Pathfinder Networks; a Niles based technology consulting firm specializing in providing affordable computer services to small businesses and home users including networks, PC support, sales, and service. Pathfinder Networks can be reached at 269-684-7696 or via email at parrish@pathfindernetworks.us
Pathfinder Networks website is http://www.PathfinderNetworks.us
Visit our retail location at 1920 S. 11th St., Niles, MI (in Belle Plaza). We now sell Dish Network Satellite television and Sirius Satellite Radio!
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