Can I use a pvr for free, like maybe just without the onscreen channel guide or whatever service? I don't see the fairness in charging people to use a pvr every month. It'd be like charging me a monthly fee to play my guitar.
Yes you can. You can hack a TiVo or get a DBS PCI card for your computer. A DBS PCI card will allow you to use your computer as a PVR. You can get a bunch of unencrypted channels with a DBS system and even order programming like dishnet. a program like MyTheater and a remote will allow you to use your computer as a PVR with a remote. And you can also edit commercials and burn to DVD or SVCD if you like.
YES, That is exactly what I was looking for. The ability to use the TIVO and get programing,editing and ability to burn to dvd with my computer as an interface. All without a fee ! Thanx
Yeah I still have the standard subscription, but I don't pay the extra $4.98 a month that they charge now for the PVR.
You still have to call them and set up your receiver just like any other receiver. But the model I have is an older model that came out before they started charging the monthly fee. Just go to ebay and search for dish network pvr 501. That is the model I have. Here is a link to one. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=32845&item=5711301661&rd=1 That one is a really good price - I paid twice that for mine. It will be the best money you spend! I can't imagine watching TV without it now. If you are going to replace your current receiver with a PVR make sure you cancel it. Unless you are going to keep it and put it in a bedroom or something. Otherwise they will have on record that you have more than one receiver and will charge you $4.99. Because it is $4.99 for each additional receiver that you have. I took my old one and sold it on ebay. Good luck - let me know how it turned out. Bill