E* HDTV "Package" Deal

[LRSchuler]

E* (Dish) is offering an HDTV package deal. It includes a 34" HDTV monitor (which I believe is RCA's 34" direct view (tube) wide/flat screen) and their 811 HD receiver.

I'm an existing customer. Package deal is $999. The monitor retails for $1499 and the receiver retails for $499.

Installation is included - that is... FREE! and includes an OTA antenna as well.

The drawback: (is of course) no DVR. But I'm thinking I should be able to piggyback or tandem my 508/510 to record SD programs, and connect it to the HDTV monitor using S-Cable or composite. (Anyone know for sure?)

Install is scheduled for Monday, July 19. I will post an update after the installation.

I live in north Tampa.

[CANDY76MAN]

thats a great deal...how long do you have to sign the contract for?

[LRSchuler]

Would you believe...

As an existing customer: NONE (that I know of right now, but I guess that could change when the installer sets up my new HDTV programming subscription...)

And, you can sign up for one year of HDTV for only $110 ($9.16/month)

Also, I found see this HDTV advertised on the internet for $1299, but that also required cost of shipping.

With E* (Dish), install includes free delivery!

[LRSchuler]

D* Network installers took only 2 hours to install a new quad LNB, run new cables from the dish to new grounding block, run one new RG-6 to the living room, install a new 811 HD receiver and a 34" Dish HDTV monitor. (Yes, the monitor says "Dish")

The monitor included a DVI-HD cable, which is installed to the 811. The 811 included monster composite cables (which I am saving to use with my DVD player). I have the 508 PVR connected to the monitor as component video 1. I hope the newer 510 has composite.

No OTA antenna was included in the deal. So I split my old antenna's feed between my 508 and the 811. The 811 auto-find software located ALL the local HD or DT stations and added them to the onscreen guide!

The monitor, which I believe is made by Thompson (RCA), has left, right and center speaker, and simulated surround. The rear panel has a subwoofer connection. The sound is amazing, considering. But I will likely feed the receiver's audio to my audio system, although it is pre-optical, which would be the best feed from the 811.

The monitor viewing quality is pretty amazing, when you can find something recently photographed for HDTV. Bright, clear image; like looking out the window. The 811 upgrades SD, but you can definately tell the difference (poorer) when watching SD - but its not blocky just fuzzy.

My OLD 48" VHF/UHF is pulling ALL the local HD and DT stations, most of them at around 90%. Those images are a vast improvement over their analog simulcast, but not all the shows (especially daytime) are definition-worthy.

Overall: We are VERY HAPPY!!!

This is a pretty good deal.

A little more HD programming would be nice...

LRSchuler@msn.com

[hideaf]

Is this package only for existing E* customers or can a new subscriber get this offer?

[LRSchuler]

The website is a little vague, and I thought my price was only for new customers - but Dish didn't care.

You should get the same price if you are a new customer.

Possibly there is a subscription commitment.

Larry in north Tampa