Can I just buy a satellite /setup without long term commit..

Archived from groups: alt.satellite.tv (More info?)

Probably a stupid question...but...all of the "deals" that I have seen will
GIVE me a dish (various systems) , but I have to sign up for one or more
years.

I only use the dish at my summer place, and I only need it for one more
month this year, then 3 or 4 months at the most, next summer. Can I buy
(where ?) just a dish and box, and pay for the service month to month???

thanks RichG TX IL

Archived from groups: alt.satellite.tv (More info?)

Buying the used receiver sounds like the way to go for my limited use. Can
you direct me to the "right" receiver model etc. ( maybe EBay or
someplace ) so that I know what I am looking for??

Thanks very much for your help RichG


"Chip Saunders" <OU812@yourisp.net> wrote in message
news:UDbKe.82715$5N3.63150@bgtnsc05-news.ops.worldnet.att.net...
> You sure can, BUT it will cost you. If you purchase a new receiver and
> dish you're normally given 30 days to activate. Of course they require a
> credit card for purchase, and you agree that if you don't activate within
> 30 days they have the right to charge your credit card $150.00. After all,
> they practically give you the receiver/dish for free.
>
> Now, if you buy a used receiver from someone you can obtain a fresh access
> card from DirecTV (small fee), and then go month to month without a 1 year
> lock-in, provided you have good credit.
>

Archived from groups: alt.satellite.tv (More info?)

ebay is probably your best bet. The most popular and plentiful boxes are the
Hughes models, but there's a lot of other brands out there such as RCA,Sony,
JVC, Phillips, etc. They're pretty much all clones of the Hughes boxes as
Hughes is, or was owned by DirecTV when satellite TV first started. You'll
just have to do your research to make sure you get an up to date receiver.
Older receivers are not capable of local channels, and in some cases
software updates from DirecTV. Rule of thumb: Don't buy anything over 5
years old. Look for terms such as "director pack', "Para Todos", Dolby/AC3
sound outputs. Steer clear of any that come with "fresh access card". Unless
you buy from a dealer, there's no such thing. Chances are that fresh card is
HOT or there's an unpaid bill associated with it.