Forum Discussion

damntough's avatar
damntough
Explorer
Jan 07, 2017

Dish programming

I've been seeing advertising for a new Dish programming package called Flex Pack. Using the website, I tried to change my programming but the site doesn't list it. So I emailed the support group and received the following.

"This package contains 50+ channels for only $34.99. But the good thing with this package, you can almost choose a channel you want instead of getting higher package that includes channels that you do not want to watch. You can choose an additional package with only $10.00 per month. Below are the additional packages that can be added on Flex Pack.

Locals Pack
Variety Pack
Kids Pack
National Action Pack
News Pack
Heartland Pack
Outdoor Pack
Regional Action Pack"

Several weeks ago, I asked them to fix the website but it's still not showing the new packages. I wonder if they are hiding the packages if we already have an account?

Paul
Class A
  • dan-nickie's avatar
    dan-nickie
    Explorer
    Jan 07, 2017
    I was excited when I first saw the offer.
    When I added the channels we wanted to watch, it would cost as much as we are paying now.
    They really know how to package the channels to run the cost up.
  • Bill_Satellite's avatar
    Bill_Satellite
    Explorer II
    Jan 07, 2017
    I saw the same thing when I looked at it. Great advertising gimmick but it all comes down to having to buy $10 packages to get the 1 channel you want.
  • Dutch_12078's avatar
    Dutch_12078
    Explorer II
    Jan 07, 2017
    Part of the problem with the packaging of TV channels is that channel owners can and do dictate which packages they want their channels included in when negotiating carriage contracts. Multi-channel owners often try to force the carriers to include lesser watched channels along with their more popular channels in a given package. Carriage contracts are also why we'll likely never see a true ala-carte system where we can choose only those channels we want.
  • wallynm's avatar
    wallynm
    Explorer
    Jan 07, 2017
    Simple outlaw carriage contracts as restraint of free trade. They broke up MA Bell.

    Dutch_12078 wrote:
    Part of the problem with the packaging of TV channels is that channel owners can and do dictate which packages they want their channels included in when negotiating carriage contracts. Multi-channel owners often try to force the carriers to include lesser watched channels along with their more popular channels in a given package. Carriage contracts are also why we'll likely never see a true ala-carte system where we can choose only those channels we want.
  • Second_Chance's avatar
    Second_Chance
    Explorer II
    Jan 07, 2017
    It all boils down to personal tastes in TV programming. We switched to the Flex Pack (with locals only) and saved $20 a month. With "America's Top 120" (advertised as 120 channels total), we found we were watching less than 20% of the channels - and not getting a couple we wanted. We switched to the Flex Pack with the $10 Satellite Locals pack, dropped our bill $20 a month, and haven't missed anything from the previous package. I did all this on-line myself. The only issue we've discovered is that you have to do some hand-holding with the Dish representative(s) when you call in to change your service location. Not all of them understand how the Flex Pack - much less the "Dish for My RV" accounts - work. Shouldn't be that way, but it is for now...

    Rob
  • Dutch_12078's avatar
    Dutch_12078
    Explorer II
    Jan 07, 2017
    wallynm wrote:
    Simple outlaw carriage contracts as restraint of free trade. They broke up MA Bell.


    The Ma Bell breakup was a monopoly issue. Carriage contracts are an FCC creation stemming from the "must carry" rules. The entertainment industry would not likely look at dropping them favorably.
  • lanerd's avatar
    lanerd
    Explorer II
    Jan 08, 2017
    I wish they would just offer a package that was all english...no spanish, no asian, no any other language. I hate paying for a package that is full of channels I can't understand.:M Grrrrrrr

    Ron
  • Gonzo42's avatar
    Gonzo42
    Explorer
    Jan 08, 2017
    Never have I had a straightforward conversation with Dish. I have had to repeat things endlessly, plus point out things they should know which is in the advertising (snail mail, email, TV ads).

    I truly suspect its all a device to coerce an upgrade with extra $$$.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Jan 08, 2017
    Here is how Bait and Switch works in the Subscription TV industry. NOTE this is an ILLEGAL advertising practice that they seem to get away with.

    Basic package: Yoru local network stations and a whole bunch of .. well, ****, Every religion in the world, Languages you can't understand and in the case of DISH, one gem.. NASA

    Additional channels are solid in "Packs" as well, again mostly **** but one or two per pack you want, that way you buy a lot of packs adding to the monthly cost.

    That said.. I followed the dish Flex Pack link someone provided

    The basic package looks rather good to me.. So perhaps they are not using Bait and Switch as much as has been done in days of old.

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