We have Dish Network in our 5th-wheel. Receiver is a VIP-211z (2 yrs old) and the antenna is a Tailgater (about 5 yrs old).For the past 2 years I cannot receive in HD mode. (Note: when receiving via OTA antenna I get HD just fine.) I wonder if the problem is the receiver or the antenna? I suspect the antenna.How to determine which, if either, has gone bad? Any ideas?If I wind up getting a new portable antenna, I see that Dish, King, and Winegard all offer models that have the exact same physical dimensions. Maybe they are all the same unit?Any thoughts? Any suggestions?Thanks,Glenn

Are you sure your paying for HD from DISH? Check your bill and see if there is a charge notation for HD. If you can access satellite 129 then you should be able to receive HD since that sat carries most DISH HD channels. If you can then it's not the antenna since it just receives the transmitted signal, no matter SD or HD. It's either a programming issue or the receiver is bad. Have you ever received HD channels with this receiver?

I think Dish has been offering free HD for many years. I doubt that's the issue. The Tailgater does not have a check switch option so it's hard to tell what's going on. You do need to be able to point to the 129 satellite for nearly all HD programming. If you are currently in San Diego that should not be an issue but if you are on the East Coast (or in the trees) it could be.If "I" was going to replace my portable Dish antenna I would buy the Pathway X2. It works in a similar manner as the Tailgater but has a much larger antenna and alllows for the use of Eastern Arc as well as the Western Arc satellites.

DISH Network does not offer free HD. It cost $10 extra unless you have auto pay billing option with a credit card on file or you were grandfathered in when they were offering free HD for life for a short period of time.

lryrob9301 wrote:DISH Network does not offer free HD. It cost $10 extra unless you have auto pay billing option with a credit card on file or you were grandfathered in when they were offering free HD for life for a short period of time.X2.I have a line item on my bill for HD.

That is strange. I wonder why this is still on the Dish website.DISH brings you only the bestDISH believes everyone should experience TV in the best quality possible. That's why we offer FREE HD for life. We believe HD is a right, not a privilege.

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Bill_Satellite
Explorer II
Sep 08, 2016
I think Dish has been offering free HD for many years. I doubt that's the issue. The Tailgater does not have a check switch option so it's hard to tell what's going on. You do need to be able to point to the 129 satellite for nearly all HD programming. If you are currently in San Diego that should not be an issue but if you are on the East Coast (or in the trees) it could be.
If "I" was going to replace my portable Dish antenna I would buy the Pathway X2. It works in a similar manner as the Tailgater but has a much larger antenna and alllows for the use of Eastern Arc as well as the Western Arc satellites.
lryrob9301
Explorer
Sep 08, 2016
Are you sure your paying for HD from DISH? Check your bill and see if there is a charge notation for HD.

If you can access satellite 129 then you should be able to receive HD since that sat carries most DISH HD channels. If you can then it's not the antenna since it just receives the transmitted signal, no matter SD or HD. It's either a programming issue or the receiver is bad. Have you ever received HD channels with this receiver?

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