Dish TV users--does this sound normal?

[idnib]

Hi all,

 

I'm visiting my (super non-technical) parents over the holidays and their TV remote died. I'm not familiar with TV set up in general and especially Dish TV.

 

So I went to Radio Shack and got a universal remote. I found all the codes except for the Toshiba TV one (20 yo TV) but the autoscan found that one.

 

On their dead remote they were able to control the TV channels in "TV" mode, which was convenient because they just left it in TV mode all the time and used the remote to turn the TV on and off, to change the channels, to mute, and to change the volume.

 

With the new remote they have to be in TV mode to turn the TV on and off, to mute, and to change the volume. But they have to move to SAT (satellite mode) to change the channel. So a typical interaction goes like this:

 

TV button for TV mode

Power on

SAT button for satellite mode

Change to desired channel

TV button for TV mode

Lower volume

SAT button for satellite mode

Change to new channel

TV button for TV mode

Power off

 

In other words, they have to switch between TV mode for all non-channel functionality and SAT mode in order to change channels.

 

Does this seem normal? Why didn't they have to do this on their 10-year old remote but they need to for a much newer one? Is it because the dead remote was Dish Network brand and it somehow understood that channel changing went to the Dish box even though the remote was in TV mode? Or have I done something wrong?

 

Help! The above sequence is hypothetical only. I actuality they forget to change between mode and do things like accidentally turn off the satellite box, etc and it's becoming painful to be tech support for this. Plus I'd love to avoid a trip to the electronics store 4 days before Christmas.

 

TIA!

[MindyD]

That's what we have to do (tv mode for volume and sat to change the channel). It's kind of a pain, but I'm used to now and don't think about it. Your parents might have trouble. My grandparent's remote would do that, and inevitably my grandfather would mess it up and my dad would fix it.

[Ellie]

It's a pain, but I guess it's normal for that remote.

 

Mr. Ellie found a remote that is truly universal, after a couple of tries. The brand is...Universal. :-) It's the only one we've ever had that will operate all our devices: TV, VCR/DVD player, Dish, stereo (we have a stereo and surround sound and all that stuff; we don't touch the TV's volume), everything. We can adjust the sound regardless of which device we're using/watching.

[idnib]

I guess I'm going to try and find a new Dish remote. I only see them online but we can make do with the one we have right now until it comes in the mail.

 

Or...

 

Are there good nationwide (or Southern Cal, where I'm visiting) chains for this type of thing? I only know of Best Buy and I don't like it but I could do it. I remember Good Guys but it looks like they are out of business. I don't really buy consumer electronics except Apple stuff and I go to the Apple store for that or through my friend who works there. We don't own a TV so I'm really out of the loop here.

 

Thanks for the advice so far...

[Forget-Me-Not]

Have you called Dish Network? They sent me a new one. I can't remember if they charged me or not, but if they did, it was about what a universal remote would have cost me at an electronics store. They'll walk you through programming it over the phone.

[TN Mama]

Have you called Dish Network? They sent me a new one. I can't remember if they charged me or not, but if they did, it was about what a universal remote would have cost me at an electronics store. They'll walk you through programming it over the phone.

 

Definitely call. We've had Dish for years and I have always been pleased with their customer service.

[idnib]

Thanks. We've been having phone/DSL troubles here due to heavy rains in Southern California where my parents live. I'm going to give them a call today.