FAQs | DISH Network
FAQs
What is HDCP?
HDCP is "High-bandwidth Digital Copy Protection." HDCP is a form of digital copy protection and was developed to protect digital audio and video content as it travels across digital connections. Contractual requirements from content providers require DISH Network and all other cable and satellite providers to activate HDCP on your receiver. With these new requirements, your TV and your digital video connection to your TV must be HDCP-capable in order to view Pay-Per-View, Video On Demand, and DishONLINE content through a digital connection.
How do I know if I have a digital video connection?
To verify you have a digital video connection, press the Menu button on your remote, then select "
System Setup,"
"Installation,"
"System Info,"
and
"Next.
" Verify that "Digital Connection" displays "Yes." If "No" then your connection is not digital
How do I know if my TV s HDCP?
To verify you have HDCP-capable equipment, press the Menu button on your remote, then select "System Setup," "Installation," "System Info," and "Next." Verify that "HDCP" displays "Yes." If "No" then either your TV or your digital video connection is not HDCP-capable. If your connection is not digital, the receiver will not be able to verify that your TV is HDCP capable.
What is limited recording?
Limited recording restricts the amount of time that some Pay-Per-View movies can be kept on your DVR. If a Pay-Per-View movie has "limited recording" (which appears in the first order pop-up screen), you can record the movie to your DVR and will have until a specified date to view the movie. This date appears on the "Info screen of the movie. Once you start viewing the movie on your DVR, you have 24 hours to watch the movie again as many times as you want. After the 24-hour time period, you will "no longer be able to view the movie on your DVR. If you try to watch it after that time has expired, you will be prompted to delete the movie.
License window
The license window is the length of time that a movie may air on Pay-Per-View. License windows range in time period but average from approximately 3 months to 6 months. A movie with limited recording will not be available to view once the license window is over.
Will the movies recorded before recording requirements be deleted from my DVR?
No, movies that have been previously recorded to the DVR will not be deleted.
How do I know what movies have limited recording and what movies do not?
A limited recording message will appear on the movies that are affected when you order the movie with your remote. There are also messages through web ordering, the IVR, and with customer service representatives.
When ordering by remote, to understand the specific limitations, make sure a phone line is connected to your receiver and read the pop-ups throughout the ordering process. Go to the channel that your movie is on, push select to order, and read the instructions carefully. If your movie has limited recording, you will receive a message before the movie is ordered.
Will this affect my ability to record Pay-Per-View sports, events, and adult?
No, currently there are no restrictions on sports, events, and adult content.
What will happen at the end of the Pay-Per-View 24 hours?
The movie will not be available to watch but will still be listed in recordings. If you try to watch it, you will be prompted to delete the movie.
Can I reorder a Pay-Per-View movie after it has been deleted off my DVR?
Yes, you can order a Pay-Per-View movie again if it is still available. Check channels 500-540, and channel 9467 for availability. If a movie is not listed in the schedule, then it may be scheduled at a later date or no longer available on Pay-Per-View.
Is DISH Network the only company implementing this change?
No! All other cable and satellite providers must implement these changes to offer the best selection in Pay-Per-View and Video On Demand movies.
How does DISH Network select the movies that have limited recording?
DISH Network is currently providing copy protection and limited recording when contractually required. In order to continue carrying some programming, DISH Network and all other cable and satellite providers are now required to implement and activate these copy protection technologies.
Can I record movies on other channels without a limitation?
There are currently only limitations on some Pay-Per-View movies and HBO and Cinemax. DISH Network is currently providing copy protection and record limitations where contractually required. A limited recording message will appear if there are record limitations.
Can I see how much time I have left to watch a PPV movie that has limited recording?
If a Pay-Per-View movie has "limited recording" (which appears in the first order pop-up), you can record the movie to your DVR and will have until a specified date to view the movie. This date appears on the Info screen of the movie. Upon viewing the movie on your DVR for the first time, you have 24 hours to watch the movie again as many times as you want.
What is meant by 'only one copy'?
When a program has HDCP you will still able to make one copy (analog or digital) of a program that airs but, you will not be able to then further duplicate that copy. For example, if you have a DISH Network DVR you can record a show but you would not be able to then record that same show to a DVD recorder. You could however "move" this copy to a PocketDISH, meaning the show would move from the DVR hard drive to the hard drive in the PocketDISH, once moved the show would no longer be available on the DVR. Additionally, the movie or content cannot be moved back to the DVR.
Can I record directly to a DVD recorder if I have already recorded a show on my DVR?
Yes. 1 copy would be allowed for a show protected with HDCP. The recorder would of course need to be HDCP compatible and the show would no longer be available on the DVR hard drive.
What is (and is not) legal to do with recorded programming?
The laws are complex, however there is a distinction between broadcast and non-broadcast programming. Broadcast networks (i.e. NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, and PBS) are required to allow for a single copy of broadcast programming so that a consumer has the ability to record a show and watch it at a different time than when it originally aired. The law also allows non-broadcast networks to decide what copy rights they wish to extend customers.
Will all recordings on the DVR be lost if the receiver is replaced?
Recordings on a DVR that do not have Copy Protection can still be recorded to a backup source before the receiver is replaced. Only recordings with Copy Protection will not be allowed to be re-recorded for backup. If you own PocketDISH you could also move your recordings to that device. Once moved they can not be moved back to a DVR.
Why won't DISH Network be refunding my money for my PocketDISH for something like this?
You will still be able to view programming on the PocketDISH and on your TV. Simply connect the analog cable (included with your PocketDISH at the time of purchase) to your TV to view programming in full resolution.
Why didn't you notify me ahead of time about the copy protection changes?
Information regarding this change was communicated as soon as the effective date was confirmed.
Why are some movie programs still able for my PocketDISH and remain on my receiver?
We recently implemented software changes, so content on the receiver hard drive prior to this release will not be impacted by the Copy Protection changes.
Why can't I copy my HBO and Cinemax programs from my DVR to an external recorder?
The new Copy Protection technology allows this content to be moved but not copied. You should contact your equipment manufacturer to be sure your equipment is set up and operating properly.
Will movies recorded before recording requirements be deleted from my DVR?
The new Copy Protection technology allows this content to be moved but not copied. You should contact your equipment manufacturer to be sure your equipment is set up and operating properly.
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