When you
buy a DirecTV system, you need a special Dish Network card
that is programmed for you to access all the channels. If
you own a system and want to sell it to someone, the buyer
must get a new access card.
To get a dish network card, the seller must first call
DirecTV to de-activate the system access card. The new
owner can then call DirecTV and order a new access card.
The charge for the new card is somewhere in the area of
$105.00 for the new card but they will receive a $66.00
credit if the old access card is returned in good
condition. When the credit is applied, the new owner has
only paid $39.00 for the new card and the dish network
card is sent out immediately via courier along with a
pre-paid postage envelope to return the old card in. When
the new access card arrives, the new owner needs to call
DirecTV again, explain that he has purchased pre-owned
equipment and wants to start programming.
Consumers also need to be aware that there are many
companies on the Internet selling dish network cards and
there are some precautions to be aware of. The cards are
commonly referred to as DSS Test cards. These test cards
are illegal in Canada and United States and cannot be
produced or sold anywhere in North America. If you are
considering buying one there are some tips to know:
- Compare prices – they are usually around $400.00 to
$500.00US and if they are not in this range – be
carefully of fraudulent companies.
- There is no guarantee on test cards and need to be
reprogrammed about every 6 months.
- Make sure you are speaking with a live operator and a
real address, not an answering machine and PO Box.
If you want worry free satellite entertainment, deal
with the company that supplies the equipment and buy your
dish network card from them. If there are any problems,
there will be a professional company backing the products
to support you.
