DishPVR501-I really need basic help!!

[Terry Norris]

I have reciently purchased an older PVR501, with no manual, paperwork,.....anything! I'm as green as they come. What do I do to get started?Is this unit capable or stop action, record and playback without subscribing to dish DVR service? I have a dish 500 reciever system, Do I replace the existing reciever with this unit, and register it with dish network? Does it have to be hooked up with a phone line? Where can I get BASIC INFO? Maybe a manual, or just a good source for the technically challanged(PVR for dummies)?
   I'm not expecting miricles, but what is this unit's potential? Thanks.

[rampy]

without a subscription it's pretty much a paperweight...

you can google for the manual or just browse dishnetwork's site for the pdfs...

rampy

[imnotelvis]

Try www.dishnetwork.com for starters.

The 501 has no DVR fees attached but you need to have it subscribed by Dish Network.

Does this unit have a smart card in it?  I believe the slot for the card is in the back. Dish had a recent card swap.  The new cards are yellow and the older ones were blue. At least in my case.

Hook the unit up to a tv.  Look at the system info screen.  It will show you the smart card # and the receiver #.  Call 1-800-333-3474 and see if this box has a balance or not.