Simple tips for changing channels and menus on a standard DISH receiver

Here are some simple tips for changing channels and operating the menu on a standard receiver. Things that are not obvious should be introduced. Otherwise, how is anyone supposed to know that these options exist? Let’s review the operating procedures for changing channels and using the menu.

• channel change

There are three basic ways to change channels while watching a program:

Press the UP or DOWN ARROW button on the remote to scroll to the desired channel.

Use the numeric keypad buttons on the remote to enter the desired channel number.

Press the GUIDE button and select a program from the Program Guide.

Press the right ARROW button to view the navigation banner without changing the program you are watching.

• Using the menu

Menus displayed on the TV screen make it quick and easy to use the receiver and select programs. Use the menus to control the receiver and use its features, such as setting locks, choosing a program, or creating a favorites list.

• Opening the menus

You can open the menus in two ways:

Press menu to open the Main Menu, select any of the other Main Menu menus.

Use the corresponding button on the remote control. For example, to open the Program Guide, press GUIDE.

• close menus

To close a menu and return to watching a program, press the VIEW TV button on the remote control or the CANCEL button on the remote control.

NOTE: The menu closes if you do nothing in a menu for several minutes. Any unsaved changes you have made will be lost.

• Option menu

When you select a menu option, that option takes effect immediately. You can select a menu option in two ways:

If the option has a number next to it, press the number on the remote’s number pad that matches this number. If you do this, you don’t need to highlight the option first.

Move the highlight to the menu option using the arrow buttons on the remote. Then press the SELECT button on the remote.

Lists of options in the menus

When you choose an option in a list, the receiver doesn’t apply the change until you select the Save or OK option. If you do not want to save any changes, select the Cancel option to discard all changes made to the menu.

There are two types of lists:

A single option list allows you to select only one option at a time. If you select another option, your previous option is deselected.

A multiple choice list allows you to select more than one option at a time. If you select another option, your previous options will remain selected.

Highlight an option in a menu list

Use the ARROW buttons on the remote to move the highlight to the desired item in the list. The black arrows in the list show you where you can move the highlight.

Selecting an option in a menu list

To select an option from a list, highlight the option and then press the SELECT button on the remote. Be sure to select the Save or OK option to save your choice. Select the Cancel option to discard your choice.

Cancellation of a procedure

To cancel a procedure, you must press the CANCEL or VIEW TV button on the remote control before performing the last step of the procedure. If this does not work, you must end the procedure.

The watch TV button is the quickest way to get back to watching TV. Tips like these can help you operate the menu and navigate the channels. I make it a point to study steps like these to increase the user experience. I believe that everything in life is better once we understand its true purpose.