Information about popular dish network cards

Dish network cards or access cards authorize the user to receive all channels available in their Dish Network programming package. The access cards in use are either the H.Card or the HU.card. The H card is an analog card and is unable to pick up digital signals.The HU card was introduced in 2001 and picks up both analog and digital signals. Both access cards are used to pick up satellite programming on the Direct Satellite System (DSS). If you don't have the HU Direct TV card, then you might want to get one, in order to receive digital signals.

H.Card

It is very easy to determine which of the the dish network access cards you have. To find out if it is a H.Card you simply have to turn the card over and check the bottom right hand corner. There should be a string of numbers that start with an H. When your access card is in your receiver you should get a preview channel like 100. If you get this channel the card can be cleaned of all previous subscription or test card software, put into what is called "a virgin state," and then loaded with your choice of software.

HU.card

Among the dish network cards, the one most talked about is the HU card also known as the P3, sports, or football card. This card may become the only valid access card in the future. Those who are using the H access card to receive programming will later have to switch to the HU card, as this is what current subscribers to satellite TV are using.

For more information on dish network cards and the associated products and services visit the following: