We are downsizing from a Dish Network 622 receiver to a 322 receiver. We never use the DVR, so want to save the $6 a month. We want to keep the two TV setup which is why we chose the 322.

I have personally installed and repaired many Dish Network systems in the past 15+ years, and have been able to fix all problems until this one. I do not, nor have I ever, worked for Dish Network.

The 622 receiver worked perfectly. I replaced it yesterday and installed the 322 by just connecting the cables to the same terminals on the 322 as the 622.

The 322 activated successfully, and the switch test shows green and "OK" on both the 119 and the 110 satellites. And we received a 75+ signal strength...the same as on the 622 since I didn't have to touch the antenna when I swapped out receivers.

However, it never attempted a download of the guide information. Also, the guide button produces no guide at all (using any of the four remote controls), and all the subscription channels (including the locals) are not there...the non subscription channels (like 101, 100, all the CD channels, and the public service and shopping ones above 9000) display and/or play fine.

Last, when the banner appears at the top of the screen to identify the channel after switching channels, the words "Test Mode" appear under it in yellow until the banner goes away. This is the first I have EVER seen this wording.

I spent two hours on the phone with Dish yesterday and they couldn't solve it using the routine test and troubleshooting procedures that they usually do (and which I had already tried before I called them).

A "technician" has been scheduled, but I would like to know if anyone has seen this before, and if there might be a simple firmware fix through a non documented key command, as it appears in my opinion, to be a problem that is left over from a previous factory engineering check that may be easily turned off somehow.

Meanwhile, the phone rep told me he left the 622 activated, so while waiting for the tech rep, I reinstalled the 622, and it is working perfectly, with all subscription channels being shown. Both of the 322 remotes call up the 622 guide, and the phrase "Test Mode" does not appear with the 622. So I know it's not the remotes.

An extensive online search of both Dish Network and other troubleshooting web pages has not even produced a mention of this condition, let alone a repair.

Televison & Video - DISH Network - 322 DTV Receiver