Future Solutions
FAQ & News Page

Frequently Asked Questions

Question:
How do you tell the difference between an H card and an HU card?
Answer:
The H card has a satellite on the front and the serial number on the back begins with H, the HU card has a football player on the front and the serial number on the back begins with HU.

Question:
Is there any software available for programming the HU card?
Answer:
No, it is being developed, but progress is slow and it will be a while before it is complete.

Question:
Is there any software for programming the Dishnetwork system?
Answer:
No, and nothing in the works.

Question:
Will our programmer, program the HU card?
Answer:
Yes, when the software is complete.

Question:
What channels will be available to watch after programming my card?
Answer:
Every channel there is, not some or almost all, but every channel that is in the satellite signal.

Question:
Should I cancel my service if I am going to use a test card?
Answer:
Absolutely NOT!! If you cancel, you will never be able to subscribe that H card again as they are no longer putting new subscriptions on those cards. We recommend that you keep at least the minimum package, and lower to that before programming your card.

Question:
Should I have the phone line connected while using a test card?
Answer:
No, never connect the phone line while using a test card. The phone line is their only two way communication.

Question:
Should I remove my card when not viewing TV?
Answer:
No, that will wear your card out. Buy a power strip and connect your receiver to it, when not viewing, simply power off the power strip which will kill all power to the receiver. Your other option would be to disconnect the incoming coax cable from the receiver.

Question:
What is an ECM?
Answer:
An ECM is short for Electronic Counter Measure. It is sent down in the data stream and attempts to determine if cards have invalid code on them and if so, shut them down or loop them.

Question:
What does "my card is looped" mean?
Answer:
Your card is looped when all responses from the card return as 00, FF, 99 or if you are receiving "Time out from 58 command or 2A command" when trying to read the card this could also mean your card is looped.

Question:
When a card is looped, can I repair it with my programmer?
Answer:
No, you will need to send it to a card cleaning/unlooping service for repair and then program it when it returns. Usually only takes a few days and the cost is around $20 to $30 bucks.

Question:
When I try to read my card info, I get the message, can't initialize port. What is causing this?
Answer:
Your com settings must match in the software and in Windows Control Panel Port Settings.

Question:
Do you provide instructions or support for the programmer and software?
Answer:
Yes, you get both, easy to follow step-by-step instructions and if you ever have any questions, all you have to do is email us and we will be glad to answer them for you.

Question:
How about updates to the software, does Future Solutions provide customers updates?
Answer:
Yes we do. You will always have access to the latest version or update to the software through the customer access pages where it can be downloaded.

Question:
How do I order from Future Solutions?
Answer:
Just click on the "Product Order Form" link from our main page. You can then fill in the information and submit it for credit card orders or you can print out the order form and send it to us for money order or personal check orders.

Question:
Does Future Solutions sell any cards or program cards for customers?
Answer:
No, we do not handle any cards and we will not under any circumstances program one for you.

Question:
When I place my order, when can I expect to receive it?
Answer:
That depends on several things. If you send your order to us by regular postal mail, it could take up to a week or longer for us to receive it. If you send payment by personal check, your order will hold for 10 business days from the day we receive it. If you choose UPS ground return shipping to you it could take 7 to 10 business days to reach you. Given those, that would be the longest wait and would be somewhere around a month from the day your place your order in the mail. Now the fastest option available is: Use our SECURE ORDER FORM to place an order with your credit card and choose Next Day Air return shipping. You are looking at a total of a 3 day turnaround that way.