Direct TV vs. Dish Network?

[bjarvis]

We currently have cable TV via Comcastic. Contrary to their marketing campaign, they are not comcastic: they are craptastic at best. Just last week, we observed 11 channels frozen for over 3 hours. Frequently, tv programs paused, garbled or lose audio. They suck.

I know satellite systems have their own issues: I've had Bell ExpressVu for some time. Still, we've reached the point where we're willing to bear the misc pains of satellite rather than continue with cable.

Does anyone have a strong opinion of Direct TV versus Dish Network? As near as we can tell, the channels we want are available on both and the prices aren't all that different.

Thoughts?

Comments

[bam80209.livejournal.com]

I had Dish Network for over 7 years! It was awesome, and could not take it to my new place because of the angles and trees. But, the picture is MUCH clearer than Comcast...no comparison. And I loved their DVR set up to record. I am sure the picture quality is just as good on Direct TV. I also liked the Sirius music channels on Dish. I believe Direct TV has XM.

AND, satellite is CHEAPER than cable for more channels, no matter what cable says! The only time it went out, was a severe thunderstorm that rumbled through, and that was for interference in the atmosphere, but it passed quickly. I probably should not have had TV on then anyway!

I think you would be pleased with either....I am in Colorado, so initially went with the Denver metro based company - Dish Network.

[jkusters]

These days, I think it comes down mostly to channel lineup. Otherwise, both services are basically the same, using pretty much the same technology.

It's something I've considered often, and if it worked better with our current TiVo, we probably would have already become subscribers.

Best of luck!

JOhn.

[clickboo.livejournal.com]

I SO wish that I had a line of sight to the satellites or I would be SO over Comcast. Although they have been a bit more aggressive in adding HD channels lately, but then again, so has DirectTV!

[dhbearguy.livejournal.com]

Dish does not carry Logo which pisses me off to no end. Other then that, I really like them.

DirecTV

[jorhett.livejournal.com]

I had Dish Network for 7 years and just last year went to DirecTV. With both of them I had their supplied DVR units.

Dish Network's customer service is painfull at best, and rude and insulting at worst. I eventually gave up after getting mad enough to throw things, and went to DirecTV. The HR20 unit had problems, but has been reasonably stable over the last six months.

However, both of them are much better than cable ever was, both in terms of picture quality and customer service. (I had cable for 10 years before Dish)

[pharmbear.livejournal.com]

Well I have both! Amazing isn't it? I like them both but for different reasons. DirectTV has the best, most comprehensive lineup of On Demand programming like movies. More start times, more variety. I like the interface on Dish Network better. I think the on screen guide is easier to use with less double button presses to get something done. I know that Dish Network is supposed to get Logo soon and picture quality is the same. I do think DirectTV is a bit more expensive.

[snowboardjoe.livejournal.com]

I've been with DirecTV since 1998 now. I refused when I moved into my new home to go with Time Warner. I've been happy with the service with no real complaints. They are definitely ahead of the ball with implementing more HD channels than all of the others. Oh, yeah, got to have Logo too. :)

Main complain was when they broke off ties to TiVo, but they're back in bed again. Their non-TiVo DVR's are not the greatest, but they're getting better. When I upgraded to HD this spring, I was rewarded for being a long time customer and that saved me some money too.