Hello all,

I currently have Directv sd programming and am looking to move to a HD package. I'm currently debating whether to stay with dish and upgrade to HD or move to dishnetwork.

I'm sure this has been asked before but the information i was able to find via search is fairly old.

Can I get some opinions on:
1. HD channels (can't tell for sure from reading their sites)
2. HD PQ
3. HD DVR features and functionalities
4. HD DVR stability (heard some stability issues with the D* HDDVRs)
5. Any External storage possibilities? (Heard that the seagate external drives work pretty well with Directv HDDVRs but can only record SD content?)

Thanks in advance for any help!!!

Hello all,

I currently have Directv sd programming and am looking to move to a HD package. I'm currently debating whether to stay with dish and upgrade to HD or move to dishnetwork.

I'm sure this has been asked before but the information i was able to find via search is fairly old.

Can I get some opinions on:
1. HD channels (can't tell for sure from reading their sites)
2. HD PQ
3. HD DVR features and functionalities
4. HD DVR stability (heard some stability issues with the D* HDDVRs)
5. Any External storage possibilities? (Heard that the seagate external drives work pretty well with Directv HDDVRs but can only record SD content?)

Thanks in advance for any help!!!

1. Constantly changing.
2. Directv
3. Very close but Dish Network
4. Dish Network
5. External storage Both can record HD.

These are my opinions based mostly on what I read on various forums. I have been with Directv for a long time and am very happy with them. I hope you will get some other peoples opinions but if you don't then use the search function. These questions have been asked before.

I am sick and tired of Time Warner Cable service. They have poor choices with big prices. Now can someone school me on what is the best image quality and wider variety of HD channels? Also how can I buy this "satellite dish"? Sorry I am new at this stuff, I am spoiled by cable company doing stuff for me.

I am sick and tired of Time Warner Cable service. They have poor choices with big prices. Now can someone school me on what is the best image quality and wider variety of HD channels? Also how can I buy this "satellite dish"? Sorry I am new at this stuff, I am spoiled by cable company doing stuff for me.

Check out Dish Network TurboHD. You can find threads about it. It starts at $24.99 a month and gives you HD channels. They will charge $5 bucks a month for locals to get ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX.

http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/our_products/dish_hd/index.shtml

This is the $24.99 package-http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/our_products/dish_hd/programming/turboHD/bronzeLogos.jpg

I am sick and tired of Time Warner Cable service. They have poor choices with big prices. Now can someone school me on what is the best image quality and wider variety of HD channels? Also how can I buy this "satellite dish"? Sorry I am new at this stuff, I am spoiled by cable company doing stuff for me.

I think the satellite dish is free as long as you agree to be a customer for a set amount of time (1 or 2 years). Dish will send out someone to install your satellite dish. I also think they give a $50 credit on your first months statement.

I am sick and tired of Time Warner Cable service. They have poor choices with big prices. Now can someone school me on what is the best image quality and wider variety of HD channels? Also how can I buy this "satellite dish"? Sorry I am new at this stuff, I am spoiled by cable company doing stuff for me.

Reread your signature and consider it carefully when looking at the above (and no doubt future) posts.
www.dishnetwork.com

www.directv.com

you can easily research them both on avsforum.com and make your own decisions.

I am sick and tired of Time Warner Cable service. They have poor choices with big prices. Now can someone school me on what is the best image quality and wider variety of HD channels? Also how can I buy this "satellite dish"? Sorry I am new at this stuff, I am spoiled by cable company doing stuff for me.

The bad news is that there is no simple answer, and no answer that is likely to remain correct for a long time. The satellite landscape, and television landscape in general, has been shifting for years, and we can all expect a lot to change in the next few years (in terms of lineups, options, and even encoding quality). As all providers figure out the HD landscape we can expect to see the set of available packages and SD vs HD options change. All the options have their supporters.

The short answer is that both commercial US satellite providers have packages that include the hardware as part of the subscription price (i.e. it is paid for via the monthly fees). The deciding factor may be the specific packages available today, and how they match your particular tastes and budget. The long answer is that there are lots of little differences, as well as options for FTA as well and it's all kind of complicated if you really get into it.

Dish made history by actually loosing subs last quarter. The first time for any DBS company.

Dish's DVR is only slightly better than the D* unit - and only in terms of functionality. In fact, there are negatives about it compared to D*, such that is uses a USB for additional storage instead of eSata.

Everything else about D* is superior at this point, which obviously subscribers are figuring out.

In terms of PQ and choice of channels, D* is the leader.

E* continues to pile on space junk and sues the channels they carry, while D* works with them as partners and has long term planning, which is now paying off.

Dish made history by actually loosing subs last quarter. The first time for any DBS company.

Dish's DVR is only slightly better than the D* unit - and only in terms of functionality. In fact, there are negatives about it compared to D*, such that is uses a USB for additional storage instead of eSata.

Everything else about D* is superior at this point, which obviously subscribers are figuring out.

Including the price. I switched from D* to E* last month because I was able to save a ton of money per month. I was with D* for close to 6 years. I will tell you anyone who claims D* picture quality is much better has better eyes than me or something as I honestly can not tell the difference at all from viewing distance anyways.

Picture quality of D* and E* are about the same both suck compared to cable or OAT in my opinion as I can really tell the difference between Cable or OAT vs D* and E* but I can not tell much difference between D* and E* personally.

E* is much cheaper than D*. D* has much better sport programing. E* currently has more Premium HD movie channels and national HD channels. D* has fox channels in HD which E* does not ie Fox News, Fuel, Speed.

I personally only watch college football so for me E* offered the sports channels I wanted. My bill went down by 50% and I still get most of the channels I used to watch on D* with the exception of CNBC world and MSNBC but I did not watch either enough to justify paying an extra $30-40 per month over what HD Absolute offers me.

So basically if you are a sport nut go with D* as D* offers ton more sport programing over E*. If you want to save some coin and E* HD line up works for you go with E*. Remember E* gives you Cinemax for free as long as you maintain auto pay and paperless billing which D* does not.

I've had both and IMO Directv has a much better HD PQ. I liked the DVR with Dish better, but Directv is pretty easy once you get used to it. Price for HD is much better on DISH.

I'm going to 2nd what BeachComber said in that you should compare the two providers on your own and decide for yourself.

I recently switched from Charter to DirecTV a few months ago, and I couldn't be happier. But I'm comparing Charter's HD lineup to DirecTV's, which is like comparing a frakking Pinto to a Ferrari. And honestly, I don't see the difference in quality as far as HD is concerned (Charter's SD was a lot better though).

Why'd I choose DirecTV over Dish? Absolutely no reason in particular. I think I would have been happy with either one. It's just that I knew a few people With DirecTV, and they were all happy, so I went with it.

Cost-wise, they were about even for what I wanted, but there are trade-offs with either one content-wise. For example, DirecTV has just a couple Cinemax channels, whereas Dish has several. On the other hand, Dish charges I think $10 a month for their HD pack (channels like UHD, MGMHD etc), whereas DirecTV charges $5 a month (Dish has a couple extra channels but I don't really care about Hockey or Fishing...lol).

Both providers offer incentives and discounts to lure new subscribers in as well. For example, I'm getting $18 off my bill for a year with DirecTV, but I'm sure Dish would have something similar. So, like I said, compare them for yourself, and then decide. And don't forget to check out this thread for a direct comparison of their HD line-ups: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1055054

I've had both and IMO Directv has a much better HD PQ. I liked the DVR with Dish better, but Directv is pretty easy once you get used to it. Price for HD is much better on DISH.

Funny you say that as I really can not tell the difference between D* and E* HD but I can tell the difference between OAT and both D* and E*. It is like night and day IMO. I also think cable HD looks better than both D* and E*.

Personally I switched from D* to E* as I personally do not care that much about sports and E* was much cheaper than D*. E* currently has a lot more Premium HD Channels and is giving away free Cinemax as long as you maintain auto pay to credit card.

I always tell people if you are a sports nut go with D* if not go with E* as it much cheaper in general.

I agree with Moob 100%. Like I said you need to compare the 2 and see which one has a channel line up that is cheaper for you.

I know for example D* offer CNBC World on all there packages vs E* only offers it on AT 250 package. So if CNBC World is a must have channel that could greatly increase your cost on E* over D*. On the other hand if E* HD only package has the channels you want then that package is much cheaper than D*. If on the other hand you have to get stuff like Nascar or March Madness programing then you have to go with D* as E* does not offer either package as D* has exclusive on both.

And as far as picture qualify by no means am I saying that both D* and E* HD picture is really that bad. All I am saying is I can not tell the difference between either one of the two but I certainly can tell the difference between OAT and Cable vs them. For example the colors look brighter and you get almost no pixilation on cable or OAT in blow up scenes vs Sat tends to have slight pixilation in those type of scenes.

Topics merged.

I just switched from Cablevision to E* and here are my experiences after 1 week:

- Cable's HD PQ is IMHO better than E*
- E*'s DVR wins because you can JUMP forward, not just fast forward
- E*'s programming guide allows to exclude channels - very convenient.
- E*'s FREE installation is a marketing gimmick and - as I wanted wires run through the attic and walls - I had to get somebody to get everything ready for them so E* could connect its equipment.
- E* requires that you connect phone lines or they charge you $5 per receiver - that is not explained when you sign up. The installer left the wires exposed on my bed room floor to the phone jack accross the room. Again, I had to have this installed professionally by someone else.
- E*'s customer support sucks: they messed up my order and instead of a HD DVR I only received a 211 HD receiver. I called immediately and received an apology and was told that they would come back a couple of days later and switch the receivers. When nobody showed up I called customer support and was told that there was no records of this and I would have to pay a $100 upgrade charge because I was an existing customer!! After I insisted on speaking to a supervisor they promised I will receive a credit for the upgrade charge, but now I have serious doubts that I can trust this company ...
- Cable had a dedicated CC button on the remote and CC would come on automatically when the sound was muted. With E* it is buried in the menus.

Why did I leave Cable? Because we were at the end of the loop and we sometimes had problems with signal reception. Unfortunately they could not fix this, although they tried very hard. I found Cablevision's customer support excellent. Well, now I am stuck with E* for the next 2 years. I will also miss PBS in HD - not offered on E*.

Another thing to consider is that technology is always changing. So, PQ from each provider could change almost daily.

i'm a dissatisfied e* sub, mostly because of their lousy hd pq. outside of some really bad cable providers or at&t's uverse, e* has the worst pq of all major providers.

that said, d*s hd pq is somewhat better than e*. the best hd pq for sure is fios and ota. cable companies pq varies, but it it usually superior to either satco.

factors that favor e* over d*:

e* has the best hd dvr's available.

e* is cheaper than d* or most cable providers, especially if you have multiple sets in your home hooked up.

e* has just about as many hd channels as d* now. d* has the advantage in number of hd channels, but e* has almost all the same channels. it's only if you have some favorite channels that one carries over the other that this should be a factor in your decision.

e* will give you all cinemax channels for one cent a year if you sign up for paperless billing

the biggest factors for me are hd pq and number of hd channels. comcast here offers less than half the hd channels the satcos offer, and they are by far the most expensive provider. not to mention their dvrs suck. so it really is not an option for me. i'd jump at fios but it is not available here. so the 2 satcos are my only viable alternatives.

i'd go to d*, but at this point, i'm not really sure it's worth another $250-300 per year.

The guys who are saying Dish for TurboHD or some sort, you do know that I want SD
channels and not HD exclusively. I mean the choices are far superior compare to cable
but I don't want the SD to be left out. I was looking into it but the packages are blurry
and they don't have a straight answer for it.

I've enjoy E* for over 2 years now from D* and think they have done a great job retaining my business. I rarely have a problem with PQ or AQ! It is very inexpensive to get alot of HD channels and 1 or 2 DVR's. When Voom was dropped I was upset, but recent additions have been coming almost bi-weekly and now I can't keep up with all the new stuff. Maybe someday I'll switch to D* or whatever, but Dish has the best deal going for now IMHO. Dish even added a few Olympic channels in HD to catch some replays...

The 4 tuner limitation of E* is disappointing but I'm sure you could add a 5th tuner if you want. D* allows this just fine. E* is a good bargain though.

If you are not interested in the HD only packages then you really need to compare the channel line up's to see what channel you want.

I know for example D* includes both National Geographic Channel and CNBC World in all there channel packages vs E* only includes those channels in there AT250 package. So if those channels are a must E* will run you more based on that only because your base package is going to $54.99(without locals) on E* vs $29.99(with out locals) on D*. On the hand if you want tons of movie channels in HD then E* is going to be a better choice as they have many more HBO, Starz and Cinemax channels in HD currently over D*. On the hand if you want access to sport season passes D* has the upper hard as they have exclusive on both Nascar and March Madness for the forceable future.

The only reason many people are currently talking about Turbo HD packages is because they are much cheaper than anyone else offerings as they are only provider to offer an HD only option currently. And E* HD only package has pretty much all the national HD channels except for the Fox owned channels like Fx, Speed and Fox News.

for the moron question of the day... does D*= directv and E*=dish?
sorry for my ignorance!

for the moron question of the day... does D*= directv and E*=dish?
sorry for my ignorance!

Correct. As far as the topic goes, like anything else in life, the new E* TurboHD packages are what they are. They are only for certain people, but there are a lot of people who these packages fit perfectly.

I am one of those people. We currently have around 200 channels, and I kid you not that I watch maybe 5 of them regularly. I also don't have HD currently. When I saw the TurboHD Silver package, I fell in love at first sight. LOL.

It finally offers me HD programming, and no filler that I never would watch anyways. Of course as stated numerous times, these packages aren't for everyone. But they aren't meant to be. They have other AT packages for a reason. If these packages fit you, then go for it. If you have other needs, consider other options and other providers.

for the moron question of the day... does D*= directv and E*=dish?
sorry for my ignorance!

Yeah, the E* stands for Echostar which is Dish Network's parent company's name.

There used to be a Primestar P* a long time ago and a few other "star" satellite companies. DirecTV (D*) just took the abbreviation for the obvious reasons.

Was VOOM "V*"?

Was VOOM "V*"?

Yes:rolleyes:

- E*'s DVR wins because you can JUMP forward, not just fast forward
- E*'s programming guide allows to exclude channels - very convenient.
- E*'s FREE installation is a marketing gimmick and - as I wanted wires run through the attic and walls - I had to get somebody to get everything ready for them so E* could connect its equipment.
- Cable had a dedicated CC button on the remote and CC would come on automatically when the sound was muted. With E* it is buried in the menus.

- You can skip forward with the D* DVR, too. You just have to turn the function on. It stays active even after a power outage, unlike Tivo.
- Same with D*. In fact, there's actually also a setting now that specifically removes the SD versions of HD channels from the main guide if you choose.
- You won't get wire fishes for free with any installer. The free install is the most direct run possible - that's all. E*, D* and pretty much everyone else is that way.
- D* can do it with two key presses, so it's close to that (Press Yellow, then enter to to turn on CC - which is highlighted when the menu opens). It used to be harder, but D* improved it a lot. I just wish they'd make the "To Do" list easier to get to.

Thanks for all the responses and discussions posted so far! I have been a D* customer for the past 5 years and used to be an E* customer prior to that. I might just stay with D* and see how it goes. If it doesn't go well, I'll just have to figure what to do then...might end up having to stick with them for a couple years.

Anyone got any special treatment (i.e. from money standpoint) from D* if you tell them that you're thinking about leaving and going to E*?

Thanks for all the responses and discussions posted so far! I have been a D* customer for the past 5 years and used to be an E* customer prior to that. I might just stay with D* and see how it goes. If it doesn't go well, I'll just have to figure what to do then...might end up having to stick with them for a couple years.

Anyone got any special treatment (i.e. from money standpoint) from D* if you tell them that you're thinking about leaving and going to E*?

Yeah depending on your base package you could get between $5-20 credit for 12 months easy with D* just by threatening to cancel and a couple of free months of HD tiers and movies channels but they would require a new 2 year contract and they normally only issue credits for 12 months which means the last 12 months you would pay close to full price. Most you could expect the 2nd 12 months would be $5-10 credit if you have there premier package + HD add on and you could get that by threaten to downgrade to there most basic package with no HD add on and tell them you going to get E* for HD because they have more movie channels in HD and more national channels in HD too.

I managed to do the above for all the time with D* when I had them. Only thing tho when I wanted to upgrade to new HD Dvr they wanted me to pay $200 per box so while I saved money every month with D* they wanted to raped me on equipment upgrades I think over it which is why I switched to E*. In 2 years if E* wont bend over for me I will switch back to D*.

you might really be able to get a price break from e* right now if you threaten to switch. they're hurting big time right now. they just lost thousands of subs last quarter so i would think they would be highly motivated to keep all their current subs. i just got a $10 a month off for 12 months for sticking with them.