View Full Version : Planning on switching from Comcast To DTV, worth it?
DingoAce10 05-29-07, 03:17 PM What's up all,
I finally got my trees cut down in my backyard (for a different reason) and I should now have "line of sight" to get DTV.
I currently have Comcast HD with DVR, then a couple of the standard boxes around the rest of the house.
Just wondering if anyone out there that "did the switch" was happy with the decision or regretting it?
I know that a big difference is that I will be loosing the "On Demand", but I don't really use that anyways (Netflix is better :-) )
Also, if there is anyone from the boston area viewing this post, can you get "NESN" and "NESN HD" through DTV? That would pretty much be a deal breaker if I can't...Need my Sox in HD!
Thanks very much in advance!
mjones73 05-29-07, 03:25 PM Compare prices and channels, if they are similar, I'd stick with Comcast for the time being. Once the new sats go up and they expand their HD package you may want to consider switching depending how the roll out goes.
Check this link to see what RSN's are available in your zip code - http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPageIF.jsp?assetId=P3000004
If you are using Comcast for Internet, your bill will go up $15 a month for dropping TV service also.
Also, if there is anyone from the boston area viewing this post, can you get "NESN" and "NESN HD" through DTV? That would pretty much be a deal breaker if I can't...Need my Sox in HD!
Thanks very much in advance!
Go to http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPageIF.jsp?assetId=P3000004 plug in your zip code to see what RSN's are available to you. I tried a Boston city zip code and got:
FOX Sports Net New England (Ch. 620)
Boston Celtics (HD Available)
Connecticut Sun
New England Revolution
New England Sports Network (Ch. 623)
Boston Bruins (HD Available)
Boston Red Sox (HD Available)
DingoAce10 05-29-07, 03:34 PM Thanks Matt!
ok, DTV definitely has NESN HD...So one complication out of the way.
Yes, I use Comcast for the internet...But you can get the comcast service through EarthLink for the same price without having the comcast cable...My father does it...He has dish network and has comcast broadband through EarthLink for the $45 a month.
I pay about $100 per month on cable...And the package that I picked out from DTV was going to be $69 (plus taxes) per month...So that is a pretty decent savings...
And Comcast just told me that, just because they want to, they will be removing my "bundle discount" (Cable + Internet).
That is exactly why I want to switch...that kinda crap :-) Raising prices for the heck of it...removing channels from my packages but not lowering my price...It is getting ridiculous!
:-) My ranting is over :-)
DingoAce10 05-29-07, 03:35 PM Rad. thanks! I did do that from Matt's post and yes...Nesn HD is available
DingoAce10 05-29-07, 04:40 PM Ok, actually I just checked over at Verizon Fios...Is that basically the same as Comcast Cable, just running through Fiber Optical Cable? Seems like it has the same box (HD DVR and all)...I mean if Verizon Fios is better than Comcast, I will just hold off on DTV and go with that for now...
How is the HD reception with the FIOS? Same compression as the comcast coax cable?
mjones73 05-30-07, 01:11 AM Didn't know FIOS was an option, seriously take a look at it. Fiber has a ton of bandwidth, you won't run into over compressed and/or down rezzed channels like you would with Directv.
They use Motorola DVR's running MS software by the way.
DingoAce10 05-30-07, 08:50 AM Yeah...I just remembered that we are getting offered it in our area...Took a look at the site and it looks good.
They also offer DTV...which is why it made me think that the "cable" they offer is just comcast coming through the Fiber Optic cable.
I just hate the comcast box that I have now...It locks up all the time and has the major delay like I mixed it up :-) But that might be just the OS that is running the box I guess.
So the HD pic coming from the fiber optic cable is going to better than what is coming through the coax I assume? But obviously not as good as the OTA signal that I am getting.
If they are going to give me the same channel lineup as what I have with Comcast now, I think I will just go with Verizon.
Brad Bishop 05-30-07, 10:10 AM If you are using Comcast for Internet, your bill will go up $15 a month for dropping TV service also.
Keep the basic (limited) locals. It'll equate to the same price as internet + no cable but you'll at least get your locals as a lifeline/backup in case something screwy happens to your satellite and it won't cost you any more.
mjones73 05-30-07, 10:32 AM Keep the basic (limited) locals. It'll equate to the same price as internet + no cable but you'll at least get your locals as a lifeline/backup in case something screwy happens to your satellite and it won't cost you any more.
Good option though the price for basic locals can vary from place to place, mine run around $17 a month now that Comcast raised the price. I know it's only $2 more a month but it's annoying Comcast is hitting me up another $24 a year for something I may use once or twice a year.
teknopath 05-30-07, 12:50 PM Good option though the price for basic locals can vary from place to place, mine run around $17 a month now that Comcast raised the price. I know it's only $2 more a month but it's annoying Comcast is hitting me up another $24 a year for something I may use once or twice a year.
This is actually a good suggestion. This could also potentially goet you the locals in HD directly from Comcast as they are included with the Basic Service. Saves you from having to put up a separate antenna to get the HD locals. Looking into this myself as well for the Boston area.
Brad Bishop 05-30-07, 01:32 PM This is actually a good suggestion. This could also potentially goet you the locals in HD directly from Comcast as they are included with the Basic Service. Saves you from having to put up a separate antenna to get the HD locals. Looking into this myself as well for the Boston area.
It's how I get my locals in HD. I just have basic (limited/locals) cable and an internet connection through Comcast. Everything else I either rent/buy on DVD or use Apple TV to get.
I had a similar issue with Comcast where I just didn't feel like I was getting $90+ (just cable and 1 box and 1 DVR - internet not included in that price) worth of entertainment from it. Granted, not really Comcast's fault - I was mainly watching 2-3 shows per week. Most TV painfully sucks now. Anyway, I cut back to the locals/internet deal with Apple TV and it has worked well for me.
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