I have direct tv and will have hbo, but i am trying to decide between starz and showtime packages. The only showtime show i am interested in is Dexter, so i will renew my subscription whenever season 3 comes back, but for just movies, preferably in HD which has better selection and picture quality?

When it comes to movies Showtime is really a secondary channel. Films that they have an exclusive window for they seem to wait 18 months after their theratical debut to finally play them.

Go with Starz!

I cancelled Showtime a while back because I've gotten to the point where I only watch movies on cable when they're in HD and Showtime didn't seem to have very many films that I hadn't already seen or was interested in.

For movies go with Starz, no contest. Showtime has some really good fights if your a boxing fan.

I have not picked up STARZ but have had Showtime ever since I got HD. Showtime’s original series are in a class by themselves, even better that HBO’s, these days. For example, it seems to me that the Dexter series on Showtime is the best show on TV right now. Brotherhood is excellent, too.

If you want movies, Starz is the way to go. And DirecTV has five Starz HD channels, but only four Showtime HD channels.

I have not picked up STARZ but have had Showtime ever since I got HD. Showtime’s original series are in a class by themselves, even better that HBO’s, these days. For example, it seems to me that the Dexter series on Showtime is the best show on TV right now. Brotherhood is excellent, too.

AGREED. World class boxing also (although I give the edge to HBO here). SHO movies are OAR. With STARZ, you never know what you will get, and unless things have changed, many of STARZ movies were "up rezed".

I have not picked up STARZ but have had Showtime ever since I got HD. Showtime’s original series are in a class by themselves, even better that HBO’s, these days. For example, it seems to me that the Dexter series on Showtime is the best show on TV right now. Brotherhood is excellent, too.

Showtime for their originals, no question. Besides 'Dexter' and 'Brotherhood', two of the best dramas on TV right now ('Brotherhood' has just concluded its second season), you've got 'The Tudors', a bodice ripper with the high production values we used to see on HBO, 'Weeds', for my money the funniest comedy on the tube, 'Californication' with Fox Mulder, Penn & Teller's '********', and a few more I can't even think of off the top of my head. All are very good.

And their HD movies are always OAR and always have been. They deserve our support for that reason alone.

I have not picked up STARZ but have had Showtime ever since I got HD. Showtime’s original series are in a class by themselves, even better that HBO’s, these days. For example, it seems to me that the Dexter series on Showtime is the best show on TV right now. Brotherhood is excellent, too.

I forgot about Dexter, good show!

Showtime is the new HBO of original series. Weeds, Dexter, Californication, Brotherhood...... All quality shows.

Apples and oranges really. 2 very different networks. I've never cared much for the movie lineup on either one. Starz is infamous for various technical issues. To me, the Encore lineup is worth more than the Starz channels. Showtime is a raging good value if you enjoy all the original series. Of all the premium services, Showtime is the only one I cannot do without since HBO got rid of all their quality series.

Apples and oranges really. 2 very different networks. I've never cared much for the movie lineup on either one. Starz is infamous for various technical issues. To me, the Encore lineup is worth more than the Starz channels. Showtime is a raging good value if you enjoy all the original series. Of all the premium services, Showtime is the only one I cannot do without since HBO got rid of all their quality series.

Great point about HBO. Pity.

Apples and oranges really. 2 very different networks. I've never cared much for the movie lineup on either one. Starz is infamous for various technical issues. To me, the Encore lineup is worth more than the Starz channels. Showtime is a raging good value if you enjoy all the original series. Of all the premium services, Showtime is the only one I cannot do without since HBO got rid of all their quality series.
Great point about HBO. Pity.
I agree. HBO has been a mere shadow of its former self since The Sopranos ended. And then there was its sickening decision to cancel Deadwood. Bah, humbug! :)

Showtime always shows movies in OAR...

If I may, I would like to bring Cinemax into the equation. I often wondered why D* carries only 3 channels, while E* carries 5. Will these all go HD? I believe there are other "Max" channels, but not on sat. I would like to see "thriller" max in HD.