[richyz]

I'll be moving shortly and am considering a switch from DirectTV to Dish.


The way I read their promotion, for the $50 activation I would get three free months plus the free install. Also, for an add'l $100 I could upgrade to the Dishplayer and it looks like there is no add'l monthly charge for using the Dishplayer - is that right?


Monthly charges seem a little higher with Dish (the DirecTV Total Choice package I have with two TV's and locals, HBO/Starz/Encore runs about $62, a similar AT100 package runs a little over $70 on Dish, but the Dishplayer and installs makes it worthwhile).


The only thing that's giving me hesitation is that I've been happy with DirecTV - but the deal seems too good to pass up (although here in the Metro NY area I'd lose the YES Network and the Yankees).


Can anyone who has experience with both services advise?


Thanks

 

[eric_m]

If your happy why change?

 

[SteveK2]

Rich --

I faced a similar decision about 5 weeks ago....I had decided to dump cable (ever-increasing cost, poor quality picture on some channels, and too few channels although I did get YES [Yankees]).


So I had to decide between DTV and Dish.


I had been "pre-approved" with Dish and even got the $50 startup fee waived. Was ready to go with them because their "everything" package was within $1 of my monthly cable price (and with cable there were about 1/3 the number of channels and I only had 1 premium [HBO] package). Also, the sales guy said that they'd have the Yankees (YES) "within 2 weeks". Well, I checked into that claim and found it to be totally false, so I decided against Dish and went with DTV. Absolutely no regrets, plus I got in on a great deal for 2 Sony UTVs that are free after rebate!


YES is an absolute necessity (whole household follows the Yanks), so YES's unavailability on Dish made the decision easy.


Like eric_m said, if you are happy with DTV, why change? Give them a call and tell them you are moving.....perhaps they'll have some incentive for you to stay with them!


Good Luck,

SteveK

 

[Snopple]

When moving, leave your satellite dish behind at the old house (no need to take it down). Pack up your receivers and call the DirectTV Movers Hotline at 1-877-616-MOVE. They will ship a brand new satellite dish to your new address for $12.95. Then install everything for free. (Provided you commit to a programing package of at least $31.99 for a year. If you don't want to commit, they'll still install everything for free, but charge $49 for the new dish. Check out for more information.)

 

[bpade]

Don't you need 2 dishes to get locals from Dish network? This could be a factor. For me, the biggest advantage of DirecTV is the NFL Sunday Ticket followed by HDTV content. If you can get an exemption, you can get CBS HD on Dish, but I can get that with an antenna.


I've heard lots of bad things about Dish's PVR, but I think they came out with a new model. You have PVR options with DirecTV with Tivo and UltimateTV (although UltimateTV may be having problems, but I like it). This may be something else to consider. People who use a PVR won't go back to VCRs.


Brad

 

[Steve Mehs]

Im with pretty much everyone else here, if you are happy with DirecTV you maybe dissapointed with Dish Network. I have Dish and other then the superstations and additional premiums there is nothing that spectacular on Dish compared to DirecTV

 

[restart88]

Quote:

Originally posted by bpade Don't you need 2 dishes to get locals from Dish network? This could be a factor. For me, the biggest advantage of DirecTV is the NFL Sunday Ticket followed by HDTV content. If you can get an exemption, you can get CBS HD on Dish, but I can get that with an antenna. I've heard lots of bad things about Dish's PVR, but I think they came out with a new model. You have PVR options with DirecTV with Tivo and UltimateTV (although UltimateTV may be having problems, but I like it). This may be something else to consider. People who use a PVR won't go back to VCRs. Brad

Try 3 or 4 dishes! 119 & 110, 61.5. And depending on where you live and what you want, you might need 148 (or 121? for a rare few to get locals).


And I have the 7100 DP and have had all kinds of problems, though not as many problems as some have. I was calling tech support monthly. But more frustrating is the run-around from Dish about the DP woes and lack of willingness to offer any kind of resolution. The only offer they ever made me is to buy a 501 under the same promo anyone could get! Refused any other resolution.


I'm down to just 61.5 only on E* now.


OTOH, I also have D* and have only had to call for tech support 3 times in 2 years, and 2 of the 3 were due to a general system problem.


D* has the more stable system, IMHO, but E* has the foreign language programs, and Dominion Network. Also cheaper movies. But if you don't want your roof to become a satellite farm, I'd stick with D*. IMO.

 

[Steve Mehs]

Quote:

Try 3 or 4 dishes! 119 & 110, 61.5. And depending on where you live and what you want, you might need 148 (or 121? for a rare few to get locals).

Now I wish that was on my roof. I would love to have in additon to my Dish500 for 119 and 110, a Dish300 for 61.5, a DirecTV Plus 24" dish + sat c and 2 or 3 ku/ka band dishes.

 

[restart88]

Quote:

Originally posted by Steve Jay Shem Now I wish that was on my roof. I would love to have in additon to my Dish500 for 119 and 110, a Dish300 for 61.5, a DirecTV Plus 24" dish + sat c and 2 or 3 ku/ka band dishes.

Since E* only uses the ku for a rare few locals, What would you watch on the ku/ka? Starchoice? Or "free-to-air?"


Actually, I've been debating the addition of ka/ku myself. Or maybe even a BUD to get 4DTV. But lack of money holds me back.

 

[Steve Mehs]

I would do it for the FTA stuff, Ive been looking at old Promestar dishes on EBay and I have a reciever already picked out if I do decide to do it.