Direct TV Problem -- Is DishNetwork Better?

[4Q Basket Case]

I'm having a repeated, but intermittent, problem with my Direct TV service.

Ever since I upgraded to HD, the network shows in HD are fine. All the non-HD channels in all channel ranges are fine.

My problem comes with the ESPN, ESPN2, Discovery HD, HD Network, etc., (Channels 72 - 79). They pixellate on an intermittent basis. Sometimes they're fine, but sometimes (like tonight) I can get almost nothing for more than a few seconds.

Turning on the TV has become a strange combination of prayer and cursing. When it's acting up, resetting the receiver doesn't help. Unplugging it for an hour or more doesn't either. Numerous service calls, including repeated receiver replacements and rewiring from the dish to the HD TV, have not fixed the problem. Plus, naturally, it often works fine when the tech is at my house.

As you might imagine, it's highly frustrating and I'm running out of options. The only one I can think of at this point is switching to Dish Network. Costs are comparable, so that's not really an issue.

Only thing is, I'm wondering if Dish Network is any better.

Any experience / suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[crimsonbleeder]

I had Dish and VOOM before finally switching to Directv. I have ALL the channels you mentioned and they are PERFECT. The problems you're describing SOUND like interference/reception problems...Is your dish completely unobstructed? Have you tested it? Have you run the diagnostics on the receiver? Is your wiring all intact? Are your plugs COMPLETELY screwed in on the Coax line from the antenna down to the receiver to the television?

Directv is the best, BY FAR...I'm having NO problems like you describe, so I think your problem is fixable...

 

[Queasy1]

Agree with CrimsonBleeder. The HD channels are on a separate transponder than all the non-HD channels so the fact that those are the only ones that are having problems leads me to believe that you're having signal issues.

Go into your settings and check your signal strength.

Did DirecTV do your install? If so, you might want to call customer service and complain to them as well.