question for the board....if you have satellite tv, do you prefer dish network or directv? i'm getting ready to move to alabama and am pondering whether or not to get satellite....and if so, which of the 2 services is better, especially for sports. your input is appreciated.
dish network vs directv
- Thread starter rjtide
- Start date
This is a no brainer. If you wait a few more weeks, directtv always rolls out a free install plan when you buy the NFL package before the season. You get all other programming for free for 3-4 months, then you just call and cancel the stuff you don't want to keep, showtime, extra sports stuff, etc. If you can get a dual tuner DVR, then get it, and have them run a second line from the satellite to the box. Then you can record something and watch something else at the same time.
DTV has been great, I highly recommend them. And the NFL package is truly awesome, I won't be without it again.
DTV has been great, I highly recommend them. And the NFL package is truly awesome, I won't be without it again.
DirecTV is the best. I've had it for 2 yrs and love it. NFL Direct Ticket package is ok, but very expensive.
DISH is better than DirecTV right now in respect to HD programming. DirecTV is getting better though.
If you want NFL Sunday ticket, DirecTV is the only way to go.
When DirecTV was favoring their DirecTivo receivers it was just awesome. I still have all of mine because they are the best DVRs around IMHO. However, DirecTV has pushed Tivo to the side in favor of their own DVRs that just don't compare. Throw in the fact that they have gone to a model where you lease receivers from them and it is bleh....not that much different from DISH Network.
If you want NFL Sunday ticket, DirecTV is the only way to go.
When DirecTV was favoring their DirecTivo receivers it was just awesome. I still have all of mine because they are the best DVRs around IMHO. However, DirecTV has pushed Tivo to the side in favor of their own DVRs that just don't compare. Throw in the fact that they have gone to a model where you lease receivers from them and it is bleh....not that much different from DISH Network.
I have never had Dish, but I've had Directv for years. Last year I had a dual channel DVR installed with a matching dual channel dish. No problems, ever, with the rare exception of momentary signal interference caused by thunderstorms, etc. But even then with dual channel capability, you might be able to continue watching your program on one channel even if the other loses the signal. Their programming packages may seem higher priced than Dish Network, but the packages offered by Directv are much larger than the basic program package offered by Dish. That's because Dish's basic package does not include local channels, premium channels, movie channels, sports, etc. So you have to pay extra for all those. So now when comparing the two side by side program and price wise, there isn't much more than a very few dollars difference.
With the Dual Channel DVR, I watch what I want, when I want. If a program comes on while I'm working, it autorecords the program and I watch it whenever I have the time. I can save programs, pause or backup live programming (like when I'm watching a game and the phone rings), prerecord, auto record favorite channels (wish lists), and even copy recorded programs to VCR or DVD. I'm spoiled.
My recommendation: Directv
With the Dual Channel DVR, I watch what I want, when I want. If a program comes on while I'm working, it autorecords the program and I watch it whenever I have the time. I can save programs, pause or backup live programming (like when I'm watching a game and the phone rings), prerecord, auto record favorite channels (wish lists), and even copy recorded programs to VCR or DVD. I'm spoiled.
My recommendation: Directv
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I've heard you can't get the Alabama PPV games on satelite. Is this true? Also, I am about to buy a DVR to record games and trnasfer my VHS to DVD. I want to get TIVO that I can copy from to DVD. i want the DVR to record and read many different formats (ex. DVD-R DVD+R, DVD+DL etc...) Any suggestions on what to get?
Once Directv is finished with their conversion from MPEG2 to MPEG4 they will have more HD channels than Dish, of course this will take another year or so. Right now if you are a sports lover than Directv is for you. Directv offers NFL sunday ticket and Dish or anyone else for that matter doesn't. Though DISH does have a DVR, they don't have the Tivo interface, which is much more user friendly than any other DVR interface.
I got DirecTV a few months ago and absolutely love it. I lucked out when I signed up because they had a promotion that included: Free installation, free DVR w/ mail in rebate (now you do have to lease them), and free showtime, HBO, and stars for 3 months.
If I am not mistaken, they run these type of deals every so often so if you keep your eye open you may be able to find the one thats best for you.
Yep they do. But you still have to pay a "lease fee" every month to them now when you get your equipment from DirecTV. Whereas prior to March 1, 2006 you did not and owned the equipment outright.BamaNky37 said:
I talked to a technician that used to install these systems. He used to work for DirectTV but now works for DISH. He claims that DirectTV has "watered down" their signal so that it is not nearly as good as DISH's. He said side by side you can really tell a difference in the picture quality.
By "watered down" I assume he means that they are transmitting fewer pixels per frame in order to save bandwidth, or using some type of compression algorithm that affects the picture quality.
I must admit, however, that I currently have cable. I used DirectTV years ago, but do not have any direct experience with DISH.
By "watered down" I assume he means that they are transmitting fewer pixels per frame in order to save bandwidth, or using some type of compression algorithm that affects the picture quality.
I must admit, however, that I currently have cable. I used DirectTV years ago, but do not have any direct experience with DISH.
My parents had DirectTV and I have DishNetwork. I prefer Dish big time. It's probably just a user preference. I have Dish 180 plan (i think that's what it's called) w/ my local channels. Dual tuner DVR and add'l Dual Tuner so 4 different TVs and I'm paying $66/mo. Love the DVR.
maybe, i can clear up a few things about satellite tv. i am a dishnetwork retailer here in tenn. i am also a subcontracted installer for directv. personally, and professionally, i prefer dishnetwork, programming packages variety, equipment is of higher quality, and service is much better with dish. i do not sell in alabama, so my bias is not to make sales. example. the major advantage of directv is their exclusive contract with the nfl to sell nfl sunday ticket. other than that there is no advantage. with dish you have the choice of 3 different packages a 70 channel pkg, a 165 ch pkg, and a 200 ch pkg. i do not know if locals are available for as many directv subscribers as dish, but i do know locals are available in huntsville, and birmingham. you will receive ppv and other fox sports ch pkgs the same on dish and directv. high definition is superior with dish. dish has already upgraded all their HD equipment, and DVR equipment to mpeg 2 and 4. dish now has 25 high def channels, networks, movie channels, national geographic, discovery, nfl 24 hr channel. you can get all 25 high def channels, and 70 standard channels for 49.99 per month. add locals for 5.00. important equipment info. many talk about DVRs, no comparison. dish has dual tuner DVRs that will operate two different rooms of tvs at the same time. record, pause, playback, while watching different channels on each tv. plus, you dont pay the additional outlet of 4.99 for the second tv, or the additional video on demand charge of 5.99 except on the one tv. the promotions now call for a choice of a two tuner dvr, and a hd receiver leased free, or one receiver that contains dvr, and hd in one box. or two receivers to operate 4 rooms of tv free, with no extra charge for 4 rooms like with directv. choice of 3 months free your choice of any movie channel pkg. 10.00 credit each month off programming pkg of your choice for 10 months. if you sign a contract, you will get the 49.99 activation fee returned as acredit your first bill. the contract also gives you free service for 18 months from the retailer or dish network. replacement of all equipment, even if it has been hit by lightening. yep, directv cannot beat the promotions, technology, or service available to dishnetwork customers, in my opinion.
I used to sell both systems, and I have had both systems. I currently have Direct TV and would not go back to dish.
The retailer who has posted above me is sort of correct about the quality of equipment. What I mean by "sort of" is that you have to watch what you get with direct. If it looks cheap, it is. Dish does not allow 3rd party vendors to manufacture equipment.
I had more problems with rain fade with Dish (though the signal strength was higher than I have with direct). The programming also costs more and it is more cost prohibative to get a multiroom install. I know the "base price" is cheaper on dish, but by the time you add what you want to watch, the price is too high.
Direct has better music channels in my opinion, as well as better pay per view and MUCH better sports packages.
All that said, if you want strictly religious programming, Dish is the way to go. Point it at the sky angel satellite and you have access to 40 or so family/religious channels...but no sports.
Again, this is just my opinion, but I would not go back to dish...my wife and son both find Direct easier to operate and we are happy. Both systems have issues with pixel artifacts in low def, but direct will have those issues fixed within a year or so. I am unaware of a time frame for Dish to fix their issues.
The retailer who has posted above me is sort of correct about the quality of equipment. What I mean by "sort of" is that you have to watch what you get with direct. If it looks cheap, it is. Dish does not allow 3rd party vendors to manufacture equipment.
I had more problems with rain fade with Dish (though the signal strength was higher than I have with direct). The programming also costs more and it is more cost prohibative to get a multiroom install. I know the "base price" is cheaper on dish, but by the time you add what you want to watch, the price is too high.
Direct has better music channels in my opinion, as well as better pay per view and MUCH better sports packages.
All that said, if you want strictly religious programming, Dish is the way to go. Point it at the sky angel satellite and you have access to 40 or so family/religious channels...but no sports.
Again, this is just my opinion, but I would not go back to dish...my wife and son both find Direct easier to operate and we are happy. Both systems have issues with pixel artifacts in low def, but direct will have those issues fixed within a year or so. I am unaware of a time frame for Dish to fix their issues.
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