Direct TV or Dish Netowrk?

[sportznut02]

I have finally had it with Time Warner and will be making the switch here soon to either Dish or Direct TV. Just wonder what are some thoughts on each service. Does one have a better picture than the other and which one is best for sports? Also which one has the better DVR? Thanks for feedback.

[elgreazy1]

Re: Direct TV or Dish Netowrk?

I'm about to switch over soon too. Not really sure about the packages and such but my neighbor has Dish and he absolutely loves it.

Right now, my TWC bill is about $140... this is the most expensive bill we have in our home aside from the mortgage!! At this point, it's just a ridiculous price to pay for cable + internet. My neighbor, with Dish, pays $60 w/tax for all the same channels I have and then some (HBO, NFL Network, etc) but he does have to purchase internet on his own. So in the end, I'm not really sure how much I would save with having to still purchase an internet package.

Still doing some research myself. I'm trying to find what kind of connection speed I really need for XBL. I dont' do a lot of internet stuff (streaming movies, music, etc) except for web surfing, and it'd make no sense to have something like Road Runner Turbo if XBL doesn't even require that kind of power. Kinda like putting a v8 in a Geo; makes no sense since the car can't handle the power. If anyone can help me with this I'd help out alot for those of us in the same boat looking to switch.

[fishepa]

Re: Direct TV or Dish Netowrk?

I would go with DTV. If you do let me know I'll give you my account number, we both a $100 or something like that.

[p_rushing]

Re: Direct TV or Dish Netowrk?

Most of the HD offerings are the same right now, but DTV has a new satellite in space and it should be broadcasting by March, so they will have more capacity. Dish compresses their signal more at least in the past, but with MPEG-4 I believe they are similar.

I have DTV so I don't stay up on what Dish has updated with their DVRs. DTV releases beta testing versions of there DVR software almost every week for anyone who signs up to download and test. They are releasing the Multi Room Viewing software to everyone now in the national release that should be downloaded over the coming weeks. This enables you to watch something recorded on DVR 1 in another room as long as you have another HD box and have them networked. DTV will also have 3D programing available when the new satellite is broadcasting.

DTV has NFLST and is a leader in sports programing. DTV tends to be for more for people who like sports or the latest technology. Dish is more for your average customer who wants to save money and doesn't mind not having the latest and greatest. Dish also will nickle and dime you for their higher packages and certain install requirements.

[ckarlic]

Re: Direct TV or Dish Netowrk?

I have Directv and the picture is amazing and if you are into sports, you must get Directv. I used to be a Dish owner because it had a better promo going but I decided to get rid of Dish and replaced it with Directv. Couldn't be happier with my decision.

[Bellsprout]

Re: Direct TV or Dish Netowrk?

We have Dish. DirecTV is far better for sports. I would kill for MLB Network. Or MLB Extra Innings for that matter.

[KingV2k3]

Re: Direct TV or Dish Netowrk?

I have had Direct TV for years and I'm a very satisfied customer...


For less than $60.00 per month, I have all the local and expanded cable channels incuding the NFL and MLB networks...

I also have the opportunity to purchase the Sunday NFL ticket package, which is great...

The picture (just got HD) is great, no problems in bad weather and they often throw me a few free months of HBO or Showtime, just because I've been a long time subscriber...

[The Chef]

Re: Direct TV or Dish Netowrk?

We have Dish. DirecTV is far better for sports. I would kill for MLB Network. Or MLB Extra Innings for that matter.

Dish doesnt have the MLB Network or Extra Innings? Thats strange if thats the case as Comcast has both so I cant imagine why Dish wouldnt have it.

[The GIGGAS]

Re: Direct TV or Dish Netowrk?

Dish's HD seems to be lesser quality to DirecTV, at least in my eyes.

[Bellsprout]

Re: Direct TV or Dish Netowrk?

Dish doesnt have the MLB Network or Extra Innings? Thats strange if thats the case as Comcast has both so I cant imagine why Dish wouldnt have it.

Regarding Extra Innings, this is on Dish's website:
"DISH Network will not be carrying MLB Extra Innings, the out of market baseball package, and MLB Network this season. The demands made by MLB were not in the best interest of our customers. Fortunately, you can still receive baseball games all season long on ESPN, FOX, Regional Sports Networks, Superstations and local Networks."

What's not in the best interest of their customers is the inability to watch out of market games. I want to watch the Red Sox, dammit.

Regarding MLB Network, I think DirecTV partially owns it. I would imagine that has something to do with it.

[Gotmadskillzson]

Re: Direct TV or Dish Netowrk?

Depends on where you live at really. I had both and both sucked in the chicago land area. Mainly because of the very high winds chicago has.

Far as internet go, you will be like low tier dsl. Not the best for Live, but you will get connected. However don't even attempt to run a wireless router on a satellite internet connection, the speed will be so slow it won't even be worth while at all.

Comcast all day for me.

[The Chef]

Re: Direct TV or Dish Netowrk?

Comcast all day for me.

Couldnt agree more as far as internet goes. Ive got Comcast and am in the Madden league and had next to no issues at all, no lock ups no drops nothing. There was the occasional lag but when I say occasional it would happen maybe 2-3 times in an entire game and only 1 out of every 8-10 games I played. I also live in apartment which is supposed to be terrible for cable internet since we are all sharing to a degree and yet I had no issues still.

Now as far as cable goes, I really dislike Directv for the current issues Im having with them, but Comcast is way over priced for what Im getting.

[Gotmadskillzson]

Re: Direct TV or Dish Netowrk?

Comcast prices varies on the market area you live in, just like any other product. If they the only game in town, they going to charge as much as they can. For me, there is a lot of variety here: Comcast, At&t U-verse, Dish network, Direct tv, Skynet, and some other satellite company. Comcast & U-verse are the dominant ones for cable though. So therefore the price isn't bad at all.

I pay about $85 a month for 15mb cable broadband and digital basic service cable. I am on Netflix so therefore I have no need for HBO, Starz, etc. The thing about it though, even though my tier is 15mb, I usually actually get 28mb download speed and on a quiet night 33mb download speed. And I am a wireless too.