Dish Network or Directv

[Alan L.]

I have had DirectTV for 8 years. Forget about any reliability problems because there aren't any. I have NEVER been down, and the signal is only interrupted during heavy rainstorms.

I have all the programming - about $100 a month. I also have the TIVO box with the built in receiver. Works great. My daughter has Dish, and its good, but their recorder is not near as slick. I can record 2 channels at once or watch one and record the other. Can't do that with the dish outfit unless they have changed recently.

The only programming dish has that I can't get is RFDTV, which is a good country channel.

I have an outside antenna for local channels.

 

[mountain_man]

I've had both Dish and DirecTV and currently have Dish. Besides differences in programming choices (and some technical differences), they're practically identical. I'd shop for the best deal and programming to fit your needs.

Subjectively, I think DirecTV has a very slightly better picture (better MPEG-2 encoder/decoder?). Also the Dish program guide is extremely slow to refresh past current 4 hours (the model 301 receiver has limited memory which is not expandable - they may have fixed that with newer receivers). I think you have more choices in DirecTV receivers.

I haven't recently reseached HDTV satellite signal availability, but you might want to investigate that before making a decision.

BTW - You do need a clear view of the southern sky. Only receiving problems are during very heavy thunderstorms and if the satellite antenna reflector (dish) fills up with snow (make sure you can get to it alternatively I've seen dish heaters available).

 

[bigpete]

I have a full-size satellite dish and receiver unsused since I purchased my house. Just taking up space. Free to a good home.

Well, even a bad home takes this setup...please /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[bigpete]

I should mention that I do have cable, though.

 

[Hambone]

I have had both, have Direct now.
The menu seems lots faster than dish.
I just did get direct this summer, got three t.v. setup(have to have one in garage), installed for $49.
I have local as I did with Dish.

 

[gws]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( DirecTV.

There is no comparrison.
Dish Network will never have the capability that DirecTV has. They don't have access to the funds needed to add satellites or even put them into space.
)</font>
What are you talking about? Heck Dishnet was going to buy directTV but the FCC stopped them. They have the financial ability to hire hughes to put a satellite in space just like direct.

Dish has 9 satellites in orbit.

 

[Hambone]

I did read that too. Can't have any monopolies out there!!
The reason I went with direct this time was lightning took out my dish system. It was way cheaper to switch.
But, I do like the menu better.

 

[BigDave]

I've owned both twice now, and I have no preference for one over the other. The only difference that might be an issue would be the NFL package on DirectTV, but unless your a pro-football addict, it probably isn't worth the $200+ that they charge for their package. Personally, I would pick which ever one has local channels in your area.

 

[kiphorn]

OK, you've all given me some good information. I had been leaning toward DirecTV based on recommendation of a friend. The local channel thing is the hang up. We have plenty of local stations that I'm sure I could pick up with an antennae. Do any of you know what is the best antennae choice? Do the set top rabbit ears work or should I go with an outdoor model.

Thanks again,

Kip

 

[MossRoad]

Try the cheapest little indoor antenna first. You'd be surprised what you can pick up with one of those. We live in a city with 7 local stations that all come in well with a little loop antenna.