Hey Danny,
I had DirecTV service (provided through Pegasucks /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif) for about 4 1/2 years. I got tired of paying extra for Pegasus when DirecTV was offering the same packages only cheaper /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif. Now that DirecTV lets people no matter where they live it would be better. The finaly deciding factor was the kids getting older (3 & 4) and wanting to watch more cartoons in their rooms. I wasn't real excited about having to buy 2 more receivers (I was an existing customer - no incentives to keep me /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif) at a cost $XXX + $5 per receiver. Two things finally made this possible Dish had started carrying the Columbus, OH lcoal channels also Dish new (at the time) dual receivers. We've got TV on 4 channels but only have 2 receivers - yes all 4 TVs can watch separate channels. This way we pay our base cost on the package + only $5 for the second receiver. Turned out a little cheaper than Pegasucks + got TV on 4 vs. 2. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Another thing - Dish had a thing where we didn't have to buy the equipment (it was a lease) but there are no lease fees, no contract, no install fee (well there was but they took it off your first months bill).
As far as quality/reliability. I installed the DirecTV myself. Can't tell a whole lot of difference in quality of picture. Sound I believe is a bitter better with Dish. As far as outages go. Neither were ever out more than a few minutes for the occasional heavy rain or snow. Either blew Adelphia's (our local cable provider - even though we can't get cable - it even runs across our property) digital service out of the water - though if we could get cable I would switch so I could get Adelphia's Powerlink and kiss our dial-up Internet service and home phone goodbye. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
Comment on the insall - I "helped" the guy. Actually I think I did most of the work and provided all of the tools - including the cable stripper /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif. I wouldn't let them mount the dish to the house for the reasons stated above as well as we get pretty window. Didn't need a big wind deflector on top of the house constantly pulling and tugging. We drove a fence post in the ground about 8 - 10' from the house and buried the line and came in that way. Makes easy access when you have the occasional ice or snow storms that needs thawed. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
Comment on the multiple dish - not needed any more. We have what they call their Super Dish. It is a bit larger than normal but it can receive signals from all of the Satellites that Dish has - at least for now.
