Vanity - Direct TV or Dish Network???

me | 8-21-03 | Dan

[Dan from Michigan]

Thanks in advance here.

I moved two weeks ago to my new apartment, and I found the cable provider is the same company my last one was. I don't like Comcrap...I mean...comcast, so cable is out the window.

Which is the better way to go? Direct TV or Dish Network. I'm on the fence right now. Thanks.

[dts32041]

Have used directv since 1997, no problems except in the middle of heavy snow storms or thunder storms.

Never used dish tv since a rep told directv was better.

[Auntie Mame]

Direct TV.

[Cathryn Crawford]

My parents had Direct TV and it sucked. They had fights about the contract, the equipment...everything.

They have Dish Network now, and they seem satisfied with it.

Better than the stupid Cox(&%&^%) Cable that I'm stuck with.

[Lunatic Fringe]

DirecTV- its the only way you can get NFL Sunday Ticket

[beaureguard]

Dish Network

[gorush]

I have DirecTV, my brother has Dish...I think DirecTV has a few extra channel but I think it's also a tad more expensive...and the channels in question are minor. I think Bravo is one as I recall. There really isn't much difference and we're both very happy.

[apackof2]

I have Direct TV. I got it on a gret promo, free dish, installation, price etc. and I really haven't any problems.
Don't know much about Dish
I have basic cable for local TV, however I haven't checked lately it may be available now through Direct TV
I quess programming packages , local stations and of course price would be deciding factors.

[Recourse]

DirectTV rules - I love the NFL Sunday Ticket, can't get it on the Dish Network. Prior of the house had the Dish Network, I cheerfully discarded that antenna for DirecTV pronto.

[cmsgop]

Alot of APT's will ask you for Damage Fee's regarding SAT TV. Make sure you ask about that.

[I still care]

Direct TV has an educational channel I like, PBSU. It is a great educational channel for older kids, with courses like statistics and calculus and SAT prep. Dish doesn't offer it.

I suggest you compare channels offered. There may be a channel or two you really like that the other doesn't offer.

[Sloth]

I think DirecTV owns Dish now, or vice-versa. Anyway, we had DirecTV for a good while and liked it. Good channel selection, nice picture quality. The only thing bad was that they kept calling us trying to sell us bigger programming packages, but they stopped calling when we told them to. :)

[Viva Le Dissention]

Well, I've had both DirecTv and Dish Network, and I found DirecTV to be a far superior product.

Both basic packages are essentially the same price, and I find that you get quite a few more channels in DirecTV's lineup. Furthermore, I think DirecTV's on-screen guide is, for lack of a better description, "cooler."

The equipment is also leased or rented from Dish Network, something I didn't like. I also found that the additional cost associated with a second receiver (necessary if you would like to watch different channels on two different tvs at the same time) was quite a lot higher with Dish Network.

Just my experience. I've never had any customer service problems with either company.

[Cathryn Crawford]

Yeah, and you definitely want Bravo, Dan. The have The Queer Eye For The Straight Guy, and Boy Meets Boy.

ROTFL! I couldn't resist. :-D

[big'ol_freeper]

ping

[Rightone]

DISH rocks! And, if you really want to enjoy your TV get the PVR unit. You can rewind, record, etc. I've had both and DISH is MUCH better than Direct TV. Better programming, better customer service and better pricing.

[not_apathetic_anymore]

I'm basically happy with Dish.I've had it for probably5-6 years. The only thing that annoys me (though it is good business) is they run specials to sign up new viewers, but when I asked about getting some break on upgrading to a new receiver (one that is TiVO like) I got no break. I said what about all of us loyal subscribers? They said no deal. AT the time it tweaked me enough I considered looking for other options, but I've basically been happy enough I've stayed put.

I've only had to call Tech Support a couple of times, both times I got someone who knew what they were doing and solved the problem with that one phone call. (But like many other tech businesses hold times were pretty long.)

I'm not a big sports fan, but I think there are (or were)some differences in sports programming.

[Cathryn Crawford]

Maybe it was just the area that my parents are in, and the specific people. I don't remember the exact circumstances - I just remember that there was a big flap over it.

I haven't had personal experience with either.

[Dan from Michigan]

I'll skip Bravo.

[ConservativeTeen]

I would say Direct TV. It has NFL Sunday Ticket. I also prefer Direct TV since it carries the UFC, Pride FC, and KOTC, which I enjoy immensely.