Author Topic: Need a few (dozen) opinions (Read 622 times)

flakbait · « **on:** April 05, 2006, 06:35:26 PM »

Awright, Comcast has collected their last dime from me. $61 a month for Basic cable (60-odd channels) is really reaching, and I'm through with 'em. They're pretty good about phone service, and I've heard ugly rumors broadband access isn't too bad. But this cable TV stuff is crud. So, ta hell wit 'em!

I'm going satellite. Only question is, who to choose? I've heard decent things about both DirecTV and Dish. I don't need 50 channels of ESPN reruns from 30 years ago, nor do I need all 79 channels of HBO. Just a basic package with a company that won't buttrape me on prices and has above par customer service. I've done the usual research (packages n' such) but I'd like some personal opinions about which to sign up with.

Thanks fellas!

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Flakbait [Delta6]

Hangtime · « **Reply #1 on:** April 05, 2006, 06:41:59 PM »

what are your first three picks... and what are you gonna do for broadband access?

Sandman · « **Reply #2 on:** April 05, 2006, 07:26:36 PM »

I've been happy with DirecTV.

Whether you choose Dish or DTV, be sure to get a DVR.

StarOfAfrica2 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 05, 2006, 08:32:38 PM »

I was happy enough with DirecTV when I had sat. You do need to consider your internet access options though. While DirecTV does offer a "broadband" internet connection, its not suitable for gaming (and really it pretty much sucks for basic internet surfing too). Its also expensive because you have to pay up front for the equipment to get it hooked up. Unless you can get DSL where you are, you'd be stuck with dialup.

midnight Target · « **Reply #4 on:** April 05, 2006, 08:58:11 PM »

Got Dish. Great so far, but you gotta get the DVR. Best to get the dual tuner DVR so you can watch one and record another. You can even record 2 and watch a 3rd channel you've recorded previously.

Captain Virgil Hilts · « **Reply #5 on:** April 05, 2006, 09:02:53 PM »

I've had both Dish and Direct. I'll NEVER go back to Direct. I have America's Top 180 (I think it's still 180 plus channels, maybe more) and locals. I pay about $50 a month. I do not have HBO, Showtime, or Cinemax. I do have everything else such as Encore and TMC, and all of the music channels. I am really happy with it. They have some other packages that include stuff like Verizon, and I think Earthlink (I have Earthlink DSL and Verizon cell phones already).

Maverick · « **Reply #6 on:** April 05, 2006, 09:31:46 PM »

We have Directv. It's been good for us while traveling around.Dish and durect are pretty much the same as far as I am concerned. look over the basic and extended packages each offers and go with the one that has the most chanels you want.

Estes · « **Reply #7 on:** April 05, 2006, 09:49:13 PM »

I've had direct tv for going on 10 years now. My bill is pretty steep at 142 a month but that is with absolutely every channel minus the sports channels.

I've had to call them several times over the past years, mainly activating new access cards etc., But every time i've called them, they have been very nice, quick and helpful. Like sandman mentioned, you will definately want a DVR receiver.

Where I am at, Direct tv doesnt offer local channels. Which doesn't bother me since I have an HDtv and a set of HD rabbit ears. Either way you choose I imagine they are close to the same as maverick mentioned just look at what both offer and find one that matches your needs.

rpm · « **Reply #8 on:** April 05, 2006, 10:00:36 PM »

I had Dish Network since Primestar went out of business. Their customer service has steadily gone downhill to the point where I just switched to DirecTv. I like Dish's on screen interface better, but so far the customer service has been 100% better with DirecTv.
Definitely go with the DVR.

Gunslinger · « **Reply #9 on:** April 05, 2006, 10:02:35 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by rpm
I had Dish Network since Primestar went out of business. Their customer service has steadily gone downhill to the point where I just switched to DirecTv. I like Dish's on screen interface better, but so far the customer service has been 100% better with DirecTv.
Definitely go with the DVR.

What he said

Sandman · « **Reply #10 on:** April 05, 2006, 10:18:54 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by rpm
I had Dish Network since Primestar went out of business. Their customer service has steadily gone downhill to the point where I just switched to DirecTv. I like Dish's on screen interface better, but so far the customer service has been 100% better with DirecTv.
Definitely go with the DVR.

Hmmm... I had Primestar as well. DirecTV bought them out and I've been with them ever since. I have no complaints. I have never had to deal with customer service.

Gunslinger · « **Reply #11 on:** April 05, 2006, 10:22:19 PM »

After getting my account number their automated system allways says "congratulations, you've been recognized as one of directv's best customers."

It's the little things that impress me.

I'm on DSL from SBC who also offers my phone. If I was smart I could get cell and sat service from them as well. Can't say much for their customer service. They've allways helped me out real well but sometimes the indian accents get unbearable or downright funny.

rpm · « **Reply #12 on:** April 06, 2006, 12:06:01 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Sandman
Hmmm... I had Primestar as well. DirecTV bought them out and I've been with them ever since. I have no complaints. I have never had to deal with customer service.

The installer that picked up my Primestar gave me a choice. I went with Dish because of the programing package. I'd kill to get on a Charlie Chat and talk about customer service over the last 2 years.

flakbait · « **Reply #13 on:** April 06, 2006, 12:21:02 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Estes
Where I am at, Direct tv doesnt offer local channels. Which doesn't bother me since I have an HDtv and a set of HD rabbit ears. Either way you choose I imagine they are close to the same as maverick mentioned just look at what both offer and find one that matches your needs.

Thankfully they do have local channels in my area. It's also good to hear their customer service doesn't totally blow chunks. Comcast I've got phone and TV through, though the TV service will be killed off as of next week. Based on what they offer (155 channels, plus locals, $44.99) and what you guys have said, I think I'll go DirecTv. Local stuff for free, and an extra receiver is $5 a month. I can live with that. DVR I might do later; can't afford it right now.

Hang,
I'm on dial-up. Yeah it stinks, but it's cheap! I just wish my employer wasn't.

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Flakbait [Delta6]

Estes · « **Reply #14 on:** April 06, 2006, 12:34:47 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by flakbait
Thankfully they do have local channels in my area. It's also good to hear their customer service doesn't totally blow chunks. Comcast I've got phone and TV through, though the TV service will be killed off as of next week. Based on what they offer (155 channels, plus locals, $44.99) and what you guys have said, I think I'll go DirecTv. Local stuff for free, and an extra receiver is $5 a month. I can live with that. DVR I might do later; can't afford it right now.

Hang,
I'm on dial-up. Yeah it stinks, but it's cheap! I just wish my employer wasn't.

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Flakbait [Delta6]

Thats not a bad deal, one thing you might want to look out for. Take a look at the brand of reciver they give you. They first gave me a Hughes receiver. I ended up having nothing but trouble with the stupid thing. Then, they ended up giving me a better samsung receiver. So, if at all possible you might want to talk them into giving you something different than a Hughes receiver.

This was a long time ago, so they may not use them at all anymore. And if they do they may be better now. Just speaking from the experience I have had with that particular brand receiver.