VIEWS ON YOUR DIRECT TV or DISH NETWORK ????

[Bretsky]

Anybody in here have Direct TV ?

Chatercrap, who raised my bill from $109 per month to $145, has pissed me off for the last time and I'm hoping to get positives or negatives on Direct TV versus DISH

From what I gather, Direct TV is the route to go over Dish in Wisconsin; they appear to have better deals, customer service, and the Big Ten Network, NFL Network, and NFL Ticket.

Anybody know if it has Fox Sports Network, that televises all of the Brewer games ?

For those who went with Direct TV or Dish, did you keep Cable Internet or go the DSL Route ???


Thanks for any comments,

B

[Partial]

Since Dish is SBC, you can bundle cell phone, TV, phone, and Internet and get a ridiculous deal.

[MadtownPacker]

Take my advice like you did last time. Get DTV and dont listen to anything Partial says. For the $100 cable was charging you will get the Premium HD package that gives you damn near every station. If you wait a lil longer you can get the Sunday Ticket package with 4 months of the premium free. They do that every year for first time subscribers.

[Tyrone Bigguns]

If you are Merican and appreciate sex, drugs, and rock n roll..plus all the manly sports...DTV.

If you are some sorta liberal elite that needs to watch BBC America or Colours-multi-cultural and multi-ethnic programming highlighting educational and cultural issues of African, Asian, Latin, and Native Americans then Dish is for you.

[twoseven]

Bretsky,

I've had DirecTV for over 5 years and haven't looked back. Highly recommend it. I live on the MN border but still get FSN WI (and now FSN WI HD for free along side the FSN which is default to MN) which shows me every Brewer game that is contracted to FSN. The Bucks for me are not viewable unless I pay for the Basketball pass.

Monthly I pay for: locals and second highest tier package of channels ($52), HBO ($13), two seperate DVR receivers ($11), and everything through HD ($10), tax (5$). Comes in around $90 every month and I am not getting any deals at this point. Lose the HBO and second receiver and I'm down to $72 a month.

There may be one flat HD package/tier to pay these days for new customers. Mine is grandfathered as far as I know. Still I imagine the current option is probably in the ballaprk of the $62 I pay before adding the HBO and DVRs.

I purchase the MLB HD package and NFL HD package every year (nba hoops, hockey, nascar, college hoops and college football pass also available), not sure if dish offers those. The HD channels DTV sports pay packages offers is by far the largest grouping. Basically all of the sports packs are now going to be in HD because of all of the FSN channels across the country being HD now, as well as FOX. CBS, ESPN broacasted games.

For the regular sports channels--4-5 seperate Big Ten Network in HD, NFL network in HD, ESPN and ESPN 2 in HD (soon ESPNEWS in HD), NBA Channel in HD, NHL Channel HD, Tennis Channel HD, VS in HD, Golf/Speed channel HD all come with my program tier in regular and HD packages. Obviously the major networks that offer all the sports do so in HD (CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX, TNT, TBS).

Local FSN will televise Twins in HD, T-Wolves in HD, Wild in HD as often as they are on FSN. Like I already mentioned I also get all of the Brewers games in HD for free, just not the Bucks. I would assume where you live the Brewers and Bucks will all be standard in HD.

DTV currently offers about 75 regular HD channels, even more if you pay for movie channels (HBO, SHOW, MAX, TMC, STARZ) and sports packs.

[hurleyfan]

Thanks for your side of the story..

I'm thinking of dumping Time Warner... We have the total package (phone, Road Runner, expanded basic) and the cost is about $190 per month...

I'll keep poking around trying to make a decision..

DSL is fast? I know we're real happy with RR !

[The Leaper]

I've had DTV for over 5 years...and I'm perfectly happy with it. It has everything you will want.

[hurleyfan]

I've had DTV for over 5 years...and I'm perfectly happy with it. It has everything you will want.

Leap, what are you using for internet? DSL ??

[twoseven]

DirecTV's DVR is constantly updating itself over time, you'll be getting new options and new software downloaded into your system as time goes by. If you have a high speed connection into your home you will be able to hook it up to the DVR and utilize their new ON DEMAND function. It is supposed to work in correlation with your computer, takes certain programming you've downloaded onto your computer and tranfers it to your DVR for anytime viewing. I don't have high speed, can't tell you any more. Maybe Leaper knows more about it?

[The Leaper]

Leap, what are you using for internet? DSL ??

I use Road Runner. It's a little pricey stand alone, but as you have mentioned very worth it. I don't have a home phone...I just use my cell phone, and I don't care about having the latest and greatest in that regard. I don't need texting crap and TV on my phone. That's what email and my HDTV is for. As such, my cell phone costs are very minimal...which is why I can spring for DTV and RR so easily.

So, if you are big into having the latest cell phone, it may make economic sense to look into a package that offers a bundle to not have to pay top dollar for your cell phone and monthly access.

However, I completely agree with the general consensus that sports coverage through DTV is second to none. If you love sports, DTV is the way to go. I get my TV, cell phone and RR all for roughly what you are currently spending.

[GoPackGo]

I love my direct tv. If you do go with direct tv and you get an HD-DVR, make sure your box is newer, and accepts MPEG-4 format HD channels.

[twoseven]

I love my direct tv. If you do go with direct tv and you get an HD-DVR, make sure your box is newer, and accepts MPEG-4 format HD channels.
If you get your DVR right from DTV you'll get the latest version.

[GoPackGo]

I love my direct tv. If you do go with direct tv and you get an HD-DVR, make sure your box is newer, and accepts MPEG-4 format HD channels.
If you get your DVR right from DTV you'll get the latest version.

True that.

[HarveyWallbangers]

I use Road Runner. It's a little pricey stand alone, but as you have mentioned very worth it. I don't have a home phone...I just use my cell phone, and I don't care about having the latest and greatest in that regard. I don't need texting crap and TV on my phone. That's what email and my HDTV is for. As such, my cell phone costs are very minimal...which is why I can spring for DTV and RR so easily.

So, if you are big into having the latest cell phone, it may make economic sense to look into a package that offers a bundle to not have to pay top dollar for your cell phone and monthly access.

However, I completely agree with the general consensus that sports coverage through DTV is second to none. If you love sports, DTV is the way to go. I get my TV, cell phone and RR all for roughly what you are currently spending.

This is pretty similar to the setup I have.

[Little Whiskey]

A couple things you need to consider befor switching. a. clear souther view and b. wiring.

I had Dtv for 7 years (between two houses) when we moved I had a very restrictive view to the south and the picture would go out very easily. I would have had to cut down a quite a few trees. I wasn't willing to part with the trees. My house was also wired for cable with a finished and dry walled ceiling. Because you cannot split the DTV signal it would have been a big deal to rewire my house.

I miss NFL ticket

[packinpatland]

In our area, a heavy rain..............we're out. Thankfully it never happened during a Packer game.

[MJZiggy]

I've had DTV for 9 years now and have lost the signal once or twice while I was watching in that time. I've had to replace the card a couple times but that's about it. Still cheaper than going out to watch the games every week.

[Fosco33]

DTV w/ HD and the HD receiver now. Great service and worth the money.

NFL Ticket is awesome. ESPN Gameplan is good. BTV and NFLN are good to be able watch.

Get it. And make sure one of us refers you so we both get the kickback (i think it's like $50).

[MadtownPacker]

Get it. And make sure one of us refers you so we both get the kickback (i think it's like $50).Damn Eye-talian, beat me to it!!!

[Partial]

Wow, even Sat. is expensive. I think I'll stick with the old rabbit ears until I get some money in the bank.

[Freak Out]

I'm in the same boat now as the Grail-master....canceled my cable again. I'm going to make the switch to one of the SAT companies but have not made up my mind just yet...the HD DVR hardware is important to me so I still have to do some research yet....how does heavy snow mess up the signal? I have to say I really love the uncompressed picture of the local HD stations...I think I'll always have an antenna on the roof.

[Bretsky]

THESE ARE GOING TO BE DUMB QUESTIONS; BUT I'M TECHNOLOGICALLY DUMB RIGHT NOW

1. Do I need a receiver with every TV I have on Direct TV ?
With Chartercrap I only needed a receiver on the TV that had all the movie channels...specialty channels....ETC.

We have one main TV and use the other two sporadically

2. Somebody want to give me the dummy version of DVR technology ?

Is that where you get some special device to record your TV shows anytime you want ?


I can't see how I would not go Direct TV

Somebody verified I get FSN for the Brewer Games

That also gives me the NFL Package if I go that route where DISH does not offer that option.

[The Leaper]

1. Do I need a receiver with every TV I have on Direct TV ?

Technically, yes. The only way you can watch different channels at the same time on separate TVs is to have separate receivers. However, you CAN hook up several TVs to one receiver...but you will have 3 TVs that can only show the exact same thing. You also will not be able to change the channel for the TVs that aren't in the same room as the receiver.

You may want to split the difference...get 2 receivers for your 3 TVs, and connect the 2 TVs that you don't use very often to the same receiver to save $5 a month.


2. Somebody want to give me the dummy version of DVR technology?

You have it right. DVR stand for digital video recorder, which is basically the same thing as a VCR except that it doesn't use tape...it stores the data digitally like storing files on a computer hard disk. It also is always recording what you are watching...which is what allows you to pause and rewind live television.

Modern DVRs are built right into the receivers...so it isn't like you will have a bunch of extra gadgets on top of your TV.

DTV is awesome for those who want to get the most out of sports. Local FSN channels give you pretty much everything you want for local baseball/hockey/basketball coverage...and you have the choice to pay for access to just about anything else you would want.

[twoseven]

To add to Leaper's post..

Yes, you do need a seperate receiver for each TV you'll be watching, and I would get them if it's not too much money. Since new customers get kickass deals (free everything it seems) you may be able to get the HD dish, install, and multiple recivers for little to nothing. Load up if that's the case, and make sure they wire as many rooms as possible for the future so you don't have to have them come back later when it's not free. My tech guys told me each HD dish could handle 8 seperate signals with a splitter at the base connection.

Normally the DtV DVR is about $300, that's cheaper than most. If you can get a better deal from them for being a new customer I would take it. Also get TWO signals sent to EACH receiver when the tech person hooks you up, it allows you to record up to two different shows at the same time. You will also be able to watch something else you've already stored away while those two shows are recording. No more missed shows when you've got a conflict with Monday night or Sunday night football to watch, they'll record on the second signal channel while you are watching whatever on the first signal channel.

If you have multiple receivers you can record different content on each of the different receivers--very helpful if you have kids or a spouse that wants their shows on another TV or wants to be able to view live or recorded shows when you are using the other TV for something else. Use the extra DVR like a backup, just in case the other DVR(s) takes a shit and loses your show, doesn't record it, etc. Yes, it does happen. My second DVR in the bedroom has saved many a program that the main DVR missed for whatever reason.

DVR is the only way to go and once you get used to it (fast, I'll bet) you will wonder what in the hell took you so long to get it. It does tons of things by way of searching for shows, scheduling recordings, viewing your 'to do list' of programs to be recorded, viewing tv guide up to 2 weeks in advance, automatically recording any shows you want all the time so all you have to do is watch, ability to fast forward through commercials (saves you 10 minutes for every half hour of programming, so that hour long show just became 40 minutes of viewing time), stores up to about 50 hours of HD programs or 100 hours of regular signal, stores your recorded shows in files for easy viewing, and more.

Tired of commercials making sporting events twice as long? Record the thing and wait an hour or more to start watching, then FFwd through the crap and make the 3 1/2 hour game only take about 2 hours to watch. Great during college football season with their thousand commercials, half hour halftimes, and 5 hour presentations. Ffwd through the refs looking at replay, the penalties, the injury timeouts on the field, etc. Also, add 1, 5, 15, 30, 60, 90, 180 minutes to any recording you make--especially handy when you record sports that never end on time or awards shows that also go up to an hour longer. Record the baseball game and if you only want to see your team hit, Ffwd through every pitch your guy throws or vice versa (there are 4 speeds for the Fwd, and the Fwd automatically backs up a few seconds when you stop so you don't miss anything).

Pause anything at anytime to hit the bathroom, answer the phone, eat. Instant replay button backs action up by 8 seconds if you missed something. Slow-mo button is pretty cool too for the sports (or other programs). Frame by frame forward function to see absolutely everything the human eye missed. Want to finish watching something you recorded later, hit the stop button, it'll will pick up right where you left off when you resume. Leave bookmarks that will show up on your 'recording line' at the bottom of the screen (a thin line that shows length of show and where you are during the viewing, just like on an iPod or internet viewing box) so you can go back and view something of interest later and go right to that spot.

Since the DVR is ALWAYS recording up to a ONE HOUR block of program even when the thing is turned off (whatever channel you left it on), you can actually back up by one hour and see what you missed as long as you didn't change the channel when you turn on the TV. You can jump to the very end of any live showing or recording or go back to the very beginning by simply holding a button on your remote. Delete uwanted saved content by double clicking another button. Pick shows to record while looking through the on screen TV guide and simply hitting your record button as you navigate the screen. DVR will let you know if you have any scheduling conflicts (3 prgrams to record at once, which it can't do) and will let you decide what to do with one click.

The DVR is amongst other things..a constantly upgrading computer, personal viewing scheduler, monthly/yearly planner, program storing, film navigating and editing tool, program info provider, on demand movie ordering device, etc. all rolled into one and attached to your TV that's as simple to use, understand and navigate as your PC. Basically, it's man's new best friend.

[Tyrone Bigguns]

That was great tech porn.

I gotta clean off my compuer now. :oops:

[MadtownPacker]

And make sure one of us refers you so we both get the kickback (i think it's like $50).I was the first to reply about getting DTV so thats my $50 damn wop!!

Gonna use it to buy a 8th of that cush. 8-)

[twoseven]

That was great tech porn.

I gotta clean off my compuer now. :oops:
Make sure you wipe off your 20-sided die while you're at it.

[twoseven]

I was the first to reply about getting DTV so thats my $50 damn wop!!
wop? ..as in 'now isn't that just like a wop, bringing a knife to a gunfight'?

Sounds like racialism to me.

[Bretsky]

FIRST OFF I WANT TO THANK EVERYBODY FOR THE HELP !!

So I called Direct TV tonight for the first time; only was on hold for 30 seconds and somebody very professional came onto the line.

She was very helpful; she sounded hot.

All of that is new since I have CharterCrap.

http://www.expertsatellite.com/directv-monthly-cost#

For those considering this here are the special programs out there now.

I think I'm going to go with the package for 44.95 that includes DVR. Since I only have one HD ready Wide Screen TV and it's just HD ready at this point if I add a receiver I don't think it makes sense to pay an extra $10 for HD.
I will have three receivers so it will actually be $54.99 a month plus tax.

How can I get somebody some free $$ in here ? Do I just have to mention a name and number and they credit $50 ?

[Bretsky]

Also, what did MAD mean when he noted buying NFL Package and get free goodies ? Of course I figure I'll get the NFL Package. Maybe I should wait a bit

[MJZiggy]

If you don't subscribe to NFL ticket right away, when the time comes to order it, they will start throwing incentives at you. Even once, when I'd already had Sunday ticket for a couple years they sent me a ref's yellow flag with their logo on it...

[Partial]

I haven't looked into it but ATT appears to offer a new technology called UVerse. You might want to investigate it. I saw a Billboard for 70 bucks for Internet and TV.

[Freak Out]

she sounded hot.



Was that a 900 number?

[Bretsky]

I haven't looked into it but ATT appears to offer a new technology called UVerse. You might want to investigate it. I saw a Billboard for 70 bucks for Internet and TV.


Not in our area yet and probably not going to be for a while
I think that may kill the bad service cable companies when it hits our area

[GoPackGo]

FIRST OFF I WANT TO THANK EVERYBODY FOR THE HELP !!

So I called Direct TV tonight for the first time; only was on hold for 30 seconds and somebody very professional came onto the line.

She was very helpful; she sounded hot.

All of that is new since I have CharterCrap.

http://www.expertsatellite.com/directv-monthly-cost#

For those considering this here are the special programs out there now.

I think I'm going to go with the package for 44.95 that includes DVR. Since I only have one HD ready Wide Screen TV and it's just HD ready at this point if I add a receiver I don't think it makes sense to pay an extra $10 for HD.
I will have three receivers so it will actually be $54.99 a month plus tax.

How can I get somebody some free $$ in here ? Do I just have to mention a name and number and they credit $50 ?

It is worth the extra $10 for HD

[GrnBay007]

So if you get DTV, you can add the Sunday ticket at any time and still get the specials? I was going to wait until closer to the next NFL season.......but I would love to get it now and have NFL Network.

DTV doesn't offer high speed internet?

[Bretsky]

FIRST OFF I WANT TO THANK EVERYBODY FOR THE HELP !!

So I called Direct TV tonight for the first time; only was on hold for 30 seconds and somebody very professional came onto the line.

She was very helpful; she sounded hot.

All of that is new since I have CharterCrap.

http://www.expertsatellite.com/directv-monthly-cost#

For those considering this here are the special programs out there now.

I think I'm going to go with the package for 44.95 that includes DVR. Since I only have one HD ready Wide Screen TV and it's just HD ready at this point if I add a receiver I don't think it makes sense to pay an extra $10 for HD.
I will have three receivers so it will actually be $54.99 a month plus tax.

How can I get somebody some free $$ in here ? Do I just have to mention a name and number and they credit $50 ?

It is worth the extra $10 for HD


But I don't have HD televisions so the picture quality would be the same, right ??

[Bretsky]

So if you get DTV, you can add the Sunday ticket at any time and still get the specials? I was going to wait until closer to the next NFL season.......but I would love to get it now and have NFL Network.

DTV doesn't offer high speed internet?


My guess is that you can not get the specials, but that is a question I'll ask tomorrow

I wonder what specials exactly they run with NFL Package ?

[twoseven]

But I don't have HD televisions so the picture quality would be the same, right ??

The HD satelitte dish and DVR are DIFFERENT than the regular ones. Don't mess around, make sure they leave those at your house. Otherwise like myself and many thousands of people have had to do, when you are ready for HD they'll have to come back out to your house with an new DVR and install another dish on your roof. BTW, have fun sitting on those waiting lists, I waited 6 weeks to get mine, and I was one of the early birds. That was over a year ago BEFORE everyone started jumping on the HD DtV bandwagon.

I'm not sure if they even offer the regular dish at this point, but why take a chance? The return visit will NOT be free or CHEAP. Make them do it up right the first time, that means having them wire your house for two signals at multiple sites to the rooms you could see needing in the future, and leaving you with HD ready gear so you are left with at least the ability to view HD. Then when you get that HDTV all it will take is the simple phonecall or click of a button or two online to switch it up.

[twoseven]

So if you get DTV, you can add the Sunday ticket at any time and still get the specials? I was going to wait until closer to the next NFL season.......but I would love to get it now and have NFL Network.

DTV doesn't offer high speed internet?
Last year on the WEEKEND OF THE NFL DRAFT they offered the best NFL Sunday Ticket deal, they showed the commercials (with the pissy old man) on ESPN that entire weekend offering the NFLST with the annual $20 off for early birds (signing up before July or August) and they also offered the HD Superfan upgrade for free, that's a $100 savings. When I went to check up on it the Monday after it was already over. I would say to keep yor eyes open this coming draft weekend again. Otherwise all you save is $20 for signing up early bird.

[twoseven]

Also, what did MAD mean when he noted buying NFL Package and get free goodies ? Of course I figure I'll get the NFL Package. Maybe I should wait a bit
They gave Mad a pat on the head when he ordered ST, he must have thought it was a bonus. :)

I can't think of any free goodies that come with Sunday Ticket, other than a sense of relief knowing you'll see any game you want all year long.

There will obviously be numerous deals that the new customer gets thrown at them, any number of varrying combos (free dish, free tuner, free install, super cheap programming for three months, movie channels for three months, a rub and a tug :D ).

Superfan which is the HD upgrade on the Sunday Ticket for $100, allows a few extra options. Red Zone channel which is one channel with a pretty boy announcer that ONLY shows action from the next likely game to show a score, and it jumps around from game to game. I watch this when there's nothing else on, better than chasing the games around with your remote. SF also allows you to view condensed versions of games after they are over, shortcuts. SF games are NOT subject to blackout when the games are also on nationally/locally like the regular broadcasts, which is almost pointless because for most people the national/local broadcasts are in HD anyways, but if they weren't..hey winner winner, chicken dinner.

[Fosco33]

I was the first to reply about getting DTV so thats my $50 damn wop!!
wop? ..as in 'now isn't that just like a wop, bringing a knife to a gunfight'?

Sounds like racialism to me.

You can take it MTP. Just wanted to make sure someone did... OR - B - find a friend/relative and do it that way.

ALSO - with the Ticket - you need to get superfan if you want to see ALL the games in HD. Without superfan, the Ticket just gives you a few regular HD games and the rest in regular.

[Little Whiskey]

also keep an eye on the deals that the cable companies or that dish comes out with. if cable is offering three months free HBO....call DTV and tell them your gonna switch. they will make it worth your while to stay. just make sure they don't make you sign a contract to get the deal.

[MadtownPacker]

I was the first to reply about getting DTV so thats my $50 damn wop!!
wop? ..as in 'now isn't that just like a wop, bringing a knife to a gunfight'?

Sounds like racialism to me.You better believe it is! Dont even get me started on white people, I can go on all day.

[MadtownPacker]

Also, what did MAD mean when he noted buying NFL Package and get free goodies ? Of course I figure I'll get the NFL Package. Maybe I should wait a bitIf you plan on getting Sunday Ticket you should wait. By like May or June they start offering the new subsciber deal where pay for Sunday TIcket and get 4 months of the premium package free. Then you just lower your service after 4 months to whatever package you want. If you have an HD TV then you should get the HD service. It cant be beat. I watch all but 1 game on HD this season and it KICKS ASS. If you TV is HD ready it will work with the HD box. All you installation stuff will be free because you have to sign up for a year.

[GrnBay007]

I was the first to reply about getting DTV so thats my $50 damn wop!!
wop? ..as in 'now isn't that just like a wop, bringing a knife to a gunfight'?

Sounds like racialism to me. Dont even get me started on white people, I can go on all day.

What about all night? :P :wink: :P lol

[MadtownPacker]

I was the first to reply about getting DTV so thats my $50 damn wop!!
wop? ..as in 'now isn't that just like a wop, bringing a knife to a gunfight'?

Sounds like racialism to me.

You can take it MTP. Just wanted to make sure someone did... OR - B - find a friend/relative and do it that way.

ALSO - with the Ticket - you need to get superfan if you want to see ALL the games in HD. Without superfan, the Ticket just gives you a few regular HD games and the rest in regular.Dont trip you know I will smoke some with you. 8-)

I didnt have Superfan and the only game I didnt get in HD was the eagles game.

[packinpatland]

I've been trying to watch....Brett Favre all day.......but we have been having one heck of a storm this weekend.......the @#*% Direct TV kept going in and out. It's out right now.

[twoseven]

I was the first to reply about getting DTV so thats my $50 damn wop!!
wop? ..as in 'now isn't that just like a wop, bringing a knife to a gunfight'?

Sounds like racialism to me.You better believe it is! Dont even get me started on white people, I can go on all day.
My 'racialism' comment was actually an Ali G. bit, but that's ok, pot stirred.

[Zool]

I can go on all day.

First time Mad has ever said this I bet.

[GBRulz]

About time you leave Charter !!!

Personally, I don't know anyone where I live who has Direct TV. First of all, we don't need the Sunday Ticket to watch the Pack. Second, AT&T is the phone company here and you can get an awesome deal if you bundle your Satellite (Dish network) DSL and phone, so that is what most people here have. I pay $97 (taxes included) a month for DSL, phone and Top 200 with HD Ultimate package on three TV's.

Both DirectTV and Dish offer the same kind of programming, but if you need Sunday Ticket, that would be the reason to go with DTV. Dish seems to have better equipment as far as receivers, also. I have dual tuner receivers through Dish and I don't think DTV offers those. The nice thing about those is one receiver controls two TVs, so that eliminates having another stupid box sitting around plus having to pay an additional receiver fee. I have three HDTV's in my house, too and when I was looking at the two satellite carriers, DTV made you pay like $199 for an HD receiver. Plus at the time, they only had a few HD channels, but from what i understand, they now have the same HD lineup as Dish.

Dish or Direct - good choice....dump the cable pigs now !!! :wink:

[falco]

About time you leave Charter !!!

Personally, I don't know anyone where I live who has Direct TV. First of all, we don't need the Sunday Ticket to watch the Pack. Second, AT&T is the phone company here and you can get an awesome deal if you bundle your Satellite (Dish network) DSL and phone, so that is what most people here have. I pay $97 (taxes included) a month for DSL, phone and Top 200 with HD Ultimate package on three TV's.

Both DirectTV and Dish offer the same kind of programming, but if you need Sunday Ticket, that would be the reason to go with DTV. Dish seems to have better equipment as far as receivers, also. I have dual tuner receivers through Dish and I don't think DTV offers those. The nice thing about those is one receiver controls two TVs, so that eliminates having another stupid box sitting around plus having to pay an additional receiver fee. I have three HDTV's in my house, too and when I was looking at the two satellite carriers, DTV made you pay like $199 for an HD receiver. Plus at the time, they only had a few HD channels, but from what i understand, they now have the same HD lineup as Dish.

Dish or Direct - good choice....dump the cable pigs now !!! :wink:

GBR, do you get the local channels in HD? I'm looking at signing up with Dish this fall for football season - I'm up in the northwoods middle of nowhere. I know with Charter I get all the local channels in HD, but from what I can tell neither Dish nor DTV will give me locals in HD, which ruins the whole purpose.

[oregonpackfan]

In our area, a heavy rain..............we're out. Thankfully it never happened during a Packer game.

Out here in Oregon, I had one year with the Dish and it was one year too many!

With any type of moderate rain and/or wind, we kept losing the connection. The maddening thing was that I live in the Willamette Valley part of Oregon which ususally does not have heavy rains or high winds. If I lived on the coast, it would be a different matter.

Twice I had technicians from the company come out and try to solve the problem with no relief.

After the contract was over, I switched to Direct TV and did not look back. Every few months, I receive a phone solicitation from the Dish Company begging me to take them back. My response is "Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me."

[Bretsky]

When I switch from CharterCrap I at least want the NFL Package Option

Am I accurate in saying if I don't get HD service there is no equipment to buy and if I do get HD then I need to purchase a receiver for the TV that is HD compatible ? Still trying to debate that one.

Anybody have any consistent signal problems with Direct TV ??

[MJZiggy]

No, you still need a receiver to get the satellite signal, you just don't need an HD receiver.

[Little Whiskey]

Anybody have any consistent signal problems with Direct TV ??

B. It depends on how clear the view of your southern sky is. if you have a lot of trees or tall buildings, you will have a tougher time keeping the picture during bad weather.

[GBRulz]

GBR, do you get the local channels in HD? I'm looking at signing up with Dish this fall for football season - I'm up in the northwoods middle of nowhere. I know with Charter I get all the local channels in HD, but from what I can tell neither Dish nor DTV will give me locals in HD, which ruins the whole purpose.

No, I'm not in a market where HD channels are available in HD. So, I actually just bypass the satellite and get my locals in HD just tuning in directly. My TV has an HD tuner built in, so I can get away with doing that.

[GBRulz]

In our area, a heavy rain..............we're out. Thankfully it never happened during a Packer game.

Out here in Oregon, I had one year with the Dish and it was one year too many!

With any type of moderate rain and/or wind, we kept losing the connection. The maddening thing was that I live in the Willamette Valley part of Oregon which ususally does not have heavy rains or high winds. If I lived on the coast, it would be a different matter.

Twice I had technicians from the company come out and try to solve the problem with no relief.

After the contract was over, I switched to Direct TV and did not look back. Every few months, I receive a phone solicitation from the Dish Company begging me to take them back. My response is "Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me."

I had the same problems with Dish about 4 years ago, so I switched back to cable because of this promo they had going on. Well, after the promo expired and they doubled my rates, I decided to give Dish one more try because of this awesome promo AT&T had going on with Dish. I've had Dish back now for a couple of years and not once has it gone out. Not sure if the new dishes have something to do with it or not, but whatever the case, I'm happy.

[Partial]

What do you guys think the way to go for three college kids living in one house with 1 HDTV and 3 regular TVs? We also need internet. We'd like to bundle them. No need for phone or mobile phone.

[Freak Out]

About time you leave Charter !!!
I pay $97 (taxes included) a month for DSL, phone and Top 200 with HD Ultimate package on three TV's.


Damn....I would love to have a deal like that. Add another $70 and you might get that here in Alaska.

[Partial]

Hey Michelle how did you get that deal? If I am understanding that correctly, that means you get the Top 200 and the Ultimate HD pack which is the 21 HD channels in the top 200 and then the extra 19 for a total of 40 HD channels.

Is that with Two receivers, than? We are probably going to have 3 or 4 TVs, so two would work. I figure in my bedroom I can hook up my 22" LCD to one of the receivers via either DVI, VGA, Component, etc.

If I can get this promotion, I will be the most ecstatic person in the world.

[GBRulz]

Hey Michelle how did you get that deal? If I am understanding that correctly, that means you get the Top 200 and the Ultimate HD pack which is the 21 HD channels in the top 200 and then the extra 19 for a total of 40 HD channels.

Is that with Two receivers, than? We are probably going to have 3 or 4 TVs, so two would work. I figure in my bedroom I can hook up my 22" LCD to one of the receivers via either DVI, VGA, Component, etc.

If I can get this promotion, I will be the most ecstatic person in the world.

I just answered your PM.

In your situation, I would go with the naked DSL. For satellite get an HD dual tuner (Hd on one TV only though) also allows u to control another TV without having an additional box (or having to pay for one). For your other two TV's, you are probably going to have to get two additional receivers. I think I slipped through the cracks when I got two dual receivers. One of my friends tried to do that and they said that you can only get one unless you buy it outright. So, it actually controls 4 TV's, but I only pay one addtional receiver fee vs if I had Direct TV, i'd have to pay for 3 additional receivers because they don't offer dual tuner receivers. At least they didn't a few months ago... they are kinda behind on technology IMO.

[MadtownPacker]

Why you wasting your time telling him about it? Thats cheap bitch isn't gonna spend the money.

[Partial]

Why you wasting your time telling him about it? Thats cheap bitch isn't gonna spend the money.

Probably true. I agreed to take the 9x10.5 cell in a 3 bedroom apartment if my rent was 200 a month. I might do that, but I still am having a difficult time justifying an extra 200 a month + expenses when I can live at home fo' free for another year.

[MadtownPacker]

Then stick with what has worked.

[Partial]

For whatever reason your avatar looks like shrek to me. Perhaps I am losing it.

[GBRulz]

Yeah, he's gone downhill ever since he ditched the burrito :wink:

[Partial]

How does a dual-tuner box work? My apartment is having two installed on Thursday, and I am unsure if the other TV gets it signal through regular coaxial cable or what exactly. It would be a major pain in the ass to have to run cables through the house when there is already coaxial to every room.

[GoPackGo]

How does a dual-tuner box work? My apartment is having two installed on Thursday, and I am unsure if the other TV gets it signal through regular coaxial cable or what exactly. It would be a major pain in the ass to have to run cables through the house when there is already coaxial to every room.

dual tuner needs 2 coax cables all the way back to the dish

[Partial]

I get that part. How does it connect to both TVs? For example, I have a bedroom touching the living room sharing a box. Since Coaxial is already ran through the wall to every room, can I use that to go from box to TV2 and HDMI to TV1, or do I need to run some cables through the room and through the door and plug them into the TV?

I'm unsure of how that part works. Unfortunately, I don't think we can drill into the walls if we have to run cable.

[the_idle_threat]

Unfortunately, I don't think we can drill into the walls if we have to run cable.

If you don't ask permission, they can't say no. :satan:

[Partial]

Unfortunately, I don't think we can drill into the walls if we have to run cable.

If you don't ask permission, they can't say no. :satan:

That's a sure fire way to lose 300 bucks in a security deposit. Anyone know the answer?

[Partial]

anybody anybody?

[GoPackGo]

I get that part. How does it connect to both TVs? For example, I have a bedroom touching the living room sharing a box. Since Coaxial is already ran through the wall to every room, can I use that to go from box to TV2 and HDMI to TV1, or do I need to run some cables through the room and through the door and plug them into the TV?

I'm unsure of how that part works. Unfortunately, I don't think we can drill into the walls if we have to run cable.

a dual tuner isn't meant to connect to more than one TV. its so you can record 2 shows at a time, not watch two shows at a time.

[Zool]

I get that part. How does it connect to both TVs? For example, I have a bedroom touching the living room sharing a box. Since Coaxial is already ran through the wall to every room, can I use that to go from box to TV2 and HDMI to TV1, or do I need to run some cables through the room and through the door and plug them into the TV?

I'm unsure of how that part works. Unfortunately, I don't think we can drill into the walls if we have to run cable.

a dual tuner isn't meant to connect to more than one TV. its so you can record 2 shows at a time, not watch two shows at a time.

Affirmative.

[retailguy]

I get that part. How does it connect to both TVs? For example, I have a bedroom touching the living room sharing a box. Since Coaxial is already ran through the wall to every room, can I use that to go from box to TV2 and HDMI to TV1, or do I need to run some cables through the room and through the door and plug them into the TV?

I'm unsure of how that part works. Unfortunately, I don't think we can drill into the walls if we have to run cable.

a dual tuner isn't meant to connect to more than one TV. its so you can record 2 shows at a time, not watch two shows at a time.

Affirmative.

Not necessarily. DISH network has a dual tuner box that connects to multiple TV's. My parents have one. Basically, you run two lines from the dish to the receiver, then run a coax line from the receiver to the 2nd TV.

Direct TV has a box for each TV. You need two lines for the DVR box, and one line for the other boxes.

I'm unsure how the Dish DVR box works as I've never seen one.

[GoPackGo]

Not necessarily. DISH network has a dual tuner box that connects to multiple TV's. My parents have one. Basically, you run two lines from the dish to the receiver, then run a coax line from the receiver to the 2nd TV.


that doesn't make sense to me. how would you change the channel? Even if the box would allow you to change channels for 2 different TV's you have to walk into the room the box is in to change the channel.

[GBRulz]

I get that part. How does it connect to both TVs? For example, I have a bedroom touching the living room sharing a box. Since Coaxial is already ran through the wall to every room, can I use that to go from box to TV2 and HDMI to TV1, or do I need to run some cables through the room and through the door and plug them into the TV?

I'm unsure of how that part works. Unfortunately, I don't think we can drill into the walls if we have to run cable.

a dual tuner isn't meant to connect to more than one TV. its so you can record 2 shows at a time, not watch two shows at a time.

Affirmative.

Negative, Ghostrider.

I have a Dish HD dual receiver. I can assure you that I can watch two entirely different shows on two different TV's.

[Partial]

Not necessarily. DISH network has a dual tuner box that connects to multiple TV's. My parents have one. Basically, you run two lines from the dish to the receiver, then run a coax line from the receiver to the 2nd TV.


that doesn't make sense to me. how would you change the channel? Even if the box would allow you to change channels for 2 different TV's you have to walk into the room the box is in to change the channel.

They have RF remotes. He's right in that notion, I am just confused on how it works. A friend has them at his home and uses one on the main floor and can connects it to his TV on the upstairs using the RF remote.

[Zool]

Oh I gotcha. Its not a DVR. Seems way more difficult than just having 2 boxes. I think the idea P is having the box where the line comes into the house. Then you run from the box to the individual rooms. Thats the reason for the RF remote.

Blue leader out.

[Partial]

Oh I gotcha. Its not a DVR. Seems way more difficult than just having 2 boxes. I think the idea P is having the box where the line comes into the house. Then you run from the box to the individual rooms. Thats the reason for the RF remote.

Blue leader out.

Precisely. It's hard to explain without an image. You did a good job. We are going to have one box upstairs and one downstairs. We'd get 4 but then you have to pay extra. I am going to have one in my room, and go from the dish to that box, to the wall coaxial plug, then in the other room go from the wall coaxial jack to the television.

We're doing this upstairs and downstairs. I feel like with the two boxes it could possibly get crossed if all 4 are on the same coaxial network if you will. I'll have to figure something out and have the dish people talk to me.

[MJZiggy]

I get that part. How does it connect to both TVs? For example, I have a bedroom touching the living room sharing a box. Since Coaxial is already ran through the wall to every room, can I use that to go from box to TV2 and HDMI to TV1, or do I need to run some cables through the room and through the door and plug them into the TV?

I'm unsure of how that part works. Unfortunately, I don't think we can drill into the walls if we have to run cable.

a dual tuner isn't meant to connect to more than one TV. its so you can record 2 shows at a time, not watch two shows at a time.

Affirmative.

Negative, Ghostrider.

I have a Dish HD dual receiver. I can assure you that I can watch two entirely different shows on two different TV's.

Bretta doesn't like your taste in TV shows or do you just have ADD? :D

[GBRulz]

Oh I gotcha. Its not a DVR. Seems way more difficult than just having 2 boxes. I think the idea P is having the box where the line comes into the house. Then you run from the box to the individual rooms. Thats the reason for the RF remote.

Blue leader out.

Yes, you can have the DVR option. You can record shows on either TV with only one receiver. I had the dual DVR until the dual HD came out, which I wanted instead. Well now there is a dual HD DVR.

It's a great concept actually. Less ugly boxes sitting on your set and it saves you from having to pay additional receiver fees. If I had 4 receivers with Direct, it would cost me an additional $15 per month vs. having to only pay one receiver charge with Dish. I'll take it!

[GBRulz]

Bretta doesn't like your taste in TV shows or do you just have ADD? :D

haha! ACtually she loves it when I have Animal Planet on. She'll just sit there and watch the TV. Especially during the dog shows.