It's February, is it time to switch?

[rad]

Dslate69, yep no coax out on any D* HD STB, if you need a NTSC out you can get a RF modulator to turn the composite video out into a NTSC signal. And except for the HR20/H20 the HD STB's do not include an ATSC tuner in them, just like E*'s newest box doesn't have one either. But you can add two ATSC tuners with the AM21 add on box, $50 at the D* web site.

As for NotMe56's comment about how the D* boxes needed to be networked for MRV that's true. But the E* boxes need to be networked for VoD and the Slinguide remote scheduling, at least the D* boxes can do remote scheduling with nothing more then the sat signal, doesn't even need a phone line.

 

[NotMe546]

:up
There we go. In the future lets skip the name calling jump straight to the facts.

1. I only have one 622 right now, so equipment will be free for my situation
2. HR23 supposedly is a lot faster than the previous models. Still may not be as fast as DISH's barebones software. May very well be frustrating after having a 622 though.
3. I was not aware of not having coax out, as that could be a deal breaker since that is how I plan on feeding my third non-HD tv.
4. I don't think buying another $20 remote will kill me if I am happy with the rest of the service.
5. I have coax going to my other 2 rooms. I was planning on upgrading my HDTV upstairs to an HD feed via HDMI-over-COAX or another networked box or some other ingenious way. But I don't think that everyone that goes from DISH to Directv has to rewire their house.
6. No OTA want hurt if Directv gets CW up in HD like they are with PBS. But alas could be another deal breaker.

I prefer leaving my 622 in single-zone mode because recording multiple and watching at the same time works more seamless. Again that is just my viewing preference.

Thanks for giving me some things to look at. If I decide to stay with DISH I will be sure to be right there with you calling out all those trolls that dare ask for more HD channels or anything else that DISH isn't already giving them.

$20 for a remote to watch the same live program on the other TV's!!!
I guess you did plan to just do that. Must people want a smaller bill not larger.
You not aware about something about D*.
Well if you live alone and don't have any friends I guess you can get away with out rewiring the house. Other then that how may boxes do you need to watch different live shows on at least one other TV?

 

[dslate69]

Dslate69, yep no coax out on any D* HD STB, if you need a NTSC out you can get a RF modulator to turn the composite video out into a NTSC signal. And except for the HR20/H20 the HD STB's do not include an ATSC tuner in them, just like E*'s newest box doesn't have one either. But you can add two ATSC tuners with the AM21 add on box, $50 at the D* web site.

Thanks Rad, I was just looking for workarounds to the HR23's shortcomings.
One down. :up

 

[NotMe546]

Dslate69, yep no coax out on any D* HD STB, if you need a NTSC out you can get a RF modulator to turn the composite video out into a NTSC signal. And except for the HR20/H20 the HD STB's do not include an ATSC tuner in them, just like E*'s newest box doesn't have one either. But you can add two ATSC tuners with the AM21 add on box, $50 at the D* web site.

As for NotMe56's comment about how the D* boxes needed to be networked for MRV that's true. But the E* boxes need to be networked for VoD and the Slinguide remote scheduling, at least the D* boxes can do remote scheduling with nothing more then the sat signal, doesn't even need a phone line.

You can also buy an ATSC tuner for Dish but I was talking about what I and Dslate69 have now. But then again wouldn't Dslate69 need more RG6 to make that work.
VIP622 and 722 has it including in them.
I watch my record programs on my other tv in my house with out any IRDs on them. Plus I can watch live TV on them while someone is watching live tv on the 622. But I'm sure you and Dslate69 already knew that. Also used the included UHF remote to control it.
So that would be a big expense for most to do that with D*.
Let me know when D* fixes that big expensive short coming!!!

 

[dslate69]

$20 for a remote to watch the same live program on the other TV's!!!
I guess you did plan to just do that. Must people want a smaller bill not larger.
You not aware about something about D*.
Well if you live alone and don't have any friends I guess you can get away with out rewiring the house. Other then that how may boxes do you need to watch different live shows on at least one other TV?

The friend comment hurt.
Although sometimes I wish I could send some of my friends to the other tvs in the house when they are over we usually watch the 61" together. As to the smaller bill; no I am not wanting to give away all my money but like anything else you tend to get what you pay for and if a few dollars up front and $5 more a month get me what I consider a better over all value, then there you go. Remember it's not just the HD that is available now; how long after D* has the next round of channels will E* finally get those?
I have a child that (for now) doesn't conflict with my DVR time. We have a Media center, PS3, 360, Wii, Popcorn Hour, a crap load of movies, actual toys and a whole host of other distractions at any given time so the same video on all the tvs has worked out fine for us.
Although I posted previously that NICK-HD would be nice for our watching tv together. Which brings us back full circle... when will DISH add SPIKE-HD and NICK-HD?

 

[NotMe546]

dslate69 can you be honest and tell us how much more it would cost you just to have the functionality you have now?

 

[dslate69]

You can also buy an ATSC tuner for Dish but I was talking about what I and Dslate69 have now. But then again wouldn't Dslate69 need more RG6 to make that work. ..

You're hung up on this running more cable thing. It is not needed.
I have a 622 with coax feed from sat, coax feed from antenna, coax feeding the rest of the house. If I were to put a D* box in the room that just has 1 coax I could use a set of diplexers that I already have if I needed OTA there which I wouldn't.

 

[NotMe546]

You're hung up on this running more cable thing. It is not needed.
I have a 622 with coax feed from sat, coax feed from antenna, coax feeding the rest of the house. If I were to put a D* box in the room that just has 1 coax I could use a set of diplexers that I already have if I needed OTA there which I wouldn't.

But then could you watch 2 live shows on different TVs at the same time and change channels on both? Without any workarounds.
Again the the functionality you have now.
Also I read somewhere your couldn't use diplexers with D*.

 

[dslate69]

dslate69 can you be honest and tell us how much more it would cost you just to have the functionality you have now?

I really don't know, but I am rich so it doesn't matter.
I haven't got as far as to price out what my bill would be; just what I have read from others that have recently signed up. I looks like I will save big for the first year of course but then maybe $5 more a month. Remember I have a basic setup with one receiver and as long as I can mirror that with one receiver, I should be about the same with more HD.
I have checked out my buddies D* setup but it doesn't mirror mine; he only has it on 1 tv. So software features and HD choices have me wanting to jump but now I have to make sure logistically it fits my current setup. It may not and I will be stuck with DISH and the snail's pace at which they move.
Now isn't this more fun to have a dialog than to just call me a Troll because I decent from the fanboy pack.

 

[rad]

You can also buy an ATSC tuner for Dish but I was talking about what I and Dslate69 have now. But then again wouldn't Dslate69 need more RG6 to make that work.
VIP622 and 722 has it including in them.
I watch my record programs on my other tv in my house with out any IRDs on them. Plus I can watch live TV on them while someone is watching lie tv on the 622. But I'm sure you and Dslate69 already knew that. Also used the included UHF remote to control it.
So that would be a big expense for most to do that with D*.
Let me know when D* fixes that big expensive short coming!!!

Is that TV2 that your viewing HD or SD? If SD that's a fine solution but if it's an HD set do you really want to be viewing programming via a NTSC connection and no HD? IIRC one of the things Sdlate69 was wanting to do is have HD on two sets which wipes out the advantage of TV2 on E*.

 

[NotMe546]

I really don't know, but I am rich so it doesn't matter.
I haven't got as far as to price out what my bill would be; just what I have read from others that have recently signed up. I looks like I will save big for the first year of course but then maybe $5 more a month. Remember I have a basic setup with one receiver and as long as I can mirror that with one receiver, I should be about the same with more HD.
I have checked out my buddies D* setup but it doesn't mirror mine; he only has it on 1 tv. So software features and HD choices have me wanting to jump but now I have to make sure logistically it fits my current setup. It may not and I will be stuck with DISH and the snail's pace at which they move.
Now isn't this more fun to have a dialog than to just call me a Troll because I decent from the fanboy pack.

So why do all the trashing when you don't know all the facts?

Is that TV2 that your viewing HD or SD? If SD that's a fine solution but if it's an HD set do you really want to be viewing programming via a NTSC connection and no HD? IIRC one of the things Sdlate69 was wanting to do is have HD on two sets which wipes out the advantage of TV2 on E*.

How would he do that and at what cost? Then why couldn't he do it with what he has now? Nevermind the other functions he will lose!!!

 

[dslate69]

So why do all the trashing when you don't know all the facts?

You are not very good at this.

I have complained about DISH being frozen in time with their HD offerings and software on their receivers. Please list ALL of the facts that I should have known before expressing my frustration with DISH.
I was looking for a factual point by point reason why some can move to Directv and be happy and some can't. Although you FINALLY brought up some possible D* receiver shortcomings the EMOTIONAL rollercoaster you are on is very distracting from the discussion.

 

[NotMe546]

You're hung up on this running more cable thing. It is not needed.
I have a 622 with coax feed from sat, coax feed from antenna, coax feeding the rest of the house. If I were to put a D* box in the room that just has 1 coax I could use a set of diplexers that I already have if I needed OTA there which I wouldn't.

I got to say you got me to read a lot of D* post and the more I read the more I don't like.

If you have a SWM dish (which are being installed more commonly now) you only need a single cable. These dishes will support up to 8 tuners but only the newer models. Otherwise you should have 4 cables from the dish going to a common point where you can locate a multiswitch. If you have a SWM system you only need a single cable going to each receiver but for the older systems, two cables are needed for each DVR.

Also plan on installing CAT-5 or better ethernet cable so you can network your DVRs for On Demand, Media Share and MRV (coming soon).

You haven't said anything about CAT-5.
Just maybe I answered my last question.

 

[dslate69]

I got to say you got me to read a lot of D* post and the more I read the more I don't like.

You haven't said anything about CAT-5.
Just maybe I answered my last question.

What about his post didn't you like? Sounds like all new installs are set which mine would be.
I have a router behind both tvs so I would be set there as well.

 

[NotMe546]

You are not very good at this.

I have complained about DISH being frozen in time with their HD offerings and software on their receivers. Please list ALL of the facts that I should have known before expressing my frustration with DISH.
I was looking for a factual point by point reason why some can move to Directv and be happy and some can't. Although you FINALLY brought up some possible D* receiver shortcomings the EMOTIONAL rollercoaster you are on is very distracting from the discussion.

You asked me for facts on why D* DVR's sucks so bad, remember?

I would love to hear the facts on why the D* DVR sucks so bad without the theatrics since we all know you would use a 1970's VCR if someone paid you the right amount.

I think I gave you quite a few.
For most average people it would a big headache and big expense.

Let the headaches begin.

 

[NotMe546]

What about his post didn't you like? Sounds like all new installs are set which mine would be.
I have a router behind both tvs so I would be set there as well.

I guess your ok with given up functionality.
I just wanted to point out that the grass is not always greener on the other side.

 

[rad]

I guess your ok with given up functionality.
I just wanted to point out that the grass is not always greener on the other side.

He'd give up some functionality and gains others that E* doesn't have:

- Media share
- EPG guide data for ALL ATSC channels
- "Locals on the 8's" on The Weather Channel
- A few others that are currently in CE testing

So it depends on what functions he'd be willing to give up to gain some that he wants that E* doesn't have.

 

[Slamminc11]

...I have complained about DISH being frozen in time with their HD offerings ...

I didn't realize how far behind Direct really must have been on HD additions, because if Dish has been frozen in time, but they are only one channel behind in total national HD channels while up four in premium HD channels... I guess Dish really was the HD leader for longer than most of us gave them credit for, and if you add the national HD as well as the premium HD channels, they still lead Direct...

 

[NotMe546]

He'd give up some functionality and gains others that E* doesn't have:

- Media share
- EPG guide data for ALL ATSC channels
- "Locals on the 8's" on The Weather Channel
- A few others that are currently in CE testing

So it depends on what functions he'd be willing to give up to gain some that he wants that E* doesn't have.

Testing may never make it.
Considering your response to D* major short comes there is no talking to you.
As far as going form E* to D* goes buyer beware.
For most average people it would a big headache and big expense!!
More IRDs, Rewire house & on & on & on.
So no way can it be cheaper or less headaches!!!
Thanks for this you guys made me look and confirmed I made the right choice.

 

[dslate69]

I didn't realize how far behind Direct really must have been on HD additions, because if Dish has been frozen in time, but they are only one channel behind in total national HD channels while up four in premium HD channels... I guess Dish really was the HD leader for longer than most of us gave them credit for, and if you add the national HD as well as the premium HD channels, they still lead Direct...

I have listed the HD channels that D* has that I would like to see on E* the last time you made this statement.
Why don't you list the E* HD channels D* is missing.
If D* doesn't have fishing in HD that could be a deal breaker for some, not me.