Just lost in comparing both services!

[HBO1]

I started a similar thread in the D* forum, but am just lost in comparing the 2 services. I can't get locals in HD in either service and it seems there are some more hidden costs with D* further down the road. Especially on the lease of the receivers.

I am hooking up 4 televisions. One of which will be HD/DVR....the rest are SD. With E*, I can accomplish this with 2 receivers.....and the DVR is a better way to go with E* from what I have read.

Below I have worked out what I want with D*. I've got to say, doing the system build on E*'s website seems a lot more straightforward with less hidden costs down the road......and I'm happy with the HD content there too.

What am I missing that would sway me one way or another?


Thanks!

Howard
_______________________________________________




Startup Costs

1
Handling and Delivery Fee

$0.00
3
DIRECTV® Receiver

$0.00
1
DIRECTV Plus® HD DVR Receiver

$199.00
Instant Online Rebate
-$100.00
1
Standard Professional Installation

$0.00
Total Startup Costs:
$99.00

Your First Month's Bill

PLUS HD DVR

$72.99
Starz!®

$12.00
SHOWTIME UNLIMITED®

$11.00
DIRECTV DVR Service

$0.00
3
Lease Fee

$14.97
HD Access

$0.00
$23/mo. credit for STARZ and SHOWTIME for 3 months
-$23.00
First Month's Total:
$87.96
Online Redemption
-$18.00
Final Monthly Total:*$69.96

*Final Monthly Total includes a $18 bill credit per month for 12 consecutive months after one-time online redemption.

For PREMIER package only, final $63.99 total valid while $23 and $18 bill credits are active.
DIRECTV premium programming services are generally offered on a monthly basis. If you downgrade your premium programming options within thirty (30) days of adding a new service to your account, you may be subject to a $10.00 fee.

 

[vegassatellite]

Why not hire an independent tech to do a site survey? He might inform you of any line of sight issues for either service, as well as wiring problems you might encounter with either service. That could help you make up your mind. This can also bring to light any possible custom wiring requirements you might have such as phone lines, wallfish for D*s dual tuner DVR, etc.

 

[HBO1]

Why not hire an independent tech to do a site survey? He might inform you of any line of sight issues for either service, as well as wiring problems you might encounter with either service. That could help you make up your mind. This can also bring to light any possible custom wiring requirements you might have such as phone lines, wallfish for D*s dual tuner DVR, etc.

AWESOME IDEA! Thanks for that, I believe that's exactly what I'll do. I have been a bit concerned about the LOS issues, as I do have a few trees that could be a potential problem.

Does anyone have any good suggestions on where to find someone independent to help me out?

Thanks again!

On edit: Nevermind, found an outfit here in town. I think they'll fit the bill.

 

[gbjbany]

One other thing to consider is, what your commitment will be in either service.

I know Dish Network (E*) requires 2 year commitment or you pay for the rest of the service if you terminate. That generally is how they get the initial costs down but it may be harder to get out, if say for example Direct Tv ( D*) decides to add your locals and E* doesnt.

Just something else to ask about before you sign up.

 

[bradb007]

If your very interested in national HD you might want to be careful about which vendor you select as DISH is going to be playing catch-up over the next year as DIRECT has taking a convincing lead in current HD offerings and is far better positioned from a satellite availability perspective for additional programing.

 

[HBO1]

Well, I talked to a couple people today. They basically told me to choose one and worry about LOS issues when they come to install. If they can't, they can't....no charges.

The local HD channels is about the ONLY thing the cable company offers that's better than the satellite services. Not only do they NOT have a place on the internet to see their prices for digital/HD services, they don't even return emails inquiring about it. I guess that's on purpose so you can't compare options. And they have a grand total of 18 HD channels too. Not too good.

Don't mind too much about the 2 year commitment. I have a better feel with Dish on how much I am going to be paying per month a year down the road. Seems like a lot more "gotchas" with Direct....although it does look like they have the potential to be offering more than Dish as time goes by. TOUGH DECISIONS!!!

I guess that Direct will be the first here to offer my locals in HD, but I assume Dish won't be far behind. I do like the 2-tuner receivers that Dish offers and their DVR looks like it's more user-friendly. Family seems happy with both channel offerings.

Oh well, I am ordering my new plasma, receiver, etc. next week, so I guess it'll be time to decide soon!

We're still on cable........yes, ANALOG CABLE!!!!

 

[TulsaCoker]

From what I read on the forum there are a lot more "gotchas" with Dish. Locals are extra, HD is more, more DVR fee's, etc.

 

[LonghornXP]

To HBO1 please consider this extra discount you may not know about. First this only applies if you currently have a AAA autoclub membership. If you don't have AAA but want this discount you can go into your local AAA office and get a membership and use the temporary card. You also need to call a special DirecTV/AAA toll free number as well. Also you must be considered a "new" DirecTV customer but I'm assuming you are right now.

The phone number to call is 1-800-242-9114. The rep will ask for I believe the first six numbers on your AAA card (your temporary card will work or you can call AAA and ask for it once signed up assuming you don't have AAA). You will get a discount applied to your DirecTV monthly bill for ten bucks for 24 months for a total of 240 bucks. You also will get "all" normal DirecTV discounts as well.

So you can at least get a massive enough discount to at least keep DirecTV for the two years and make your choice after that time. You just need to call that number and order service using the rep is all.

Again this AAA discount is above and beyond all other DirecTV discounts you get as a new customer so even if you pay 50 bucks for a AAA membership you still get a 150 dollar net discount. You also have a two year agreement with DirecTV so your discounts will be up once that two years is up which makes you free to do whatever you want.

 

[harshness]

From what I read on the forum there are a lot more "gotchas" with Dish. Locals are extra, HD is more, more DVR fee's, etc.

Absence of OTA is a big "gotcha" with DIRECTV that applies in the OP's case.

 

[charlesrshell]

Absence of OTA is a big "gotcha" with DIRECTV that applies in the OP's case.

Yep, I sure like how the OTA antenna blends into the VIP722 guide and with it you can record three channels at the same time.

 

[LonghornXP]

I'm hearing in the next month (sometime this month of March) DirecTV will release their add-on ATSC tuner add-on for the HR-21 box which you most likely will get on your install. The model is the AM-21 and is a little box you can place on the top or bottom of your HD DVR box. The box is thin from the top to the bottom and is the same length as the HD DVR itself. You plus this device into the HD DVR boxes USB port. This device also is a dual tuner ATSC tuner like the old all-in-one boxes were "and" also intergrates into the DirecTV program guide just like the older boxes do. I'm hearing the price will be around 50 bucks but I'm also hearing that customers who order service "and" don't have access to HD local channels via satellite could get one for free with their order.

I'm going to be very honest with you and suggest if you can to wait another month. You can also call DirecTV and ask for one of the older boxes with an OTA ATSC tuner or you won't subscribe with them and I bet they will figure out something if they can. DirecTV sure as heck doesn't want to lose a customer over a stupid OTA ATSC tuner that is for sure.

I'm only stressing DirecTV this much because it seems like your more concerned about money that I'd hate to see you spend more money overall and not get as many HD channels while being locked out from switching for two years. This is a big investment because your really talking about at least a $1,000 overall investment because that is what this is. Your looking at paying a company over a grand in money with no way to avoid not paying it for an entire two years. Just spend the time you need and don't rush into "anything" because of say a month of waiting.

 

[charlesrshell]

I'm hearing in the next month (sometime this month of March) DirecTV will release their add-on ATSC tuner add-on for the HR-21 box which you most likely will get on your install. The model is the AM-21 and is a little box you can place on the top or bottom of your HD DVR box. The box is thin from the top to the bottom and is the same length as the HD DVR itself. You plus this device into the HD DVR boxes USB port. This device also is a dual tuner ATSC tuner like the old all-in-one boxes were "and" also intergrates into the DirecTV program guide just like the older boxes do. I'm hearing the price will be around 50 bucks but I'm also hearing that customers who order service "and" don't have access to HD local channels via satellite could get one for free with their order.

I'm going to be very honest with you and suggest if you can to wait another month. You can also call DirecTV and ask for one of the older boxes with an OTA ATSC tuner or you won't subscribe with them and I bet they will figure out something if they can. DirecTV sure as heck doesn't want to lose a customer over a stupid OTA ATSC tuner that is for sure.

I'm only stressing DirecTV this much because it seems like your more concerned about money that I'd hate to see you spend more money overall and not get as many HD channels while being locked out from switching for two years. This is a big investment because your really talking about at least a $1,000 overall investment because that is what this is. Your looking at paying a company over a grand in money with no way to avoid not paying it for an entire two years. Just spend the time you need and don't rush into "anything" because of say a month of waiting.

Will you be able to record three channels at the same time with the add on ATSC OTA tuner? The stupid OTA antenna sure comes in handy sometimes when there is thunderstorm signal problems.

 

[HBO1]

I'm hearing in the next month (sometime this month of March) DirecTV will release their add-on ATSC tuner add-on for the HR-21 box which you most likely will get on your install. The model is the AM-21 and is a little box you can place on the top or bottom of your HD DVR box. The box is thin from the top to the bottom and is the same length as the HD DVR itself. You plus this device into the HD DVR boxes USB port. This device also is a dual tuner ATSC tuner like the old all-in-one boxes were "and" also intergrates into the DirecTV program guide just like the older boxes do. I'm hearing the price will be around 50 bucks but I'm also hearing that customers who order service "and" don't have access to HD local channels via satellite could get one for free with their order.

I'm going to be very honest with you and suggest if you can to wait another month. You can also call DirecTV and ask for one of the older boxes with an OTA ATSC tuner or you won't subscribe with them and I bet they will figure out something if they can. DirecTV sure as heck doesn't want to lose a customer over a stupid OTA ATSC tuner that is for sure.

I'm only stressing DirecTV this much because it seems like your more concerned about money that I'd hate to see you spend more money overall and not get as many HD channels while being locked out from switching for two years. This is a big investment because your really talking about at least a $1,000 overall investment because that is what this is. Your looking at paying a company over a grand in money with no way to avoid not paying it for an entire two years. Just spend the time you need and don't rush into "anything" because of say a month of waiting.

Really good advice about the 2 years. I'll take my time!

 

[Ronnie-]

Will you be able to record three channels at the same time with the add on ATSC OTA tuner? The stupid OTA antenna sure comes in handy sometimes when there is thunderstorm signal problems.

No but the two it can record can BOTH be OTA, as opposed to only 1 with the 622 (if I am not mistaken)

 

[charlesrshell]

No but the two it can record can BOTH be OTA, as opposed to only 1 with the 622 (if I am not mistaken)

IC, that is kinda neat to be able to do.

 

[Ronnie-]

IC, that is kinda neat to be able to do.

Yeah it does come in handy. Now if you get locals via sat, it not as big of a deal, but if the sat goes out it can be VERY useful.
Like I have said many times, both companies have advantages, just depends on what you want

 

[charlesrshell]

Yeah it does come in handy. Now if you get locals via sat, it not as big of a deal, but if the sat goes out it can be VERY useful.
Like I have said many times, both companies have advantages, just depends on what you want

That is for sure. It would be cool if the VIP722 had two built in ATSC tuners and you could record four things at one time. It is really sad that all the manufacturers couldn't sit down and work together and build the dream machine that had everything. The 722 is a pretty neat DVR, but it would really be sweet if had the more user friendly features of some of the other DVRs on the market.

 

[rccase]

I would look long and hard at the quality of the equipment. I just left D* because they could not give me equipment that was reliable. In the 1 1/2 yrs. I was there I went through 3 HR20's and 2 HR21's. Each and everyone of them went bad after about 90 days use. Also if you have a problem and your receiver needs to be replaced you are commited to a new 2 year commitment. Even though E* has less HD programming I like to have dependable equipment and will stay with E* and wait for the new HD.

 

[Ronnie-]

I would look long and hard at the quality of the equipment. I just left D* because they could not give me equipment that was reliable. In the 1 1/2 yrs. I was there I went through 3 HR20's and 2 HR21's. Each and everyone of them went bad after about 90 days use. Also if you have a problem and your receiver needs to be replaced you are commited to a new 2 year commitment. Even though E* has less HD programming I like to have dependable equipment and will stay with E* and wait for the new HD.

I am not trying to discount your problems, but the O.P. can do a search and see that equipment failure is not just a D* problem. I have to HR-20s and had two H-20s and have had zero problems out of any of them. As a matter of fact the HR series has been the most dependable receivers that I have had. My latest E* box is also very reliable. The only problems I have ever had were with some older E* equipment, although I know the newer stuff is much better.

 

[charlesrshell]

I would look long and hard at the quality of the equipment. I just left D* because they could not give me equipment that was reliable. In the 1 1/2 yrs. I was there I went through 3 HR20's and 2 HR21's. Each and everyone of them went bad after about 90 days use. Also if you have a problem and your receiver needs to be replaced you are commited to a new 2 year commitment. Even though E* has less HD programming I like to have dependable equipment and will stay with E* and wait for the new HD.

Yep, you just never know how long the equipment will last. But, I am with you too. I think Dish has the better quality stuff and I am not all in to the HD hype going on. I know Dish will catch up.