Hi, I currently have Comcast and am looking to switch but one thing I do like is their on demand library. So I was wondering does Dish offer this as well? For example, Comcast has on demand included for networks like the broadcast networks and then a bunch of the other channels like Comedy Central, MTV, History Channel, etc. where I can watch a bunch of the shows on the television. I'm also a fan of the premium channels and was wondering if Dish also offers HBO, Showtime, Starz, and Cinemax On Demand for customers who subscribe to those channels? For example, would I be able to watch an episode of Dexter whenever I want? It's kind of a deal-breaker for me. Thanks.
On Demand questions
- Thread starter dishguy30
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Just tell him the truth. Dish On Demand sucks. Nowhere near the selection that Comcast has. I use Netflix for my Dish On Demand because even Dish Online's selection is second rate. The only thing Dish has that Netflix doesn't is the stuff from Starz. But Netflix's awesome selection of tv series more than makes up for that.
I use HBO Go and Cinemax Go, Epix, SMC, Hulu and a couple of other online sites to supplement what Dish doesn't have.
thanks to all who commented on Dish's On Demand. i appreciate it.
I also dug a little more deeply on Dish's website and I found something where it says their on demand "has shows from over 75 networks such as Bravo". Does that sound about accurate?
I also dug a little more deeply on Dish's website and I found something where it says their on demand "has shows from over 75 networks such as Bravo". Does that sound about accurate?
That's exactly why I wanted to know why he wanted to switch. Yes, the On Demand with Dish or even Direct is not as robust as Cable is. BUT - Dish does allow HBO GO on a Roku besides online, Does have Epix online, does have Starz movies, and if you want to supplement with Hulu etc.. you have a very well rounded amount of on demand, just not exactly like Cable. If the reasons he wants to switch are answered by Dish by being better for him, knowing the above info might mean it works for him. If he ONLY wants alot of true On Demand from the receiver, then no. Just saying it sucks as someone suggested doesn't tell the whole story imho.
Netflix also has the Epix library and HBOGO is online and not On Demand (and Comcast will be allowing HBOGO on the Xbxox 360 soon). I already mentioned the Starz difference compared to Netflix, but Comcast also has Starz On Demand. I agree that with the various online options out there, you can create a pretty good "On Demand" system for yourself (better than the majority of pay-tv providers). But he did say On Demand and not online and talking about all of the online options just clouds the issue. When you take his original question into account, Dish On Demand does suck compared to Comcast On Demand.
Did a cursory check and looks like there's only around 1100 programs to stream, and that includes the 450 or so that you have to have Blockbuster on demand to view.
If you want to totally disregard my whole post,fine. But the bottom line is, Dish has options that might fulfill what someone is looking for with On Demand. There are many posters here who have said having HBO GO available on the Roku beats On Demand by a mile both for content and the ease of use, which is why I mention it. I also was very clear, "If he ONLY wants alot of true On Demand from the receiver, then no."
To just say it sucks doesn't help anyone. Finding out why he wants to switch from Comcast then explaining why Dish may be better in those areas, and then if he can use the many ways to get entertainment Dish has, that helps.
And if you want to disregard in my mentioning that Comcast is going to allow HBOGO on the Xbox 360, then fine right back at you. Oh, and Comcast is also allowing On Demand on the Xbox 360 as well as having their new online "Netflix clone" service that competes with Dish Online. Look, I feel that Dish is far superior to Comcast as a whole. But the On Demand selection from the satellite providers is just plain bad. This is why I have a Roku and Xbox 360 with Netflix, Epix, HBOGO and various free services on them.
