DirecTv vs DishNetwork

[telos2000]

Which is the best and where can I find the best deal?

[HardwareLust]

I just did a bunch of research on the two, and here's basically the difference:

Dish Network = More Channels of "TV"

DirectTV = fewer channels of "TV", better sports packages, and more channels of PPV.

They cost basically the same if you are shopping for a package. If you want a GOOD receiver and a GOOD dish, then prepare to shell out $400 + installation. IF you want a basic dish and receiver, then you can pick up either one for < $50. You can go to blockbuster video right now and get the basic one-receiver system + 52 free rentals and "basic" professional installation for $50.

The bottom line I've discovered is that if you want more PPV movies and more sports, then DirecTV is it. If you want to watch more normal-type TV, then Dish is your answer. Dish Net has more "family" oriented channels, too.

The only thing that bugs me is that I want DirecTV because of the better sports packages, but Dish Net is the only one that carries NASA TV! (a very kewl channel, BTW) But, after all that research, I've decided that AT&T Digital cable is almost as good, so I'm sticking with that for the meantime.

HTH!

[LPMiller]

actually, Direct has a wee bit more sports and PPV, and Dish has a wee more regular movies. That's about it.

DTV actually has plenty of family type channels.

which ever you get, stay away from the RCA recievers, go with the Hughes...the RCA's are known - as mine does - to have poor MPEG compression..I get a bit of artifacting in the picture sometime.

[telos2000]

Blockbuster has the Hughes dual LNB system for 198.88 with 2 receivers and 2 remotes. It comes with free professional installation (both receviers) and 52 free DVD rentals. Total Choice is going to cost me 37.00 per month.

DishNetwork has a dual system and two receivers with free installation for 49.99 and America's Top 100 for 39.99 per month. Thing is, you don't own the system and at the end of one year you return it or continue on a month-to-month basis at the prevailing rate (what ever thye decide you should pay.)

So far, these are the best two deals I have been able to find.

[LPMiller]

I dunno, that Blockbuster deal sounds really good, especially with the DVD rentals. I have DTV and I love it, just wish I had a better receiver.

[telos2000]

It is just that the people working at BlockBuster cannot tell me the model number of the Hughes equipment. I called and asked, "What is the Hughes model number?" The guy answered, "We don't use Used models!" I said, "Not Used, but Hughes!" He said, "Hughes who?" I said, "The equipment, don't you know your own equipment?" He said, "Oh yea, that is what we use." So I asked again, "What model numbers do you use?" He said, "What do you mean?" I asked, "You don't know what models you have?" He said, "Yes, they are Hughes." I gave up.
A guy from Radio Shack told me that BB has the best deal, but he didn't know what model of Hughes they were using. He said that after the first of the year there will be a DirePC and DireTV package deal using one satellite for somewhere in the neighborhood of 99/month (including ISP).

Question: Why do you need a dial-up ISP for the satellite?

[HardwareLust]

DirectPC uses a 56k dial-up line for uploads, but you get all your downloads via the satellite. Causes a very slight (but noticeable) "pause" while you are surfing... You also will need the phone line for the DirecTV as well.

IMHO, I say it can be a good option if you have no DSL or Cable where you live.

[ibrainthee]

An old post I made about this subject, didn't check to see if the deals are still good...

http://www.avoutfitters.com/catalog/images/satellite/
Get a Disk Network dual LNB dish (can hookup multiple receivers) & receiver 3922 for S&H charges as long as you subscribe within 30 days to the basic 40 channel ($19.95) for 8 months.

or

http://www.iwantmyfreedish.com/
Get a DirectTV single LNB dish (cannot hookup multiple receivers) and basic receiver for S&H charges as long as you signup for a months service (~$20) within 30 days.

I'd suggest Dish Network over Direct TV only because their subscription packages are more flexible. DirectTV bundles their movie channels along with their basic programming. Dish Network has you select a basic programming package and add individual movie channel packages. Dish Network ends up being cheaper at least in my channel selection. The Disk Network deal with the dual LNB receiver also saves some money if you plan on adding more receivers sometime.

Both satellite providers charge you an additional $4.95 per extra receiver. Here is how to hookup more than 2...

http://www.hometech.com/learn/dss.html

http://www.channelplus.com/AP_note_files/howdoi.htm