Cable TV or satellite/Direct TV?

#1
I have always had cable, but am trying to decide if I should switch to satellite or Direct TV because it would be a better deal. I have always had Comcast cable. Anyone have any input? Have you made the switch? What are your recommendations on what is a better deal all-around (quality and price)?
 
#2
I've had DirecTV for a few years and I've had no problems with it other than dealing with cables running through my apartment. If you live in a house, I believe they can hide the wires like Cable tv does, so that wouldn't be a problem.

The quality has been good. During only about 2-3 storms in the last few years have I noticed degraded reception from the satellite, but the cable would go out just as often (if not more so), so I cannot say that is a problem.

I recently moved and stuck with DirecTV over Comcast because it was cheaper for what I watch - TiVo, but no premium channels. I think it is a better all around deal.

Since TiVo is awesome (or DVRs in general), I would recommend DirecTV's TiVo over Comcast's DVR. I don't know about DishNetwork's DVR service or other cable providers, but the Comcast one is more difficult to use and less polished than the TiVo that you can get with DirecTV. However, you generally have to pay for the receiver that comes with TiVo when you get the DirecTV system, versus the Comcast DVR box which I believe doesn't have an extra charge. Both systems add an extra $5 or so per month for the DVR service. Also note that in the future, DirecTV will come up with their own DVR and move away from TiVo, so I don't know how that will affect what you (or I) purchase now.

So, if you can find a good deal to purchase the receivers (less than $100 or whatever you're comfortable with) and get free installation in exchange for a one-year contract, I'd say DirecTV is a good choice, and I would choose it over Comcast. On the other hand, if you don't want to pay a lot of up-front costs and you haven't found any good deals, then it probably isn't worth it to pay a few hundred dollars now to save a few dollars a month in the long run.
 
#3
I'm no expert but I'd say stick with comcast. The on demand feature is great and we have DirecTV at work and it's going out all the time whether it storms or not. Most of the people I know who had DirecTV cancelled it mostly because of that and they prefer comcast. It might be better in different areas, I don't know.
 
#4
Also a DirecTV customer. I went with them a few years back since they were the first in my area to offer NBA LP. Have had a great experience and I'm a loyal customer kinda guy so... :)

If the price is similar though and you can get what you want out of Comcast, I'd probably stick with it. No big reason to switch to DirecTV unless you want NFL Sunday Ticket.
 
#5
I too am a Direct TV customer. i think it is great. I will say that with the past storms I have had some rough patches of recption. But overall I think it is great.

DVR is a good investment. I got mine for $75.00 and $4.99 per month.
 

VF21

Super Moderator Emeritus
SME
#6
Satellite is MUCH better than Comcast, RD. There are a variety of options available, depending upon how much you want to spend and which channels are really important to you.

I have DishNetwork and am VERY pleased with it. If you check the websites of both DirecTV and DishNetwork, I think you'll see a variety of offers available.
 
M

MistiLynn

Guest
#7
I would have DirecTV if I could, where I live doesn't have the right visability, etc. so I can't have it. I'm stuck with Adelphia, which I wouldn't really mind except they don't offer League Pass out here.
 
#9
I have Comcast and I can't complain, but I wouldn't recommend it over anything else. Each provider has pros and cons. Comcast has Comcast Sports net HD exclusively and I just can't give up not seeing Cubs games in HD :)
 
#10
VF21 said:
Satellite is MUCH better than Comcast, RD. There are a variety of options available, depending upon how much you want to spend and which channels are really important to you.

I have DishNetwork and am VERY pleased with it. If you check the websites of both DirecTV and DishNetwork, I think you'll see a variety of offers available.

Is there a option for removing snow and branches available?:p




.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Sorry I just had too...;)
 
#11
Okay, digging up this old thread I started because I have now almost officially switched to satellite TV. I got a great deal on Dish Network over the weekend, and it's being installed next week. But then it dawned on me this morning-how will I watch Kings/Monarchs game with Dish Network?? I have Comcast now, which has that great Comcast SportsNet channel. But what does Dish Network have?? Will I ever be able to watch another non-network Kings/Monarchs game again? :eek: Does anyone who has Dish know? I do realize that I could just call them, too, and I will when their offices open. But I'm anxious.
 
#12
Dish NEtwork has Comcast SportsNet as well. And it should be available to you free of charge(included in your package) since it is your local RSN (regional sports network)
 
#13
vj9999 said:
Dish NEtwork has Comcast SportsNet as well. And it should be available to you free of charge(included in your package) since it is your local RSN (regional sports network)
Do you know what the channel is called on Dish? I'm looking in the list of channels. Is it CSTV?
 
#15
I just went back to comcast and I like it a lot better.

Be warned, I cancelled DN and they tried to charge me $600 until I send in my equipment.
 
#16
BigWaxer said:
I just went back to comcast and I like it a lot better.

Be warned, I cancelled DN and they tried to charge me $600 until I send in my equipment.
Just curious-why did you end up preferring Comcast in the end?
My Dish special is for nine months. I've always had Comcast, so I'm kind of nervous about making the change, but I figure after those 9 months I can just go back if I don't like Dish. Right now it's cheaper than Comcast and I get more channels.