Which do you prefer and why?

I've only had cable, so I guess I'm looking for reasons to or not to switch when I move.

6/5/2007 11:09:11 AM

d tv is cheaper and has more hd channels
cable works in bad weather when you'd want tv.

6/5/2007 11:11:38 AM

I had Time Warner for years and loved it. Now I live in a building that can't get Time Warner so I have DirecTV and I hate it.

Time Warner's DVR service is much much better. You have to sign long contracts with DirecTV, pay too much for the equipment, and they try and charge you to come out and fix your shit when it breaks (which is their fault). Also it doesn't work so well with bad weather.

6/5/2007 11:13:23 AM

I've heard about the superior HD service with DTV, which is def. a plus.

what about channel selection? Anything I'll really miss or gain from going to DTV?

6/5/2007 11:17:31 AM

pros and cons for each

i would probably recommend cable unless you live somewhere out in the sticks

^you'll gain the NFL Network...you'll lose News 14

6/5/2007 11:17:33 AM

a while ago you would have gained espn U i think twc has fixed that now.
i <3 my hd dvr w/ twc.
(modified w/ 500 gig e-sata drive)

6/5/2007 11:21:58 AM

there are DVR options for both cable and satellite

Or you can do like me and use a computer for DVR

6/5/2007 11:24:52 AM

DTV ftw. i've had it for probably 8-9 years and have lost coverage due to weather less than 10 times in that span. channel packages are pretty much the same, DTV will have 150 HD channels within a year or so, the picture quality is better in my opinion.

6/5/2007 11:26:28 AM

^^^ i'm pretty sure twc customers have to (or will have to) pay extra for espnu
^^ i tried a number of pc-based dvr options (including ones you have to pay for) and found that TWCs box is sooooooo much better than anything pc based. Its a purpose-built box for dvr usage, as opposed to a general use box being turned into a dvr.
^ sometimes the service going out can come at bad times. my dad has dtv up at the lake and we lost the signal on a clear day, right towards the end of a ncsu basketball game I'm also a bit skeptical about 150HD channels...but if it turns out to be true I'll probably sign on.

also some more info here message_topic.aspx?topic=421596
and here http://www.brentroad.com/message_topic.aspx?topic=464514

6/5/2007 11:34:15 AM

http://thewolfweb.com/message_topic.aspx?topic=479820

btw, dish network >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> direct tv

[Edited on June 5, 2007 at 11:35 AM. Reason : ]

6/5/2007 11:35:14 AM

As much as I hate paying Time Warner I have come to realize that satellite is pretty much crap. The DVR boxes are HORRIBLE.

6/5/2007 11:41:38 AM

Computer + TV tuner card + Windows XP Media Center edition = free DVR

6/5/2007 11:52:27 AM

dont forget that its a $299.99 one time payment for Direct TV's HD DVR, + the $9.99 monthly service rate.

$299.99.

Are you fucking kidding me?

6/5/2007 12:31:19 PM

Quote :

"Computer + TV tuner card + Windows XP Media Center edition = free DVR "

works great.. until it crashes

6/5/2007 8:30:27 PM

they give away all the equipment for free when you sign up. If you get the right promotion.

6/5/2007 10:50:14 PM

^not the HD DVR.

THe best they do for that is offer you a $100 mail in rebate on the HD DVR. I called to complain and they said it is a $1400 piece of equipment.

Direct TV is making me

6/6/2007 12:49:17 PM

is the dish network any better?

6/6/2007 1:36:59 PM

Direct TV. We switched to Dish and I hate it. We will switch back as soon as the HD/DVR box is offered for free.

All of our equipment was free and we rarely lose signal. It has to be really bad outside for the tv to go out.

Why Dish sucks:
There is a 3 second pause when you change the channel. This occurs all over my neighborhood with the Dish users.

Every box is a dual control box, meaning you can use one box for two different rooms. You still need a separate dvr and a box in the bedroom if you want to be able to watch different shows and record on the dvr. Each box has two remotes that you have to keep handy in case the box switches to the second remote.

Also, you have to hit start to set the remote when you turn the tv on. The picture does not come up when you turn the tv on.

They also will screw up my billing from time to time. They add charges and take them away. It has happened three times this year.

Dish does have one neat feature on the non dvr box, you can set timers to turn the channel to certain tv shows. I will miss that when I go back to Direct TV


[Edited on June 6, 2007 at 1:53 PM. Reason : one good thing about dish]

6/6/2007 1:48:23 PM

I have never had Directv go out on me due to any weather conditions.

In fact, when the hurricane went through about 4 years ago (can't remember the name right now), as soon as the power was back on, I had full signal, even through the harsh winds and dark sky. Cable wasn't back on for a loooong time I remember (I had RR).

6/6/2007 3:39:14 PM

I have had both the top tier package for DirecTV (for 3 years) and Time Warner (5 years+). I experience more technical issues with regards to signal issues on my digital boxes than I ever did with DirecTV. HOWEVER, I so much enjoy not buying the equipment. I was an early adopter of HD. Spending $600+ on a receiver, and then $100 for all the other boxes sucked. Requiring a telephone line SUCKED. I am sticking with TW until they really piss me off (probably wont take too long).

6/6/2007 3:44:32 PM

i have a dual receiver box from dish network and since it's set up with tv 1 in the living room and tv 2 in the bedroom i can watch anything i record from either place. no separate box in the bedroom (or anywhere else in the house for that matter).

Quote :

"Also, you have to hit start to set the remote when you turn the tv on. The picture does not come up when you turn the tv on. "

this is an energy saving feature. you can set it to shut down after 4-10 or so hours of inactivity, or disable it completely.

Quote :

"There is a 3 second pause when you change the channel. This occurs all over my neighborhood with the Dish users."

i've never had that problem.

never had any billing problems either, but mine is bundled through Embarq.

i haven't had to pay for an extra equipment, just my normal monthly charge plus the $5.99 DVR service fee.

the browser/guide on direct sucks ass imo. it's ugly and isn't nearly as functional/easy to use as dish.


...that said, as soon as we get TWC in rocky mount, i'll be switching.

[Edited on June 6, 2007 at 3:49 PM. Reason : ]

6/6/2007 3:48:28 PM