topic Re: Directv or Dish? in Community Chat

Directv or Dish?

DoubleDog2 — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 16:46:48 GMT

We live in the country and can't get local TV with an antenna. We have had Directv since it's inception. But again, they are having a dispute with a local channel, NBC this time, and have dropped their broadcast (last time it was ABC).

We are thinking of switching to Dish and wondered if anyone has Dish and what you think of it?

Thanks for any thoughts...

Re: Directv or Dish?

4Kicks — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 17:10:35 GMT

Switched from DirecTV for the local Sports coverage last fall. Had DTV for many years. I have to say that DISH is light years ahead of DTV in technology. I cannot ever imagine going back to DTV for ANY reason at this point.

Re: Directv or Dish?

esmeraldagooch — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 17:10:54 GMT

Have Dish (forth house) and love it. I have one Hopper and two Joey's. Dish has the best Better Business rating, the other does NOT. Check that out.

You can watch the major stations each night commercial free. Great if you do watch them, I do not. The service and technicians are great , they hire wonderful people. I live on top of a mountain so cable is not available, we do have some disruptions during thunderstorms, but I keep some shows to watch in my Hopper, so I am never without something to watch. One last thing, I have purchased one al a cart channel that Dish does provide that DTV does not choose to offer. If I have to pay for channels I don't watch, I like to opportunity to buy extra that I do want to see. Hats off to Dish for letting me decide.

Re: Directv or Dish?

RedTop — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 17:18:20 GMT

We have had DirecTV service for more than 12 years, and never had an issue. In my area of southern WV, Dish network does not deliver comparable satellite service. Even though my phone service provider offers a bundled deal for phone, internet and satellite service with Dish, I absolutely will not give up my DirecTV service to save money. Based on what I have heard from friends who have been baited with Dish offers, only to be totally dissatisfied with their viewing package 3-6 months down the road, saving money is not as important as having the viewing options I have through DirecTV. Based on where you live, this could be a different story, but this area has more DirecTV customers than Dish customers.

Re: Directv or Dish?

depglass — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 17:24:17 GMT

When we moved here 7 years ago everyone recommended Direct over Dish. I've been happy with them. I used to have Charter and they were miserable to deal with.

Re: Directv or Dish?

HiLo — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 17:32:13 GMT

I am only familiar with Direct TV which is great. But since there are others here who are happy with their Dish maybe you should choose the lower priced service.

Re: Directv or Dish?

straykatz — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 18:20:18 GMT

Networks and providers are always going toe to toe over subscription costs...last year TWC and CBS went at it...we lost that channel for a good solid month because of it.

Re: Directv or Dish?

Marp2 — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 18:24:38 GMT

DoubleDog,

I have Dish and they are going through a dispute with NBC in my area so am going through the same as you are with Direct. Last year it was CBS that was gone for a couple of months, the year before Dish and ABC came to an agreement at the last minute.

ETA: In the last two or three years there was also the same problem with FX and perhaps another channel that I don't watch. Just received notice about a class action suit over channels being unavailable.

Re: Directv or Dish?

SydneyH — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 18:28:41 GMT

It depends on where your house is situated. When I had Dish the service would go out whenever it would even drizzle however my experience with Directv is completely opposite.

Re: Directv or Dish?

brii — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 18:33:11 GMT

We have had Dish for about 10 years now. Have been very happy with their service and customer service. We just upgraded to 2 Hoppers and 2 Joey's - love it.

Re: Directv or Dish?

bikerbabe — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 18:40:00 GMT

I love Direct. Never had a problem.

Keep in mind if you are looking to switch because of contract renewal arguments between the networks and the provider that happens with ALL of them. Direct, Dish, cable. You won't be able to avoid it.

Re: Directv or Dish?

hckynut — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 21:23:42 GMT

Have had both of them and for about the same number of years. My biggest complaint with DirecTV was their technical help knew less than I do about electronics and how to fix their own equipment. Now there are a lot of things I don't know or I would not have been calling them in the first place.

Always start with a regular tech rep and then they pass be on to a 2nd level tech rep and then on to a 3rd level. I think you get the point. I finally got tired of the interruptions and then going through 2 or 3 repeats of my problem to "maybe" get the solution and the thing fixed.

Decided to try Dish and that was a smart move. They are not only cheaper in our area for the same programming, or comparable programming, but they also have level 1 tech help that knows a lot about their equipment and it's problems.

Will stick with Dish Network for our satellite broadcasts.

Re: Directv or Dish?

vermint — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 21:49:55 GMT

We've had Dish for years, and like it...but they also have these disputes from time to time, just this past year we almost lost our ABC station and did lose our Fox station for awhile.

Re: Directv or Dish?

HiLo — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 22:06:32 GMT

I left Direct TV for a time even though I was happy with it, but decided to try a server who offered a better price. Was quite unhappy with the 2nd choice so tried to go back to Direct TV. They messed my order up so badly I wouldn't go with them again. After all your comments I suppose I will try Dish next time.

Thanks for contributing to this valuable discussion.

Re: Directv or Dish?

maryebrown_1 — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 22:27:38 GMT

We had Dish for 13 years, we lost several channels due to disputes, and every time we had a snowstorm or thunderstorm we'd lose transmission for extended periods of time. The DVR cr*apped out on us 3 times, and the replacement was always an older model. We switched to DirectTV 16 months ago, never have any problems during storms, and the DVR has a much bigger capacity for storage. I also get to watch the Pro Football games in the Fall w/o blackouts, so I'm happy.

Re: Directv or Dish?

conlt — Thu, 17 Apr 2014 02:40:32 GMT

I switched from Direct Tv to Dish maybe 15 or so years ago. The reason is that I called Direct for a better deal and they said no so I switched. I have always been happy with Dish. I have no complaints at all and will continue with them.

Re: Directv or Dish?

AnikaBrodie — Thu, 17 Apr 2014 03:36:02 GMT

We have DirecTV which is getting really pricey. No senior discounts are offered. Friends have Dish and they are not happy with that either so we stay with DTV.

Re: Directv or Dish?

DoubleDog2 — Thu, 17 Apr 2014 04:29:09 GMT

Thanks to all of you who replied, I really appreciate it. It seems that both DTV and Dish have the same problems with losing stations from time to time.

Guess I'll wait a while to see if we get NBC back. I don't really want to have to sign up for an extended contract which is what I would have to do if I switch to Dish.

Thanks again

Re: Directv or Dish?

Kachina624 — Thu, 17 Apr 2014 05:32:15 GMT

I guess it just depends on what you get used to. I've had both and prefer Direct TV.

Re: Directv or Dish?

bells4me — Thu, 17 Apr 2014 17:57:27 GMT

Directv