Potential switch to Dish Network

[mrbergmann]

I'm in the process of dumping Time Warner and adding Dish Network. The package that I'm looking for seems cheaper through them than through DirecTV. Does anyone have Dish Network? What are you experiences?

 

I know there's been a million posts regarding Big Ten Network and the cable companies, etc., etc. I'm really looking for people with Dish Network to describe their experience. Thanks!

[brewcrewreview]

I have and feel that Directv is the only way to go with all of the HD channels that they already have. Plus they should have over 100 HD channels by year's end.

[Weirdos19]

I have Dish at my business. Love the number of HD channels and the fact the price hasn't went up since they added them. If you buy your channel boxes, with the big package, it is way, way cheaper than cable. Not even close.

 

On the flip side, my local HD channels are fair at best. Not a real big difference than the regular channels. The HD cable channels are awesome, just like cable.

 

I'd say go ahead and do it. Seems to be getting better all the time.

[2hoophead]

One thing that hasnt been mentioned on your thread, here or the other board, is that DISH has dual TV receivers and DVR's, whereas DTV does not(at least yet). I have one TV with a DVR that services two TV's and another two that are serviced with one regular box. I like the idea of being able to access the DVR recorded programs on either set. Also, less clutter by the televisions.

[Fatter than Joey]

I have and feel that Directv is the only way to go with all of the HD channels that they already have.

 

I agree -- I have had both Dish/DTV -- and have been happier with DirectTV -- plus they have all the NFL/MLB/NCAA etc. packages.

 

One thing that hasnt been mentioned on your thread, here or the other board, is that DISH has dual TV receivers and DVR's, whereas DTV does not(at least yet).

 

Can you explain this better? -- I am not sure I understand -- I have DirectTV and I have had a DVR/receiver for about 3-4 years now -- as one unit.

[BrewCrewForever]

I have often thought of dumping Charter in favor of Dish strictly for NFL Network.

[Fatter than Joey]

I have often thought of dumping Charter in favor of Dish strictly for NFL Network.

 

Dish does not have the NFL package though -- they just have NFL Network -- Direct has both the NFL Network and the "Golden Ticket" package. Just in case the 2 are being confused.

[BrewCrewForever]

I have often thought of dumping Charter in favor of Dish strictly for NFL Network.

 

Dish does not have the NFL package though -- they just have NFL Network -- Direct has both the NFL Network and the "Golden Ticket" package. Just in case the 2 are being confused.

Well in that case, if I switch from Charter it will be to Direct TV.

 

[Hammer]

Who are you guys that have Dish or DirecTv using for internet access?

[Fatter than Joey]

Well in that case, if I switch from Charter it will be to Direct TV.

 

I am really happy with the NFL package -- They have a number of cool features..

 

1.) NFL redzone -- where they basically switch from game to game as teams are moving into the Redzone.

2.) NFL Replay -- they replay the best games from the week.

3.) NFL Shortcuts -- they condense every game into 30-40 shows where they show all the plays, but eliminate all the "downtime"

4.) They also have a channel where they show all the games at once on 8 screens.

 

They also have some sort of interactive fantasy thing where you can key in your players and it gives you personal updates -- I have never

used it so I don't know how it works, or if it works well.

 

But NFL ticket is not the same as NFL network. DISH can be a little deceptive if you call them, and they will tell you that they have "a lot of NFL programming" which basically is the networks/ESPN games. I cannot overstate how much I enjoy the NFL package though, and being able to watch any game on Sundays.

 

This is my first year doing fantasy, and if the Steelers aren't playing I will watch the RedZone channel (no commercials) and I can get a real good idea of how things are shaking down for my fantasy team, or my opponents.

[2hoophead]

One thing that hasnt been mentioned on your thread, here or the other board, is that DISH has dual TV receivers and DVR's, whereas DTV does not(at least yet).

 

Can you explain this better? -- I am not sure I understand -- I have DirectTV and I have had a DVR/receiver for about 3-4 years now -- as one unit.

-------

The DISH Player-DVR/Receiver has two tuners to support two televisions, providing the unique ability to record two shows simultaneously while watching a third recorded program. In addition, you can view separate programming on two televisions.

And the DISH receiver features two tuners for independent satellite TV viewing on two separate televisions.

 

DTV still needs a 'box' for every individual TV you want service to. If DTV comes up with this technology or better I would consider switching over to them but not as it is configured now.

[Fatter than Joey]

The DISH Player-DVR/Receiver has two tuners to support two televisions, providing the unique ability to record two shows simultaneously while watching a third recorded program.

 

My Direct TV receiver can do this, and has been able to for at least 3 years. This feature is not unique to DISH

 

And the DISH receiver features two tuners for independent satellite TV viewing on two separate televisions.

 

My Direct TV can do this as well.

[craigharmann]

Who are you guys that have Dish or DirecTv using for internet access?

 

I am using Yahoo DSL through my phone line. Works really well.

[2hoophead]

OY!

 

So, FTJ, you are saying that if you had 4 TV's 2 of them work off of one DVR/Receiver box and the other 2 work off of one regular receiver box? Four televisions and 2 boxes to service all four??

 

Funny, it is not mentioned on DTV's site and none of the half dozen reps I have ever spoken to know anything about it, either....http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/eyes.gif

[Fatter than Joey]

So, FTJ, you are saying that if you had 4 TV's 2 of them work off of one DVR/Receiver box and the other 2 work off of one regular receiver box?

 

Yes -- Absolutely. Watching a recorded show while recording 2 other shows is not a function unique to DISH. My Direct TV DVR/Receiver has 2 tuners, and I do this all the time.

I could very easily hook a 2nd TV in our TV room if I ever felt the inclination to do so.

 

Funny, it is not mentioned on DTV's site and none of the half dozen reps I have ever spoken to know anything about it, either..

 

Well -- I only have 1 TV -- My neighbors have 5 I think. DirectTV gave them a box for each TV -- The only time that your scenario would make sense to me, would be if you had 2 TVs in one room, like in a bar. -- I think most people would prefer to have 1TV/reciever in 1 room I would speculate that most people want a 1-1-1 ratio between rooms/TV/Receivers and that is how the website is designed.

[craigharmann]

Backing up FTJ on this one. We can record 2 shows at one on DirectTV and watch something recorded at the same time. My wife does it all the time.

[Paul77]

I also have Directv and my receiver has dual tuners. Recording 2 programs and watching a third a the same time is a staple in my household. I've also had DTV & DishNet in the past (for awhile at the same time - don't ask) and DirecTv wins hands down. But I will say Dish is still a large step up from cable.

[Patrick425]

There are two things that have always stopped me from getting dish or any other satellite provider...

 

1) I have heard it said that you rarely loose reception except for maybe the occasional bad storm.

 

I'm a weather geek. If there is a bad storm, I need TV, Internet, everything. Our cable lines are underground..so storms don't really effect our TV that much.

 

2)I have 6 TVs in the house...all with cable. It sounds like that's not as easy to do with satellite. Why do I need 6 TVs with cable? If I'm watching a game or some other program and I want to do work around the house, I like to be able to go to just about any room and see my program. I know DVR can solve this problem (which I have as well), but I still like to multitask.

 

I don't have a HD TV. I know, it's an awesome picture and everything..still can't get myself to spend that kind of money on a TV.

[2hoophead]

The only time that your scenario would make sense to me, would be if you had 2 TVs in one room, like in a bar.

 

Nope, my four TV's are in four different (spread out rooms) on three different floors. For example in the evening I will go down into the lower level to work out on the NordicTrack and fire up PTI on "TV2," whereas it was recorded on the DVR/Receiver box connected on the main floor to "TV1", or live programming. At the same time Mrs. Hoophead might be watching her soap opera on "TV1" (that was recorded earlier) or live programming also. Each of the two "boxes" in the house works for a "TV1" and a "TV2."

[Fatter than Joey]

Each of the two "boxes" in the house works for a "TV1" and a "TV2."

 

Yeah -- DirectTV has had the same thing for many years -- As I said, my neighbor has 5 TVs -- and Direct just sent him 5 boxes, which I think is what most people would want

rather than having a TV w/o a box in a room.

[2hoophead]

Direct just sent him 5 boxes, which I think is what most people would want

rather than having a TV w/o a box in a room.

Oy, again.

 

I give up; what we have here is a failure to communicate! http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/eyes.gif

 

 

[Fatter than Joey]

I give up; what we have here is a failure to communicate

 

You have yet to show what DISH does that DirectTV doesn't.

[Paul77]

I initially responded to you comment about dishnet's "unique" ability to record two shows simultaneously while watching a third recorded program. As several of us have pointed out, this is 100% not true, it is NOT unique to DishNet. Directv has had dual tuner systems for years.

 

2Hoop, I see what your saying now on your main point. You have 2 tv's accessing the same box.

 

At the end of the argument though is the fact that the functionality of both set ups is really the same. There is nothing you can do with your dishNet set up they I can't do with my Directv set up, although I concede I have a box in each room. I also have a wireless TV signal set up in my home to access the living room DVR in the kitchen - the one room I really wouldn't want a box. This wireless set up cost me $100. Well worth it to avoid ever being a Dishnetwork subscriber again. If a wireless transmitter is not your cup of tea, Tivo Series 2 and beyond also has the ability to access cross content between machines. I guess what I'm saying is the benefit of not having the box is (IMO) negated by the fact that it's from Dishnet. (If you can't tell I really didn't like dishnet when I was with them).

[Fatter than Joey]

There is nothing you can do with your dishNet set up they I can't do with my Directv set up, although I concede I have a box in each room. I also have a wireless TV signal set up in my home to access the living room DVR in the kitchen - the one room I really wouldn't want a box.

 

Right -- You could certainly split the signal from one DirectTV receiver to a 2nd standalone TV -- which is what I suspect 20fry (in essence) has done in his kitchen -- however, I suspect 2Hoop means though that he could watch separate programming in his kitchen from the living room, which I don't think 20fry could do. I misunderstood what 2Hoop was getting at.

 

I guess what I'm saying is the benefit of not having the box is (IMO) negated by the fact that it's from Dishnet.

 

Agree 100%. Dishnet sucks. I have had both services.

 

Dual tuners are not unique to DISH though. That is 100% false.

[Paul77]

Right -- You could certainly split the signal from one DirectTV receiver to a 2nd standalone TV -- which is what I suspect 20fry (in essence) has done in his kitchen -- however, I suspect 2Hoop means though that he could watch separate programming in his kitchen from the living room, which I don't think 20fry could do.

Right. But with the A/B button I can switch between the living room tv and the bedroom tv. The bedroom tv is almost always off. So if I needed to watch something different I could, but really that only happens once in awhile. Not a lot of tv watching in my kitchen.

 

My point is the supposed advantage of the "boxless" set up is pretty small, at least in my case. As far as selling points go, I don't see it as being that big a deal either.