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Topic: Getting a Dish
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s'news
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posted April 12, 2006 03:19 PM
We've talked about it before, but it's been a while, I think ...
I'm planning to ditch my cable and go with a satellite dish. I'm looking at Dish Network's Top 120 plan, with installation in two or three rooms.
What should I know?
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LunchPenalty
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posted April 12, 2006 03:28 PM
GET THE PVR.
GET THE PVR.
GET THE PVR.
Also, you can save some dough if you rig two tvs to one reciever. For example, we don't ever watch the tv in our basement at the same time as we watch the tv in our bedroom. Just cable both televisions to one reciever, and the RF remote works in any room in the house.
[ April 12, 2006, 03:29 PM: Message edited by: LunchPenalty ]
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buckpasser
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posted April 12, 2006 03:30 PM
Consider Directv.
We have the Directv:
Sports Package (20-something channels including all fox sports regional, TVG, Goal, OLN, etc),
HBO package (seven HBO channels)
"Total choice" (similar to cable expanded basic)
All for 70 bucks. I can get locals for three bucks more.
The quality is pretty badass. Use an S-Video, or component hookup if possible.
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SamG
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posted April 13, 2006 04:12 AM
Compare BOTH DirectTV and Dish Network. Cost will be similar between the two for comparable packages, but your "must have" channel may be on a higher tier (forcing you to spend more money each month) on one system but not the other.
If you're a big NFL fan, DirectTV is the way to go with their "Sunday Ticket" option... access to (I think) 90% of NFL games every week.
If you're renting, make sure you're allowed to put up a dish. Make sure you can see the southern sky (that's where the satellites are). That also applies to being able to "point" the dish over any trees or buildings. Where I live it's about a 40-45 degree angle. Ask at your station. The sat truck ops and/or the engineers should be able to tell you where they need to point to hit a satellite.
If you're in a home, despite what home owner associations may tell you, you ARE allowed to put up an outside antenna to pick up locals. I highly suggest doing that because...
Strong storms (rain & snow) WILL knock out your satellite reception (generally anywhere from 5-15 minutes, but I have had storms last as long as an hour). If you get your locals purely from satellite, if you lose the signal, you can't see your locals.
I've had Dish for 8 years now and don't plan on going back.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
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2:30
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posted April 13, 2006 04:12 AM
I have DirectTV, if only because I made the mistake of buying the one Murdoch owns. That being said, the service is pretty good, the channel selection and video quality excellent, and the TIVO a nice add. I end up spending more than I did for cable, but only because I bought a package with more channels.
Buckpasser is exactly right: go with the component hookup if you can, S-video if you can't. The quality difference is amazing.
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1-21-09. Regime change!
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Just Hvs10trk and the Xmas Lights
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posted April 13, 2006 04:21 AM
DirectTV gives you more bang for your buck.
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facts
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posted April 13, 2006 05:52 AM
I've had Dish for nearly 10 years and have never ever ever ever ever had it fail, not even during storms.
if you live in a snowy area, make sure, however, that the dish is in a place where you can get the snow off it if you need to.
I assume installation will be free -- if not, I've installed Dish at two houses. If you can do simple things around the house, and you understand how a compass works, you can easily install it yourself.
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Ryder13
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posted April 13, 2006 06:48 AM
Ok, now I have a question for all of you who have a dish.
I have cable right now -- and while I'm not considering switching here -- I will look into options when I move. (Which I hope will happen sooner rather than later -- job search and all that.)
Anyway, how responsive is your provider to adding channels? I have been trying for more than a year to get some additions with no luck -- or even a reasonable response. I finally wrote the corporate headquarters. No one will be more surprised than I if I get a timely response. (BTW -- all cable companies are NOT created equal. If the next place I go is served by Cox Communications -- I'm there. They ROCK!)
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SamG
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posted April 13, 2006 07:32 AM
Are you talking about them adding a channel to their lineup, or allowing you to view a channel on a higher tier?
Cable & satellite companies both have to get a contract with a new network in order to show it on their system, and who knows how long that could take. It's not as easy as just saying "Hey, I can see RyderTV on the satellite, I'm going to let all my subscribers see it too."
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Ryder13
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posted April 13, 2006 08:09 AM
That's true, Sam -- but I'm talking about adding an expansion of an existing channel. For example -- my cable system has all the ESPN services EXCEPT 'ESPN U' -- now would THAT require a separate contract?
I find that difficult to believe. It's possible I suppose, I honestly don't know -- but why would the parent company make it that difficult to add something like that?
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s'news
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posted April 13, 2006 09:31 AM
Thanks for the input, folks. Speaking of which, please tell me more about S-video and component hookups. Are we talking about connecting the dish through my stereo receiver?
(Back when, I knew everything about electronic stuff. Nowadays, after marriage and kids and such, not so much.)
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Just Hvs10trk and the Xmas Lights
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posted April 13, 2006 10:04 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Ryder13:
Ok, now I have a question for all of you who have a dish.
I have cable right now -- and while I'm not considering switching here -- I will look into options when I move. (Which I hope will happen sooner rather than later -- job search and all that.)
Anyway, how responsive is your provider to adding channels? I have been trying for more than a year to get some additions with no luck -- or even a reasonable response. I finally wrote the corporate headquarters. No one will be more surprised than I if I get a timely response. (BTW -- all cable companies are NOT created equal. If the next place I go is served by Cox Communications -- I'm there. They ROCK!)
The quality is way better on a dish than cable.
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Leave it to and Engineer to light his house with LED christmas lights.
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SamG
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posted April 13, 2006 10:41 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Ryder13:
That's true, Sam -- but I'm talking about adding an expansion of an existing channel. For example -- my cable system has all the ESPN services EXCEPT 'ESPN U' -- now would THAT require a separate contract?
I find that difficult to believe. It's possible I suppose, I honestly don't know -- but why would the parent company make it that difficult to add something like that?
If not a seperate contract, then an amendment to the existing one. ESPN is going to want $$$ for the provider (Dish, Direct, Cox Cable, Adelphia, etc) to show ESPN U as part of their package. Whether ESPN and the provider can come to an agreement acceptable to both is where the problem lies.
Look at the problems Dish has had recently (past year or so) with contract renegotions... dropping MTV networks (which came back after about a week), dropping Lifetime, etc.
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SamG
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posted April 13, 2006 11:00 AM
quote:
Originally posted by s'news:
Thanks for the input, folks. Speaking of which, please tell me more about S-video and component hookups. Are we talking about connecting the dish through my stereo receiver?
(Back when, I knew everything about electronic stuff. Nowadays, after marriage and kids and such, not so much.)
You will have anywhere from one to as many as 5 (IIRC)cables from the dish to somewhere either in your house or just outside. The number will depend on how many receivers, what kind of receivers (HD/PVR/etc).
You will then have one to two cables going from that point to each receiver. (These are RF cables-like what is currently going between the wall and your TV right now).
Here's where it gets interesting... the cables between your satellite receiver and your TV will affect the quality of the signal. Here's your options from worst quality to better:
RF Cable (Coax cable-screw on type. Goes to ch. 3 or 4 of your TV)
Composite Cable (Usually three RCA cables (yellow, red & white- goes to your video/audio input on your tv... yellow is video, red right channel audio, white left channel)
SVHS (or S Video) (Single cable with four small pins. Goes to a video input on your TV (if so equipment) Handles only video. You'll need to run separate lines (like the red/white cables under composite)
Componant Cable (Usually three RCA cables (Red, Green, Blue- goes to your video input on your tv (if so equipped) Handles only video.
DVI/HDMI (multipin conductor, SIMILAR to the cable you plug between your computer and your monitor). Handles only video.
I can almost guarantee a "free installation" will just get you the most basic (not the best quality) hookup.
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Sir Dropham Pants
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posted April 13, 2006 11:01 AM
I've had a dish for about 8 years. Most of that was with Dish Network. I've had DirecTV for about a year now.
Outside of the "which channels you prefer" issue, I think Dish Net's remote and on-screen display is better. The Dish Net remote we had was the UHF, meaning it did not need a direct line of site to the receiver. As mentioned above, handy if you're diplexing two TVs off one receiver. I now have a DirecTV Tivo system and it's fantastic.
I have experienced rain/storm fade several times. More so with DirecTV than with Dish Net - but that may be more to do with geography. I keep a set of rabbit ears handy just in case.
Even with that, I never once regretted ditching cable and its high price and deeply crappy customer service.
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s'news
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posted April 13, 2006 11:16 AM
Thanks, SamG. You mention HD/PVR/etc on the receivers. PVR is what? And what's the etc? And what are they likely to give me in an installation?
If I run two TVs off of one receiver, can they both be on, tuned to different channels, at the same time?
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I'm a Ninja
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posted April 13, 2006 12:03 PM
Is it Diresttv that has the NFL package? That's the one I would go with.
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The Thrill
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posted April 13, 2006 01:44 PM
quote:
Originally posted by s'news:
Thanks, SamG. You mention HD/PVR/etc on the receivers. PVR is what? And what's the etc? And what are they likely to give me in an installation?
If I run two TVs off of one receiver, can they both be on, tuned to different channels, at the same time?
PVR means Personal Video Recorder, like a TiVo. Instead of using a VCR to tape shows on crappy VHS, the box records shows on an internal hard drive. You can set it up a multitude of ways to catch nearly anything you want, and I'm pretty sure you can watch something else while it's recording.
I don't have one...but man, I want one.
Installation deals vary widely...but they're a lot better now than when I got onboard with DirecTV in 2000...and I ain't going back. Good stuff!
But sadly, you can't watch two different channels at once off the same receiver. You'll need a separate receiver for each TV you wanna watch DirecTV or Dish Network on...but these days, a dish that can handle that and 3 or so receivers often comes standard with your installation (which, again, varies widely. DirecTV contracts out with a lot of 3rd party installers around the country; I dunno about Dish. Check with your salesman.)
Right now, about the only advantage digital cable has over ANYTHING is its local on-demand content...but that's usually not so good anyway (and I oughta know, helping to provide some of it.) ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
Get the dish...join the revolution!
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s'news
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posted April 13, 2006 02:02 PM
Okay, I'd need another receiver. Now I see this at DirectTV ...
The cost to add additional receivers in your home is $4.99/mo. per receiver (as long as you keep all your receivers continuously connected to the same land-based phone line).
Phone line?
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SamG
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posted April 13, 2006 05:11 PM
quote:
Originally posted by The Thrill:
But sadly, you can't watch two different channels at once off the same receiver. You'll need a separate receiver for each TV you wanna watch DirecTV or Dish Network on...
Actually, that's incorrect. Dish has a receiver with two distinct outputs for two seperate televisions. (basically its two receivers in one box). One remote with that box is IR (infrared) means it needs to be in the same room (direct line of site) with the receiver. The other remote is UHF, so you can take it wherever you need in the house. But then you need two lines to that receiver (one from the sat dish and one from the receiver to the 2nd TV)
[QUOTE] Phone line?
The phone line is used to send ppv (pay per view) information back to the head end for billing purposes. When you order a ppv movie it's stored on a card in the receiver. Every night, the receiver "calls home" and relays what's on the card. DirectTV (I think) is set so the receiver will quit functioning if it doesn't call home every so often (every 3 days?). The Dish receivers I've had never stop functioning without a phone line, but I've heard if you fill up the card with PPV, then you'll get a message on the screen asking you to hook up a phone line.
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s'news
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posted April 13, 2006 07:55 PM
I'm learning many things.
I have no interest in PPV. Will they charge me more to not have my system hooked into a phone line? I know, I'll ask. But forewarned is forearmed, or the other way around, or ...
Do sat systems also do Internet?
If I wanted upgraded wiring, as some have suggested, do I offer to pay more for it? Do I let them do a basic install and then replace it myself? (They'd do the drops and connections, and I could work off of that more easily than starting from scratch.)
I'm in a wooded area. Do I make them come out and show that they can get a sat line first, before installation?
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WalMartNation
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posted April 13, 2006 08:55 PM
DirecTV gets the nod. Picture quality is great, selection is good as far as channels they carry and offer, reception does get bad in electrical storms or heavy rain. (I live in Seattle)
In laws have Dish, it's good but the menu system works slower. Choices as far as plans... much more to choose from than DirecTV. BUT.. Dish won't hesitate to drop channels if that particular channel wants more money. i.e. Outdoor Life Network; wanted more $$$ last fall.. Dish dropped them and said they did it to keep customer costs down. I tend to believe that rather than not. Same thing with Reality Network or whatever it was called (the Fox thing).
Sports... only DirecTV has NFL Sunday ticket and getting HD games rules supreme.
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mothball
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posted April 14, 2006 12:18 AM
I have the dish, and I've never hooked it to a phone line. I also have the America 180 package, which includes ESPN-U -- which, if you love college football (more than just the home team) is absolutely essential.
It also has BBC America.
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SamG
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posted April 14, 2006 03:33 AM
quote:
Originally posted by s'news:
I'm learning many things.
I have no interest in PPV. Will they charge me more to not have my system hooked into a phone line? I know, I'll ask. But forewarned is forearmed, or the other way around, or ...
I know Dish does not charge to not have the phone line hooked up. Again, I think if your Direct box doesn't "call home" every so often, it basically just stops working until you hookup a phone line.
Do sat systems also do Internet?
I believe Direct has a system called "DirectWay" but it is much more expensive and not as fast as DSL or cable.
If I wanted upgraded wiring, as some have suggested, do I offer to pay more for it? Do I let them do a basic install and then replace it myself? (They'd do the drops and connections, and I could work off of that more easily than starting from scratch.)
Depends. Can you hook a VCR or DVD player up to your entertainment center? If so, then get the basic installation and later on hook it up for the better quality.
I'm in a wooded area. Do I make them come out and show that they can get a sat line first, before installation?[/QUOTE]
I would definately say "YES" to this. What you might want to do instead of contacting Dish/Direct directly (no pun intended) is contact a custom installer. Look under "Home Entertainment" or "Home Theater" in the yellow pages. They will cost more money, but they'll make sure every thing works to the best quality. It can't hurt to call them and see if they'd charge you for a "site survey".
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Ryder13
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posted April 14, 2006 05:25 AM
If you want internet -- check with your phone company. Here, for example, they offer sat TV (through Dish, I believe) and DSL for internet. The intro price is quite reasonable. And those low rates can last for a year. Then if you 'bundle' your phone service -- they offer even more discounts.
Be carful, though, it's not always that big a savings. Still, I did all of this through one campany in the last place I worked. (As it turned out, it would have been a FEW dollars less expensive to have done it with three separate companies -- but the convienience of only having to write one check and deal with one company for problems more than made up for the difference.)
[ April 14, 2006, 05:26 AM: Message edited by: Ryder13 ]
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buckpasser
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posted April 14, 2006 08:23 AM
Directv Phone Line? I've had Directv for about three years now. I've never hooked up a phone line, and no problem. Perhaps it's because of the receiver I have, but the issue mentioned above has never happened to me.
PPV? You think you would never get PPV, but you never know. A friend of ours from another country wanted to watch the World Cup matches involving her team. Only available on PPV for twenty-five bucks. But I didn't use a phone line. You can use the Directv website to order PPV.
You can use the website for just about everything. I change my package (aw yeah), pay bills, and do everything else online. I've found customer service is best if you don't have to talk with an actual human being.
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WalMartNation
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posted April 14, 2006 11:55 AM
You don't need the phone line hooked up for DirecTV to order PPV. You can do it through your remote but the movies won't appear on your bill.... until you hook up your phone line... then they'll all be on the next statement.
Also, if you are going to get DirecTV with TiVo, I believe you have to have the phone line hooked up in order for it to work.
Also, I don't like the fact Direct doesn't offer ESPNU in any other packages than the Sports Pack or the Total Choice Platinum (the everything pkg.).
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Roy Hobbs
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posted April 14, 2006 08:46 PM
I have a red Snoopy supper dish I had made at a ceramic shop.
Put one of those babies in the newsroom filled with candy and you've got friends for life! :-O
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luckybastard
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posted April 15, 2006 08:39 PM
we had dish network for a few years, but we switched to directv last year with tivo. directv has the better customer service.
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Seraph
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posted April 15, 2006 10:15 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Roy Purple Peeps Hobbs:
I have a red Snoopy supper dish I had made at a ceramic shop.
Put one of those babies in the newsroom filled with candy and you've got friends for life! :-O
But only until all the newsroom fatties steal the candy. And I steal the dish.
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"my wife was pregnant once....now there's this little person running around my house tearing up my CD collection and eating all my waffles...." - Brick Tamland
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Roy Hobbs
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posted April 16, 2006 09:40 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Seraph:
quote:
Originally posted by Roy Purple Peeps Hobbs:
I have a red Snoopy supper dish I had made at a ceramic shop.
Put one of those babies in the newsroom filled with candy and you've got friends for life! :-O
But only until all the newsroom fatties steal the candy. And I steal the dish.
You're the one??!!!
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Marty McFly
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posted April 17, 2006 09:34 AM
I don't have one but I have been told that they have a habit of running away with spoons.
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