Dish Network vs DirecTV
 

Any one here have opinions on which is the better service. It seems I heard once that Dish Network had better quality service (ie better digital sound and digital picture) while DirecTV had better programming.

Wondering if anyone has tried/seen both and can provide some insight.


Thanks,

DAC

I've had them both. Flip a coin.

DirectTV has the best menu. If you're into sports, I believe it's also the best choice. The problem I had with DirectTV is their billing.

The problem I had with them both is lack of local channels in my area and loss of signal when it rains; and, folks it doesn't have to rain too hard to lose the signal. ;)

Clarity and sound all depend upon what you receive for your satellite's signal strength and what IRD (receiver) you use as your decoder. Not what company you decide to patron ...

The bottom line is this ...

Sports Lover - DirecTV

Movie Lover - DISH

However, if DISH's buyout goes through in 9-12 months, you'll enjoy the best of both worlds for an inflated monopolized price ...

Now, onto the TV Talk forum with this one?

Thanks for the replies. I was gonna put this into the TV Talk forum, but thought that forum was for talk of shows not hardware. Oh well, it figures I picked wrong ;)

It would be helpful if we knew what you liked to watch.

Dish has UPN and WB superstations as well as International programming, while DirecTV has the sports packages. I would suggest what channels you would like to watch and then check both channel charts.

Dish has two promotions going on:

* "I live $9" promotion - You buy the equipment and commit to one year of AT100 (or higher) programming. A $21.99 credit is applied to your bill every month, making your bill $9 per month. Promotion is scheduled to end at years end.
* Digital Home Plan - You commit to one year of programming of at last AT100. The equipment is leased to you.

At the moment, Dish Network and DirecTV are in the process of merging together. Once the merger is finalized (which may take up to a year), then there will be a system upgrade where the system will have to be upgraded. It has been announced that the upgrade will be at no cost to the consumer.

There may be some programming changing as a result of "must-carry" rules which go into effect for the DBS providers as of January 1st. As a result, some additional locals may be carried by both Dish and DirecTV.