Today I realized that Dish had given me a 'free' DVR last week (replacing the one stolen from my home), but sneakily extended my contract to another 2 years. I was pissed that they are not above board when they do this, and even blamed me ('you could have asked, Sir!'). And of course, they don't have AMC any longer, the only channel I watch - makes it meaningless to stay with them.
So if I cancel Dish, what are the alternatives? Comcast beckons because I already have their internet, and would save a ton of money by bundling Cable-TV with them, particularly with their teaser rates for the first two years.
DirecTV too has great prices for the first 2 years (and of course it would be higher after that; but maybe there'd be better choices by then).
For anybody who has done a comparative, how do you rank these three for (a) price (b) available programming (c) HD content and clarity in general?
I am in South Florida, so these are my only options. Have considered Roku and stuff, but I understand they don't have live sports?
i wouldn't recommend Directv at this time until they sign the agreement with VIACOM ?
I just switched from Dish to DirecTV and so far, I like DirecTV more. The HD quality does seem to be slightly higher and the price for the first year is awesome. The second year is still pretty good. I also got free Sunday Ticket, all the premiums free for 3 months, extra money off for being referred, and a $120 Costco gift card. I think they actually just increased the promo discounts as well (after I had my install). The HR34/whole home DVR is pretty awesome. I love being able to search and browse through movies really easily and download stuff on demand or schedule recordings up to 2 weeks out. Their iPhone app is pretty awesome as well.
If you decide to go with DirecTV, send me a message. You and I can both get $10/month off for 10 months, with a referral.
So, Comcast proved to be a joke. At the outset, it looked like I'd just pay $20 more to get TV added to my internet, but all the bits and pieces keep adding up like DVR fees and equipment fee, and that I'd need to pay more to get Digital Preferred, and also that I don't get all the discounts being not a new customer, and even then the discounts are only for 6 months... and boy do they make it difficult to find all this out!
DirecTV was much simpler : their website gave me all the info I needed, and even gave me added discount for purchasing online, and almost everything is free or discounted (ie, the DVR, the installation, additional receivers if I needed them, content on multiple gadgets). And their discounts are all the way for 24 months, the duration of my contract. So effectively, by the time all the higher prices hit me, I'd be a free-agent, able to move elsewhere if I wanted. By my calculation I am saving around 50% of my Dish bill each month, and and even more than that compared to Comcast the 7th month onwards. This almost feels like I earned some extra cash now!
The only hitch was when their 'schedule installation' calendar showed me first available dates in September ! I called, and got shunted to three different operators before the last one told me that the installation was already scheduled for today. Not too bad.
But of course, my daughter is sulking now, as Nick (part of Viacom) will be blacked out at least for now; I'm hoping that resolves soon; if not, it's a learning moment for her - be adaptable :sneaky:!
I had dish for a long time. Gave up on it because pretty much the only time I would watch would be when I was 'stormed' in and during these times the signal was crappy or even non-existant.
My Cable with internet and phone runs $166.99 a month. One DVR, one basic cable adapter (2-99). I get all premiums and it covers my modem rental (can't BYOD a modem when you are doing voice).
My service always works. The worst thing I have to do is once a year or so reboot my Scientific Atlantla (or Motorola I forget) cable box for On-Demand items...with the newest Cisco box I have not had to do this.
Dish Network is known to be crap. I had fight with them 6 or so years ago. They treated me dirt and I got ugly. They hung up on me and refused to issue me refund for the receiver and such. Never looked back since then. I am so glad I don't do business with Dish Network.. I sincerely hope they fail........Today I realized that Dish had given me a 'free' DVR last week (replacing the one stolen from my home), but sneakily extended my contract to another 2 years. I was pissed that they are not above board when they do this, and even blamed me ('you could have asked, Sir!'). And of course, they don't have AMC any longer, the only channel I watch - makes it meaningless to stay with them.
So if I cancel Dish, what are the alternatives? Comcast beckons because I already have their internet, and would save a ton of money by bundling Cable-TV with them, particularly with their teaser rates for the first two years.
DirecTV too has great prices for the first 2 years (and of course it would be higher after that; but maybe there'd be better choices by then).
For anybody who has done a comparative, how do you rank these three for (a) price (b) available programming (c) HD content and clarity in general?
I am in South Florida, so these are my only options. Have considered Roku and stuff, but I understand they don't have live sports?
Good post. You have received a + rep. Good man. Another rep for saying pathetic.Dish blows
Pretty pathetic.