DirectTV vs DishNetwork

[mjm1]

We currently use DirectTV and have HD TV's (one 1080P and one 720P). I just spoke with DishNetwork to compare costs and services. They appear to be less expensive than DirectTV. Any insights regarding the differences between the two services (quality, costs, etc.) would be appreciated. We live in San Jose, CA. Thank you.

 

[djs]

I don't have personal experience, but my brother had DirectTV, switched to Dish, and then back to DirectTV because he wasn't happy with Dish. He doesn't have the NFL Ticket, but if that's something that interests you, it's only available on DirectTV.

 

[caribbean]

Baseball & Football packages on DirectTV that I simply will not live without.

 

[jojo777]

Verizon FiOS is best

If you have Verizon FiOS available, that is the best. However we had Direct TV through Verizon prior and we liked it.

The piture quality in HD on FiOS is unbelievable!!!!

 

[dioxide45]

If it is HD you want. DirecTV has far more channels than Dish.

 

[NWL]

Baseball & Football packages on DirectTV that I simply will not live without.

I hear you on that one!

As far as helping the OP, The sports packages seem to be a deciding factor. I've been a DirecTV subscriber since 1995. It was my only choice out here in the middle of nowhere in 1995, plus I decided I couldn't live without my Redskins! Service has been good, picture quality has improved over the years, and I have upgraded my units when necessary (at no charge as long as you maintain a programming package). I currently have HD, an HD DVR from DirecTV and a TiVO. I complain every year to DirecTV about charging me for the Super Fan package in order to get the football games in HD. Last year they refunded the full amount, and this year they refunded half. Not hopeful about next year! Sorry I can't give you info on Dish. Just giving you my take on DirecTV.

Let us know what you choose!

 

[caribbean]

Yeah I love my DirectTV so much I would not switch to cable if I had the choice. I am in a rural area with no cable of any sorts. If it ever gets offered, I will immeidately take the Intrernet option, but stick with my DirectTV. I'd die without YES, MLB, MSG, and ABC/CBS/NBC - NYC stations. And hubby has to have NFL.

 

[Carta]

NFL Ticket is a MUST. Therefore DTV is the only choice,IMO

But Dish has an "HD package only", w/ local channels for $29.95 which can sway alotta people that don't care about sports packages..

 

[mterra]

We just switched from dish to direct tv. It is great. More channels, HD, all around better for no change in price.--in Alaska.

 

[Don]

I can't speak about HD except DirecTV has more channels available. I had Dish for several years and after getting fed up with the run around on replacing my structurally damaged antenna (Hurricane Charley) at no charge, I switched to DirecTV.and got a new one for free.
The signal to the receiver from the antenna seems to be stronger than Dish's. I don't lose it as readily, during a storm, as I did with Dish.

 

[DaveNV]

In Washington state, Dish Network just recently stopped broadcasing the Seattle-area ABC affiliate channel. It's still available on DirecTV and via cable, so I'm not sure what that's all about.

Dave

 

[Makai Guy]

In Washington state, Dish Network just recently stopped broadcasing the Seattle-area ABC affiliate channel. It's still available on DirecTV and via cable, so I'm not sure what that's all about.

Charlie has a history of dropping carriage of stations when the negotiations between the station and DiSH don't go the way he likes. He figures the other side will then cave, but they don't always.

 

[Born2Travel]

In Washington state, Dish Network just recently stopped broadcasing the Seattle-area ABC affiliate channel. It's still available on DirecTV and via cable, so I'm not sure what that's all about.

Dave

Same thing happened in Oregon. We have DirectTV - have had it since 1998 and are happy with it.