Direct TV vs Dish Network
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Sawyer Rob
Super Member
My buddy had cable, didn't like the BS, so he moved to Direct... He didn't like THAT BS either, so he moved to Dish... Well, there was too much BS there too, so he just used his antenna for a while, now I see, he's back to cable!!
ME, I don't like Dish, so I'm with Direct... Do they have BS ?, YES, are they too expensive ?, YES, but we still like their programming, so we are still with them.
From what "I" can see, none are any better.
SR
ME, I don't like Dish, so I'm with Direct... Do they have BS ?, YES, are they too expensive ?, YES, but we still like their programming, so we are still with them.
From what "I" can see, none are any better.
SR
George2615
Super Member
Just my opinion but I've been dealing with DTV, DN, and Cable for years. They all have their tactics. Lock you in for a year or two then price goes up. Price hikes have always been my pet peeve. No matter what you say or do they have refused to give any discount after the locked in low price expires. They would rather lose you as a customer, cancel your subscription and have you go somewhere else. So that's what I do. It's a PITA but that's the way it is. Then in less than a month, the former company is calling practically begging you to come back at a new lower supposedly fixed rate.
I also have an OTA (over the air) antenna that gets about 30-36 channels depending on time of day so I'm not completely without TV in between service changes. I like to watch about 1 dozen channels I can't get OTA so I'm constantly switching services.
I also have an OTA (over the air) antenna that gets about 30-36 channels depending on time of day so I'm not completely without TV in between service changes. I like to watch about 1 dozen channels I can't get OTA so I'm constantly switching services.
RNeumann
Elite Member
Comes down to programming/channels you watch. A lot of the programs we watch can be seen on streaming services like Hulu etc. This guy seems to have the best info I've found.
Grounded Reason - Revolution Through Tech Evolution
The best services tend to be the ones that don't have contracts. Long contracts tend to equal poor service these days.
Grounded Reason - Revolution Through Tech Evolution
The best services tend to be the ones that don't have contracts. Long contracts tend to equal poor service these days.
LD1
Epic Contributor
You basically have two options
1. Play their game. Switch every 2 years and always get that "new customer promo" rate. Lock it in for a year or two. When promo is up, switch to the other. Ride that 2 years and switch back.
2. Stay with one company and Pay their price. Occasionally call to see if they can throw you a bone and give you a little discount.
Direct TV and dish are like carbon copies of one another. Offer super low rates to get you in and under contract. Dish having rate lock for 2 years sounds nice assuming their contract length is 2 years or less as well. I know it used to be they would have 2 year contracts and only guarantee you that super low price for 12 months. Then after 12 months all bets were off and your bill would go up 40-50% on month 13. And cant cancel without hugh ETF's.
But to think that by switching you are getting away from the BS is a huge misconception.
If it werent for having to buy another dish and mounting it I would be all for playing their game and switching. Which given the cost of dishes and the ease of install I still may consider it because Direct TV has been jerking me around more than I like.
I've had Direct TV for 3 years now. Yet according to them I am still under contract and nothing I can do. I have a main receiver and 3 wireless mini genies. Main in the living room and the mini's in each of the 3 bedrooms. Well....I finished the basement and put up a projector TV and wanted another mini. Simple, another $7/month and same programming I have now right. NOT. Adding another TV resets contract. So stuck back under the 2-year umbrella for another year or so. No one told me or I never would have agreed. Too easy to just unplug a MINI upstairs and take to basement. I thought the convenience was only gonna cost me $7/month.....NOT being stuck back under contract, with no way out without alot of ETF's, and the worst part....I didnt even get the first year at a discount like a normal 2-year contracted customer. And worse....they keep raising the price of the xtra package. It was 84.99/mo full. Its now up to like $93/month and I cant go anywhere.
Switching to dish....sure would be great for a few years, but then I'd be in the same boat again likely paying stupid high prices. IF I could get TWC back in my area I'd do that in a heart beat. Had that for years at my old house. Faster internet than the slow crap DSL that century link offers, similar programming, and my bills for internet AND TV were in the $120 range vs the $190ish I am paying now.
Sure, every year they raised rates. A simple phone call and they "found" me another promotion to get my bill back down. But over 7-8 years there was never a time they couldnt get my bill to something I was happy with. Cant say the same for direct TV.
When my contract is finally up, I may price a Dish network dish. Cause whatever I have I need 2 dishes. A little gaming of the "system" but not really. My shop, located on MY property same as my house, is more than the ~200' away that they can carry a signal via coax. So the only way to get TV at my shop is with a second dish. And its crazy that direct TV and dish both want to treat that as a separate account, separate bill, lots of money, etc. Vs the simple ~$15/month to add another TV. IT would be more like $110 for the same programming I have at the house.
So a second dish mounted on garage that I installed and Told them I wanted a second HD main receiver tied to the same account for when I go camping. I guess technically I camp out at the shop alot :laughing:
Sorry for going off on my personal rant.
IMO, dont be afraid to switch back and forth to always get that promo "new customer rates". Just understand there will still be the same BS with either company.
1. Play their game. Switch every 2 years and always get that "new customer promo" rate. Lock it in for a year or two. When promo is up, switch to the other. Ride that 2 years and switch back.
2. Stay with one company and Pay their price. Occasionally call to see if they can throw you a bone and give you a little discount.
Direct TV and dish are like carbon copies of one another. Offer super low rates to get you in and under contract. Dish having rate lock for 2 years sounds nice assuming their contract length is 2 years or less as well. I know it used to be they would have 2 year contracts and only guarantee you that super low price for 12 months. Then after 12 months all bets were off and your bill would go up 40-50% on month 13. And cant cancel without hugh ETF's.
But to think that by switching you are getting away from the BS is a huge misconception.
If it werent for having to buy another dish and mounting it I would be all for playing their game and switching. Which given the cost of dishes and the ease of install I still may consider it because Direct TV has been jerking me around more than I like.
I've had Direct TV for 3 years now. Yet according to them I am still under contract and nothing I can do. I have a main receiver and 3 wireless mini genies. Main in the living room and the mini's in each of the 3 bedrooms. Well....I finished the basement and put up a projector TV and wanted another mini. Simple, another $7/month and same programming I have now right. NOT. Adding another TV resets contract. So stuck back under the 2-year umbrella for another year or so. No one told me or I never would have agreed. Too easy to just unplug a MINI upstairs and take to basement. I thought the convenience was only gonna cost me $7/month.....NOT being stuck back under contract, with no way out without alot of ETF's, and the worst part....I didnt even get the first year at a discount like a normal 2-year contracted customer. And worse....they keep raising the price of the xtra package. It was 84.99/mo full. Its now up to like $93/month and I cant go anywhere.
Switching to dish....sure would be great for a few years, but then I'd be in the same boat again likely paying stupid high prices. IF I could get TWC back in my area I'd do that in a heart beat. Had that for years at my old house. Faster internet than the slow crap DSL that century link offers, similar programming, and my bills for internet AND TV were in the $120 range vs the $190ish I am paying now.
Sure, every year they raised rates. A simple phone call and they "found" me another promotion to get my bill back down. But over 7-8 years there was never a time they couldnt get my bill to something I was happy with. Cant say the same for direct TV.
When my contract is finally up, I may price a Dish network dish. Cause whatever I have I need 2 dishes. A little gaming of the "system" but not really. My shop, located on MY property same as my house, is more than the ~200' away that they can carry a signal via coax. So the only way to get TV at my shop is with a second dish. And its crazy that direct TV and dish both want to treat that as a separate account, separate bill, lots of money, etc. Vs the simple ~$15/month to add another TV. IT would be more like $110 for the same programming I have at the house.
So a second dish mounted on garage that I installed and Told them I wanted a second HD main receiver tied to the same account for when I go camping. I guess technically I camp out at the shop alot :laughing:
Sorry for going off on my personal rant.
IMO, dont be afraid to switch back and forth to always get that promo "new customer rates". Just understand there will still be the same BS with either company.
That is the enticing part of Dish Network now. 2 year contract and locked price for 2 years with auto pay. I very well may be switching to Dish. Direct TV has just irritated me too much and for too long. I install broadband for a living for a Company that was mentioned and do all of the fiber to the home installs. We now have price for life with no contracts. That is the best deal going right now for 100 mbs.
teejk
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They are essentially the same. In fairness to both, they are hostages of their content providers (e.g. I think ESPN gets $7/mo for what has become a total waste of money). The ultimate winner will be the first one to offer true "ala-carte" but so many of the providers insist on "bundling" so to get one channel you have to pay for 6 that you will never watch.
rekees4300
Elite Member
I've been with DirecTV longer than that and like everything about them except their never ending annual price yikes. Agree that AT&T sucks. Don't know much about Dish Network except they were fined $280 million by FTC for robo call violations ... for me that's a deal breaker re switching! :thumbdown:
FTC and DOJ Case Results in Historic Decision Awarding $28 Million in Civil Penalties against Dish Network and Strong Injunctive Relief for Do Not Call Violations | Federal Trade Commission
Goose69
Silver Member
Switching will feel good for awhile maybe, but then it will feel like you want to switch back. ........Dish does seem to be cheaper for the same content, at least my plan is. And I have every channel offered package, including all the movie channels. It runs me $187 a month for HD, DVR, hopper, super Joey, and 2 extra joeys. So service to 4 tvs.
........I've had both.. currently have Dish. If I didn't still have the taste of vomit in my mouth from dealing with Directv, I would switch back away from Dish.
....Dish customer service can be about as pleasant as stepping in dog poo, and getting it all over your shoe. Directv service was for me, less pleasant than stepping in dog poo without shoes on, and having it squeeze up between your toes.
..But since we have no real internet option where we live, and I have 2 teenagers at home I guess we are living with poo on our shoes.
........I've had both.. currently have Dish. If I didn't still have the taste of vomit in my mouth from dealing with Directv, I would switch back away from Dish.
....Dish customer service can be about as pleasant as stepping in dog poo, and getting it all over your shoe. Directv service was for me, less pleasant than stepping in dog poo without shoes on, and having it squeeze up between your toes.
..But since we have no real internet option where we live, and I have 2 teenagers at home I guess we are living with poo on our shoes.
teejk
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25 years ago if somebody told you that you'd be paying $187/mo for TV you would have said they were crazy. But before cell phones I think I paid $15/mo for phone (which included my dial-up connection to the internet).
Goose69
Silver Member
Yup... it's crazy the amount of money we pay every month to be "entertained". Our cell phone bill with unlimited data for 5 lines runs us another $200 a month.
I need to convince the family to join an Amish community, we could save $100s a month easily. Haha
EddieWalker
Epic Contributor
I had Direct and felt it was good, but when I called about upgrading to HD, they wanted $100 to come out and install the new equipment and $10 a month more for the service. I called Dish and they came out for free, and for $10 a month less, I got HD and the other DIY channel that I wasn't getting on Direct TV. I've had Dish for about five years now and every time I have an issue, they have resolved it quickly and fairly. When I removed my Dish to redo the siding on my house, they charged $50 to come out and install it, then test the rest of my system to make sure it was working well. They found that my connections on my cables where loose, so they replaced those while there where here for no additional cost. The two techs said that they do that at every call and since there are there anyway, it just makes sense to do it then and not have to come back when it becomes an issue.
check
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Sounds about as crazy as we have it here in Ontario, where we mainly have Rogers versus Bell to choose from. Both of them have terrible, terrible service, and drive you crazy every time you want to call them on the phone.
DavidL61
Bronze Member
We had Dish Network and got rid of it. Haven't had TV for at least 3 years now and don't miss it at all. Wasn't worth it for the 3 shows I was watching. I would rather learn a song on the guitar or read a book instead of watching that crap on TV.
roadhunter
Elite Member
There are plenty of other options out there instead of signing long term contracts for satellite TV at over $100 a month. You just have to sit down and figure out which specific channels you actually watch as more than likely you never even tune into 90% of the channels you pay for. There are endless options for movies, live sports, and just about any type of TV you prefer to watch.
I switched form Dish to Sling TV a couple of years ago and will never even consider going back. We get everything we want to watch from OTA signal for locals in HD, Sling, and several other free streaming services form crackle to Pluto TV. I pay $25 a month and have saved well over $1,000 since switching. I also like streaming as weather does no effect it like my dish which would struggle during blizzards.
When it comes right down to it there isn't any reason to be signing long term contracts for tings like TV service or cell phone service unless you simply enjoy donating money to Direc TV, Dish, At&T, Verizon, etc...
I switched form Dish to Sling TV a couple of years ago and will never even consider going back. We get everything we want to watch from OTA signal for locals in HD, Sling, and several other free streaming services form crackle to Pluto TV. I pay $25 a month and have saved well over $1,000 since switching. I also like streaming as weather does no effect it like my dish which would struggle during blizzards.
When it comes right down to it there isn't any reason to be signing long term contracts for tings like TV service or cell phone service unless you simply enjoy donating money to Direc TV, Dish, At&T, Verizon, etc...
Well, that's not necessarily true. If you live in an area where you have high speed internet then those streaming services are great and good for you. However, lots of us don't have access to those high speeds and some on satellite internet have data caps. So then all those things wonderful streaming services are worthless, that is the case for me and lots of folks. And truthfully you can get Dish with lots of channels, DVR, additional receiver, local channels all for $85 a month. So it has quite a lot more to offer than Sling TV.
rgr33
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We were Direct tv subscribers for over 15 years. Every year, the price creeps up and up, trying to secure any meaningful discount for customer loyalty was fruitless. Threats to move to Dish tv were not a concern to Direct.
Finally,with the wife constantly lobbying for a severe budget cut for tv, I cancelled DTV and locked into Dish. An immediate $68 cut in monthly cost, locked in for two years. I had some issues reprogramming my brain to learn the Dish remote, but I get more movie channels, and the local college team now, that DTV didn't offer.
One other thing, after about 2 months, I caught the cable that goes to the house with the lawnmower and destroyed it. Dish came out that same day and replaced it at no charge, even though it was clearly my fault. I intend to reward that kind of service with my continued subscription until There is a better option.
Finally,with the wife constantly lobbying for a severe budget cut for tv, I cancelled DTV and locked into Dish. An immediate $68 cut in monthly cost, locked in for two years. I had some issues reprogramming my brain to learn the Dish remote, but I get more movie channels, and the local college team now, that DTV didn't offer.
One other thing, after about 2 months, I caught the cable that goes to the house with the lawnmower and destroyed it. Dish came out that same day and replaced it at no charge, even though it was clearly my fault. I intend to reward that kind of service with my continued subscription until There is a better option.
