Hi all, This is somewhat OFF-TOPIC, so if you don't want to read this, please click the "back" button now... A recent thread about a problem with a direct tv contract got me thinking. I'm currently paying $40 a month for basic (i.e. no frills) cable. I saw an add for Dishnet service for the same price I'm paying now, except that it requires a one year contract for the dish. I was ready to jump at it (I'm really liking the 50+ music channel feature) until some friends warned me that I would end up paying more than I expected. Is sat. tv's concept of a "basic" channel line-up different than that of standard cable? Do I have to "buy" all the channels I want at an extra charge (I know that local channels will cost me $5.00 extra - but I am surprised to learn that I may have to pay extra for what I've always considered basic cable channels)? For people who have done the 12 month contract, how difficult is it to get out of if needed? How is the customer servicer when technical problems arise and after your contract how reliable is the dish/service? Knowing what you know about cable v. dish, which would you choose now - and why? I'm considering DishNet, if anyone can commment on this particular company. Thanks in advance,
I currently have DISH. It's difficult to get exactly what you want from any of the satellite companies. 100 channels plus music is about $40. I have 150 channels and pay $50. I love the music channels to. Customer service is great, describe problems, and they usually guide you on the phone. You can also pay your bill on-line.
I don't know about the dish network... But DIRECTV has packages range from $21.99 and up... http://WWW.DIRECTV.COM/programming/programmingpages/0,1093,135,00.html Local...family...HBO, SHOWTIME, CINIMAX, sports ARE EXTRA. PAY PER VIEW @ $3.99 (MANY ARE ALL-DAY-TICKET) watch many times for same price... I'm happy with DIRECTV. They have direct bill VISA/MC/AMEX/DISCOVERCARD.
AS FAR AS CREDIT???? Payable in advance VISA/MC/AMEX/DISCOVER/CHECK? They have the power to CUT YOU OFF IN ONE SECOND...so you couldn't stop paying your bill for 120 days and go to collections...
Thanks, jsever and George for the helpful info... As far as my "good credit choice" subject - I think I'm good for a year's worth of credit - lol! I added that to the title to stave off those who might be offended by the off-topic nature of my post. One last question: If you are in a contract in one state, and need to move to another state, can your contract follow you or would an interstate move be a "breach of contract" that you have to pay out? Thanks again,
I got fed up with cable years ago! I've been a Dish Network customer for about 3 years. I have the Total movie package, 100 channels, 2nd receiver and local stations for about $80 a month. The only problem I have had in 3 years is weather. If it get's really black and cloudy, you'll lose your signal. Usually it's not for too long. I've never stepped backwards in my contract, I've always added, so I can't answer that one. I'm month to month now, so no big deal if I want out. They have a pretty cool program call dishmover, if you move you leave your dish and they send you a new one for the cost of shipping. You still have to pay for install or you can do it yourself ( I have twice, it's not terribly difficult). I would and will stay with the dish, I was paying almost as much for cable, minus a lot of the features, PPV's, music, digital. I also have DirectPC, the ISP side of DirecTV, I lose the internet signal quite a bit, but my DishNetwork TV picture is still going while it's out. Pat
The 18 inch dish industry made it's hit with fold that live in areas where it wouldn't be profitable for the cable company to run it's equiptment. Like rural and semi-rural areas. Now that the prices are very low on these units there a great deal for everyone. Sometimes you can even get the unit free. ATT has alot of commercials out here in favor of digital cable. There is no comparison in value, despite the ads the dish is the better deal. I have digital cable now and thats only because my temporary residence has something blocking the southern sky. When I had my dish I was happier.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- One last question: If you are in a contract in one state, and need to move to another state, can your contract follow you or would an interstate move be a "breach of contract" that you have to pay out? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THEY BEND OVER BACKWARDS FOR YOU... http://WWW.DIRECTV.COM/yourservice/yourservicepages/0,1125,297,00.html
DIRECTV IS CHANGEABLE ON A DAILY BASIS...you can add or drop services on any day. You can disconnect totally at anytime w/credit for unused days...
...ON THE OTHER SIDE...DISH HAS FREE OFFERS (FREE BOX FREE INSTALL)...AND KTLA LOS ANGELES (WB) THAT DIRECTV AT THIS TIME WON'T SHOW UNLESS YOU LIVE IN THE LA AREA... YOU CAN HAVE DISH NETWORK AND DIRECTV SEND YOU INFORMATION...OR SEE THEIR WEB SITES. http://WWW.DIRECTV.COM/ http://WWW.DISHNETWORK.COM/
Thanks guys, so much! I've been checking out the dishnet.com website and it's looking so much better the more I research it. I can't believe I'm paying so much for cable and gettin gso little. Thanks for the links to the websites. One more silly question: Do I have to have a special TV connection or does the Dish hook-up via the same connection that my cable line hooks up to? I've never been one to invest in televisions and I'm still working off of a 2000 model RCA 19 inch with no special features.
There are no contracts with DirecTV. The only ones I have seen are where you have to promise to go 1 year with them for some special rebates. Other than those rebates, I haven't seen any contracts.
I ALREADY SAID THAT...DAY TO DAY... A SELLING POINT FOR DIRECTV VS DISH IS SPORTS... DIRECTV HAS EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS TO SOME SPORTS PACKAGES LIKE BASEBALL...
With dish network you get your local Fox sports affiliate. I catch almost all of the baseball games (Go Tribe!) between Fox Sports OH and the Local stations, plus ESPN (occasionally). George is right about Direct TV having the better sporting packages. But I get what I'm looking for from Dishnetwork. I believe they will let you start month to month, the deal to get the dish for free is what locks you in for the year.
Yea baby! 43 WUAB and the Indians. Worth any satellite fee to see that in DC. -Dave PS did we say GO TRIBE! ok well I said it again. Garfield1-2323.
