Ask Engadget HD: DISH Network or DirecTV?
By Darren Murph 
posted January 12th 2008 12:00PM
posted January 12th 2008 12:00PM
"I live in Austin, Texas and I'm considering both DirecTV and DISH Network. For me, it basically comes down to channel lineup versus hardware. Though I like DirecTV's channel selection more, from all the research I've done, DISH has the better HD DVR. I am leaning towards DISH because I think adding more HD channels is much easier than manufacturing and then distributing a new receiver. What do you guys think? Am I off base here?"
We'll be straight with you -- we're not looking to incite any sort of flame war with the above question. Indeed, it's a legitimate concern that a myriad individuals mull over on a daily basis. So we're posing the question to you, and we're looking for your input on the performance of your HD DVR, the general quality of service, appearance of HD channels and overall satisfaction. C'mon -- give poor Keith some advice to keep him from tearing any more patches of hair out, would ya?
Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Switched from Cable to Dish. Was happy. Equipment good and price was great. Quickly learned that Dish was reluctant to add new channels and annually just dropped channels and said we don't care if you want that channel just be happy we dropped it for your own good. Switched to DirecTV, equipment seems about the same to me, DirecTV has more channels (namely the channels I want). It did cost me about $15.00 more per month, but it was worth it with getting all I wanted. Have 2 Hr20's, and 2 Hr10's. Have no problems and am sticking with DirecTV. I guess it is just all in what you want.
I have just made the switch from Dish to Direct TV, they will install it next week. I cannot really compare hardware yet, but my reason behind it is that I watch lots of HD movies from Premium channels and Dish "Everything Package" has only 4 HD premium movie channels (1 HBO, 1 Showtime, 1 Starz, 1 Cimemax) while DirectTV "Premier Package" has 13 (2 HBO, 3 Showtime, 4 Starz, 2 Cinemax, 2 Movie Channel).
Plus Sci-Fi HD, Speed HD, FX HD and more that I need to have by march (Battlestar Galactica, Formula 1...) and we don't know how many months we'll have to wait to see them on Dish....it could be after the summer like it was last year for DirectTV....and I was tired to wait while spending $121.99 every month.
I'll give a comparison review on picture quality and hardware after I get Direct TV installed.
Sci-Fi HD would be nice.
I HATE DISH NETWORK. I live in Atlanta and I have sooooo many outages it isn't funny. Also, the dual tuner receiver with the RF remote was cool, until my neighbor was changing my channels! haha WTF, I'd be watching a football game and then she would change it to QVC. This went on for weeks!
The popups! - Oh the popups!Luckily, I haven't purchased any PPV boxing match or any other useless promotion by accidently hitting the select button. Maybe there is a warning confirmation alert thingy after hitting the button, but I don't want to find out.
The stupid "interactive channel" - This thing drives me crazy. There's nothing like walking by and seeing something interesting on the screen, sitting down on the couch, and accidently sitting on the remote and somehow that button gets pressed. I'm taken away from the interesting program and tuned to the slowest loading "channel" in the universe. Then I hit cancel repeatedly to get back, and it takes even longer to get back to my original channel. Frustrating!
The nightly reset/download - This thing interferes with my internet everyday. We thought it was the router at first, so we bought another one. Tried it with a different modem, same result. Wasn't a big deal at first, but I'm always up very late. So I moved it to 6 AM. Well, I got a PS3 and I love playing online. If I'm playing past 6 am, I'm kicked off 100% of the time.
My parents, my friend, and my job all have DirecTV, so I've used it for like 8-10 years. Only problem is a really bad receiver that we had at work, but it's one of the really old RCA ones. It resets itself all the time and there is a 5 sec delay between a button press on the remote to reaction on the screen. That said, I never called to get a new one, so that's on me! So def, go with DirecTV!!!! I would at my house, but I have a roommate and it's her call to what services we have.
altbananas--
You do realize that all of your problems with Dish could easily be solved by adjusting your preferences on your receiver, right???
..... if you've used Direct TV for 8-10 years and you were pleased with it.... why on earth would you get dish?? and honestly.... sound like whoever set up your dish did a piss poor job.
I would have to go directTV just because they have 3 locals in HD, and dish has none and still no plans for Indianapolis given.
If you want good customer service, DON'T GO WITH DISH NETWORK. Not only did they fail to mention when they sold me a request to upgrade to HDTV that a seperate dish was required and the signal came from a different direction. Well, due to the way my apartment is set up I can't get that signal. And this was after I had to call them, because they didn't come during their scheduled timeframe.
So I had to cance the upgrade to HDTV and told them SPECIFICALLY to refund my payment for my HD receiver back to my AMEX, and not to my bill since I have autopay already. They said, no problem. 2 weeks later, the payment was credited to my account. I wasted 8 hours of my day waiting for an installer to come install my HDTV setup which I can't get and all they gave me was a shitty $10 credit and bunch of lies.
Get DirectTV. Or Verizon FIOS tv.
DirecTv and NFL Sunday Ticket subscriber since 1999.
Great customer service, offering plenty of free services and credits when it's an error on their end.
A selection of regional sports channels second to none and almost all of them in HD.
Did I mention NFL Sunday Ticket?
Great topic and discussion!
I recently signed up for Dish over DirecTV. My thought process...
1) Yes DirecTV has more HD channels, but it's only a matter of time before Dish starts adding more. I really think the channel lineup battle will continue to go back and forth like it has for years.
2) The Dish menu system and DVR hardware is so much better than DirecTV.
3) I'm a big football and movie fan, but I just can't justify spending the money. Even if I did have DirecTV, I wouldn't get the extra channels.
4) Dish has been a lot more accommodating. The DTV customer service rubbed me the wrong way more than once
5) With all of the hardware costs when you signup, DirecTV is much more expensive.
I switched from Dish to DirecTV prior to having an HD TV. The main reason was that the Dish Network does not carry the YES Network & I'm a big Yankees fan. Now that I subscribe to the HD package I think it was an even better decision judging by the picture quality & the ease of use of their DVR. Plus I live in CT & to receive the full HD channel lineup from the Dish Network you need to have two dishes installed.
I left Dish right when the YES network launched. I went to Directv and have been happy. Not that I was not happy with Dish. Just a bigger Yankee fan then Dish fan.
DirecTV. NASCAR Hot Pass and SpeedHD being the deciding factors when I cancelled Comcast in October '07.
I got an antenna just for a couple of shows on the local cw (reaper and aliens in america). It works fine with my directv hd dvr. The only problem is that my antenna isn't great so the first week I had it set to record the signal kept dropping. After that I made sure its situated for that channel before I take off for work and it hasn't had any problems.
The HR20 sucked until a software update in the middle of last year. And it still has some glitches, but its been solid since then.
I'll be honest, I'm surprised by the comments about Dish's hardware being superior. I have used both the Dish and DirecTV HD DVRs, and I find the DirecTV one vastly superior. I see more lockups with the Dish box, and I think it's not nearly as flexible. Additionally, DirecTV's on demand content (delivered over my broadband internet) is significantly broader than Dish's. Dish has no free on demand content - it's all movie rentals.
I also agree with the comments about Sunday Ticket. If you want to watch out of market football games, DirecTV is the only choice.
Two Words: Sunday Ticket
Unfortunately for me this monopoly means thereis no comparison shopping. If, when DirecTV's contract with the NFL ends, DISH wins the contract, I will switch the same day. Both have extremely superior HD content when compared to cable and I would be happy with either. Dish does seem to be $10-$15 cheaper than DirecTV, but I am sure they would jack their rates up if they had the NFL contract.
On a side note:
One thing that confuses me is the abundance of posts claiming DirecTV has "great" customer service. It appears the only evidence to back this up is that they give stuff away free when you call and complain. I have benefitted from this as well, receiving free Showtime for 6 months when they sent me the wrong replacement receiver. I am not sure this constitutes great or even good customer service, their CSR's are often clueless about any specific subject. If you make 3 calls to them you will likely get 3 different people giving you three different answers to your question and only a 50% chance theat any of them gave you the right answer. Case in point, when DirecTV was ramping up their first big HD additions, I got 3 different dates for their release, none of which were correct. Anyway, I am not bashing DirecTV as this level of service is pretty much the norm at most companies these days, I am just pointing out that calling their customer service "Great" is a bit of an exageration.
"It appears the only evidence to back this up is that they give stuff away free when you call and complain."
Isn't that the definition of great customer service? When things are going well, you never need to call anyone, so that's great, but it's not customer service. Customer service is how the company responds when they screwed something up. If they apologize and give you compensation without a hassle, that's what I'm looking for. I would never call a company's customer support to ask when new features are going to released (like the new HD channels). These guys are making $8/hour, they have no clue - use the internet instead, you'll get better information.
As a comparison to AT&T broadband (now Comcast) -- they had a problem on their end and it took me being on the phone every day for an entire MONTH (minimum of 2-4 hours/day) before they finally fixed the problem, even though I TOLD them what the issue was each time... Once everything was properly setup, I asked for a credit and you know what the woman told me? "We don't do that, but we won't charge you for the month you didn't have service." See, that's CRAPPY customer service, IMHO.
I am a former Dish customer, switched to Cable, and yes, Dish's DVR was pretty good.
When It Worked.
Sadly, I replaced the reciever 3 times over two years, all related to DVR issues. Fast replacement times.
It is, however, the easiest DVR to use and keep track of.
I like DirectTV's interface, know this because a close family member has it. Their HD is primo stuff as well. Never saw Dish's HD because they refused to upgrade my box for free.... and im not paying 200 bucks to lease it. I would just think being a customer for 5 years with the highest package they had, maybe they coulda thrown me a bone on the deal. No Dice.
One really big con I had with Dish was the fact that when I cancelled, they made me go up on my own roof and return a piece from the Dish or be forced to pay a large amount of money for said piece. You put it up, Dish Network, why don't you come get it? Not sure if DirectTV does that as well, but I do know the firsthand experience of Dish Network.
Sry Dish, Go DirectTV.
Why do I see some homes in my area with up to three Sat Dishes in their yards are on there homes.
Some configurations of Dish Network require multiple dishes, especially if you get any of the international packages or if you want locals and you're in a smaller market. Ironically I had to get two dishes for my initial SD install three years ago ago but only one for my current HD-enabled setup with a ViP-622.
Why do I see some homes in my area with up to three Sat Dishes in their yards are on there homes.
Keith in Austin here. Thanks for all the input. I can see that it is pretty evenly divided. For those whom are wondering, I decided to go with Dish. I am sure I would have been happy either way. Seems like both have their pros and cons. I just hope we start seeing those new HD channels they teased us about coming soon. I too am a SCIFI Channel fan. Battlestar Galactica in HD...c'mon.
On another note, Anyone esle think OTA HD looks better than satellite HD?
OTA HD is less compressed than satellite. Most installers will admit that if you ask them.
This was back the the HR20 was first released (over a year ago) and since then, the firmware has had significant improvements. If you have the beta software 30 second skip has been implemented on some models.
Good conversation.
Let me just add that I just switched from Dish to DirecTV. Main reason was SpeedTV in HD (Formula 1 in HD). Another big reason was that I was being charged $100 for the same lineup as DirecTV's $70 (plus not to mention DTV has more HD channels). I called Dish and asked why are they more expensive from DTV and they said "that's what we have". They were pretty rude about it too so I figured it was time to make the switch.
One thing that no one realizes is that Dish charges $5 a month if you don't have your DVR connected to a phone line. Some of us don't use landlines anymore... Another thing is that Dish charges another $5 a month for locals in HD while DTV includes them in the lineup.
Anyways, my DTV is getting installed this Saturday so I can't wait.
$5 because there is no phone line? That is rederk.
I think those discounts are a PLUS. I already have an OTA antenna and have no problem hooking my DVR up to a phone line. $120 a year savings, cha-ching.
I have Dish network, and my parents have DirecTV.
I like the Dish VIP-622 PVR. The first one they gave me was bad, but Dish replaced it quickly, with no hassles.
Also, I recently deleted ALL of my recorded programs when I thought I was just deleting all of the recordings of one program. You can set it up to do side-by-side PIP, which my RPTV doesn't do by itself. The picture is very good, at times excellent. It seems to be better when the source format (720p vs 1080i) is the same as what you sending to the TV.
With Dish network, you can hit the Guide button to cycle through different categories of channels. For example, if you tune to a High Def channel you are subscribed to, hitting the Guide button will cycle you through showing all of the channels, all of the HD channels, and all of the channels you are subscribed to. I tend to leave it on all of the subscribed channels, so I can scroll through and look at a guide of what I actually have access to. If DirecTV can do this, I don't know how.
I like Dish network's programming and remote control over DirecTV's, but that's a matter of personal taste.
Finally, like one of the other posters, I also live in Atlanta. I have an HD outage EVERY time it rains. We haven't had a lot of rain lately, so it hasn't been as bad of a problem as it could have been!
I have one friend in town who had outage problems with Dish network, and one who had outage problems with DirecTV, so I guess it depends on the installer and the location.
Is it a MUST to have a phone line connected to the converters or is that hogwash? If I need PPV, I can order online. I have not had a home telephone for almost 6 years and that is what has recently kept me from switching from cable.
I was told by the DirecTV rep that you don't need a phone line for their system. You only need it for ordering movies which can be done via phone line or online.
Dish on the other hand, said that they absolutely need a landline or will charge you $5 a month, regardless if you plan to order movies or not.
Besides, with Netflix, who needs ordering movies from DTV/Dish.
The DISH DVRs originally required a land line or they charge a $5/month "receiver fee". However, they recently enabled the Ethernet port which does the same thing. I hooked up the Ethernet line and it's removed the additional fee and it theoretically lets me order on-demand, which I haven't tested.
I just switched from DTV to Dish the two big reasons first they fryed both of my sony hd300. Second there customer service sucks I talked to five diffrent people and got five diffrent reasons why my hd boxes dont work anymore, strange thing my SD box still works.
I'm confused by all the love given to the Dish DVR. I have moved 3 times in the last 3 years and have had the Comcast Motorola DVR, DirecTV HD Tivo, and now the Dish DVR. The Dish DVR is by far the most confusing to use. All the others took one lesson to show family members how to use them. Now that I have the Dish DVR I am constantly bombarded with questions from confused family members trying to record or watch something.
I get the following questions repeatedly:
-How do I make sure it is recording the series and not just the show?
-How do I add time to the football game?
-Turn on the game for me and restart it at the beginning while I close my eyes and hold my ears so I don't know what the current score is...
The Dish DVR menu and navigation just doesn't seem to be as intuitive.
DirecTV has great customer support, at least for me. And the new VOD service they are testing is awesome...
Well, just as suspected, DirecTV has started to parse off HD content. When 5 HD channels were mysteriously missing for 2 weeks and pursuant to a 45 minute call later, I was informed that Universal HD, Smithsonian HD, and 3 others were now an "upgrade" at $4.99 per month. I was told they were offered for free for most of the 4th quarter of 2007. So I cancelled my HBO and addded these channels at a gross loss of 5 bucks to DirectTV. Expect more of these "packages" as HD explodes with the major sat services.
I have the Directv HD/DVR and it rocks! Here's what it all boils down to - how many tv's do you want to connect? If you have 4 or less than Dish is the way to go - if you have more than 4 (or plan to add on in the future) then Directv is the way to go.
I read that EchoStar (Dish) recently bought Slingbox - so it'll be interesting to see what they come out with in the future. But Dish's customer service is pure, unadulterated crap. Dish has tied for the jd power award twice - in 6 years - Directv has HELD the title / award for 6 years.. Directv just changed their HD service around also - you get 'basic HD' about 70 channels for $9 a month, ADD $5 if you want all the new COOL ones' like Smithsonian, and some of the other new channels. So it's like adding $15 to your bill VS Dish networks cost of $20 (with less channels). Directv lets you hook up your pc to your receiver and then use your remote control to pull up pictures, videos, etc off your pc. If you like sports - DIRECTV is the only way to go. If you like HD Cartoons - then get Dish Network. Oh yeah, and Directv uses HIGH POWERED Satellites, while Dish uses LOW Powered ones...(that's in the Dish Network Corporate Handbook) - I like anything High Powered! =)
I have the Directv HD/DVR and it rocks! Here's what it all boils down to - how many tv's do you want to connect? If you have 4 or less than Dish is the way to go - if you have more than 4 (or plan to add on in the future) then Directv is the way to go.
I read that EchoStar (Dish) recently bought Slingbox - so it'll be interesting to see what they come out with in the future. But Dish's customer service is pure, unadulterated crap. Dish has tied for the jd power award twice - in 6 years - Directv has HELD the title / award for 6 years.. Directv just changed their HD service around also - you get 'basic HD' about 70 channels for $9 a month, ADD $5 if you want all the new COOL ones' like Smithsonian, and some of the other new channels. So it's like adding $15 to your bill VS Dish networks cost of $20 (with less channels). Directv lets you hook up your pc to your receiver and then use your remote control to pull up pictures, videos, etc off your pc. If you like sports - DIRECTV is the only way to go. If you like HD Cartoons - then get Dish Network. Oh yeah, and Directv uses HIGH POWERED Satellites, while Dish uses LOW Powered ones...(that's in the Dish Network Corporate Handbook) - I like anything High Powered! =)
I have the Directv HD/DVR and it rocks! Here's what it all boils down
to - how many tv's do you want to connect? If you have 4 or less than
Dish is the way to go - if you have more than 4 (or plan to add on in
the future) then Directv is the way to go.
I read that EchoStar (Dish) recently bought Slingbox - so it'll be
interesting to see what they come out with in the future. But Dish's
customer service is pure, unadulterated crap. Dish has tied for the
jd power award twice - in 6 years - Directv has HELD the title /
award for 6 years.. Directv just changed their HD service around also
- you get 'basic HD' about 70 channels for $9 a month, ADD $5 if you
want all the new COOL ones' like Smithsonian, and some of the other
new channels. So it's like adding $15 to your bill VS Dish networks
cost of $20 (with less channels). Directv lets you hook up your pc to
your receiver and then use your remote control to pull up pictures,
videos, etc off your pc. If you like sports - DIRECTV is the only
way to go. If you like HD Cartoons - then get Dish Network. Oh
yeah, and Directv uses HIGH POWERED Satellites, while Dish uses LOW
Powered ones...(that's in the Dish Network Corporate Handbook) - I
like anything High Powered! =)
As I mentioned in my previous post, I had DTV installed this weekend and I must say, I don't miss Dish. I must say though, I received close to half a dozen of calls from Dish asking why I switch and it only has been a few days...
Anyways, I feel like I must state a few obvious differences between DTV and Dish.
First, some props to Dish:
1. Dish is MUCH MUCH MUCH faster that DTV. When switching channels using DTV or when using guide, it takes twice as much time as Dish. At first it bothered me but after a few hours of using it I got used to it.
2. Secondly, I liked Dish's DVR button better than DTVs LIST and TO DO. Dish was much better organized and easier to use. Although I am not saying that DTV is more difficult to use but it requires a little more steps to accomplish the same thing (not a bid deal).
3. I have a Denon A/V receiver whose remote control I use as a learning remote to control TV, DVR, DVD, and room lighting. After I switched to DTV, I had to reprogram my remote and I just could not find a code for DTV receiver. I guess that could be due to my A/V receiver being 2 years old. I had to manually "teach" the remote all key presses using "Learn" function. I am talking about teaching it that 1 = 1, 2 = 2, power = turn on/off equipment. After about an hour of programming, I was finally able to get it to the point that every button was operational and all the macros were working properly. Again, not a big deal but with Dish, I only had to map a few buttons such as DVR, Guide, etc...
Now, on to some good things about DTV:
1. I have a power conditioner to which all equipment is connected. When idle, it shows 0.3A less with DTV than with Dish. What does that mean? Since Power=Current*Voltage, 0.3A times 120V is 40W. With Dish DVR connected as compared to DTV, it was like having a 40W light bulb constantly on 24-7. In other words, power consumption of Dish DVR is equal to power consumption of DTV DRV + having a 40W light bulb constantly on. Not bad...
2. The quality of HD content of DTV is much better. Now, I am NOT talking about Dish's HD channels in 9K channel range which they obtained from Voom. I am talking about locals. The quality of DTV seems much better although it could be my concience trying to convince me... :-)
3. From my past post, DTV does not charge extra if no phone line is connected to the receiver.
4. DTV does not charge extra for locals in HD
5. Speed in HD
6. More HD channels that you actually want to watch (Voom channels are useless); personal opinion.
Bottom line, so far I am glad I switched and I don't miss Dish a single bit.
Kris