i was with those DishNetwork turds for 7 or 8 years and got tired of the snide attitude and crappy service. at the end, when i told them i might switch to DirecTV, they said DirecTV leases all their satellite signals from them so i shouldn't bother. i had no clue if that was true or not and didn't care because i had my fill of their condescending customer service people. and canceling service only reminded me why they suck so bad. it took 10 weeks and over a dozen phone calls just to get them to issue me a return shipping label for their receiver. no exaggeration! i spoke with no less than 10 supervisors and 1 manager. all of them assuring me a return box was on the way. one time, they even gave me a tracking number to a package that was delivered to another city and state -2- years prior. then they had the gall to tell me i should have UPS put a trace on the package !?!? for a package that was shipped 2 years ago to someone else????? i figured this was a blatant attempt to later claim i never sent the receiver back to them. wouldn't put it past them. i even called my credit card company and had them change my account number so they couldn't attempt to extort money. i finally did get the return label from them and sent the receiver back to them, but only after they wasted a lot of my time. to this day, they owe me a credit i'll never get back. on several calls, i was intentionally ridiculed, then placed on hold, then hung up on after 45mn on hold. all this because i wanted to return their receiver. very childish and unprofessional behavior. which was par for the course with Dish for the 7+ years i had service with them. the final piece of comedy has been their phone solicitations asking me to return to Dish. WHY?!? for more of your b.s.??? no thanks! a horrible company with horrible employees. i'm so glad i switched to DirecTV. Dish pales by comparison in every respect. good riddance Dish!

I have had Directv for over 10 years now, and for the most part, I have liked the service...but not customer service. Being that I rarely have to interact with customer service, I have stuck with them. Both the dishes & systems I have had to purchase..no free units like what they give to new customers. My one unit died back in November ok...10 years old, they had nothing to offer, other than a refurbished unit with a lease fee. So I removed that unit from my account and did without. Now the second unit has failed, only two years old at a cost of $400, out of warranty and same BS as before. I was hassled when I called in to suspend the service temporarily since I way of watching my Directv service. I only wanted to suspend it until I could find a solution sometime later this week. I had intended later this year to upgrade to the HD systems later in the year, but I'm not really ready to do that right now. In any case, the foreign speaking rep that I talked to that gave me grief and has nothing to offer me as far a equipment. However he wanted me to keep the service on till I got new equipment, what a joke. (I have no ongoing contact with them, I fulfilled my agreement with them - 10 years ago and can leave at any time.) Service is now suspended at my request/demand. So I submitted a request online with them about the failed equipment, what I wanted, and could they provide any recommendations. Their reply was to go online and figure it out yourself. If I'm not satisfied with that I can call them again....and they will see what they can do at what price. What a joke. I've had issues customer service there in the past, but since I rarely have to deal with them I've just dealt with it. But I can't stand dealing with companies that provide inadequate unacceptable customer service. Why would anyone suggest that you keep your service on that you can't use. As we all know, you just can't go out and buy a new box, plug it in turn it on and have it work without having to call them to turn it on. So Monday, I'll be calling them back...no choice..and canceling my service with them. I just can't deal with that mentality were customers are teated as the problem and how dare you as a customer call in and ask us for help.
So I hope to go out and find a Dish Network system. Hopefully Dish network will be a bit more responsive...or I'll be going back to my roof antenna with my 4 or 5 channels.

Oh, and one more thing there should be a rating of 0 Stars here! Customer service 0 - leave customer service out of the picture...probably a 4. If you never have to deal with customer service, you'll love the satellite service. If you ever have to deal with them, you'll hate it.

we switched from dish to cable due to the great deal on their cable-internet-phone packages, however my husband hates the picture so we bought direct hd, in addition to cable, for one tv so he can watch ballgames. after 5 months of problems and a horrible picture, we are canceling direct and going back to dish. i sure hope dish carries all the st louis cardinal games that he wants to watch!

After about a year of service, my DVR failed for a second time. After 45min of troubleshooting with customer service, they requested 1 additional test, then they would send a new DVR. I called back after the test failed and was informed by a supervisor that they never replace DVRs with my troublecode without a service visit, which will run about $75. After further conversation, I found they had been billing me for an additional receiver that I never ordered or received. I finally cancelled my service, figuring I'd pay a termination fee and be done with DircTV. I was wrong. Apparently as the supervisor was messing and unmessing my account, she re-activated an existing receiver, which reset my contract date. After much discussion after receipt of the high cancellation fee, the service rep agreed that the service date was false, but would have to forward the info to investigations, who would then follow up with me. Weeks later, I received a call not from investigations, but from a collections agency. A call to DirecTV revealed that the investigator simply rejected the claim. I put in for further investigation... the saga continues

Dish network has continued to decline. Their customer service is horrible and now they elimated voom HD channels from their line up. I will be switching to Direct.

I soured on DIRECTV when they continued to charge my credit card for several months after I had moved and had canceled my service. I was in another city for medical treatment and somewhat inattentive to what was happening. Despite numerous contacts they failed to make amends for the over $300 in invalid charges. In selecting another service after returning from that absence I was influenced by Dish Network's inclusion of the VOOM channels. We were exceptionally pleased with the content and resolution of the several VOOM channels. They came to represent at least half of our TV watching. Last month dish Network abruptly ceased carriage of the 15 VOOM channels. We are greatly irritated by this action and that irritation will prompt us to quickly switch to any other service available which includes the VOOM channels. In the meantime in our experience neither of the two carriers here discussed is worthy of recommendation.

I soured on DIRECTV when they continued to charge my credit card for several months after I had moved and had canceled my service. I was in another city for medical treatment and somewhat inattentive to what was happening. Despite numerous contacts they failed to make amends for the over $300 in invalid charges. In selecting another service after returning from that absence I was influenced by Dish Network's inclusion of the VOOM channels. We were exceptionally pleased with the content and resolution of the several VOOM channels. They came to represent at least half of our TV watching. Last month dish Network abruptly ceased carriage of the 15 VOOM channels. We are greatly irritated by this action and that irritation will prompt us to quickly switch to any other service available which includes the VOOM channels. In the meantime in our experience neither of the two carriers here discussed is worthy of recommendation.

I soured on DIRECTV when they continued to charge my credit card for several months after I had moved and had canceled my service. I was in another city for medical treatment and somewhat inattentive to what was happening. Despite numerous contacts they failed to make amends for the over $300 in invalid charges. In selecting another service after returning from that absence I was influenced by Dish Network's inclusion of the VOOM channels. We were exceptionally pleased with the content and resolution of the several VOOM channels. They came to represent at least half of our TV watching. Last month dish Network abruptly ceased carriage of the 15 VOOM channels. We are greatly irritated by this action and that irritation will prompt us to quickly switch to any other service available which includes the VOOM channels. In the meantime in our experience neither of the two carriers here discussed is worthy of recommendation.

I have only had Direct TV for a little over two months. Moved from DishNetwork. I think I may have made a BIG mistake. Now I am committed to two years with Direct TV. I moved because I wanted the more HD channels they offered. they might have more HD channels but their receivers aren't worth bringing home. I have a HD H21-100 and HD HR21-100(DVR). I called on the DVR the first week. It kept locking up. It seems to have gotten better, I don't know if they sent a new update to it or not. But don't get the plain HD receiver. They don't tell you that every time the electricity blinks that you will have to go through a complete setup of the receiver each time. You better hope it doesn't happen more than once in a day or that is all you will be doing. You have to go through and choose what dish you have outside, your zip code, then some numbers punched in using also the mute and channel up/down and select keys. Several continues. Then waiting for each satellite to pick up their signal. After all this then you will need to go back and reset your HD statuses, such as screen ratio, crop, stretch etc and other stuff. Then if that isn't enough if you buy an RF remote separately (because only and IR comes with) you will need to reprogram it to work and if you have a DVD or surround sound hooked you will need to reprogram that too to the remote. What a headache. I have called several times. Was told that is the way the receiver is (this is the TIVO version for DirectTV receiver) and won't be any different. I can either upgrade to a HD DVR and pay $200 more or downgrade to a standard receiver or buy a UPS and hook to it so the power is never interupted again. Needless to say that as soon as my subscription is up I will more than likely go back to DishNetwork unless there are changes made in the receivers. Also, I was told how TIVO and their products are so much better in searches and everything. I don't think so. DishNetwork receivers are so much easier to use. The only beef I had with Dish's was if a show lasted longer or changed time it would cut it off or tape the wrong program. But with as many problems I have had (there has also been billing problems with overcharging too) in the two months, I sure don't look forward to the other 22 months with DIRECT TV.

Tivo no longer exist.

With the new DVR, you can't switch from 1 program to another without first recording it.

We have had DISH Network for several years and have had nothing but good experiences so far with them. We switched from cable and started out paying the same fees for DISH and over 80 channels that we had been paying for basic cable. It was really a no-brainer when it came to making the switch. Additionally, their customer service has been outstanding; when I complained recently that we lost a signal every time it rained, they sent out a tech who ended up replacing something on the dish and we've not lost the signal since - over three months and several wind and rain storms ago. We're not too sports crazy in our home, so we're not all that interested in the extra sports packages offered by either DISH or DirectTV. I think that's one reason we're so happy with DISH; we aren't depending on them for much in the way of sports programming.

What I really resent about DirectTV, and what makes me skeptical about everything they say in their television ads is that their mailed promotional material in our area appears to be a bill. It arrives in an envelope which is labeled, "Urgent - Open immediately," "Act now to prevent cancellation of your account," or "Important information about your account enclosed." It is deceptive and misleading. If this advertising ploy represents the company, then I don't want anything to do with them. That gimmick alone - mailing me what seems to be a bill - has put me off of ever reading what they send to us or trust what they have to say in their television ads. It has had the effect of keeping me loyal to DISH Network.

I'm very happy with the service, channel selection, and support we've gotten through DISH. I recommend it all the time.

We've had Dish Network so long now I can't even remember when we didn't. I only know we dumped Comcast fr it. We've had virtually no problems with our sets. One of them we use for our RV and that has been a lifesaver for us. Getting weather in the 'outback' of Nevada has kept us out of trouble many times. It's always been relatively easy to set up our dish when on trips.

The home DVR is set up with two TV's. One in the living room and one in our office. Works great. Now I'm going to mount another dish on my shop and use the RV box to run it when we're not out on a trip. I can't wait. I'll use it mainly for music out there, and since Dish has their music PLUS Sirius Satellite music, there's no problem finding a music channel I like.

I'm sure DirecTV is pretty much the same, but we've been loyal Dish subscribers for years and see no reason to change. Their customer service has always been very good, the few times we needed to call them, and, as someone else mentioned, the people on the other end always speak English.

It took a while to get used to subtle differences between DIRECTV & Dish Network. They both have their pros & cons. With DIRECTV I really like the TiVo system I got. It was the first time I could record two shows at once, or record one show and watch another. This was probably the best part. What I didn't like was the Guide. My biggest complaint is that it doesn't show channels in red that you don't have like Dish Network does. So you never really knew if you had a channel unless you clicked on it and got a message. Plus it only allow on favorite list and you had to wade through some menu options to change your favorite list.

I just had my Dishnetwork installed. I am very pleased. I have never seen a television HD (high definition) so clear and rich in color (a little dark tint, like a cloudy weather type pictures, nevertheless, awesome). Granted, I purchased Samsung 58” plasma 1080p, (that makes all the difference in the world of high definition. I used Comcast Cable for over 10 years and DirecTV for two weeks; none came close to picture quality and clarity. Even my wife who did not care much about TV pictures acknowledged that she was blown away by the level of high definition. For a moment I thought I was watching one of my Bluray HD movies. It was that close. I know the transmission is not any more than 1080i, but those VOOM channels look like 1080p. The 2in1 DVR HD was awesome, but second TV extension, a regular digital reception is nothing to write home about. Installation was November, 12 2007, I have not experienced the weather problems everyone talks about yet and I anticipate that, because the installation technician explained that given that satellite receives signal from above the earth, you should expect interruption in service in a very bad weather (dark clouds, take-the-house-down type of rain). With DirecTV, we have to wake up at 6 AM to watch preprogrammed Pay per view movies. If I don’t come back early enough from work I could miss the afternoon pay per view movies, because they ended at 6 PM. That and a bunch of customer service personnel that tell you one thing and after installation, the language changes to something else. I obtained my service from AT&T Bundle with DirecTV. Please do not go that route, because you cannot hold anyone responsible for what was quoted to you and what DirecTV says afterwards. You have to deal with DirecTV later. After the installation, believe me, you are on your own. An 18 months commitment to cancel within 2 weeks is a joke. Once signed up, it turns into two years agreement and all those free installation is not free anymore. My two hundred dollars refundable equipment lease for additional HD receivers, became installation charge when I called to cancel within allowed time. Then customer’s service refers you to corporate office to fight to get your money back if you did’t agree. Think twice about what sales people tell you to get you to sign up. All that 70 plus HD; it’s a sales pitch. They count pay per view that you may not subscribe to, as part of the 70 plus HD. If you have a good 1080p TV, forget cable and DirecTV, go with Dish Network. Their HD channels are grouped together so if you don’t want to watch regular digital, you flip on HD only. It is cheaper too! I regret not doing this sooner. My house has a very clear view of the earth, no obstructions, I might add. Goodluck!

I have had DISH NETWORK for 8 years now and they have wonderful prices and customer service! When I need help i get someone who speaks english! switch to dish network NOW!

Switched from cable several years ago, and love it. Moved to Michigan and had tons of trees on my property and couldn't get my dish installed. We hated having cable again. Moved back to Indy, and have DirecTV again and would recommend it to anyone. My Father in Law has the Dish Network, and hates it, and will get rid of it after his contract expires. He will be switching shortly. I've used his system and he doesn't get near the channels, or options on his system for the price that we do with DirecTV.

I think Direct TV is good.
I prefer TIVO to Dish's DVR.
I like Direct TV.

i have had dish network for 5 years i love it i pay $95.00 a month i have the everything pack locals and superstation pack i tell every on here to change to it are cabel here sucks its off almost every sunday night and there chanels that play more than one channel at the same time.
i payed $95 for cable for 40 channels that sucks

I dumped Comcast for DirecTV about 4 years ago. I had to do it while my wife was away or she would have never allowed it. We have been happy ever since. Even added the DirecTV-Tivo's to our home. When we moved, I asked my wife if she wanted to move back to Comcast, she flat out refused, even though we have broadband through them. So we used the "Movers Package." This was great! We purchased a new Tivo unit for $50 (Half Price), then had dual lines run to 3 rooms for the Tivos, and a single line run to the third bedroom. 7 Lines total plus a $250 mutliswtich, all for free. You can't complain about that! And the customer service has been excellent. I even got Vonage to work with all of the systems! I cannot recomend DirecTV enough.

Other than the turned our service off when we failed to read the junk mail that had an additional new "yellow" card included, they have been a very good no hassel provider. we pay by the year for additional savings.

The service is good but the support is terrible and they will charge you outragous prices for any new equipment you need.

I have had Directv for about 9 years now with no complaints. However, this was pre-TiVo. I installed my first system myself; running cables to the 4 TV's and phone lines to each receiver.
I moved to another house abour 2 years ago and decided to get the free "professional" installation because I was too old and tired to do it myself.
The installers (contracted by Directv) seemed like they just got out of jail and they were trying to make alittle money to start their own biker gang. Installation went OK, however they said they wont installed the phone line to the extra box like it will benefit me. I have heard this from other people who had their Directv installed. Don't listen to them, they are just lazy. You need a phone line connected to each receiver or else once you turn the box off, you will have to call Directv back, have a phone line connected to it, and they will "zap" the box so it will work again.
As far as the programming and service, I have no problems. I was very happy with everything. I just moved again and I am thinking of switching to Dish Network because their is no contract, DVR is free for 2 rooms, the price is a few dollars cheaper, and the main reason is because of the Hawaiian music channel. It will be nice to have it to remind me of home.
I will have to update you on Dish Network after about a month of service. If I don't like it, I will switch back to Directv as soon as possible

jofa90@hotmail.com

oh yahh....one more thing...

DISH Network broadcasts as many as 231 NFL pre-season, regular season and post-season playoff games without having to purchase a costly season package subscription!

Dish Network was launched in December of 1995. It reached its first million customers at the end of 1997 and today it is the fastest growing pay television provider in the nation.

No complaint at all..

I had opportunity to owned both the systems and they are both great in respect to what they offers. Both are unique, Service is Great; it all depends on what you are looking for in a service.

Benefits comparison -

Plus for Direct TV: - Sunday NFL package (three Months) and College March Madness Basketball.

Plus for Dish Network: - Price, More package options, customer service and did I state Price.

Dish network offers better price and more Package options and better service. Direct TV has little bit more to offer if you are looking for Sports.

They are both winners in my book (I would like to Rate Dish Network 4 and Direct TV 3)

Unfortunately I can only select one of the service providers… maybe in future you should consider revising your website so that we can comment on both services and rate both Service provider at same time.

I can only comment on Dish Network because that who I have my service with. I would say that most of the customer who have service with Dish Network would not have anything negative to say about the service. I give 4 stars to Dish Network….

Deggi Man

I think both Direct TV and Dish Network are great.
They are both good I would give Direct TV 3.25.

Clearly Dish network wins bragging rights. It has been that way for few years now and it only will improve not that it needs any.

Direct TV is close but not close enough to take over. When it comes to Satellite Television Dish Network wins the skirmish.

I had Dish Network for last 4 years and I can’t say enough about the service. Customer comes first with dish network and their prices are great compare to Direct TV. One other thing is that Dish network offers more packages so you have more options to select from.

For those of you who can’t make up your mind then you need to know only one thing; if you are BIG NFL fan and absolutely can’t live without football on Sundays then I would say you can select Direct TV (If you want to order NFL Sunday Package for three months). Just remember a Direct TV option also comes with horrible service and your wallet will take a big hit monthly. For those of us who can get by with 3 to 4 games on local NFL channels then Dish Network is the correct choice.

If you look at the markets review right now only Dish Network has been steady from the start. It has built it reputation on excellent service. I think that it will continue to do so since it want to be right on top every year. If you look at today more and more people are switching to Satellite Services. I personally think within 5 to 7 years Satellite customer will be quadrupled.

If you are going to compare Direct TV and Dish Network then Dish Network is the one I would pick. No doubt about it…Dish Network

I ONLY use my local Cable Service for High speed Internet and Voice Over IP (phone Service).

Folks that all I had to say…off to another discussion….

Take care,
Dan

I had Direct TV and just recently (5+ Month ago) switched to Dish Network and I only have one thing to say is that I should have made the switch long time ago. They’re more options/package especially for international channels. Service and Price are better then Direct TV. I rate Dish Network as superior…

Excellent Service; Dish Network recently lost only Cricket to Direct TV. In few years it will come back to dish network. Price is excellent and you have more options with Dish then direct TV. The only benefit of Direct TV is Sunday NFL tickets and MARCH madness. If you are looking for package with little of everything then Dish network should be your choice. I highly recommend it. Especially if are looking for south Asian channels. Dish network Offers lots of package with south Asian channels (SET, SETMAX, TV ASIA, ZEE TV, ZEE Movies, B4U Movies, SUN TV and many other regional channels compare that to Direct TV (only one good channel STAR TV).

I love the pricing and quality of Dish Network. Service has always been great. My only complaint is that they offer all these nice freebies to new subscribers but it costs money to get these features added later. I have found that if you tell them you want to quit they will transfer you to an "account specialist" to give you good deals to entice you to stay.

Oh, one other thing. I tried calling support one time and got tired of being on hold. So I used their email support and never did get a response to this day.