Satellite TV Forum: DIRECTV vs Dish Network

Hello All! I am looking for some advice.

We had a contract with DirecTV but we moved to a rental where we couldn't use DirecTV so the contract has been suspended for 2 yrs. We recently bought a house which has a Dish Network dish installed. My wife contacted DirecTV & they have been giving her a hard time. They tell her that if we want to have service to 4 rooms in the house that we need to rent 3 more DVR/receivers & that our contract (currently 2 yrs) will extend 2 more yrs for each of the additional units. Also that they need to drill & install wires for 2 of the rooms, which really set her off.

My ? is, is all of this necessary? Is DirecTV behind the times from an equipment/technology standpoint? My understanding is Dish Network & AT&T Uverse can service multiple rooms with 1 unit.

If this is true, I'd like to just chuck DirecTV. Actually, they have been acting more like a cable company! Are there any guidelines for buying out your contract (affordably)? My wife says they play hardball & ruin your credit if you don't do a buyout.

TIA

Steve

Dish Network does have a receiver that works in two different rooms, so if you wanted it in 4 rooms you would need at least two receivers. But you still need the necessary wiring to connect your TVs.

How far into your contract are you with DIRECTV? If it were me, I would wait it out if possible, then switch when my contact ended. I generally switch every two years because both companies seem to be more interested in me as a new customer than existing customer. I get all new equipment free, plus the latest promotional discounts, whereas if I were to stay, I'm stuck paying if want the latest & greatest equipment and I don't get the discounts offered to new customers. Who cares, just keep putting new holes in my roof!

It is advisable to finish your contract with Direct TV then switch to Dish Network then after your contract with Dish Network switch back to Direct TV. Both providers are good they only differ on how you will use their equipments and how you will enjoy their programming. Budget wise? They are almost the same.

I think DIRECTV is moving in the right direction. DIRECTV has cutting edge technology in the making. With another satellite launched in orbit, more HD channels are now available. Muti Room Viewing is the latest service product debut of what will become standard in our modern day household. The cabling DIRECTV uses is RG6 and is compatible with newer built homes. Jump on the bandwagon early and experience a ride of a lifetime with DIRECTV.

I wonder why the network providers offers some HD channels but when it comes to contract, they're so strict. Is there any idea about the satellite tv comparison? which do you prefer direct tv or dish network?

Also, some things that have not been mentioned regarding Direct vs Dish:

1) DirectTV supports full 1080P resolutions, whereas Dish only supports up to 1080i. So, does it make a difference? Absolutely, especially when watching action movies and also is required in order to watch 3D HD movies and TV shows. You don't see Dish offering those two features.

2) DirectTV has the ability to support two or more TVs in 1080P, Dish does not offer this, nor can they support 1080P (as mentioned above)

3) DirectTV is $20 cheaper per month compared to Dish (comparable plans using Choice Ultimate package (Direct) vs America's Top 200 (Dish) as my specific preference)

4) DirectTV HMC HD DVR system can record up to FIVE programs at one time! O.o Dish can't come close with only being able to record two at a time.

I am currently a Dish customer and am planning on switching over next week, right before my Dish contract runs out on 1 Jan 2012

DirectTV is cheaper and provides much better equipment, 3D, and HD solutions! How can you lose with a deal like that!?