Hmmm, what should I do...

[pinkertonfloyd]

Here's the problem I have.

I'm currently with Dish Network (been practically since launch).

Right Now I have 2 units, the infamous DishPlayer (The MSN one, 7200). And a 6000 HD box with all the add ons. My Dish is a 500 Dual ONBF, 2 Outputs, and a DirectTV "clearance rack" one on 148 with a SW21 connecting the two.

Here's the problem...

I like the dish service... and I need to add another box, but well, right now I'll need to find a legacy SW44 Switch (hard to find) or a Legacy 4 Out DLNBF + Reciever.

So... I started looking at D*'s deal with an HD receiver and 2 rooms for $299.

I'm not too happy with my 6000 Unit (it's short term-memory, and how it loves to "lose" local HDTV channels, but the HDTV "off the bird" is damn good.
And Of course the Dishplayer, it's been okay for me, I don't use it for recording (after the freebee year ended). But It does love to screw up at the worse times.

Sooooo... (yeah I know, this is one of the stupid questions), should I spend the money and time adding a unit to my E* system (which is starting to be horribly outdated), and E* doesn't seem to offer any "real" upgrade prices... Or should I go the way of D*.

How is the HDTV unit (I think it's the Samsung), especially for local channels (which the 6000 is horrible sometimes... even with a high signal). And is D* picture quality on par with E*?

Thanks!

[mwgiii]

E has the 811 for lease for $50 shipping and $5/month lease fee.

[Phil T]

I went from a 6000, Dishplayer 7100 and 501 to two DirecTivos and a Samsung 360. It cost me next to nothing and I am very happy.

I got the DirectTivo's last November from Circuit City for $49.00 each plus $200.00 in rebates. I kept my 6000 subscribed to dish for $15.00 a month until March. I then called DirecTV customer retention and told them I had Dish for HD only and asked what they could do for me. I got the Samsung for $68.00 installed.

The Samsung 360 has been great for me. It has a better OTA tuner and local HD in the guide. Some people report heat related problems, but I have never had any.

Bottom Line - Very happy I made the switch.

[Mark Holtz]

I had Dish from 9/01-8/03, and now DirecTV since 8/03. But part of the consideration of Dish was because of your good experience a few years ago.

Right now, the HD-DVRs from both Dish Network and DirecTV cost a lot, but DirecTV has some excellent new subscriber deals. You will need a triple-LNB dish anyways because of the HD-TV content. I don't know about the HD receivers, but for SD receivers, the standalones are free and the DirecTiVos are $49-$99, and are easily expandable.

On a personal note: Pinkerton, give me a call sometime. We need to catch up on a lot of things.

[mini1]

Make the switch to DirecTV, esp if you like DVR's-as they are the home of the real DVR. I know you will be surprised at home much better Tivo is, then your digital VCR. You are correct in saying your system is outdated, its time for an update and a new service provider.

[Mike Richardson]

I know you will be surprised at home much better Tivo is, then your digital VCR.

I am still trying to find where you put the tape into the 501. There's an accessory port on the back, but I'd have to squeeze the tape through all of those little holes. :lol:

[pinkertonfloyd]

Believe it or not, I never used my DishPlayer much... if I did it would be on HDTV, and $1000 bucks isn't worth it.

I finally found a shop that was able to let me play with a working Direct HD box... it's not bad, not bad at all. Now... who's got the best deal on a HD Box (Samsun 360?) and a couple plain jane boxes?

[pinkertonfloyd]

See the state fair forum... I'm signed up for DirectTV HD Box, 2 Standard Boxes for $221.80... w/tax. Install is on Monday... West Coast Satellites.