Considering switching back to cable

[cgwaters]

About four years ago, I switched from a local cable provider to Dish. I'm seriously thinking about changing to RCN cable, for the following reasons:

1. HDTV programming. I currently subscribe to Dish's HDTV programming. I cannot receive local OTA HDTV. I can't get any information out of Dish as to their future plans for local network affiliate HDTV programming; I can only assume they have no plans to offer it in my area....or it will be many, many months until it becomes a reality. RCN includes local network affiliate HDTV programming. They also seem to offer the same limited HDTV programming I'm currently getting from Dish.

2. DVR. Dish does not offer a lease for their HD DVR--or they aren't making it available to me, at least. The 921 would be my preference, but they don't seem to offer it anymore. Purchasing the DVR outright is cost-prohibitive. RCN offers a Motorola HD DVR for a monthly lease. I figure with a lease, I won't be stuck with obsolete hardware if/when the compression standard changes. Not sure how it compares to the 921 or 942.

3. Price. From the comparisons I've done, RCN pricing seems to be about on-par with Dish.

Can anyone offer comments as to why I should switch of why I should stay? Is there anything further I should consider before switching?

I guess I'm mostly frustrated over the lack of information from Dish. Heck, even DirecTV seems to be more forthcoming with their HDTV plans--whether they are realistic or not, I don't know.

[RAD]

I'd recommend getting cable but do not cancel E* until you have a chance to evaulate the actual service in your home. PQ of cable can very greatly from house to house within the same city. Yea, you'll be paying double for a few weeks but it's worth it in case you don't like it.

[finniganps]

You can also simply downgrade you current package with Dish down to the bare minimum locals and the charge for doing so is only $5 while you evaluate cable. If cable doesn't work out, you just go back to Dish.

[cgwaters]

I'd recommend getting cable but do not cancel E* until you have a chance to evaulate the actual service in your home. PQ of cable can very greatly from house to house within the same city. Yea, you'll be paying double for a few weeks but it's worth it in case you don't like it.
Good idea, but that would necessitate another run of coax. I figured RCN would re-use the existing coax. Dish re-used the existing former cable provider's coax when they set me up a few years ago.

[cgwaters]

You can also simply downgrade you current package with Dish down to the bare minimum locals and the charge for doing so is only $5 while you evaluate cable. If cable doesn't work out, you just go back to Dish.
Good point. I suppose otherwise that going back to Dish would incur another installation visit--if not an installation charge.

I had thought it best to stay with one provider. I'm not sure that's realistic or in my best interest any longer. If I switch to RCN, I may come back to Dish or DTV if/when they offer similar services. In the meantime, what would I do with my two Dish receivers (301 and 811) and the dish itself?

[bcampbell]

I as well cannot receive HD Networks over the air and have the Dish HD Package (not Voom). Because of where my SuperDish is positioned I can't get the CBS HD nor any other Network HD. My cable company is offering HD for CBS and ABC and soon NBC thus thinking of giving up as I can't get a straight answer as to when I might be able to get HD Network through Dish without adding more dishes etc. Hopefully somebody has some anwers as I hate to give up the DISH.

[cgwaters]

I as well cannot receive HD Networks over the air and have the Dish HD Package (not Voom). Because of where my SuperDish is positioned I can't get the CBS HD nor any other Network HD. My cable company is offering HD for CBS and ABC and soon NBC thus thinking of giving up as I can't get a straight answer as to when I might be able to get HD Network through Dish without adding more dishes etc. Hopefully somebody has some anwers as I hate to give up the DISH.
Glad to hear I'm not the only one thinking about this.

What will you lose if you "give up the DISH"?

[cgwaters]

Not sure if it matters, but I'm also considering adding a PC-based PVR--perhaps instead of a service provider's DVR. So the service provider's receiver/box would need to be control-able via an IR Blaster.

The main drawback of a PC-based PVR is that it can't record HDTV content; only the service provider's DVR can do that. Not sure recording non-OTA HDTV content will ever become a reality for PC-based PVRs.

Still, I like the idea of having a PC connected to my entertainment system--for easy access to my music collection, photos, downloaded video, etc. If it could record non-OTA HDTV content, it would be a no-brainer over a service provider's DVR.

<sigh> There just doesn't seem to be a good all-in-one solution. </sigh>

[Regen]

I as well cannot receive HD Networks over the air and have the Dish HD Package (not Voom). Because of where my SuperDish is positioned I can't get the CBS HD nor any other Network HD. My cable company is offering HD for CBS and ABC and soon NBC thus thinking of giving up as I can't get a straight answer as to when I might be able to get HD Network through Dish without adding more dishes etc. Hopefully somebody has some anwers as I hate to give up the DISH.

Its nothing to do with the positioning of your Super Dish, E* doesnt carry HD locals, and right now the only way for you to get your locals in HD would be from a off air HD antenna, I would not be surprised if E* starts to carry HD locals in select markets soon though

[Ghostwriter]

Well I am on the fence right now with Dish also. But what I did was add an off-air antenna, buy 2 diplexers and you don't even need another coas run. Plug that OTA signal into your 811 and you get all the majors in HD and the program guide for your locals will also show on the EPG of the 811.