Possible move from Dish to DTV, but questions remain...

[Rondo1]

Ok guys, maybe you can help me out here. I've been with Dish Network for 10 years now and really dont want to leave them because I've liked their service and I have a lot of hardware that I really dont want to change. But -- we dont always get what we want, do we? :confused:

So here's my issue that I'm hoping you all can help me answer.....

1) What's my total cost? What is my initial outlay and what is my monthly cost?
2) For those that have moved - whats your opinion of the new DVR vs Dish DVRs?

First #1. I have a lot of hardware but can't figure out what my darn costs are. The website won't let you do anything custom. Here's what I want:

- Premiere Package (93.99)
- Local Channels (???)
- HD Package (10.99)
- 1 dtv box (???)
- 2 dtv dvr boxes (???)
- 1 dtv HD dvr box (???)
- service fee per box (???)
- necessary switches for up to 8 boxes (entire house is wired, allowing me to move box around house if necessary)

Then #2. I've grown used to my Dish DVR boxes, but hey I'm willing to change as long as the new stuff WORKS. For those of you that have moved from Dish Network to DirecTV, what was your experience moving to the new DirecTV boxes? I've heard that they've had their share of issues, since they are not the old TIVO boxes anymore. Anyone care to share their conversion story?

Thanks for your answers folks! I'm looking forward to hearing from you.

-Ron

[NKy.Yall]

Ok guys, maybe you can help me out here. I've been with Dish Network for 10 years now and really dont want to leave them because I've liked their service and I have a lot of hardware that I really dont want to change. But -- we dont always get what we want, do we? :confused:

So here's my issue that I'm hoping you all can help me answer.....

1) What's my total cost? What is my initial outlay and what is my monthly cost?
2) For those that have moved - whats your opinion of the new DVR vs Dish DVRs?

First #1. I have a lot of hardware but can't figure out what my darn costs are. The website won't let you do anything custom. Here's what I want:

- Premiere Package (93.99)
- Local Channels (???)
- HD Package (10.99)
- 1 dtv box (???)
- 2 dtv dvr boxes (???)
- 1 dtv HD dvr box (???)
- service fee per box (???)
- necessary switches for up to 8 boxes (entire house is wired, allowing me to move box around house if necessary)

Then #2. I've grown used to my Dish DVR boxes, but hey I'm willing to change as long as the new stuff WORKS. For those of you that have moved from Dish Network to DirecTV, what was your experience moving to the new DirecTV boxes? I've heard that they've had their share of issues, since they are not the old TIVO boxes anymore. Anyone care to share their conversion story?

Thanks for your answers folks! I'm looking forward to hearing from you.

-Ron



Ron,I switched a few weeks ago after 5 yrs. with E*, my set up was a little less complicated than yours,I got one H-20 {The new MPEG-4 HD Receiver that D* has and 2 stand alone`s}. A friend of mine called D* and told them he was thinking about switching over from E* and they gave him a little better deal {they really like getting customers from Charlie land}. I like the service,once I figured out all the remote`s functions and what was what.As far as problems goes,no one is perfect I guess D* has there share but then again some people just are not happy unless they got something to complain about.Summary; I switched and I`m glad I did,I`m a happy camper and next Football season I will have the Sunday Ticket with all games broadcast in HD !!!!! Plus all the other channels E* dropped as well.Good luck with your choice

[ScoB]

something tell me that if you call DirecTV and tell them your story they will try to work something out for you that makes sense -

wouldn't you?

[carl6]

1) What's my total cost? What is my initial outlay and what is my monthly cost?
2) For those that have moved - whats your opinion of the new DVR vs Dish DVRs?

First #1. I have a lot of hardware but can't figure out what my darn costs are. The website won't let you do anything custom. Here's what I want:

- Premiere Package (93.99)
- Local Channels (???)
- HD Package (10.99)
- 1 dtv box (???)
- 2 dtv dvr boxes (???)
- 1 dtv HD dvr box (???)
- service fee per box (???)
- necessary switches for up to 8 boxes (entire house is wired, allowing me to move box around house if necessary)

Local channels are an additional $3 for the account (not each rcvr)
One receiver is included in the basic cost. Additional receivers/dvrs are $5 per month.
DVR fee is $6 per month for the account. Covers all dvrs.

So your total would be an additional $24 per month (3 x $5, plus $3 plus $6).

As for entire house being wired, you may need additional wiring. You will need TWO lines to each DVR location, possibly 3 to the HD dvr location (extra line for OTA antenna).

Seattle will get the new MPEG4 with high def locals sometime in April or maybe May. Right this moment, you will get the HR10-250 high def DVR, which does not get the mpeg4 stream, but will record high def ota. Depending on where you are actually located, you may or may not get reliable over the air reception of high def from the broadcasters. 4, 5 and 7 are on Queen Anne Hill. 13 is near Bremerton. There are also a couple on Capitol Hill. If you have fairly clear view to those locations, you will have no problem with ota. If you have a significant hill between your house and any of those locations, you might have problems.

You should be able to get installation, to include the multiswitch, for free.

I can't comment about switching from E* to D*, but I do have 2 of the new R15 SD dvr's, and I'm quite happy with them overall. I have had one problem that required a reset, in nearly 3 months of use.

Carl

[Rondo1]

Hey everyone thanks much for the answers and info. This is exactly what I wanted to know. Fortunately, for me, I thought ahead when the house was wired and we do have two lines wired to every single room in the house (with Dish I'm only using 1 currently). So I'm guessing that all of the DVRs are dual tuners (hence the need for 2 wires for each box)?

There was a time when I wouldn't move because I just assumed that the price to replace my hardware would be astronomical. But now maybe that is not the case.

One other question - the DVRs that come with DTV, are their recording settings based on event or time? Dish boxes are time based, so if your planned recording is at 8pm-9pm its going to record at that time no matter what is playing. TIVO was always smart enough to know that if the program guide said something other than what you wanted to record - it would not record. Did this functionality come over to the new DTV DVR as well?

Thanks all!

[lee1203]

Hey everyone thanks much for the answers and info. This is exactly what I wanted to know. Fortunately, for me, I thought ahead when the house was wired and we do have two lines wired to every single room in the house (with Dish I'm only using 1 currently). So I'm guessing that all of the DVRs are dual tuners (hence the need for 2 wires for each box)?

There was a time when I wouldn't move because I just assumed that the price to replace my hardware would be astronomical. But now maybe that is not the case.

One other question - the DVRs that come with DTV, are their recording settings based on event or time? Dish boxes are time based, so if your planned recording is at 8pm-9pm its going to record at that time no matter what is playing. TIVO was always smart enough to know that if the program guide said something other than what you wanted to record - it would not record. Did this functionality come over to the new DTV DVR as well?

Thanks all!they are Event based all DIRECTV DVRS are Event based

[fredo]

Locals are included in all the Total Choice packages now, you don't have to pay extra for locals.

[newsposter]

here's the new rates as of 3/1/06

http://www.satelliteguys.us/showthread.php?t=53387

I love my HDtivo but have never used dish so cant compare. I do know if you can't get OTA, then you are out of luck for a DVR for HD locals until the new one comes out. However the good news is any NON local HD channels IE TNT will be in mpeg2 unti mpeg2 is turned off, which should be a few years.

I dont know anything about the SD DVRs as I've only used tivo. I think from what I hear you wont have a problem since you never had tivo. It's the people that had tivo that went to DVR that hate it :)

[carl6]

One more comment. Yo are going to have to pay something for the HD DVR or HD receiver (whichever way you go). The free installation includes one SD dvr and 3 SD receivers, or 4 SD receivers.

You will have to negotiate with D* to see what your actual cost will be.

Carl

[CCarncross]

BTW, there is no DVR fee for households subscribing to the TC Premiere package, and locals are included in all the packages, its just a $3 credit if you choose do not subscribe to sat provided locals....

So your costs would be

TC Premiere whatever the current rate is
HD Package $9.99 goes down $1 next in March IIRC
3 additional recievers for 4 total (3x$4.99)
Switch will be included in the initial install, should be nothing if youa re truly a new customer and not a returning customer

Plus the hardware, currently you can get packages that include 1 free SD DVR after rebates, free SD receivers, and a $200 rebate on either 1 HD receiver making it free, or a $200 rebate on an HD DVR, making it $299.

CHeck out the equipment bundle deals through solid signal or value electronics...
both reputable retailers taht will let you customize your equipment better than D* will on initial installation...new customers buying through either retailer also get free install...

[churdie]

off to direcvt i go also had it with dish


Ok guys, maybe you can help me out here. I've been with Dish Network for 10 years now and really dont want to leave them because I've liked their service and I have a lot of hardware that I really dont want to change. But -- we dont always get what we want, do we? :confused:

So here's my issue that I'm hoping you all can help me answer.....

1) What's my total cost? What is my initial outlay and what is my monthly cost?
2) For those that have moved - whats your opinion of the new DVR vs Dish DVRs?

First #1. I have a lot of hardware but can't figure out what my darn costs are. The website won't let you do anything custom. Here's what I want:

- Premiere Package (93.99)
- Local Channels (???)
- HD Package (10.99)
- 1 dtv box (???)
- 2 dtv dvr boxes (???)
- 1 dtv HD dvr box (???)
- service fee per box (???)
- necessary switches for up to 8 boxes (entire house is wired, allowing me to move box around house if necessary)

Then #2. I've grown used to my Dish DVR boxes, but hey I'm willing to change as long as the new stuff WORKS. For those of you that have moved from Dish Network to DirecTV, what was your experience moving to the new DirecTV boxes? I've heard that they've had their share of issues, since they are not the old TIVO boxes anymore. Anyone care to share their conversion story?

Thanks for your answers folks! I'm looking forward to hearing from you.

-Ron

[tdreed1265]

I'm looking to move from E* to D* also. The current E* offer is to upgrade from a HD unit (mpeg2) to an mpeg4 HD receiver for $49. I would like to move to HD DVR (mpeg4), but it's going to be $299. Can I get the same deal through D*. If I could get to HD DVR + mpeg4 for $299 I'm there.

[harsh]

If I could get to HD DVR + mpeg4 for $299 I'm there.DirecTV doesn't currently offer an HD DVR + MPEG4. When they do, the deal (lease only) should be essentially the same unless they decide to charge a premium for MPEG4. You'll want to wait at least until they announce the MPEG4 HD DVR before you decide whether or not to make the jump.

[1sctrojan]

I'm looking to move from E* to D* also. The current E* offer is to upgrade from a HD unit (mpeg2) to an mpeg4 HD receiver for $49. I would like to move to HD DVR (mpeg4), but it's going to be $299. Can I get the same deal through D*. If I could get to HD DVR + mpeg4 for $299 I'm there.

I must say that as a current Comcast cable subscriber these posts are comical, both here and the D* forum. Why? because people in the D* forum are fed up and want to switch to Dish and i'm hearing the same thing in here about switching to D*. I am thinking of jumping to satellite but i'm not so sure now. I am paying $174.00 a month, that includes $42.50 for broadband internet, so around $130 a month for the platinum package (it's the top tier). I will be getting the HD package with Comcast which will add only $5.00 more a month. D* as i have figured would approach that if i get Total Choice for $96 plus $10 for HD. I can get about 16 HD stations now, it would be less with D*. Dish seems cheaper with a $99 PlatinumHD package, about 25HD channels. But as it seems now i wouldn't be saving that much money and cable does have its advantages.

[newsposter]

trojan if you watch all those HD channels, you'd be a fool to switch from cable to directv. they only have the big 4 nets in mpeg4 and only SHO/hbo in HD.

My local cable has all the movie channels in HD and many more HD locals. the only reason I never switched is heard the moxi box isn't as good as my tivo box.

[Rondo1]

I must say that as a current Comcast cable subscriber these posts are comical, both here and the D* forum. Why? because people in the D* forum are fed up and want to switch to Dish and i'm hearing the same thing in here about switching to D*. I am thinking of jumping to satellite but i'm not so sure now. I am paying $174.00 a month, that includes $42.50 for broadband internet, so around $130 a month for the platinum package (it's the top tier). I will be getting the HD package with Comcast which will add only $5.00 more a month. D* as i have figured would approach that if i get Total Choice for $96 plus $10 for HD. I can get about 16 HD stations now, it would be less with D*. Dish seems cheaper with a $99 PlatinumHD package, about 25HD channels. But as it seems now i wouldn't be saving that much money and cable does have its advantages.

Well for me, cable just isnt an option. Sure you're going to see people here complaining about one thing or another, but isn't that what us forum junkies do? :D I can just bet that if we look in the cable forums that you'll see people saying the same thing - "I'm going to satellite". It's just not often that you see anyone praising anything because for those that simply love their service - have no need to be in these forums here. Yes you can find praise in our beloved forums, but you're certainly going to find more complaints and of course we all have learned to take it for what it is - and pick out the important information that affect us individually and leave the other stuff alone.

I would tend to think that most of us are savvy computer folks who like to know all -- which these forums give us, AND we are typically on the forefront of using the latest technology that comes available so we are always on the journey to achieve the best possible solution - thus we often examine what we know and compare to the other guy.

But back to cable..... I dont like cable because they are expensive - period. Their service usually sucks way beyond the simplistic complaints found here. They also consistently raise their prices - and not the typical $1 to $2 that we satellite heads are accustomed to. And though we bi**h about service from these guys, I love the fact that i can pick up the phone and have a new channel or service added within minutes. I also dont have to purchase an upgraded "digital service" over normal cable. Satellite IS DIGITAL. I love how satellite consistently adds new channels - sure some of them I'll never watch, but I assume someone is watching them - but more channels give me more choice. And most of all, I love satellite because it is not cable. Watching the cable lobbyists do as much as possible to stick it to the satellite companies screams volumes that they are running scared. Granted, I dont see satellite supplanting cable anytime soon. Cable has had what a 30 year headstart? And Satellite IS NOT for everyone. We need line of sight to our birds in the sky. In the past, we've had to BUY our boxes. But cable is only as good as it is today BECAUSE of the pressure that satellite has forced upon it with better service, more channels, and less cost. That continues today. I always have been, and will continue to be on the forefront in whats happening with our beloved TV.

What is driving this move for me from Dish to DirecTV? The simple fact that DirecTV has programming in their regular lineups that interest me more than Dish Network does. Times have changed things. I like the fact that DirecTV has gone with their own DVRs. Coming from Dish, I'm used to that and think it is better in some ways over the previous DirecTV method of allowing other OEMS to build boxes for their service. I'm sure many people who have been with DirecTV would disagree with me for many valid reasons, but remember this issue is ALL ABOUT ME. :) I'm not used to having DirecTV and their previous services which also included TIVO. I've seen TIVO and think it looks great, but I have no experience using it myself. So what I dont know - won't hurt me - right? But that's the beauty of these services. We pick the one that works for US - the individual, not the rest of the US. I am paying my bill so I get to pick the service that I want. Lastly, I'm also pretty fed up with Charlie's ongoing battles with some content providers - such as my beloved OLN. That was the straw for me. Also the most recent stint with Lifetime channel was another one. Although I seldom watch that channel, I'm just so tired of the constant fueds with Dish and content providers. Yet I NEVER have seen this with DirecTV (so chime in guys if I'm mistaken here). What this last examination of DirecTV has shown me is that over the last 10 years a lot has changed. Dish Network worked for me 10 years ago and I have remained steadfast with them through the years. Today, I am looking at DirecTV on a serious level and I'm liking what I'm seeing. So there you go. Cable is the ideal solution for many people - especially those without line of sight to satellites in the sky. But I'm going to stick with satellite technology for now. Cable companies are simply not in the same running - IN MY OPINION. They are old technology trying to keep up with the new technology. I even took a look at the Comcast service here in my area and the channel lineup that I AM INTERESTED IN, isn't there. So to each his own, right? :)

[Rondo1]

Oh and one more thing. This has been a GREAT conversation, and I appreciate everyones answers. It has really helped me get to closer to my final decision. What holds me back right now is the move from MPEG2 to MPEG4. I would prefer not to make the jump over if I'm going to have to upgrade my boxes within a few months. Anyone care to help me there?

1) Are all DTV boxes available for LEASE, or are they purchase only? (I can't seem to find that answer).
2) Will the move from MPEG2 to MPEG4 mean hardware upgrades?
3) If so, will I be able to simply upgrade my boxes? (this is why I leaning more toward the desire to lease than buy).

Thanks again people! Yet another reason to love forums!! You get the TRUE answers and not just the canned salesy stuff when you call the companies directly.

[Newshawk]

1) Are all DTV boxes available for LEASE, or are they purchase only? (I can't seem to find that answer).
As of today, all D* boxes are purchase only. Beginning March 1st, D* is going to a primarily lease only model. What this means is present D* subscribers will continue to own their equipment. If they want to activate equipment they purchase, they still can, but if they activate new equipment from D*, only that equipment will be leased. New D* subscribers will lease their equipment, but if they want to purchase a receiver, they can have it on their acount also. You'll still be able to get equipment from retailers, but it will be on a lease basis unless the retailer chooses to sell equipment. However, be prepared to pay full price for retial purchases... that $49 receiver will jump to its true price of $149.

2) Will the move from MPEG2 to MPEG4 mean hardware upgrades?
Absolutely-the dish, the receivers and perhaps even the multiswitch will need to be changed out for ones that can handle the incresed bandwidth necessitated by the addition of the MPEG 4 satellites (two last year, two next year). In fact, you may even need to replace your coax cable, according to the Ka/Ku installation video running on ch 592.

3) If so, will I be able to simply upgrade my boxes? (this is why I leaning more toward the desire to lease than buy).
Yes and no. As for the cost of upgrading, it shouldn't cost you anything to upgrade your recievers. The most anyone has been charged is $99 for the dish installation. The "no" part is that you'll need to upgrade your dish (assuming you're in a market that gets its locals off the main satellite at the 101 degree position or from the 72.5 satellite) along with your receivers. If your locals come from the 119 and you're a new subscriber, then you should already have the new AT-9 Ka/Ku dish.

[DCSholtis]

Oh and one more thing. This has been a GREAT conversation, and I appreciate everyones answers. It has really helped me get to closer to my final decision. What holds me back right now is the move from MPEG2 to MPEG4. I would prefer not to make the jump over if I'm going to have to upgrade my boxes within a few months. Anyone care to help me there?

1) Are all DTV boxes available for LEASE, or are they purchase only? (I can't seem to find that answer).
2) Will the move from MPEG2 to MPEG4 mean hardware upgrades?
3) If so, will I be able to simply upgrade my boxes? (this is why I leaning more toward the desire to lease than buy).

Thanks again people! Yet another reason to love forums!! You get the TRUE answers and not just the canned salesy stuff when you call the companies directly.

1. Effective 3/1 a leasing program kicks in. Id do a search around to get more info.

2. Yes the MPEG2 to MPEG4 mean hardware upgrades. No current MPEG2 box can do MPEG 4. Currently only the H20 box can do MPEG4 I believe.

3. Again Id search around there have been different answers. No real concrete answers though as of yet that Ive seen.

[JLucPicard]

As a new customer, I think the dish you would be getting is the AT9 (I thought I read on this forum that as of sometime earlier in February all new installs would use the AT9 dish - feel free to correct me if I'm wrong there). If that is the case, have them run the cabling from it that you will need and it should more or less be an upgrade-your-boxes situation. If the dish that's installed is not the AT9, you would also have to have a dish upgrade done.

[CCarncross]

I dont believe they have switched to putting up strictly AT9's in teh NE Ohio area, and the CLeveland DMA should be getting its LiL in HD very soon....

[newsposter]

keep in mind the ONLY thing mpeg4 for the near future are the 4 local networks. Every other HD channel WILL be mpeg2 until the mpeg2 stream is turned off. (ie all boxes in the USA are exchanged out). You have to guess when that is. My guess, many years.

So only if you are worried about getting mpeg4 locals should you even care about the need to upgrade. A HDtivo or other tivo will work fine and if you buy before 2/28, you can 'cheaply' own.

[Rogueone]

for some clarity, E* has a package like TC, called AEP, which eliminates DVR fees as well. The HD versioin is PlatinumHD for $99

And the original poster's statement that Dish DVR's are timed based while D*'s are name based is wrong. the ORIGINAL E* DVR's were timed based only. The DVR you would likely get today if you ordered will have NBR. Plus, E*'s DVR's have a 30 sec forward skip "button", no special tricks needed.

otherwise, other than NFLST, what is really different in the basic programming?

E* does have TNTHD which D* doesn't yet. E* has mpeg4 live now, and both DVR and non DVR boxes available. E* also includes the lease fee for the first rcvr in the monthly bill. Both will have numerous HD LIL's this year. Oh, D* has MASN, you bastards!! I still can't watch the Nats games except when they are on the local station or off mlb.com :( dang it.

oh, does D* have a dual tuner box with OTA HD tuner, which can distribute 2 outputs via coax to anywhere in the house? That's a new E* feature, not sure if D* has it yet, would hope they both do. Makes secondary Tv's much easier to hook up :)

[Mavrick]

Yes but TNTHD is going to be on D* very soon!

[CCarncross]

Yes but TNTHD is going to be on D* very soon!

Isnt it going to be lit up tomorrow? Or did I misread another idiotic rumour on the net?

[Mavrick]

I thought it was supposed to be at 10:30am today but just saw a post where it was not on as of yet. So I dunno

[JLucPicard]

Supposed to be lit up tomorrow, Friday, 2/17 (at 10:30 a.m. Eastern time if I read things right).

[Rogueone]

well i only read it was on the way. saw nothing about when so sorry I didn't know it was now :) of course, Dish has had it for quite a while so there wasn't much need to track it :)

[Bobman]

Who really cares ? If I wanted to hear about Echostar I would frequent their forum.