[onebadmofo]

Wanted to see what you fellas recommend. Been a DTV sub for 10 years. Most likely will be switching to Dish and need some tips/advice on the best setup for me. Let me give you a few details.

I have all the movie channels. I'll be giving up the NFL ticket finally, but want the Fox Soccer Plus package if offered, and the MLS ticket possibly.

Also, I watch Discover, AMC, ESPN, NFLN, and NBC Sports HD all regularly. I also have a 3D tv so does Dish offer 3D?

Finally, I have 5 HDTV's. One of them is on my patio that I use a splitter from the master BR so I only need 4 receivers. 99% of what we watch is DVR'd then watched later. Also, I want the "whole home" setup like DTV has.

Finally I'd like info on a few things: Are the receivers good? Are they responsive(DTV's are very slow IMO) Is the HD/SD picture quality on par with DTV? Is the Customer Service good? Will they cut you deals on packaging if you call in? Are there any hidden fees? And finally, what is the cost of the receivers each. I'm paying 7 bucks each currently I believe.

Any other tips, advice appreciated! Thanks!

 

[onebadmofo]

One more question.

The Hopper records 6 shows at a time. However, it appears only to record 2 at a time of non-local network channels? So can I record something on HBO, something on Showtime, AND watch another channel all at the same time??

And how does that sling thing work? Is it free? It appears I can then stream to my ipad/iphone and laptop with that? Is that the only use for it and is it included or is there a monthly charge?

 

[sregener]

Finally I'd like info on a few things: Are the receivers good? Are they responsive(DTV's are very slow IMO) Is the HD/SD picture quality on par with DTV? Is the Customer Service good? Will they cut you deals on packaging if you call in? Are there any hidden fees? And finally, what is the cost of the receivers each. I'm paying 7 bucks each currently I believe.

As you may have heard, Dish is dropping AMC soon. There are various explanations offered as to why, but one is that AMC is demanding more than double for carriage.

Dish does not carry 3D at this time.

The Hopper is excellent. Very fast. It is a whole-home DVR. It has 3 tuners total, one of which can be used for Prime-Time-Anytime, which means it records the big 4 networks every night for 3 hours using just one tuner. At any other time, you have 3 tuners available, or you can choose to turn PTAT off and have 3 tuners available all the time. Joeys are thin clients - they have no tuners in them. So plan accordingly. Two Hoppers would give you 6 tuners, and the ability for them to work together is coming "soon."

HD picture quality is slightly less than DirecTV (the difference is very subtle). SD picture quality is dramatically better than DirecTV.

The offered deals for new customers are very good. I haven't heard of anyone getting better. I have not seen any hidden fees.

 

[boba]

Why do you want to leave Directv? From your questions/statements you will probably be unhappy with DISH. DISH is not known for giving bonuses to existing customers. DISH DVRs will be faster than Directv's but you may not easily transition to their operating system. DISH dosen't have "hidden fees" but has plenty of them so your bill may be higher than expected even with promotions, carefully investigate Hopper/Joey fees they are higher than other DISH fees. DISH also is not known for their sports programming.

 

[damondlt]

Why do you want to leave Directv? From your questions/statements you will probably be unhappy with DISH. DISH is not known for giving bonuses to existing customers. DISH DVRs will be faster than Directv's but you may not easily transition to their operating system. DISH dosen't have "hidden fees" but has plenty of them so your bill may be higher than expected even with promotions, carefully investigate Hopper/Joey fees they are higher than other DISH fees. DISH also is not known for their sports programming.

I can't think of a reason why a Directv customer would go to dish. Sorry but I can't. Prices are so close most times it doesn't even matter.

When you start needed 3 or more rooms with dish, the fee's take over.

I guess if you like barely any sports offerings, with less HD, more equipment fees, channel drops, and more lawsuits I would ever care to fund, Enjoy dish!:lol:

 

[sliderbob]

If you get Dish, I would recommend NOT to get the Hopper-I've heard too many glitches. I'd recommend the 722K. You can put an ota module in there, and you can record up to 4 shows ANY time-2 over the satellite and 2 OTA. I have a 722, so I am only able to record 3, but am satisfied with it.

 

[lparsons21]

Why do you want to leave Directv? From your questions/statements you will probably be unhappy with DISH. DISH is not known for giving bonuses to existing customers. DISH DVRs will be faster than Directv's but you may not easily transition to their operating system. DISH dosen't have "hidden fees" but has plenty of them so your bill may be higher than expected even with promotions, carefully investigate Hopper/Joey fees they are higher than other DISH fees. DISH also is not known for their sports programming.

Dish is slightly less willing to give discounts to existing customers, but only very slightly. Lots of time they will give PPV coupons, which is one hell of a lot better way than D* does 'free' PPV, you know the rebate crap.

As to the DVR operation, well it ain't brain surgery you know. I've had both D* and E* equipment over the years and the changeover just isn't a bit daunting or difficult..

And Dish doesn't have any hidden fees, and with the Hopper/Joey setup the fees for equipment are in line with D* these days. And Hopper/Joey fees are much LESS than other current HDDVRs with Dish.

Where do you get your misinformation?

The only part of that, that is true is that Dish doesn't have as much sports.

 

[lparsons21]

I can't think of a reason why a Directv customer would go to dish. Sorry but I can't. Prices are so close most times it doesn't even matter.

When you start needed 3 or more rooms with dish, the fee's take over.

I guess if you like barely any sports offerings, with less HD, more equipment fees, channel drops, and more lawsuits I would ever care to fund, Enjoy dish!:lol:

And the fans come out to play!!

I'm a D* customer and am thinking seriously about going back to Dish. And if about $150 or more a year in savings is 'so close', then money must not be an issue with you. ie;more money than sense

With the Hopper/Joey situation as it is, the fees from D* and E* for leasing, DVR, and MRV are nearly identical. So if what you say is true about E*'s fees, then they are just as true about D*'s.

And you can love sports and still love E*. Plenty of sports to watch, although D* does have more. And for basic HD, E* has more.

As to funding lawsuits and such, well if E*'s rates are cheaper than D*'s, you have to wonder where all that extra money D* is making is going. Sure isn't in the software developement for the HRs!

 

[Marlin Guy]

And the fans come out to play!!

He's not a fan. He's just an unskilled lurker. :lol:

 

[mdavej]

Dish has a bad rep for receiver fees and disputes, and rightly so. But with Hopper/Joey, they are now on par with DirecTV. First Hopper is free and each additional Hopper or Joey is $7. Whole Home DVR fee for the account is $4. I recommend 2 Hoppers / 2 Joeys for the OP (6 tuners + 3 during PTAT), for a total of $21 + $4, about the same as a similar setup with DirecTV. Dish also has HD free for life which DirecTV doesn't, so there's a $10 savings right off the bat. My bill for AT200 and 1 Hopper is $59.99 + $4 Whole Home + $6 DVR service + tax. The same thing at DirecTV would be at least $10 more and have fewer channels.

The less HD claim above is ridiculous. Even with the loss of AMC, I could name nearly 30 HD channels Dish has that DirecTV doesn't, mainstream ones like BBCA, H2, Nat Geo Wild, DIY, Cooking, TCM, Epix (x3), Hub, etc.

You'll be shocked and amazed to have a DVR that actually responds when you press a button. I had slow DVR's for years with DirecTV and still use them frequently, and they're just as bad, if not worse, than they were years ago.

To answer some of your other questions, there is no monthly fee for sling, but there may be a one time cost to buy the device.

All that being said, although I'm currently much happier with Dish than I was with DirecTV due to the additional HD, I will likely drop them when they drop AMC. But I'll have to get cable because of DirecTV's abysmal HD lineup. In the 2 years I've been gone, they've added only 2 or 3 of the 30 something channels they are missing. My cable company has added all 30.

So pick your poison. Either fund a lot of sports networks you never watch, or fund lawyers. Most of Dish's disputes are because they try to hold the line on costs. DirecTV on the other hand either caves or never offers the content to begin with. But they're starting to take a hard line now just like Dish. So you guys will have more dropped channels and disputes in your future as well.

To the OP, if you do get Dish, drop me a line and I'll sell you my sling adapter cheap.

 

[StringFellow]

I can't think of a reason why a Directv customer would go to dish. Sorry but I can't. Prices are so close most times it doesn't even matter.

When you start needed 3 or more rooms with dish, the fee's take over.

I guess if you like barely any sports offerings, with less HD, more equipment fees, channel drops, and more lawsuits I would ever care to fund, Enjoy dish!:lol:

Your forgot a few things...

Dish has better SD picture quality, Directv DVRs are slow, non-intuitive, contain a large glowing blue light in the front, etc. Lets not forget the badly designed DTV remotes. My biggest issue....the last time I checked the DVR guides contained ads embedded in the guide. Very annoying.

If you are big into sports DTV is definitely the winner.

Regardless...competition is good!

 

[Ray [email protected] Network]

Our Hopper/Joey has the fastest processor in the industry. You can record up to 3 programs or 6 when you include Prime Time Anytime. When PTAT is recording, which uses 1 tuner, 2 other tuners are available to record or view Live TV.

With the Hopper and Joeys, an HD picture is available at each HD capable TV using either component or HDMI cables. We have promotions available for new customers. You can visit our website dish.com to compare packages and view the channels available with each package.

We currently have some VOD or PPV movies available in 3D. I have HD on my Hopper and the gyms I workout at have DTV. I find our HD to be sharper. Perhaps it is my high end HD TV.

The first Hopper is included in the cost of your programming package. Each additional Hopper and/or Joeys are $7 per month. If you have further questions, please PM me. Thanks.

Wanted to see what you fellas recommend. Been a DTV sub for 10 years. Most likely will be switching to Dish and need some tips/advice on the best setup for me. Let me give you a few details.

I have all the movie channels. I'll be giving up the NFL ticket finally, but want the Fox Soccer Plus package if offered, and the MLS ticket possibly.

Also, I watch Discover, AMC, ESPN, NFLN, and NBC Sports HD all regularly. I also have a 3D tv so does Dish offer 3D?

Finally, I have 5 HDTV's. One of them is on my patio that I use a splitter from the master BR so I only need 4 receivers. 99% of what we watch is DVR'd then watched later. Also, I want the "whole home" setup like DTV has.

Finally I'd like info on a few things: Are the receivers good? Are they responsive(DTV's are very slow IMO) Is the HD/SD picture quality on par with DTV? Is the Customer Service good? Will they cut you deals on packaging if you call in? Are there any hidden fees? And finally, what is the cost of the receivers each. I'm paying 7 bucks each currently I believe.

Any other tips, advice appreciated! Thanks!

 

[patmurphey]

One more question.

The Hopper records 6 shows at a time. However, it appears only to record 2 at a time of non-local network channels? So can I record something on HBO, something on Showtime, AND watch another channel all at the same time??

And how does that sling thing work? Is it free? It appears I can then stream to my ipad/iphone and laptop with that? Is that the only use for it and is it included or is there a monthly charge?

If you have 5 TVs, don't even think of Hopper/Joey with out having 2 Hoppers. Same monthly fees for Hoppers and Joeys and you will have 6 tuners (9 recordings possible during optional PTAT).

 

[Ira Lacher]

Ray, all of what you say is convincing. Even if DISH were to dump AMC I would strongly consider going back, for all of those reasons, and more. And if y'all would buy out my ETF -- as my cable company will -- I would do it tomorrow.

 

[domingos35]

Why do you want to leave Directv? From your questions/statements you will probably be unhappy with DISH. DISH is not known for giving bonuses to existing customers. DISH DVRs will be faster than Directv's but you may not easily transition to their operating system. DISH dosen't have "hidden fees" but has plenty of them so your bill may be higher than expected even with promotions, carefully investigate Hopper/Joey fees they are higher than other DISH fees. DISH also is not known for their sports programming.

dish doesn't give bonus to existing customers?wrong
how about the 1 free year of STARZ?
free HD for life
what does directv give to its customers?
oh yea directv gives them slow crapy receivers:eek2::eek2:

 

[MysteryMan]

dish doesn't give bonus to existing customers?wrong
how about the 1 free year of STARZ?
free HD for life
what does directv give to its customers?
oh yea directv gives them slow crapy receivers:eek2::eek2:

As if DISH receivers (including the Hopper and Joey) havn't had their share of issues? Both providers have their pros and cons.

 

[mdavej]

OP decided against Dish, after all, in large part due to the loss of AMC. So Ray please pass that along. The best DVR in the world won't make up for lost content.

 

[onebadmofo]

OP decided against Dish, after all, in large part due to the loss of AMC. So Ray please pass that along. The best DVR in the world won't make up for lost content.

This is accurate. DTV long story short, messed up last nite by accidentally cancelling my service at 1AM pacific. It was scheduled to be cancelled on Monday, the 28th. When I called in to have them restore the service, they told me a "welcome back" offer had generated about 2 hours after they disconnected my service. I bascially got a "new customer" deal, while retaining my 10 years of service.

AMC was a big part of my reason to re-up with DTV. Also, another big thing was I read the PQ in Dish HD was slightly less than that of DTV. On the flip side it appears the PQ in Dish SD, is slightly better. Everything I watch is on HD so that perk doesn't come into play for me. Finally, while the interface on Dish looks nice, the equipment looks pretty ugly IMO. That wasn't a deal breaker, just pointing it out.

Really it came down to 2 things: fear of no AMC (WD is my favorite show arguably) and DTV stepped up and got me new equipment at the price I wanted to pay...

Thanks for the input in this thread. I do appreciate it! Maybe in 2 years I'll give Dish a shot, but for now I'm very happy to have worked this out with DTV.

 

[damondlt]

This is accurate. DTV long story short, messed up last nite by accidentally cancelling my service at 1AM pacific. It was scheduled to be cancelled on Monday, the 28th. When I called in to have them restore the service, they told me a "welcome back" offer had generated about 2 hours after they disconnected my service. I bascially got a "new customer" deal, while retaining my 10 years of service.

AMC was a big part of my reason to re-up with DTV. Also, another big thing was I read the PQ in Dish HD was slightly less than that of DTV. On the flip side it appears the PQ in Dish SD, is slightly better. Everything I watch is on HD so that perk doesn't come into play for me. Finally, while the interface on Dish looks nice, the equipment looks pretty ugly IMO. That wasn't a deal breaker, just pointing it out.

Really it came down to 2 things: fear of no AMC (WD is my favorite show arguably) and DTV stepped up and got me new equipment at the price I wanted to pay...

Thanks for the input in this thread. I do appreciate it! Maybe in 2 years I'll give Dish a shot, but for now I'm very happy to have worked this out with DTV.

You made a wise choice! and congrats on the HR 34 , you'll love it!

 

[onebadmofo]

You made a wise choice! and congrats on the HR 34 , you'll love it!

Thank you sir!

Install tomorrow, cannot wait!