DISH vs Direct TV
I've heard a little about the pros and cons of these two systems, but, I'd
like to get a better handle on the advantages and disadvantages each
offers. I'll kick things off, but, comments/additions are solicited.
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Why choose Dish Networks over Direct TV?
1. I have heard that the reception during
rain and snow storms is markedly better,
2. With Dish, you can get a low end HDR,
the Dish PVR 501 or 508 system.
3.
Why choose Direct TV over Dish?
1. With Direct TV, you can purchase a
Direct Tivo system, allowing you to
record 2 channels at once even while
you are watching a prerecorded show.
2.
3.
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At one time, I think Dish had the advantage of lower up-front costs .. with
Direct TV requiring equipment purchase, while Dish had no such requirement.
Dish, for only a $24 per month 1 year commitment, is offering either 1) free
equipment for 1 room & free installation, or 2) free equipment for 2 rooms.
With Dish it looks like you have to buy the equipment up front .. and then
you get reimbursed over the year via credits to your monthly charge.
Now Direct TV is giving new customers either 2 months of free programing or
new equipment for 2 rooms with a 1 year contract for Total Choice programing
at $33.99/mo. Direct TV may approach it the same way as Dish, requiring
you to buy the equipment up front .. and reimbursing you each month over the
1 year contract term.
I have Direct TV right now, but, am considering switching to Dish do to the
issue with weather. I think both firms hit you with a $5 a month charge for the
additional room. I subscribe to Total Choice (100 channels) and get my local
channels via antenna. It is a little bothersome to toggle between satellite and
antenna and you do not get the onscreen program guide if you do not subscribe
to the Direct TV provided local channels at $4.99/mo. Direct TV has some
additional charges that appear on your bill, in addition to the $34.99 charge for
Total Choice, notably a Total Choice Royalty Fee of $1.50 and $2.28 for state
taxes. I do not think Dish has any royalty fees or such that are a slimy way to
jack the cost up. Consequently, I think Dish may end up being a couple of
bucks cheaper a month than Direct TV for a comparable package. |
