OT: Satellite TV - Recently I asked for help in deciding on a satellite TV system and several people were kind enough to PM. I also did research, reading satellite web sites and a few newsgroups. Since there are probably a few people reading this thread who might be considering a satellite system I thought I would post some of what I learned.
After consolidations, there are really only two providers left. Direct TV, owned by Hughes/GM, and Dish Network owned by Ecostar. Direct has about 2/3s of the market. A variety of manufacturers (Sony, RCA, etc.) make equipment for Direct's system and you can choose at a local electronics store. Dish, for the most part, has their own private-label products. While you can buy a Dish system through a store you can also deal directly with Dish.
From what I read Dish seems to have better customer service The very small sample of newsgroup postings I read had quite a few angry Direct TV comments and somewhat cult-like admiration for Dish. Their equipment is also less expensive. For $200 I am getting a satellite dish and a receiver with a hard drive that can pause, record, and play back, live TV. Plus it has a search function so you can search programming by actor, etc. That $200 includes rooftop installation.
Both now provide access to NBC, CBS, ABC (about $5/mo), but Dish serves more areas. Also there are some superstations, like the WB that Dish can provide but Direct can not. Dish claims that their equipment can be upgraded via satellite downloads. I saw no such claims for Direct.
Satellites are in different positions in the sky and depending on where you live that can make a difference. In the northeast US, Direct's satellites are higher in the sky.
Basic programming - 40 channels or so - cost about $20. Both have a similar $30 package that includes more channels and about 30 CD music channels. Direct has about twice as many pay-per-view channels (55). And there are sports differences.
StockHawk |
