DirecTV vs. DISH

[JM]

All,

I have had DirecTV for a long while with no problems whatsoever. My only issues now are outdated equipment and Rupert Murdoch.

Does anyone have any experience with Dish Network? I got a coupon in the mail for free installation and free three room installation. I am very tempted.

Thanks,
JM

[Liberal Veteran]

1. I switched this year after many many years to Dish Network....

...and I love it. Channel lineup is about the same, but you get more music channels.

[Democrats unite]

2. I hate to be the one to tell you this...

They may have different names, but are the same company.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

5. Since when?

[Democrats unite]

8. I am sorry I must be on some type of a trip this eveing...

I don't know where that came from. I was thinking locally of a company that offers both services. Please forgive me.

[Liberal Veteran]

6. No they aren't.....

DirecTV is owned by Hughes (which I think is a branch of GM) and is being aquired by Murdoch's News Corp.

DishNetwork is owned by Echostar Communications Corporation.

[mobuto]

9. Hughes proposed a merger with Echostar

but the proposal was dropped after it encountered insurmountable regulatory hurdles. I can understand confusion; the merger was announced and then quietly dropped all last year.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

3. I love DISH

I've had it for a couple years and enjoy their off the beaten path programming such as university channels and an added benefit is having FREESPEECHTV which broadcasts the Amy Goodman show.

The only place where Directv is more accomodating is that they play their programming of cable channels in east and west coast times and DISH does not which is a bummer in that here in California programs on Comedy channel or the like, that I would have watched at 10 are on at 7.

[mobuto]

4. I prefer DirecTV

for what I get, its cheaper, the user interface is a lot easier, and you get better channels. Also Murdoch's aquisition hasn't yet been finalized (although it looks like the FCC is giving its approval on partisan grounds.)

I may yet switch if the Murdocracy gets too oppressive.

[DuctapeFatwa]

7. I don't think Dish offers CNN FN/International or World Link or NWI

unless they have changed.

[JM]

11. I didn't see NWI...

...but I do see CNN F/n and WorldLink on the list.

The package I have on DirecTV costs $10 more on Dish, but I get Cinemax in addition which I don't have, and I get 3 rooms hooked up instead of one.

I am considering it...

JM

[mobuto]

12. CNN International?

Its all Richard Quest all the time.

And that's my idea of hell. I'd rather be changed to a crag and have eagles eat my liver again and again every day than listen to that insufferable twit.

[Liberal Veteran]

13. Dish does offer CNNfn and CNNI, but not World Link or NWI,

but it does make up for it by offering Free Speech TV, Colours TV, and a lot of other public interest channels.

[LiberalFighter]

16. Doesn't offer the NFL package either

[elfin]

10. I stayed with Direct - my sister next door switched to Dish

She regrets it now - likes my channel lineup better. Plus, hers seems to "go out" more than mine in shaky weather.

Haven't seen effects of Murdoch --- yet.

[Liberal Veteran]

15. That's odd...my DirectTV used to succumb to rain fade, but Dish doesn't.

So it may have more to do with installation and location than anything.

Plus, I simply refuse to support Murdoch's newest toy regardless of what effect he has on it, and cancelled after having DirectTV since 1994 as soon as I heard Murdoch was buying it.

[Ernesto]

14. C band (big dish) rules