just wondering how they match up to cable...especially if you're using HD channels

how is it working out for you? are blackouts often? is the HD quality good?

9/7/2006 4:07:32 PM

I have Dish, but I don't use HD. I like it. Of course, I haven't used cable in a long time ever since Time Warner would consistantly fuck up my bill and then I would have to go through all kinds of shit to get it right. Plus standard cable picture quality sucks.

In terms of blackouts, its only during the heaviest of storms and even then only for a few minutes. This is a guess, but I would say that it is probably down far less than cable service.

I like Dish Network better than DirecTv and I like both of them better than cable.

9/7/2006 4:12:44 PM

Whatever price Dish Network quotes you, add $20 to. Other than that I have no major complaints. Their DVRs are pretty decent too, the closest to a Tivo you can get without a lawsuit.

9/7/2006 5:09:09 PM

Quote :

"Whatever price Dish Network quotes you, add $20 to."

Whoa, now hold up...can anybody else confirm this. I was about to order the Top 120 package with DVR for 40.97 for 10 months, then 50.97/month there after. You saying it's going to be much more?

9/7/2006 11:08:14 PM

Don't believe that bullshit. I'm looking at my Embarq bill with my Dish Network on it (got the whole consolidated billing thing) and I am charged $34.99/month plus $2.46 in taxes. I picked the Top 60 which is $29.99 + local channels which adds $5 to it. Seems like its just right to me. My phone, satellite and DSL all total up to under $100/month.

9/7/2006 11:43:03 PM

Quote :

"My phone, satellite and DSL all total up to under $100/month."

that sounds pretty good considering I'm paying 140 for cable and internet

9/8/2006 11:06:00 AM

Quote :

"Don't believe that bullshit. I'm looking at my Embarq bill with my Dish Network on it (got the whole consolidated billing thing) and I am charged $34.99/month plus $2.46 in taxes. I picked the Top 60 which is $29.99 + local channels which adds $5 to it. Seems like its just right to me. My phone, satellite and DSL all total up to under $100/month."

Mine is the same only I have an extra receiver and DVR. Still, with DSL, phone and sattelite I am under $100.00/mo. too.

I don't know where that add $20 thing came from. Never had exorbitant extra fees through Dish Network.

[Edited on September 8, 2006 at 3:27 PM. Reason : .]

9/8/2006 3:26:49 PM

he may be referring to the assorted taxes and fees that Dish (and other communications providers) add to the base price for service. But even so, you can still come out with a better deal and more channels. and with a DVR, there are very few times where a huge rain-storm will interrupt enjoyable TV viewing.

9/8/2006 3:30:02 PM

I looked at the fine print and it seems like if you get the 18 month commitment, they credit you $49.99 on your first months bill thus the "free" installation but require that you add DHPP (Dish Home Protection Plan) for 18 months at $5.99.

Has anyone ordered through http://www.satellitesales.com ?

9/9/2006 3:22:51 PM

i coulda watched state lose on saturday had i gotten dish

9/11/2006 3:57:29 PM

I'm pretty sure I'm about to tell Time Warner to go to hell. It is impossible to get a tech out to my house to look at my signal and my HD has went from looking really crisp and clear to muddy and pixelated. They keep claiming that a tech attempted to come on site but nobody was home. I sat in my computer room from 8-5 this Saturday with the window wide open and that dude never came.

I can't decide if I want to switch to Dish or Directv. I've had Dish before and didn't have any problems. Overall it was a very good experience. The only downside is I already have a Directv dish on my roof the people that I purchased the house from left.

Anyone with any opinions on this?

9/11/2006 5:54:04 PM

Looking to move to Dish myself, one thing Im wondering about though is certain regional channels that will be included, such as FSN South. Dish carries FSN South, but there are apparently multiple versions of it. For example, the Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Thrashers, Memphis Grizzlies, Nashville Predators, as well as the Hurricanes all have regional games broadcast on FSN South, but of course here in Raleigh we only get Hurricanes games on our version. I want to make sure the version I get will have all of the Hurricanes games that are broadcast as well as all of the ACC basketball games. I dont want to get a version of the channel thats going to preempt an NC State game for an Atlanta Hawks game

11/9/2006 6:52:09 AM

^ I hear ya all the way on that one man.

I've been looking at Dish for ESPN2HD & ESPNU, but I swear satellite costs get out of CONTROL once you go HD *and* factor in that you still hafta get internet elsewhere, whereas cable companies typically bundle both.

11/9/2006 7:57:34 AM

I ordered dish and my only complaint is when it's a downpour the signal will go out. But it's mainly where I have my dish located. You get ESPNU only if you get the top 180 package. You only get one FSN channel at least with the top 120 package. They give free channels about every month too. LAST month was ESPNU which meant I didn't get the 2 State games and actually never watched it.

You could still use time warner for your internet or you could get the more stable faster DSL for less money. I use a DSL lite internet through CTC that cost $35/month but I get 712 down AND 712 UP. I don't download much of anything, so I enjoy the price break, but they also have a DSL package that blows the doors off of cable modems.

11/9/2006 11:22:22 PM

DN is great. You just have to set it up in a strategic location.^Unlike him, you don't want to place it where it can be struck by something (acorns, limbs, downpours). The HD quality is second to none. Fact.

11/10/2006 1:25:24 AM

OTA HD is better

11/10/2006 8:21:06 AM

i heard dish uses MPEG4 vs DirecTV having MPEG2

11/10/2006 9:35:59 AM

just had dish (dish network) installed after finding out about road runner lite

the HD quality is the same imho (ESPNHD, HBOHD... cannot comment on locals yet).... very pleased thus far

[Edited on December 12, 2006 at 12:44 PM. Reason : dfj]

12/12/2006 12:41:24 PM

which subscription pack did you get, and how much are you paying for everything monthly? i'm considering upgrading to Dish HD stuff, but their website has conflicting information for current subscribers.

12/12/2006 12:50:11 PM

dish HD Gold, HBO, and local channels.. not too sure on the price

i believe it'll be the following after promotions

70 - gold
15 - HBO
5 - Locals (which i also hope to get rid of)
5.99 - DVR when i get it

so right under 100 (95.99) when everything's all said and done

add in 25 for RR lite and it will be less than the current (~130 after tax vs. 145) paid for current cable / internet


with more channels

12/12/2006 1:28:52 PM