[Vision2020] DishTV or DirectTV ?

[Sam Scripter]

Dish Network vs. DirecTV [vs. cable]

First, it is Dish Network, not DishTV!

EARLY ADOPTER

I was an early adopter of wide-screen, high-definition TV, having acquired
a 65" Mitsubishi television some eight years ago.

Back then, there was almost no HiDef channels available locally.

Already being a DirecTV subscriber then -- in "standard" definition, I
upgraded my package to DirecTV's HiDef suite.  I was pleased with the
quality of signals, and for then, the repertoire of channels available.  I
also was happy with the DirecTV box and the user interface on-screen.

SWITCH TO CABLE TO CUT COSTS

Still later, I decided to cut costs and switched from DirecTV to [then]
Adelphia Cable and its BASIC package, for about $13/month.  I soon
became dissatisfied with my limited fare and upgraded to their HiDef
package without having to purchase the ordinary channel packages.  So
I had limited HiDef, plus BASIC [Spokane and local channels] for about
$35/month.

But I hated the cable TV box; especially the navigation among various
features. [I'm reminded of it still again, at our place on the coast,
where another cable company is all we can get, because of tall trees
blocking satellite coverage. It uses the same "box" and navigation, which
I hate.]

CHANGE TO DISH NETWORK

Still later, I lusted for much more HiDef wide-screen repertoire, so
I switched to Dish Network via a local vendor in Moscow.  I had
apprehension about Dish, because I had had such a good experience
with DirecTV in years past.

Much to my surprise, I really loved my Dish Network setup and still
do.  I am paying a lot, though, for the best box, with HiDef and DVR.

There is a huge, huge, huge, huge repertoire of channels out there.
I really don't spend a lot of time viewing, but I do like CHOICE.
For one, I find Vandal sports broadcasts on what are to me, "obscure"
channels that I otherwise probably would no get.  Also, I like art,
music, "geography", news, all in HD.  Standard definition just
does not "cut it" anymore, PERIOD!!!!

DISLIKES ABOUT DISH NETWORK

What I don't like about Dish Network is this:  Local channel coverage
is poor in HD.  None of the public broadcast stations are carried in
HD via Dish Network, here -- Not Channel 7 in Spokane, Not 26 in
Coeur d'Alene, Not 12 in Moscow, Not 10 in Pullman.  These are
all carried, but only one channel for each, and only in standard definition.
Further, Dish Network does not carry Channel 3 in Lewiston.

Each of the public broadcast stations, above, carries multiple content
channels via one conventionally numbered channel.  Hence, with Dish,
one only receives one channel for each public broadcast station with
the others, including in HiDef, not being receivable.

LOCAL CHANNEL REMEDY

My partial remedy is a small, $25 antenna from Radio Shack,
which is mounted on the south wall of my house, not on the roof,
just outside the wall near the TV and Dish Network box.  With
this I receive all four content channels -- 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, and
12.4 from KUID, which is the Idaho Public Television system
throughout the state, 12.2 being HiDef.  Further, I get both 10.1
and 10.2 from KWSU, although both are in standard definition,
even though "digital" broadcasts.  I also get 3 from Lewiston
with the antenna. It is all digital, although it varies between
standard and high definition, depending on what is fed from the
national network.  I rarely watch 3, but in case there is a special
Vandal game broadcast, I want to watch it.

The above is only a partial remedy for Dish Network not carrying
the full content-channels repertoire as noted above.  The Dish box
does list what I get via my own antenna in the on-screen guide, along
with the Dish channels. This means that I can select the channels
from my local antenna without doing any special maneuvers with the
remote, BUT the guide does not list any program identification
in the on-screen guide for these local channels.  I find this very
frustrating.  This could make a difference of choice for someone
trying to decide between DirecTV and Dish Network.  But not
for me.  I am otherwise so very satisfied with my Dish Network
installation and its performance that I do not plan on changing
anytime soon.

If you've read this far, you probably deserve a medal!

Sam Scripter

> On 3/10/09, *Steven Basoa* <sbasoa at moscow.com 
> <mailto:sbasoa at moscow.com>> wrote:
>
>     I have been asked to inquire about people's experiences with Dish TV
>     and/or Direct TV.  Is one better than the other, are there reception
>     problems in inclement weather, installation issues, billing issues,
>     quality of service and repairs, etc.  Cable is not an option so long
>     as TImeWarner is the only choice.
>
>     Thanks for any insights.
>
>     Steven
>
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