[Vision2020] DishTV or DirectTV ?

[Ted Moffett]

Medal?  Try reading all three volumes of "Principia Mathematica" by Bertrand
Russell and Alfred North Whitehead (process theologists take note) from
cover to cover... Now that deserves a medal!

KWSU and KUID digital TV are easy to receive "off the air." Receiving the
Spokane digital stations is the trick...

With a basic rabbit ear antenna aimed very carefully (the "V" of the rabbit
ear must be positioned horizontally, not vertically, and aimed with the "V"
opening at the signal direction, with the width of the "V" also
critical) and no signal amplifier (a video amplifier for a TV antenna will
improve reception from Spokane, as I have verified over and over, but I have
not been using one recently), I have received a watchable signal from KSPS
digital Public Broadcasting, channels 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, from Cheney/Spokane.
It seems the digital TV signal requires much more precise antenna aiming
than the previous analog signals.  This was using a Channel Master CM-7000
digital to analog converter box, one of the few coupon eligible converter
boxes with a S-VHS output, bought with a government issued 40 dollar off
coupon, that were offered free to assist in the transition from analog to
digital.  Note that none of the coupon eligible converter boxes will output
HDTV 720P or 1080i.  Still, the picture from so called "standard" definition
is much better than the previous analog picture.  It is close to regular DVD
(480i) resolution.  KUID digital broadcasts views of Idaho wilderness that
are stunning, even at 480i.  And channel programming guides are piggy backed
on the digital signal, which the converter box can access...

I also can receive the KXLY Spokane digital broadcast, with multiple
channels, with nothing more than rabbit ears as described above, though the
signal was too weak to be consistent.  At this point in time it seems the
Spokane digital TV signals are not as easy to receive "off the air" as the
previous analog.  A better antenna, a signal amplifier, and/or better aiming
of the antenna might do the trick...

Ted Moffett

On 3/11/09, Sam Scripter <moscowsam at verizon.net> wrote:
>
>
> 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> 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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