Dish Network or DIRECTV?

[Car-Guy]

That's coming I'm sure. You'll have a "basic package' and then pay as you go for any premium channel you watch.

When that happens (and I'm sure it's coming), I suspect a lot of these obscure channels will fade into oblivion. However, their pricing models will still make them their same profit margins, or more.

 

[Sojourner]

I have DirecTV's Premier package with HD. I think that's 315 channels but there's still more to buy.

Just curious, I'm paying 178.51 a month for just satellite TV. And there's more "stuff" I could buy from them.

If I'm not mistaken, the Premier package includes all premiums (except the adult/porn and seasonal sports packages) and all regional sports channels, along with every other available channel in their lineup. If you're really watching a significant number of all those channels on a regular or semi-regular basis, then maybe it's worth it to you... but you said 5%. For me, that wouldn't be enough to justify the extra ~ $70-$80/month, especially these days when you could get all the premium movie channels à la carte for far less on as as-needed (or as-wanted) basis.

Of course, if you're only at a 1 or 2% SWR and your budget has plenty of room to spare, why not? Kind of like buying $30 bottles of wine instead of $15 bottles. We all have our indulgences.

 

[Car-Guy]

If I'm not mistaken, the Premier package includes all premiums (except the adult/porn and seasonal sports packages) and all regional sports channels, along with every other available channel in their lineup.

I think that is "about" right plus HD.

Of course, if you're only at a 1 or 2% SWR and your budget has plenty of room to spare, why not?

Money is not an issue and it keeps the DW happy which is "Priceless".

 

[Retireatee1]

I've had DISH for 7 years and currently pay $120/month for 1 hopper/1 joey/America's Top 200 w/ HBO. The reliability is very, very good. There are some intermittent flaky things that come and go, but it's solid. I haven't dealt with customer service much. The technology feels a bit old, and you don't see much in the way of updates or refreshes over time. I'm not sure how much they are investing in their technology, and am not holding my breath for 4K.