Dish Network or DIRECTV?

[REWahoo]

Although I would dearly love to cut the cord, we have very poor internet service in our rural area so streaming isn't an option. No cable either so that leaves only satellite TV unless we want to be limited to OTA channels only - and DW definitely does not.

Our two year contract with DIRECTV ends this month. We've been with them for more than a decade and I'm sick and tired of their pricing games - having to threaten to discontinue our service for better pricing, annual increases, etc. I'm considering a switch to Dish Network due to their apparent price transparency and better rates. Any of you have experience with Dish? How does their service compare to DIRECTV?

 

[Car-Guy]

Although I would dearly love to cut the cord, we have very poor internet service in our rural area so streaming isn't an option. No cable either so that leaves only satellite TV unless we want to be limited to OTA channels only - and DW definitely does not.

Our two year contract with DIRECTV ends this month. We've been with them for more than a decade and I'm sick and tired of their pricing games - having to threaten to discontinue our service for better pricing, annual increases, etc. I'm considering a switch to Dish Network due to their apparent price transparency and better rates. Any of you have experience with Dish? How does their service compare to DIRECTV?

Similar boat here. I've been with Direct TV since the beginning of time (so it seems) and have often considered switching to DISH. However, folks I know that have DISH don't speak very well of them either. Direct TV has been pretty reliable but I wish you good luck if you ever have a service problem. When I do need to call, I often wonder if their phone and field agents take classes in how to be rude and incompetent. I have hopes that would change when AT&T bought them. I don't care as much about cost (although ~$165 a month seems high) but I really dislike their poor customer services, which I try to avoid.

OTA is okay (but I only get 2 channels ) and my DSL is too slow (@ 3Meg) for a lot of streaming.

I'll be watching this thread to see what others have to say about DISH.

 

[Sojourner]

I've always had DirecTV when it comes to satellite TV, so I can't offer any comparisons with Dish. But I have to disagree with Car-Guy about DirecTV customer service. Generally I've had very good experiences over the years, from installation techs to CSRs to "retention specialists". In 16 years, I think I've had only one really bad experience (a surly, know-it-all, incompetent dish installer). The vast majority of times I've spoken to someone on the phone or interacted with someone at my house, it's been relatively pleasant and I've felt pretty satisfied afterwards.

I do agree that the yearly price increases are getting more and more painful. My current bill is around $140/month, and I think it was only about $70/month when I first signed up in the early 2000s.

 

[MRG]

Been with Direct TV since '96. The customer service used to be really bad, today I've been happy. I'll say of anything AT&T it's the only product with decent customer service.

I've heard some Dish customers bash them but I don't know the entire story. If you switch please keep this thread updated. Like to know about your experience.

 

[Winemaker]

I have had Direct for the past two years; payment is on auto pilot with credit card. Reception for three HDTVs is great unless there is heavy snow or rain, and then we switch to nonHD channel. We rarely watch a movie, and have no issues with service. Our 2 year contract is up next month and we will play them against Comcast for price.

 

[REWahoo]

I do agree that the yearly price increases are getting more and more painful. My current bill is around $$140/month, and I think it was only about $70/month when I first signed up in the early 2000s.

For the same DIRECTV equipment & package I paid $62/mo in 2015, $102/mo in 2016 and it is going up to $127/mo in January (they increase prices every Jan). I can get an equivalent package and services from Dish for $95/mo guaranteed for two years, which is a significant enough savings for me to ask about the switch.

 

[REWahoo]

I've been with Direct TV since the beginning of time (so it seems)...

Been with Direct TV since '96.

I've always had DirecTV...

I have had Direct for the past two years...

Anyone out there a current or recent Dish customer?

 

[Ronstar]

I house sat for a buddy while the Dish guy hooked up my buddy's house. What an experience. He installed the dish, ran the line from the dish to the main junction and box, and checked the individual lines for signal. But he wouldn't set up the TV's unless I agreed to an $80 per tv fee. My friend had 2 new tv's in boxes - the dish guy said that their installation policy doesn't include unboxing/ setting up tv's. He gave me his phone no and told me to have my buddy call him when's ready to hook up the tv's. He would walk him through it over the phone. That was about 3 weeks ago. As far as I know, his tv's are still not running.

 

[REWahoo]

But he wouldn't set up the TV's unless I agreed to an $80 per tv fee. My friend had 2 new tv's in boxes - the dish guy said that their installation policy doesn't include unboxing/ setting up tv's.

Interesting.

I have 3 TVs all wired, hooked up and running on DIRECTV. The installer should only have to swap out the sat dish and replace the three TV boxes with Dish boxes. That appears to fall within the requirements of their definition of "Standard Installation."

 

[Slow But Steady]

I have had Dish for over two years. We have the setup with two Hoppers so we can record more channels at once, but we rarely need that feature. For three TVs, and no premium channels except Stars, our bill is over $150 per month.

We like the Prime
Time Anytime feature and the Dish Anywhere feature. It's also handy having Netflix built in to the Hopper.

Still, I am looking for less expensive options.

 

[Midpack]

We went from cable to Direct TV. After our 2 year contract, we compared to Dish TV and it was significantly cheaper (even after the 12 month promo rate). We've been with Dish for over 6 years, and service has been good, few issues anyway. About a year ago, our DVR receiver died, they came to our house and replaced it [-]free[/-] no charge (refurbished I think). He set the new one up for us, much faster than doing it ourselves. I told the tech the buttons on the remote were getting sluggish too, he gave us a new one.

We've compared our rates to Direct TV a few times, and we have a much better deal. Direct TV has some premium and sports channels Dish doesn't have, but we can do without them.

If you go with Dish, and you're frugal like us, press them for what plans are available - they don't show them all online. You really have to dig hard. Our plan is called Dish America (about 120 channels for $50/mo though we've never watched 101 of them), all the HD channels we need for less than most they first show. And there are other plans you may not find easily. You have to press to see what ALL your options are. Good luck...

[edit: The OP didn't ask, but it's just a matter of time before we dump satellite and go with a streaming service. Direct TV NOW is a much better value than any satellite or cable provider for us, but they need to sort out their reported performance issues. If they do, we'll switch. If they don't, someone will sooner or later...]

 

[REWahoo]

Still, I am looking for less expensive options.

Since you are likely past your contract term, have you called them to see what they will do for you? They introduced entirely new (lower) pricing a year or so ago and you should be able to benefit. Worth a try.

 

[REWahoo]

If you go with Dish, press then for what plans are available - they don't show them all. You really have to dig hard. Our plan is called Dish America, all the HD channels we need for less than most they first show. And there are other plans you may not find easily. You have to press to see what ALL your options are. Good luck...

Good to know. Thanks!

 

[Slow But Steady]

Since you are likely past your contract term, have you called them to see what they will do for you? They introduced entirely new (lower) pricing a year or so ago and you should be able to benefit. Worth a try.

I plan to call them.

Until a couple days ago, I was planning to try Windstream's new service, which, when bundled with phone and internet, would have made a good price. When the installer came out, though, he told me I couldn't get the fast internet options, because I was too far from the bas station.

 

[meierlde]

I house sat for a buddy while the Dish guy hooked up my buddy's house. What an experience. He installed the dish, ran the line from the dish to the main junction and box, and checked the individual lines for signal. But he wouldn't set up the TV's unless I agreed to an $80 per tv fee. My friend had 2 new tv's in boxes - the dish guy said that their installation policy doesn't include unboxing/ setting up tv's. He gave me his phone no and told me to have my buddy call him when's ready to hook up the tv's. He would walk him through it over the phone. That was about 3 weeks ago. As far as I know, his tv's are still not running.

Actually not at all surprising, since the standard service consists of putting the receiver in place connecting it to the dish and the tv and that is it.

In particular the service consists of deciding which method of connection is to be used (composite video or Channel 3/4) connecting the cable and setting up the remote to work with the tv (actually all this is covered in the reciever manual as well along with a long list of TVs and the codes to use to make the remotes work, the dish remote also can turn the TV on/off, and control the volume and potentially work a video tape machine as well)
Actually from way back when when Dish was installed they need a working TV to aim the dish as well. I suspect the same would be true of any cable/satellite TV installer.

 

[Ronstar]

Interesting.

I have 3 TVs all wired, hooked up and running on DIRECTV. The installer should only have to swap out the sat dish and replace the three TV boxes with Dish boxes. That appears to fall within the requirements of their definition of "Standard Installation."

You should be good to go judging from the Dish guy explained to me. The standard Dish installation involves taking over a currently running system from another provider. My friend's house was nearly leveled by a tornado, so everything was brand new. Nothing had yet been running on his new wiring. My friend didn't have his tv's unboxed or even have the wall mount brackets yet.

The Dish guy said he could do it all, but it would cost $.

 

[RunningBum]

I've been on Dish for 15 years. Generally everything has been fine. Price seems better overall, and I like the receiver better for various reasons, one of which is sending a second separate signal to another TV. Hopper might be a good solution for multi-TV for many too. I think I can share a reference bonus for new customers too, so PM me if you want to go that route.

 

[Midpack]

I house sat for a buddy while the Dish guy hooked up my buddy's house. What an experience. He installed the dish, ran the line from the dish to the main junction and box, and checked the individual lines for signal. But he wouldn't set up the TV's unless I agreed to an $80 per tv fee. My friend had 2 new tv's in boxes - the dish guy said that their installation policy doesn't include unboxing/ setting up tv's. He gave me his phone no and told me to have my buddy call him when's ready to hook up the tv's. He would walk him through it over the phone. That was about 3 weeks ago. As far as I know, his tv's are still not running.

Doesn't surprise me, but I wouldn't expect any provider to unbox and set up a TV as part of normal service. When Dish set up my ready TV's they checked signal strength and did the whole setup for both receivers no charge. And when they replaced my 5 year old receiver, again they did a full setup no charge.

 

[REWahoo]

I think I can share a reference bonus for new customers too, so PM me if you want to go that route.

Sounds good - we both get $10/mo discount for 10 months. https://www.mydish.com/customer-programs/my-referrals

If I do decide to make the move to Dish I'll definitely PM you.

 

[Dawg52]

This article suggest Direct TV is moving in the direction of dumping satellite in the future.....for the most part. Can't see how it can go totally away as there are plenty in ReWahoo's shoes. I wonder what this will do to cost for the remaining satellite users?

https://www.engadget.com/2016/09/23/directv-now-streaming-rumored-to-supplant-satellite-by-2020/

 

[RockyMtn]

Happy Direct subscriber since 2000. Directv is the Cadillac...Dish is a Chevy at best IMHO.

 

[CaliKid]

Too bad cable is not an option for you. I have to say we were happiest with Comcast. Have Direct currently and it's fine but I preferred Comcast. Had Dish many years ago and didn't care for it. Having said all this I do not think the differences are that great.

 

[zinger1457]

I switched from DirecTV to Dish last year. Got a 2 year rate lock from Dish for their America Top 200 package. I pay $66/month and that is the total price, includes one Hopper DVR.

 

[REWahoo]

I switched from DirecTV to Dish last year. Got a 2 year rate lock from Dish for their America Top 200 package. I pay $66/month and that is the total price, includes one Hopper DVR.

How do you like Dish? Is the service/reliability as good as Direct?

 

[zinger1457]

How do you like Dish? Is the service/reliability as good as Direct?

I don't see a big difference between the two, I keep switching back and forth between DirecTV and DISH every couple of years to get the best rate.