Dish Or Direct?

[TechWriter]

Originally Posted by docj

Not that I personally care which TV provider people choose, the portion of my post that you deleted noted that Dish DNS services are not available in HD. For us that is a complete non-starter so my failure to keep up with Dish technology is the result of my having no interest in using Dish because of this "shortcoming." Others may not care that much about having HD, but if I can get it from one provider and not from the other there is no real choice IMHO.

True enough, but I just call DISH and have them change my "Service Address" to my current location. Then I get the local area stations in HD.

That's funny that you mentioned your need for HD since it's much easier for DISH subscribers to get HD programming.

Correct me if I'm wrong but DirecTV subscribers either need an $1800 rooftop Travler or a multi-LNB SWM dish for HD while DISH subscribers have the option of using a dome, carryout, or Tailgater for HD.

IMVHO it seems like DISH is the service to have if you're really interested in HD programming.

[akadeadeye]

So, am I hearing that you can't get local channels with Dish without some additional subscription?

Don

[jzick]

Originally Posted by akadeadeye

So, am I hearing that you can't get local channels with Dish without some additional subscription?

Don

Local channels are "spot beamed" with satellite TV systems. Once you leave the spot beam area you will lose local channels, with Direct or Dish. This is typically 100-150 miles from the center, but varies a lot by region. It is possible to get east or west coast network feeds with a DNS (distant network service) which requires a separate subscription. You will not, however, continue getting local feeds unless your locals are the east or west coast.

[docj]

Originally Posted by TechWriter

True enough, but I just call DISH and have them change my "Service Address" to my current location. Then I get the local area stations in HD.

Our DVR is programmed using the channels we receive via DNS. That way we don't have to change it regardless of where we are. Using local channels would require it be reprogrammed at every new location. Since we have no interest in the local news or weather (both of which can easily be obtained from the internet if we wish), for us it is much easier to rely on DNS. To each his own.

[Triker56]

And Dish you may need 2 different dishes.
A Eastern

• “Eastern Arc-compatible” receivers must be MPEG-4 (models) and must have the new G3 “Smart Card” encryption THIS DISH ONLY WORKS WITH ViP211, ViP211k, ViP612, ViP722, ViP722k, ViP622, ViP222 ViP922

• Capability to see all three Eastern Arc orbital locations (61.5 degrees, 72.7 degrees, and 77 degrees)

Or Western
The DISH 1000 provides reception from 110°, 119° and 129° For use with DISH Network satellite systems only.Receive all HD content available from DISH Network, including VOOM HD.
Receives signal from 110°, 119° and 129° DBS orbital locations

But most RV Dish dishes are the 110/119/129 one that have a much wider spread to receive, then the DirecTV 99/101/103 does if you are in a tree area.

[TechWriter]

Originally Posted by akadeadeye

So, am I hearing that you can't get local channels with Dish without some additional subscription?

No, you are not hearing right. Locals can be had anywhere by just contacting DISH.

[Scarab0088]

Originally Posted by Triker56

And Dish you may need 2 different dishes.
A Eastern

• “Eastern Arc-compatible” receivers must be MPEG-4 (models) and must have the new G3 “Smart Card” encryption THIS DISH ONLY WORKS WITH ViP211, ViP211k, ViP612, ViP722, ViP722k, ViP622, ViP222 ViP922

• Capability to see all three Eastern Arc orbital locations (61.5 degrees, 72.7 degrees, and 77 degrees)

Or Western
The DISH 1000 provides reception from 110°, 119° and 129° For use with DISH Network satellite systems only.Receive all HD content available from DISH Network, including VOOM HD.

Receives signal from 110°, 119° and 129° DBS orbital locations

But most RV Dish dishes are the 110/119/129 one that have a much wider spread to receive, then the DirecTV 99/101/103 does if you are in a tree area.

Dish's Western Arc covers most all of the US. From the picture in Yellow, you can see that 129 has better coverage than it's Eastern Cousin.





Being able to pick your Arc could be helpful, but I wouldn't carry extra equipment for this...I guess you could ask "how bad do you need to see that game?"

[Jim2]

Originally Posted by akadeadeye

So, am I hearing that you can't get local channels with Dish without some additional subscription?
Don

The separate subscription mentioned above was for DNS (distant network service); which is used mainly by fulltimers who have no fixed home. By filling out the FCC required DNS application and certifying that this receiver is used in a mobile RV service, you get the major networks fed from LA or NY regardless of your actual physical location, instead of having to call in and change your "locals" feed everytime you move the RV to a new town. Both companies provide that option, but Dish has to do it thru a 3rd party due to some FCC violations a few years back.

My opinion on your base question is, neither company really caters to RV'ers and regardless of which one you pick initially, its most likely in 2 yrs you'll be so fed up with their BS that you'll be ready to change providers.
The more advanced and complex installation, equipment & service you want, the more frustrated you'll be, with either company. Keep it to the basics and don't expect much support, and you'll be happy with either.
For many RV'ers the choice of local installer is more important than the Dish/Direct choice. Neither Dish or DTV give much support to RV installations, but some of their local installer do.

[chboone]

My experence receiving my home base locals is that Dish has a wider spot beam then DT has. I have received my local as far as 500 miles from my base zip. I have had both and prefer Dish.

Chuck

[UFO Pilot]

I have had DISH at the stick home for 10 plus years and in the MH for 6 plus. The DISH tech support has always worked for me. I replaced the dome with the Travler about 3 years ago and it is a must as far as I am concerned. I have the separate DNS service with SF and NY locals. SF is our home locals anyway so it works for me.

[Mr_D]

We have Direct at the stick house. Have three receivers. Just unplug one and put it in the motorhome. Haven't had many problems although I couldn't get it to find the sat once. Not sure why but the Winegard dish is the original one we ordered in 2002 so it may have had a glitch. Not a problem since even in the same campground.
Did have to call for service once. Had the roof replaced and the roofers didn't get the dish put back correctly. No problems contacting service and they were there the next day. Took them just a few minutes to restore service. No problems before or since either. No billing errors either.

[jacques10]

Originally Posted by luckyd

As a Canadian Snowbird, I like Dish because they offer a "pay as you go".
No contract to sign.

Yeah That's the reason i prefer dish.

[volvik]

Originally Posted by luckyd

As a Canadian Snowbird, I like Dish because they offer a "pay as you go".
No contract to sign.

....so you didn't need a permanent US address to get hooked up? If you do have one for several months how about if you were just travelling during that multi month period?

Thanks....Ron