Dish vs Direct TV...Best for home & RV????

[tipaulfla]

I am looking into getting direct tv or dish tv. I have checked on reviews for both and of course all you see are the nightmare stories on most reviews.

I like sports(especially the NFL) so I am leaning towards direct tv for the NFL Package.

Has anyone had both services and preferred one over the other?

I want it mainly for home then just grab the receiver for the rv when we are on the road.

Also, is your high speed internet gotten thru the satelite?

Any help would be appreciated, since I value the opinions on this forum more than any other forum.

Thanks in advance,
Tipaulfla
2008 Itasca Sunova 34ft.
2008 Jeep Liberty Toad

[wa8yxm]

Since I do not like sports, or high bills, I prefer DISHnetwork. HOWEVER as n RVer, DirecTV has advantages as well, I will list

Antenna options:
DirecTV (NOT DirecHDTV) is 100% compatable with a dual output DOME type antenna (Dual LNB means two outputs, NOT two satellites or Two lNB's. Two of those is called a TWIN) and thus you get all your programming when using a DOME and either 2 receivers (or more) or a dual input DvR (or more) no fighting over which satellite to watch.

Of course with a ground mounted tripod antenna of the proper type, this is not an issue.

DirecHDTV is not compatable with domes.

DISHNETWORK: is compatable with domes however the dome can see only one satellite at a time and you need 2 for regular and 3 for HDTV, depending on the program you wish to watch (Some are on one bird, some on another)

With a single receiver, not a problem, but with multiple receivers or dual channel DVR's... Problem will arise.


Receivers.. i like the software in DISH network receivers way better, the antenna pointing tool in a dish receiver (MENU 6-1-1) is basically the same as a 1,000 plus digital meter used by profisessional installers. Every bit as good. DirecTV's though way better than the common in-line analog meters, is not nearly as good as DISH's.

(Also the user interface Dish uses is based on the DVR's I use. even if DirecTV now owns the rights to the dvr's. but that's a long story)

DVR's.. Dish DVR's are the best made, #1 user interface, and DUAL OUTPUT as well as dual input.. So you can watch one show on one set and another show on another set, No problem.

DirecTV DVR's .. Well the one I had had the #1 WORST user interface per those I hang with on the web (And I don't argue) and only let you watch one show at at time even if the DirecTV sales rep said I could do two.

Still, for an RV, if you plan on using an in-motion dome DirecTV is not the best option It is the ONLY option.

[kben39]

I havae haad Dish since 03, have used it all over the US and love it.

[EDALLSAILS]

after fighting with both dish and direct we stopped them. At the tampa show we saw the new Tailgateer from DISH and purchased one. clouldn't be easier. Turn the TV on and the Tailgator will find a sattelite. We have a KVH dome on roof. An 2006 model and it couldn't be upgraded. Everyone said that was the problem, yea rite. We mounted the Tailgator on the ladder and off we went. We have Dish Network where we live. Note, with any of these packages if you park for over 15 to 30 days the entire system needs to be rebooted. Not a biggie, just takes 10 to 15 minutes. good luck ed

[Lault]

And Dish is in HD. I like that a lot.

[Kjlunda]

We are using Dish with a tripod set up and HD Tvs. I like the Dish receiver mainly because I can put it in the cabinet and hook the front and back tvs to 1 unit. Bought a sat finder off ebay ($12) that Radio Shack wanted $35. Easy set up, I bought 3 concrete blocks (2" thick) drilled a hole in each, mounted a "thunder stud" in each to bolt the tripod to. Once it it's set up, it stays in place. Good luck with whatever you choose.

[RickO]

We've never had Dish but have been pretty happy with DirecTv for years.

No, I don't believe there's a readily available way to get internet via the same dish as TV... but I could be out of date on that one.

Good luck.

Rick

[HotMech]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickO No, I don't believe there's a readily available way to get internet via the same dish as TV... but I could be out of date on that one. Good luck. Rick

There is, but you might not want to hear what it costs.

I can't resist.

The dish itself is around 6 grand. and the service is about 100/mo.
and to top that off, they have bandwidth limits. the dish is made by Motosat, and the service is from HughesNet
And, because it's all tied into Directv. You can get a LNB to attatch to the feed arm to recieve SD DirecTv. I dreamed about it some years ago.
I mean, what fun, a WIFI hotspot, to share, wherever you go. Talk about friends. ...but then, isn't that what my signature says?
I've had DirecTv since Oct. 1999 I've seen, but not had DishNet. I suppose it's all subjective anyway. I prefer the channel lineup and guide interface, on DirecTv, and as far as DVR, I'm a TiVo Fan, all the way. Since Dish and TiVo are not in bed together, I'll stick with my DirecTiVo.
K.

[Diplomat Don]

Both companies can only offer good programming if they sell a lot of contracts. Every channel you get, Dish or DirecTV has to pay for. I believe DirecTV is a LOT larger company and will continue to outgrow Dish. I think the brighter future is in DirecTV.

I may be incorrect, but I believe DirecTV's satelites are higher in the horizon across the US and are easier to find in mountainous areas.

[PyrateSilly]

For internet you can check out these sites:
RV Internet Access
Communication
Mobile Satellite Internet
Datastorm Users

We are looking at different options for ourselves. The satelite internet service can cost you anywhere from $50 a month and on up to several thousand a month. It all depends on what you buy and what you want to do. Most will be happy with the $70 - $100 a month range. Since we, ourselves have no desire to pay for TV since we don't watch it, we would rather pay for the internet which we do use - alot.

[RickO]

Quote:

Originally Posted by HotMech There is, but you might not want to hear what it costs. I can't resist. The dish itself is around 6 grand. and the service is about 100/mo. and to top that off, they have bandwidth limits. the dish is made by Motosat, and the service is from HughesNet And, because it's all tied into Directv. You can get a LNB to attatch to the feed arm to recieve SD DirecTv. I dreamed about it some years ago. I mean, what fun, a WIFI hotspot, to share, wherever you go. Talk about friends. ...but then, isn't that what my signature says? K.

What a great set up.... but pretty pricey.

We have our WiFi hotspot everywhere we go but we get it via a Verizon air card and Cradlepoint wireless router. $60/mo but we can suspend service when we're not traveling.

I always liked that line you use in your signature too. Ain't it the truth? STYX!!!

Rick

[Iron Man]

We had direct tv since it came out. They ticked the wife off so we switched to Dish for house and RV. Take receiver from house and plug in RV and go. As a bonus Dish offers HD with our dome antenna.

[historyljc]

I've had both Direct and Dish. I was happy with Direct receivers and remotes. Their programing costs kept going up and up and up until I just simply couldn't (and wouldn't) afford them anymore. Switched to Dish and cut my bill by more than half. Dumped my KingDome and installed a Winegard Traveler 1000 for Dish. That pretty much locks me into Dish unless I want the expense of replacing the satellite. I've had the setup for a couple of years and still very happy with it.

[justaroamer]

Hold off just a bit...
The new Mogul dish by former MotoSat employees ( Mobile Satellite Systems, Internet, SNG, VSAT, TV South Salt Lake City, UT ) is available for DISH and also Directv. With the Directv, they have gone with a SWM system which will be great for retrofitting to RV's as it takes only one coax cable to feed 8 receivers or more, depending on the multiswitch used. This means for those with an existing dome with 2 coax outs, one does not have to pull more coax through the roof and still have inmotion use. MotoSat and Wineguard roof tops both lack this at the present time. Carry out tripod Slimline 5 Directv dishes can be upgraded/converted by purchasing an new SWM LNB kit and only have one coax feed from the antenna ( This is the SWM LNB for the Slimline Dish. ) . SWM when paired with a DVR receiver and networked, you can watch recorded programing through any of the networked receivers, a big plus.
IMHO, Directv all the way. I have had RV sat dish installers tell me more than once that Directv works best for those on the move, no sat switching. Read the threads here and there are always someone posting DISH problems and seeking help.
With my DirectvHD via the MotoSat, I also receive 3D programing...WOW, not a must have but very cool.