Dish, Direct TV, or Other

[wnytaxman]

I'm curious as to the general opinion as to which vendor to go with or not go with. I know Dish has the RV package for on again, off again usage, but does Direct TV offer anything similar or are we better off to go with something like in house Wi-Fi and Hulu or something similar? It seems like the choices and the need for a satellite receiver may be changing with the advent of streaming options. What do you think?

[FlyingDiver]

Counting on using streaming video in an RV is a loosing proposition. Campground Wifi can't handle the bandwidth, and you'll need a very expensive data plan for cellular access.

If you go places that have OTA coverage, that may be all you need.

If you need satellite, but for only part of the year, then Dish may be best.

We just use sat year round, RV or S&B. Much easier that way.

[ctpres]

From my last search I found todays cost and mobility problems for the bandwidth needed to stream video far exceed costs for Dish or Direct. The phone network and technology is getting stronger by leaps and bounds. Do not stop asking that question.

[MisterT]

we use a standard DishHD satellite on a tripod - 250 channels with many in HD for about $60 monthly - and Dish will update your reception for local channels whenever you move to a different location(if you call or chat with them).

with a manual dish, you can use it at your home as well, no difference.
I think the 'turn off, turn on' feature is more appropriate for those vehicle with permanently mounted satellite dishes.

[Bigd9]

We have Dish Network at home so it was a "no brainer" for us. I pay an extra $7 per month for a receiver that will operate the Winegard Pathway X2 automatic dish and I can then take that receiver in the house when we are back home.
We don't stream movies do the cost involved.

[wa8yxm]

My advice is if you want Satellite TV pick the vendor which has the package you like best.. For example.. I'm into science and science fiction..This makes DISHnetwork best for me since they offer one channel I really,really want (And it's in all packages too).

My Son-in-Law is a Football Coach (And a Good one I might add) so he needs SPORTS channels.. Direct is best there.

Cost.. Both of 'em offer really attratrive come-ons but then cha-ching you down the road.

What do I use..... Neither.. I use ye old Batwing with wingman and Sensar PRO in most places.. Where I am just not that's not the best option but.. Guess what.. The campground offers cable.. NO EXTRA CHARGE.. Some day I'll dig out my other sat receiver which should still get NASA.

[wnytaxman]

The reason for the question is that we have Verizon FIOS at home and I really only need the satellite TV on the road. For us, it may turn out to have to be Dish if they are the only ones that offer the on again/off again option for road trips.

[shiggs68]

Just my two cents, Dish is more RV friendly with a RV Customer Service group. They also have the pay-as-yo-go, no contract service. Channel selections are very similar and goes by the number of channels in your package. Lastly, Dish is full HD while DirecTV it depends on what type antenna you use as they broadcast their HD on a different frequency band.


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[Redhead67]

Winegard Carryout or King ?????

[wnytaxman]

Is there one antenna that is better than another? Winegard, Kingdome, or KVH all seem to be comparable in their ads, but are they really?

[shiggs68]

In my opinion, Winegard has been designing and building all sorts of antennas longer than any of the competition.


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[Falcon190]

Originally Posted by shiggs68

Just my two cents, Dish is more RV friendly with a RV Customer Service group. They also have the pay-as-yo-go, no contract service. Channel selections are very similar and goes by the number of channels in your package. Lastly, Dish is full HD while DirecTV it depends on what type antenna you use as they broadcast their HD on a different frequency band.


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TravellingRVDoctor, LLC

I'll second that about service. I've needed to contact Dish many times to reauthorize my VIP-211 and gotten right thru to them. They will stay on the phone till the issue is resolved. I use the Tailgater and in two years it's worked great with no dropped satellites. Since we have Dish at home we've only had to pay an additional $7 more per month for the RV.

[Jim T.]

DirecTV also is only 7 or 8 dollars a month more added to your billing account location. You can also reauthorize service from your smartphone. No need to call. If you pay for local channels & RV outside their "footprint" you can call & ask them to change your service location (not your billing location). I just wish that was on their smartphone app too!😘


Jim & Shirley & Abbie (Scottie)
2013 Newmar Canyon Star 3911
2005 Dodge Grand Caravan

🎓 I always think I know more than I actually do! I'm not a 🚀 scientist, but I did stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night. 🏩

[TechWriter]

Originally Posted by Jim T.

If you pay for local channels & RV outside their "footprint" you can call & ask them to change your service location (not your billing location).

So if you're traveling around the country, changing campgrounds every week, DirecTV will let you change your Service Location every week?