» Questions and Answers

» Questions and Answers Information You Need When Choosing Satellite TV - See Kaptains Satellite TV Blog » Questions and Answers

Compare DISH Network and DIRECTV

Direct TV & Dish Network Questions and Answers

Satellite TV Stories

Satellite TV News

Kaptains Satellite TV Blog

Satellite TV Articles

Commercial-MDU Satellite TV Service

Hughes Net Internet Service

Satellite Radio Promotions From Xm and Sirius

Free Satellite TV

Satalite TV from DISH TV & DIRECT TV

Site Resources

Other Interesting Sites and Articles

Contact Email

Home :: Kaptains Satellite TV Blog » Questions and Answers « You Are Here

Ask Dave Questions Or
Post News and Comments about Satellite TV

Why Satellite TV Beats Cable

There are three choices available to you for TV viewing enjoyment. Air-to-ground TV programming was once the only method available; today, it still exists, but has been largely eclipsed by other technologies. Cable companies stole much of the thunder (and viewing audience) from air-to-ground stations, though a few diehard watchers still tune into their local channels through rabbit ear antennas. Cable provided a better selection of channels for viewing. However, technology has marched on, relentlessly. Today, cable is going the way of air-to-ground stations, eclipsed by satellite TV technology. Why is satellite TV a better choice of your viewing enjoyment than cable? Let’s look at the subject in greater detail.

Picture Quality – Satellite TV is purely digital, unlike that sent out by many cable companies who still use an outdated analog signal. Of course, analog signal ends this year. To compensate, cable companies are charging their customers more for channels they already receive, just for the privilege of viewing them in a digital format. Satellite TV has always been digital, so watchers will experience no difference.
In addition, satellite provides the clearest picture possible, with the most uptime available. There are no ground wires to be cut by construction or road crews, meaning that you have reliable TV watching enjoyment all the time.

Channel Selection – Satellite providers currently offer far more channels than cable companies do. This means that whatever you want to watch, you will find it on satellite TV. Whether you enjoy historical/scientific discourse (the Science Channel, Discovery and History Channel) or you enjoy pop culture, music, movies, local channels or sports, you will find it all with satellite TV providers. Additionally, satellite TV offers better channel packages than cable companies do. This means that you can customize your viewing experience and get the package that best suits your needs.

HD channel selection is another huge factor in the choice between cable and satellite providers. Currently, cable companies offer slightly more than 60 HD channels. Contrast that the 100 HD channels offered by satellite providers. That number is set to grow, as well, while cable companies will remain largely static due to bandwidth constraints. HD is the way of the future for TV viewing and satellite companies are firmly on board.
DVR and Computers – Finally, satellite providers offer a better selection of DVR-enabled receivers and even access to your favorite shows on your computer. The right DVR will allow you to record your favorite TV shows, in both standard and high definition formats. You can also program your receiver from any computer or web-enabled cell phone when you choose the right receiver. Cable companies cannot even come close to that.
More and more consumers are demanding to watch TV via their computers, as well. Satellite providers are more than happy to accommodate this growing trend, while cable companies have their heads firmly rooted in the ground. In short, satellite providers remain on the cutting edge of technology and entertainment, committed to providing the best mixture of the two for their customers.

The Benefits of Satellite TV Defined

If you are currently a cable customer, or have been wavering about choosing satellite TV for your viewing needs, there is no better time to make the switch than right now. Why should you opt for satellite TV programming? What does it offer you for your enjoyment? Is satellite TV really the best choice for any consumer? Who can get this type of TV programming? Here, you will find the answers to your questions to help you understand why this switch is in your best interest.

Lower Your Bills – In these harsh economic times, cutting costs is of vital importance. However, when that cost cutting puts your TV content in jeopardy, it can be a difficult choice to make. Actually, opting to ditch the cable company and signing up with a satellite provider will help you lower your bills, while simultaneously increasing your programming. That’s right; you get more channels, for less money each month than you would with your current cable company.

More Channels – As mentioned, with satellite providers, you get more channels for your enjoyment. These include the best digital satellite music channels, pay-per-view movies, interactive news and weather channels, the best HD channels and the largest selection of standard definition channels you’ll find anywhere. While your cable company may offer 180 channels, the right satellite provider can almost double that, while still allowing you to pay less each month!

Better HD Content – Have you ever wondered if there was more HD content available than the measly 80 channels offered by the cable company? In fact, there are many more available, including national and local HD channels. Only through satellite TV can you gain access to all of these channels and the incredible enjoyment they offer you. You’ll find HD pay-per-view channels, HD movie channels, HD local channels and even national networks broadcast in pristine HD format.

Better Customer Service – The cable company has never been known for their quality customer service. In fact, this is one of the most common reasons cited for customers changing TV programming providers. DirecTV has the number 1 rated customer service department in the nation, ensuring that when you need to speak with someone, you are connected to a person who actually cares what you have to say.

Get a DVR – Free! – Chances are that your cable company does offer a DVR solution. However, you’re probably paying an excessive fee for the privilege or recording your programs. In addition, it’s unlikely that you have an HD DVR. With the right satellite provider, you get a free DVR, which can actually record up to 50 hours of HD content, or 200 hours of standard definition TV. That’s a pretty dramatic difference.

Which satellite provider should you choose? The answer to that question has also been mentioned above. If you missed it, DirecTV should be the provider you choose. Their customer service, channel selection, dedication to providing the best sports programming and their ongoing commitment to developing the best HD content sets them apart from other choices.

DIRECT TV

Can Direct Tv be purchased in Canada? If there is a way can you please let me know . Thank you Dave.

Want to Upgrade My Reciever

I would like to get a DVR receiver and replace an old Direct TV receiver that I purchased 14 years ago. The question that I have is why will Direct TV give new subscribers a DVR receiver free if they sign up but will not replace an old receiver with the newer DVR receiver for a loyal customer who has maintained an active account for more than 14 years? This makes no sense to me. I would have to cancel my servcie and wait a period of time and then join again later as a new customer to get a new DVR receiver. It makes common sense to upgrade old equipment to keep a loyal customer who never has a billing issue. Is there any way to do this without changing to DISH network? I just do not think that DISH network has the same channel offerings as Direct TV. You feeback is greatly appreciated.

replace LNB’s

Hello
Do you have a reliable source to replace LNB’s on a Direct tv 3 LNB Dish?

Can I switch to Dish Network to get more HD Channels?

I purchased all the equipment for HDTV using DirectTV and subscribe to their HD programming. The store did not give me the info that I would not get a lot of HD stations-mainly locals. After 6 months of TV, I found that directtv now offered HDlocal channels in my area. BUT, even though my TIVO (purchased for $600) states it is from directtv, I cannot get the local channels with it. The service man said he could hook me up to get local channels in HD but did not think I would be able to use my TIVo at all.

Will Dish give me the local channels in HD with a DVR that will record in HD also? Can I cancel my directtv? I do not think they have fulfilled their part of the contract. Their ads say that the football package is in HD but since they pick up network feeds, I did not have any HD football this past season except for the ESPN games. I live right on the border of two states and would like to have a different local feed than what directtv gives me. Can Ichoose my local feeds?

Cabling & dual receivers

My 5-year old house has been internally wired with coax cable splitting off several times at several places (probably 8-12 end points) from one central input-somewhat like a tree diagram. The cable company signal was strong enough for all the TV’s but just barely for the internet service at the extreme end point. Can I use this same coax for the sat-tv signal? (internet is no longer using this coax)

With the dual receiver box, it sounds like it gets the signal from the coax coming out of the wall, but if the 2nd tv for that box is in another room, I would need to run a separate coax from the box to the 2nd tv….is that correct?

If so, I don’t intend to have a coax running on the floor from the dual box in the family room to the 2nd tv in the bedroom, and remodeling is not going to happen. Is the answer just to go with “single” boxes for the 3 or 4 rooms I have in mind?

I have no interest in HDTV, Tivo, DVR, etc., but a box with an internal VCR would be nice, but not a must-have.

extra recievers

I have two recievers and would like a third one. I was told it will cost me 100.00 for a new one. Is there cheaper ones that I could get? Also Is there a cheaper package a person could get in stead of the 48/49 dollors one?

SATELLITE TV AND A BOAT

My husband purchased our Direct TV receiver from Best Buys. He purchased the one with TIVO. He explalined to them that it would be installed on a boat and asked if that would be a problem. Of course they came back with the no problem answer. One month and ten days later it is still not installed. After paying for the receiver, then the installation and having Direct TV’s contractor installers try to milk another $100 out of us we still do not have TV. I am becoming very disapointed satelllite tv. Best Buys didn’t tell us that the receiver model that records can’t be installed without a phone line (they only wanted to sell you the most expensive receiver). We are going to return the Direct TV receiver and try the DISH network.

Can anyone tell me if this can be installed at a dock for a boat? Do you need a phone line with the DISH network?

multiple tvs

I am thinking of switching from cable to dish. I have 7 tv’s but could settle for hooking up 6. I only need independent viewing on 4 of the tv’s as they will not all be in use at the same time. I’ve spent alot of time with different reps and I keep getting different stories. If the receivers are hooked into the cable outlets and not the phone lines, can two be split where the cable connections are located(in basement) or does it have to be from the reciever to the next television. (This would be impossible b/c the televisions are too far apart). (Does this affect my cable internet access, which I am keeping?) Direct TV seems to have the best deal for more than 4 televisions, but is a little more expensive for programming. (You have to subscribe to the sports pak just to get FSN which is inlcuded in DISH) Dish said you cannot have more than 4 receivers on 1 dish ?? Also HD question. I have HD DVR with cable company and I get a series of HD channels that include local (ABC, NBC FSN NFL Network, HBO, etc. Both companies said you have to subscribe to HD Programming which includes stations I have never heard of and won’t watch, (Rush, HD net) but not these local stations (Redsox and Patriots). Is this how it works? Why would I want it

Another vacation home quetion

Hello -

I read the 6/05 post about taking one of your home receivers and putting it in a vacation home. Great information about all the cabling issues. That part I sort of understand. I do, however, have a variation on the same question with a Dish TV set up.

We have a 2 receiver set-up in our primary residence. We have a 522 and a 322. The dish is a Dish Pro 500 with a dual LNB (whatever that is?) A 2-headed whatever at the end of the arm.

The kids are finally out of the house, so I’d like to take the 322 and put it into a vacation home we’re thinking about (not to far from where we currently are - good exposure, etc.) since I’m already paying for the receiver. The place won’t have a land phone line. However, cell phone service does work. I have an extra Dish Pro 500 dish, but no LNB (whatever that is?)

I guess my questions are:

Is this going to work or am I barking up the wrong tree?
If it will, what’s an LNB, what’s the right one for this set-up, and how does one acquire one?
Do I have the right dish to make this work?
Assuming this all works can I get away with no land phone line?

Thanks in advance for any guidance you can provide.

Comcast or Dish Network

Dave ,
I have comcast digital cable and am thinking of getting dish network.
The packages and eveything confuse me .
I have three tvs.
What difference with the recievers ?
dvr , hdtv and recordability for each tv?
What package would be best ?
I like the 120 or 180 but i like hbo,starz , cinamax ,etc…..
I have dvd players hooked up to two of the three tvs.
Can you help .
Confused Trina:(

Dish Net HD-DVR?

I have a Dish Network DVR received - and just bought an HD TV!! About a month ago, I wanted to upgrade my receiver to and HD-DVR receiver, but they wanted $400 for the receiver, so I did nothing. I just checked the website today and they are offering the HD-DVR receiver on the same terms as my DVR receiver for NEW customers, but existing customers are supposed to go purchase one from their local retailer…

So, I called up their lovely customer service line and was told that the above was true for NOW, but on February 1st they are announcing a new promotion on HD-DVR and it will be GOOD??? That’s all they would say. Anybody have any ideas what this will be?

installation dates using pronto

I just ordered with dish pronto; though you would like to know that I was a bit dissapointed with them; when we first started chatting, they said they would install by jan 25; when it was time to order, they advised that the earliest would be feb 1.

Thanks

Switching From Rabbit Ears To Satellite TV

This is an email received from Linda

Getting ready to make the big switch from rabbit ears. Comparing Dish and Direct TV. The latest promo I’ve seen for Dish, which is where I’m leaning, requires, in teeny tiny print, an 18 month contract.

My big question is, with all the talk of programming coming through the internet, is that to lock us 18 monthers into something that will be needlessly expensive in the near (say 6-12 months) future? 2nd question, if we move to another town/county, relatively nearby, will we be able to transfer our service?

Thank you, Linda

My Reply: (more…)

625 receiver - how would I hook up my DVD player to it

Continued emails from mary about the Dish 625

Thanks for answering my e-mail! I have a question about Dish 625. I have my DVD player hooked up to my satellite box in my second room because my TV in that room is old. If I would choose to movie to dish network and get their 625 receiver how would I hook up my DVD player to it? Also I have wire coming into my bedroom from the satellite, but would they have to still run another wire from the 625 receiver for the second TV to work? I guess it’s a little bit confusing to me! Thanks Mary

My Reply: (more…)

Painting a satellite dish

Email from John about Painting a satellite dish

We just moved into a townhouse which has a DirectTV satellite installed. It has been painted the same dark brown color as the walls (something which the association requires, I think). I would like to subscribe to Dish Network, which would necessitate a new satellite dish. Does painting the dish affect the signals negatively?

John K.

My Reply (more…)

Currently Comcast….? What

This was an email that i got the wrong idea about and thought i would post it.

Hi I live in Maryland and I currently have comcast cablevision. They are going to digital do you have anything for that. Thanks Cathy

My Reply: (more…)

Who Owns The Hardware?

Question emailed in by Al about Satellite TV Hardware:

Dave,

I am a considering changing from cable TV service to satellite TV service.

With both Dish and Direct TV offering “free” equipment, I was wondering who owns the hardware once it is installed and your initial service commitment has been met? If the companies continue to own the equipment, can you take it with you when you move and then have it re-installed?

Also, what happens (and more importantly, who pays) if the hardware needs to be serviced at a later date?

Al Cornish

My Reply: (more…)

DVR Recorders Questions

Email sent in by Mary about DVR Recorders

I am currently a DirecTV customer and would like to upgrade to the DVR. I have several question.

I was reading and saw where Dave said something about having to pay extra for TIVO. Does that mean that the DVR that you get from DirecTV doesn’t work unless you subscribe to this?

If I should upgrade to the DVR and still have my second receiver do I have to pay 4.99 for each of them? If I bought two DVR would it then just be 4.99 extra each month?

I have thought about switching to Dish Network, but I left Dish a couple of years ago because when they installed my dish they didn’t run new wire and used my existing outside wire that wasn’t for Satellite and we had troubles all the time. When I got DirecTV they ran new wire and never have had the problem again. Would I be a new customer if I go back and if not would I then have to buy all the equipment again myself as I don’t have dish equipment anymore. I left in good standing with Dish I was never late paying my bill.

So how much would it cost me to switch back to Dish?

One more question if I would stay with DirecTV and the DVR works without paying anything extra can I use unhook my receivers I have now and hook the dvr up myself and just call into DirecTV to give them the new box numbers or is there more to it?

Thanks! Mary

My Reply: (more…)

My Top Picks For
Five Star Satellite Retailers

Best Dish Network Retailers Dish Network Best DIRECTV Retailers DirectStarTV

Dish Network and Direct TV is Available Nationwide - Read the Satellite TV by State Articles
All Rights Reserved © 2002-2006 KaptainSatellite.com - Web Equations, LLC
™ Trademarks belong to their respective owners. Privacy