HDTV: Worth it or not, Direct TV or Comcast?

Question

I have found I am not impressed with Comcast HDTV.
The extra cost for an HDBOX, DVR and HD Channels runs up my bill, I was not aware that it would run it up.
I don't like the extra Cost associated with Satellite? Is it that much better or do you loose service when the Wind blows, I live in Tornado Alley, .. I don't need that...

Answer 1

Both services are matched in that you will need to pay extra no matter what for the HD equipment/service.

Dish is advertising that they have tons of channels in hd, as is Comcast. What you really need to look at is how much of that content is truly HD. Comcast has several channels with 100% HD content, but Dish has varied quality.

Take, for instance, CBS HD channel. Much of the content there is HD, but things like your local evening news won't be. Only if the show/event is filmed in HD will it show up in HD, even on an HD channel.

For content, I definitely recommend Comcast. It's something like $7 per month for the HD receiver and you don't have to pay for the programming. Not only do you get plenty of HD channels with tons of HD programming, but you also get access to the HD movies/shows on OnDemand. And most of OnDemand's programming is free!

Answer 2

You do need the box, and the HD service only costs like $5 more per month. They have boxes without DVR.

I do agree Comcast charges too much. I've never looked at satellite because I live in a condo and I can't mount it anywhere facing the right direction. So I just suck it up and pay Comcast. But I'm not feeling Comcastic!

You can always put an antenna on your roof and watch free HDTV, if your TV has a built-in HD Tuner. In fact, the broadcast signal is not compressed, and is often results in a superior picture quality then cable or satellite.

Answer 3

I have neighbors with HDTV and I personally do not see the value. To some it may have benefits. I also have friend and neighbors that do not like one or the other.

I have used both services the past 5 years. I now have Comcast for one reason, on really cloudy days, storms, etc. the dish does not work due to blockage of satellites. Also, at times, and I am guessing due to the positioning of the satellites there is a lose of picture as well. Direct TV does offer better pricing on comparative packages. I have my internet with Comcast as well with no problems so far last two years. If you discontinue service with a "dish" company they require you to remove the "receiver" (they call it a transponder) unit from the dish itself or you will be "billed". They will send a box for shipping. The dish stays on the house, so insure wherever the dish is mounted you can get to it easily.

Customer service with both companies the few times needed has been prompt, courteous, and quick solving of billing or problems. We recently had an outage in North Atlanta, I called Comcast and they informed me crews are working to solve and in less than an hour all was running as usual. The next day I got a courtesy call from Comcast.

Answer 4

I don't have HDTV, just one good clear Sony TV, and it's almost the same quality picture, and better color than most HDTV sets
We used to have cable, by two different companies, and when AT&T purchased the last on, that day we called and signed up for Direct TV. The picture quality on Direct TV is far better than cable, but rest assured, although the wind has no effect on picture, storm clouds can and do wipe out reception, and so does snow build up on dish. We keep a long handled car washing broom handy to clean the dish in winter.
As a matter of fact, the Satellite is cheaper for the same channels as cable, at least in this area.
Direct TV here is also a better bargain than Dish Network, more channels, less money, again, this can vary with location.
I think all systems charge extra for the HD.

Answer 5

Luckybab, I have had both Direct TV and currently have Dish Network. I switched to Dish Network when I bought a HDTV since I had to upgrade the receiver to receive the high definition stations. I really like the Dish receiver as I can watch two separate programs and also record movies on both at the same time. Only problem is that only the one channel is in high definition while the other comes in standard definition only. Had I known that I wouldn't have purchased two HDTV's.

Answer 6

You know even with satellite you have to subscribe to the HDTV service and there is a charge for it. We have DirecTV with Hughesnet Internet service. Hughesnet is very, very slow. I paid for an upgrade which was supposed to make it faster, but it is still unacceptably slow. The wind does not affect the satellite, but the snow does. When it is snowing heavily here, which it often is, we have to keep going out and sweeping off the dish or the TV and Internet connection go out. The Internet connection is very sensitive to the slightest amount of snow.

Answer 7

I have a 32 inch HDTV Which is a vizio with Comcast Cable. I went with the Digital plus with high speed internet. Let me ask you this... How many times have you turned on your tv to find out you had to picture, or that your cable was out?

Dish no matter who you go with, will go out. I have friends that can't play games online because the internet is so slow.
Dish may have more channels but at least Comcast is reliable.

Oh and yeah it goes out like crazy every time a storm comes through.

Answer 8

I had direct tv for years. The tv went out once or twice when their was lightening. I'm now using our local cable provider and that keeps freezing on me. Its quite annoying. If they weren't giving me such a deal for switching I would def go back to direct

Answer 9

Comcast has internet way faster than any other service, get comcast. The AT&T is way slower. I dont know about DirectTV though.

Answer 10

DIRECTV IS BETTER WITH WAYYYY MORE CHANNELS