Direct TV & Dish Network

[kermit]

We had directv since it first started with Tivo, the greatest invention ever if you work at night. For no reason the prices increased and after a few months we went to Dish. Completely different system, took some getting used to but like it. We also switched because our South Georgia house only has Dish in its area. Both are great, see what kind of deal you can get and what works in your area. Some are limited.

[Steph_in_TX]

We've always had good luck and service with DISH. It does go out when a large storm rolls through, but very reliable otherwise. However, they've raised prices three times over the last year and a half or so and we are ditching them. We can get the same service cheaper with either UVerse or FIOS in our area.

[Catrin]

Thanks to all for their experiences, I appreciate it. I have spent most of my adult life without cable of any kind - AT&T UVerse is the only service of that nature that I have kept more than 4 months before returning to no television. Currently I just have the local channels through them but may upgrade for the winter. I like having something to watch when I am doing needlework If I don't have cable, then I wind up spending money on DVDs - in the long run the cable is less expensive

I am still considering my options, and it may be time to return to no cable...but we will see. I tend to buy far more DVDs when I don't have television and that gets expensive over time.

[withm]

In my area there is essentialy no television reception with out cable or other services. The nearest "local" stations are 50 miles or more to the north or the south. My HOA does not permit antennas or satellite dishes but the problem with satellite providers is that none of them carry the "local stations" opting instead for network affiliates over 100 miles away.

This is a problem because there is no real local content - no local news, and no local weather. When a hurricane, snowstorm, or other severe weather is coming our way, it is far more useful to have weather warnings based on actual local conditions, not those expected 100 miles away. If I lived in an urban area with normal local stations this would not be a problem.

So I continue to pay a small fortune for BASIC service that I never watch except for the news.

Like the song says - 57 channels and nothing on....

[Catrin]

....
So I continue to pay a small fortune for BASIC service that I never watch except for the news.

Like the song says - 57 channels and nothing on....

This is why I enjoy Uverse. They have a different channel lineup and I actually found things that I enjoyed watching! That has never been the case for more traditional cable.

Pity you don't have even one true local station...

[Koronin]

I've had Dish Network for well over 10 years. Had them in Ohio, moved to Charlotte, NC in 2000 and kept them, and just moved to Jacksonville, NC and used the Dish mover program. Only ever called customer service twice (if you don't include the moving aspect) and never had an issue. Plus the two times with moving and once to upgrade to a DVR. Dish Network has a sports package that I have yet to see with other companies (although at the moment FOX is apparently wanting too much money for it's local sports networks, so they've added a couple other sports networks to make up for that). I've had more issues with the HOA where I used to live having a dish than I've ever had with having my dish. The only time it's gone out is really bad weather. A light rain storm has not made this dish go out. Actually right now I'm having more issues with our local phone company than I've had with my dish or my old phone company in the past 10 years.