Direct TV vs. Cable and what DVR to get????
05-08-2008, 10:29 AM
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Direct TV vs. Cable and what DVR to get???? I am moving into a new apartment in August and since I will be finally without roommates I figured I would go ahead and get some nice electronics. I was thinking of going with Direct TV since they have a great HD lineup and lots of channels for the $. I have to have internet so I will have to get at least that through the cable company which makes me think I should go ahead and get it all on one bill, even though it lacks as much channels and few HD options. I hear sat. goes out in the rain often and then I have heard it does not.
I am also puzzled at which DVR to get. I can just get one through the provider which seems the easiest and cheapest or I was looking into the Tivo stuff. I do not understand the point in buying a Tivo for 300-800 dollars when I can rent a DVR through the cable or sat. company. Maybe there is something I missed. I know Tivo has lots of outputs and computer capabilities but how much would I use that? I guess that is up to me but what are your guys' opinions?
I am also puzzled at which DVR to get. I can just get one through the provider which seems the easiest and cheapest or I was looking into the Tivo stuff. I do not understand the point in buying a Tivo for 300-800 dollars when I can rent a DVR through the cable or sat. company. Maybe there is something I missed. I know Tivo has lots of outputs and computer capabilities but how much would I use that? I guess that is up to me but what are your guys' opinions?
05-08-2008, 11:13 AM
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Since you are getting broadband for internet, you can probably get a package deal on that and cable TV.
Unless you want NFL Sunday Ticket, in which case you need to get DirecTV. I have the HD-20 DVR. The difference between that and the HD-21 is the 20 has an input for off-air antenna allowing you to get Houston local digital channels.
Unless you want NFL Sunday Ticket, in which case you need to get DirecTV. I have the HD-20 DVR. The difference between that and the HD-21 is the 20 has an input for off-air antenna allowing you to get Houston local digital channels.
05-08-2008, 11:16 AM
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I'm going to be living in Bryan, TX while I finish my Master's degree. I was really wanting to get some football stuff, but I am sure that the games will be on other channels too. Not all of em but I don't think the Sunday Ticket will be a deal maker/breaker.
This HD-20 and HD-21, are these through your provider? Or separate like Tivo?
This HD-20 and HD-21, are these through your provider? Or separate like Tivo?
05-08-2008, 11:52 AM
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I'm with this guy. I have U-verse and it rocks the cas bar. Better picture, tons of channels and even more HD channels. Comes with DVR meaning you don't have to pay $5 a month for it. You get hooked up to 3 tv's where as with satellite you have to pay $5 a month extra for each tv over the first one.
They do get the job done. Trending Topics
05-08-2008, 01:28 PM
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I used to work for DirectV as a Tech. Their DVR's require TWO LINES to record and watch tv at the same time. otherwise youll have to watch you record. If an APT, you'll have to have a line running between the door or window accross the room and those flat wires cost 5 bucks a piece.
Secondly,DIrectv says "150" HD channels. What they dont tell you is that 99% of those are local HD channels you can't even get.
If you do go that route, get the black DVR box, HRF 21 I think. Fairly new and good lookin'.
Coming from a former tech for DirecTV, Uverse and Fios have better picture quality and less trouble thanDirecTV's HD
Secondly,DIrectv says "150" HD channels. What they dont tell you is that 99% of those are local HD channels you can't even get.
If you do go that route, get the black DVR box, HRF 21 I think. Fairly new and good lookin'.
Coming from a former tech for DirecTV, Uverse and Fios have better picture quality and less trouble thanDirecTV's HD
05-08-2008, 01:31 PM
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Thanks Josh, I think I'll have to go with Suddenlink, they will be providing my internet and I'll just get their HD DVR package. I think the price comes to about the same as DirectTV minus the internet. One bill and installation will be a lot easier I am sure.
05-08-2008, 01:50 PM
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I had ATT at my old apartment and loved it. I was told that I can't get it out at my new house. I need to try again as I do not want to have to get satellite with no option of high speed internet.
05-12-2008, 12:56 PM
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Having trouble with ALL of the HD channels (hesitations and some times nothing at all) also i have had to replace my box 4 times now, and the internet is pretty much hit or miss. I have checked all connections, and narrowed it down to the service. Just my opinion.
My contract with them is up soon, so i will be looking at other options.
My contract with them is up soon, so i will be looking at other options.
05-13-2008, 03:16 AM
#17
i personally have DirecTV for my TV service, with one of the older Tivo-based DVR's, and i love the service. it's only an extra $5/month for the Tivo DVR service, regardless of how many DVR units i have on the account. i could have only 1 tivo receiver, or 5 of them, and for the DVR service, i'd still only pay $5 per month. of course, that doesn't include the additional $5 mirroring charge for each separate receiver.
the only thing that sucks though, is that DirecTV no longer offers the Tivo-based units, they have their own DVR now, that (according to nearly everyone i've heard talk about it) sucks donkey ***** in comparison to Tivo.
unfortunately, in B/CS, there's really only 3 options.....Suddenlink cable, DirecTV, or Dish Network.
but if you want the ultimate DVR setup, go with something like MythTV...you won't have to pay anything extra for the PVR/DVR service, you only have to supply a computer with the appropriate hardware (large hard drive(s), TV tuner(s), etc.) and install the MythTV software (it's based on linux). not sure what options there are for HD content with that, though....i've not really looked into it that much myself, since i'm happy for now with my DirecTivo service.
05-13-2008, 04:49 AM
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As far as the TV, between DirectTV and Cable, DirectTV hands down. Satellite can download at a much higher bandwidth then Cable, the only downside is that you can't play FPS games because of the high latency. With Cable, you get highly compressed HD channels (the same with UVerse) which makes the HD quality a lot lower. DirecTV barely compresses the HD and produces an insane quality on 1920x1080.
05-13-2008, 01:03 PM
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DTV doesn't offer the net anymore from what they told me when I asked about it
If you can avoid it, do not get U Verse. I have it, but it isn't true fiber to the home. It is only fiber to the DSLAMs and then copper to your house. If you can get Verizon FiOS, do it. You can get up to 50down/50up.
As far as the TV, between DirectTV and Cable, DirectTV hands down. Satellite can download at a much higher bandwidth then Cable, the only downside is that you can't play FPS games because of the high latency. With Cable, you get highly compressed HD channels (the same with UVerse) which makes the HD quality a lot lower. DirecTV barely compresses the HD and produces an insane quality on 1920x1080.
As far as the TV, between DirectTV and Cable, DirectTV hands down. Satellite can download at a much higher bandwidth then Cable, the only downside is that you can't play FPS games because of the high latency. With Cable, you get highly compressed HD channels (the same with UVerse) which makes the HD quality a lot lower. DirecTV barely compresses the HD and produces an insane quality on 1920x1080.
05-13-2008, 02:39 PM
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The offer it through a company called Hughesnet. It's expensive, but if it's your only option it's better than nothing. If you want great quality HD you pretty much have two options: Verizon FiOS or DirecTV. Verizon will have internet and tv into one. If you can get it I highly recommend it.