Off Topic- Dish Network Vs. Direct TV

Hello,

I know its off topic, but maybe some of you might have expertise in this.

Which is better, Dish Network or Direct TV? I read on dishcomparison.com, but I wanted some of your opinions.

I want to watch the Duck and Laker games, but these damn contract/exclusive rights are making it tough to follow the games.

Is it worth it? Or will they actually show these games (most) on KDOC? Its tough to the the bottom line of the pricing since theres monthly "HD" fees, TIVO/DVR "rental fees", "local channel fees", "activation fees", and "shipping fees."

Please let me know what plans your on and how satisfied you are. Thanks! Go Ducks!

I had DISH for years and loved it. The DVR is defintely worth the extra money. Downside is they don't carry the NHL Network, but DirectTV does. You are going to need Primeticket/FSN for most of the games, only a few are on KDOC.

I just switched from DISH Network to DirecTV. There really isn't that big of a difference to be honest. Dish recently cancelled their HD Voom network channels which really pissed off subscribers, so if HD is your thing I think that DirecTV has more HD channels at the moment.

But as far as I can tell having had deluxe packages with both of them, they are fairly comparable. I'd go with whatever gives you the best bang for your $$

Thanks for the insight! I dont really care for HD, its a nice perk, but i just want to follow the games.... what happened to the days when we can just watch our sports on public television... i dont need fansy multi-screens or different camera angles

I dont really care for HD, its a nice perk

You obviously need to buy a bigger/better TV.

Haha, ya.... i do... sorta thinking about a 50" 1080i, but its 2k for it... im hoping for some sales this year....

but once i get that, then im going to increase my monthly bills to maximize the HD.

With the crappy US economy, im trying to not add to the phone, internet, etc. monthly bills.

Doesn't dish carry NHL Center Ice, and Direct TV doesn't have anything like that for hockey, correct?

Doesn't dish carry NHL Center Ice, and Direct TV doesn't have anything like that for hockey, correct?

Direct TV DOES have center ice.

Dish Network has NHL Network it's channel 403 HD for people without center ice, or for center ice it's 625 without HD.

here's a question for all of you Dish people:

When you purchase center ice will it be in all of your rooms? If not, can you have in the room that is not the primary receiver?

Haha, ya.... i do... sorta thinking about a 50" 1080i, but its 2k for it... im hoping for some sales this year....

Prices have come way down and do nothing but drop unless you want the latest top-of-the-line hardware. 50+ for sub- $2k is not hard to find. I actually recommend getting it online off amazon or site like that. Free shipping + zero sales tax + much cheaper than a traditional store. My experience doing that was excellent (46 samsung LCD from amazon).

EDIT: I should add Thanksgiving time coming up is always a good time to look for TV deals :-)

I've got Feb 2009 circled on my calendar... 100% HD will be an awesome thing.

For the question about Center Ice in multiple rooms... that is not an issue with DirecTV and I'm sure Dish works the same. Your programing is keyed off your account, not each individual receiver

Ya, for deals I would recommend spoofee.com, techbargains.com, and fatwallet.com

Alot of people post good deals, so ya, you can save a big amount in ordering online.

here's a question for all of you Dish people:

When you purchase center ice will it be in all of your rooms? If not, can you have in the room that is not the primary receiver?

Just get a splitter, and then you can watch (the same channel the receiver is on) in another room. But if you want different channels, you gotta get another receiver.

Make sure you get direct tv with TIVO. Totally worth it.

Both Dish Network and DirecTV both offer center ice and the NHL network.

Both offer digital recording devices (Tivo, DVR, etc.,)

Honestly, you'll be happy with either, just get whatever gives you a better deal.


and like Lyons mentioned...Tivo is magical. Getting to fast forward, rewind and record your tv is worth every penny.

I have Dish. I love it.

Versus HD
NHL Network HD
Center Ice HD

I used to have Time Warner. UGHHH. Horrible.

I have Dish. I love it.

Versus HD
NHL Network HD
Center Ice HD

I used to have Time Warner. UGHHH. Horrible.
I have to wait until i move in 2 months to cancel Time Warner, also no NFL network or NFL package :shakehead:rant:

Prices have come way down and do nothing but drop unless you want the latest top-of-the-line hardware. 50+ for sub- $2k is not hard to find. I actually recommend getting it online off amazon or site like that. Free shipping + zero sales tax + much cheaper than a traditional store. My experience doing that was excellent (46 samsung LCD from amazon).

EDIT: I should add Thanksgiving time coming up is always a good time to look for TV deals :-)

I've got Feb 2009 circled on my calendar... 100% HD will be an awesome thing.

For the question about Center Ice in multiple rooms... that is not an issue with DirecTV and I'm sure Dish works the same. Your programing is keyed off your account, not each individual receiver
You can save a lot of money if you get just a monitor. Basically the same tv, just without the tuner. If you have satelite or a cable box, you don't need the built in tuner anyhow. I got a 42" Hitachi with 1080i for about $1500.

Just thought I'd post this info:

1. There's a free preview for center ice until the 15th.
2. On the 15th the price for Center Ice is going up, so buy it now if you're planning on buying it.

3. Last, I bought center ice today. Not the smartest move for a college student, but I'd rather not eat a few days and get to watch all of the Ducks games, then only get to watch maybe 15 a year.

Just thought I'd post this info:

1. There's a free preview for center ice until the 15th.
2. On the 15th the price for Center Ice is going up, so buy it now if you're planning on buying it.

3. Last, I bought center ice today. Not the smartest move for a college student, but I'd rather not eat a few days and get to watch all of the Ducks games, then only get to watch maybe 15 a year.
Center Ice was always my biggest luxury purchase during college, especially since you can split the payments.