DirecTV or Dish Network?

[mbuhmann]

I'm debating about whether or not to switch to a satellite service and ditch Comcast. After a week of new shows I've noticed a lot of artifacting this season, more so then last and for $79+ a month for SD service I want picture quality that isn't distracting.

So the question is which is better? They both seem to have similar features at around $50. How is each of their picture qualities? I know DirecTV works with Tivo so what about Dish Network? (And isn't Dish now owned by SBC? If so, I'm not too thrilled with that.)

Finally, I want to keep Comcast for my Internet so that means they still have cable running into the condo. Can Dish/DirecTV connect to the same line or would a new line have to be installed? (Not to thrilled with that concept either.)

Does anyone have recommendations?

[alansplace]

have comcast fix the problem?

i've never had satellite service, so i can't make a recommendation between those providers.
--
Alan :D

[goony]

(And isn't Dish now owned by SBC? If so, I'm not too thrilled with that.)No, Dish is just the 'chosen partner' of SBC for customers that need a DBS satellite service.

Finally, I want to keep Comcast for my Internet so that means they still have cable running into the condo. Can Dish/DirecTV connect to the same line or would a new line have to be installed? (Not to thrilled with that concept either.)Not sure about that one - there is something called a 'diplexer' that permits satellite signals and 'regular tv signals' to get put onto the same cable - another diplexer on the other end splits them back out, but I'm unsure if a cable modem will work across a diplexer or not.

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I've had both Dish and DirecTV (I currently have DirecTV) and to me, at least, the standard def offerings are nearly the same in overall quality.

My main reason for going with/staying with DirecTV is that I can have DirecTivos (dual tuners, perfect recording quality) that I have enhanced (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=265929) that give me multi-room viewing, secure remote access, etc. and I could never do any of the enhanced stuff with Dish DVRs. Also, the DVR fee with DirecTV is $5.99/mo. for as many DVRs as you have on your account - not per box.

If you go with DirecTV I'd suggest finding a Series 2 DirecTivo (DirecTV no longer offers them but you can easily find units - just avoid the R10 model if you are going to enhance it), but to use both tuners you will need two cables run from the dish to the receiver.

[mbuhmann]

have comcast fix the problem?

No. They said it's the t.v. but I know it's not because the VCR and DVD play video fine with no artifacting. It's Comcast being Comcast.

[petew]

Finally, I want to keep Comcast for my Internet so that means they still have cable running into the condo. Can Dish/DirecTV connect to the same line or would a new line have to be installed? (Not to thrilled with that concept either.)

You will need a new cable or cables from the reciever to the Dish.

[HomieG]

Believe me, I am no fan of Comcast, but at least in my area they are pretty high quality. They blew the doors off of DirecTV's quality. So I switched to Comcast in June and am very pleased with the switch. Of course not all Comcast systems are the same, so in your case the satellite company's may be a better choice.

I don't know if your "artifacting" is on local DTV or HD stations. Here in the Atlanta area, I watch them over-the-air from an antenna in my attic. Even with signal strength 90+, I get frequent artifacts on the broadcast networks through their local affiliates.

It's also pretty likely that your cable internet monthly cost will rise by about $15/month if you are no longer a cable TV subscriber.

[gastrof]

No. They said it's the t.v. but I know it's not because the VCR and DVD play video fine with no artifacting. It's Comcast being Comcast.


Unless you have a TV with a digital tuner, I don't see how your TV could be creating pixels on your screen. (I assume that's what you mean by "artifacting".)

GOTTA be out on the line (or at their office or wherever).

[mbuhmann]

Unless you have a TV with a digital tuner, I don't see how your TV could be creating pixels on your screen. (I assume that's what you mean by "artifacting".)

Artifacting may not be the right word. Basically, where ever there was a shadow (especially from skin tone to shadowed skin tone) there is this weird pixel gradient effect. If I had thought about it I would have done a screen capture to illustrate my point. If it would help, the next time it happens I can post a shot.

(Completely unrelated, but could this be happening because I have a coaxial splitter so the cable goes to my cable modem and cable box?)