DirecTV vs Dish Net vs Comcast

KurtT · 11-22-2004, 01:59 PM

Sorry if I'm posting this in the wrong place. I've been all over this board looking for a question about which service provider to choose. By the boards, it seems a lot of people don't like Comcast's customer service, or DirecTV installation etc, or Dishs programming.

So, I'm getting ready to take the plunge. New +/- 56" DLP HDTV and all the associated gadgets. I have Comcast cable service (basic) right now. And I have DirecTV providing me just HBO.

My question is which service provider? I've ruled out ZOOM as it seems the most expensive. It seems I can get everything I want from the others for around $70 month, with Dish being a bit less. I'm really concerned about picture quality on a large screen TV. Both for SD and HD.

Also, any recommendations for my stores for my shopping spree? I'd like one stop shopping, and am not particulary fond of the 'big box' stores. Someone mentioned Ed Kellum and Sons. (I guess I should mention I live the the Dallas area (Lewisville). I've budgeted $6K for the new system, hope that's enough.

Thanks in advance for the reply, Kurt.

**rbinck** · 11-22-2004, 05:11 PM

I'm not sure of your question. You say you have ruled out Voom due to expense, but you don't tell us what you need. Are you going to have more rooms that run up the cost? If you have cable and D* for HBO right now, are you going to keep the cable in the future? And is the $70 including the cable?

I suspect the most economical route will be cable. Generally cable will give you the local networks in HD, HBO, SHO, a couple of other HD channels (IN1 & IN2) TNT HD and perhaps ESPN HD. Very simular line up to the Directv or Dish Network.

Voom basic package starts at $49.90/month and the addition of the HBO package plus pack is $ 19.90/month. That comes to $69.80 and to that you could add $9.50/month for receiver rent, if you take up their current $1 down offer. Each additional HD receiver is another $5 + $9.50 receiver rent, so it is not much different than the $70/month you spoke of unless you need several receivers.

KurtT · 11-22-2004, 05:55 PM

Sorry, I think I've answered my own question after doing more research. I've further ruled out Voom, after reading all the negative comments on this forum. I'd rather stick with someone I know. I've also ruled out Dish Network (no Golf Channel). I'll go with Comcast or DirecTV, just not sure which yet. Programming content is not an issue, as they both have what I want.

Still looking for a "one stop" shopping place in Dallas to get all my questions answered, and have someone do the complete install on one trip. I've got another recommendation on "The Home Theater Store". Any comments on them appreciated.

**rbinck** · 11-22-2004, 06:57 PM

Give AVAD Dallas a call at 972-243-0488. They are distributors for home theater equipment. Tell them you were reffered by Classic Computers in Houston. We are a one stop dealer in Houston. They will put you in touch with one stop dealers in the Dallas area.

Link: http://www.audiovideodistributing.com/contacts.cfm

KurtT · 11-23-2004, 08:54 AM

Very Cool. Thanks, I've already called them. Nice people.

"Install King" · 12-03-2004, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KurtT

Very Cool. Thanks, I've already called them. Nice people.

Go with Direct tv! They will be coming out with approx. 40 HD chan. by the first few months of 05. If you are looking at spending $6,000 is that for your whole system (tv,rec.,dvd,spkr) give me a call and I can advise you on what to get 1-877-777-HDTV I do not sell tv's and I am in SoCal so I will give you some ok advise on tv without trying to sell you one.

11-22-2004, 01:59 PM	#1
KurtT High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 38	DirecTV vs Dish Net vs Comcast Sorry if I'm posting this in the wrong place. I've been all over this board looking for a question about which service provider to choose. By the boards, it seems a lot of people don't like Comcast's customer service, or DirecTV installation etc, or Dishs programming. So, I'm getting ready to take the plunge. New +/- 56" DLP HDTV and all the associated gadgets. I have Comcast cable service (basic) right now. And I have DirecTV providing me just HBO. My question is which service provider? I've ruled out ZOOM as it seems the most expensive. It seems I can get everything I want from the others for around $70 month, with Dish being a bit less. I'm really concerned about picture quality on a large screen TV. Both for SD and HD. Also, any recommendations for my stores for my shopping spree? I'd like one stop shopping, and am not particulary fond of the 'big box' stores. Someone mentioned Ed Kellum and Sons. (I guess I should mention I live the the Dallas area (Lewisville). I've budgeted $6K for the new system, hope that's enough. Thanks in advance for the reply, Kurt.

11-22-2004, 05:11 PM	#2
rbinck Administrator Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Katy, Texas Posts: 12,301	I'm not sure of your question. You say you have ruled out Voom due to expense, but you don't tell us what you need. Are you going to have more rooms that run up the cost? If you have cable and D* for HBO right now, are you going to keep the cable in the future? And is the $70 including the cable? I suspect the most economical route will be cable. Generally cable will give you the local networks in HD, HBO, SHO, a couple of other HD channels (IN1 & IN2) TNT HD and perhaps ESPN HD. Very simular line up to the Directv or Dish Network. Voom basic package starts at $49.90/month and the addition of the HBO package plus pack is $ 19.90/month. That comes to $69.80 and to that you could add $9.50/month for receiver rent, if you take up their current $1 down offer. Each additional HD receiver is another $5 + $9.50 receiver rent, so it is not much different than the $70/month you spoke of unless you need several receivers. Last edited by rbinck; 11-22-2004 at 05:17 PM.

11-22-2004, 05:55 PM	#3
KurtT High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 38	Sorry, I think I've answered my own question after doing more research. I've further ruled out Voom, after reading all the negative comments on this forum. I'd rather stick with someone I know. I've also ruled out Dish Network (no Golf Channel). I'll go with Comcast or DirecTV, just not sure which yet. Programming content is not an issue, as they both have what I want. Still looking for a "one stop" shopping place in Dallas to get all my questions answered, and have someone do the complete install on one trip. I've got another recommendation on "The Home Theater Store". Any comments on them appreciated.

11-22-2004, 06:57 PM	#4
rbinck Administrator Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Katy, Texas Posts: 12,301	Give AVAD Dallas a call at 972-243-0488. They are distributors for home theater equipment. Tell them you were reffered by Classic Computers in Houston. We are a one stop dealer in Houston. They will put you in touch with one stop dealers in the Dallas area. Link: http://www.audiovideodistributing.com/contacts.cfm

11-23-2004, 08:54 AM	#5
KurtT High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 38	Very Cool. Thanks, I've already called them. Nice people.