DBS Service..!

nemos2
nemos2 Posts: 111
edited July 2004 in Electronics
Ok quick Poll for everyone..

With all of the options out there for TV service, what are you using...and why are you using it.
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  • gmorris
    gmorris Posts: 1,179
    edited July 2004
    I use Direct TV because where I live, the cable TV service SUCKS MAJOR ****. They raised the prices 4 times in less than 1 year before I switched over to DTV.

    Aside from prices, the local cable service also has a **** picture, even with the so called "Digital Cable" service that was an extra cost, but totally not worth it.

    Direct TV is WAY cheaper (for me, where I live) and the picture is great. TONS better than even the "Digital Cable" nonsense.


    Another plug for DTV.... I visited a friends house over the 4'th of July weekend. He got a new 52" HDTV. He has the local cable HD service. My Direct TV (not HD, just regular) looks almost as good as his HDTV. Now granted, he had not calibrated his set, and probably won't, as he is not a techno nerd like myself, but still, it should have been better.....

    2 thumbs up for DTV, and a shoe up the **** for cable...:p
    Bob Mayo, on the keyboards. Bob Mayo.
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited July 2004
    i use Dish Network.. the local cable company two years ago.. wasn't offering any decoders with DD optical or coax outputs. i hope maybe they've changed that since then.. but i'd like to now find a Dish Network PVR with a component output or DVI output.
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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  • bobman1235
    bobman1235 Posts: 10,822
    edited July 2004
    I use local cable, only because non of the others (that I know of ) offer a reasonably priced internet service, whereas Comcast (my local cable company) does. And DSL isn't available in my area, or I'd get that in a heartbeat (cheaper).

    At least local cable isn't TERRIBLE, it's jsut overpriced, and definitely not up to snuff with the Satellite companies.
    If you will it, dude, it is no dream.
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  • scottvamp
    scottvamp Posts: 3,277
    edited July 2004
    Been with Direct TV for 6 years now. Thier customer service has been flawless. And I have always found easy outlets to get cheap equipment. Awesome menu systems - never have had service cutout. The HD channels or breathtaking.
    I remember getting sat 6 years ago and my local cable provider asked why!!! I just laughed..........
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  • johnny_utah
    johnny_utah Posts: 117
    edited July 2004
    I am a proud Voomer. Have been with them since years begin. Was with Dish for about 6 years.

    Could not be happier.

    If you love HD, you have to get Voom.

    If you don't have Voom you are missing out.

    More HD than anyone.

    It's great.

    check it out: www.voom.com
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  • johnny_utah
    johnny_utah Posts: 117
    edited July 2004
    Another plug for DTV.... I visited a friends house over the 4'th of July weekend. He got a new 52" HDTV. He has the local cable HD service. My Direct TV (not HD, just regular) looks almost as good as his HDTV. Now granted, he had not calibrated his set, and probably won't, as he is not a techno nerd like myself, but still, it should have been better....

    There is no way SD looks near HD. Your friend definately has something wrong. Even with out calibration of his TV, you should see a noticible difference on his set, esp if you are comparing your RPTV to his RPTV.

    For your friend: people that aren't into HD sometimes don't want to invest money/time into hooking their system up right. Check this out: A guy I know emails me and tells me he has a problem with his new HD set. Says HD and SD look almost the same. Says I am paying for Dish's HD pack but doesn't look that good. He then goes on to say that he is using s-video cable and wants to know if monster cable will improve the pic. (Most HD sets only have component and DVI inputs for inputs that output 1080i.) So he had an s-video cable running to an input that was outputing 480p. Once he got some component cables and hooked them up to the right input on the TV, he was floored. Also some STB have different output resolutions 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i. If your friend has a RPTV that is 1080i native and his STB is set to 720p it is not going to look that good.
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  • amulford
    amulford Posts: 5,020
    edited July 2004
    I have Dish Network w/ HD right now. Had Direct TV, but used to lose the signal with a hint of rain. Had Comcast Cable for years, got sick of the overpriced/lack of choice service. Dish offered a good package, but I REALLY LIKE Hi Def.

    I'm thinking about moving to Voom, but have to figure out how to get out of the contract...
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  • RuSsMaN
    RuSsMaN Posts: 17,986
    edited July 2004
    Basic cable.

    I don't sit in front of the idiot-box much.

    Cheers,
    Russ
    Check your lips at the door woman. Shake your hips like battleships. Yeah, all the white girls trip when I sing at Sunday service.
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  • PhantomOG
    PhantomOG Posts: 2,409
    edited July 2004
    i agree with you, i find it hard to believe that standard cable on any tv could look that close to HD. but i guess if you purposely changed a bunch of settings to try to make it look that bad, but not even straight from the manufacturer would it be that bad.
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  • MSkeezer
    MSkeezer Posts: 1,183
    edited July 2004
    I still use "rabbit ears"...
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  • scottvamp
    scottvamp Posts: 3,277
    edited July 2004
    Local cable companies have been ripping people off for years and were WAY behind the times when Direct TV hit the market. They feed off of old rental homes and apartment dwellers. The nerve of these companies to charge more than SAT is sad. Not surprized by gmorris responce - he could be telling the truth in his case.
    F local cable:D
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  • fireshoes
    fireshoes Posts: 3,167
    edited July 2004
    I'm using local cable with HD right now.The analog sucks, but the HD is very good. When I move to St Louis, I hope to get Voom or Directv, but it depends on the line-of-sight from my apartment there. I did just pick up two Directv HD receivers from work this week though, just in case. e had some extra display models and I talked my manager into selling them to me for $50 each. :)
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited July 2004
    Originally posted by RuSsMaN
    Basic cable.

    I don't sit in front of the idiot-box much.

    Cheers,
    Russ

    it's not an idiot box. it's a boob tube.. cuz that's all you see is ****. :p
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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  • Frank Z
    Frank Z Posts: 5,860
    edited July 2004
    Originally posted by danger boy
    ... but i'd like to now find a Dish Network PVR with a component output or DVI output.
    Check Ebay, there a few every now and then but they go fast. Check www.dbstalk.com as well, I've seen a few 921DVR's for sale recently.
    9/11 - WE WILL NEVER FORGET!! (<---<<click)
    2005-06 Club Polk Football Pool Champion!! :D
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  • jefft1314
    jefft1314 Posts: 169
    edited July 2004
    dish network. I watch very little tv, and I didn't have to sign a contract, so it was the cheapest way to get tv in my bedroom in the back of the fraternity house. and this way if the alumni want the dish gone all i have to do is go out on the roof, uninstall it, and ship it all back to dish network having only paid for the monthly service.
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  • nemos2
    nemos2 Posts: 111
    edited July 2004
    Thanks for all the input.

    The cable around here is just insane.....

    I have been looking at voom, but really think that I want the DVR over HD content at this point in time....that and voom is a little on the pricey side when you look close..

    Right now dish network can get me setup with local channels, a 2 room DVR and the standard "top 60 " for 37.00 or so a month....not bad...So far I think that they have my vote for the moment.

    I am not sure that HD is matured enough for me to shell out the extra ( 7-12 ) bucks a month.... still not sure though...
    Polk LSi 15 Fronts
    Polk LSi C center
    Polk LSiFX Surrounds
    Outlaw Audio 990 Pre/Pro
    Outlaw Audio 755 amp
    Paradigm PDR-12 Sub
    Outlaw Audio Cables
    BetterCables Cables
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  • gmorris
    gmorris Posts: 1,179
    edited July 2004
    Originally posted by nemos2
    I am not sure that HD is matured enough for me to shell out the extra ( 7-12 ) bucks a month.... still not sure though...

    I feel the same way. That and I can't afford to buy an HDTV right now anyway. Even if I could get a new HDTV, I still feel the novelty would wear off pretty quick, with the limited HD programming.
    Bob Mayo, on the keyboards. Bob Mayo.
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  • johnny_utah
    johnny_utah Posts: 117
    edited July 2004
    Originally posted by nemos2


    I am not sure that HD is matured enough for me to shell out the extra ( 7-12 ) bucks a month.... still not sure though...

    I don't agree. once you get HD, you are hooked. there is plenty of programming on Voom, esp if you get the premium channels. Factor in all of the primetime OTA shows that are in HD, and there is a ton of HD on every week, with only more to come.

    I think those with HD sets, that have a fair amount of HD programming, find themselves first seeing what is on in HD, then what else is on - the novelty of HD does not wear out. It is so cool to watch an AWESOME pic plus the benifit of a DD soundtrack. I am a fan of shows that I would have never watched because HD is that AWESOME!

    HD is worth 7-12 more per month, and even if you go with dish you should try to get an HD box, if you don't you will be in a 2 year contract and in 1 year who knows how much HD they will have and you will not be able to enjoy.

    Just my 2¢, and I think most HD lovers would agree.
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  • gmorris
    gmorris Posts: 1,179
    edited July 2004
    johnny_utah,

    your post also illistrates why I am not into HD right now, it is too damn complicated, and not to mention expensive.

    First I'd need to drop about $1500-2000 for the HDTV, then I'd need to get a set top box to recieve the HD satellite signal, which would run me alot more than I pay now, and I'd have to set up an OTA antenna, which isn't too big a deal, but I'd still have to do it, Pain In The ****.

    I'm sure you are right when you say once you do get it, you're hooked. But it just seems like a big, expensive pain in the **** to me.
    Bob Mayo, on the keyboards. Bob Mayo.
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  • johnny_utah
    johnny_utah Posts: 117
    edited July 2004
    Originally posted by gmorris
    johnny_utah,

    your post also illistrates why I am not into HD right now, it is too damn complicated, and not to mention expensive.

    First I'd need to drop about $1500-2000 for the HDTV, then I'd need to get a set top box to recieve the HD satellite signal, which would run me alot more than I pay now, and I'd have to set up an OTA antenna, which isn't too big a deal, but I'd still have to do it, Pain In The ****.

    I'm sure you are right when you say once you do get it, you're hooked. But it just seems like a big, expensive pain in the **** to me.

    Pain in the rear - not really. If you are into speakers and receivers, researching and setting up a HD set is just as fun.

    Expensive - yes, but worth it!

    also, Voom installs the OTA for you, and the program guide has all the HD programming from the sat and the OTA, if that helps :D
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  • gmorris
    gmorris Posts: 1,179
    edited July 2004
    that's just it... I'm more into 2 channel audio & home theater sound. the video portion just doesn't float my boat. My old Sony 32 incher is just fine for me. Plus, the picture I get from Direct TV is SO good, I don't need anything better.

    I know HD is leaps & bounds better picture wise than my regular old TV, but the hassle & expense just don't convince me I need to upgrade.

    If I had an "extra" $2000 to blow, I'd get a sweet 2 channel Preamp/Power Amp combo. I guess it's where your preferences lie.

    Didn't mean to get so far off track. I recommend Direct TV again for the SUPER picture quality and great prices. I don't know how DTV's HD setup works as I've never looked into it.
    Bob Mayo, on the keyboards. Bob Mayo.
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  • Shizelbs
    Shizelbs Posts: 7,433
    edited July 2004
    Boring old cable. Not too much TV watching in our house, so, little use for much more than basic cable.
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  • nemos2
    nemos2 Posts: 111
    edited July 2004
    Johnny,

    Thanks for the input. I have an HDTV so that is not an issue, But right now there are no stations around here that are broadcasting in HD. I called the local stations and they are not even sure when they are going to move to an HD broadcast.

    The local cable company has 5 channels in HD right now. Looking at all of the other options out there right now other than voom, things look a little limited. So....while I would really like to get HD, its just not worth the extra cash at this point......I will wait untill there is more HD out there...
    Polk LSi 15 Fronts
    Polk LSi C center
    Polk LSiFX Surrounds
    Outlaw Audio 990 Pre/Pro
    Outlaw Audio 755 amp
    Paradigm PDR-12 Sub
    Outlaw Audio Cables
    BetterCables Cables
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  • jefft1314
    jefft1314 Posts: 169
    edited July 2004
    The only reason I would get an hd tv would be for watching dvd's and playing my xbox. Up here in Vermont there is nothing being broadcasted in hd, except the junk you can get on Direct TV. If I lived in a market where HD was available over the air, I'd consider getting into it, but if that ever happens in Vermont, I know it's still a ways off. Oh well, off to sell HD tv's to people that can't really make full use of them.
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited July 2004
    i'd like to find a DVR that has two tuners so i can watch one channel while recording another on Dish Network. that also has component output. they only seem to come in S-video outputs. whats up with that?
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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  • PhantomOG
    PhantomOG Posts: 2,409
    edited July 2004
    i really wish the industry as a whole would stop dragging their feet. seems like all the major channels here in austin broadcast in HD, however, Time Warner doesn't have an agreement with them all. Particularly the channel that gets the Olympics (forget which one) in Austin is owned by some tiny little company in Rhode Island (WTF??) and negotiations are stalled according to a news article in the local paper. Seems like the tiny company wants more money than TW is willing to pay, which sucks for us in Austin.
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  • johnny_utah
    johnny_utah Posts: 117
    edited July 2004
    Originally posted by PhantomOG
    i really wish the industry as a whole would stop dragging their feet. seems like all the major channels here in austin broadcast in HD, however, Time Warner doesn't have an agreement with them all. Particularly the channel that gets the Olympics (forget which one) in Austin is owned by some tiny little company in Rhode Island (WTF??) and negotiations are stalled according to a news article in the local paper. Seems like the tiny company wants more money than TW is willing to pay, which sucks for us in Austin.

    The olympics are going to be broadcast on NBC. You should be able to pick it up with an OTA antenna. Not familiar with TW cable, can you use an OTA to pick up your locals in HD and decode with their box?

    If not, it's not to late... call Voom. I know for sure you will be able to watch the olympics in HD with them.
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  • PhantomOG
    PhantomOG Posts: 2,409
    edited July 2004
    nope, Time Warner's box does not work like that so I have to purchase a set-top decoder which I'm not willing to do.

    and besides, I live on the first floor of a 3 story apartment building. not sure which way i need to face but i bet my patio faces the wrong way and that i can't get a good signal. which direction does the voom sat point???

    oh well, hopefully in a year or two when i'm ready to buy a house there will be more options in HD programming.
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  • johnny_utah
    johnny_utah Posts: 117
    edited July 2004
    Originally posted by PhantomOG
    nope, Time Warner's box does not work like that so I have to purchase a set-top decoder which I'm not willing to do.

    and besides, I live on the first floor of a 3 story apartment building. not sure which way i need to face but i bet my patio faces the wrong way and that i can't get a good signal. which direction does the voom sat point???

    oh well, hopefully in a year or two when i'm ready to buy a house there will be more options in HD programming.

    It points to 61.5 degrees. Basically it is pretty low to the horizon about a 30 degree angle and points south east.
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  • PolkThug
    PolkThug Posts: 7,532
    edited July 2004
    Although their service is the worst I have ever dealt with, I stick with TW because its really cheap in my neighborhood.

    Digital Cable with HBO, Road Runner, On-Demand, HD: abc, nbc, cbs, discovery, tnt, fox(almost) and 2 hbo hd channels, all for $60 a month.

    But god forbid you have a problem with anything related to your router or stb... One guy told me that 5% packet loss is acceptable and I really shouldn't have any problems until it gets up to 20%. Finally, after two missed appointments (which by the way, they removed from their records, which is another story) I took the router to them in person and got another one, and guess what, 0% packet loss, problem solved. Too bad I had to use vacation time to sit around waiting on their techs that don't show up (or show up way beyond the agreed upon time).

    Took them 2 months of my constant badgering to tell me the secret on how to let 1080i pass through the DVI port of the stb. Their first tier support had no idea what DVI was.

    I'll stop now before my blood pressure goes through the roof.

    Regards,
    PolkThug
    Never Forget
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