Anyone have Dish Network?

**pammy** · 02-02-2006, 10:11 AM

Our cable company has totally gotten greedy. So I'm looking into alternatives. Dh has put his foot down, he MUST have pay-per-view. It's what greases the wheel on our budgeting and savings. In order to have that on our cable we have to purchase the more expensive package. I'm sick of their high dollar bill every month.

Okay, so I've been looking into Direct TV and Dish Network as an alternative. Direct TV's ad just looks way too pushy BUY NOW! BUY NOW!! Went on over to Directs site, much better. Okay, so I've found the package I want, but need to know: is there pay-per-view in all of the packages?? I can't seem to find this answer on their website, although I've been looking for the past half hour.

When I figure this one out, my next goal is to figure out the internet.

I've got cable internet right now, and love it! But, I do away with the cable company.... Problem is I don't have but one working phone line in my home. It's in the kitchen. We bought the kind of phones where it's transmitted to another cordless phone, it only needs an electric outlet, not a phone jack. So, no working phone jack in this here computer room, only a cable jack. I'm considering some sort of dial-up (either the cheap slow package or DSL through the phone company) and then buying a router and going wireless. They both may cost me up front, but I figure I can reduce these bills by $40 per month over what I've been paying the cable company for cable and internet.

So anyway, any insight greatly appreciated, thanks!!!
pammy

**FreesiaE** · 02-02-2006, 10:37 AM

We have the basic DISH Network; I think it is about $28 a month with taxes. This includes access to PPV movies. Why wouldn't your cable company want to reap the benefits of PPV? Anyhow, we have cable internet in our house and TIVO so we have obviously 0 brand loyalty!

**canadian gardener** · 02-02-2006, 11:13 AM

I have a similar thing to what you are talking about I think.

We cut the cable connection a while back and haven't regretted it once.

I get way more channels, less than half the cost, and the reception is clearer and better.

When the cable was out it was a long time for them to have it back up and they didn't really care if you had troubles with the signal, they only wanted money, lots of it. Service well, that was a distant second in their view.

We now have Bell Express Vu (Canadian satellite dish thing) and totally ignored the Shaw satellite (run by the cable people to grab the people fleeing their customer "service")

Our phone company Telus also has a package so we got telephone and cable internet 24 7 that has a great long distance plan all bundled into it.

Check and see if you can get what you want from different sources.

When we left the cable TV people we wanted a complete break from them and voted with our feet.

I don't think it would be much help to you as I'm far away geographically but yes my satellite has all the pay per view that is going.

My friend has the cable company satellite and typically they don't offer a lot of the channels I get free, not only that but they are restricted in what they carry. I think we both get the same pay per view.

They should tell you when you ask, what is included in each companies basic package and what the add on packages include and cost so you can compare apples to apples.

Oh and time shifting is lovely. I'm early to bed, and I get to watch the fun shows as they are broadcast back east around supper time here. If I miss a favourite, time shifting means I can set it to tape later after my bedtime.

Time shifting simply means that NBC east and NBC west will offer the same show at 7 eastern and 7 pacific.

I even get to see my favourite soap a day ahead!!!!

And the picture is sharp so when I'm taping my favourite Star Trek stuff it is almost as crisp as a DVD! Which comes in handy because I also enjoy taping and watching some decorating shows and it's good to have sharp images on the close ups.

**Katybird** · 02-02-2006, 03:53 PM

We had DISH and the one complaint I had was their customer service was terrible. Each time we had an error on our bill it took months to get it resolved and it was time consuming and frustating dealing with their customer service.

**Blessed** · 02-02-2006, 04:04 PM

We have Directv, because the programming is more oriented to our family, more kids channels like PBSkids (Sprout). We got TIVO FAR and LOVE it! The customer service has been wonderful, but the installation was a nightmare. We ended up getting our 1st 3 months free because they didn't install it correctly.

**leeleeaub** · 02-02-2006, 04:53 PM

Before moving to Missouri I had direct t.v. for over 12 years it was awesome. We now have charter cable and it isn't that bad or not so far at least.

**pammy** · 02-02-2006, 05:54 PM

Thanks all for the replies!!

Freesia, yes, I agree!! The cable company here is just greedy and you can't do the PPV unless you have the digital cable, to the tune of a much more expensive package. The basic package doesn't have it. Stupid on their part. Greedy on their part. Can ya tell I don't like them? lol

Margery, that very thing is what is looking so attractive to me right now, the ability to record easily. Right now it's hunt down a blank VHS tape and try to figure out the programming, grr... My sis had satellite and Tivo and LOVES IT! It's a biggy in satelittes favor.

Katybird, sorry you had bad customer service. Will definitely keep that in mind while we are shopping around. Thanks!

Blessed, my mom has DirectTV as well, and has said about the same thing. Loves the service and installation was a nightmare. I think their site just rubbed me the wrong way. Service is a big thing to me, even if it's a bear to get it installed. Will keep that in mind, thanks!

Leelee... 12 years?! Okay, that's a very good vote. No complaints after 12 years, you can't beat that. Wow, thanks!!

Lots to consider, thanks all for your input.

**Mamaw** · 02-02-2006, 10:20 PM

Just one more opinion.. I have the dish and I love it. The installation had a couple of bugs and took two attempts to correct it, but once they had it right, it was fine. We get way more channels than we even remotely need but DH is a BIG television fan and watches alot of them so I dont complain too much. I have never had an issue with the bill or customer service. I have considered dropping to a lower price package but again, it is a show stopper for DH. It is still less expensive than cable in my area too. Good luck finding what will work for you and your family