Cable or Dish

[sdotsom]

I have a quick question for you all. I'm about to move into a new apartment for the upcoming year, and I need to make a decision between cable and Dish. I've had cable for the past 4 years of college, but I've never had to pay for it, both on-campus and off (just lucky I guess :cool:).

Now that I'll have to pay, I checked the prices and it's obscene - 60 bucks a month for the basic 60 channel package, and they don't offer anything less than that. So I've been exploring Dish, especially now that Setanta can be had for 15 a month, and on any packages, most of which are only 20 or 30 bucks a pop. Sounds like Dish should be the obvious choice.

My question is - do any of the Dish users here have issues? That is, does it go out in poor weather? Even cloudy weather? And I've heard horror stories about their customer service - any stories on you guys' part? I have to decide in the next week or so, when I move.

Thanks for the help.

[Achtung]

Been with Dish Network for about 7 years now. Overall I've been happy with the service, only the occasional outage during really bad weather, and that usually only lasts about 5-10 mins, once a month (which is pretty good considering Chicago weather). Customer service used to be better, but I've learned that I need to ask directly to connect to a "level 2" rep, rather than someone in India reading off of a script.

Only two major issues I've had, first was when an outdoor switch became corroded due to water damage, and the signal was going out more frequently. It took three different trips from the service guy to properly diagnose and replace that, but since then the outdoor equipment has been good. And second was that they were trying to charge me a $300 "upgrade" fee earlier this year to get the HD-DVR, which nearly pushed me to DirecTV... but they changed their policy just in time, and I ended up only paying $50, which I can live with.

Best package for an HD snob like me, getting WorldSportHD which shows La Liga games. If you want FSC and GolTV, you'll need the higher basic package though.

[Falc]

I think I have the 250 package with DishNetwork (they keep changing it so I do not know for sure how many programs I get, which many are the music ones). Just recently, they added channel 406, which is Setanta Sport. So along with all of the ESPN channels (no ESPN Deportivo unfortunately) and the local regional sport channels, I get Fox Soccer, GolTV and now Setanta Sport. Great soccer coverage. I definitely recommend DishNetwork.

[Achtung]

I think I have the 250 package with DishNetwork (they keep changing it so I do not know for sure how many programs I get, which many are the music ones). Just recently, they added channel 406, which is Setanta Sport.

Should add that Setanta Sports isn't part of the 250 package. It's on free preview until September 9th or so, and after that its $15 per month.

[DutchFootballRulez]

I picked DISH network also, although you may have to sign a contract with Dish network as opposed to Cable/DirecTV which may work Month-to-Month. I signed an 18 months which expires in February. I'm considering my options of course but will probably stay with Dish Network. Now that Setanta is on DISH, NFL Sunday Ticket can F**K off.

Severe Thunderstorms do seems to cause a drop but it does re-configure itself normally.

[doug1500]

******** me... when I had Dish I had no end of heartache. Obviously it worked for the most part, and when it did it was great. But like you said.. customer service is a bitch with them. Good luck trying to get anything fixed, so you'd best just pick some clovers and cross your fingers with it...

[sdotsom]

Thanks for the responses so far.

Yeah, the lower price and potential to get Setanta are making me lean towards Dish right now - I've read some glowing testimonials as well as angry rants online so far - what you'd expect when decidiing between any 2 products I imagine.

I'll probably end up going with the dish..

[Falc]

Should add that Setanta Sports isn't part of the 250 package. It's on free preview until September 9th or so, and after that its $15 per month.

It is on channel 284, which is the free preview channel. But I also have it on channel 406. It might be temporary. I am hoping not. But it is odd that I am able to get it on the regular channel. Dish also added MASN as part of my local regional package. They do not announce their changes. Whether Setanta is part of the 250 package or not, it is still a good deal with GolTV and Fox Soccer Channel.

[sdotsom]

I checked with em tonight actually, and Achtung is right. Setanta is only on now as part of a free preview - to hold it after the end of this month you have to throw down 15 a month. It's not bad though, I'll pay it gladly - no more torrents and nonsense.

[BethesdaJack]

It's a no-brainer between a satellite dish or cable: go for the dish. I've had DirecTV since 2000, and it's insanely great. Between Setanta and Fox Soccer Channel, you get virtually every English game. Setanta also throws in the Coca-Cola Championship and a lot of other games you can't watch otherwise. And if you're a rugby fan, Setanta's carrying every World Cup match this fall.

This morning's feed during the Spurs-Mackems match was screwed up, but that's very unusual (and bad timing since Setanta's offering it free for now to attract new subscribers). Hopefully, the feed's fixed Sam and the Toon Army go to the Reebok shortly. Go Black and White Army!

[sdotsom]

I mean, I have no problem deciding what I want based on the channels.

I'm more concerned about poor weather, signal loss, etc.

[Sapphire]

It probably won't be an issue for you, but my apartment complex doesn't allow residents to put dishes on their property (my old apartment was like that too). Make sure to check with your new apartment before you sign any contracts with the dish companies.

[sdotsom]

Yeah, I'm signing the lease for the place on Monday, so I'm gonna run it by her.

To be honest, I haven't had any TV this summer barring the antenna (local channels) and I haven't minded to much. But the chance to get Setanta is too tempting.

I want GOLTV/FSC as well, but don't know if I'll throw down to get the largest TV package just for thhose 2.

[giggs88]

I have comcast digital cable I think, I get FSC and im pretty satisfied with that (i get all the man utd games), i believe with an upgrade i can get GOL tv. anyway, id go for cable because some apartment complexes dont allow those things to be installed, so you gotta check and obviously theres the weather and other variables that can affect your transmission.

[three lions]

It's a no brainer.. Direct TV...FSC, Setanta, and Gol.. Sports pack gets you FSC and Gol... Setanta is separate, another 14.00 a month for that.