Direct TV vs Cox Cable

[sgrizzle]

quote:Originally posted by perkman

Has anyone else found that Ch. 357 TMC Xtra is free even without Showtime? I have HBO but stumbled upon 357 working with no block on it.

It's listed in the channel lineup as being part of the Showtime tier, but I don't subscribe to Showtime.

Works for me to, sure it's an oversight.

[Wrinkle]

quote:Originally posted by patric

quote:Originally posted by Wrinkle

So, appears ALL HD Channels are premium charge in receiver, dish and monthly rate.

HD has been available with the 3 LNB dish since the dish was introduced a couple of years ago, and without any additional fee.  The primary reason for the 3 LNB dish was to be able to "see" new satellites that were carrying all the local channels.

With DirecTV you have the option of several tiers of service (so you dont have to pay for premium services you dont want), but if you need to get technical, a higher tier is "more premium" than a lower, cheaper tier.  I would think most carriers operate similarly.

EDIT: Fairly recently HD programming has been priced separately from regular packages, at the $9.99 price.  For existing customers, HD was just "there" only needing an HD tuner to get them.  The 5 LNB dish is needed to see the newest satellites launched, which is the bulk of the newest HD channels.  If you do opt for the 5 LNB dish, ask for the "slimline" model as the early "sidecar" model is a bit clunky.

Been reading more about all this HD stuff, figuring I need to start getting ready....

Well, not everyone's happy with DirecTV's 5 LNB, and after reading, I can understand why.

Looks like this advanced technology stuff is going to become expensive AND difficult.

I'm starting to think OTA-HD may be not only the most practical solution, it may be the only one I can afford when the home renovation is included.

[restored2x]

quote:Originally posted by Wrinkle

quote:Originally posted by patric

quote:Originally posted by Wrinkle

So, appears ALL HD Channels are premium charge in receiver, dish and monthly rate.

HD has been available with the 3 LNB dish since the dish was introduced a couple of years ago, and without any additional fee.  The primary reason for the 3 LNB dish was to be able to "see" new satellites that were carrying all the local channels.

With DirecTV you have the option of several tiers of service (so you dont have to pay for premium services you dont want), but if you need to get technical, a higher tier is "more premium" than a lower, cheaper tier.  I would think most carriers operate similarly.

EDIT: Fairly recently HD programming has been priced separately from regular packages, at the $9.99 price.  For existing customers, HD was just "there" only needing an HD tuner to get them.  The 5 LNB dish is needed to see the newest satellites launched, which is the bulk of the newest HD channels.  If you do opt for the 5 LNB dish, ask for the "slimline" model as the early "sidecar" model is a bit clunky.

Been reading more about all this HD stuff, figuring I need to start getting ready....

Well, not everyone's happy with DirecTV's 5 LNB, and after reading, I can understand why.

Looks like this advanced technology stuff is going to become expensive AND difficult.

I'm starting to think OTA-HD may be not only the most practical solution, it may be the only one I can afford when the home renovation is included.

Just to let you know, that thread is nearly two years old. Many of the points made are definitely moot now. Directv does have a DVR that works with the new MPEG4. It does not use the Tivo interface, but it is very good, and does everything Tivo does. (I have one, so I know it works, and IMO, as good as Tivo.)

Most of the complaints on that thread also are related to installation issues, not technical inferiority issues.

If you are a new customer, you will get a lot of free stuff (everything but an HD TV). You can probably swing a free, or an incredible deal on, an HD DVR.

My advice is - if you decide to go with Directv, call them and tell them you are considering getting cable or directv, and you are looking for the best overall deal. When they offer you a deal, ask for more. You will get almost anything you ask for as a new customer.

Also - to avoid or alleviate install problems - get a morning appointment. That way, if stuff ain't done to your satisfaction, the guy will have more time to get stuff done. I made the mistake of having an afternoon appointment and if it gets dark or the installer encounters a problem, we have to set a different appointment to finish. Not good.

Also - all install techs have a supervisor - if the guy doesn't do well, the supervisor will come out himself to finish the work. You don't want to run out of time or daylight before the supervisor can come out, if necessary.

It doesn't take much googling to find someone complaining about a product or service - I wouldn't let the above mentioned thread deter you.

[restored2x]

quote:Originally posted by Wrinkle

quote:Originally posted by patric

quote:Originally posted by Wrinkle

So, appears ALL HD Channels are premium charge in receiver, dish and monthly rate.

HD has been available with the 3 LNB dish since the dish was introduced a couple of years ago, and without any additional fee.  The primary reason for the 3 LNB dish was to be able to "see" new satellites that were carrying all the local channels.

With DirecTV you have the option of several tiers of service (so you dont have to pay for premium services you dont want), but if you need to get technical, a higher tier is "more premium" than a lower, cheaper tier.  I would think most carriers operate similarly.

EDIT: Fairly recently HD programming has been priced separately from regular packages, at the $9.99 price.  For existing customers, HD was just "there" only needing an HD tuner to get them.  The 5 LNB dish is needed to see the newest satellites launched, which is the bulk of the newest HD channels.  If you do opt for the 5 LNB dish, ask for the "slimline" model as the early "sidecar" model is a bit clunky.

Been reading more about all this HD stuff, figuring I need to start getting ready....

Well, not everyone's happy with DirecTV's 5 LNB, and after reading, I can understand why.

Looks like this advanced technology stuff is going to become expensive AND difficult.

I'm starting to think OTA-HD may be not only the most practical solution, it may be the only one I can afford when the home renovation is included.

Just to let you know, that thread is nearly two years old. Many of the points made are definitely moot now. Directv does have a DVR that works with the new MPEG4. It does not use the Tivo interface, but it is very good, and does everything Tivo does. (I have one, so I know it works, and IMO, as good as Tivo.)

Most of the complaints on that thread also are related to installation issues, not technical inferiority issues.

If you are a new customer, you will get a lot of free stuff (everything but an HD TV). You can probably swing a free, or an incredible deal on, an HD DVR.

My advice is - if you decide to go with Directv, call them and tell them you are considering getting cable or directv, and you are looking for the best overall deal. When they offer you a deal, ask for more. You will get almost anything you ask for as a new customer.

Also - to avoid or alleviate install problems - get a morning appointment. That way, if stuff ain't done to your satisfaction, the guy will have more time to get stuff done. I made the mistake of having an afternoon appointment and if it gets dark or the installer encounters a problem, we have to set a different appointment to finish. Not good.

Also - all install techs have a supervisor - if the guy doesn't do well, the supervisor will come out himself to finish the work. You don't want to run out of time or daylight before the supervisor can come out, if necessary.

It doesn't take much googling to find someone complaining about a product or service - I wouldn't let the above mentioned thread deter you.

[restored2x]

Sorry for the double-post. Unintentional.

[Wrinkle]

quote:Originally posted by restored2x

quote:Originally posted by Wrinkle

quote:Originally posted by patric

quote:Originally posted by Wrinkle

So, appears ALL HD Channels are premium charge in receiver, dish and monthly rate.

HD has been available with the 3 LNB dish since the dish was introduced a couple of years ago, and without any additional fee.  The primary reason for the 3 LNB dish was to be able to "see" new satellites that were carrying all the local channels.

With DirecTV you have the option of several tiers of service (so you dont have to pay for premium services you dont want), but if you need to get technical, a higher tier is "more premium" than a lower, cheaper tier.  I would think most carriers operate similarly.

EDIT: Fairly recently HD programming has been priced separately from regular packages, at the $9.99 price.  For existing customers, HD was just "there" only needing an HD tuner to get them.  The 5 LNB dish is needed to see the newest satellites launched, which is the bulk of the newest HD channels.  If you do opt for the 5 LNB dish, ask for the "slimline" model as the early "sidecar" model is a bit clunky.

Been reading more about all this HD stuff, figuring I need to start getting ready....

Well, not everyone's happy with DirecTV's 5 LNB, and after reading, I can understand why.

Looks like this advanced technology stuff is going to become expensive AND difficult.

I'm starting to think OTA-HD may be not only the most practical solution, it may be the only one I can afford when the home renovation is included.

Just to let you know, that thread is nearly two years old. Many of the points made are definitely moot now. Directv does have a DVR that works with the new MPEG4. It does not use the Tivo interface, but it is very good, and does everything Tivo does. (I have one, so I know it works, and IMO, as good as Tivo.)

Most of the complaints on that thread also are related to installation issues, not technical inferiority issues.

If you are a new customer, you will get a lot of free stuff (everything but an HD TV). You can probably swing a free, or an incredible deal on, an HD DVR.

My advice is - if you decide to go with Directv, call them and tell them you are considering getting cable or directv, and you are looking for the best overall deal. When they offer you a deal, ask for more. You will get almost anything you ask for as a new customer.

Also - to avoid or alleviate install problems - get a morning appointment. That way, if stuff ain't done to your satisfaction, the guy will have more time to get stuff done. I made the mistake of having an afternoon appointment and if it gets dark or the installer encounters a problem, we have to set a different appointment to finish. Not good.

Also - all install techs have a supervisor - if the guy doesn't do well, the supervisor will come out himself to finish the work. You don't want to run out of time or daylight before the supervisor can come out, if necessary.

It doesn't take much googling to find someone complaining about a product or service - I wouldn't let the above mentioned thread deter you.

Yes, I knew it was an older thread, and there is new DVR for MPEG4 now. Most of the troubling stuff was related to the 5 cable installation required to get there.

I have to admit, that seems puzzeling. Today's technology would seem to have some answer for multiplexing on a single coax, like Cox.

I'm remembering all I went through just getting a single coax where it was needed. The idea of going back and adding 4 more is unappealing, if possible at all.

I'm liking my current image more and more.
It really is quite good. Can't imagine that much of an improvement, and I've seen examples.
Whatever it is I have now is pretty good, if not leading edge.

[patric]

quote:Originally posted by Wrinkle

I'm remembering all I went through just getting a single coax where it was needed. The idea of going back and adding 4 more is unappealing, if possible at all.

Regardless of whether it is 3 LNB or 5 LNB, a 4-output multiswitch is integrated into the LNB (looks like doorknobs) to multiplex the signals.
You have the option of running any or all of the four to receivers in your house, or you can run them to another multiswitch in your attic or basement to expand the outputs beyond the four.
A Multiswitch is like a cable splitter, but handles the signal differently.

TiVo's and DVR's with two tuners require two connections to either the dish or multiswitch.  


What a modern DirecTV dish looks like.

FYI, here is an instruction sheet a Professional Installer may use when you get your free installation.  YOU DONT NEED IT but it's here in case you are curious:
http://www.hometech.com/pdf/gc-au9s.pdf

[sgrizzle]

quote:Originally posted by patric

quote:Originally posted by restored2x

When a storm comes through, the picture can look like what a dirty DVD looks like, with the picture breaking up. That's the worse I've seen with Directv.

Clouds wont do that; it has to be a pretty substantial thunderhead passing over to diminish the signal.  In that event you should be investigating your local channels anyway ;-)

Does anyone know if AT&T is building U-Verse in midtown Tulsa right now?  We've had some subcontractor laying orange conduit for new lines in the area, and it's not water nor gas...

I was excited about uverse coming until I read some of the comments about their service on this story about okc's rollout:

http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/08/10/atandts-u-verse-arrives-in-oklahoma-city-challenges-cox/

[patric]

quote:Originally posted by sgrizzle

I was excited about uverse coming until I read some of the comments about their service on this story about okc's rollout:

http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/08/10/atandts-u-verse-arrives-in-oklahoma-city-challenges-cox/

AT&T committed itself to a proprietary Microsoft system for it's video, and is quietly regretting it.  
(note to AT&T:  Google "open source software")

Their gigabit internet offering, though, is tempting, and would be a nice upgrade from DSL.

[Wrinkle]

I was actually considering AT&T's Video + Phone + DSL service until the other day when I realized they'd shut all three off at once if they thought I took too long to pay my bill.

No thanks.

[Wrinkle]

quote:Originally posted by patric

quote:Originally posted by Wrinkle

I'm remembering all I went through just getting a single coax where it was needed. The idea of going back and adding 4 more is unappealing, if possible at all.

Regardless of whether it is 3 LNB or 5 LNB, a 4-output multiswitch is integrated into the LNB (looks like doorknobs) to multiplex the signals.
You have the option of running any or all of the four to receivers in your house, or you can run them to another multiswitch in your attic or basement to expand the outputs beyond the four.
A Multiswitch is like a cable splitter, but handles the signal differently.

TiVo's and DVR's with two tuners require two connections to either the dish or multiswitch.  


What a modern DirecTV dish looks like.

FYI, here is an instruction sheet a Professional Installer may use when you get your free installation.  YOU DONT NEED IT but it's here in case you are curious:
http://www.hometech.com/pdf/gc-au9s.pdf

Guess I'm an old-timer when it comes to D*, I've got a round dish and a 2-LNB connection.
That's like "BC" in dish terms.
And, that was for two different receivers, not two to the same unit as now for Pic-N-Pic and DVR.

And, did I mention its two-stories around here?

NOT looking forward to the routing modifications. So, OTA is sounding better all the time, and they say it actually gets the best HD picture anyway.

Maybe in the Spring....

[Wrinkle]

Patric,
That reminds me...went looking for a "joiner" today. (UHF/VHF Multiplexer) Nobody has them in the 75-Ohm only format, just the 300-75 converter thingys and 5-900MHz Splitters.

Here's what I was after: JOINER

Here's all I found:  5-900MHz Splitter

And, this: 300-75Ohm Joiner, like you posted HERE.

Is that 5-900MHz Splitter and a 75-Ohm Joiner equivalent in any way?

[patric]

quote:Originally posted by Wrinkle

Is that 5-900MHz Splitter and a 75-Ohm Joiner equivalent in any way?

The "joiner" linked to didnt show any specs, but a splitter can act as a combiner and vice-versa.
I suspect the joiner is just a UHF/VHF splitter connected in reverse.

If you have an older DirecTV installation with one dual LNB you're probably fine unless you want HD or local channels over DirecTV (plus whatever else is on the other, newer birds).  You always have the option of having them come out and upgrade your dish and cabling in exchange for committing to a year or two of service, probably not that big a deal if youve been with them that long already.
Just make sure they throw in a multiswitch so you can readily expand and add DVR(s) or more receivers in that period.

Sometimes you get a better deal from the service department than you do from commissioned "re-sellers".  Tech Support can give you free stuff to keep you happy and connected, so dont be afraid to ask.  

[TulsaFan-inTexas]

quote:Originally posted by swake

Satellite is also just broadcasting in 1080p at best. Cable does 1080i (when available).

It's all about two directional bandwidth and the future is HD on demand and interactive television and that is simply not truly possible with a one directional satellite service.

Cox does not offer much compared to other cable providers, but, look for that to improve as AT&T rolls out U-Verse here. Cable and phone providers keep getting closer to having real FTH (Fiber to Home) service. I saw a new subdivision going up in Glenpool advertising FTH phone service.

AT&T is working on a fiber to pedestal system (sadly unlike Verizon's real FTH push in their markets) that will greatly increase AT&T's offerings. The service is called U-Verse (Verizon's is called FIOS). Cox uses a HFC (hybrid fiber coax) system and I believe has fiber to nodes that handle about 100 homes each today. I don't think they have fiber to pedestals yet, much less home, but then coax cable has much great bandwidth than old phone pairs. I believe that both FIOS and U-Verse are using SDV (switched digital video) where a cable channel is only supplied to a node if someone is watching it. You can imagine the bandwidth saving with that. Cox I am sure is working on that, but it requires an all digital system and Cox is not quite there yet.

Where we are going is hundreds of on demand interactive HD services with gigabit internet all in one. Phone will just be a feature that's included. It will be some years, but it's coming. The competitors are going to be what we call cable and phone companies today. Electric companies can get in the game too if they choose.  I just don't see linear Satellite service being a long term competitor.

I've got AT&T U-Verse down here in DFW, and I love it. Lots and lots of high def channels and the DVR works great. It's also CHEAP too. I've got my phone, internet, and TV all bundled into one and it has saved me about 40 bucks a month.


Now I just need to get rid of my black and white tv.