View Full Version : question about DirectTV
RedHotTeacher
02-23-2005, 11:43 AM
I have to get my cable through Bellsouth Entertainment...one option is normal cable, the cheaper option is DirectTV -- does anyone have any opinions negative or positive?
Thanks!
LITTLEELVISDAN
02-23-2005, 11:46 AM
Direct TV is a dish. You are comparing apples and oranges.
S2KOOL
02-23-2005, 11:47 AM
I love DirecTV. I had cable for years. Actually work for a company that makes cable TV equipment. I have had DirecTV for several years now. The only issue is during heavy rain showers you will lose signal. The good news is it will come back as soon as the shower lightens up. If you lose cable during a storm, you can wait hours or days for it to be repaired. Be sure to get a receiver with the built in DVR (Tivo). You will never be able to do without it once you have used it.
LITTLEELVISDAN
02-23-2005, 11:47 AM
what is the bigger picture? Are you planning on having a DSL or cable modem for fast access?
LITTLEELVISDAN
02-23-2005, 11:50 AM
I have DishNetwork. Competes with DircetTV. I would definately go a dish type provider. Call around to see who is running the best deal on install and programming packages. The DVR is a must.
Cyclon36
02-23-2005, 11:55 AM
Definitely DirecTV. I had both and trust me, the dish is they way to go. Forget all that talk about digital cable. Those are only the movie channels. The regular channels still look like ass. The dish makes every channel crystal clear and you can change programming instantly online.
Oh, and definitely kudos on the Tivo. You'll never want to do without one once you get use to it. Mine almost never goes out except for the biggest storms and cable goes out just for the hell of it on a sunny day. Plus I believe Bellsouth has a DSL plan that's bundled with DirecTV.
Doctor T
02-23-2005, 12:19 PM
I also have DishNetwork...I highly recommend the satellite hookup over the cable...and you MUST have the DVR...so many cool things you can do (like pause or back up live television)...I hardly ever watch live TV anymore...just record everything and fastforward through the commercials...I have found myself reaching for the remote when the commercials come on when I AM watching live TV...and cursing because I can't fast forward past them when it's live...:D
Cyclon36
02-23-2005, 12:20 PM
I have found myself reaching for the remote when the commercials come on when I AM watching live TV...and cursing because I can't fast forward past them when it's live...:D
I do the same thing. I feel so out of control when that happens. The DVR really gives you a power trip. :D
I am absolutely no help in this discussion. I (meaning my tv) have rabbit ears.
CDjunkie
02-23-2005, 12:26 PM
Direct TV actually cares about their customers, cable companies despise you. Direct TV increases their rates about once every 4 years, cable about once ever 4 months.
Huge thumbs up for Dtv, and Tivo.
I also have Bellsouth DSL, good speed, consistant service. I have no complaints with that other than the phone bill that comes with it.
There's more considerations for HD, but that might be a little advanced.
Doctor T
02-23-2005, 12:28 PM
I am absolutely no help in this discussion. I (meaning my tv) have rabbit ears.http://old.zortal.gr/images/articles/clipart_people/confused_man.gif where did you find those...an antique store someplace?
RedHotTeacher
02-23-2005, 12:52 PM
Hi...thanks...that is lots of help...they don't have cable modems available in my complex, so I have to have a land line (first in 2 years!)...that's the only thing that bothers me...but, it looks like I'll be trying out the DirectTV -- question about the rain stuff though...can you put an umbrella up over it somehow to protect it from the rain?
tmelch
02-23-2005, 01:16 PM
can you put an umbrella up over it somehow to protect it from the rain?Your funny!! :rolf:
LITTLEELVISDAN
02-23-2005, 01:17 PM
Hi...thanks...that is lots of help...they don't have cable modems available in my complex, so I have to have a land line (first in 2 years!)...that's the only thing that bothers me...but, it looks like I'll be trying out the DirectTV -- question about the rain stuff though...can you put an umbrella up over it somehow to protect it from the rain?
It's not the rain that interrupts the signal its the upper atmosphere between you and the sattelite. If the cloud cover is to thick (sattleite signals don't travel through water very well) your signal gets blocked.
RedHotTeacher
02-23-2005, 01:19 PM
Your funny!! :rolf:
Um...I guess I understand why you vote Republican...it's "YOU'RE" not YOUR
http://www.planetsmilies.com/smilies/tongue/tongue14.gif
Ha ha...just kidding! :rolf: :rolf:
LITTLEELVISDAN
02-23-2005, 01:20 PM
sun spots or solar flares can affect your signal but these are rare. That has to do more with radiation levels in aouter space.
RedHotTeacher
02-23-2005, 01:20 PM
P.S. I am a Direct TV and TIVO member now...!!! I hope I like it!
LITTLEELVISDAN
02-23-2005, 01:24 PM
I just realized we didn't tell her about the singal signal dishes and multi signal dishes. Single LNB, dual LNB or 4 LNB. Which one did you get? single means you can only watch 1 chanel a time even if you have 4 TV's. to view different chanels in different rooms at the same time you need a 2 or 4 reviever dish.
http://old.zortal.gr/images/articles/clipart_people/confused_man.gif where did you find those...an antique store someplace?
:rolf:
I don't watch much tv, so I cancelled my cable. I find other ways to entertain myself:D
RedHotTeacher
02-23-2005, 02:41 PM
Um...I'm not sure if it's double, single, quadrupal, etc?! I guess I'll find out! That could suck...but, oh well...I read in bed more than watch tv anyway...
S2k Dude
02-23-2005, 02:49 PM
I had Bellsouth cable and was not impressed, you made the right decision. I've got cable service w/ about 9 HDTV channels with Charter and overall the service is very consistent and very rarely ever goes out, not affected by weather. I like it because I pay only $58/month which includes Showtime in the package deal, I think an equivalent Direct TV setup would be more expensive by the time you add HD service, not to mention I pay $33/month for the Cable modem which would cost me more if I had seperate services for the TV and high speed.
RedHotTeacher
02-23-2005, 03:02 PM
I'm really upset that I can't have a cable modem in my new place...but, that's the only downfall...so, I can deal with that...also gives my school parents a number that they can't use to find me anywhere and everywhere! :)
RedHotTeacher
02-23-2005, 03:03 PM
How come this thread is getting more hits than the thread I wrote asking for moving help :(
How come this thread is getting more hits than the thread I wrote asking for moving help :(
And I'm the resident blonde?:D
RedHotTeacher
02-23-2005, 03:12 PM
And I'm the resident blonde?:D
As long as you don't try to take the place of my position of resident "Foot-N-Mouth chick" we'll be fine :rolf:
As long as you don't try to take the place of my position of resident "Foot-N-Mouth chick" we'll be fine :rolf:
Babe, I could study under you for years and never surpass you in that department!:D
S2KOOL
02-23-2005, 04:30 PM
As for internet access you may want to consider DirectWay. It is DirecTv's satellite downlink. The uplink is through dial-up. I am not sure how it stacks up against cable modem or DSL, but I'd bet it is faster than dial-up...download speed anyway.
Cyclon36
02-23-2005, 04:31 PM
As for internet access you may want to consider DirectWay. It is DirecTv's satellite downlink. The uplink is through dial-up. I am not sure how it stacks up against cable modem or DSL, but I'd bet it is faster than dial-up...download speed anyway.
Bad idea. I looked into that since I live in the sticks. The equipment costs alone is close to $700. Of course they can do a monthly plan, but it's not worth it if you're close enough for DSL.
RedHotTeacher
02-23-2005, 05:45 PM
I'm getting DSL...it's a whole package deal!
RedHotTeacher
03-02-2005, 08:46 AM
OK...thanks Matt-the-bagel for helping to keep me calm! So...here's the scoop...the end note is that I am NOT GETTING DIRECT TV...
So...the story...the brief version...
I'm sitting at school and I get a call from my grandmother (who was waiting to have my Direct TV installed today)...first...they arrived at 2...and they were supposed to be there between 8 and 12! She said that he was stapling black wires around my fireplace mantel...I have cream and white walls and carpet...so, this obviously looked awful...I had her stop him...he got mad or something and ripped the wires out of the wall and mantel...leaving holes throughout my newly purchased home. When I got there...I told him to remove his equipement and that I was going to file a damage claim. He begged me not to...and ran out to get the contractor that was painting the fitness center for the condo association. I told him that if things were fixed today (Tuesday) than I would not file the claim. Otherwise, I was going to file the claim tomorrow (Wednesday)...so, the painter came and fixed everything...did a nice job...everything is back to normal. Man, was I pissed...I was about ready to KILL!
So...now I'm going with normal ordinary cable...no fancy nothing. ERG!
So these are the joys of home-ownership, huh?!
tmelch
03-02-2005, 09:31 AM
What a nimrod! Obviously lives in an apartment. I'd call the company and complain and get someone that can run the wires correctly.
tonybell_57
03-02-2005, 09:39 AM
Direct TV is a dish. You are comparing apples and oranges.Actually, BellSouth has a product called DirecTV (not to be confused with the dish) which is their digital cable TV system. It used to be called Americast. I know this because I worked at BellSouth just over six months ago. I was there for the roll-out of the product. Note the difference in spelling.
RedHotTeacher
03-02-2005, 09:43 AM
What a nimrod! Obviously lives in an apartment. I'd call the company and complain and get someone that can run the wires correctly.
I just decided to go with the Americast...the normal digital cable that comes from Bellsouth...not messing with any dishes of any kind...I don't watch enough fancy tv to warrant all of the wires!
tonybell_57
03-02-2005, 09:45 AM
I just decided to go with the Americast...the normal digital cable that comes from Bellsouth...not messing with any dishes of any kind...I don't watch enough fancy tv to warrant all of the wires!They also offer FastAccess DSL.
WebGod
03-02-2005, 10:02 AM
That's crazy, what an idiot! Glad to hear you got it taken care of so quickly.
S2k Dude
03-02-2005, 10:09 AM
A good installer can make all the difference.
Cyclon36
03-02-2005, 10:57 AM
Actually, BellSouth has a product called DirecTV (not to be confused with the dish) which is their digital cable TV system. It used to be called Americast. I know this because I worked at BellSouth just over six months ago. I was there for the roll-out of the product. Note the difference in spelling.
"DirecTV" is the satellite. It is also partnered with Bellsouth. Bellsouth is offering package deals with the satellite company, not the cable company. Details can be found here: http://www.bellsouth.com/consumer/directv/ext/index.html?src=rql
Sorry to hear about the bad news Amy. I guess you just ended up with a crappy installer. Too bad.
Doctor T
03-02-2005, 02:14 PM
Why was he running wires throughout your house? The only wires that have to be run are the ones running from the dish to the house...that cable plugs directly into the cable outlet on the outside of the house and runs through the pre-existing coax (just like "cable" does)...
That makes absolutely no sense at all...I would definitely call the company...he does NOT need to be installing satellite dishes in anyone's home...
If you decide in the future you want to get DISH, let me know...I'll hook you up with someone who will do a good job....
suzukasue
03-02-2005, 02:35 PM
Wow that sux! Like everyone else, I'm glad you were able to get it fixed!! I have cable for both my TV and my high speed internet access. I've been pretty happy with it, but my cable bill is pretty expensive.
David and I ate at Moe's during the recent hail storm (of course he had to drive in that crazy stuff!) and the TV reception was out. He said it was because of the storm! I'm glad my cable was still working a-ok when we got home!
RedHotTeacher
03-02-2005, 03:16 PM
I wish I could have cable internet too...but, the condo doesn't get it...so, I have to have a land line and dsl :(
Doctor T
03-02-2005, 04:09 PM
.....David and I ate at Moe's during the recent hail storm (of course he had to drive in that crazy stuff!) and the TV reception was out. He said it was because of the storm! I'm glad my cable was still working a-ok when we got home!
I have never lost reception to my satellite, even during the worst of storms...I've been told that if you are losing your connection during storms, all you need is to have someone come out and adjust your dish...if you have a good signal strength (meaning the dish is aimed correctly) you should never lose connection....
Cyclon36
03-02-2005, 04:21 PM
Well, maybe not never, but Doc is right. If you're strength is up high enough like in the 90's then you should hardly ever lose a signal.
CDjunkie
03-02-2005, 09:32 PM
/\ Right. The first location I had my dish, reception started to get spotty and weird during the summers from time to time. Eventually, it went out alltogether... my trees had grown too tall and full and were choking out the signal. After I moved the dish to a better spot, I almost never loose signal. My power will go out first if it is that wild outside.
Sorry you got burned with this numb nuts installer.
RedHotTeacher
03-03-2005, 08:26 AM
Sorry you got burned with this numb nuts installer.
No worries...with all these posts...I just have to find one of your homes to watch fancy TV!
As for the installer...he burned himself...had to pay out of pocket to get have someone fix his boo-boo! Probably spent more than what he made for the job to fix his laziness...and that's all it was...I saw how my neighbors had theirs installed...they ran it under the carpet...can't even tell (and used white wires)...he just wanted to get it installed...didn't care how my place looked...
S2k Dude
03-03-2005, 03:28 PM
My HDTV is sooo nice. Can't wait for all stations to be in HD.
RedHotTeacher
03-03-2005, 03:32 PM
I couldn't afford the HDTV tv...the big tv I have now...which most of y'all would laugh at was a parting gift from an ex...
noclue119
03-03-2005, 05:07 PM
What about Comcast package. You can get digital cable and high speed all in 1 package. IIRC digital Cable is much more reliable then the dish.
Anyways I like this better than DSL because you don't have to pay 2 seperate bills, you don't have to get a land line which in my mine is a waste of money and Comcast high speed internet is faster then DSL*(as long as u don't have 1000000 neighors with comcast as well).
btw here is hte pricing
http://comcast.com/Buyflow/default.ashx?PromoID=20158
S2KJD
03-03-2005, 05:51 PM
direct tv is the way to go and i just added tivo for $49.99, which was just the cost to install! and i got a new mail box out of the deal...lol!
RedHotTeacher
03-04-2005, 08:28 AM
What about Comcast package. You can get digital cable and high speed all in 1 package. IIRC digital Cable is much more reliable then the dish.
Anyways I like this better than DSL because you don't have to pay 2 seperate bills, you don't have to get a land line which in my mine is a waste of money and Comcast high speed internet is faster then DSL*(as long as u don't have 1000000 neighors with comcast as well).
btw here is hte pricing
http://comcast.com/Buyflow/default.ashx?PromoID=20158
I had comcast cable and internet for two years and was really happy with it...unfortunately, Bellsouth and Bellsouth Entertainment have a monopoly in my Condo complex...so...for the first time in 3 years, I have to have a land line and DSL...fortunately, my condo is gorgeous so it's worth the hassle...but...in the same respect...no dishy-thing for me...I'd rather not have TiVo and not have to run wires (even white ones) throughtout my living room...just don't watch enough tv to make it worth it...
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