Direct TV versus Cable

[Anonymous]

Anyone have an opinion on this? I remember hearing how horrible satellite tv was years ago. I'm wondering if things have changed. Can you get most of the same channels? Do you find the customer service better with one over the other? I have had so many horrible experiences with Comcast I don't think I could do much worse. Can anyone share their experiences with Direct TV? I think it may also be cheaper than our current cable package.

[Anonymous]

The only negative with DirecTV is that if it's raining heavily it can disturb your signal.

[Freeman]

The one reason I've never gone with any satellite provider is that weather can easily disrupt the signal. To me, any extra cost and/or hassle with cable(I actually have Verizon FIOS for TV currently) are worth it for increased reliability.

[Anonymous]

We've had DirecTv for six years. We were happy Starpower/RCN customers but when we moved to the burbs Comcast was are only option and I was boycotting Comcast for refusing to carry MASN back in the day.

We had some initial issues with reception due to improper installation. Once they got it secured to the roof those problems stopped. Since then rain hasn't been much of an issue.

We did have issues during the blizzards of 2010. The first time there so much snow on the dish we couldn't get reception for a day. It melted in time to watch the Super Bowl. The second storm that week was colder and it froze something and we had to wait for that to defrost before we could get reception.

I find DirecTv to be pretty responsive to service calls and complaints.

I don't know if it is out more or less than regular cable. I have friends with TimeWarner cable in NY and they always seem to have issues.

[Anonymous]

I absolutely love my Directv. I've had it for over 4 years now. their customer service is terrific, their billing is good, and I like the channels and the user interface and the remote. yes, weather can be an issue, but that's rare. During heavy snows the dish can ice up, and heavy winds can disrupt the signal. But it's pretty reliable.

The only issue for me is cost - I'm having trouble rationalizing paying for Directv separately when I could bundle cable in with my FIOS phone and internet and save like $80/month. I love my Directv and hate the idea of giving more money to Verizon (who I hate) but that's a lot of money. If you can bundle services, I'd do so.

[Anonymous]

DirecTV is our only option (remote house, no cable) and it works fine except in severe cloudcover.

However, I am PISSED they just dropped 25 channels, including Comedy Central. I miss my Daily Show and Colbert!

[Anonymous]

I have had Directv for many years. We could have Fios, it cable but Directv is the only provider who offers NFL Sunday ticket, and DH loves to watch his team every week. To the Pp who complained about channels lost, if that was part of the Viacom deal, it is settled and they're back. I, like others, have had a few times (maybe 4 times in 15 yrs) we lost the signal, but that is rare. My experience with service has been very good. My gripe , like others, is that I cannot do a bundle, so pay separately for Comcast Internet.

[Anonymous]

We've had Directv for 7 years. We moved to an area where the cable sucked (the picture would be grainy on a clear day) and it didnt offer many channels. We dont lose the picture often at all. During the huge blizzard we lost the HD signal for 1/2 day which just meant we had all the channels but they were in standard definition. It takes a seriously hard driving long rain & wind for us to lose the picture (like the Durecho - spelling). The only thing is I wish they would get Style HD.

[Anonymous]

Hey, thanks, PP! I didn't know Comedy Central was back -- just re-DVRd Daily Show and Colbert!

See? There IS value in spending all day on DCUM!

[Anonymous]

We've had Directv for 13 years now. Live in the city, and absolutely lose signal during heavy storms. We just switch to using the antenna during those times. It's not so frequent, but definitely happens.

We have the directive DVR, which is fine (I still miss TIVO, but that ship has sailed).

I always wonder if we're missing out though - when we visit the inlays I am jealous of On Demand shows and movies.

[Anonymous]

I don't really think On Demand is that great a deal. The Comcast menu is unbelievably clumsy and most of the stuff is ancient crap.