DISH vs DirecTV
Written: Jan 11 '00
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Pros: Big letters in program guide
Cons: Annoying waits when retrieving program descriptions
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| fongs2's Full Review: EchoStar 3720 Dish Network System |
I watched DirecTV for 3 years before trying the DISH network. Here is a rundown on the advantages and disadvantages of each one.
1) My DISH system has bigger letters than DirecTV. This is both an advantage and a disadvantage. If your eyes aren't that good, or your don't wear glasses while you are watching TV, this is a good thing. If you'd like to see more listings on the program guide, this is a bad thing. Unfortunately, being around computers all the time and still having good eyes, I'd much prefer DirecTV's display since I can see more information.
2) In the program guide for DISH, I only get listings. In DirecTV's program guide, I get both listings and descriptions/ratings/etc. This is a DEFINITE PLUS for DirecTV. I hate having to push that info button on the DISH remote for EVERY program. I'd much prefer to just scroll and have the descriptions show up as I go.
3) Program Guide for DISH doesn't seem to cache program descriptions. This is a HUGE downfall. I push the info button and it gives me between a 1 and 5 second wait (and occasionally longer) for the program description. DirecTV has descriptions on the guide itself, so they must cache 4 hours worth of program descriptions for every channel.
4) Program Guide for DirecTV takes 5 seconds to update every half hour. This was the only annoying thing about DirecTV. If you happen to be on Guide when the time was :00 or :30, then you have to wait 5-10 seconds while DirecTV caches the next block of program descriptions. This is the only place I have found that DISH has the advantage.
5) DirecTV has more pay-per-view channels. This may change with the new
DISH system coming out (500 channels or something)
6) DISH is a few bucks cheaper. (another plus)
7) DISH systems have programmable channel changers, but I don't really use this much. If you record lots of TV shows, this could become really useful.
Overall, I prefer DirecTV. Less annoying waiting times and the system responds a little faster. Also more pay-per-view channels.
The only people I'd recommend DISH to are those that need big letters to
see the program guide.
OH - one more thing. My remote broke 3 months after I bought it and it took me about a week to get it replaced. Good customer service. Bad parts.
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 300
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Epinions.com ID:
fongs2
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Reviews written: 18
Trusted by: 3 members
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