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DirecTV vs. Dish


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We use DirecTV on our boat and are generally happy with it. As we travel up and down the coast we use the NY local stations which turn out to be the national feeds. These are not spot beamed and as such we can watch them wherever we are. Much more convenient than constantly trying to change to local channels.

 

I'm thinking about changing my motorhome to Dish because of the High Def. Direct's HD satellites can't be picked up on my Winegard Carrryout G2. Dish HD can.

 

My question is this...are the National feeds available on Dish. If I change to the NY stations, does Dish spot beam them or will I get them everywhere?

 

What say the group?

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Dish does not offer a "Distant Network Service" like DTV's. The NY and LA locals are spot beamed or software limited by your receiver. Changing locals as we move around only takes a 5 minute online chat session or phone call in most cases. Dish has no restrictions on how often we change our service address. I've even done two changes in the same day.

Dutch
2001 GBM Landau 34' Class A
F-53 Chassis, Triton V10, TST TPMS
2011 Toyota RAV4 4WD/Remco pump
ReadyBrute Elite tow bar/brake system

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I would not be without DNS since I use a DVR extensively to record network programs that I like. With DNS I don't have to reprogram channels every time I move. Maybe not a big deal to some, but it is to me. Also when I set up my dish in a new location I don't have to do anything other than turn it on and aim the dish. Aiming the dish takes less time for me than getting it out of the basement.

Ed

KM4STL

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When we had DNS with Dish, we relied on the static channels of DNS for our Timers.

 

DNS went away about the same time we got a Hopper DVR and PTAT (Prime Time Any Time) takes care of the changing Local channels because it records them automatically. One door closes and another one opens.

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Joey - 2016 Bounder 33C Tige - 2006 40' Travel Supreme
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If you go with Dish you can just jump on their chat support when you move and give them your new address - your locals are updated shortly. Also, you can use the "Dish Pass" feature on the receiver to set up the recording of network shows - it will record a show no matter what channel number it is on.

 

I think the small dish/HD capability of Dish is it's only real advantage over DTV.

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As Scott said, the "Dish PASS" feature works well for us on our VIP211k receiver no matter where we are. When we miss my wife's favorite soap during the day due to travel, it even records the same day rebroadcasts on "POP" (formerly TVGN) later in the evening after we're set up again.

Dutch
2001 GBM Landau 34' Class A
F-53 Chassis, Triton V10, TST TPMS
2011 Toyota RAV4 4WD/Remco pump
ReadyBrute Elite tow bar/brake system

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DNS went away about the same time we got a Hopper DVR and PTAT (Prime Time Any Time) takes care of the changing Local channels because it records them automatically. One door closes and another one opens.

 

Also, you can use the "Dish Pass" feature on the receiver to set up the recording of network shows - it will record a show no matter what channel number it is on.

 

The OP has a dome, he's not using an open-faced, multiple-LNB dish. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think that PTAT/Dish Pass would work on a dome since it can only "see" one satellite at a time.

LindaH
2014 Winnebago Aspect 27K
2011 Kia Soul

 

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I have, as an experiment, set my ground tripod dish to only use one LNBF and I ran the switch check with the Hopper. The Hopper wasn't happy but the one satellite did pass and I could receive from it.

 

Not that I recommend doing such a thing. But then again, I would never have a single LNBF dish again. We tried that for a month 8-1/2 years ago and switched to a triple headed ground tripod for 6 years. Then we got a Trav'ler.

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Mark & Dale
Joey - 2016 Bounder 33C Tige - 2006 40' Travel Supreme
Sparky III - 2021 Mustang Mach-e, off the the Road since 2019
Useful HDT Truck, Trailer, and Full-timing Info at
www.dmbruss.com

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The OP has a dome, he's not using an open-faced, multiple-LNB dish. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think that PTAT/Dish Pass would work on a dome since it can only "see" one satellite at a time.

Linda the only loss is the ability to record a program on one satellite while you are watching a program on another. Otherwise, (at least on my gear) the receiver has the dish switch to the needed satellite and it records. If you want to watch TV at the same time, you will probably end up watching something you've recorded.

 

I will mention that after using a small dome (Wineguard Carryout) for over a year I added a 3 LNB dish and tripod as my primary setup. We enjoyed the freedom of watching/recording more like a home installation.

Our "Here and There" Blog

 

2005 Safari Cheetah Motorhome

 

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The OP has a dome, he's not using an open-faced, multiple-LNB dish. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think that PTAT/Dish Pass would work on a dome since it can only "see" one satellite at a time.

 

If he has a VIP211 series Dish receiver, it's only capable of recording one channel at a time from satellite.

Dutch
2001 GBM Landau 34' Class A
F-53 Chassis, Triton V10, TST TPMS
2011 Toyota RAV4 4WD/Remco pump
ReadyBrute Elite tow bar/brake system

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  • 4 weeks later...

That is interesting since I find Dish to be easier to deal with as I travel, and the HD channels are available on my small dome. What about Dish was so difficult that you made you choose to cancel? How is that same feature easier on Direct?

MY PEOPLE SKILLS ARE JUST FINE.
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I have DirecTV w/DNS as I posted previously. I have the Genie HR44 receiver and also a HR24 in the bedroom and whole home. I do not receive any premium movie channels, but occasionally DirecTV has a free movie weekend. I really load up on movies when this happens since I can record 7 channels simultaneously (5 on the Genie and 2 on the HR24). Then I have movies to watch for weeks.

Ed

KM4STL

2006 GMC 2500HD CCSB 4x4 Duramax/Allison, Titan 52 gallon fuel tank, Prodigy Controller, B&W Companion Hitch
2010 Jayco Designer 35RLTS, RV Flex Armor Roof

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That is interesting since I find Dish to be easier to deal with as I travel, and the HD channels are available on my small dome. What about Dish was so difficult that you made you choose to cancel? How is that same feature easier on Direct?

We no longer need their service, and I called to cancel service. The first agent said he could close my account if I answered all his question. Why? When? Where? Who? Etc,Etc. Just close the damn account! Finally ask for his supervisor about a dozen times before being transferred to a supervisor. She proceed to close the account without the twenty question game. All I wanted to do was terminate the account. Now I will give second thoughts about Dish in the future. Our future will be more time on the computer and less time in front of the TV. If I want to watch a movie, I will rent one for Red Box, I can rent a lot movies for the Price of Dish services.

Living the full time RV dream in a Holiday Rambler Motor home.

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It is not untypical for any subscription provider to try to determine why you want to end a subscription. Often subscription termination is an impulse thing and by asking the questions and offering some incentives, the account can be saved.

 

The fact that you didn't mention that offers to stay were offered indicate that you may have been in an irate mode and not listening.

 

You would have received the same procedures from DirecTV, Comcast, Time Warner, etc. Event you will run out of places to cancel.

Please click for Emails instead of PM
Mark & Dale
Joey - 2016 Bounder 33C Tige - 2006 40' Travel Supreme
Sparky III - 2021 Mustang Mach-e, off the the Road since 2019
Useful HDT Truck, Trailer, and Full-timing Info at
www.dmbruss.com

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You would have received the same procedures from DirecTV, Comcast, Time Warner, etc. Event you will run out of places to cancel.

Not going to use DirecTV, Comcast, Time Warner, etc anytime soon. More time on the computer and less time in front of the TV. If I want to watch a movie I can stream or go to the Red Box.

Living the full time RV dream in a Holiday Rambler Motor home.

Our Travel Blog is http://rvroadriders.com

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In its second-ever quarterly loss of U.S. subscribers, DirecTV dropped a higher-than-expected 84,000 net video customers in the States during quarter ended June 30.

The younger generation is not watching TV, the only segment of growth for Satellite and Cable is the over 50 crowd.

http://variety.com/2013/biz/news/cord-cutting-to-blame-directv-loses-84000-subscribers-1200570824/

Living the full time RV dream in a Holiday Rambler Motor home.

Our Travel Blog is http://rvroadriders.com

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