deciding between directv and comcast for tv

[Aharami]

initially started out looking at DTV to save costs because my current comcast bundle price is jumping up to $138/month (double play)

with current DirecTV deals, I can get the choice package with their Genie whole home HD DVR + NFL Sunday ticket + premium channels for 3 months for $1740 over the next 2 yrs. Add comcast internet @ 65/month, DTV + comcast internet = $3298 over next 2 yrs

Comcast at the new rate will be $3306 over next 2 yrs, so both are pretty much the same price.

worth getting DirecTV + free NFL sunday ticket + free premium channels for 3 months, but lose a couple channels I watch such as DIYHD and DestAmericaHD, for the same price as Comcast bundle? Like DTV's whole home HD DVR system and will definitely use NFL Sunday ticket in 2013, but not too keen about the 2 yr contract. I hear DTV's HD quality is better than comcast though.

Comcast pros:
no term agreement
might get better deal down the line (current deal is $110/month)

DirecTV pros:
whole home HD DVR for no extra cost
NFL Sunday ticket
all premium channels for free for 3 months (Iwill drop them after that)
supposedly better HD quality over comcast

DTV cons:
2 yr agreement
supposedly bad reception during heavy rain and snow

 

[xBiffx]

2 yr agreements...enough said.

 

[Ken g6]

Is Dish cheaper?

Actually, I just do OTA TV, so I probably don't know what I'm missing.

 

[Fingolfin269]

I chose DTV over Comcast but may switch back. My internet is with Comcast so I can get a bundled deal that should work out to be a similar price to DTV. Plus Comcast's On Demand component is vastly superior.

 

[Jimzz]

How about neither?

OTA plus Hulu/Amazon/Netflix/Roku/redbox/etc... is cheaper and better IMO

 

[olds]

I switched from comcrap to dish for tv. When I called comcrap to cancel tv they told me that since I wasn't carrying tv that my monthly internet would go up. I replied that it was ok because as soon as another internet provider became available I'd drop their internet too.

So factor the increase in internet cost into your numbers.

 

[Fingolfin269]

How about neither?

OTA plus Hulu/Amazon/Netflix/Roku/redbox/etc... is cheaper and better IMO

I understand the cheaper part. Explain the better part.

 

[olds]

I understand the cheaper part. Explain the better part.

It's better if you are allergic to current content and like commercials.

 

[z1ggy]

How about neither?

OTA plus Hulu/Amazon/Netflix/Roku/redbox/etc... is cheaper and better IMO

This. Cable is a sham. I have comcast and they SUCK.

 

[Sonikku]

None of them are cheaper over the long haul. They all have agreements behind closed doors to fix prices.

 

[shortylickens]

So what you're saying is you dont have FIOS?

 

[hclarkjr]

i have had comcrap and currently have DTV for TV now. picture quality is definately better with DTV. as for rain fade, i have had it twice in the almost 2 years i have had the service. i have comcrap for internet and like it for htat but their TV service blows monkey balls. avoid at all cost

 

[Rage187]

We do DTV + Comcast internet.

Expensive but Directv's DVR with whole home DVR is super nice.

 

[shortylickens]

Also my understanding is DirectTV made exclusive contracts with most pro sports leagues so you are pretty much stuck with them if you want games 24/7.

 

[Jimzz]

I understand the cheaper part. Explain the better part.

Instead of spending $XX every month for channels you don't watch take that money and just get the shows and movies you do want on your schedule.

Cheaper is also better as well if you don't watch much or the free content is most of what you watch.

 

[blackangst1]

Based on what Ive read through the years about Comcast, Id go with DTV. I switched from Cox to DTV and will never look back.

 

[Mixolydian]

Never had satellite, but my neighbors across the street have DirecTV and they have a service truck over at least once a month...

 

[mvbighead]

I'd check, re-check, and then re-check the figures.

My supposed ~$50 a month is now closer to $85 with Direct, and I am on the slimmest HDTV plan. Not sure, but your Genie thing I figure is going get you charged $25+ per month for an advanced DVR service fee, which seems to be the bulk of mine.

Otherwise, DTV is the only way to get Sunday Ticket, so that's my main reason for selecting them. But just be advised, their proposed $45/month plan is if you have a simple box without DVR.

 

[Drako]

I'm a sports addict, so DirecTV was a no-brainer for me.

I had Comcast internet plus cable up until about 3 of years ago, but I had to get DirecTV because of the sports offerings. I still have the Comcast internet.

 

[Aharami]

How about neither?

OTA plus Hulu/Amazon/Netflix/Roku/redbox/etc... is cheaper and better IMO

yea im also considering dropping tv altogether (or keep limited basic cable) and going this route since summer is coming and we dont spend much time inside over the summer anyways

I switched from comcrap to dish for tv. When I called comcrap to cancel tv they told me that since I wasn't carrying tv that my monthly internet would go up. I replied that it was ok because as soon as another internet provider became available I'd drop their internet too.

So factor the increase in internet cost into your numbers.

yep, factored that in. thanks

 

[Aharami]

None of them are cheaper over the long haul. They all have agreements behind closed doors to fix prices.

yea its amazing how after all is said and done, the comcast bundle comes out to within $6 of comcast internet + DTV

 

[Aharami]

So what you're saying is you dont have FIOS?

no. Verizon seems to have stopped expanding FIOS service just short of my development. I read somewhere that Comcast and Verizon signed some kind of deal limiting FIOS expansion any further

 

[Jimzz]

yea im also considering dropping tv altogether (or keep limited basic cable) and going this route since summer is coming and we dont spend much time inside over the summer anyways



yep, factored that in. thanks

Yea I put a decent sized antenna in my attic and get around 40 channels. All the major networks are in HD, better quality OTA than even my BiLs Fios.
One time cost and done.

I also have a Hulu box and of course internet for anything else.

 

[Markbnj]

no. Verizon seems to have stopped expanding FIOS service just short of my development. I read somewhere that Comcast and Verizon signed some kind of deal limiting FIOS expansion any further

Verizon announced a few months ago that they aren't trying to expand the FIOS service any further. The connection costs per household were significantly higher than they planned. The stated intent was to complete the current contracts they have with municipalities and call it a day.

While I have no doubt the connection costs were the main issue, I think you can also blame every little town council and mayor's office for trying to wring as much out of them as possible before approving licenses.

 

[dr150]

We do DTV + Comcast internet.

Expensive but Directv's DVR with whole home DVR is super nice.

I have this same set-up and agree that it's the best mix.

As an FYI, you can always negotiate with DTV to lower your bill or get freebie channels to stay loyal. They're fantastic with customer loyalty.

Comcast cable, OTOH, has always been a hassle getting anything worthwhile from them. Their DVR machine sucks balls as well. DTV DVR is great and snappy performing. DISH is the only DVR that is better and if DTV wouldn't keep me happy, I'd jump to DISH.

On the internet side, Comcast internet is great, but again, a hassle getting discounts. I'm currently paying $50/mo after negotiating a discount. Last discount before that was $42/mo. If you call monthly, you'll be able to grab some "current" discount of some sort. In my limited area of choices, I've thought about switching to AT&T, but their DSL is too slow in my area.