Thread: Check My Math, Logic

I'm moving to a new area that is outside of my cable provider's service area. So, I must replace my content and beloved TiVo HD XL.

So, I did a quick scan of my Season Passes (scheduled recordings), and I watch: the big four, CW, USA, SyFy, ABC Family, TNT, HBO, AMC, Spike, Discovery, Science, Sportsman, History, and NFLN. Sportsman seems to be the hardest to accomadate.

I have two HD TVs and an SD. I think I MIGHT like to have 2 DVRs (can they share conflict resolution responsibilities?). This is not a requirement, but I did proceed as if it were.

So, with Dish Network and opting for a 922:

Mo 1-6: $92.99
Mo 7-12: $98.99
Year 1+: $113.99
One-Time: $303.50 (Must include first month?)

This includes America's Top 250, HBO, 2 HD DVRs (the second is a duo and takes care of the SD receiver), and service.

With DirecTV and Whole-Home DVR:

Year 1: $70.97
Year 2: $90.97
Year 2+: $104.97
One-Time: $99.00 (Obviously doesn't include first month.)

This includes Choice Xtra, HBO, 2 HD DVRs, 1 SD receiver, and service.

I'm a little confused, as I've always heard, including from people I know, that Dish is cheaper. But that doesn't seem to be the case for me. I'm sure I'm missing taxes, but I don't expect there to be a great difference between the two. Now cost is not the end-all-be-all for me. Unfortunately, I don't know anyone in the area I'm moving who has either service to gauge performance there. Further, for mobile devices I'm on Android, and both have some kind of offering. In my very unscientific research it does appear there are less people who HATE Dish than DirecTV, but that could be attributed to a number of things.

Do my numbers look right? Am I missing anything? Any advice, thoughts, opinions? I'm a little gun shy about the two year commits, but I guess I could always pay to break later if necessary.

Trying to choose between the two services is enough to make me consider going to straight digital content (Hulu Plus, Amazon VOD, Netflix, iTunes), lol.

Thanks for any input or insights.

Also, as I'm completely new to satellites, I'm not really understanding what I need to do to get my locals, so what all is involved? Thanks again.

I had to go check to see why you used Dish's T250, but I see that is the only level that has the Sportsman channel.

As to hardware, there is some fiddling around you might consider.

The 922 costs quite a bit more upfront, plus more per month, and frankly I've not seen anything about it that makes it a great box to get. You could get a 722k and add the Sling Box to it ($99 upfront, no monthly) to get the TV Anywhere on your iPad/Android/whatever portable box. You'd have 2 SAT channel tuners + 2 Over-The-Air tuners, all recordable at the same time and have most of what the 922 might bring to the system. It could also either feed your SD TV OR your ultra-portable.

Locals are usually included in the pricing with Dish, I'm not sure if that is also true with Direct. HD Locals totally just depend on where you are, but with a 722k or 922 with the optional OTA module, you could get them via antenna. That's what I do, then I can record all 4 major networks at the same time if I need to.

Lastly, when comparing the 2 sat offerings, look at the National HD to see which has what you want. In general, Dish will have more national HD, Direct will have more sports.

Because of the Sportsman channel, you would be paying Dish $20/month more than you need to it appears just for that channel, although you do get much more than that. Generally the comparison is Choice Ultimate vs Top 250.

Originally Posted by lessonz

Do my numbers look right? Am I missing anything? Any advice, thoughts, opinions? I'm a little gun shy about the two year commits, but I guess I could always pay to break later if necessary.


Thanks for any input or insights.

Well for 1 a Vip922 only does 1 room right now.
So you would need a 722 as well to provide the function of a 3 room system.


You need to post more of info on your breakdown.

Like what are the discounts per month/how many months.

Directv I can tell you
For Choice Extra $65.99 after Febuary
HD/DVR/MRV service is $20 per month
3 rooms of service is $12
HBO is $15.99

Total
$111.98 + Taxes and without any discounts
$116.98 For Choice Ultimate( This pack is more equal to Top 250)

E* with the Top 250
is $69.99 after Febuary
Plus 3 rooms HD DVR is going to run you $20 since you have a 922
$17 for your 2 addtional rooms.
Hbo is $16
Total $122.99

Now they do offer Free HD for Life That would save you $10 per month (autopay)
Total $112.99
and if you drop that 922 from your list and get a another 722
Your DVR fees would drop to $6 from $10

Total $108.99 you would get 4 rooms of service 2 HD/DVR and 2 SD DVR.
2 rooms Share a DVR
Or
722 and a vip 612 that would save you another $7
Total $101.99 This price any customer can get.




Now if you want the Exact same Function of directvs DVRs

You would need 3 Vip 612's
That would cost you
$69.99 Top 250
$20 3 rooms of service
$6 DVR Fee
$16 HBO
Total:
$111.99 for Dish Verses Directv $116.99