Just wanted to share my comments after having DN installed yesterday. This is my first satellite system, so I can't comment on how it compares to D* or any other satellite system.
I ordered the DHA promotion with the Top 120 package and the 522 receiver. Obviously, installation was free and I don't have to pay the extra $5 for having the second tuner (though I do need to have it hooked up to the phone line). I am also paying the extra $5 for video on demand, which I have found well worth it!
My area also just recently got local channels, so I have the SuperDish. Unfortunately, I am pretty disappointed by the picture quality on these channels but I did read about them before signing up so I guess I'm not really surprised. Specificially, the channels are obviously *heavily* compressed which makes the video look pixellated and lacking detail. This is quite obvious even from a further viewing distance on a standard 32" TV. It's nice having the locals on the Satellite system, but I would certainly hope for improved video in the future. Can someone explain the reason why they compress these channels more? And if this is something that they may improve in the future?
The other channels look good. Some compression artifiacts can be seen now and then but otherwise, definitely an improvement there over my previous cable.
I can't say enough about the DVR though. I don't think I would ever want to be without one now that I've used it. I was previously recording shows with my PC TV tuner card and I'll still do that for shows I want to archive to DVD, etc. But the DVR is awesome with video on demand for Live TV, etc. Having the two tuners on the 522 is also great.
So other than the local channel picture quality, I am definitely satisfied. Thanks to those who helped me in some previous posts where I asked a bunch of questions.
Travis
I ordered the DHA promotion with the Top 120 package and the 522 receiver. Obviously, installation was free and I don't have to pay the extra $5 for having the second tuner (though I do need to have it hooked up to the phone line). I am also paying the extra $5 for video on demand, which I have found well worth it!
My area also just recently got local channels, so I have the SuperDish. Unfortunately, I am pretty disappointed by the picture quality on these channels but I did read about them before signing up so I guess I'm not really surprised. Specificially, the channels are obviously *heavily* compressed which makes the video look pixellated and lacking detail. This is quite obvious even from a further viewing distance on a standard 32" TV. It's nice having the locals on the Satellite system, but I would certainly hope for improved video in the future. Can someone explain the reason why they compress these channels more? And if this is something that they may improve in the future?
The other channels look good. Some compression artifiacts can be seen now and then but otherwise, definitely an improvement there over my previous cable.
I can't say enough about the DVR though. I don't think I would ever want to be without one now that I've used it. I was previously recording shows with my PC TV tuner card and I'll still do that for shows I want to archive to DVD, etc. But the DVR is awesome with video on demand for Live TV, etc. Having the two tuners on the 522 is also great.
So other than the local channel picture quality, I am definitely satisfied. Thanks to those who helped me in some previous posts where I asked a bunch of questions.
Travis