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As some of you know. I joined the small dish crowd about 4 months ago. I want to write up an honest review here on the pro's and con's of both. This may help ones looking for options make there decision as the c band 4DTV master subs go away in the next couple months, and W5 is only left. I only have SD with Direct so I will only compare that to the 4DTV.
Picture Quality:
4DTV:
The masters are absolutely the best quality out there. It wins hands down and blows Direct out of the water.
W5 on the other hand and Direct are a close race depending on the channel selected.
DirecTV:
Can look soft and shows digital artifacts, they are not giving enough bandwidth to each channel. Although Direct blows the old G3 NPS channels away.
Reception Issues:
4DTV:
none
DirecTV:
Rainfade can be a problem. especially if you run with Direct's stock setup. When a strong cell one that usually produces red on the radar gets between you and your dish. it will go out. It can last sometimes up to 20-30 minutes. We had some bad storms this summer and it reared its ugly head multiple times. I upgraded my stock 18" setup to use my 90cm Primestar dish. This did help and keeps the signal going during the storm where it would be lost on a stock setup. Although a cloud full of mosture even kills my 90cm, it usually returns after some of that mosture is expelled and can be pouring heavy. If you have HD your forced into a Slimline dish with 3 LNB's (2 for HD on ka band) This may help over the 18" a bit on SD but still IMO don't have the gain needed. Talking of HD since they are on Ka band they will go out sooner and the outage will last longer then the ku SD channels. The rainfade issue is probably my biggest beef with Direct. They make a 1.2 meter dish for Alaska & Hawaii that works with HD birds. If your looking into HD and want the most constant reception during rain this is probably the best way to go. If you live in a rain belt like Florida c band is still your best bet.
Channels:
4DTV:
Loosing channels quite a bit, should level off after Jan 1 with W5 only remaining. This is the biggest blow to why c band subscription is where it is at. People want there MTV so to speak and the 4D cannot currently supply them to us as a subscription. If you like movies you can buy alacarte even on W5 and still get more HBO/Cinemax offerings that Direct offers. 4DTV also offer nitch music channels that are in the MTV suite and no one else offers all of them.
DirecTV:
You can get all the popular cable networks with Direct although there are some nitch channels especially music channels they don't provide. Like CMT Pure and MTV Hits etc. If you like those channels only the 4DTV (and they are on W5 too) offer those.
Pricing:
4DTV:
Competitive, no contacts pay as you go.
DirecTV:
Contract for 2 years. $20.00 a month for remaining months left if you want out early.
Pricing for first year you can get a good deal after that the prices skyrocket and if you can't afford that current package you have to downgrade to save. So while it works out for year one year two can be a shocker which you have to deal with one way or another.
Final thoughts:
While IMO nothing beats C band. We are faced with the decision if we want those cable channels we may have to go to the dark side so to speak. I don't regret my decision (yet) It is nice to turn on a channel I want and enjoy my favorite shows. But I love my c band and nothing will ever replace it. It makes me sad to see what happened to the 4DTV. I applaud SRL and Skyvision for trying to keep things going and hope that somehow there will be some kind of resurgence for c band subscription in the future. I would be the first one to gobble up a new receiver and dump pizza tomorrow.
Picture Quality:
4DTV:
The masters are absolutely the best quality out there. It wins hands down and blows Direct out of the water.
W5 on the other hand and Direct are a close race depending on the channel selected.
DirecTV:
Can look soft and shows digital artifacts, they are not giving enough bandwidth to each channel. Although Direct blows the old G3 NPS channels away.
Reception Issues:
4DTV:
none
DirecTV:
Rainfade can be a problem. especially if you run with Direct's stock setup. When a strong cell one that usually produces red on the radar gets between you and your dish. it will go out. It can last sometimes up to 20-30 minutes. We had some bad storms this summer and it reared its ugly head multiple times. I upgraded my stock 18" setup to use my 90cm Primestar dish. This did help and keeps the signal going during the storm where it would be lost on a stock setup. Although a cloud full of mosture even kills my 90cm, it usually returns after some of that mosture is expelled and can be pouring heavy. If you have HD your forced into a Slimline dish with 3 LNB's (2 for HD on ka band) This may help over the 18" a bit on SD but still IMO don't have the gain needed. Talking of HD since they are on Ka band they will go out sooner and the outage will last longer then the ku SD channels. The rainfade issue is probably my biggest beef with Direct. They make a 1.2 meter dish for Alaska & Hawaii that works with HD birds. If your looking into HD and want the most constant reception during rain this is probably the best way to go. If you live in a rain belt like Florida c band is still your best bet.
Channels:
4DTV:
Loosing channels quite a bit, should level off after Jan 1 with W5 only remaining. This is the biggest blow to why c band subscription is where it is at. People want there MTV so to speak and the 4D cannot currently supply them to us as a subscription. If you like movies you can buy alacarte even on W5 and still get more HBO/Cinemax offerings that Direct offers. 4DTV also offer nitch music channels that are in the MTV suite and no one else offers all of them.
DirecTV:
You can get all the popular cable networks with Direct although there are some nitch channels especially music channels they don't provide. Like CMT Pure and MTV Hits etc. If you like those channels only the 4DTV (and they are on W5 too) offer those.
Pricing:
4DTV:
Competitive, no contacts pay as you go.
DirecTV:
Contract for 2 years. $20.00 a month for remaining months left if you want out early.
Pricing for first year you can get a good deal after that the prices skyrocket and if you can't afford that current package you have to downgrade to save. So while it works out for year one year two can be a shocker which you have to deal with one way or another.
Final thoughts:
While IMO nothing beats C band. We are faced with the decision if we want those cable channels we may have to go to the dark side so to speak. I don't regret my decision (yet) It is nice to turn on a channel I want and enjoy my favorite shows. But I love my c band and nothing will ever replace it. It makes me sad to see what happened to the 4DTV. I applaud SRL and Skyvision for trying to keep things going and hope that somehow there will be some kind of resurgence for c band subscription in the future. I would be the first one to gobble up a new receiver and dump pizza tomorrow.
10 Replies
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4931 views
T
I'm sure he meant that is when NTSC was introduced.
Myself I see nothing wrong with an excellent SD signal. I don't care that it's 4x3 vs 16.9. If the picture is sharp clear and free of analog noise, ghosts or digital artifacts it's great in my book.. A 4x3 aspect ratio I can live with if it's good.
Digicipher II was around in 1941?
I'm sure he meant that is when NTSC was introduced.
Myself I see nothing wrong with an excellent SD signal. I don't care that it's 4x3 vs 16.9. If the picture is sharp clear and free of analog noise, ghosts or digital artifacts it's great in my book.. A 4x3 aspect ratio I can live with if it's good.
T
This is true we still can get some very nice SD DVB master signals. I don't fire up the Visionsat as much as I should but when I do I get floored by the excellent picture quality. I use component out to my HDTV and run in Smart Stretch mode. It fills the screen and looks excellent.
I used the PVR function earlier this year on the Visionsat and recorded a movie off a SD master (PowerVu) feed that was ITC and burned it to a DVD, it turned out excellent. We had some good openings this summer of PowerVu masters when Zombiesat was passing too.
The 4DTV with the masters were tops always. At least we should still be able to catch them when running ZK or FP if we don't do a MR. They will all still work either using what is mapped in or using a generic after 12/31. If Skyvision /SRL can't persuade Comcast to add certain FTA channels and generics to the map downloads when converting to W5 they will probably loose quite a few subscribers. I want to support what is left on the 4D after 12/31 but if it comes between having the generics or not I will go with running my current maps and forgo subbing at least with my current 922.
I thought about picking up a second 4D or 410 for subbing and that is an option. But right now I'm married to Direct till summer of 2012. I'm going to downgrade once my come on year is up, since close to $70.00 a month for subscription tv that I don't watch 80% is foolish. I'm toying with adding something back on W5 then. If I can pick up a second 4D for a song. (I'm sure there will be plenty out there from the NPS DN converts) I may go that route. I miss the old days when the Bud was king and we got everything alacarte on the VC-2. IMO tv viewing with that quality and choice can't get no better.
This is true we still can get some very nice SD DVB master signals. I don't fire up the Visionsat as much as I should but when I do I get floored by the excellent picture quality. I use component out to my HDTV and run in Smart Stretch mode. It fills the screen and looks excellent.
I used the PVR function earlier this year on the Visionsat and recorded a movie off a SD master (PowerVu) feed that was ITC and burned it to a DVD, it turned out excellent. We had some good openings this summer of PowerVu masters when Zombiesat was passing too.
The 4DTV with the masters were tops always. At least we should still be able to catch them when running ZK or FP if we don't do a MR. They will all still work either using what is mapped in or using a generic after 12/31. If Skyvision /SRL can't persuade Comcast to add certain FTA channels and generics to the map downloads when converting to W5 they will probably loose quite a few subscribers. I want to support what is left on the 4D after 12/31 but if it comes between having the generics or not I will go with running my current maps and forgo subbing at least with my current 922.
I thought about picking up a second 4D or 410 for subbing and that is an option. But right now I'm married to Direct till summer of 2012. I'm going to downgrade once my come on year is up, since close to $70.00 a month for subscription tv that I don't watch 80% is foolish. I'm toying with adding something back on W5 then. If I can pick up a second 4D for a song. (I'm sure there will be plenty out there from the NPS DN converts) I may go that route. I miss the old days when the Bud was king and we got everything alacarte on the VC-2. IMO tv viewing with that quality and choice can't get no better.
Supporting Founder
Lifetime Supporter
Thanks to Fitch Ratings ( who gives the ratings on Credit and debt, as approved by the SEC, so they have accurate numbers) we have the totals.
DIRECTV's video subscriber base is the third-largest traditional multi-channel video programming distributor (MVPD) in the U.S. with about 8.2 million subscribers at the end of 1Q26.
The last time it was reported, it was 8.8M at the end of 2Q25, so only a 600,000 loss for 3 quarters, which is a major improvement, since for many years before that, it was losing 500,000 a quarter, 2 Million a year.
It is now losing less than Dish/Sling combined, I believe the Genre Packs are helping to retain and get subscribers.
DIRECTV's video subscriber base is the third-largest traditional multi-channel video programming distributor (MVPD) in the U.S. with about 8.2 million subscribers at the end of 1Q26.
The last time it was reported, it was 8.8M at the end of 2Q25, so only a 600,000 loss for 3 quarters, which is a major improvement, since for many years before that, it was losing 500,000 a quarter, 2 Million a year.
It is now losing less than Dish/Sling combined, I believe the Genre Packs are helping to retain and get subscribers.
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354 views
Recently came back to DirectTV Satellite service and have two boxes, Gemini and a main HR54.
DirecTV is charging me two "TV access fees" of $10 each, but can only watch TV on the one without the server. Is there anything I can do to fix this?
DirecTV is charging me two "TV access fees" of $10 each, but can only watch TV on the one without the server. Is there anything I can do to fix this?
24 Replies
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940 views
Staff member
HERE TO HELP YOU!
Cutting Edge
Sometimes a thread gets so many posts in it that is can cause issues for the server so that why today we introduce The Song Name Game Part 3!
So let the game continue!
The last song was added by Bobby who posted...
One Meat Ball - Andrews Sisters
CONTINUE ON AND HAVE FUN! WELCOME HOME TO SATELLITEGUYS.US!
Here are the original rules for the game as posted by WebbyDude back in 2006. http://www.satelliteguys.us/threads/68645-Song-Name-Game
Just name a song title and the band who performed it. The next person does the same thing, but needs to list a song title or band name which includes a word from the previous entry. Pick songs from any genre.
Example:
Long Live Rock and Roll -- Rainbow
Rainbow in the Dark -- Dio
Another example:
Ride the Lightning -- Metallica
Lightning Strikes -- Ozzy Osbourne
Get it?
An additional note: we all know that song titles, sometimes, use profane words. Because this is a family friendly website it is advised that you clean up that title up a bit. This is accomplished by using something like sh!t instead of the real word. Thanks....
So let the game continue!
The last song was added by Bobby who posted...
One Meat Ball - Andrews Sisters
CONTINUE ON AND HAVE FUN! WELCOME HOME TO SATELLITEGUYS.US!
Here are the original rules for the game as posted by WebbyDude back in 2006. http://www.satelliteguys.us/threads/68645-Song-Name-Game
Just name a song title and the band who performed it. The next person does the same thing, but needs to list a song title or band name which includes a word from the previous entry. Pick songs from any genre.
Example:
Long Live Rock and Roll -- Rainbow
Rainbow in the Dark -- Dio
Another example:
Ride the Lightning -- Metallica
Lightning Strikes -- Ozzy Osbourne
Get it?
An additional note: we all know that song titles, sometimes, use profane words. Because this is a family friendly website it is advised that you clean up that title up a bit. This is accomplished by using something like sh!t instead of the real word. Thanks....
67110 Replies
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2662369 views
Pub Member / Supporter
Lifetime Supporter
I feel like this was discussed in another thread, but I can't find it. I have T-Mobile and my last iPhone upgrade was in 2020. I want to get a new iPhone, but what is the best way to go about doing it? Should I order the iPhone from T-Mobile directly, or should I buy from the Apple Store? I feel like there are pros/cons to each option.
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33 views
I have a Hopper with Sling. (Don't know exact model.) A couple nights ago, I went into the DVR screen, and noted that it was recording three programs. Yet I was able to view live TV (that was not one of the channels being recorded.) Did something change? In the past, it would only let me watch one of the channels being recorded, or any recording in the DVR menu. Maybe it was streaming, although there was no indication of that?
Apologies if this has been covered; I searched and didn't find anything.
Thanks.
Apologies if this has been covered; I searched and didn't find anything.
Thanks.
9 Replies
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353 views
iJustine
Time for another AWESOME video from iJustine!
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/YJjxjYvmQ8s
Direct YouTube Link - Good Bye, Tim! Last WWDC
The official iJustine Website's Website
Buy her book!
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/YJjxjYvmQ8s
Direct YouTube Link - Good Bye, Tim! Last WWDC
The official iJustine Website's Website
Buy her book!
0 Replies
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10 views
Pub Member / Supporter
Cutting Edge
WANTED DirecTV LCC
Anyone have a DirecTV Local Channel Connector that you'd like to get rid of at a reasonable price? DirecTV is currently in a contract dispute with owner of my local ABC affiliate.
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302 views
I did that. The response was that the LCC is not available. Escalated the issue to a tech support person with the same results.
Could be out of them I guess ... I'd keep trying, every 3-4 days.I did that. The response was that the LCC is not available. Escalated the issue to a tech support person with the same results.
If they are not out of them as them WHY you can't get one, seeing Your in a Dispute. Thats what they are for.
I would make them give you a real answer, don't let them off the hook.
I had one, and it worked well, but I believe I gave it to another D* friend (also had a AM21), I know I gave them away ...
According to the tech support guy, they don't have any in stock. He said I should receive an email when and if they have them. I even told him I would accept a refurbished unit.
I'm not sure your going to find any Refurbished ones as D* doesn't ask for them back.According to the tech support guy, they don't have any in stock. He said I should receive an email when and if they have them. I even told him I would accept a refurbished unit.
Pub Member / Supporter
Lifetime Supporter
Did anyone have a price increase today on their equipment? I own my VIP211k's, and they have been $5.00. My bill that I received last week shows the "add-ons" as being $5.00. However, I just logged into my Dish account, and my "add-ons" are now $10.00. Did the additional receivers go up by $5.00 recently?
As I mentioned, my last bill shows $5.00 and under the notes, nothing is mentioned about a price increase.
As I mentioned, my last bill shows $5.00 and under the notes, nothing is mentioned about a price increase.
11 Replies
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200 views
Hello everyone, new guy here. I'm trying to solve problem I'm having with Dish bonus view channels. When I'm watching the bonus view channels then I switch back to regular dish channels, after few minutes the screen flips to black and after 30 seconds flips back to regular channels and continues to flip back and forth until I turn off TV. After I wait 30 minutes and turn back on , I can use regular channels again. So, its after I switch from bonus view channels to regular dish channels the problem starts. Been trying to fix this for a month, but no luck
Here what I've done.
i contacted Dish support and they sent me a new Joey3, but no help. Switched to a different HDMI input on TV, no help. Used different HDMI cable , no help. Used different electrical wall plug, no help.
Finally got a Dish tech to check it. He ran all systems check and was OK. Finally he brought in a small TV and plugged in the HDMI out from the Joey to the small TV. He could not get the problem to occur on his small TV, so the new Joey was working OK. So, then the problem must be myTV. He made some phone calls and came back with the answer that there must be a problem with the analog to digital switch in my TV. Has anyone ever heard of a problem like this, or is it time to be looking for a new TV? My tv LG OLED65C8PUA. TV has been trouble free til now. Thanks
Here what I've done.
i contacted Dish support and they sent me a new Joey3, but no help. Switched to a different HDMI input on TV, no help. Used different HDMI cable , no help. Used different electrical wall plug, no help.
Finally got a Dish tech to check it. He ran all systems check and was OK. Finally he brought in a small TV and plugged in the HDMI out from the Joey to the small TV. He could not get the problem to occur on his small TV, so the new Joey was working OK. So, then the problem must be myTV. He made some phone calls and came back with the answer that there must be a problem with the analog to digital switch in my TV. Has anyone ever heard of a problem like this, or is it time to be looking for a new TV? My tv LG OLED65C8PUA. TV has been trouble free til now. Thanks
6 Replies
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103 views
Staff member
HERE TO HELP YOU!
House of the Dragon, the prequel to Game of Thrones, premieres on HBO Max on 8/21. I will be warching
www.syfy.com
View: https://youtu.be/fNwwt25mheo
S~
'Game of Thrones' spinoff 'House of the Dragon' fires up release date at HBO, drops new character pics
The wait’s felt a little like watching for a dragon egg to hatch, but HBO’s hugely anticipated Game of Thrones prequel series finally has a release date. House of the Dragon will debut the first of its initial 10-episode season this summer, the network revealed today in a series of tweets that...
View: https://youtu.be/fNwwt25mheo
S~
39 Replies
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5647 views
