Ya know, if switching to cable does the trick for those with problems good for them. Adding cable back to our utilities list has done nothing but ADD problems, and the company in question (comcast) has been nothing but a pain in the ass about them.
They have been easy on crediting (sometimes even more than I asked for), but that was about the only thing I could say was good -- every mistake they made I had to ask to be corrected, and there were many in the beginning. Then there was the installers -- I had like 9 appointments and only 3 times did anyone ever come to my house, once to initially come and install (guy said he couldn't do anything but drop off boxes after I made an order stating I'd need a cable line installed), 2nd one for new people to "talk to their manager and send the first guy back out", and then a 3rd guy (unrelated) that came unscheduled by surprise to install the line I asked for at $20 -- not bad at all, still rather irritating that there were so many failed appointments.
Then comes their pricing. $40 for internet and cable (comes to about $48 I believe), for a year (it'll probably expire in 6 months and jack up) -- okay, that's just for newbies. We dropped them after being customers of the local cable monopoly under who knows what since the late 80s and never once got offered anything but the standard rates (about the same for just extended basic cable).
Tried the digital when I had to give up my DSL (couldn't renew the contract didn't have a year to commit), and it was horrible. The boxes were really dated even compared to E* (never mind D*), and their suggestion to get replacements was to "go to to local office" -- not quite as convenient as swapping through the mail sometimes.
What does this have to do with the OP's post? Not much, just chiming in on that derailment that happened to be honest. Some people seem to be under the impression cable is this awesome value compared to E* -- maybe it is for them. At a point in time where I'm using a computer interface of some sort to work something more than ever, I want it to be as pleasant an experience as possible.
Why am I not using D* then? Can't justify the extra cost to have a box on every TV (dual tuners really save your butt sometimes), and the way we channel surf and such the dish boxes do pretty darn well anyway. [At the rate the AT60 keeps going up I'll be able to afford the switch to RightyTV though] .. oh yeah there's that thing about News Corp too..
Some people -- no, many people, don't really care. I don't come across that many people who'd tell you that the driving experience of a car itself is more important than specs, reputation, price, etc. Shoot, most people use Windows, need I say more? Ask them if they care what their computer interface is like -- all they'll be complaining about is how they do this and that and for some unexplainable reason their machine gets (*#$&$ed after a few months.
*adds more random observation* Just earlier today.. erm yesterday haven't gone to bed yet, these people moved in down the street and forewent the previous owner's directv setup for comcast (noticed the truck there) -- they were still moving in too so I suppose it was one of their utilities *cough* hehe. They didn't even bother considering an alternative.
That's people these days. Being on the flip side of things a lot -- how about it?
When was the last time you considered buying a Mac when you went to buy a computer? When was the last time you considered "domestics" or a German car the last time you bought your car from a company most likely with a name ending in A or I. When was the last time you moved and signed up for *insert TV service here* without looking at alternatives?
You're posting on SatelliteGuys (and I'm sure many will disagree with my part about Macs and maybe even the thing about German cars, I couldn't give a damn to be honest but they were great examples of sorts) -- so you're already in the minority. Just curious, but do any of you guys pay for DishNet or DirecTV (or both) because of OTHER reasons besides channels per price?
Can't say I dig the company much though, but with content providers (tv, internet, etc) I try to make sure I'm going to have as few problems with them as possible and exercise my grabbing by the collar routine when needed hehe.
To the OP: Good luck with getting your new receivers, hopefully gratis as well!
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