I've had E* service since 1997 but added Voom a while back. Loved it! When Voom went down I added D* in its place, so I could compare E* with D* side-by-side.
I always wondered about D*, whether or not it was better than E*, and also why D* had more subscribers than E*.
Though in truth I think both providers do a reasonably good job and are far superior to the non-satellite options, I'd have to say that in my side-by-side comparisons, E* is an easy winner. (Am comparing E* 811 to D* H10).
Obviously, now that E* has the Voom channels plus TNTHD that D* does not have, E* has taken a serious lead in HD programming. But, the advantages don't stop there.
Prior to installing D*, I read on this board that E* had better HD PQ than D* has. My own perception is that while they both have good PQ, those who made that claim are right. E* wins the PQ war. It does seems that the E* signal has greater consistency - has that HD "Pop" on every HD channel.
Also, though I know I was accustomed to the E* channel guide, I have found the D* channel guide system to be very cumbersome. On E*, the channels you don't get are highlighted in red on the guide, so you don't waste your time with them. I haven't figured out any way to get my D* receiver to indicate the channels I'm not getting, so I waste a lot of time clicking on them. (Am I missing something obvious??) Also, it seems to me that the D* guide system adds extra steps in obtaining program info, and that its context sensitive guides (sports, movies, HD, etc.) aren't very accurate.
I think I now understand why D* pays $700 million a year to the NFL for exclusive rights. Without NFL Sunday Ticket, I don't think D* could compete with E* - at least not at this point in time. D*'s got the NFL edge, but that's about it.
I always wondered about D*, whether or not it was better than E*, and also why D* had more subscribers than E*.
Though in truth I think both providers do a reasonably good job and are far superior to the non-satellite options, I'd have to say that in my side-by-side comparisons, E* is an easy winner. (Am comparing E* 811 to D* H10).
Obviously, now that E* has the Voom channels plus TNTHD that D* does not have, E* has taken a serious lead in HD programming. But, the advantages don't stop there.
Prior to installing D*, I read on this board that E* had better HD PQ than D* has. My own perception is that while they both have good PQ, those who made that claim are right. E* wins the PQ war. It does seems that the E* signal has greater consistency - has that HD "Pop" on every HD channel.
Also, though I know I was accustomed to the E* channel guide, I have found the D* channel guide system to be very cumbersome. On E*, the channels you don't get are highlighted in red on the guide, so you don't waste your time with them. I haven't figured out any way to get my D* receiver to indicate the channels I'm not getting, so I waste a lot of time clicking on them. (Am I missing something obvious??) Also, it seems to me that the D* guide system adds extra steps in obtaining program info, and that its context sensitive guides (sports, movies, HD, etc.) aren't very accurate.
I think I now understand why D* pays $700 million a year to the NFL for exclusive rights. Without NFL Sunday Ticket, I don't think D* could compete with E* - at least not at this point in time. D*'s got the NFL edge, but that's about it.
