I got a comcast deal which was supposedly for the sat dish owners. (even though flyer said I was supposed turn over the dish equipment, technician did not ask any)
With the deal, I get HBO+HD DVR+expanded basic for around $50 (first 12 months). In comparision, I had to go through so many begging emails with ceo@dish and nothing happend (mind you for getting a 942 dvr with 250 upfront and $5 monthly charges). Also, a similar package with dish would cost $70 + 250$ upfront cost, Ohh I forgot you'll get this only if the gods at ceo@dish wants to keep you otherwise add another $400 to get the 942 from local retailers (who dont care if you are an existing customer).
I am not a heavy tv watcher, all I wanted was to record HD programs to watch in my liesure on my newly purchased HD tv. Moto box 6412 has some glitches, I definitely dont like the user interface of their box or the system. But, hey it just works for me so far. I do miss some of the south asian channels that does not come on comcast, but I will probably keep dish just for that if required (I have disconnected for now, will reconnect when I feel the need).
Analog channels dont have good quality, but that's ok, I dont watch most of them.
I was pretty pissed off with the comcast installation service as whoever came for installation did not seemed like was really caring that much (putting the non dvr remote with dvr box and vice versa, remotes were not clean, not providing me with the manual to put in the proper TV codes or other equipment codes etc).
In the overall sense, I would still love to get a 942, but given the fact that it is going to be obsolete + upfront cost + exclusiveness in getting one makes it not worth when compared to what I get from comcast.
Overall -ve of Comcast (so far observed)
- Less HD channels ( TNT HD and ESPN2 is what matters, I think western region dont have TNT HD yet), At the end of the day you want to watch prime time serials in HD and HD sports that's it.
- Remote is not all that great and general UI of remote+box sucks(of hiding the unsubscribed channels)
- Service is lot to be desired.
- HD DVR has glitches and small hard drive (but for my reqirement it is enough)
- Local franchise fee + tax
- Quality of some of the channels
- Closed caption (yes, it is an adventure to make it work when you use the STB)
- Less number of international channels, no international sports (cricket)
Positives:
+ No upfront cost
+ no contract
+ Free On Demand movies (only 1 or 2 is watchable)
+ HD locals through the same box
+ If required, can hook up one more tv to just get the analog channels (not worthy of mentioning!!)