Switch from DirecTV to Dish Network?

[rz]

We've been DirecTV subscribers for ~13 years now. Originally in our old home for 9 years, and under my wife's name at our current home for the last 4+ years. Our current setup is 2 DVRs, and one standard receiver on our 3 TVs.

We have two HDTV's now, and when one of our DirecTivos died last month, it was time to think about upgrading. The package we're thinking of is the "Plus HD DVR" package, for $72.99/month. We'd have to shell out $199 for an HD DVR, and probably keep our SD DVR and standard non-DVR receiver. However, I noticed that "new" subscribers can get $18/month off the price ($54.99/month) for a year, plus $100 off the HD DVR, and 3 free months of HBO.

So, I decided to look at Dish Network. They offer a very similar plan called "Top 200" for $44.00, plus $10/month for mostly the same HD channels that the "Plus HD DVR" package offers. However, with Dish Network, I'd have to pay an extra $5/month for local channels, and an extra $6/month for "DVR service", which are both included in DirecTV's price. So in actuality, it's about $7/month cheaper. But they offer 3 months free, plus a free HD DVR. So, in addition to the $7/month savings, I'd save approximately $350 by switching.

I called DirecTV to inquire about upgrading to HD, and asked if they could offer me the same deal as the new subscriber. When I was told no, I politely mentioned the deal I could get with Dish Network, and said I was only asking that they match the $54.99 price for a year. I was again told no, that it was only available to new subscribers. They also lied and told me that Dish charges an extra $20/month for extra receivers. I told her she was wrong, that I had checked and it was only $5/month extra. She mumbled some excuse about "fine print".

So, what should I do? Here are my options, as I see it:

1) Switch to Dish Network
2) Stick with Standard Def DirecTV
3) Grudgingly pay the "full price" with DirecTV
4) Cancel DirecTV, which is under my wife's name (different last name), then become a "new" subscriber under my name. The service phone number would be the same, and it would be obvious to the installers what was going on (they probably wouldn't care). And yes, installers would be needed because the switch to HD would require a 2nd dish, and extra wiring.

I'm leaning toward either #1 or #4. I've heard DirecTV's HD DVR sucks compared to the DirecTivo. I know DirecTV is going back to Tivo, but not for at least a year. Any problems or issues with Dish? Will I be sorry if I switch? BTW, cable is out of the question.

[vicrock]

Well, I'm not any help with your question, but we are facing the same decision in reverse. We've been happy Dish customers for 9 years and want to upgrade to HD - but all offers are for new customers only.

[Wailer]

I'm a current Dish HD subscriber. I'm on an all-HD plan w/locals and a VIP722 for $40/mo.

I LOVED my Tivo Series 2 DT, but analog cable was just too pricey for the quality. After about 6 months I realize that I like the VIP722 better than my Tivo.

Intellectual property rights be damned, Dish made a great DVR! (I'm a Tivo shareholder, so I hope Dish pays big). The best feature is that it can operate 2 or more TVs simultaneously, albeit only one can display HD. This saves me a bundle as I have 1 HD and 3 SD TVs hooked up to it.

I can simultaneously record 3 HD channels (2 satellite and 1 OTA) AND watch a pre-recorded HD program AND watch (well, the kids watch) 1 down-converted HD program on another TV in SD. I'm afraid to admit I've done this on more than one occasion.

I'm happy with the programming package and service. The HD is great especially if you have a DD 5.1 receiver. Biggest drawbacks are 1) no region sports networks offered in my package. Most of the the "big" games are on major networks and 2) you never know if Dish is going to go t1ts up (go Tivo!). I get ESPN HD, ESPN2/A, but I think my package is geared towards movie watchers as it includes HDNet movies, Universal HD, MGMHD, Bravo, and 2 HD and 2 SD cinemax channels.

I think picture quality is about the same on both; they both compress their HD signals.

If you are a sports fan and have to have NFL sunday, stick with Directv.

If you have any more questions or need a referral (I think we'd each get $25) email me.

[Wailer]

Sadly, it really pays to switch back and forth taking advantage of the "new customer" deals.

[Zoidberg]

Have always hated how the regular customers get screwed; it does indeed work in your favor -- typically -- to switch back & forth.

[Fred_Also]

I have Dish but the last time I checked with DirecTV, they told me that if you currently have Dish, you are not a new subscriber. You have to be without service from either one for 6 months to be a new subscriber.

I've been thinking of switching also because I need a HD upgrade.

I just called Direc but couldn't get through all the menus to ask. They got my phone # from caller ID and were wanting to come install a new system. I never got to talk to a human.


Fred Also

[rz]

Fred_Also wrote:
I have Dish but the last time I checked with DirecTV, they told me that if you currently have Dish, you are not a new subscriber. You have to be without service from either one for 6 months to be a new subscriber.

I've been thinking of switching also because I need a HD upgrade.

I just called Direc but couldn't get through all the menus to ask. They got my phone # from caller ID and were wanting to come install a new system. I never got to talk to a human.


Fred Also

What I'd like to know is how they'd know you have Dish if you don't tell them. Just tell them you have cable. I don't think they can query each other to know the difference.

Anyway, I don't have the Direct ticket, however the only sport I watch is football. I never seem to have the time to watch more than parts of a few games each week, so whatever is on the local channels, plus ESPN for Monday night, and NFL network for Thursday night later in the year is ok with me. I think I'll give DirecTV one more chance by actually setting up to cancel with them. If they try to keep me, I'll tell them that I was rudely dismissed by their programming department and see if they'll try to get me to stay. If not, I have no problem switching.

[bobinmurphy]

I had DirecTV for about 10 years but dropped if about a year ago. Since then I've been getting calls and mail offers from DirecTV to return at a special rate.

A co-worker recently moved and was considering Dish, DirecTV and Cable. He originally signed up for DirecTV but thought he found a better deal on Dish, so he called to cancel the install. They asked why and when he told them they offered him a better deal on DirecTV. To be fair he was talking to a different person than the one who took his original order. The lesson here is keep calling - not all operators at DirecTV (or probably Dish) know all the details of all the deals. Second, keep calm and civil and just present the facts as you know them. With persistence you can probably get a much better deal. Remember too that it's a bit like dealing with car salesmen, so be prepared to walk away from the deal if you don't get quite what you want. Try again on another day.

[Ombligo]

Please keep us informed what you find out.

I'm going to be upgrading to HD shortly and have had DirecTV for the last five years. I was holding out hope to stay with them but am not going to pay a few hundred dollars to give them my further business when they give newbies everything for free.

[earache]

Call and ask for the Customer Retention department. Tell them you'd really like to stay with DirecTV when you migrate to HD but that Dish is giving you a better deal. This dept. is the one that can make all the special deals for current subscribers.