[RVRoadie]

I have been with Dish for the past 10 years, but their technology has fallen behind DirecTV and they continue to get themselves in legal problems that end up affecting the programming you can receive.

The new Whole Home technology basically networks together all your HD DVR's through the coax cable so you can watch programming that is recorded on any receiver from any TV. They also have an iPhone app that allows you to set up recording on any receiver, and unlike the Dish app, theirs actually works.

However, the biggest unexpected feature of DirecTV is that the high volume sound of all commercials is somehow suppressed. I had complained to Dish on several occasions about this problem since their own commercials were the worst offenders. No more running for the mute button when Vince comes on with the wonders of Sham Wow, or the dork in PC Matic fixes his mom's computer.

[chuckinca]

We have had Direct TV for maybe 5 years - works fine. Got it because Comcast kept raising their fees. Was paying $45 for Comcast - now paying $115 for Direct TV (Duh). BUT - we can transfer our service from Cal to Fla without having to have two service providers and cancellation fees.

.

[kb8tpw]

I am, as I speak, waiting for DISH thechnician to arrive. I had DISH in Ohio with no problems, moved it here, again transparently. Worked fine for a few weeks and then HD went out. Had a technician visit then a receiver exchange, gave up on HD..... In recent weeks have only been able to receive local channels sporadically. Called them and today will be 3rd visit. I looked at cable and don't like what I see so I want them to do good, but I am prepared to make a jump backwards to cable. Plan to check out DIRECT too, but Iam totally disgusted about the whole situation.

[schotzyb]

Just switched from Dish Network to Direct TV and there is a huge difference in picture quality between the two. Direct TV is much better in my opinion.Had Dish for the 3 years we have been here and it got frustrating losing the signal every time it came up a storm. The same may hold true for Direct TV and only time will tell but the special they are running is just too good to turn down.The package I subscribed to is~$20 cheaper per month than Dish plus you get it for $39.99 a month for the first year. This includes HD and two DVRS. Happy so far;Time will tell.

[JenAjd]

We've had DirectTV for maybe 12 or better years and my spouse would have nothing different. Our son had Dish and in our comparison chats---we'd still stay with Direct. As for the commercials being loud...I recently heard that they are going to tone things down...can't remember where I heard this. Maybe on the radio news. But if it's an issue...I generally just mute it OR tune it down. Alot easier than the "old days" when one had to get up and make the change on the set. Think we're spoiled now these days! LOL

[Chopper]

Another vote for DirecTV. We have used their service for over ten years with no major problems. They had to replace an old receiver dish several years ago when they added services to a third satellite.

The transfer of the service to TV was very easy. The new service was installed right on schedule. We have only lost the satellite signal a couple of times during a heavy rainstorm, but it was only for a few minutes.

I use the iphone app every now and then when I want to record a program because we can't get home in time to watch it. The app works great.

[getdul981]

We're also in the market for a TV provider. We had Comcast up north and had assumed that we would get it down here, but I'm beginning to wonder. I have a question for those in the know. If you get DirectTV or Dish Network, how do you get the local channels? My wife likes the Villages channel and we also like to get the Orlando news and weather. So, what do you do?

[Ajack]

We just had Direct TV installed and love it. It has the local news affiliated with ABC, NBC, CBS etc.

Direct TV is also broadcast in true 1080 HDTV. My picture on my1080 Sony HDTV is outstanding. Comcast is still broadcast in 720 so if you have a 1080 TV your not getting your monies worth. IMHO

[getdul981]

Thanks AJ.

[2BNTV]

Thanks to all who have posted as this makes my decision to get Direct TV a no brainer.

I understand that one can get the NFL and MLB as packages with Direct TV as I am very sports minded.

[logdog]

If you go with Direct TV (or any satellite provider), how do you get high speed internet without a cell phone bundle?

[JenAjd]

Re: high speed internet you gotta go thru CenturyLink or pay thru the nose with DirectTv. It's not economically feaseable in The Villages.

[Ajack]

Originally Posted by logdog

If you go with Direct TV (or any satellite provider), how do you get high speed internet without a cell phone bundle?

I have Comcast for my internet. About $40 a month for bottom shelf.You can upgrade to faster download service for maybe $20 more a month. We just purchased Magic Jack for our land line phone.

Originally Posted by getdul981

We're also in the market for a TV provider. We had Comcast up north and had assumed that we would get it down here, but I'm beginning to wonder. I have a question for those in the know. If you get DirectTV or Dish Network, how do you get the local channels? My wife likes the Villages channel and we also like to get the Orlando news and weather. So, what do you do?

You can get all the locals but you won't get the Villages station.It's only on cable!

[Ohiogirl]

Well - we had Comcast for over 4 years in The Villages - while we mostly had tenants - just moved down for our first season 3 weeks ago and because Comcast does not have our Ohio sports channels that we feel are necessary to quality living, we switched to Direct TV. Told we could get Big 10, Sports Time Ohio and Fox Sports Ohio by both Dish and Direct TV but Direct TV had a couple of extra things we thought were better.

Got it installed a week ago Monday. You no longer have to have approval from The Villages arch. committee, as long as it's in your backyard, even on your roof. Installation was fine, but couldn't tune in STO or Fox Sports OH when the installer was here - of course, they know nothing, tell you to call customer service, which we did that evening.

Reached someone in Oregon, who passed me off to a supervisor after telling me not sure why we couldn't get it (even though we were promised it by at least 2 sales people when were calling around). Supervisor told me those channels were only available regionally and just too bad someone told me we could get them in Florida - said I was "misinformed."

We were really steamed and upset as figured we could have gone with DISH if this was the case. Called the next day and in 2 minutes we had the channels - although we still seem to be blacked out for CAVs games and Columbus Bluejackets. Maybe it's a blackout rule? Don't know, have to call again tomorrow. Have to gear up for those calls, you know? So - stay tuned, the verdict is still out, but reception is great, and we do have local channels as well.