View Full Version : Cable, Dish, Direct?
BPTactical
04-19-2015, 09:28
Sick and tired of dropping near $200 a month for Comcast cable, Internet and home phone.
Talking to Comcast all they claim they can save me is $30.00 or so.
Who has what? Pros-cons etc.
Thanks
Have had DTV for 20 years, when they try to go up I call gripe and they give me something to entice me.
Got 5 espn's, outdoor channel, all the hunting channels/gun channels, altitude, mav tv, 3 or 4 hotrod/speed channels, not too bad.
Aloha_Shooter
04-19-2015, 09:36
I have DirecTV for TV, Comcast for Internet. I was going to swap over to Qwest DSL several years ago but couldn't get the modem to talk to their servers. They insisted on being able to come inside the house so I asked them to cancel the requested account, they suggested putting it on hold until I was able to take a day off from work. A few months later, I got a bill from them demanding payment because apparently keeping an account in their computers counts as "service" despite the fact that not one bit ever exchanged between modem and server. Argued with their customer non-service about it and then they filed a "delinquent account" notice in my credit report. I don't care how many times they change their names, I will NEVER do business with that company again. Comcast is expensive but I get very high speed Internet (over 25 Mbps) and they are upfront with me.
I don't do landline phones anymore -- my cell phone is it.
I have DirecTV. Have had it forever. Probably pay too much but I just never have issues with the service and I have every channel imaginable. I think I watch about four of them. Lol.
Anyhow, I pay about $150 a month. Some of that is because I have four receivers and all that DVR stuff.
If I ever find myself in tough financial times I will probably cancel it and get one of those antennas that lets me get the local stuff free and maybe pay for Netflix.
USMC88-93
04-19-2015, 09:38
Call in a service call every month, they apply a $20.00 guarantee for repeat service calls within a 30 day period.
Do you actually utilize all the channels in your video package? Could you lower your video package and be content with the channels available?
Do you actually utilize the speeds in your interned package? Could you lower the speed tier you are on and and still function. (Are you just utilizing it for email web surfing vs streaming to your television)
Do you actually use a home phone? Often times your bill goes up if you drop phone but personally I have used nothing but a cell phone for 15 years.
Do you have multiple outlets that you never use and have equipment on those outlets that you pay the rental charges for? You could get rid of a box or two and see some minor cost savings in rental fees.
Are you in Comcast X1 services (Their new platform and boxes) or their legacy services. They are pushing the X1 services hard and you could potentially see a lower bill upgrading to it. (Of course they would want to charge install fees that you could likely get waved)
From a bundled perspective your bill is probably on par with or less than separating them out and using multiple providers. The grass is not all that greener for those jumping from Satellite to Cable or from Cable to Satellite. Research your options for sure but obviously some of those options require contracts.
Hulu Amazon prime and Netflix for about $25 a month offers more tv then you could ever want to watch. And a digital antenna gets you 50ish free channels so you can keep up on your Spanish, the news, and watch some games. If something big is on we want to see we head to the bar to watch the game and have a night out.
have comcast for Internet and it is horrible. Super slow now and drops out all the time
no home phone, that's for old people!
Hulu Amazon prime and Netflix for about $25 a month offers more tv then you could ever want to watch. And a digital antenna gets you 50ish free channels so you can keep up on your Spanish, the news, and watch some games. If something big is on we want to see we head to the bar to watch the game and have a night out.
have comcast for Internet and it is horrible. Super slow now and drops out all the time
no home phone, that's for old people!
Or for us peeps that live in the 1800's where there are no cell towers.
Honey Badger282.8
04-19-2015, 09:53
I had Directv in Virginia Beach and it was fine, a bit expensive since I was paying for Sunday Ticket. My folks have it as well but they were talked into "upgrading" to the Genie. If you do go that route avoid the Genie at all costs, the system is a giant POS.
Antenna for local tv stations, Comcast for Internet, and a xbmc/kodi box for all the other tv stuff. I miss Rockies games and the occasional NASCAR race....but I only pay for Internet these days saving about $150 a month over what I was paying....your mileage may vary
I use Comcast for Internet, Dish for TV, and ViaTalk for VoIP service. Comcast Internet service has been great for me. The US West/Qwest/Century Link infrastructure out here suuuucks.
If you have solid Internet service, you can also get your video over that same pipe with Netflix, HBO Go, SlingTV, Sony, etc.
Paying $60/mo for Comcast here between Highlands Ranch and Parker.
http://www.speedtest.net/result/4301489532.png
Madeinhb
04-19-2015, 10:17
I will be paying strictly for Internet, then have Netflix, Hulu plus, Amazon prime and then using a slingbox attached to a receiver at my in laws house. If you can get it, look into Verizon fios they are starting to do a la carte pricing. I have Ooma for home phone.
theGinsue
04-19-2015, 10:52
I have DirecTV with the near basic "Total Choice" programming package. I don't have any of the extra fee channels like HBO, etc. nor do I het any of the fee-based sports channels. "Total Choice" has 160 channels which is far more than I ever watch. I have 4 "standard" (non-HD) receivers which means a lot of the fancy stuff like being able to digitally record shows isn't available to me. Do I wish I had that capability? Yes, but I'm cheap and wasn't willing to pay the extra amount required to get those services (cost-to-benefit just wasn't there from my perspective). I can still order movies from their "DirecTV Cinema" if I want, but I very rarely do (~once/yr). Total cost is about $78/mo...but again, that's for 4 receivers too. Not thrilled with DirecTV Customer Svc, but they're still better than Comcast in my experience. After 9 years with the previous ones, just got my receivers replaced about 6 months ago & it was a bit of a fight to keep from getting charged for that. They came & installed them & re-aligned my dish plus installed a new LNB on the dish. Thanks to spending a couple of hours on the phone to arrange it, I got it all done with $0 cost and credits to my account.
For internet I'm still using Centurylink DSL. It works fine for everything I use it for & I've had fewer outages than my Comcast neighbors & pay less than they do.
YMMV
Television - Free everything because of who I work for. Saves me $200-300 month average (everything... PPV... Fights... Netflix... Etc)
Internet - comcast $50/month
Phone - no landline but I have 7 lines (me, wife, parents, inlaws, and my grandma) for $235 with AT&T
I'm in the television industry and I agree it's crazy how expensive service is. If I did not get it for free, I would likely just have off air antenna for locals and Netflix.
hurley842002
04-19-2015, 11:08
Another digital antenna/Netflix/Hulu user. Not sure why I paid all that money for so long on a service provider. I watch what I want when I want, and haven't ever said "I sure wish I had satellite service again". I've thought about adding Amazon prime, but not sure it will give me anything more than I have right now, other than shipping.
Another digital antenna/Netflix/Hulu user. Not sure why I paid all that money for so long on a service provider. I watch what I want when I want, and haven't ever said "I sure wish I had satellite service again". I've thought about adding Amazon prime, but not sure it will give me anything more than I have right now, other than shipping.
After 30 years of bouncing between Comcast and Satellite tv every 5 -6 years, I am going this route next^^^^^^. Century Link/Qwest/US West for internet/home phone for the past 25 years has always worked great, but I'm about ready to dump the land line phone as well.
Zundfolge
04-19-2015, 12:45
If you can get one of the faster plans from CenturyLink (at least 7Mbps) go with that, then buy a Roku boxefor each of your TVs and subscribe to Netflix (and/or if you really still want something similar to cable TV spend the $20 a month for SlingTV (https://www.roku.com/channels#!details/46041/sling-tv)).
Stevensje
04-19-2015, 13:11
How is your security system managed? Ours Is over a land line, I know you can use cell service but supposedly not as reliable.
I will be paying strictly for Internet, then have Netflix, Hulu plus, Amazon prime and then using a slingbox attached to a receiver at my in laws house. If you can get it, look into Verizon fios they are starting to do a la carte pricing. I have Ooma for home phone.
I wanted to do this, but having been a previous Dish customer when I lived at home I liked the service and option, so now we have that, mostly for HBO (Game of Thrones), and Avalanche (since it's the only sport I really watch). Getting a game streaming on the internet onto my TV is a PITA.
I currently have Dish for TV (with the basic 150 package), and Comcast for internet. I think my monthly bill is around $110, which isn't bad considering we've got the upgraded internet and I threaten to leave when they try to bump my rates up (Comcast, not Dish).
Bailey Guns
04-19-2015, 14:02
We've had Dish (and whatever it was in the early 90s) since it started pretty much. Swapped out for DTV for a 2 yr period in the 90s...mistake. Been back with Dish since. I think overall they're slightly cheaper than DTV...but not sure. I rarely watch TV, I never watch network TV. Usually just FX or one of the other non-network channels. I have a package that's 1 step up from the basic service and no premium channels and it costs about $77 per month. I wouldn't have it at all if it was just me because I can get all the entertainment and shows I want via Netflix and Amazon Prime...but the wife insists on it.
We have a landline bundled with Centurylink 12Mbps DSL service. Both cost about $75 per month. I've tried to get rid of the landline but then, without the bundle, my internet service goes to $79 per month. That's why we still have a landline.
I have no complaints about CL's DSL. I can stream all I want and the service is reliable. Last year I had an issue with rain causing DSL outages. CL promptly came out, isolated a break in the line and ran/trenched 988 feet of new cable from the box at the highway to the house...no charge. No problems since.
Madeinhb
04-19-2015, 14:56
I wanted to do this, but having been a previous Dish customer when I lived at home I liked the service and option, so now we have that, mostly for HBO (Game of Thrones), and Avalanche (since it's the only sport I really watch). Getting a game streaming on the internet onto my TV is a PITA.
I currently have Dish for TV (with the basic 150 package), and Comcast for internet. I think my monthly bill is around $110, which isn't bad considering we've got the upgraded internet and I threaten to leave when they try to bump my rates up (Comcast, not Dish).
HBO Now on Apple TV has a subscription based choice with their app. I use that for game of thrones. Also - I get the NHL TV package with their app, but I'm a Kings fan, so I get more of the games because they don't play them on local TV.
I have DirecTV (been a subscriber since they came on the market in the 90s) for TV and Comcast for internet.. it is what it is.
I can't go the Antenna/internet route simply because the shows I watch aren't available. I have found that if you are primarily a major network viewer and all you are watching is prime time stuff you most likely could go the antenna/internet route. If you are more of a history/discovery/outdoor/military channel viewer you will not be happy with what you can find online.
StagLefty
04-19-2015, 15:30
Dish (welcome package-not sure if they still offer it-have had it for years) $25,Comcast for internet $40, MagicJack for phone $3= total $68 a month.
My son has me set up really well for movies and other things. It's taken me a while to get affordable entertainment due to budget on SS.
gnihcraes
04-19-2015, 16:33
Direct TV for 9 years, no issues, loved it. They pissed me off one day, so I switched to DirecTV. I bundle through Qwest/CLink. $228 for Direct, Landline, 40Mpbs internet. I called them recently for an account review. After 20+ years, I kept my landline and increased internet to 40M for less $ each month.
Each to their own. I'm not a fan of comcast/Xfinity. To many problems from customers of mine at work who have it. I have friends who dropped landline, DSL internet, went to strictly comcast internet and amazon prime. They love it. I'd probably go strictly internet tv too, but the family likes watching things that are on Now!
HBO Now on Apple TV has a subscription based choice with their app. I use that for game of thrones. Also - I get the NHL TV package with their app, but I'm a Kings fan, so I get more of the games because they don't play them on local TV.
I considered getting the NHL Package online via NHL Gamecenter (they have the app for Xbox Live), but I don't watch every team, I usually only watch the Avs (hence getting the local package with Dish) and occasionally Montreal and St. Louis. Not sure if HBO Now will work for what we have set up (if they have it on Xbox I'd consider it).
Save the money and just get netflix
pickenup
04-19-2015, 18:14
Century Link for land-line and (cheapest 1mb?) internet. About $65 a month.
Just switched to Direct TV from Dish. With the $200 coupon they sent me, and their intro offer, will be saving about $580 the first 6 months.
3 free months of HBO, Cinemax, Stars, and Showtime, then you HAVE to call to cancel, and I WILL.
Then $5 a month cheaper than Dish after that. ($63)
Just the basic package with 2 receivers. No DVR, no Genie etc.
They have a special going on. Refer a friend and both get $100 credit on their accounts.
I feel your pain. We jumped to Centurylink internet and cut the cable. We bought a Roku 3 for $100, and now have approximately a zillion channels of OUR choosing, not some cable company's 'bundle.' e haveNetfix ($8/month) Amazon Prime $100/year, after our 30-day trial), and Hulu Plus ($8/month.)
Here is our cost:
Internet (stable- we both have laptops going almost nonstop, as well as TV. No issues.) $30 + 9.00 for modem rental
Netflix/Hulu plus $8/$8
One-time expenditures (or yearly)
$30 digital antenna and signal booster
$99 Roku 3 device
$99 Amazon Prime (after 30-day free trial)
Sure beats $160+ per month from Comcast.
Don't let them drop the price for you a few bucks per month; they'll use that as tacit agreement to a 2-year contract.
Great-Kazoo
04-19-2015, 19:03
WE pay $160 month for comcast triple play. land line, HBO, Starz, whatever else comes with that package and HS internet svc. They keep trying to "Upgrade" with some sports package. Told them i have no interest or clue when it comes to sports.
I have century link for internet $32 a month for 1year. Goes up to $50 a month after 1 year, but you can get it cheaper than this by asking about it. Hulu plus $8. Netflix and to stream $16. $66 a month compared to directv and Verizon internet was $140 a month.
Madeinhb
04-19-2015, 20:57
I considered getting the NHL Package online via NHL Gamecenter (they have the app for Xbox Live), but I don't watch every team, I usually only watch the Avs (hence getting the local package with Dish) and occasionally Montreal and St. Louis. Not sure if HBO Now will work for what we have set up (if they have it on Xbox I'd consider it).
Yea I only watched the Kings games. But because the Avs are usually on a regular channel - you wouldn't be able to watch via the game center app.
Zundfolge
04-19-2015, 21:43
If you don't care about sports, streaming is the way to go.
We have CenturyLink 12Mbps DSL that I believe we pay $65/mo for (we were their customer before all the kick ass deals) and Netflix running on 3 Rokus (I recommend the Roku 3 ... we have two LSs and one XS but the 3 wasn't out when we bought ours). We're really happy with it. We're also running a Plex server on our local network so I can torrent whatever I can't get on Netflix.
Hell I find myself watching stuff on YouTube almost as much as Netflix. There's a ton of good shows and interesting stuff there (we had a thread running a while back listing cool YouTube channels to subscribe to).
Streaming really does change how you watch TV. I find that I watch a lot less TV but pretty much everything is something I want to watch ... not much sitting and surfing. Oh and I can't remember the last time I sat through a commercial.
Hulu Plus has commercials, but we use them for foraging times and/or bathroom breaks.
If you need high-speed internets, Comcast bests everyone by far IMHO. Centurylink can eat a bag of d***s. If Comcast offers a decent package, I'd be looking at them. I have no direct experience, but have heard horror stories about X1 reliability. My internet is always rock solid.
Dump the home phone for magic-jack, or if you want high end and a number port, look at Ooma. Up front $129 equipment cost and $10/month for premium services but you get a free ($40) number port. Get a Comcast internet/TV package, or get Comcast internet only and go after a new customer deal with Dish.
I'm a 16 year Dish customer and have been very satisfied throughout the years. I was excited when I saw that Dish has Netflix on the Hopper, but after a month now, I don't see what all the fuss about Netflix is. I can't seem to find much on there worth watching and none of the available series are in my rotation. If you want a ton of low grade-B movies with terrible acting, Netflix is great.
I dropped all the Dish movie channels when my bill started hitting $240. I'm still paying half that, but feel the value of the Primetime anytime, the channels we still have, the hopper and joeys in every room, and my RV HD receiver are worth it. Pretty sure I'm going to drop Netflix. If I want to watch old movies, I have 400+ DVD titles here.
For a new movie that's decent enough to pay for, I can PPV or if it's something worthy, I just buy the BD with digital and UV register or upload it to VUDU.
Bottom line I would avoid CenturyLink at all costs.
Bailey Guns
04-20-2015, 05:35
I just can't feel the love for Hulu Plus. They charge the same as Netflix but I have to sit through commercials. I've tried Hulu a couple of times but just can't like it.
ruthabagah
04-20-2015, 07:33
A couple of things to ponder in the choice of Dish vs DirectTv and/or Comcast:
* Their product is pretty much the same.
* Dish aka Echostar is based here in colorado. Your money spend with Dish goes back into the local economy.
* Dish executives are some of the top contributor to the GOP party here in CO and nationally.
A couple of things to ponder in the choice of Dish vs DirectTv and/or Comcast:
* Their product is pretty much the same.
* Dish aka Echostar is based here in colorado. Your money spend with Dish goes back into the local economy.
* Dish executives are some of the top contributor to the GOP party here in CO and nationally.
All of that said.. I have DirecTV, my girlfriend has Dish.. no way in hell would I drop DirecTV for Dish. :D
ruthabagah
04-20-2015, 08:04
All of that said.. I have DirecTV, my girlfriend has Dish.. no way in hell would I drop DirecTV for Dish. :D
Sounds like the problem is more with the Gf and her choices than your tv then... [Sarcasm2]
I have DirecTv for ~3 years now. No complaints, at least none worth freaking out about. Comcast was always giving a 6 month promo price then the rate jacks up unless you call to get the new "promo price". I got tired of that. Some rate changes, ok, that happens. But doubling my rate just because when the "promo price" is still out there, give me a break.
OH and I get shows 2 hours earlier than cable. Sons of Anarchy would come on at 8 pm for me where cable friends had to wait til 10pm. Suckers.
BigNick73
04-20-2015, 21:14
I just can't feel the love for Hulu Plus. They charge the same as Netflix but I have to sit through commercials. I've tried Hulu a couple of times but just can't like it.
Sign up for bing rewards at bing.com and then go to http://www.pogocheats.net/bing-rewards-bot/ once a day to do the searches. You'll rack up a month of hulu every 28 days.
As for the OP we have a Roku 3 with netflix/amazon/hulu. Wife pays for Sling TV so she can have the ESPNs and HGTV.
If you have specific shows you want to watch you can always buy a season pass on amazon or google play, or use torrents if you're inclined.
After dropping Dish I don't have any inclination to go back.
We have a survey app on our phones where every few days you get a survey to answer and you get Google Play money each time. My wife has something like $13 and I've got just over $3. She has already bought several movies with her reward credits.
I'm a 16 year Dish customer and have been very satisfied throughout the years. I was excited when I saw that Dish has Netflix on the Hopper, but after a month now, I don't see what all the fuss about Netflix is. I can't seem to find much on there worth watching and none of the available series are in my rotation. If you want a ton of low grade-B movies with terrible acting, Netflix is great.
Pretty sure I'm going to drop Netflix. If I want to watch old movies, I have 400+ DVD titles here.
Netflix has some good stuff. Have you had a chance to watch "Daredevil" yet? They have Season One on Netflix, and it was actually pretty good. We were able to catch up on TV shows that we missed that aren't available on Hulu Plus.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.3 Copyright © 2025 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.