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Posted 2004-08-01, 01:06 AM
in reply to osmoses-jones's post starting "i will get direct cable then i don't..."
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Ok, here are my opinions:
Cable vs. Dish: I worked for DISH Network as an Advanced Tech Rep for 1.5+ years, so I might be a little biased. Here are the reasons why Dish owns cable: - More Control: Having a satellite receiver assigned to every television (typically) gives you many more options on how you want to WATCH televsion. All new receivers (DISH Network) made within the last 5-7 years have the ability to set program timers to remind you of programs to watch, set up 'Favorite Lists' to browse thru only the channels you WANT to, an interactive Electronic Program Guide (no TV Guide channel, you scroll thru it as fast as you want), the ability to retrieve detailed program information by merely hitting a button, the ability to order PPV movies with your remote, and an assload more.
- Better picture: All media is delivered via satellite in digital MPEG-2 form. 99% of receivers will support Coax/RCA Jacks/S-Video connections. Some will also output Dolby Digital via a Toslink (optical) cable. There are even several different High-Definition receivers that will output over YPrPb/RGB/DVI interfaces. ALL of your channels are digital quality, whereas Digital Cable only gives you a small amount of Digital channels (the rest are STILL Analog).
- Cheap as hell: Basic DISH Network package (the America's Top 50) was $24.99 a month (for 1 receiver), when I still worked for DISH about 7-8 months ago. In either case, Basic Cable in most areas is still $40.99 and higher for basically the same channels, in a lower picture quality...
That may all sound great, but there ARE a few disadvantages to Satellite (or things Cable does better): - Multiple televisions: This is the major advantage cable has over satellite. For a satellite system to support a lot of TVs (3+), you need some heavy-duty switch gear, versus a mere powered-splitter for Cable. Satellite is getting some new switches and whatnot on the market to makes things easier and cheaper to overcome this advantage, but they're not quite there yet.
- Equipment: In a fair portion of Satellite contracts, you own and are responsible for the maintenance of your satellite system. If something goes wrong and it's out of warranty, you're paying for a Technician, or fixing it yourself, usually. There ARE rental-type promotions that get around that, but they usually have a monthly charge to it.
- Not always available: You DO need a clear Line of Sight to the southern sky to get signal. Trees/storms in the LoS can degrade signal, as can your dish being out of alignment. Storms for the most part should NOT be a problem, since signal is degraded in fractions. It has to be raining in a 1"/hour downpour to reduce your signal strength by roughly HALF. As long as you have 100+ signal (of possible 125) you should be ok unless it rains even harder than that. Just make sure your cable connections are sealed well against water intrusion.
I think that about covers it. Any other concerns or anything about satellite, I should be able to answer.


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