Comcast cable or Directv

[striper2]

Hi, I just bought a Toshiba 62HM196. I'm not a techi, but do appreciate the amazing quality of both color and sound on HD broadcasts. I currently have comcast with the bax and DVR. Looking for some thinking about switching to Directv. I have four sets in house. I think that I have to get box for each set with Directv? Thanks for advise.

[oldandinthe way]

Comcast quality varies with system loading. Heavily loaded cables experience breakup of the image and pixilization. It is specific to your Comcast system and possibly even to the cable segment you are on as to whether you will receive an inferior image on any of their digital channels. I've seen it on my son-in-law's set. Comcast says they can't do anything about it.

Direct-TV is accused by Comcast of having similar problems in bad weather.

Direct-TV's current deals include up to 4 rooms free. But issues and potential limits exist because of LNB usage. Their DVR uses 2 LNBs. You could wind up with two dishes on your house each with 3 LNBs unless they have intro'ed a 4 LNB dish.

[Krispy Kritter]

The only drawback to DirecTv is that you must purchase the hardware. Sometimes it is cheaper to get it from another source, such as Best Buy or a local audio/video outlet.

Dish network would be another option, and they provide all of the hardware (like cable).

I've had DirecTv in the past and was very happy with them and their service. I would check out their websites for channel lineups and packages.

[striper2]

Thanks. I appreciate your input. I checked with Directv and they will do four rooms with zero charges, including wiring/cable. They have a new box coming out with dvr and they now have a 30" dish as compared to the 18" dish. I was told by a knowlegeable friend that the 30" will avoid almost all condensation on the cone, thus giving uninterrupted service. Maybe i'll wait for the new box to come out before switching from Comcast. Their only plus is that they have hundreds of free movies on "On Demand", but I'm a fisherman so it's not that big a deal and the trade-off for much better quality of picture and sound should be worth the switch.

[pstedman]

DirecTV just started rolling out a new HD DVR. The bigger dish is to be able to see all the new satellites they're sending up.

One thing to check with DirecTV about it the availability of HD locals in your area. They do not broadcast locals in HD to all markets yet.

They also just switched to a equipment-lease model so you won't have to buy the hardware outright. There will still be some sort of hardware fee...of course.

[handiman876]

Dish Network's dual tuner HD DVR is pretty sweet. You can record a show while watching another or record two shows at the same time. You could also watch a recorded show or film while recording two others. Dish Network also has the larger dish that receives both satellite and local feeds from one dish. The only advantage that DirecTV has is the NFL package that you can buy to see all games. The price difference also favored Dish Network when I worked out all the options in channels The initial fee can get pretty high but it all depends on the equipment you get and the rebates being offered. Happy hunting and good luck with whatever you decide.