Cox vs Dish vs DirectTV...real costs??

[SoonerDave]

I'm a (reasonably) happy Cox customer (phone, TV, 'net), but I also like to keep my options open.

I'm trying to get an apples-to-apples cost comparison for service comparable to what I have from other vendors, primarily focusing on TV service. Its nearly impossible to get such a comparison because of the layers of promotional prices that perpetuate the ads.

So, for those of you in satellite land, what do you have, and what does it cost you?

I presently have two rooms with HD boxes (one of which is a DVR), with two rooms (kids) with only plain cable (primarily because I can't exclude channels on a digital converter box, plus its $6 more a month). I'm intrigued by four-tuner, Internet-programmable, and multi-room DVRs, which Cox has talked about (at least some), but never delivered. And I think I'm seeing more and more compression artifacts on Cox's HD signal as they continue to deal with bandwidth issues...

So....if you're willing to share what you have and what it costs, I'd be appreciative. Be aware that I loathe all things ATT, so they start with several strikes against them...but I'll still listen to what they have...

[decepticobra]

dont get me started on directv. i worked at convergys in moore for 5 yrs. dtv is evil, stay away.

this thread should just be entitled "cox vs. dish network"

dont even waste your time with directv. its not worth it. heed my warning.

[HVAC Instructor]

dont get me started on directv. i worked at convergys in moore for 5 yrs. dtv is evil, stay away.

this thread should just be entitled "cox vs. dish network"

dont even waste your time with directv. its not worth it. heed my warning.

Tell us about it then. I'm looking at Dish or DTV pretty soon. Cox has no cable out my way yet.

[rod4soonrs]

I've been with Directv since '99 no problems with them.

[MadMonk]

I've been with Directv since '99 no problems with them.

I've been with DTV since '97 with the exception of one horrible year of Dish network service. I'll never go back. If there was so much as a dark cloud in the sky the reception was horrible. In addition, the receiver was frustratingly slow to respond to input. Support was uncaring and at times rude. They eventually changed out the receiver after 5 or 6 calls but it made no difference. I went back to DTV as soon as my contract expired and have been very happy ever since.

I'm in a grandfathered plan that's no longer advertised, but a close match would be the "Choice Extra + DVR" with local channels for $65.99/month.

[flippity]

I've been with DTV since '97 with the exception of one horrible year of Dish network service. I'll never go back. If there was so much as a dark cloud in the sky the reception was horrible. In addition, the receiver was frustratingly slow to respond to input. Support was uncaring and at times rude. They eventually changed out the receiver after 5 or 6 calls but it made no difference. I went back to DTV as soon as my contract expired and have been very happy ever since.

I'm in a grandfathered plan that's no longer advertised, but a close match would be the "Choice Extra + DVR" with local channels for $65.99/month.

^^^

this too. They told us the dish was soooo much better now that it hardly ever goes out, even in thunderstorms. Lies. Lies, I tell you.

[Roadhawg]

I've been with Directv since '99 no problems with them.

I've been with them the past 18 months and no problems

[bluedogok]

I've been with Directv since '99 no problems with them.

The same for me, I changed when I lived in The Village and Multimedia Cablevision service went out when the wind blew....I will never go back to cable for television, I do have cable (TimeWarner in Austin) for internet. I also have NFL Sunday Ticket and MLB Extra Innings which I can't get on the other options.

I am also pretty sure every call center has horror stories, I have known quite a few who have worked at different ones and all are hard on the employees. Good customer service just isn't that important to most large corporations anymore and there are plenty of disgruntled workers at all of them.

[decepticobra]

Tell us about it then. I'm looking at Dish or DTV pretty soon. Cox has no cable out my way yet.

Seriously. Go with Dish Network. Im short on time right now. But if you demand reasons why, I will fill you in later when I have more free time.

[HVAC Instructor]

Seriously. Go with Dish Network. Im short on time right now. But if you demand reasons why, I will fill you in later when I have more free time.

Yes! I demand! LOL!

Please do post what you know when you can.

[decepticobra]

Tell us about it then. I'm looking at Dish or DTV pretty soon. Cox has no cable out my way yet.

yeah ok. i got some free time on my hands.

for the record, i worked at convergys in moore for 5 yrs. they are outsourced by directv to handle customer service, billing and technical issues. (or they did when i worked there)

Directv is fueled on monetary greed, for starters. anything to get your money. there were contracts abound, and lots of frilly exciting talk on whatever package they were trying to get you to sign up for. the average customer was forced to read the fine print to get the 'real' scoop to educate themselves as to what they were REALLY getting themselves into, cause we werent allowed to school them ourselves over the phone.

...scandalous? you betcha.

when i worked there, there were three main entertainment packages: silver, gold, platinum. these packages offered a great line-up...trouble is the technology of the hardware was subpar.

i do realize some time has passed since i worked there, and perhaps the technology of the reciever boxes and other related devices and also improved, but nonetheless, im still quite skeptical about DTV's business practices, cause its therein where the real evils lurk.

The company is very much "by the book", as in "Their book, and not your book". There was no such thing as "the customer is always correct" The customer was the guilty party unless they could present some sort of evidence to us to substantiate themselves otherwise. It was a very crooked company, I loathed working there, but just like you I had bills to pay too. The only time DTV is even readily willing to read 'your book' is if it is subtitled "class action lawsuit".

during the time i worked there, there were numerous class action lawsuits being slammed against DTV filed by angry customers. Most of the customers were those who felt betrayed by the lack of apparent offerings in many of the sports packages that they advertised. (NHL Center Ice, NFL Sunday Ticket, NCAA Game Plan, NBA League Ticket, etc)

For the average customer, there existed a myriad of confusing blackout rules regarding which games they could see in their area. Sometimes these rules would be so acenine they would literally frustrate many of our customers, and then our phonelines would be red hot busy.

so busy that other DTV clients with various other issues could never get a rep on the phone.

Then theres the issue with the Reciever itself. They were all cheap junk, quickly slapped together in an overseas sweatshop and sold for many times its actual value and perfomed on a subpar level.

how subpar?, ..it wasnt uncommon for many customers' to have issues with the reciever units ordering pay-per-view without their direct authorization. as phone reps, we were basically instructed to call every customer a liar (not literally), but telling them that they were indeed liable for all PPV charges because the only way to order a PPV was with the remote.

Then we began down this annoying track of questions with the client interrogating them, and asking if their (insert one: spouse, child, dog, shrink, priest, babysitter)..had possibly ordered any PPV movies without their consent.

eventually (and logically) every call ended with an escalation to a supervisor desk, with the supervisor agreeing the credit only a portion of the PPVs (and not all of them, like they shouldve)

....i think the PPV ordeal eventually ended in a lawsuit as well, but it was a long time coming before that occured.

then there was the ordeal with customers relentless tirade of broadcast network affiliate acquisitioning. these stations were intended for those customers who resided out in the extreme boonies and couldnt get a local tv reception with the use of conventional rabbit ears or other likewise peripheral.

however, these stations also proved appealing to other clients who resided in areas with no problems of getting their own local channels, but also wanted these channels so they could watch their fave tv programs at times that were convienent for their schedules.

so, all in all...the customer service is poor, the equipment is shoddy, and even the installers are horrible.

i wont even delve into all the destruction some of the installers have caused to customers homes, but its really bad.

anything else you desire to know? i can go on about the hells of DTV.

[bluedogok]

yeah ok. i got some free time on my hands.

for the record, i worked at convergys in moore for 5 yrs. they are outsourced by directv to handle customer service, billing and technical issues. (or they did when i worked there)

Directv is fueled on monetary greed, for starters. anything to get your money. there were contracts abound, and lots of frilly exciting talk on whatever package they were trying to get you to sign up for. the average customer was forced to read the fine print to get the 'real' scoop to educate themselves as to what they were REALLY getting themselves into, cause we werent allowed to school them ourselves over the phone.

...scandalous? you betcha.

when i worked there, there were three main entertainment packages: silver, gold, platinum. these packages offered a great line-up...trouble is the technology of the hardware was subpar.

i do realize some time has passed since i worked there, and perhaps the technology of the reciever boxes and other related devices and also improved, but nonetheless, im still quite skeptical about DTV's business practices, cause its therein where the real evils lurk.

The company is very much "by the book", as in "Their book, and not your book". There was no such thing as "the customer is always correct" The customer was the guilty party unless they could present some sort of evidence to us to substantiate themselves otherwise. It was a very crooked company, I loathed working there, but just like you I had bills to pay too. The only time DTV is even readily willing to read 'your book' is if it is subtitled "class action lawsuit".

during the time i worked there, there were numerous class action lawsuits being slammed against DTV filed by angry customers. Most of the customers were those who felt betrayed by the lack of apparent offerings in many of the sports packages that they advertised. (NHL Center Ice, NFL Sunday Ticket, NCAA Game Plan, NBA League Ticket, etc)

For the average customer, there existed a myriad of confusing blackout rules regarding which games they could see in their area. Sometimes these rules would be so acenine they would literally frustrate many of our customers, and then our phonelines would be red hot busy.

so busy that other DTV clients with various other issues could never get a rep on the phone.

Then theres the issue with the Reciever itself. They were all cheap junk, quickly slapped together in an overseas sweatshop and sold for many times its actual value and perfomed on a subpar level.

how subpar?, ..it wasnt uncommon for many customers' to have issues with the reciever units ordering pay-per-view without their direct authorization. as phone reps, we were basically instructed to call every customer a liar (not literally), but telling them that they were indeed liable for all PPV charges because the only way to order a PPV was with the remote.

Then we began down this annoying track of questions with the client interrogating them, and asking if their (insert one: spouse, child, dog, shrink, priest, babysitter)..had possibly ordered any PPV movies without their consent.

eventually (and logically) every call ended with an escalation to a supervisor desk, with the supervisor agreeing the credit only a portion of the PPVs (and not all of them, like they shouldve)

....i think the PPV ordeal eventually ended in a lawsuit as well, but it was a long time coming before that occured.

then there was the ordeal with customers relentless tirade of broadcast network affiliate acquisitioning. these stations were intended for those customers who resided out in the extreme boonies and couldnt get a local tv reception with the use of conventional rabbit ears or other likewise peripheral.

however, these stations also proved appealing to other clients who resided in areas with no problems of getting their own local channels, but also wanted these channels so they could watch their fave tv programs at times that were convienent for their schedules.

so, all in all...the customer service is poor, the equipment is shoddy, and even the installers are horrible.

i wont even delve into all the destruction some of the installers have caused to customers homes, but its really bad.

anything else you desire to know? i can go on about the hells of DTV.

What you stated could pretty much be said of ANY corporation in operation, I know of some Cox, Time Warner, Comcast, AT&T U-Verse and Verizon FIOS horror stories as well. I don't know of any corporation that subscribes to "the customer is always correct" mantra anymore, it seems the shareholder is the only one who "might" be correct.

For one thing, Directv changed ownership a couple of years ago, they are no longer owned by Rupert Murdoch, they are pretty much owned by John Malone which throughout his corporate industry has been better than Murdoch. Most of what you discussed about people calling to complain are things that were beyond Directv (or Dish/cable companies) control. Yes, blackouts get annoying on MLB Extra Innings but those are rules set forth by MLB (or NHL, NBA, NFL) and there isn't anything that any of the providers can do about it. The distant channels issue is something the networks have cracked down on against both Directv and Dish. I never had any issues with PPV as well. I know that many people who call to complain constantly are just high maintenance jerks that are always looking to get something for nothing, I have known too many of them personally. You also worked for a contractor who was looking to make their margins better, then you are in kind of a "double squeeze" between the mother company and the contractor, which usually ends up dumping on the contracted employees.

I went to Directv because Multimedia Cablevision in The Village was worthless, because of the old overhead lines the cable would go out when the wind blew. I have been with Directv for 10 years and haven't had much of an issue with anything, I never plan on going back to cable. Like I stated above, I still have 10 year old boxes that work fine. I haven't had issues with installers but then I do my own installations and did installs for others back when you just bought the kit.

[venture]

What you stated could pretty much be said of ANY corporation in operation,

Pretty much nailed it there. The bitter phone monkey worked for an outsourcing shop - and the job sucked? Shocker. From my experience with DTV and people I know that have worked there - things are not that bad. I had them for about a year, but I like getting the best bang for my buck so I went to cable for a promo. While I had DTV - never had any major problems. Signal did go out in very heavy rain, otherwise it would be okay. I managed my account online, so really my interaction with the Convergys reps was limited.

As far as blackout details, getting the NY/LA stations, etc...a lot of that isn't a DTV issue as Blue stated. Probably the biggest complaint I have heard about was the termination fee for breaking a contract. Customers apparently upset they have to pay for it. However, this comes down on the the customer not reading the writing online/in-store or the CSR not relaying the information they are trained to do so.

Can't say I've ever had an issue with a receiver ordering a PPV without my pushing something. Lets be honest. From what I know PPV ordering is relayed through the phone callback they are suppose to do (the receivers). If people, like me, forget to plug the phone line in or just never get around to it...then, hey a lot of charges are going to show when they get the receiver back. People tend to forget about such orders after a few weeks...so not a shock they would be surprised.

All in all DTV was just fine, even better if you can get a deal for free DVRs and premium service. Something I would love to do again, but that whole not being a new customer thing sucks. :-P

Other than that, the long response sounded like nothing more than a bitter phone monkey who got paid $8-9/hr and hated their job but didn't do anything to move on with their job aspirations.

[so1rfan]

I have had Directv for 8 or 9 years. I recently upgraded to Hi-def. I also have a strange package they no longer offer. I think I pay around $70.

If I could get cable I probably would, simply because I could have it in every room and not have to pay extra. Plus when it does come a downpour, Directv will completely lose the signal, not really something you want to have happen during storm season.

However I think that my Hi-def is better than my dad's who has Cox.

[Luke]

I have had Dish for about three years. I'm pleased with it.

Currently, we have an all HD package plus locals for about $35 a month. We also have a great HD-DVR.

I was cautioned on the reception, but we get excellent reception. The only time it goes out is in very severe weather, emphasis on very. The signal stays on through the majority of storms. It even stayed on during the ice storm. Besides, we've hooked up an antenna to the DVR, scanned for locals and now even if the Dish goes out, we will still be able to get locals over-the-air.

All in all, for the price, reception and DVR, Dish is great.

[Kerry]

I have had DirecTV since '98 and I love it. I will never go back to cable. We have Choice +, TIVO DVR service, and 2 boxes. Our bill is $73/month. As for the weather issue, the only time we lose a signal is if really severe thunderstorms are directly overhead. We generally lose the signal for less than a minute. It seems once the dish gets coated in water the signal comes back. When it happens I just switch over to the rabbit ear antenna I have sitting on the floor behind the TV by pressing the input button on my remote a few times. Then I am able to watch local weather bulletins.

I have Bellsouth DSL (now ATT) bundled on the same bill so I save $10 on my DSL. As for the warning from decepticobra, I use to work in the Management Information Group for Convergys - DirectTV isn't evil, Convergys is evil.

Finally, one of the things I really like about DirecTV is when we go to the in-laws house in Kentucky the stations are the same. I don't have to hunt for the Travel Channel or the DIY Network. Plus, I can control my DVR at home through my cell phone (which I have had to do when dinner out runs longer than expected).

Next on my wish list is a sling box.

[stick47]

Just saw a DTV ad that showed you could get NFL games on your cell phone if you had their service. Anyone know what that's about? Built in Slingbox maybe?

[bluedogok]

Just saw a DTV ad that showed you could get NFL games on your cell phone if you had their service. Anyone know what that's about? Built in Slingbox maybe?

It works if you have NFL Sunday Ticket, it worked on mine today.

[stick47]

It works if you have NFL Sunday Ticket, it worked on mine today.

My Wife is from Seoul, S. Korea so we watch a lot of Korean satellite TV and they've got cell phone television there. No added charge since it's over the air broadcasting and not through the cellular companies. You can also use your phone to pay your bus fare, buy groceries, etc. The US needs to catch up.

[flippity]

I have had DirecTV since '98 and I love it. I will never go back to cable. We have Choice +, TIVO DVR service, and 2 boxes. Our bill is $73/month. As for the weather issue, the only time we lose a signal is if really severe thunderstorms are directly overhead. We generally lose the signal for less than a minute. It seems once the dish gets coated in water the signal comes back. When it happens I just switch over to the rabbit ear antenna I have sitting on the floor behind the TV by pressing the input button on my remote a few times. Then I am able to watch local weather bulletins.

I have Bellsouth DSL (now ATT) bundled on the same bill so I save $10 on my DSL. As for the warning from decepticobra, I use to work in the Management Information Group for Convergys - DirectTV isn't evil, Convergys is evil.

Finally, one of the things I really like about DirecTV is when we go to the in-laws house in Kentucky the stations are the same. I don't have to hunt for the Travel Channel or the DIY Network. Plus, I can control my DVR at home through my cell phone (which I have had to do when dinner out runs longer than expected).

Next on my wish list is a sling box.

They don't do TIVO anymore, they do some other thing. THey lost their contract with TIVO so that's not what you get now. the new thing sucks.

[bluedogok]

They don't do TIVO anymore, they do some other thing. THey lost their contract with TIVO so that's not what you get now. the new thing sucks.

Directv owns Tivo now...

What happened was Tivo wanted more in licensing fees so Directv went out on there own because Rupert Murdoch owned a software company that wrote the software for his other sat. systems in Europe and Australia. Tivo lost pretty much all their licensing agreements with sat/cable providers due to their desire to raise fees, but they did win their patent lawsuit against Dish. Soon after that ruling, Liberty Media (now the owner of Directv) bought Tivo and there are plans for reintroducing it into the Directv DVR lineup, they also have no ties to NDS anymore since Murdoch is no longer the Directv owner. I have had both, to me the are the same thing, just different, both had things that I thought were useful and other things which were downright goofy.

[Bunty]

The main objection I have over going to satellite from cable is the loss of local government channels, so I won't be able to see the various public meetings. I don't always want to be bothered with having to go to the actual live meeting over a fight with a zoning change in my residential neighborhood. Of course, if you own no homes and/or businesses, maybe you couldn't care less about the local government channels.

[bluedogok]

Well, their phone markets are different over there. I know in Japan (in 1996) there was no such thing as "local calls" as every call whether it was across the hall or country paid a per minute rate. Plus you had a virtual monopoly with NTT and their build out costs are less because they are covering a very small fraction of land area and much higher population density in much smaller countries. Much like it is with many things between the countries like rail systems.

[PennyQuilts]

I apprecaite this thread. We are making plans to come back home - hopefully by the end of the year - and will need internet for a home office and TV. No cable where our house is.

[so1rfan]

I apprecaite this thread. We are making plans to come back home - hopefully by the end of the year - and will need internet for a home office and TV. No cable where our house is.

Will high-speed internet be available? Because the only option I have where I live is satellite internet, and it is dreadful. I have contemplated going back to dial-up many a time. I use Wildblue and have regretted it every since I bought it.

I have heard better things out of Hughesnet but it is more expensive, so i guess you get what you pay for.