Getting started

[rynop]

I'm a HDTV wannabe interested in getting some basic information re the best route to take for an HDTV service...in particular DirectTV vs. TWC.  If there's a thread that discusses this in detail, please direct me and I apologize for re-hashing old ground.

Based on my understanding, it looks like this:

DirectTV:
- Better picture for non-HD transmissions
- Need to buy $300+ HDTV receiver.
- Offers fewer HDTV stations than TWC.
- Does not offer local stations in HD.

TWC:
- Worse picture for non-HD transmissions.
- Additional ~$9/month  for HDTV cable box.
- Offers local stations in HD and more non-local/premium stations in HD than DTV.

What else should be considered when comparing these 2 alternatives?

I'm currently a happy customer of DirectTV but the inclusion of local HDTV channels, increased HD channel options, rumors re DirectTV bandwidth issues, and no long term charges would lean my HDTV service investment into TWC.  Again, I apologize if I've missed a thread discussing this already...

Thanks for any info,
Ryan

[gb4fan92]

They do not charge extra for a HDTV cable Box. Ask for the Pioneer Voyager 3511HD if you go the cable route. Its the newest box that TWC carries. I also think the non HD channels are excellent quality. Big improvement since they went digital.

[Bill Richards]

You don't have to install or look at a dish on your house with TWC.  The picture is what it is, even in a rain storm with TWC while with a dish, your picture can deteriorate.  I something goes wrong, all you do is call TWC and they send someone out to fix it.  Finally, you have nothing invested in technology.  If something changes or a better technology comes along, you have no investment.

The non-HD picture is better on satellite.  However, TWC digital is significantly better then analog.

In short, try TWC.  If you don't like it, invest in a dish with nothing lost.  That is what I did some months ago and I have stayed with TWC.

[Talos4]

OK, I'll step in.

I too am a D*tv Cust. Former TWC.

I'm currently a happy customer of DirectTV but the inclusion of local HDTV channels,

Regarding the Local channel situation...  I do not know your residence situation, but for a minimal amount in the city of Milw. A decent pair of rabbit ears will get you the locals for next to nuthin.

A little futher out?  I paid under $150.00 for an  antenna, tripod cable and rotor get the locals and then some.

I run the Ant. coax through the D*TV box and use the remote to change between the two.

Rain fade:confused: maybe 4-5 times a year, for at the most 20-30 mins. generally less than 10 mins.

I became very unhappy with TWC. for many reasons I'm not going to get into here.  This not a bash TWC forum. Just another opinion form a happy D*TV cust.

Of course that's my opinion, I could be wrong though.
This is just my opinion I could be wrong,