DIRECTV vs. DISH Network

Everything I hear says that DTV has better television experience than Dish. However, DTV customer service is p-poor. One of our receivers slowly died on us about 6 years ago. After a lot of troubleshooting, they would not tell us if it was the box or something else. I got tired of trying to get a solution and unplugged it. Eventually, we tried it again – got a smoky smell and nothing on the TV. Tried recently to see if they would give us a new box, and they sent me to tech support who wanted to go through all the usual reset, etc. Finally, I just canceled the second box, and that took about 10 minutes on the phone. It cannot be done online. If it was up to me, I’d cancel entirely, but the family likes to watch certain channels.

Called to have the service moved. I had a regular definition box. Cost me $100 to upgrade to HD, not including the record/pause feature. Confirmed I wanted local channels. ALL of it was FUBAR when the tech showed up to install it! Paying the same price as with Dish but NO DVR, and the local channels are NOT included in my package! We will see how the reception is-if it is not hands down better, I’m going back to Dish! Already so not impressed with their service!

dish network is stupidjust fr the first month they have prices going up 100 000 dollars i cut them off right then and there and they still do that i switched to directv you only had to pay 20 dollars thats a big diffrence

directv gives you the best signal even if there is a big storm happening it dosent go out. they can do professinal instalation in up 15 rooms they give you four hd dvrs for no extra charge if you want them all there recivers are free they give you free phone and internet free for 5 months and they let you have whole home dvr for free. and dish network ned to be sewed

very good service. once back in october our super old reciver went out so we called dtv. they came out the next day. they upgraded us and signed us up for high defonition.we had dish back in 04.dish u freakin bite!!!!!! I WOULDCHOOSEDTV IN A HEARTBEAT!

I have used both DTV & Dish on marine installations with gyro stabilized large dishes, and used both in my personal residence. Direct TV wins 4 to 2. The DTV hardware and software is superior, although both could use improvement. When my Dish network receiver failed, I had to buy a new one after being a long time customer, and the support was terrible…a long story. Direct TV menu options are more evolved and they are the only provider with interactive tennis. The only complaint I have with Direct is that the internet connectivity Deca module seems over-complicated. I do not understand why the HD DVR receivers do not have a built-in wireless modem. (my tiny iTouch has one!) Hopefully the new TIVO relationship/hardware will offer better options for internet streaming. Need to add streaming of Netflix, and ESPN3.

Having not had TV for about 5 years because of my work schedule, i recently signed up for Dish Net. Very nice. No complaints at all. In my current job i work for a company that installs both Dish and DirecTV. Let me tell you from experience that DirecTV is more expensive and the customer service is as bad as you will ever see. Poor, poor customer service, and very overrated.

After being a Directv customer for years, we decided to use a Dish Network promotion mailed to us. We weren’t very happy about the reception. Every time we had even a small rain storm we lost reception. After about 6 months we switched back to Directv thru a “come back” promotion where they pay our Dish cancel fees. I called Dish to cancel and explained I needed a final bill with cancel fees so I can mail a copy to Directv, Directv then mails me a prepaid Visa with fees to send to Dish. The person (Dish) on phone said “Yes, that’s hows it works”. Now 3 weeks later, they have sent NO final bill AND have made multiple charges on my card (one I used to set up programming.. I was NOT enrolled in autopay) and drained my account. (cancel fee was $280) when I called Dish to dispute I was informed (by the supervisor I asked to speak to) that Dish does NOT have to send me a final bill OR wait for the Visa. When I informed them that when I canceled their employee didn’t inform me of that.. I was told pretty much.. “O Well.. you should have read your contract”. I am DISGUSTED with Dish Network! Bad service, rude service and very dishonest! ( also when I canceled Directv they mailed me PREPAID boxes to mail receivers back.. whereas Dish Network mailed me boxes and said for each box (3 of them) they will charge me $15 to ship back receivers for a total of $45.) I am happy to be back with Directv. They have great customer service and better reception! I will NEVEREVER use Dish Network again OR recommend them to anyone. I will actually ask people to refrain from Dish Network because of their dishonesty in their dealings with me. If you tell a customer something.. you should stick to it and NOT go behind their back and make unauthorized charges on customers credit card.. especially when your service is inferior!

I work for Directv and the most annoying call is “Can I have new customer promotions” the answer is NO! Promotions are for new customers and not exisiting.
Why dont you call your electric company and tell them that you have been a long time customer and ask for a discount! HELLO!!! Folks if you want good service and quality picture you have to pay for it!!!

We have had Directv for over 10 years. We are happy with the equipment and reception that we get, but their customer service and pricing policies have never been great. They will tell you, you get these free upgrades and then you find out you are charged $20 or whatever. Then they claim that they told you that. They give you “free showtime for 3 months” occasionally because you are a loyal customer. We don’t watch showtime. The movies on it stink for the most part. I would rather get a cash discount like they offer all of the new customers. Now I see they are offering new customers “free HD for life”. HELLO! What about us longtime customers that have to pay $10 a month for it. I think they are attracting new customers, but losing old ones in the process. Once they suck you in, they don’t care anymore. We keep thinking of switching to DISHNETWORK, but think it probably has the same hassles. Cable is not an option where we live, and we can’t get the local channels without satellite. What can you do? They have us coming and going.