DirecTV Updated 4/16/2008
Finally, cable has some competition. DirecTv offers low-priced plans to people who can't get cable, or just can't afford cable. I choose to include DirecTv instead of Dish Network in this review, because on average, Dish Network customers file more complaints. DirecTV customers have many good things to say about their experience, as well as bad.
Customers Like:
1. Low Price: DirecTV is almost always cheaper than cable. Plans range from $29.95/mo. for 45 channels to $86.99/mo for 265+ channels.
2. Available Everywhere: You can get DirecTV just about anywhere in the U.S.
3. Good Overall Customer Service: You can usually call DirecTV and get your questions answered in a timely manner. Try to call early in the morning when they're not swamped with other customers.
Three Common Complaints:
1. Sports fans beware: Many sporting events are pay-per-view. This is a major reason many people cancel their services with DirecTv. Some programs (mostly sports) will be blacked out by DirecTV for legal reasons. This angers many people and for good reason. Programs we take for granted with cable can mean extra fees with DirecTV.
2. Hidden Fees: Click here to view DirecTV's Customer Contract. All of the fees are clearly stated here. The initial set up fees can also be quite pricey. Don't be too nice to the customer service reps. DEMAND to know ALL of the hidden fees and make sure you can
afford it before you sign up.
3. Blackouts: Bad weather can cause complete service blackouts. These blackout are usually short in duration and only in very severe weather.
Is DirecTV right for me?
If you live in a rural area, yes. Your choices are limited, and I feel DirecTV is the best of the major satellite TV providers. If you can't get cable, I recommend DirecTV. Most of what I've read about other satellite services, such as Dish Network, are complaints.
If you can't afford cable, but $29.95 a month is in your budget, go with DirecTV.
If you are looking for JUST TV, and are NOT looking for internet or phone services, consider DirecTV.
If you live in a city and want TV, internet and phone services, scroll back up and consider Time Warner Cable instead.
A few years back, we didn't have much choice when it came to TV services. We either used our local cable provider, or dealt with irritating antennas to get 2 or 3 channels. Now, with the advent of satellite TV, we have choices. Satellite has been a positive thing for consumers in two major ways. First, competition forces cable to keep their prices in check. Second, consumers have another viable option for their TV services, and often times save money by switching to satellite.
Which service is right for you depends on several factors. The major three are:
1. Where you live (service availability)
2. Your monthly budget (what you're willing to spend per month)
3. The types of services you need. (some service providers offer TV + Internet + Phone services in one package)
This page is designed to help you pick the service that is right for you. The information I have gathered for these reviews is based on feedback from real customers. I've spent hours reading forum posts and various product reviews in order to provide you with the information you need to make a smart decision. I have also included some of my own personal opinions of and experiences with these services.
I have only included the MAJOR pros and cons of these services. I understand that you don't have time to read an entire book on TV services, so I've kept the reviews brief and to-the-point.
Cable or Satellite? Time Warner Cable vs. DirecTV
Time Warner Cable (Road Runner) Updated 4/16/2008
Time Warner customers seem to have a love/hate relationship with their services. They love the channels and the fast internet speed, but hate the customer service. The major advantage of choosing Time Warner, is the fact that you can have TV, high speed internet, and digital phone services all in one bundle. Time Warner is available in many small, medium and large cities. This is the service I use, and personally, I am happy with it.
Customers Like:
1. Very fast internet. (In the city I live in, this is fastest residential internet available to us)
2. Simplicity. People like to have cable, internet, and phone all in bill for the convenience of it.
3. Free long distance phone calls.
Three Common Complaints:
1. The most common complaint is poor customer service. Time Warner is a huge corporation, and one thing you can count on from any huge corporation is inter-departmental disfunction. Customer service reps love to pass the buck. If you have a question, you are likely to be on the phone for a long time, and be transferred numerous times before you get an answer, if you get an answer at all.
I recommend doing some form of meditation before getting on the phone with Time Warner, because your patience will be tested. If you're not in a relaxed state of mind, you may lose your cool.
2. Service Outages: Some customers report frequent service outages, however, I suspect most of these reports are false. Many people have software or hardware problems on their end, and due to ignorance, think that it's the cable companie's fault, when it is in fact it their own fault. If you frequent porn sites, or other shady places on the internet, chances are you will get a virus, and sometimes these viruses are the cause of service outages, not the cable company. I personally have had no problems with service outages. They are, in fact, few and far between, and usually last 5 to 30 minutes at the most. They are usually the result some unforseen disaster such as a car accident or lightning strike. Service crews have been quick to react to these problems in my area.
3. High Price: Time Warner hooks you by offering lower prices for the first 12 months. Each service is $29.95 per month, but only for the first year. After that, they raise the prices on you. I have the 3 in 1 package, and I now pay about $140 a month. I still think it's worth it, but that's just my opinion. $140 per month may or may not be in your budget.
Is Time Warner Right for me?
Many factors go into that decision, so I cannot decide for you, but I recommend it if you fit the following criteria:
-You want internet, TV, and phone services all in one package
-You make many long-distance phone calls. (They are free with Time Warner phone as long the calls are to the U.S.A.)
-You want or need lightning fast internet.
-You want high quality reliable TV service.
More reviews are coming soon. Check back for updates.
