by Brendan on January 30, 2012
DIRECT TV has released a statement that it will hike subscriber rates by 4% sometime in February 2012. Announced online, they’re pinning the blame on increasing programming costs, which are up 10% this year. So, they’re basically passing along 40% of the fee increase to their customers (on average – those on larger/premium programming plans will likely pay a bit more).
Ugh, that’s never welcomed news. Lately, price increases (for ANY service) seem all too commonplace. If companies can afford it, they’ll eat most/all of their cost shifts (good for publicity and the price wars), but especially in this economy, it tends to trickle down to the consumer more often than not. In this case, it’s safe to say these programming fees pose a real issue as they’re affecting the entire industry. Comcast is also increasing their rates (by 2.9%) and, of course, NETFLIX publicly melted down when it went through their “restructuring” (though that was more of a failed business shift).
Verizon FIOS and Dish Network, on the other hand, have no immediate plans to raise their prices (the latter has already committed to a price freeze until 2013). That’s sure to gain them some goodwill and extra business, but companies can only hold off for so long, so expect their rates to increase when the waters calm a bit.
Offset the cost
If you’re already a DIRECTV subscriber and would like to offset the price boost, your first (and quickest) option should be to call up your DIRECTV rep. Ask them if you qualify for any price breaks (especially if you’ve been with them for a while) or special promotions. If you also use direct tv internet, find out of there’s a bundle available. If not, and you’re fine with downsizing your programming options, try jumping down to the lower plan. You’ll save a minimum of $10/mo and can always revert back if it doesn’t work out.
If you’re not a satellite TV subscriber yet, this price change may play a role in your decision, it really all depends on what you’re looking for. For example, if you gotta have your NFL Sunday Ticket fix, a few bucks a month probably won’t deter you, but if you’re shopping around for the lowest price around (especially after leaving cable) if could make all the difference. Either way, make sure you thoroughly compare the differences between directv vs dish network before you decide; you don’t want to be stuck with a service you’re not happy with, all for the sake of a few dollars a month.
by Brendan on December 18, 2011
When you’re in the market for satellite TV (or anything important, really), one of the best things to do is compare the pluses and minuses of the service. For those of you looking heavily at DIRECT TV, we’ve put together a list of the most important pros and cons of DIRECT TV. Note that we analyzed and categorized each item with the average subscriber in mind, so customize the results as needed.
DIRECT TV Pros
SPORTS – since its inception, DIRECT TV has been the unrivaled satellite TV leader in sports programming. You’ll find the NFL SundayTicket, MLB Extra Innings, NASCAR HOTPASS, CricketTicket and more only on DTV. So, if sports is your game, you probably don’t need to read much further.
More Popular Channels, for less – With DIRECT TV’s Choice Package (entry level programming), you get more popular channels than the comparable package with Dish Network. Specifically, you’ll get AMC, Animal Planet, BRAVO, BET, MSNBC and more…all at no additional cost.
DVR Recording Flexibility – thanks to DIRECTV’s “Whole-House” DVR system, you’re able to start recording in one room and manage that recording from any other (up to 15 total receivers/rooms). With Dish Network, you’re restricted to the original receiver. Additionally, with DIRECT TV’s state-of-the-art mobile apps (for the iPhone, iPad, Andriod, etc), you can easily manage your programs from anywhere in the world with an internet connection.
DIRECT TV Cons
Starter Cost – while both DIRECT and DISH have their starting packages competitively priced, DISH NETWORK’s Family package comes in at $5 less per month ($24.99) than DIRECT TV’s lowest package (however, always be sure to check out the latest DIRECT TV specials just in case). So, if your bottom line is cost, you may want to take a second look at Dish.
Total Number of Channels – on the opposite side of the spectrum, if you want every channel satellite TV has to offer, DIRECT TV comes in at a close second. They offer 285 SD channels, to DISH’s 295+. On the HD side, it’s a similar trend – DIRECT TV delivers 160 high-def channels, while DISH carries over 200.
International Programming – this is a category where DISH has really outpaced the competition. Dish Network has over 200 international channels, including a variety of specialty languages. Currently, DIRECT TV only offers the following: Brazilian, Cantonese, Filipino, Korean, Mandarin, Russian, South Asian and Vietnamese.
If one of the DIRECT TV pros or cons above jumps out at you, use that as a major factor in your decision process. The differences between each service are relatively minor, so it often comes down to one or two specific items. In the end, just decide what the single most important requirement is for you and your family…and everything else will fall into place.
If you’re stuck in between, don’t worry. We know it can often be a confusing and daunting task to select a satellite TV provider. If none of the factors above is particularly important to you, your best bet is to check out the current specials being offered. New customers qualify for the best deals available, so start comparison shopping between direct vs dish and let the numbers make the decision for you.
