Cable TV Versus Satellite TV?

rufey writes "In the next few weeks I'll be moving and am thinking about getting either cable TV or satellite. I don't need broadband Internet (I use DSL), so getting cable TV bundled with broadband is not an option I'm considering. Comcast is the local cable provider in my area, and are playing TV spots about how satellite TV signals can be lost when it rains, when the wind blows, and even when the dog sneezes (I'm sure the dog sneezing excuse in the commercials are more for humor than fact). What has been Slashdot readers' experience with cable and satellite TV? I'm looking at trying to balance cost versus quality of signal and picture. How much does the weather affect the signal quality of satellite TV reception? Some satellite packages include a DVR (Comcast doesn't offer one yet in my area). Is it worth getting the DVR supplied by the satellite company (DirectTV, DishNetwork), or is buying a separate TiVo a better option? As a geek, I'm also interested in getting NASA TV."

Comments

DirecTV *does* have pr0n

[Anonymous Coward]

Uhhhh.....

One major problem with that. DirecTV most certainly *does* have PORN. Something like 6 or so channels, plus it's offered on a few of the PPV channels in addition to Spice, Hot Network, Playboy, etc. Good stuff too. Not just the HBO/Skinimax R rated soft-core crap, but real honest PORN.

And yeah, I posted this anonymously for a reason. :)

Re:DirecTV *does* have pr0n

[teamhasnoi]

Good stuff too. Not just the HBO/Skinimax R rated soft-core crap, but real honest PORN.

And yeah, I posted this anonymously for a reason. :)

Mom, I told you to stop posting to Slashdot!

Re:DirecTV *does* have pr0n

[Anonymous Coward]

Hell.. DirecTV has HDTV Pron!

More info here!

Re:DirecTV *does* have pr0n

[NanoGator]

"And yeah, I posted this anonymously for a reason. :)"

Mr Hat gave you away.

Signal loss...

[i.r.id10t]

The only time I loose satellite signal is when a tree grows in the way (happened last year, cut down the tree no problem) or when there is *very* heavy rain on the way. Mostly when it is still dry at the house, but the BIIG storm front is between the dish and hte satellite. Knocks out reception for a moment, and then all is fine.

Cable isn't an option where I am - no cables.

Re:Satellite has one big advantage

[jdaily]

> ...but that airplanes, helicopters, birds and people falling off of your roof can and do.

Fortunately, I've never had an airplane or helicopter fall off my roof. Dodged a bullet on that one!

Re:Satellite has one big advantage

[Oliver Wendell Jones]

Birds, airplanes, people, etc. will not block the signal. Anyone who claims that they will is on crack.

Or has had a large bird, airplane or people crash onto their roof directly on top of the dish.

emergency backup

[duffbeer703]

Go outside and take in the sunshine. Read a book.

If you are so dependent on TV that you need an "emergency backup", you have problems indeed.

Re:emergency backup

[Lumpy]

no it get's scary when they buy the equipment to have hot-failover of the signal. Yes it exists, I saw it.

A customer that had way too much money I was helping a friend install the home automation system, he had sattelite that would failover to cable when signal was lost and then failed over to the hi-gain antennas on the tv tower he had installed. We talked him out of getting a C band 10 foot dish for further backup.

the guy had 2 tv's in every room, including the bathroom and had to have them on...

How do wierdows like that get the cash to live the whacked lifestyle?

Re:how about: Kill Your TV.

[TenaciousPimple]

Hey, is this you?

Are man can't shut up about not owning television

Re:how about...

[Anonymous Coward]

well, i hear they just started casting for american high horse, if you're looking for some extra cash

Re:Satellite has one big advantage

[lambadomy]

Uh, I work for DirecTV, and there is porn all over the place here. I was under the impression we were actually broadcasting it too. If not, I'm going to really have to change my opinion about some of the people in this place.

Re:how about...

[Boing]

Unfortunately, it's no longer accessible from the main site, but you remind me of the Onion article "Area Man Constantly Mentioning He Doesn't Own A Television" (link).

Just thought that might be an interesting reference for those who are annoyed by you and other people like you who belittle the chosen entertainment forms of others.

Image quality

[jmichaelg]

weather really doesn't affect image quality (though this may not be true for HD content) but that airplanes, helicopters, birds and people falling off of your roof can and do.

Yeah it really sucks. Just yesterday, last seconds of the game, kicker is going for the field goal and BLAM! some guy impaled himself on our antennae. Peeled him off but it was no good, the game was over.

Re:how about: Kill Your TV.

[Anonymous Coward]

So?

I can't recall the last time my Slashdot allowed me to read, think, and interact with it.

[Note the "and"]

Cable KILLS!

[teamhasnoi]

I ignored all advice of the 'un-obstructed view of the southern sky' and installed my dish myself. It's pointed directly at a huge tree branch about 20 feet away. My signal strength hovers at 96 percent, and I've had two outages due to (really scary) weather.

(I live in southern Minnesota, where tornados like to play.)

Our local cable co. called a month ago, and was trying to sell me on cable. They said, "What about when the weather is bad?"

I said, "When the weather is bad enough for my satellite to go out, the last thing on my mind is catching the end of "Iron Chef". I get my ass in the basement. I hardly want to die watching "Friends" reruns on cable."

She didn't really have a response to that. Guess it wasn't in the script.

Re:how about: Kill Your TV.

[ncc74656]

Come on slashbots, and set yourself free - Kill your TV!

Who let this guy in here?

Re:Satellite has one big advantage

[second class skygod]

Signal Strength is generally rated on a 125 point scale with Dish Network (100 points with DirecTV if memory serves)

So, basically, you're saying that your signal strength dial goes to 11? Cool!

scsg

Re:DirecTV is good

[jmichaelg]

(again avoiding Adelphia like the plaque).

I'll bet you're one of those guys who flosses three times a day.