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Going HD - Should I dump DirectTV?

I am about to make the leap to HD with a plasma. It seems that cable options are better for HD, with just as much programming plus the locals without having to go through the hassle of an over-the-air antenna. The only sports package I get is the MLB extra innings, which is also available via cable. I have seen a couple of threads on the AVS forum about DirectTV adding satelites, requiring a bigger additional dish, etc. The only thing I am unsure about is Tivo. Is Tivo available for non HD on cable? It seems like cable is a better option for HD right now? Any help is appreciated.
maineiac
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,132 posts
 
The cost factor is indeed one of the reasons. The Comcast box is a Motorola and is rentable for cheap. Considering the pace of technology change, that $850-$1000 vs $5/month is a considerable factor. Plus Comcast will give you the credit for trading in a dish and sat box. In New England with snow issues and teh sat being pretty low in the sky, I had major compression, pixelization, and lack of availability issues. Obviously, others have gone the other route and seem to be very happy. YMMV.
cytocycle
1,034 posts
 
I have COX cable and the HDTV channels have a green color tint and the sound of each channel is at different volumes. HDTV pixels sometimes as they shift bandwidth around. Check out VOOM for the largest amount of HDTV programming. I use to own Dish HDTV and it looked way better than my COX cable HDTV.
rgwrjs
41 posts
 
The above varying responses must reflect geographic differences. I live in the DC metro area and I have Directv with HDTIVO. My parents have Comcast cable with their HD PVR device. The difference between the two for picture quality, ease of use, etc. is not close. The satellite is just superior although you do have to have an antennae with DT. My parents really want to switch but not sure they want to spend the money.
rwwear
2,692 posts
 
Get an antenna. TV service should be free as intended. After all you still have to watch commercials.
maineiac OP
649 posts
 
Interesting. Thanks for all of the responses. One option in staying with DirectTV is using my current TIVO on one of the lines to record non HD programs and living without TIVO for HD (I hate the thought but parting with $900 on top of a new TV and stand, etc. makes it a real possibility).
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