HD programming

[The Rookie]

OK i just bought a HDTV and want to get a HD reciever before the Rose Bowl. I live in Leander and can only get Cox cable which doesnt carry HD. So the choices i have come to are either Dish or Voom. Does anybody have experience with these as far as quality, etc in HD.

I pretty much watch all the local channels(prime time shows, CSI, etc) and sports (ABC, ESPN). Both say they have all local channels and ESPN. So if a show is broadcast in HD on ABC i would get that show since i would have a HD reciever and receive that channel, correct?

I have looked over avsforum.com and looked around but there are alot of pages to look through. I just want some simple answers. Thanks

 

[TheSheriffIsNEAR]

Assuming you didn't find it, this the main thread on AVS you'll want to monitor: The Link

Neither of your satellite options carry local HD on their sat feed. Both will use an antenna to pick up the local HD stations (the networks and PBS). I'm not sure if DirecTV will set up the antenna, but VOOM includes this as part of their install.

VOOM will have a lot more HD channels, but what it does have over a DSS system is mostly fluff. DirecTV will have a few more sports channels. You'd have to compare programming packages to see which you prefer.

Quality should be the same for both. You'll get arguments for either side, but if you get a competent install tech, you should be ok.

Voom has the fewest hardware options. (No digital/HD recorder option right now, for example.) That would be a problem for me, but it may not be for you.

Look at the (slightly biased) package comparison here, if you haven't seen it already: The Link DirecTV may or may not match what's advertised by Voom. (I think they're more worried about cable competition, to be honest.) Voom has been undercutting DirecTV's prices, especially on installs, because they're still playing catch-up in some areas.

 

[hlaustin]

Just FYI I have heard that COX will be up in the next 30 days for HD service in this area. Don't know what kinda program package they would have but you might keep trying them and see what they say. As for the dish stuff, I have been on Direct TV for over 7 years now and wouldn't go any other way. They offer a better sports package then anybody else and under the NFL ticket you get at least 6 games in HD a week.

 

[suttree]

DirecTV is allegedly going to start carrying the HD content of the networks in major market areas starting in 2005.

 

[Clarence Iba]

Just get a OTA antenna with your satellite setup -- you should be able to get all the austin channels except for fox with no problems. Fox's signal is so weak you have to be under the tower to get it.