It was high time I did it. Last month there was an opportunity -- DirectTV offered $20 a month on 2 year contract, and Dish was offering $25. I first got the DirectTV people in for a look, although I had reason to be a lot skeptical. They analyzed the signal, and in the end determined that I don't have a good enough access to the satellite. However they were graceful enough to point out that the direction might be just-gettable for the Dish Satellite
Also, I took the chance to bring up a common issue with satellite television, which was that many apartments abhor the antennas because they "spoil the look". I suggested "why not allow users to beautify the antennas according to what people might like, like paint a flower on it so it is more interesting and presentable". At this, I only got a laugh. Never mind :(
So then after a couple of days I called in Dish TV. But what I didn't realize was that the $25 offer had lapsed in January and this was already Feb. However, I was vigilant enough to find a promotional coupon that entitled me to a $50 credit so that, kind of made up for it. Also, I discovered that Dish offers free re-installation any time I happen to move so that was excellent
The clarity I get from the satellite TV is par excellent. I could see not only the skin tone (although yuck) of the Fox11 presenter, but also the fact that she was wearing a moisturizer. I cant help but stare at the really amazing pic quality with great wonder, and reminisce about the cable picture quality (just moments into my new subscription)
I previously had difficulty cutting the cable service via the phone, so this time I picked up the set-top and remote, drove down to the local cox office and placed the items on the table. There were already 3-4 units on the table, and the guy there treated it just like a routine matter. After making certain that I am cutting it, he printed me a receipt and let me off with zero ado. Great!
So what did I gain by doing all this?
I used to pay some $68 for 100 or more channels, 90% of which was absolute JUNK. Now I get the same junk in digital HD for $30. A saving of $38/mo the first year, and $22/mo for the second.
Down the line, if and when Netflix catches up with news programming, I will think of junking the satellite as well... but there is time for that. Now I am much happier with Netflix + Dish, and dancing in joy having booted the cable fatcat
