When considering an HDTV Satellite system, what is your pref

[Sadoun]

Now the market is moving towards HDTV at a faster pace. DN and DirecTV are competing for bandwidth by acquiring and launching new satellites. The cable companies are also scrambling to update their cable networks to provide the necessary bandwidth. Also, the internet streaming videos, etc.

Where do you stand and what has been your experience so far?

[vj9999]

I voted for Local cable (although that is not a HDTV satellite system ) since that is what I have.

I think all of them have their pros and cons. VOOM is impressive with their content, but a bit shakey financially. Dish Network is slower than thers to add programming (althought they have TNT HD). Directv is good and with new satellites and the swithch to mpeg4 are going to start offering locals in HD. Directv HD Tivo is a plus as well.

As or cable, I am happy with my Comcast service. I get INHD 1&2, ESPN,HBO,SHO,Starz, Cinemax, ABC,NBC,CBS,FOX,WB (WGN), Discovery HD Theater and CSN HD (for all the Bulls, Cubs and White Sox games). Plus they have been increasing their HDTV OnDemand offerings although it is too pricey for me to pay $5.99 for an HD movie I can't even record. I also like my DCT 6412 Dual Tuner DVR that lets me record two progams at the same time.

[videobruce]

Who voted for the last choice?

[Shawn95GT]

I voted 4DTV. If you can get away with a BUD it's the best quality you're going to see with satellite HDTV.

I had Voom (VaVaVoom) and loved it. I wish one of the DBS providers would step up to the plate with 40ish HD channels (not counting locals!).

Shawn

[joaomach]

what is up with the FTA market, there seems to be less and less receivers on the market, and are there any HD FTA receivers out there? I am trying to go FTA but would like to receive HD chanels as they come available?

Thanks, Joao

[Shawn95GT]

what is up with the FTA market, there seems to be less and less receivers on the market, and are there any HD FTA receivers out there? I am trying to go FTA but would like to receive HD chanels as they come available?

Thanks, Joao

The problem is that aside from feeds, about all that's out there in HD & is FTA is PBS.

There are a couple recievers out there that will do HD FTA but they start out around $600.

I'm hoping that the 'reasonably priced' FTA recievers will get on board with HD / 4:2:2.

I'd like to see something along the lines of the Pansat 3500s that would be 480i/p / 720p / 1080i capable. If it came in under $250 that would be awesome.

Right now for HD FTA the best bet seems to be a stand alone blind-scan reciever and a PCI card or USB DVB tuner.

Shawn

[videobruce]

There are a couple recievers out there that will do HD FTA but they start out around $600.

Ok, enlighten us exactly what?

[reallyniceguy]

dish already went mpeg 4 , they got the 622 dual tunner dvr both sides are HD! and its 299 of course there are special rebates... wow direct tvs dvr is 599 , 300 i believe after rebate ;/ . Also a rep adviced me free olympics in hd and 25 hd channels, also hd locals launchin in march. o.0 ..

[Admin]

Dish Network has by far the most HDTV channels. I like the ViP622 receiver with its DVR capabilities.

[elgemcdlf]

Ok, enlighten us exactly what?

QualiTV. They go for around $650.00 and are HD 4:2:2 capable set top boxes.