Chemiker wrote:
> As many of you know, here in the US of A there is a mandatory
> conversion from analog to digital TV transmissions. Well, all
> the TV's in MY house are analog. One of my options is to
> abandon my current provider and subscribe with his
> main competitor. These are, of course, Direct TV and
> Dish Network.
>
> Question: Which of the two offers the best programming
> for foodies?
>
> I watch FoodNetwork (AKA FoodTV) and occasionally
> pick up a odd show here and there, like Emeril Live
> of some local shows, or travel shows. Personally, I
> think Food Network has seen better days.
>
> I am unimpressed by The Ace of Cakes, Robin Miller,
> Sandra Lee and the Neeleys.
>
> In Your opinion, I'd like to know which you prefer and
> why.

I happen to have both DirecTV and Dish Network right now. I had Direct
for 7 years before switching to Dish, but when MLB made an exclusive
deal with DirecTV to carry the out-of-market baseball games, we had a
problem. We tried to switch back to DirecTV, but their "free"
installation was $110. Also their technology falls short of Dish's.

What we wound up doing is installing DirecTV for only one TV in a guest
room. (that install was free) That one has the basic package and MLB
Extra Innings plus the sports package. We turn it on for baseball season
and off the rest of the year so we aren't paying for their terrible
"basic" package.

IMO, as someone who has extensive experience with both companies, Dish
Network has DirecTV beat hands town in technology (one receiver works
and DVRs 2 TVs) Dish's support is far, far better than DirecTV's. Dish's
technical support people speak American. Direct is hit or miss and
it's a big miss when you need technical help and can't understand
English spoken with a thick Indian accent. (JMHO)

Both companies have the same channels to offer when it comes to food.
Check their web sites for the packages.

Dish http://www.dishnetwork.com/

DirecTV http://www.directv.com/

My house now has 4 satellite dishes. One for Dish Network regular TV,
One for Dish Network HD (opted for two small dishes rather than the mega
dish), one for DirecTV and one that is for my ISP that comes over radio
waves as we don't have cable, DSL or modern phone lines. Since I live
about 4 miles from the Mexican border, I'm waiting for Homeland Security
to come knocking on my door to ask about all the dishes.