Forum Discussion

wallaceb's avatar
wallaceb
Explorer
Jan 05, 2017

Advice on Satellite Setup

I would finally like to setup for satellite in my 5th wheel. As have many before me I can’t decide between Dish vs. Direct. I also realize that both offer monthly service options.
Things to know: I do not have ATT phone service but rather Verizon and that is a slight negative vs Direct. Also, I do not have either Dish or Direct at home just typical cable.
Outstanding questions include: 1. Do I drop the home cable and go totally Dish/Direct? (I could get my internet via my century link land line) 2. Should I buy the total package from Dish/Direct vs. buying hardware, converter and satellite dish from say amazon etc. 3. What have I not also considered regarding going satellite other than the obvious “choose an open campsite , avoid tree cover”. Thank you all in advance. Happy Trails
  • goducks10's avatar
    goducks10
    Explorer
    Jan 05, 2017
    I had DTV for many years. I dropped them and went with Dish. I then picked up a Winegard pathway X2. JMO but I think both DTV and Dish have their pros and cons. What i do like about Dish over DTV is how easy it is to start and stop service with the RV sat. A quick call is all that needed. Same with disconnect. They don't try and sell you anything like DTV always did. Even when I've had home sat issues it's a very short wait time to get a tech and when done no sales pitch. In fact one time it took longer than normal for them to fix a programming issue I had. When done they offered me a digital voucher for 4 free PPV movies.
    With Dish you get HD programming as well. I like a nice picture and SD doesn't cut it. DTV offers no HD programming with any of the portables.
    $7.00 a month for an extra reciever for the RV. I leave it in the RV all the time.
    FWIW I have Comcast internet.
    No phone lines.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Jan 05, 2017
    Cost wise its a toss up. Personally I would dump cable and go with satelite all the way. Then, simply grab your home receiver when you want to travel. Since we have Direct and the Genie system at home I just grab the three pieces I need and go. I did spend time wiring my RV to match what I have at home. BTW, the Direct Genie system is SWM only which allows one to record up to 5 programs at once. And using the wireless Genie I can broadcast to other TVs without any additional wiring.
  • GoPackGo's avatar
    GoPackGo
    Explorer
    Jan 06, 2017
    I have Dish because I wanted to get one of the portables and DirectTV does not offer HD programming for them. I have the Winegard Pathway X2. I got a portable so I could move it around trees, etc.

    Got all my stuff on Amazon. Usually you can get an X2 bundle that includes 1 receiver for about $450 w/free shipping. I also got the dedicated tripod to get it up off the ground - More then 2 inches water causes problems.

    Easy to call up Dish (or go online and do the 'chat' thing) whenever I move and tell them my new SERVICE location, then they push the magic button and 15 minutes later I have the local channels. I full time so this happens all the time. Never a problem.

    One drawback to Dish - they do not have the NFL Package that Direct does.

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