DirectTv or Dish Network ?

CA Traveler wrote:
I upgraded my DTV to SWM and HR44 receiver which can record 5 channels. We move the HR44 from home to the RV. Genie mini receivers can be used with remote TVs to view any of the recorded or live channels so that is a nice option.

DTV also offers a wireless Genie option. My take is that it's not well suited for a RV due to equipment separation requirements. Maybe OK if you have no other WiFi in the rig.

What is SWM ?

My understanding is that you cannot purchase DTV receivers, they are leased and this includes vendors that "sell" you a DTV receiver. But plan on buying and installing what ever dish you choose. You might get some consideration for a portable dish.

I upgraded my DTV to SWM and HR44 receiver which can record 5 channels. We move the HR44 from home to the RV. Genie mini receivers can be used with remote TVs to view any of the recorded or live channels so that is a nice option.

DTV also offers a wireless Genie option. My take is that it's not well suited for a RV due to equipment separation requirements. Maybe OK if you have no other WiFi in the rig.

Yes to 1,2,3. If you sign a contract you can get the Dish or DirecTV hardware at no cost but the antenna equipment required to receive the programming in an RV is on us.
#4, yes, the Hopper can be used but not with any of the dome type antennas. You would need a full sized open face antenna that you mount on a tripod and point at each new location or an automatic roof mounted antenna like the Winegard Trav'ler.
With DirecTV you can use their Genie with a dome but you would not get HD. So, if you must go with an open face antenna, and you don't mind a contract, I would go with the Genie and DirecTV.

Bill.Satellite wrote:
Dish offers part time service and DirecTV does not. Dish HD programming can be received if you are using a dome style antenna (roof or portable) and DirecTV cannot. Dish used to offer free HD with a 2 year contract and DirecTV costs $10/month.
DirecTV's satellites are closer together and if you don't care about HD only requires you locate 1 single satellite while Dish still requires 3. DirecTV has better coverage coast to coast and into Canada. DirecTV has the DNS Networks available and Dish does not.
It's really a coin toss but sometimes your hardware and requirements will make the choice for you.

Bill,

#1 - By your forum ID, it appears that you are well versed on this topic. So, with Dish, service can be turned on & off at anytime & DirectTV can't?

#2 - With a Dome style (tailgater, etc) dish, HD is available with Dish. Correct?

#3 - All Hardware is purchased upfront for either provider, correct?

#4 - Can a Hopper receiver be used for Dish RV services, in place of the normal receivers available, as marketed, for RV use?

If the answer to #4, is Yes, that leads me to another set of questions.

would it be cheaper in the long run to purchase the equipment vs. paying Dish their monthly fee on their equip?

Dish offers part time service and DirecTV does not. Dish HD programming can be received if you are using a dome style antenna (roof or portable) and DirecTV cannot. Dish used to offer free HD with a 2 year contract and DirecTV costs $10/month.
DirecTV's satellites are closer together and if you don't care about HD only requires you locate 1 single satellite while Dish still requires 3. DirecTV has better coverage coast to coast and into Canada. DirecTV has the DNS Networks available and Dish does not.
It's really a coin toss but sometimes your hardware and requirements will make the choice for you.