HDTV TELEVISIONS

Posts Tagged ‘directv’

The digital video recorder has to be the greatest add-on to my television. Ever since I got hooked up with the DirectTV Russian package and their new digital video recorder, my TV viewing habits have changed.

Here is how I do it.

If you have not watched television with a TiVo or a DVR, you do not know what you are missing. You have total control over everything you decide to watch. If you are watching a program, and all of the sudden you realize that you are hungry, you can just hit the pause button. Go make your food, and then come back when you are ready, even if it takes an hour!

Then when you begin viewing your program again, you will have the added advantage of fast forwarding through any advertisements that come up. Zip through them every time they pop up! Sometimes I don’t see a commercial for days.

Now here is how to get the most out of a DVR. I don’t surf through channels anymore. I simply set up my DVR to record the shows I like. Even with watching football, I set the DVR to record, then I sit down about an hour after the game actually starts. This way, I can fast forward through all the commercials, and watch a football game in about half the time.

Lastly, I can always see new episodes of my favorite series. One example: New episodes are coming out soon of Friday Night Lights on Direct TV. On my DVR, all I need to do is pick the record series option, and each time the show airs, my Direct TV DVR finds it day or night, and saves it for me. I can set it to save all of the episodes, or just the first-run episodes. All of this in high definition too!

Then, when I have time to watch TV, all of my shows are waiting there for me to watch, minus the commercials of course. No need to rearrange my schedule around the networks, not with my new Direct TV digital video recorder.

While other companies like AT&T U-verse and Verizion Fios have also begun to offer DVR service, satellite TV companies like DIRECTV pioneered the product.

If you are looking for a reliable pay television provider, Dish Network and AT&T are certainly ready to take your money. While Dish Network has been around for years, AT&T U-verse is a service still in its infancy. How do these two companies compare when doing a line by line comparison?

With Dish Network, the first requirement is that you have a clear view of the southern sky, as the installer will need to mount a satellite dish on or near your home for reception. This eliminates the possibility of even getting satellite television for some subscribers. AT&T U-verse also has service limitations. The telephone company network is being upgraded one area at a time so that this service can reach the homes and apartments of those served by AT&T.

Now if you actually have the option of choosing from either one of these services, here are a few things to keep in mind.

• Dish Network service usually requires a 24 month service commitment, while U-verse is not currently a service that requires a contract. If you are moving soon, you may want to stay away from satellite television.
• While Dish Network only offers video service, U-verse offers voice and internet service as well. If you are shopping for a total communications packages, then going with the phone company may be the better choice.
• When comparing pricing and programming, Dish Network is a little less than U-verse service. For those on a tight budget these days, going with satellite TV may save you $130 or more per year compared to U-verse.

Both companies offer free installation, and you can also find great discounts if you are new to either company. Making a few phone calls to get exact quotes and doing a bit of internet research will insure you make the right choice for you and your family.