Cable TV Versus Satellite TV? 1218
rufey writes "In the next few weeks I'll be moving and am thinking about getting either cable TV or satellite. I don't need broadband Internet (I use DSL), so getting cable TV bundled with broadband is not an option I'm considering. Comcast is the local cable provider in my area, and are playing TV spots about how satellite TV signals can be lost when it rains, when the wind blows, and even when the dog sneezes (I'm sure the dog sneezing excuse in the commercials are more for humor than fact). What has been Slashdot readers' experience with cable and satellite TV? I'm looking at trying to balance cost versus quality of signal and picture. How much does the weather affect the signal quality of satellite TV reception? Some satellite packages include a DVR (Comcast doesn't offer one yet in my area). Is it worth getting the DVR supplied by the satellite company (DirectTV, DishNetwork), or is buying a separate TiVo a better option? As a geek, I'm also interested in getting NASA TV."
DirecTV *does* have pr0n (Score:5, Funny)
One major problem with that. DirecTV most certainly *does* have PORN. Something like 6 or so channels, plus it's offered on a few of the PPV channels in addition to Spice, Hot Network, Playboy, etc. Good stuff too. Not just the HBO/Skinimax R rated soft-core crap, but real honest PORN.
And yeah, I posted this anonymously for a reason. :)
Signal loss... (Score:2, Funny)
Cable isn't an option where I am - no cables.
Re:Satellite has one big advantage (Score:2, Funny)
> ...but that airplanes, helicopters, birds and people falling off of your roof can and do.
Fortunately, I've never had an airplane or helicopter fall off my roof. Dodged a bullet on that one!
Re:Satellite has one big advantage (Score:5, Funny)
Or has had a large bird, airplane or people crash onto their roof directly on top of the dish.
emergency backup (Score:5, Funny)
If you are so dependent on TV that you need an "emergency backup", you have problems indeed.
Re:how about: Kill Your TV. (Score:3, Funny)
Are man can't shut up about not owning television [theonion.com]
Re:how about... (Score:2, Funny)
Re:Satellite has one big advantage (Score:5, Funny)
Re:DirecTV *does* have pr0n (Score:5, Funny)
And yeah, I posted this anonymously for a reason. :)
Mom, I told you to stop posting to Slashdot!
Re:how about... (Score:3, Funny)
Just thought that might be an interesting reference for those who are annoyed by you and other people like you who belittle the chosen entertainment forms of others.
Re:DirecTV *does* have pr0n (Score:2, Funny)
More info here [avsforum.com]!
Image quality (Score:5, Funny)
Yeah it really sucks. Just yesterday, last seconds of the game, kicker is going for the field goal and BLAM! some guy impaled himself on our antennae. Peeled him off but it was no good, the game was over.
Re:DirecTV *does* have pr0n (Score:3, Funny)
Mr Hat gave you away.
Re:how about: Kill Your TV. (Score:1, Funny)
I can't recall the last time my Slashdot allowed me to read, think, and interact with it.
[Note the "and"]
Re:emergency backup (Score:2, Funny)
A customer that had way too much money I was helping a friend install the home automation system, he had sattelite that would failover to cable when signal was lost and then failed over to the hi-gain antennas on the tv tower he had installed. We talked him out of getting a C band 10 foot dish for further backup.
the guy had 2 tv's in every room, including the bathroom and had to have them on...
How do wierdows like that get the cash to live the whacked lifestyle?
Cable KILLS! (Score:3, Funny)
(I live in southern Minnesota, where tornados like to play.)
Our local cable co. called a month ago, and was trying to sell me on cable. They said, "What about when the weather is bad?"
I said, "When the weather is bad enough for my satellite to go out, the last thing on my mind is catching the end of "Iron Chef". I get my ass in the basement. I hardly want to die watching "Friends" reruns on cable."
She didn't really have a response to that. Guess it wasn't in the script.
Re:how about: Kill Your TV. (Score:3, Funny)
Who let this guy [theonion.com] in here?
Re:Satellite has one big advantage (Score:2, Funny)
So, basically, you're saying that your signal strength dial goes to 11? Cool!
scsg
Re:DirecTV is good (Score:3, Funny)
I'll bet you're one of those guys who flosses three times a day.