Switch from directv to HDTV cable?

[rscapp]

I have a Samsung HDTV ready set and Directv (with the HD ready dish w/ 2 LMB'S). Now I have to pay $500 for a Hughes E86 HD receiver to get HDTV. I live in San Diego and Time Warner Cable is now offering HDTV with the HD box included. I really want HDTV now, should I get rid of Directv and go with Time Warner? Does anyone know if TWC is true 1080i? What are the pros/cons of going back to cable? Thanks!!

[57U]

Originally posted by rscapp Does anyone know if TWC is true 1080i? What are the pros/cons of going back to cable? Thanks!! Cable simply supplies what the networks supply. CBS, NBC, PBS, Movies are 1080i. ABC is 720P and Fox is 480P. Don't know about the other US HD channels, but most likely 1080i. Ask TWC what channels they carry in your area.

If they have upgraded their system to 750 MHz for HD, you shouldn't really have any signal problems, but some people complain about the standard def channels on cable. If cable is set up properly the SD channels should be fine. (some people complain about the SD channels on satellite too).

If cable carries what you want and the signal is good, there really are no "negatives" for going with cable - you may pay a little more, but OTA is not exactly free if you factor in antenna, STB, etc. If you use broadband for internet access, cable companies usually have a pretty good bundle price too.

[bschwing]

YES

I was faced with the same choice a few weeks ago and I decided to take the plunge. I do not regret it.

Now, I am able to watch shows like ER, Law and Order, Boston Public, and the SEC game of the week on CBS in HDTV.

Sure most of my regular channels went to analog and it is not as good as the satellite but the HDTV more than makes up for it.

Satellite is not where it's at for HDTV. Even if you did have an HD ready receiver you would have to use the antenna to get the locals, and I can only imagine how problematic that is. When you call Directv they will offer you $150 to stay toward the purchase of the receiver. That is when you will have to make your decision to stay and buy the Hughes and an Antenna or to switch. Even then your total cost would be somewhere around $400. That's 80 months of HD via the cable box!!!

Your local Time Warner office should give you $20 off per month for a year for switching from satellite.

Brian