Okay, which is the better for RV use, Direct or Dish? We've always just used a batwing and video player of one kind or another. This rig doesn't have a batwing but it does have an in-motion sat antenna. Also, after reviewing the two internet sites, I'm still a little fuzzy on the national network availability and local channel availability. We're just about ready to do some traveling and this is one of the few remaining tasks. Not counting the backup camera but that's another post! Thanks.
Let me append my post. Our rig has a roof mounted TracVision LM. Turns out it is not compatible with Dish. If we go with Dish I'll have to decide whether to replace it or get one of those "carry outs." Wondering what others are using.
jor
I like dish, unless you already have a home account. With dish you can turn service off and on without fees and only pay for days you need.
I have used both companies. I like Dish better. Easier to deal with. You can "pause" dish at anytime. Both companies are good. Dish treat people better with RV's. Direct TV used to be terrible, reason I changed. But I understand they are better these days. Have Dish install at your home and take the receiver with you when you travel. Just call them with your new service address before or after arrival for local channels.
We have also used both. Had DirecTV for 13 years, now have Dish. Dish is MUCH more RV friendly. They also now have an RV-specific pay-as-you-go option DishForMyRV.com: Mobile Satellite Dish Systems, Guides, Antennas, Receivers, (http://www.dishformyrv.com/)
Looks like you can use it either for stand-alone RV service OR add it to an existing home account.
For antenna, there aren't any in-motion HD options so you'd have to go open dish. Winegard Trav'ler is probably the best option for mounted unit, there are a couple portable "auto locating" options, and the Poortravel method is a residential dish mounted on a tripod, a compass, a bubble level, and a satellite signal finder. We use the last combo frequently, especially in Maine where the birds are low in the sky and the trees are high.
Michelle
We liked Dish better too. You can get actual HDTV with Dish. PLus Dish has some kind of special deal for RV's at DishForMyRV.com: Mobile Satellite Dish Systems, Guides, Antennas, Receivers, (http://www.dishformyrv.com/)
I have both but Dish is my choice for the motorhome. I like Directv's channel guide is easier to use but Directv will be cancelled when we move back into the motorhome for the winter. Dish has better DVR's too.
Thanks to all. Went with Dish at home and roof mount on the RV. DVR in the home unit and external hard drive DVR in the rig.
jor
One of the features I like about my Dish setup at home is that my receivers have an off-air antenna input so I can get local channels not provided by Dish for my viewing area. I can tune both satellite and off-air channels using the same remote and it gets a complete channel guide for the off-air channels too.
I haven't set this up on the coach yet but see no reason it shouldn't work just like home. Using this feature will require rerouting of the off-air antenna input cables from the coax switch to the satellite receiver. One other benefit will be that the coax switch can then remain in the satellite position.
There will be a $40 on time fee to activate the vip211 as a dvr, but worth it
For future consideration, I just bought a new Dish 722 DVR for $249 from eBay. It did not come with the capability of using the roof antenna or a standard coax cable to get the signal to the TV. Due to the larger size I will have to install the 722 back in the bathroom closet and run an HDMI cable to the front to get the best picture, but I want to use the existing coax until I get that HDMI cable installed.
The answer was to purchase the add on Off Air Module for and additional $40 but now I will be able to use the coax to the front TV. As I understand it, with that module I will be able to receive and record off air programs on the 722 DVR.
JOR don't forget that you can get local channels wherever you are by being on a Dish RV program and calling Dish when you arrive at your new location. You will need to provide an address and zip code for the new location.
Kent,
Be sure you provide good ventilation for that DVR. We have the 722 at the house and it runs HOT. We've had one fail (replaced "free" with the Dish monthly service plan) most likely because of the heat.
Michelle
I bought this outright so probably no warranty. Thanks for the heads up.
The service plan might be a bit different from the warranty. It's $6/month (I just checked our bill, it's called the "Protection plan"), but it covers all receivers. We bought our 311 from Camping World and did not start the service plan until we added the 722 for the house. Dish has replaced both under the plan. In fact, they shipped the replacement 311 to a campground in Vermont, no issues with it not being our "service address", just required that we send back the old receiver (and they provided the pre-paid shipping label and instructions to use the replacement's box). ^.^d One of the few "service plans" that's actually paid for itself.
You probably get the option for the service plan when you sign up for Dish.
M
I don't recall being offered the plan but I started with the 622 that was owned outright and was in the coach when I bought it and I started out with the RV program and have never had a residential program. Right now the program is suspended while I recuperate but I will ask about the service plan when I resume service. It probably is a good investment considering both heat and vibration.
Well, in addition to the one-time $40 charge for activation, there is the cost of a free-standing hard drive.
And it MUST be USB hard drive WITH AN EXTERNAL POWER SUPPLY ("wall wart"). The reason I mention this is that USB hard drives with external power are getting hard to find since the advent of USB 3. The new USB 3 drives are powered through the USB cable and therefore do not come with wall wart.
I have found the 211 receiver to run much cooler than the house receivers, a bonus since I believe an external fan in the compartment might not not be required.
Directv has an option for RVs called Distance Local which gives you either the New York or the LA local network channels (was both a few years ago). Costs $15/month.
If you change your SERVICE ADRESS to New York while you are gone (probably not option for short trips :D) you get the New York local channels anywhere you are - no charge. We used this all summer.
HTH
When we bought our coach it came with a 14 year old Dish Motosat Starchaser mounted dish connected to a Dish TV receiver. Dish told us the receiver would not be programmable but we should get a Dish model 211k receiver, cost $ 139, from Camping World. After a short talk with the dish people I had it up and running.
I would recommend Dish TV, as of the few times I have had to talk to tech support, they have been very helpful and seem to know what they are talking about, they do not appear to work from a book making you go through "procedures" that do not solve the problem.
I have also found that the receiver does run hot, even when off. I turn the circuit breaker off in the panel under the bed, for the "entertainment" equipt. when I am not planning to use the coach. It is my belief that having power removed from the T.V., VCR, DVD and receiver help to prolong their life expectancies anyway.
It's enough to make you want to stop using TV all together!!!
Which I do went RVing. TV is for home viewing. Travel is to view the world
FWIW - Direct TV does have an "RV" telephone number: 800-769-4635. Works for us.
VuQube 1000 portable will get HD from Dish Network but will only memorize 2 satellites so you have to move to the 3rd satellite using the remote each time.
Don't watch that much tv but nice to have for the news, speedtv, etc.
Two peas in a pod imo... I've been mislead by salesman from both companies. experienced to much fine print and supprises for me to brag on either.
Dub, I agree. I had tried to get Dish Network 5 times before I got connected to the RV people. Each of the five times I caught the sales people in either a lie or that they didn't tell me something of significance so I would either hand up or cancel the order. I also found that Directv was just as bad. Although I had them for over 20 years they were still full of unpleasant surprises when I had to contact them. It seems they both try to nickle and dime you at every turn.
This has never happened when dealing with the Dish Network RV service. Its pretty straight forward. FWIW
Kent let me know how you run or plan to run the HDMI cable from the closet to the front. I have to install my Dish receiver in the closet as well.
You guys have to call the right Dish phone number. 888-309-0370 will get you directly to the RV support folks. They are suppose to be much better trained to deal with us. And if that doesn't work, go over to DBSTalk.Com - Your one stop place for Satellite News, Talk & Information! (http://www.dbstalk.com/index.php) and register. Then you want to find "MattG@DISH Network" (DBSTalk.Com (http://www.dbstalk.com/member.php?u=95989)), and he will help you out.
Jerry and Coleen,
I removed the TV up front and installed an entertainment center with my DVD player, sat receiver, Mac Mini, etc. I ran both VGA and HDMI cables back to the wall where the big flat screen is mounted. Cables run forward a couple of feet in the front, down into the belly and back with all the wires, etc. I dropped the galvanized channel down in the big compartment and fed it along. Best to have two people to do it. You really have to wrap yourself around the suspension in the front to route it. Best to have lots of light also. Had to feed one at a time as it is a really tight fit in several areas and two won't fit if fastened together. If you don't need a VGA, a couple of HDMI cables will feed easier as the connectors are smaller. Ebay has inexpensive long cables that work fine. I used 25 footers. My HDMI had a particularly nice wrap on the outside that slid easily when rubbing against obstacles. Romex is good to use to tape to one end and use it to feed in some spots as it is fairly stiff but can be bent easily.
Jerry, I am going to use the coax cable already in place. If that doesn't work then I will have to run the HDMI. Frankly at this point I don't know what I will do but our TV is mounted on the floor rather than overhead as I think the TV is in your U240.
Thank you, Pat C, for that perfect Dish RV support telephone number for our fulltimer RV contract.
One call, answered on first ring, alert competent person on the other end. Ten minutes later - and I now have local service switched to our current Arizona location - with an invitation that I keep in touch as we move around the country. No fees. No problem.