Good company for cable tv service?

We're currently looking for good reputable cable providers. After living in So California for years and having Comcast (with no problems), we'd like to find a provider that has high definition programming and a DVR.

Considered OTA with an Antenna? Better quality HD, your choice of DVR, and the lowest monthly fees available!


Failing that, I'll let the guys here recommend the lesser of how ever many evils to you

Originally Posted by Unregistered

We're currently looking for good reputable cable providers. After living in So California for years and having Comcast (with no problems), we'd like to find a provider that has high definition programming and a DVR.

Where were you planning to move that gives you a choice? To my knowledge, almost every area is wrapped up like a little fiefdom. Or would you choose a place to live based on the cable company?

I'd move somewhere inbetween two major cities, so you get small town co$t$ and big time OTA. Whatever else you need normally associated with cable you can loot off the internet.

Rick

Per the title of the post: Good company for cable tv service?

The OP has invented a brand new oxymoron much like the classic, "Military Intellegence".

Jim

Originally Posted by Rickideemus

Or would you choose a place to live based on the cable company?

I hope they wouldn't.
For my answer, if you must pay for TV, I would go with Directv or Cox. I know, HGTV and SYFY have good shows and the Weather Channel is awesome. I understand, but part of me wants to part ways with pay TV.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

We're currently looking for good reputable cable providers. After living in So California for years and having Comcast (with no problems), we'd like to find a provider that has high definition programming and a DVR.

It all depends on where you are. Many Americans have three choices, legacy cable (depends on where you are), Dish and DirecTV. Other Americans have one of the telcos (AT&T U-verse, Verizon FiOS, and CenturyLink Prism) as a fourth choice. For single play TV telco and satellite tend to be better than legacy cable. If you want double or tripple play then telco first and legacy cable second.

your american mumbo-jumbo has confused me... whats single play, double play, and triple play? :S

Originally Posted by nbound-au

your american mumbo-jumbo has confused me... whats single play, double play, and triple play? :S

It's one of a number of dirty tricks used by the pay TV/internet/phone providers. You have to "bundle" their services to get their best prices.

Example: I just want internet. Comcast will charge me $70 a month for internet only. If I add TV and VOIP phone service("Triple Play"), it's "only" $50. But then, I have to pay for the TV and phone service that I don't want or need. Comcast Official Site: High-Speed Internet, Cable TV, and Phone Services Deals

I made up the above prices, because of another dirty trick they use - "introductory pricing". For 6-12 months, you get a great price on your "bundle", and then the price goes up to the full price. Also, to get the best prices, you often need to agree to a contract for twice the introductory period. And when you shop for service, NOWHERE does it state in plain view what the non-introductory price will be!

I pay $2 a month for VOIP phone and have an antenna, computer, and Roku connected to my TV.

Ugh bugger that...

Im just happy I've moved somewhere with optical fibre only and no longer have to pay for an unused phone line to use with ADSL.

I pay ~$75/month for 50Mbps fibre, but I was paying $30/month phone line rental and $50/month for ADSL.

Originally Posted by nbound-au

your american mumbo-jumbo has confused me... whats single play, double play, and triple play? :S

To be strickly technical U.S. wireline services (cable TV and telephone companies) may offer up to three services (phone service, TV service and broadband internet service). A double play is two of those services, and a tripple play is three of those services. I personally have single play internet service from my telephone company (CenturyLink) and cell phone service from AT&T. Both companies are customers of the company I work for along with Verizon, Time Warner Cable, and Comcast. But, I get my TV service free over the air (the way it should be ).

What is the reason for the limit of 3 services?

Originally Posted by nbound-au

What is the reason for the limit of 3 services?

Well, I guess I said "up to", so I understand the question, but what other services could they provide? Telegraph?

Ah, so there isnt a limit as such.

I thought it was a bit odd because some companies here bundle over a dozen various services (though not all delivered by telecommunications cable)

Originally Posted by dkreichen1968

Well, I guess I said "up to", so I understand the question, but what other services could they provide? Telegraph?

In Europe some providers are promoting "quadruple play" (land line phone service, TV service, broadband internet service and mobile phone service for one or more mobile phones)

Theres a local provider who does all the above as well as power and natural gas. Others provide odd things like home or car insurance too.

Originally Posted by nbound-au

Theres a local provider who does all the above as well as power and natural gas. Others provide odd things like home or car insurance too.

I could maybe see the link with the media services provider and gas services, since both are probably delivered to customers via underground duct bank. But insurance??

As for the original poster's question, first research which companies are available to you. Then evaluate based on pricing, content, and consumer ratings.