Is Directv Better than Cox Cable?
DirecTV or Cox Cable: Which Is Superior?
This issue has been in heightened debate especially when it comes to the pay-TV services, which include DirecTV and Cox Cable. But which one of these is more beneficial to you in the long run? Below are more details in this DirecTV vs Cox Cable comparison to assist you in making the right choice.
Channels & Packages
First, it is necessary to focus on the number of channels that the power supply unit provides. DirecTV provides more than 315 channels in its packages, ranging from the most fundamental ones to the ones with the greatest number of channels, such as the Premier package, which has more than 330 channels. Cox Cable offers its customers a wide range of options when it comes to choosing channel packages, with the total amount of channels varying from 140+ to 300+ depending on the customer’s location.
Here, both providers let you add extra channel packs to your package with options such as movie networks, sports, family, and many others. Oh, well, channel selection is relatively similar, and the fact that DirecTV offers slightly more choice than Cox for most areas in the packages of the highest tiers.
Regarding the price, DirecTV offers basic services starting from $69.99 per month on the DirecTV Select offer while Cox offers the most basic offer named Cox Starter TV starting from $59.99 per month. However, DirecTV’s biggest packages are cheaper as compared to Cox’s similar packages in this region. Also, Cox sometimes employs offers in which they considerably lower the first year of the new service price. Consequently, in the value cost-per-channel terms, Cox Cable is usually in a better position.
DVR & Additional Features
Perhaps the most notable area in which DirecTV excels over most cable companies is its fancy digital video recorder and on-demand services. The features of a DirecTV Genie HD DVR include multiple recording, where you can record up to 5 shows at once and it also comes with 200 hours of HD storage capacity. You can control up to eight TVs in your house using only and only one Genie DVR.
Cox Cable’s Contour DVR also allows for multiple television connections and offers a reasonable amount of room. However, contenders argue that it does not have some of the elaborate characteristics and functionality of the Genie system. For instance, the Genie is used to program the PVR from your smartphone.
DirecTV and Cox offer their clients thousands of titles that are available for on-demand to be watched at one’s convenience. DirecTV also provides a unique section of the DirecTV Cinema with a library of more than ten thousand movies to watch online.
Satellite vs Cable Reliability
Because DirecTV uses satellite signals, it can have an advantage over Cox’s cable platform in terms of its signal quality, which makes it less prone to service interruptions. Satellite TV connections also are not influenced by the electricity blackouts or the physical destruction of the cables still cable sometimes may be affected.
Nevertheless, satellite service is slightly less reliable during large storms or other adverse meteorological conditions such as thunderstorms or heavy snowfall. If snow or ice gets in the way of the dish, then the service provided is interrupted. However, the underground cable that connects the residents of one place to another is less likely to be affected by storms.
High-Definition Quality
DirecTV takes time to boast of its HD features, stating that it offers more full-time, pure HD channels than any other provider. Indeed, the picture quality they deliver is awesome across multiple channels, ranging from 40 to over 100.
However, in the most recent years, Cox has increased enormously and improved their HD offers significantly. They even offer uncompressed feeds in full high definition for most key channels in their packages as well.
The number of HD channels has also increased significantly to the level that the gap between the two companies is not very large. These two services also let you control the display settings of your Television to achieve the best high-definition picture quality according to your Television type.
Availability & Installation
Since Cox offers normal cable television service, it is accessible only where the company operates. That includes several Midwestern states and selected regions in the South and along the Pacific coastline. Therefore, the rule of thumb is that it is based on one’s address.
On the other hand, DirecTV is transmitted through satellite technology with signals being broadcasted from the sky, it is technically present in all the states. Currently, as long as you have a good view of the southern sky, or whatever heavens their satellites are in, you can join.
While installing dish-based satellite TV services does not require the purchase of complicated, expensive equipment or the setting up of a transmitter and the like, there are certain additional equipment requirements and some work that needs to be done. Professional installation ranges from $59.99 or higher for selected brand-new DirecTV users. Cox Cable kits that are used in the self-installation process are cheaper, with the starting price at $29.99. And if you want a professional installation of this equipment and the Cox, it is typically about $ 49.99.
Bundles Savings
Another advantage which people receive ordering TV service along with home internet is companies provide generous discounts for bundles. DirecTV has a current offer in which you can save 10-30 dollars monthly from the total cost when you bundle TV and internet services with Cox. Likewise, when you incorporate home phone service, similar savings come with it as well.
Overall, while comparing bundled pricing, the situation as to which offer is more favorable depends on certain services and added promos in a specific region. Even with all windows and opportunities checked, it may be worthwhile. Still, Cox Cable does have it easier in this regard as they can bundle all the services TV, internet, and phone, and have them all billed together.
Customer Satisfaction
If we compare the national customer satisfaction surveys and ratings from customers directly, the comparison of DirecTV and Cox is quite similar. Every brand has its own.
Generally, DirecTV was receiving good ratings for their technology and the quality of their product – from Genie digital video recorders to high-definition channels. However, certain grievances come in the form of complaints about contracts; high prices after free offers have been given; early cancellation fees, and other issues arising from the experience with Customer Service Representatives.
Cox does well regarding contract terms and conditions, billing rates, and support services provided by the company are somewhat affordable, and the support teams are based in the United States. The major complaints include unpredictable bills, random internet speeds, and regional monopoly-like behavior in small areas that they cover with cable services.
On the whole, both the pay TV behemoths are OK when it comes to nationwide satisfaction indicators. And your exact feeling, I am sure, depends on your location and local operations management teams. However, there is a slight hint that Cox offers a slightly better deal than DirecTV when comparing recent survey data.
The Verdict
In the cable television service provider’s duel that pits DirecTV against Cox Cable, there are persuasive arguments for both sides. DirecTV comes out on top if you desire the greatest number of stations, a nationwide service provider, advanced and best DVR functionality, and extra features. All this comes, however, at a higher price which is apparent in many packages.
Cox Cable responds with more reasonable contract terms, generally superior value when adding internet and phone, and reasonable channel offerings, at least in their top-tier offerings. However, several caveats make its availability far more constrained than that of satellite providers.
Overall, the decision-making is always based on comparisons of package prices, bundle offers, promotions, and channel strategies. And your address comes into account too because, for instance, you may find that one provider is not available at all in your region. However, when you decide in either case, to link up with such major players as DirecTV or Cox Cable you will be in a position to have steady service delivery from prominent pay TV players.
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