Which service provider should I use??

We often get asked the question, "which service provider should I use?" By service providers, I mean: Comcast, DirecTV, AT&T, etc.

Let me get right to the point of this blog; I typically don't "recommend" any of them. However, since you're on this website; we'll assume you're going to use someone for your television viewing needs. Unfortunately, all providers can be difficult to work with; whether you're talking about the installer entering your home or the operator on the phone. It can be a chore to get a knowledgeable person to help, and once they get your system working properly; then I suggest you check to make sure they didn't screw up your bill. Don't get me wrong; not every experience is bad working with providers. There are knowledgeable people there and there are nice people there too. It's just that it seems to be a hassle more often than not and most of you already know this.

That's where Simplicity comes in. Whether you're adding boxes to a new room or new house, we suggest scheduling your providers to show up when we do. Providers love when they see us there because they know that we do the leg work for them. You'll love us being there, because we are there to make sure that their job is done properly and that you don't have to have them back in your home the next day.

So, when people ask me...I suggest using Comcast. Once everything is finally working and assuming they have your bill right, I feel they're the best. Their boxes respond well to programming, are easy to install and are very user friendly. A close second would be DirecTV. DirecTV has IP control on their boxes which is very responsive and they have better channel packages. However, I personally prefer Comcast because there is much less hassle in getting cable up and running than trying to get satellite working and satellite has connection issues in weather, no matter what anyone says.  (One note on the new Comcast X1 boxes: channel changing takes about 2-3 times longer, which can be annoying, but most noteworthy are the video connections: Most (if not all) of the new boxes are HDMI only and if you are using a distributed video system that uses component video connections, or if you have an older television, you will not be able to make the switch. However, there are legacy boxes still available with component video connections, but they need to be requested specifically. Some clients have switched over to X1 and wanted to switch back and weren't able to, so proceed with caution and don't switch unless it makes sense for you. You can always call me and ask whether the X1 platform is right for your system; it costs you nothing.)

Overall, Comcast is the most well rounded provider, their internet is outstanding and phone is usually pretty good as well. DirecTV, I would say, has the best programming packages, particularly for sports. Dish Network contains the most foreign content, and AT&T is the most economic. AT&T I must say, is my least favorite of all. AT&T proves the old adage, "you get what you pay for." We have actually considered a surcharge on AT&T systems based on the fact that their boxes are difficult to control (with any system), and you are absolutely stuck using their modems. More to come on service provider modems, but suffice it to say; you're better off not using a provider modem and purchasing your own. Also AT&T limits your HD streams to a maximum of 4. What this means to you is, you may have purchased more than 4 HD AT&T boxes but are only allowed to viewing HD channels on 4 boxes at a time. Providers such as WOW and Frontier for outer lying areas can be a challenge as well. I have seen WOW boxes work like Comcast in the past and recently have seen them come out with cheaper boxes prone to issues. Frontier is worth a cautionary look because it's a slower DSL line (not broadband like a cable connection) like AT&T. Personally, I haven't had much experience with them at all; but in some areas further out; these may be your only choice.  

If you have any questions regarding service providers (or anything else for that matter), we are here to help and to take some of the stress of dealing with them off of your shoulders. We deal with them every day and are actually quite comfortable in doing so. Thanks for reading and let us know if we can help you out in any way,

Steve Clapp

Simplicity Audio Video