Cable versus DIRECTV TV
Last month we pitted Time Warner Cable® against DISH, as well as DirecTV vs DISH. This time let’s see what happens when we compare TWC to satellite TV provider DirecTV. Since DirecTV only offers television service, we’ll just look at how it compares to Time Warner Cable‘s TV service, and not TWC’s multi-service bundles that include phone, internet, and TV. (Although, if you’re interested, read this comparison between Time Warner Cable and Comcast’s XFINITY which includes bundled services.) Also, make sure to check out our DirecTV channel guide.
Time Warner Cable reported approximately 12.5 million TV service providers as of the second quarter of 2014, while DirecTV has about 20 million subscribers. Both Time Warner Cable and DirecTV lost television subscribers in the second quarter of 2014, 191, 000 and 84, 000, respectively. The loss was greater than expected for TWC, and, only the second loss reported in DirecTV’s history. While Q2 is traditionally a slow time for TV service providers, experts attribute some of the decline to cord-cutting and streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu Plus.
2. HD Channels
Time Warner Cable provides about 130 HD channels when pulling listings in the Santa Monica, CA market. DirecTV, which has a consistent nationwide lineup with the exception of local HD networks, lists close to 160 HD channel selections to choose from not including local HD options. Although Time Warner‘s HD channel options may be higher or lower depending on market, they do not appear to offer as many as DirecTV in any of their markets.
Call Time Warner Cable to Speak to a Representative Directly: 855-361-2777
5. Watch TV & Movies Everywhere
In terms of watching programming remotely, Time Warner Cable‘s TWC TV product lets you watch select live TV programs on your tablet, PC, or smartphone anywhere with your Time Warner Cable ID even when away from home. This includes 300 live TV channels on your PC or Mac. The TWC app will also allow you to manage your DVR recordings while away from home.
DirecTV’s DIRECTV Everywhere product lets you watch live TV, recorded, and On Demand content on your smartphone or tablet in home. The DIRECTV app for mobile devices offers remote browsing, viewing and DVR scheduling. At home, with a GenieGO connected to your HD DVR you can also transfer shows to your PC, tablet or smartphone and watch them without an internet connection. The only thing you can’t do yet is stream live TV on your PC, although DirecTV says they are working on providing that service.
9. Top Tier Packages
For those of you who need to max-out your viewing options, Time Warner Cable offers over 200 channels in their Digital TV package. The package also includes HBO®/Showtime®, TWC TV® (for watching live TV on your PC, tablet or smartphone while in home), Look Back® (letting you watch primetime shows up to 72 hours after they air), and Start Over® (letting you start over a program from the beginning). The Preferred TV service at base costs $79.99, including Whole House HD-DVR; add one HD Box service for $11.75 per month it brings you up to $91.74 (before taxes).
Read more about Website Builder.
DirecTV offers quite a bit more in their Premier package. The service gives you over 285 digital channels, HBO, Starz, Showtime, and Cinemax premium channels, view anywhere capabilities (your laptop, tablet, smartphone), over 35 specialty sports channels, and Free Genie HD DVR upgrade (although additional receivers require additional fees). Premiere normally costs $124.99 per month. But, a special sign-up promotion offers the first 12 months at $86.99 per month and the remaining 12 months at $91.99 per month in a 24-month contract.