Provider Face-Off: Time Warner Cable vs DIRECTV and DISH
(3.9/5)Standard TV (70+ chnls, promo pricing).
24-month contract required.
A good general-interest plan, especially if cable is your only option (most cities only support 1-2 cable providers).
Flex Pack (50+ chnls, regular pricing).
24-month contract required.
The rock-bottom price in the TV industry. This is the go-to plan for cable refugees who want to minimize their entertainment budget.
SELECT Plan (145 chnls, promo pricing).
24-month contract required.
Their second most popular plan with a solid mix of channel categories, it conveniently includes ALL HD and DVR fees.
Preferred TV ($49.99/mo)
Across ALL cable programming, this is one of the more popular plans going.
America's Eveything Pak ($114.99/mo)
All channels are digital, with the majority available in HD.
Premier Plan ($125/mo)
All channels are digital quality, with most in full-time HD.
The system requires at least 2 receivers, with at least 1 Whole House HD-DVR box subscribed to the Multi-Room service. The Multi-Room Service ties the boxes together to allow you to use all the receivers wirelessly.
Simultaneously record and playback on up to 7 different DVRs. Hard drive space: 2 TB. Learn more.
Simultaneously record and playback on up to 5 different TVs (there's ONLY one box). Hard drive space: 1 TB. Learn more.
With Look Back, you can automatically watch any network Primetime show up to 3 days after it aired. Caller ID on TV lets you check out who's calling while you watch TV.
A solid set of 15 movie channels (EPIX, FXM, etc), watch from home or seamlessly stream on your device while on the go. A $10/mo value, it's free for the first 3 months.
With the NFL SUNDAY TICKET, free w/ Choice plan and up, no one throws in better extras. CINEMAplus gives you access to a ton of free programs and movies.
TV: 200+ channels
Internet: 3 Mbps download (22 Mbps less than Comcast @ about this price)
Phone: unlimited US, Canada & Puerto Rico calling (transfer your current phone # or get a new one)
DISH's infrastructure doesn't support traditional (landline) or VoIP phone service.
DIRECTV partners with AT&T, Verizon, Windstream and others to offer high-speed Internet and home phone service (final specs/price vary per provider).
TV: 200+ channels
Internet: 20 Mbps download (no cap; same as Comcast)
TV: 145+ channels
Internet: 10 Mbps download (no cap)
TV: 140+ channels
Internet: ~6 Mbps download (no cap)
For being the 2nd largest cable provider, TWC does a serviceable job at customer relations. Hold times are typically under 5 min (expect to wait longer on weekends) and call centers are typically US-based.
For the most part, DISH does a good to excellent job with customer issues. At times, you DO have to escalate the problem to get it resolved (at least quickly) but you almost never leave frustrated.
One of the best in the industry. The only thing that continues to bother me is they still outsource outside of business hours (nights and weekends).
BUYING GUIDE
Channel LineupsFind out which packages include your favorite channels in this interactive, side-by-side table.
Verizon FiOS vs SatelliteIf fiber optic service is an option in your area, learn more about what Verizon FiOS has to offer.
Cable versus SatelliteGet a more general overview of how cable's features and options compare to satellite TV.
More about Time Warner Cable
Founded in 1989 when Time's cable company and Warner Communications merged, TWC has risen the ranks to be the 2nd largest cable provider in the US (behind Comcast). As of 2010, they had over 23 million cable subscribers (standard and digital). As with most cable companies, it's all about territory. They don't service every metropolitan city or, even, large county -- before you order, you'll need to check your zip code for availability.
Sports deals -- since its inception, TWC has tried to make major headway into the sporting world. From winning the naming rights to stadiums (NBA's Charlotte Bobcats and Time Warner Cable Arena) to becoming the exclusive TV home of the Los Angeles Lakers (starting in 2102), they're certainly not slowing to associate their brand with major sporting teams. With deep pockets and an aggressive growth strategy, don't expect Time Warner Cable to lose their place in the market anytime soon.
Triple Pack Bundles
Nowadays, every cable provider heavily pushes their bundles. It's MUCH easier and cost-effective for them to add a service once you have their cable running through your home. If you pick the right time to bundle up (during a big promo), it can be cost-effective, just make sure you read the fine print and you figure out when the standard rates kick in. As with most elective home services, there IS always room for some negotiation at sign-up, so don't be afraid to haggle a bit. As a reference, here are the base rates for their bundles:
- Triple Pack Select - 200+ channels, download speeds of up to 10 Mbps, unlimited nationwide calling: $99.99/mo.
- Triple Pack with Extreme - 200+ channels, download speeds of up to 30 Mbps, unlimited nationwide calling: $119.99/mo.
- El Paquetazo Triple Play - 150+ channels (about a third Spanish-only), download speeds of up to 10 Mbps, unlimited nationwide calling: $89.99/mo.
Have something to share?
If you've dealt with Time Warner Cable or you'd like to suggest an important feature not covered above, please feel free to get in touch.
