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BUCKEYE:
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DIRECT SATELLITE:
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| No hidden costs or long service commitments. The only pre-payment is for the first month of service and possibly your initial installation charge. Installation is fast and easy and we have local service with free service calls. In only some cases is a contract for service required. Local channels are included in Standard Service and there are NO additional monthly fees for additional outlets. |
Pre-payments, upfront and hidden costs. In many cases, new customers are required to pay a deposit or a 1-year service pre-payment with a major credit card. Even with free equipment offers, there's a $14.95 handling/delivery fee. There is a prorated charge for early termination of service. Additional outlet programming is $4.99/mo. per set. |
Consistently clear signal. Clear reception virtually unaffected by weather conditions.
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Rain and snow fade. DBS picture quality and reception are often affected by the weather. Thunderstorms can virtually eliminate the availability of a signal. Signal searching is a common screen message and problem in snow and rain storms. Dishes can also move from it's SW placement.
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High-Speed Internet Service. Buckeye Express is always-on Internet service with download speeds of up to 10 Mbps. Pop-up blocker, SPAM controls, email virus protector are included at no additional cost. Free 24-hour tech support by phone. Customer can choose speed and price to fit their needs.
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Limited Internet service. Users must have a clear line of sight to the southern sky for their satellite dish. DirecTV has partnered with Verizon, Bell South, Qwest and Earthlink for High-Speed Internet. No local service.
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| All the Toledo stations, including WT05 (CW) and BCSN exclusively, are on Standard Service in the NW Ohio viewing area. Many Detroit stations and even a Canadian station are available with Buckeye CableSystem. |
No WT05 (CW) or BCSN with the dish. |
Regional Sports Networks on Standard Service. FOX Sports Detroit and SportsTime Ohio are both on our Standard Service. Customers can catch Tigers, Indians, Reds, Pistons, Red Wings and more, as part of our Standard Service package. FOX Sports Soccer is also a part-time station with FOX Sports Detroit.
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Regional sports networks only at certain levels of service. FOX Sports regional networks are available on DirecTV at the Total Choice Level ($44.99/mo.) or at the Total Choice Plus Level ($99.99/mo). Dish Network customers can choose one regional sports network at the Top 60 Plus ($29.99/mo.)
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Additional outlets at no additional monthly charge. All of your TVs get the same great programming at no extra monthly cost for additional outlets. You do not need a box for each TV to watch different shows at the same time!
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Expensive additional outlets. TVs have to show the same programming or you must buy or install extra equipment. Dish companies charge an additional monthly fee of $4.99 to receive programming on each additional set.
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Free customer service. If you have a problem, we will come to your house free of charge. Plus, we have two local locations where you can do business with us in person. Our professional service techs clear up most service calls within 24 hours.
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No free in-home service. If you need service, you can buy an expensive warranty agreement or pay up to $50 each time you need a home visit, if you have a box failure you won't get any programming at all until you ship your box at your expense and wait to receive another box. Initial install time varies from 3-10 days.
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Easy access to local customer care. If you call us, you will talk to a person located in Toledo without punching any complicated codes. We are happy to help whenever it is convenient for you.
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Difficult access to customer care. When you call DBS, you probably will have to punch in many numbers in order to reach a live person or you possibly will be told to call back another time - they are often too busy to talk to you.
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No strings attached. We guarantee our service. If you are ever dissatisfied with Buckeye CableSystem, we'll work hard to make you happy and cheerfully give you a fair credit.
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Complicated details. If you change your mind you may be stuck with a contract that extends for months.
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Buckeye Video On Demand. Buckeye VOD provides our customers with the convenience of a video store in their own living room. Digital customers can order movies, events and children's programs on their schedule with no late fees or trips to the video store.
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DBS does not have Video On Demand service. |
Community commitment. We work here, pay taxes here, donate to and support hundreds of community organizations and events. We offer free cable to schools in our service area.
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Dish companies have not shown a local commitment. |
Local HD broadcasts. Currently we have ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, The CW and FOX 36. There are also local weather and audio simulcasts of traffic conditions from WTVG ABC Channel 13 and WTOL CBS Channel 11. Customers can rent the HD box from Buckeye as part of the $12.95 monthly fee.
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Some limited HD packages. DirecTV has no local HD broadcast without the purchase of an additional off-air antenna or multi-satellite dish. HD equipment must be purchased up-front. |
Early Alert System. Customers will find Early Alert System messages scroll across the screen on their cable networks to alert them to weather related or other local emergency situations.
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No Early Alert System. |
