Best Russian TV Channel Available in the USA

[CaptB]

I would like to get some Russian TV programming for my wife and I. I know this has been discussed in the past......BUT.......it is always changing. I have looked at packages from both Dish Network and Direct TV. "Dish" seems to have alot of general "European" filler and "US-based" programing in its "Russian" packackage. Direct TV seems to have mostly "Russian-based programming". Both services require that you already have (or order) some basic program package.....with the "foreign channels" ...............as an add-on. I already have Dish Network. I am looking for good...general.....programs. The most popular channel appears to be "C1 RW" (Direct TV)............and "TVC1" (Dish Network).

Questions:

1) Are these two channels (C1 RW & TVC1).............one and the same (labled differently...to confuse comparison shoppers) ?

2) Your thoughts on the most usefull channels ?

3) If you could only choose one channel.....which would you keep ?

Thanks for your help.


Capt B

[Randy]

CaptB,

Sveta always said she didn't want any Russian / Ukrainian channels because she wanted to learn English but we did get the Dish Network (4 Russian + 1 Ukrainian) channels for her mother while she visited last year.  I know that doesn't really answer your question but I can tell you that it kept mama happy

Randy

[jj]

Capt B

I too have been thinking about this . I have dish network and they want $24.99 extra a month for one or two stations, and I would need to get an extra dish for separate satellite supposedly.  My fiance and her daughter will hopefully be here with me in mid-september.  I also would like to hear if anyone is happy with dish network russian stations and if they have a variety.  

In the meantime, I have checked out various internet sites, and found free t.v. stations to be somewhat spotty, but usable when they are broadcasting.  One of them was www.russianinternet.com and the for radio stations was www.radiotower.com.   Again, some of these download better than others.  I play them on a 22" flat monitor hooked up to computer.   I can get one of Marina's favorite radio stations called Europa, so can hook up to wireless speakers for L.R. and Kitchen etc. to make her feel more comfy in our American home.  It blows my mind that she thinks I would do all that for her and is thankful, when actually it is no big deal to get this free online.

I did spend 39 bucks for those 900 + t.v. stations internationally that they advertise, but really not much more than free t.v. results.

I am sure that some of the folks here that are more internet techies than me and could recommend alternatives or software that works better.    jj

[CaptB]

According to my wife.....and her cohorts on various Russian women discussion forums.....these are their opinions:

Dish Network - Appears to be alot of programming generated.....from American-based cable channels....in Russian language. Some "European" channels.......in Russian language. One channel appears to be Russian......TVC1 (which looks like the same channel "C1 RW" on Direct TV). 5 channels.......$29.99

Direct TV - Appears to have all "real" Russian channels......from Russia. 4 channels include:

1) C1 RW (same as TVC1 on Dish Net. ?). Direct TV purports this to be the most popular channel in Russia.

2) Dom Kino - movie channel

3) Musica Pervogo - MTV-style channel

4) Vremya - Retro channel. Popular Russian programming from the 60's, 70's, 80's & 90's.

Price: $29.99


It appears Direct TV's package is more authentic Russian (from Russia) programming. But as you must (for both services) have one of their basic program packages before you can add the Russian package. I already have Dish Net. IF Direct TV's C1 RW is one of the most popular Russian channels in Russia.....and Dish Net's TVC1 channel is one in the same (C1 RW)........then I would like to give TVC1 a try.....allacarte........for $14.99/mo.

Capt B

[TigerPaws]

As a suggestion my wife found an internet TV company out of Canada, so far she has enjoyed the programing, just about unlimited TV shows, movies from what she tells me they have just about everything you could ask for.

http://www.etvnet.ca/

TigerPaws

[CaptB]

I was in the satellite TV business for a dozen years. The current "Dish 500" system with double feed picks up two satellites at one time (Dish Network). The two satellites Dish Net. are currently using are located at 119 degrees (the majority of programming) and 110 degrees (local and alternative programming). Russian programming is available on thee different satellites......located at 61.5, 121 & 148 degrees. I asked a technician.....if I were to dump the local channels off sat. 110......could I keep my normal programming.....located at 119 deg. and use the other feed to pick-up Russian programming at nearby Sat 121. The answer was......"no". The feedhorn angles were manufactured (non-adjustable) with the angles set-up only for the 110/119 deg. spread.....exactly. I have an old Dish 300 dish that I will use......with an old mechanical A/B switch. I'll get updated equipment when I settle on a service....and programming.


Capt B

[Vaughn]

1) C1 RW (same as TVC1 on Dish Net. ?). Direct TV purports this to be the most popular channel in Russia.

We added C1 RW, which is Russia's Channel One, about two months ago. The programming is
exactly as one would view in Russia, except for the commercials - which are geared toward
FSU folks in the Northeast (USA), particularly NY/NJ.

My wife (and presently our visiting work/travel student) loves the channel. I offered to
spring for more selections at the outset, but she declined. One was enough. I've got no
idea if TVC1 is the equivalent, but a simple call to customer service ought to answer that.
Feedhorn angles - is that the punk band in Dubuque?

[Mark]

What works at my house is Direct TV is RussianDirect Russian programing @ $29.99 per month. Channels 2140,2142,2143,2144.
We changed to Dish Network several years ago but they had some programing changes so we are back with Direct TV.
Mostly 2140 and 2142 are watched here.