DirecTV and HD Channels

[LikeLinus]

The BEST thing we did was change back to DirecTV from Comcast. We had DirecTV about 3 years ago before we moved into our new home. We've had NOTHING but problems with comcast. They are the absolute worst company I've ever done business with. DirecTV never gave us any problems, but we originally decided to change because of cost. Worst move ever.

We switched back to DTV in April of this year, Comcast continued to charge us $150 a month for service until freaking AUGUST. They wanted us to pay over $1000 dollars for a bill that we cancelled months ago!!! I hate comcast with a passion.

DirecTV customer service is light years beyond Comcast. Not to mention their programing and IQ is better by far. I'm SO glad we switched back. Now that they are releasing these new channels it only makes it so much better.

 

[Yreka]

Originally posted by: LikeLinus
The BEST thing we did was change back to DirecTV from Comcast. We had DirecTV about 3 years ago before we moved into our new home. We've had NOTHING but problems with comcast. They are the absolute worst company I've ever done business with. DirecTV never gave us any problems, but we originally decided to change because of cost. Worst move ever.

We switched back to DTV in April of this year, Comcast continued to charge us $150 a month for service until freaking AUGUST. They wanted us to pay over $1000 dollars for a bill that we canceled months ago!!! I hate comcast with a passion.

DirecTV customer service is light years beyond Comcast. Not to mention their programing and IQ is better by far. I'm SO glad we switched back. Now that they are releasing these new channels it only makes it so much better.

We just did the exact same thing.. I have had DTV for about 10 years prior to moving into our new house last may.. We also went with comcast due to a special deal they had, plus I didnt really want to deal with putting the dish up again, and paying for all the extra receivers.

Long story short, there were problems, and WOW Comcast has to be the worst company in the world to deal with.. They have the most apathetic, worthless CSR's.. Really borderline retarded.

Not only that, the PQ was absolutely terrible compared to DTV. It was so bad at first, I thought something had to be wrong. 2 different installers said it looked normal.

We just resigned with Directv last week + couldn't be happier. Well, I guess Sunday Ticket could be cheaper, but other than that :thumbsup:

 

[shoRunner]

do ya'll (people with DTV) have any problems during thunderstorms, I'll be changing locations soon and am debating between DTV and comcast. I just don't want to be prevented from watching tv because of some rain.

 

[Queasy]

Originally posted by: shoRunner
do ya'll (people with DTV) have any problems during thunderstorms, I'll be changing locations soon and am debating between DTV and comcast. I just don't want to be prevented from watching tv because of some rain.

It really depends on where you dish is located and possible obstructions.

At my last house, I had a clear line of sight with no obstructions. The only time I had problems with thunderstorms the storms were so bad that it knocked my power out too. At my new house, my next door neighbor has a lot of trees that don't give me as clear a line of sight. Everything is fine until a strong storm comes along and trees start waving and interfering with my signal. Still, I get a good signal during all but the strongest storms.

 

[Rage187]

Originally posted by: LikeLinus
The BEST thing we did was change back to DirecTV from Comcast. We had DirecTV about 3 years ago before we moved into our new home. We've had NOTHING but problems with comcast. They are the absolute worst company I've ever done business with. DirecTV never gave us any problems, but we originally decided to change because of cost. Worst move ever.

We switched back to DTV in April of this year, Comcast continued to charge us $150 a month for service until freaking AUGUST. They wanted us to pay over $1000 dollars for a bill that we cancelled months ago!!! I hate comcast with a passion.

DirecTV customer service is light years beyond Comcast. Not to mention their programing and IQ is better by far. I'm SO glad we switched back. Now that they are releasing these new channels it only makes it so much better.

I also made the switch after 10+ years with Comcast. Even after months of being cancelled they still send me bills for Cable.

I :heart: DTV, picture quality is so much better on all channels.

 

[SpunkyJones]

Originally posted by: shoRunner
do ya'll (people with DTV) have any problems during thunderstorms, I'll be changing locations soon and am debating between DTV and comcast. I just don't want to be prevented from watching tv because of some rain.

I lose the signal to one of the satellites during heavy rain, but the other 2 are fine. Doesnt bother me, cause during any rain or snow, I use to lose my cable picture when I was with those bastards.

 

[Eos]

Originally posted by: SpunkyJones

Originally posted by: shoRunner
do ya'll (people with DTV) have any problems during thunderstorms, I'll be changing locations soon and am debating between DTV and comcast. I just don't want to be prevented from watching tv because of some rain.

I lose the signal to one of the satellites during heavy rain, but the other 2 are fine. Doesnt bother me, cause during any rain or snow, I use to lose my cable picture when I was with those bastards.

Yay for me. We get less than 10 inches of rain per year!

 

[Yreka]

Originally posted by: shoRunner
do ya'll (people with DTV) have any problems during thunderstorms, I'll be changing locations soon and am debating between DTV and comcast. I just don't want to be prevented from watching tv because of some rain.

Only had an outage related to weather once in 10 years. It lasted about 20min.

Its pretty sunny here most of the time though, YMMV.

 

[Rage187]

new channels this past week:

Wave II Added 10/3 & 10/4:
Bravo (273)
MHD (332)(added 10/4)
SCI FI (244)
USA Network (242)
Cinemax-E (512)
Cinemax-W (514)
HBO-W (504)

Wave III Added 10/10:
CNBC (355)
Food HD* (231-1)
MGM (255)
National Geographic (276)

Wave IV Added on 10/15:
Fox Business Network (359)
HGTV HD (229-1)
FX HD (248)
Speed Network HD (607)
Fuel HD (612)
The Cartoon Network (296)

D* should have 80+ my end of year.

 

[Rage187]

DirecTV On Demand went live today.

You can access it by hitting the menu button and choosing On Demand

 

[Queasy]

Originally posted by: Rage187
DirecTV On Demand went live today.

You can access it by hitting the menu button and choosing On Demand

Here are the current On Demand channels:

1000 DTV
1101 The 101
1202 CNN
1235 Style
1236 E!
1245 TNT
1246 Court TV
1247 TBS
1249 Comedy Central
1250 Fox Reality
1256 Turner Classic Movies
1263 LOGO
1265 A&E
1269 History
1276 National Geographic
1277 Travel
1278 Discovery
1279 Discovery Health
1280 TLC
1282 Animal Planet
1284 Discovery Science
1285 Discovery Times
1287 Military
1294 Discovery Kids
1295 PBS Kids Sprout
1296 Cartoon Network
1297 Boomerang
1298 Noggin
1300 Nickelodeon
1303 The N
1327 CMT
1329 BET
1331 MTV
1333 MTV2
1335 VH1
1337 VH1 Classic
1339 Fuse
1354 G4
1416 MTV Tr3s
1419 CNN in Español
1520 Starz
1526 Encore
1605 Golf
1607 Speed
1608 Versus
1801 Anime
1802 Eurocinema
1829 Concert.TV
1886 Adult Swim on Demand
1994 Octane

 

[Fingolfin269]

Okay, after reading all of this I am ready to make the switch. Still concerned with what I'll do about internet but I'll figure it out.

Roughly how much can I expect to pay for DTV + a couple of receivers with HD service and DVR functionality? You have to buy all of your equipment up front with this sat service, correct? What about the monthly fee? (I understand that some markets, deals, etc. can vary by market) How do locals work with satellite now?

*EDIT* Current Comcast customer tired of constant freezes, skips, screwy audio, etc. in all of my HD broadcasts.

 

[Xavier434]

Originally posted by: Fingolfin269
Okay, after reading all of this I am ready to make the switch. Still concerned with what I'll do about internet but I'll figure it out.

Roughly how much can I expect to pay for DTV + a couple of receivers with HD service and DVR functionality? You have to buy all of your equipment up front with this sat service, correct? What about the monthly fee? (I understand that some markets, deals, etc. can vary by market) How do locals work with satellite now?

*EDIT* Current Comcast customer tired of constant freezes, skips, screwy audio, etc. in all of my HD broadcasts.

I can't give you an estimate on the cost of the package you want since mine is very different, but I also used to be with Comcast and am now with DTV. In regards to your internet concerns, I suggest you do what I did. I looked up the competitor prices for DSL. Bellsouth is in my area and was offering 42.95/mo for 6.0 down. Comcast was offering the same thing at a higher rate unless you also purchased cable through them. However, I had the 8.0 with Comcast and I wanted to keep it. I found out that the 8.0 was $10 more than the Comcast 6.0. So, I told the rep that I wanted them to price match the 6.0 and add $10 and provide me with 8.0 speed. They agreed to do this for 1 year which means I am saving roughly $20/mo when comparing to the original price of 8.0 speed without cable tv service. I figure that I will do the same thing once my year is up or threaten to cancel. I'm sure it will work.

 

[Queasy]

Originally posted by: Fingolfin269
Okay, after reading all of this I am ready to make the switch. Still concerned with what I'll do about internet but I'll figure it out.

Roughly how much can I expect to pay for DTV + a couple of receivers with HD service and DVR functionality? You have to buy all of your equipment up front with this sat service, correct? What about the monthly fee? (I understand that some markets, deals, etc. can vary by market) How do locals work with satellite now?

*EDIT* Current Comcast customer tired of constant freezes, skips, screwy audio, etc. in all of my HD broadcasts.

I'm currently paying about $87 a month for:
Total Choice Plus Monthly (includes locals) ($51.99)
HD Subscription ($9.99)
DVR subscription ($5.99)
4 DVR receivers ($5.00 each)

Standard receivers you don't have to pay up front. HD and DVR receivers, they ask you to pay up front but you can always call and ask for a deal to get them for free if you agree to sign up for a one or two year contract.

 

[OneOfTheseDays]

Damn DirectTV just one-upped the cable co's in a big way. No cable service comes even remotely close to offering what DirectTV is. The good thing is this competition will get the cable co's to move their lazy butts.

 

[Xavier434]

Originally posted by: OneOfTheseDays
Damn DirectTV just one-upped the cable co's in a big way. No cable service comes even remotely close to offering what DirectTV is. The good thing is this competition will get the cable co's to move their lazy butts.

Comcast has been due for a serious butt kicking for a long time. I really hope DTV is the one that gives it to them.

 

[Fingolfin269]

Originally posted by: Queasy

Originally posted by: Fingolfin269
Okay, after reading all of this I am ready to make the switch. Still concerned with what I'll do about internet but I'll figure it out.

Roughly how much can I expect to pay for DTV + a couple of receivers with HD service and DVR functionality? You have to buy all of your equipment up front with this sat service, correct? What about the monthly fee? (I understand that some markets, deals, etc. can vary by market) How do locals work with satellite now?

*EDIT* Current Comcast customer tired of constant freezes, skips, screwy audio, etc. in all of my HD broadcasts.

I'm currently paying about $87 a month for:
Total Choice Plus Monthly (includes locals) ($51.99)
HD Subscription ($9.99)
DVR subscription ($5.99)
4 DVR receivers ($5.00 each)

Standard receivers you don't have to pay up front. HD and DVR receivers, they ask you to pay up front but you can always call and ask for a deal to get them for free if you agree to sign up for a one or two year contract.

Awesome. I'll give them a call today and see what I can come up with. Two DVRs would be preferred but I sure don't want to pay $200 for an extra HD DVR!

 

[CPA]

Originally posted by: Queasy

Originally posted by: Fingolfin269
Okay, after reading all of this I am ready to make the switch. Still concerned with what I'll do about internet but I'll figure it out.

Roughly how much can I expect to pay for DTV + a couple of receivers with HD service and DVR functionality? You have to buy all of your equipment up front with this sat service, correct? What about the monthly fee? (I understand that some markets, deals, etc. can vary by market) How do locals work with satellite now?

*EDIT* Current Comcast customer tired of constant freezes, skips, screwy audio, etc. in all of my HD broadcasts.

I'm currently paying about $87 a month for:
Total Choice Plus Monthly (includes locals) ($51.99)
HD Subscription ($9.99)
DVR subscription ($5.99)
4 DVR receivers ($5.00 each)

Standard receivers you don't have to pay up front. HD and DVR receivers, they ask you to pay up front but you can always call and ask for a deal to get them for free if you agree to sign up for a one or two year contract.

That's what I have, though i have lifetime Tivo (less 5.99) and Playboy (add 17.99).

 

[Queasy]

Originally posted by: Fingolfin269

Originally posted by: Queasy

Originally posted by: Fingolfin269
Okay, after reading all of this I am ready to make the switch. Still concerned with what I'll do about internet but I'll figure it out.

Roughly how much can I expect to pay for DTV + a couple of receivers with HD service and DVR functionality? You have to buy all of your equipment up front with this sat service, correct? What about the monthly fee? (I understand that some markets, deals, etc. can vary by market) How do locals work with satellite now?

*EDIT* Current Comcast customer tired of constant freezes, skips, screwy audio, etc. in all of my HD broadcasts.

I'm currently paying about $87 a month for:
Total Choice Plus Monthly (includes locals) ($51.99)
HD Subscription ($9.99)
DVR subscription ($5.99)
4 DVR receivers ($5.00 each)

Standard receivers you don't have to pay up front. HD and DVR receivers, they ask you to pay up front but you can always call and ask for a deal to get them for free if you agree to sign up for a one or two year contract.

Awesome. I'll give them a call today and see what I can come up with. Two DVRs would be preferred but I sure don't want to pay $200 for an extra HD DVR!

Just be aware that it can be like playing Russian Roulette with DirecTV CSRs. Some will be extremely helpful and willing to give you a deal. Others, not so much.

This is meant for existing customer but I'm sure you can modify it for new customers too - Link

Notes:
You should be able to keep your old receiver and get an HR20 for no more than $199. Many are getting their new HR20's for just the shipping cost of $19.

The deal you will get depends on your your "Hearts" rating that factors in payment history, automatic payments, protection plan, tenure, current hardware, when your commitment renews, sports packages, etc. There is no such thing as an "A List," just 1, 3, or 5 Hearts. If you are 5 Hearts, you have the winning hand.

Upgrading to the HR20:
1. Check out the competition. Print out the offers from Comcast, DISH, etc.
2. Call DIRECTV at 800-531-5000. At the voice prompt say "Cancel" to go directly to Retention.
3. Be polite. Tell them you want to stay with DIRECTV. Repeat their name & write it down. Ask them how many "Hearts" you are.
4. Ask if you can upgrade to the HR20 for the $19 shipping? Tell the competing offers if needed.
5. See if you can get any months of free HD and Showtime. You may have to call more than once.
6. Make sure you get a morning installation for timeliness and to have extra equipment on hand.
7. Before you hang up, confirm that your work order is for:
DIRECTV HD DVR (Expanded HD Prog. Capable)
Standard Professional Install that will include:
- New RG6 cabling and connectors (up to 125' x 4 as needed)
- Zinwell 6x8 Multiswitch (if needed)
DIRECTV 5-LNB Multi-Satellite Dish (if dish upgrade needed)
Your date and price
- Craig

I think the main thing is to try to haggle and get them to think you are considering staying with Comcast or going with DiSH to encourage them to give you a deal.

 

[Xavier434]

That's very useful Queasy. If I get an HDTV this Christmas (crossing fingers) I will try to pull this off.

 

[Rage187]

I have comcast internet and directv.

They just run another cable outside and leave the one alone that goes to your hours/modem.

So glad I left Comcast, they just kept raising prices every 6 months non stop.

 

[Pabster]

D* certainly appears to have the edge now. Especially if you're a Sports nut. Their HD offering has eclipsed Dish Network by a fairly significant amount, and should be nearly double Dish's offering by years' end or early 2008.

The only thing that bothers me is the slow rollout of HD locals, but Dish Network is no better in this department.

I also prefer Dish's HD DVRs (the 622 and 722 are great) but D* seems to be where it's at for the forseeable future. Time to sign back up...

 

[Fingolfin269]

Originally posted by: Pabster
D* certainly appears to have the edge now. Especially if you're a Sports nut. Their HD offering has eclipsed Dish Network by a fairly significant amount, and should be nearly double Dish's offering by years' end or early 2008.

The only thing that bothers me is the slow rollout of HD locals, but Dish Network is no better in this department.

I also prefer Dish's HD DVRs (the 622 and 722 are great) but D* seems to be where it's at for the forseeable future. Time to sign back up...

Ouch, no local HD? That could be a deal breaker. I know I have access to some channels via OTA but I know I will have trouble with some.

Correct me if I misunderstood!

*EDIT*
Nevermind, looks like Nashville has it. I can live without having some of the locals in HD since the only thing that really affects me is Smallville and I can get it OTA I guess.

 

[Pabster]

Originally posted by: Fingolfin269
Ouch, no local HD? That could be a deal breaker. I know I have access to some channels via OTA but I know I will have trouble with some.

Correct me if I misunderstood!

*EDIT*
Nevermind, looks like Nashville has it. I can live without having some of the locals in HD since the only thing that really affects me is Smallville and I can get it OTA I guess.

Heh, I imagine Nashville is OK. I'm out here in Bumshit Iowa. Fortunately, all the locals come in just fine with an OTA antenna.

 

[foghorn67]

This is awesome. If Time Warner gives me a crappy 3-4 week wait for my move next year, I won't hesitate to switch.
Time Warner has been sucking as far as people moving around here.