Considering switching to DirecTV

[j_fricke]

I am considering switching over to DirecTV from DishTV. Main reason is I am currently setup with 2 rooms. Now that my kids are older I would like a 4 room setup with 1 room being a DVR. My current equipment is a 3900 and a 301 receiver with a Dish 500 antenna. I know I can get a equipment upgrade from Dish consisting of 1 duel tuner DVR connected to 2 TVs at a cost of $100 delivered and installed, and use my 2 older receivers to connect the other 2 TVs. I'm not sure but I think by upgrading to a duel tuner DVR that I would need a new antenna and a new multi-switch to handle the DVR and the two older receivers. Dish customer service did not mention that and I forgot to ask. If I do need a new antenna and multi-switch I'm thinking it's probably not part of the $100 upgrade but an additional cost.
Now, $100 isn't a big deal to me and I have nothing against DishTV what so ever but. . . I'm thinking why not switch over to DirecTV and get all new, up to date equipment (1 DVR and 3 new standard boxes) free. And by ordering from the DirecTV web site I get free delivery and installation. No money out of my pocket at all and no waiting for a rebate And as a extra perk I will receive a free portable DVD player. A $150 value.
After reading on a few different forums I have a few concerns regarding DirecTV though:
1) As a new customer would anyone know which DVR I would receive, R10 or R15?
It sounds like there are problems with the 15.
2) DirecTV Picture quality.
Again, it sounds like there are problems with poor picture quality.
I honestly can't say anything bad about DishTV picture quality. I have a 10 year old Mitsubishi 45 inch and the PQ is crystal clear. (hoping for a new HD in 2 or 3 years, waiting to see how technology goes and prices).
3) Any disadvantage by ordering directly from the DirecTV web site?
Thanks so much for any feedback.
Jim

 

[hdtvtechno]

If you want to be you receive something specific that you order from directv

You can order from This Satelliteguys site sponsor at http://valueelectronics.com/avstc.htm

You get the R15 free after 100 rebate + you get up to 3 basic receivers & directv dish installed for free

 

[miller24]

You can also on on Directv.com and order the deal with the Free DVR or Free HD and 4 rooms installed for free. (and you get a free portable DVD player)

 

[dragon002]

i would go with the R-10 anyday.

directv pq is every bit as good as dishes or better.

dont let the dvd entice you, if that thing is worth 150 dollars i have a bridge i want to sell......cheap!

 

[BrettTRay]

Word of advice, stay with Dish.

 

[wolfman]

Word of advice, stay with Dish.

Why?

 

[dragon002]

Word of advice, stay with Dish.

yes, WHY????:devil:

 

[vurbano]

Because Dish does some of their channels in real HD resolution 1920x1080i. Directv does not. If its SD you want though you will be happy with Directv.

 

[j_fricke]

Ordered the system last night (12-22-05).
I tried ordering a system online but it would not go thru.
I called DTV CS, I was a customer with DirecTV from '97-'01. I'm still in their system as a customer but inactive.
The gal I spoke with transfered me to another gal in accounts. I spoke with her, she looked up my old account history.
She put me on hold for a couple of minutes to speak to her supervisor.

She was able to offer 1 DVR and 3 standards or an HD and 3 standards.
Free handleing and shipping.
Instant rebate, not a mail in.
Free install.
I took the DVR system. (I don't own a HDTV yet)
$5.00 per month discount for Total Choice for 6 months.
$5.99 DVR service fee waived for 6 months.
Free Showtime for 6 months then it will automatically turn off.

Any other Premium movie package for $2 per month per package for 6 months
I didn't take her up on that offer though. Not really interested in the movie channels. Had them before and never really watched them. It seems the movie providers run the same movies over and over for years on end.
Install is set for Jan. 5th.
I feel DTV gave me a good deal.

 

[martin1]

Good luck.
I switch 6 months ago and have no regrets.

 

[hdtvtechno]

Free Showtime for 6 months then it will automatically turn off.


I feel DTV gave me a good deal.

Good luck having directv turnong off automatically showtime in 6 months, cause it wont happen

 

[j_fricke]

Good luck having directv turnong off automatically showtime in 6 months, cause it wont happen

I have a reminder set on the computer to pop up in 5 1/2 months from activation date. I'll make sure they take off Showtime

 

[damaged]

Go and register/login on directtv.com and see if the Showtime Pack box is checked, it's in the section where you can add programming packages, if you can verify that it is checked before the 6 months are up, then it means if they don't deactivate it themselves, you can login and uncheck that box and apply the changes immediatly.

Of course it is possible that you'll login and the box would be unchecked even though the package is active still, because I'm not sure if their site/customer dbase are integrated in that particular manner.

Just login and find out, costs nothing to look as no changes are made till you confirm.

 

[friendlycsr]

Just as a side note, Showtime is the only premium package that DTV offers that is automatically taken off. It isn't something that the CSR has to setup, nor worry about. It is done automatically. If they tell you any other premium is taken off automatically don't believe them, but Showtime will.

 

[BigJohn2]

I am also thinging about switching from E* to D*. Been a E* for almost 9 years and have to pay for a upgrade to a new DVR. Can switch to D* and get there latest DVR for free. Only have 2 tv so don't need a fancy set up.

E* wants $99 upgrade to new DVR + $5.00 month lease then 4.98 DVR fee, plus to get local I have to get a Superdish another $59.95 out of pocket.

Going to call E* again tomorrow and see what they have to say about me switching over to D*.

Thanks,

BigJohn2

 

[Stargazer]

They will transfer you to the "win back" department and probably give you an offer. I have a friend that switched to DirecTv and they offered a free DVR to come back. Told them the dish was already taken out so they seemed uninterested at that point in retaining the customer.

 

[HCI]

Just as a side note, Showtime is the only premium package that DTV offers that is automatically taken off. It isn't something that the CSR has to setup, nor worry about. It is done automatically. If they tell you any other premium is taken off automatically don't believe them, but Showtime will.

Ive never heard this. Were do you get your information.

 

[Stargazer]

I also question that about the Showtime automatically being taken off. Why Showtime and not the others?

 

[Texanmutt]

You could have canceled your old dish account, then have your wife setup a new account by adding "apt B" to your address. That way you could have gotten all new equipment which include a DVR box for 2 tv's (625) and a regular box for the other 2 tv's (322). That why you would pay for only 2 boxes but have 4 tv's covered.

 

[cablewithaview]

I have had issues with my HD reciever since I had it. DirecTV will replace it providing, I 1 buy it and 2 sign a two year contract. I'm only half way through my original one year. why the hell sign to extend? If it's your equipment and it has flaws then it's your problem. They should sign a contract with me for a 100% refund if I'm not happy with it. I even thought of a TiVo system but since DirecTV has switched with there "DVR", with very piss poor reviews, I very seriously question any future ventures DirecTV will be doing. this is an email of my problem:
Dear Mr. Brewer,

Thanks for letting us know about the technical issues you've experienced. You are a valuable DIRECTV customer and we want you to be happy with our service. A specialist will call you in the next few days to discuss what we can do to meet your needs.

Thanks for your patience, and for giving us the chance to respond to your concerns.

Sincerely,


DIRECTV Customer Service

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Name: WJB II
Status: Subscriber
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Email Address: xxxxxxxx@yahoo.com
[Topic Selected: Other]
Subject: equipment

Details: with my experiences with y'alls HD receivers and the not so good reviews of your so called DVR's (doorstop would be the better name for it) I don't think I will be staying much longer. TiVO was a great thing and I was interested at one time but you changed. The receivers have issues that have not been corrected, seems like when there is an attempt to correct one there is always another. I feel Motorola or Scientific Atlanta would have done the better job on the receivers. Quit using cheap BS ways of selling a product and do it right or not all. c band dish is looking very damn good right now.