I'm new and stupid and have an Encore question. HELP!

[TeeVeeWatcher]

Hello everyone. This is my first post here, and I have a question to which I can't find the answer. I've been a DirecTV subscriber since 1998, I currently have one of the HD receivers - don't know which. I have one of the Choice packages, again, don't know which since they just repriced and renamed them. ANYWAY...for the past 2, 3 or more years, I have been receiving Encore channel 535 free. I am not subscribing to any premium channels. Can someone please explain why this is? I am obviously not complaining, and I'm not planning to call DirecTV and ask why I'm getting a premium channel for nothing.

Thanks to whoever answers my question!

 

[Mr Tony]

The Ultimate Package includes all the Encore channels with it. Do you get the other Encore channels (536-542?)

 

[TeeVeeWatcher]

I do not. No other premiums at all, no other Encore channels. Only Channel 535, the main Encore channel. that's the weird thing about this.

 

[Mr Tony]

hmmm weird

 

[raoul5788]

to Satelliteguys TeeVeewatcher!

Don't feel bad because you are new and stupid! There are plenty of us that have been here for years and are still stupid!
I'd say don't look a gift horse in the mouth. Don't call! They will take it away from you for sure.

 

[jcrandall]

I think there were some packages that included Encore (just encore) many years ago. If you haven't changed your package in many years they may have combined some old ones into a package that had Encore which would explain why it was added. There are so many legacy packages it is difficult to say. What is the name of your package on your bill? Is there a zero-dollar item on the bill for Encore and how is it phrased. The answer is likely in those details.

 

[Mr Tony]

hmmm I looked in the archive back to 08 and Choice (as it was called) didnt have Encore in the package

JCrandall has the best answer. Check the bill to see what package you are on

 

[Aridon]

Yeah that would be my guess. Really old package.

 

[whitewolf8214]

to Satelliteguys TeeVeewatcher!

 

[TeeVeeWatcher]

Took a thorough look at my bill and account online. I am subscribed to the Choice Package, 150 channels, along with the HD Add on pack for an additional $4.99. According to the account info, there are NO premium packages. As I indicated before, I am receiving one and only one Encore channel, 535, for free, regularly/full time. I have no explanation, and can't find any online. I of course am NOT going to call DirecTV to ask...but all the same, I was curious if this situation is unique. To say the least, it's weird.

Back in the day, around 1999, I had a hacked access card for a while to watch everything free, but those days are long gone. Everything is above board and directly controlled...which makes this free Encore channel question so puzzling. Any ideas?

 

[raoul5788]

Is it highlighted in the guide? I have a few that are even though I don't subscribe to them. The don't come through, though.

 

[acostapimps]

Maybe they added a free promotion for those channels recently and it doesn't show online or the bill yet maybe, Try to reauthorize the receiver via the directv website and see if the rest of the encore channels show up, Probably Starz as well. or vice versa that you cancelled and the channel hasn't been removed yet.

Sent from my iPad 2 using SatelliteGuys

 

[TeeVeeWatcher]

Here's the odd thing: I have the guide set up to show only channels I receive, and it shows 535 AND 541 highlighted, as if I receive them...but only the main Encore channel 535 comes through free; 541 does not. I just get the "not subscribed/721" message when I go to 541.
It has been years and years since I subscribed to any premium channels, and I don't believe Starz/Encore was ever one of the packages. All I ever had was Sunday Ticket. As I stated, the main Encore 535 has been coming to me free for at least 2-3 years now. I have had to reset my receiver on occasion, a few times a year, for one reason or another, and it still comes through free. So, it wasn't an issue of me ever subscribing to it before. I hate a mystery...but not to the point where I'll jeopardize my free Encore.

 

[John84]

..I of course am NOT going to call DirecTV to ask

Hey TeeVeeWatcher, the game's over. Your reception of Encore for years is well documented

 

[acostapimps]

Here's the odd thing: I have the guide set up to show only channels I receive, and it shows 535 AND 541 highlighted, as if I receive them...but only the main Encore channel 535 comes through free; 541 does not. I just get the "not subscribed/721" message when I go to 541.
It has been years and years since I subscribed to any premium channels, and I don't believe Starz/Encore was ever one of the packages. All I ever had was Sunday Ticket. As I stated, the main Encore 535 has been coming to me free for at least 2-3 years now. I have had to reset my receiver on occasion, a few times a year, for one reason or another, and it still comes through free. So, it wasn't an issue of me ever subscribing to it before. I hate a mystery...but not to the point where I'll jeopardize my free Encore.

Have you tried reauthorizing the box on Directv website under "my equipment" when you log in to your account online? Only way I can think of is if there was a free preview at some point and never got switched off.

Sent from my iPad 2 using SatelliteGuys

 

[RLDreams]

I'm with the "don't look a gift horse in the mouth" opinion. going online and reauthorizing your boxes is far more likely to end your free ride than it is to add the rest of the Encore package.

 

[Mr Tony]

I'm with the "don't look a gift horse in the mouth" opinion. going online and reauthorizing your boxes is far more likely to end your free ride than it is to add the rest of the Encore package.

exactly. And Choice doesnt include Encore

 

[TeeVeeWatcher]

Thanks for all of your responses. I'm just going to chalk it up to one of life's satellite TV mysteries and let it go. At least it's a decent movie channel I'm getting for free. Odd that no one else is experiencing this phenomenon.