New and with a question about English/Spanish packages...

[crs7070]

Hi all,
I'm looking to cut costs in as many ways possible.
I can't eliminate my DirecTV service (been with them since 1999) because I'm in a 24-month commitment.
(In October 2008 I managed to get all premiums free for 6 months, two R22 receivers, and a $10 recurring credit for a year because I had called in intending to cancel...)

My current setup is this:
Four receivers (R22, R22, H20, and a Philips DSX5500 -which I own-)
Choice Xtra + HD/DVR $75.99
Protection Plan $7.99
Three additional receivers ($4.99 each = $14.97)
My total bill (no taxes or anything; I'm not interested in figuring those) adds up to $88.95.

I'm thinking about switching to the Choice package but that would only knock me down to $84.95 before taxes/fees ($55.99 for package + $6 DVR + $10 HD + $7.99 protection plan + $14.97 extra boxes - $10 credit)

I notice that there is a Spanish package (Optimo Mas) that has most of the channels I watch (not very many) for $39.99.

What is the difference between this package and the English packages?

I could get my bill down to ~$70 a month by switching to it.

Is it even possible to switch to that package?

Anyone done this before...?

Thanks!

 

[harshness]

What is the difference between this package and the English packages?

Most of the channels in this package are spanish language.

Do you understand spanish?

What channels can't you live without?

 

[crs7070]

Most of the channels in this package are spanish language.

Do you understand spanish?

What channels can't you live without?

Well, all of the channels I watch seem to be included...are you saying they're in Spanish?
Some of the channels I watch are in this package but not in the 'Family' package.

 

[harshness]

Well, all of the channels I watch seem to be included...are you saying they're in Spanish?

What would you expect to find in a Spanish package?

According to the DIRECTV website, about 1/3rd of the channels are Spanish language. Any channels that are available in Spanish would more than likely be in Spanish in this package.

For the HD channels, they are all in English.

Here's the channel table: DIRECTV <====LINK

 

[crs7070]

I wasn't sure if the channels such as TBS, Lifetime, etc. (cable channels, I guess you could say) were broadcast in English or Spanish.

Even if they default to Spanish, can't I set my receivers to play the English audio?

 

[radiator65]

The broadcast channels (Spike, TBS, TNT, etc.) are all still in English. Main difference is that you have alot of Spanish channels and miss out on channels such as Chiller, ESPN classic, and some others. I have had the Familiar Ultra Pack for about 3 months now and I had Lo Maximo package for 4 months before that. Also your bill and mailings will come in Spanish. My wife and I are bilingual so we are happy with this pack. Just wish I could get ESPN classic. But it was between novelas and my wife being happy of ESPN classic. You see what we chose.

 

[harshness]

Even if they default to Spanish, can't I set my receivers to play the English audio?

Is isn't just a matter of using SAP. These are entirely different channels.

 

[crs7070]

Is isn't just a matter of using SAP. These are entirely different channels.

So wait...
You're telling me that TBS has an English channel and a Spanish channel?
You're telling me Lifetime, CNN, etc., do too?

 

[boba]

What is the channel number? If my memory is right from when I had a spanish package 200 & 300s were in English and 400s were in spanish.

 

[radiator65]

There are only 2 differences in English and Spanish packages: 1. the channels that you get. 2. The bill comes in Spanish (if it is sent snail mail, if you check you account on the internet it will be in English. No there is not an English TBS and a Spanish TBS only the English TBS. (As well as the other channels) Some channels have the alternate audio feed known as SAP (Second Audio Program audio) which can be toggled on and off, but the default language is English and even if the channel has the ability to give the alternate audio, the particular program that you are watching must provide the alt. audio not TBS. Example: If you are watching The King of Queens on TBS on the Familiar Ultra pack it will come in English, but if you go into your menu and put the SAP as the default audio feed, it will come in Spanish (If the King of Queens provides SAP) Most programs do not have SAP therefore if you try to use it there will be a voiceover on the channel saying something to the effect of :"The program you are watching does not provide SAP. Please trun your audio to English." FYI: your don't have to have a Spanish package to use the SAP, it can be turned on in the English Program Packs as well as long as the channel and program both support SAP. Bottom line: If you don't mess with the settings they will automatically be in the English feed. Yes the Spanish channels(Univision, Telemundo, etc) are in the 400 range all of your English channels will remain on the same channel you get them on in the English Packages.

 

[crs7070]

So basically, I wouldn't lose anything by getting the Spanish package...Right?

 

[radiator65]

Only lose out on a few channels but nothing major: Chiller, G4, ESPN Classic, and some others. I would suggest to try it and you can always change your package if you don't like it.

 

[harshness]

So wait...
You're telling me that TBS has an English channel and a Spanish channel?
You're telling me Lifetime, CNN, etc., do too?

Did you bother to read the table that I linked to? If you read the table and pay careful attention to the verbiage on the DIRECTV website you shouldn't have any more of these "Your telling me" questions.

The En Espanol means "In Spanish".

 

[satellite girl 1982]

The main chanels are still in english the only channels dtv offers in spnish are the ones in the 400 range. the major chanels such as tnt will still be in english. if you were planneing on watching the spanish channels though you will need a 3 lnb dish because the spanish channels come from the 119 satellite so make sure you have the correct dish. I work for directv so I know you will still get you english channels if you change you package