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 Review by LadyCash 
UPDATED: 120 days ago
member for 6.7 years, 214 visits, last login: 109 days ago
 43938/43952
 Contract price not specified.
 "Great Sales Rep, informative installer, good customer service"
 "Too many things no clear on website or with sales rep... though rep answered every question I asked"
 "It is worth it!"
| Pre Sales information:
Install Co-ordination:
Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
Value for money:
(ratings match consensus)
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I was with cable TV. I let my promotion lapse. I was unable to get into a new promotion. My budget funds shrunk suddenly, so needed to find service for less or opt for no service.
I was with Directv previously for eight years before going to cable tv. I am not "technically new" to Directv. Though much has changed in 3-4 years since I left Directv. I left due to being sold on bundling in a door to door campaign that was apparently going on for the cable company.
I was impressed that the Directv Sales Rep spent 72 minutes answering my questions. We covered packaging, local channels, On Demand through HSI router, promotions, renewing promotions... I had printed out channel line up for each package in order to compare orange to oranges to what was available on cable TV before I called.
I chose the Choice Extra Package DVR +HD, HD Access, HD Extra and Sports Extra for the current promotion price of $55 plus tax/fees. I received additional discounts or discounted prices.
I ordered on a Friday evening on the phone after starting to order online. Direct.com had message box on last page of order to call in for special savings. I cannot comment on the online ordering process as I did call sales.
The installation was scheduled on the very next Monday. The order was Friday evening with installation three days later. I was impressed. I figured it would be a week at the very least.
The Directv installer was very informative despite arriving 15 minutes before the four hour installation window schedule. He was kind enough to call and inform me of his expected arrival time. There had to be some changes made since I had Directv last. The installer worked with me on running new cable for the satellite dish. I did not take the advice of the installer of moving the satellite dish higher (attached on the south facing of the house to our deck). We let a volunteer tree grow that will be an issue in a few years. Mister was not home or available by mobile to see if moving the satellite to a new location higher on the house was acceptable to him. The installer made me aware that if the tree was not topped (or moved) that if we wanted the satellite moved it would cost if a professional installer did it.
The installer made sure before he began that I knew I would not get the local channels at this time. Also, informed me that I would not even get national feeds. This is where I missed the boat. I had not thought to ask about national feeds. We had national network feeds before. He said I must of petition to get them. I do not remember. The installer said our TV was digital therefore could get local channels with antenna.
I will have to check out antennas that do not look like the mammoth of the past.
The only thing that happened that I question is the connection to my HSI. Once the installer was done I asked about it. He asked if I ordered the kit. No. I did not need a kit. I have an open port for HSI for Directv receiver. I asked if he would be connecting it. He said no that I would have to get ethernet cable. I did not question further. Maybe I should of because I discussed this with sales rep. I even gave the distance from HSI cable/gateway to receiver/TV.
The installer went through the control options through the remote once installation was complete. He left all paper work, Directv manual and channel lineup (found out is outdated). He also left his business card.
I was pleased with the installation and professional mannerism of the installer.
I called customer service during installation to get the low down on the national network feeds. I was told I would have to file a petition (same as installer stated). CS rep tried to file it while I was on the phone but could not because the account was still in pending mode. He said to call after installation. I called after installation was complete. It could take as little as two weeks or six months before each network answered my petition. I will receive a call informing of the answer(s) as they are received.
Installation is done and installer left. I channel surf. I soon come to discover that I am missing HD Extra. I call customer service. At first I am informed that is an extra $5 a month. I explain that I went over the order twice with the sales rep and that it was included for free because I was giving an extra discount. I was placed on hold about one minute. He came back to inform me that I have it free for six months. He makes the necessary changes. After resetting receiver, I have the channels for HD extra.
I get the necessary length of Ethernet cable to connect receiver to router. Once I did the connect and test within the set up menu on the screen I had On Demand almost instantly. The on screen message said it could take up to 24 hours.
I experienced the one issue with satellite TV the very night of installation, severe storms. Our service was disrupted only twice for less than 20 seconds both time. That is pretty good considering that we were experiencing high winds (30-50 mph) and heavy rain and lightening. Some areas nearby experienced hail. It was nasty. At this same time... cable HSI goes (as does cable tv in the area).
I used DVR almost immediately. I downed free shows through On Demand. Everything worked great.
I am pleased. I will update this review in 3-6 months.
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