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 Review by maartena 
member for 11 years, 4020 visits, last login: 4 days ago
lodged 2.5 years ago
 Orange,Orange,CA
 Contract price not specified.  "Much better HD quality then cable, more HD channels, better selection." "No analog channels for my TV card." "Wish I had switched from cable sooner."
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Got DirecTV since early october 2010.
First thing I noticed once the installer finished setting it all up was how much clearer the channels were, the SD channels, but especially the HD channels. HD quality is much, much better then what I used to have with TWC. On top of that, I get many more HD channels.
I also like that the channel number stays the same.... Channel 2 is CBS, and if you have an HD receiver it is in HD, and if you don't you see it in SD. Not channel way-up-there like 402 if you want to see the HD version.
Further the in-house DVR works nice (although sometimes you have to try it twice before a show plays) and I love it that you can program your DVR online and even through a cell phone app.
Downside: still no BBC America HD as of writing this review, and I only have 8 HBO channels where on cable I had 11.
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Review by (hidden by request)
(review was emailed from domain bellagioresort.com)
lodged 2.6 years ago
- New York,New York,NY
- Contract price not specified.
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My husband and I have been going through difficult times. We had a bill
coming up for Direct TV that I knew would put us over-drawn in our bank
account. I called them a week before the bill was due and told them I
could pay it the week after. I was then informed that they could not put
a stop payment on an automatic withdrawal. This I found confusing seeing
as how every other automatic bill pay I had could be stopped. I then
called my bank and put a stop payment on the payment. IT CAME OUT
ANYWAYS! I called the bank again and was informed that they removed the
money from my Debit card so there would be no way to stop it....Is this
not illegal? I thought companies could not remove money from a debt card
without the customers ok.....I did NOT give the ok! When I called DTV
back and confronted them about this I was told there was no way to get
the money back even though they made us over-drawn! But I was offered a
credit to my account. I am sorry but I can not feed my family with a
television credit! I am discussed and shocked with this company's lack
of understanding during these tough times. Honestly, this company is the
ONLY company who has been unwilling to work with us during our difficult
time. They have made it very clear that they don't care about their
customers and will take money from their empty pockets. Shame on Direct
TV!!!!!! SHAME!!!!!!!!
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 |  PhoenixDown-- Wants FIOSPremium
join:2003-06-08
Fresh Meadows, NY
kudos:1 | Its automatic for a reason you would have to stop automatic payment all together I think
--
~ Insert a Funny Sig Here ~ | |
|  justinAustralian
join:1999-05-28
New York, NY
kudos:7 | Difficult times " emailed from domain bellagioresort.com"
So, not financially difficult times! | |
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Review by dustman81
member for 10.9 years, 2163 visits, last login: a few hours ago
lodged 2.6 years ago
- Tallmadge,Summit,OH
- Contract price not specified.
- "Great price, Whole House DVR"
- "TV Apps not working"
- "Good alternative for cable"
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9/18/10 - After TWC decided to raise my rate from $93/mth to $132/mth, I switched to DirecTV. I signed up under the 5 month free Premier package with the purchase of NFL Sunday Ticket. I also get the free HD for life and the AAA discount of $10 off a month for 20 months, making my total for the first 5 months $74.62.
9/22/10 - The tech arrived in the scheduled 4PM to 8PM window (he came at about 7PM). I showed him the south side of the house and he said there was good line of sight. There was a old Dish Network 500 dish on the roof left by the former owners. However, since the Slimline3 dish requires a 2" pole and the Dish 500 dish was a 1 3/4" pole, he couldn't use it. He installed a new mount on the roof and removed the old Dish 500 dish. A SWiM was used.
He brought a HR24 DVR, H24 receiver and the broadband DECA I had requested. The HR24, H24 and DECA work flawlessly. I'm getting high 90s on my transponders, the picture quality is excellent and I've only had one instance of rain fade which was during a heavy rain. I'm able to use all of my On-Demands and watch my recordings on my second receiver. I am even able to watch my recordings on my computer with Direct2PC. My TV Apps aren't working, giving me an error code 11, but that is an annoyance.
All and all, more channels for less money than TWC.
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 Review by cypherstream
member for 8.4 years, 3727 visits, last login: a few hours ago
updated 2.6 years ago
- Reading,Berks,PA
- Contract price not specified.
- "Software, Multiroom, HD Picture Quality"
- "Rain fade, HD channel count, VOD, SD Picture Quality"
- "A little more advanced than Cable, but still not king (no one is)."
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So I had Comcast for years, but recently I moved out of their service area. I finally bought a house after 6 years of renting, so I figured I'll try something new this time. Originally I was going for Dish Network and their 922 DVR, but I couldn't get line of sight. Luckily DirecTV points South West from my area in eastern Pennsylvania. Dish Network points straight south. If you have trees on your property, it doesn't hurt to try either provider to see what type of look angle/line of sight you have.
So I have the new SWM (Single Wire Multiswitch) setup with an HR-24-200 (500 GB HD-DVR) and a H24 (HD box). At the time of this install, it's supposed to be the latest receivers available. I also have an ICK (Internet Connect Kit) which is basically Ethernet on one side and coax on the other. It bridges the internet from the Ethernet network onto the Coax network. The Multi-room DVR functions work pretty well. The whole system talks to each other over the Coax using DECA (DirecTV's version of Cable's MoCA). You can schedule recordings from any box, which is one step ahead of TVWorks/GuideWorks A28 Multiroom software on cable. The only thing you can't do is watch the same show on multiple receivers at a time. If you’re watching "LA INK" for example in the living room, you cannot watch that same episode in the bedroom (it's greyed out). I think they lock the file being played back to satisfy the content providers - I don't see why there would be a technical limitation.
The guide software is far Superior to Cable. It's not perfect, as in not full HD, but it doesn't look as bad stretched because they squish the text in horizontally when the TV is configured for 16:9. Then when the graphics are stretched, the aspect is not way off when the UI fills the screen. Still a true HD UI would be welcome. There's on screen games (a ridiculous amount), there's TV Apps (which I can't get working - error code 11), a "Smart Search" that includes VOD and linear TV results, and poster art and actor/actress search. You can dive into a movie and look up cast members and see what other shows or movies they will appear on in the next two weeks. It's a pretty nice system, I have to say. You can create 2 sets of favorite’s lists and automatically filter the guide to show only your favorites list. I created one that is only channels I get, and I eliminated the swaths of shopping and infomercial channels that you get with Satellite. What's also cool is by default on the Hx24 series, SD duplicate channels are hidden. You can change this of course, but it sure does make tuning HD much easier. If I want Channel 6 in HD, we just type 6. How simple is that? No more nagging the wife "you’re on the wrong channel" arguments! No more learning 2 sets of channel numbers like you do with Cable. This is single handedly the nicest feature of this guide, and I can't believe in 2010 not everyone is doing this. With 500GB hard drive and MPEG4 compression, who cares if your "wasting space" recording HD all the time. It looks better, even if it's 4:3 pillar-box.
DirecTV's SD compression is horrible. Comcast's digital SD looks far superior to DirecTV's Mpeg2 SD. However, with that being said DirecTV's MPEG4 HD channels look a tad better than Comcast's. By better, I would have to say more consistent, slightly more vivid color definition and less micro-blocking during screen transitions and fast action. It's very noticeable during screen movement, because there's less artifacting going on. However, Comcast truly has more HD (In world of more area's only). With DirecTV were missing E! HD, We HD, Style HD, CNN HN HD, Fuse HD, Investigation Discovery HD, TruTV HD, AMC HD, TCM HD, BBC America HD, DIY HD, GMC HD, GSN HD, History. International HD, IFC HD, LMN HD, Sundance HD and a few others. It's not a capacity problem either with the D12 satellite. They are just sitting on this extra capacity and not utilizing it. Not sure if there some heavy contract debates or what, but over at dbstalk there is a 500,000+ viewed thread on HD Anticipation and plenty of people are bringing up these channels (and others) which are missing. What does Beyoncé have to say for herself now? Upgrade? To better software and multiroom sure, but NOT the most HD channels or choices.
That brings me to VOD. Video on Demand UI is awesome. You can search. Each VOD channel has its own custom graphics. It looks professional, it's easy to read, and a whole boatload more information appears on screen than you get with Comcast. However the issue is that all content must be downloaded through your ISP before it can be viewed. This goes for the 4 minute music video to the 3 hour movie. Yes, even those small clips must download first. When you choose a VOD program, the option is "Record". When you select this it will appear in your playlist along with a download progress bar. Once the bar turns green, you can start playing it without running into a buffering or contention issue. It will stay in your playlist until you delete it, or until it expires (the date is listed) just like regular Cable VOD content expires after a while. So while it works, you have to plan ahead so programs download. Because of this downloading, VOD is only available on the DVR. You can use Multiroom to play it on the other receivers once the download is complete, but the VOD menu's only appear on the DVR. I find this frustrating, because if all the receivers are networked, why can't any one just instruct the download to go to the main DVR and then play it from there, like network attached storage? Also there is not nearly as much content as Comcast, but I don't think anyone comes close to Comcast. Like music video's? Well Music Choice and Havoc do not have a deal with DirecTV. That's about 95% of the music videos on cable VOD. You do get Fuse on demand, MTV on demand and Concerts TV, but that's it. Movies on the other hand are the usual selection, but they are pricey. I'd rather just stream Netflix for much cheaper. That's the thing too... Netflix figured out how to STREAM movies to all kinds of devices - from a cellphone to a Wii, to a PS3, to a Netflix integrated TV, etc... Why can't DirecTV VOD STREAM like Netflix? Why does it make you "Download" everything? Hopefully they figure this out, because until then Cable has the clear edge here.
Last but not least - Rain Fade. Now over the years dish design and receivers have gotten better, but it still does happen. My signals on the 101 satellite hover in the 90's, and I even get 100 on a few transponders. But we had a NASTY storm a week ago with some serious lightning. We’re talking trees blowing like crazy, sirens going off like you wouldn't believe. It was intense. What happened to DirecTV? Well it started macro blocking, turning green, etc... and then the dreaded "Searching for Satellite" message came up. National HD goes out first, then Local HD, then finally SD. Now it rained yesterday off and on, and there was no interruption in service. So it could just be that we had a freak storm a week ago that caused it. So what happens to a recording if you lose service? Well you still get most of the recording, but when you play it back, the system warns you that part of the program did not record due to loss of signal. When you get to that part of the program, it just skips over it. Looks just like someone hit the 30 sec skip function. So recordings are thankfully not corrupted.
The remotes are pretty great. They are 2 way remotes, so when programming them you use the DirecTV on screen menu to pick out your components for TV, AV1 and AV2 functions. When you select your component and model, the receiver actually talks back to the remote and programs it for you! No messy codes to type in. How easy is that? I'm telling you, the software on this thing is pretty slick. The HR-24 remote is RF compatible as well. I changed the remote to RF (from IR) and the whole UI response went up 10 fold. I can also use the remote from the dining room, or use it buried under a blanket, or whatever. RF remotes are the way to go, for sure. The regular HD box will accept an RF remote, but it does not come with one. When you go in the menu to change the remote to RF, it asks you to type in a 6 digit number or so. This pairs the remote to the receiver, so yes; you can have multiple RF remotes on different receivers in one household.
Other feature frills include being able to program your DVR from DirecTV's website or iPhone app. Although you cannot manage your series priority. Comcast let you do this, and I miss it dearly.
Overall it's a pretty neat service, but it does have its drawbacks. From the lack of national linear HD, the very poor SD quality (which wouldn't matter if they added more HD), and that VOD can't stream - it must download part (or most) of the program first. It doesn't make it for everyone. Also you need line of sight and you need to be tolerant when the signal goes out during storms.
I have a 30 day risk free trial until my 24 month commitment starts. Will I keep it? Possibly. My ear's to the ground on the National HD channel situation, and if it doesn't sound like that's improving, I might have to go with the local cable provider (Service Electric). If Comcast was in the area, it would be a no brainier. I would stick with Comcast in a heartbeat. They just came out with Multiroom and they have about 101 national HD channels in the area. I know cable is a hit or a miss, however.... but in my area Comcast is number 1. Their on screen guide software may not be pretty, but they have the content to back their name up.
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 Review by newview
member for 11.6 years, 5443 visits, last login: a few hours ago
lodged 2.6 years ago
- Parsonsburg,Wicomico,MD
- Contract price not specified.
- "Excellent DVR Service, great HD, good channel lineups"
- "Leased Receiver"
- "DirecTV is the best company I have ever dealt with, bar none"
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I dropped Comcast cableTV back in 2003 for DirecTV satellite due to a price/value comparison, Every aspect of my switch was handled professionally, and in a timely manner with absolutely no problems, The entire installation was free, with the exception of the shipping of the receiver box, just as promised by the pleasant Customer Service Rep I spoke to on the phone. It was very refreshing to be quoted a price and it actually being the price, unlike what was the norm with Comcast. It was also gratifying to see the installer actually show up at the promised time, again unlike what I was used to with Comcast.
On the occasion of my first service call a couple years later, it was again handled very courteously and professionally, again at no cost to me even though I did not have the Protection Plan that is offered. Subsequent service calls over the next few years have always been handled in the same manner, and I was usually given some extra credit on my bill, or an extra service as an "apology" for the inconvenience of whatever problem I encountered. I definitely got the feeling that DirecTV appreciated my business.
When I upgraded my TV to Hi-Def back in 2008, I once again called DirecTV to upgrade my equipment and service to take advantage of HD. Once again, DirecTV made it painless to upgrade, again at no cost except shipping for the new DVR Receiver. The installation of the new required dish was performed within a week, and went flawlessly. I did have to agree to a year commitment at the time of the upgrade, but my past experiences with DirecTV allowed me to agree with that with no problems in my mind at all.
I am extremely happy with my decision back in 2003 to subscribe to DirecTV and they have a customer for life as long as their service remains as excellent as what I have experienced these past seven years.
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Review by jcricket4
member for 2.7 years, 1 visits, last login: 2.7 years ago
updated 2.7 years ago
- Chico,Butte,CA
- Contract price not specified.
- "Good reception"
- "DirecTV doesn't honor promotions, Can't get 90% of channels (which are subscruiption only)"
- "Better than cable, but try Dish instead"
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I signed up during the Free-HD-for-Life promotion. I signed up for Auto Bill Pay, rebate forms, then made several calls to customer service to find out why they weren't honoring the Free-HD-for-Life.
They made up clauses that weren't in my contract.
I sent them copies of the contract, but they just said "So sue us." The lawyer costs more than the $120/year they are stealing from me.
Since my father was the launch co-ordinator for Hughes satellites (and DirecTV uses Hughes satellites), this type of company dishonesty is disappointing.
Cable providers such as Comcast are even worse, but perhaps Dish is better?
Oh yes, even though there are hundreds of channels, most are subscription only. I spent hours removing the channels that weren't available to me (using the remote control) so they wouldn't appear on my channel guide.
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 Review by premiumdsl4v
member for 6.8 years, 352 visits, last login: 26 days ago
updated 2.8 years ago
- Houston,Harris,TX
- Contract price not specified.
- "Delivered advertised product accordingly."
- "Weather related, when it storms, creates an outage, naturally."
- "Outstanding company, Outstanding product, and service."
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Basic service.
Install went smoothly, no glitches.
Was struck by how quickly the install went. Prompt!
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Review by comp
member for 11.7 years, 4875 visits, last login: a few hours ago
lodged 2.8 years ago
- Concord,Cabarrus,NC
- Contract price not specified.
- "Best Choice for HD and Sports"
- "None Really"
- "Cheaper and Better then TW in Charlotte"
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Had Directv for 3 years and will never switch back to cable.
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Review by ellsbury46
member for 3 years, 2 visits, last login: 3 years ago
lodged 3 years ago
- Toms River,Ocean,NJ
- Contract price not specified.
- "SIGNAL STRENGTH IS GOOD NEVER WENT OUT EVEN IN THE BLIZZARDS THIS WINTER"
- "THEY LIED TWICE BEFORE I SIGNED UP"
- "USE CAUTION BEFORE YOU SIGN UP"
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In December I decided to get rid of my Cable Company once my cable bill came to be over 140$ a month, Saw a Directv ad advertising the premier package for 80/Month so I gave them a look see, First I saw the channel lineup and I noticed NESN which airs the Red Sox games and being a huge fan I said man that would save me from buying MLB Extra Innings every year instant 200$ savings.
Next thing I saw was they offer you a $100 Visa Gift Card also so that was cool so I gave them a call.
First question I asked that once Baseball season came around would I get my Red Sox games Via NESN and not have to worry about buying that 200$ package just to watch one team, The salesman assured me the games would come threw so I said OK great.
Next thing he told me if I would like to link my credit card to my account in order to secure my $100 gift card and I said yeah which I planned to do anyway even without the gift card.
2 Months later no gift card so I gave Directv a call and the lady told me I didn't qualify because I didn't link my checking account WHICH WAS NEVER TOLD TO ME so they screwed me out of that.
Now baseball season started and guess what NESN is on all day and the games are all BLACKED OUT so i called Directv again asked why my games are blacked out on NESN, Guy told me that you can only watch games on MLB Extra Innings which costs 200$ and when I told him what was told to me before I signed up he said they should have never told me that because it wasn't true, Then he offered me a 5 dollar credit for the month being as disgusted as i was i didn't accept, Other then that Directv has been great I just didn't appreciate being lied to just so they got another customer.
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Review by bdon78
member for 4 years, 541 visits, last login: 99 days ago
updated 3.1 years ago
- Atlanta,Fulton,GA
- Contract price not specified.
- "EXCELLENT HD Quality Picture, Customer Service"
- "Lack of additional services, Service loss during storms"
- "Great Service overall"
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Installation with DirecTV was a little rough, think I had a newbie, took him approx 6 hours to install...
Pricing was very competitive.
In general though, customer service was outstanding and the HD picture quality can't be beat. I've switched to Uverse (which I gave a positive review as well) because I like the service, but I did not leave DirecTV because I was unhappy, just because I liked all the options/services included in UVerse.
Great alternative to cable if you are having issues.
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