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View Full Version : Just made the switch from Dish to DirecTV


RVRoadie
10-15-2010, 10:22 PM
I have been with Dish for the past 10 years, but their technology has fallen behind DirecTV and they continue to get themselves in legal problems that end up affecting the programming you can receive.

The new Whole Home technology basically networks together all your HD DVR's through the coax cable so you can watch programming that is recorded on any receiver from any TV. They also have an iPhone app that allows you to set up recording on any receiver, and unlike the Dish app, theirs actually works.

However, the biggest unexpected feature of DirecTV is that the high volume sound of all commercials is somehow suppressed. I had complained to Dish on several occasions about this problem since their own commercials were the worst offenders. No more running for the mute button when Vince comes on with the wonders of Sham Wow, or the dork in PC Matic fixes his mom's computer.

chuckinca
10-16-2010, 12:39 AM
We have had Direct TV for maybe 5 years - works fine. Got it because Comcast kept raising their fees. Was paying $45 for Comcast - now paying $115 for Direct TV (Duh). BUT - we can transfer our service from Cal to Fla without having to have two service providers and cancellation fees.

.

kb8tpw
10-16-2010, 08:48 AM
I am, as I speak, waiting for DISH thechnician to arrive. I had DISH in Ohio with no problems, moved it here, again transparently. Worked fine for a few weeks and then HD went out. Had a technician visit then a receiver exchange, gave up on HD..... In recent weeks have only been able to receive local channels sporadically. Called them and today will be 3rd visit. I looked at cable and don't like what I see so I want them to do good, but I am prepared to make a jump backwards to cable. Plan to check out DIRECT too, but Iam totally disgusted about the whole situation.

schotzyb
11-03-2010, 12:20 PM
Just switched from Dish Network to Direct TV and there is a huge difference in picture quality between the two. Direct TV is much better in my opinion.Had Dish for the 3 years we have been here and it got frustrating losing the signal every time it came up a storm. The same may hold true for Direct TV and only time will tell but the special they are running is just too good to turn down.The package I subscribed to is~$20 cheaper per month than Dish plus you get it for $39.99 a month for the first year. This includes HD and two DVRS. Happy so far;Time will tell.

JenAjd
11-03-2010, 12:38 PM
We've had DirectTV for maybe 12 or better years and my spouse would have nothing different. Our son had Dish and in our comparison chats---we'd still stay with Direct. As for the commercials being loud...I recently heard that they are going to tone things down...can't remember where I heard this. Maybe on the radio news. But if it's an issue...I generally just mute it OR tune it down. Alot easier than the "old days" when one had to get up and make the change on the set. Think we're spoiled now these days! LOL

Chopper
11-03-2010, 01:05 PM
Another vote for DirecTV. We have used their service for over ten years with no major problems. They had to replace an old receiver dish several years ago when they added services to a third satellite.

The transfer of the service to TV was very easy. The new service was installed right on schedule. We have only lost the satellite signal a couple of times during a heavy rainstorm, but it was only for a few minutes.

I use the iphone app every now and then when I want to record a program because we can't get home in time to watch it. The app works great.

getdul981
11-25-2010, 11:41 AM
We're also in the market for a TV provider. We had Comcast up north and had assumed that we would get it down here, but I'm beginning to wonder. I have a question for those in the know. If you get DirectTV or Dish Network, how do you get the local channels? My wife likes the Villages channel and we also like to get the Orlando news and weather. So, what do you do?

Ajack
11-25-2010, 11:52 AM
We just had Direct TV installed and love it. It has the local news affiliated with ABC, NBC, CBS etc.

Direct TV is also broadcast in true 1080 HDTV. My picture on my1080 Sony HDTV is outstanding. Comcast is still broadcast in 720 so if you have a 1080 TV your not getting your monies worth. IMHO

getdul981
11-25-2010, 12:03 PM
Thanks AJ.

2BNTV
11-25-2010, 12:31 PM
Thanks to all who have posted as this makes my decision to get Direct TV a no brainer.

I understand that one can get the NFL and MLB as packages with Direct TV as I am very sports minded.

logdog
11-25-2010, 05:37 PM
If you go with Direct TV (or any satellite provider), how do you get high speed internet without a cell phone bundle?

JenAjd
11-25-2010, 06:17 PM
Re: high speed internet you gotta go thru CenturyLink or pay thru the nose with DirectTv. It's not economically feaseable in The Villages.

Ajack
11-25-2010, 06:54 PM
If you go with Direct TV (or any satellite provider), how do you get high speed internet without a cell phone bundle?

I have Comcast for my internet. About $40 a month for bottom shelf.You can upgrade to faster download service for maybe $20 more a month. We just purchased Magic Jack for our land line phone.

Bosoxfan
11-25-2010, 07:03 PM
We're also in the market for a TV provider. We had Comcast up north and had assumed that we would get it down here, but I'm beginning to wonder. I have a question for those in the know. If you get DirectTV or Dish Network, how do you get the local channels? My wife likes the Villages channel and we also like to get the Orlando news and weather. So, what do you do?
You can get all the locals but you won't get the Villages station.It's only on cable!

Ohiogirl
11-25-2010, 07:12 PM
Well - we had Comcast for over 4 years in The Villages - while we mostly had tenants - just moved down for our first season 3 weeks ago and because Comcast does not have our Ohio sports channels that we feel are necessary to quality living, we switched to Direct TV. Told we could get Big 10, Sports Time Ohio and Fox Sports Ohio by both Dish and Direct TV but Direct TV had a couple of extra things we thought were better.

Got it installed a week ago Monday. You no longer have to have approval from The Villages arch. committee, as long as it's in your backyard, even on your roof. Installation was fine, but couldn't tune in STO or Fox Sports OH when the installer was here - of course, they know nothing, tell you to call customer service, which we did that evening.

Reached someone in Oregon, who passed me off to a supervisor after telling me not sure why we couldn't get it (even though we were promised it by at least 2 sales people when were calling around). Supervisor told me those channels were only available regionally and just too bad someone told me we could get them in Florida - said I was "misinformed."

We were really steamed and upset as figured we could have gone with DISH if this was the case. Called the next day and in 2 minutes we had the channels - although we still seem to be blacked out for CAVs games and Columbus Bluejackets. Maybe it's a blackout rule? Don't know, have to call again tomorrow. Have to gear up for those calls, you know? So - stay tuned, the verdict is still out, but reception is great, and we do have local channels as well.

LittleDog
11-25-2010, 08:01 PM
Well - we had Comcast for over 4 years in The Villages - while we mostly had tenants - just moved down for our first season 3 weeks ago and because Comcast does not have our Ohio sports channels that we feel are necessary to quality living, we switched to Direct TV. Told we could get Big 10, Sports Time Ohio and Fox Sports Ohio by both Dish and Direct TV but Direct TV had a couple of extra things we thought were better.

Got it installed a week ago Monday. You no longer have to have approval from The Villages arch. committee, as long as it's in your backyard, even on your roof. Installation was fine, but couldn't tune in STO or Fox Sports OH when the installer was here - of course, they know nothing, tell you to call customer service, which we did that evening.

Reached someone in Oregon, who passed me off to a supervisor after telling me not sure why we couldn't get it (even though we were promised it by at least 2 sales people when were calling around). Supervisor told me those channels were only available regionally and just too bad someone told me we could get them in Florida - said I was "misinformed."

We were really steamed and upset as figured we could have gone with DISH if this was the case. Called the next day and in 2 minutes we had the channels - although we still seem to be blacked out for CAVs games and Columbus Bluejackets. Maybe it's a blackout rule? Don't know, have to call again tomorrow. Have to gear up for those calls, you know? So - stay tuned, the verdict is still out, but reception is great, and we do have local channels as well.

Cavs and Blue Jackets games will not be avalable on the Fox sports channels because you have to subscribe to either the NBA package or the NHL package. That also includes other NBA and NHL teams.

John

Ohiogirl
11-26-2010, 07:11 AM
Cavs and Blue Jackets games will not be avalable on the Fox sports channels because you have to subscribe to either the NBA package or the NHL package. That also includes other NBA and NHL teams.

John

Do you know if Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds games will be blacked out as well during baseball season? They were not in Ohio on 2 other cable systems we had there (Wide Open West, and AT & T)

LittleDog
11-26-2010, 08:19 AM
Do you know if Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds games will be blacked out as well during baseball season? They were not in Ohio on 2 other cable systems we had there (Wide Open West, and AT & T)

All the pro teams will be blacked out unless you purchase the specific sports package.

John

bluedog103
12-08-2010, 06:31 PM
I ordered Direct TV a couple of days ago. Sales rep assured me the installation fee would be $19.99. I told him I didn't want it on the house or my roof. He said that would be no problem, he'd note that on the installation order.
The tech arrived this morning and told me the included "professional installation" didn't cover a pole mount. Said that would cost me an additional $150, $75 for the pole and another $75 to run the cable about 6 ft. I balked and called customer service. They said that it was a valid charge and there was nothing they could do about it. I told them to cancel the install. The switched me to another rep who offered to give me a $50 credit to ease the pain. I then agreed to have the service installed. I asked them to verify what was included in the package. When I mentioned one item Cinema Plus, which I think is Direct TV's version of On Demand, the tech started waving his hands. He wanted me to know that for Cinema Plus to work there would be yet another charge for him to run wiring for that feature. I think that charge was $50, I'm not sure if that was total or per TV. In any case that was the straw that broke the camels back.
I cancelled the installation, even that took awhile because they kept switching me to different reps who apoligized and tried to talk me into staying with Direct.
I thought Comcast was bad, no I know Comcast was bad but I expected something different from Direct TV. Seems like they're all the same.

chuckinca
12-08-2010, 07:22 PM
Yep - they're all the same; pay thru the nose and get 300 channels of chit.

If it wasn't for live US sports and Fox Soccer channel I'd go back to rabbit ears.

.

Bubbalarry
12-08-2010, 11:03 PM
I have been with Dish for the past 10 years, but their technology has fallen behind DirecTV and they continue to get themselves in legal problems that end up affecting the programming you can receive.

The new Whole Home technology basically networks together all your HD DVR's through the coax cable so you can watch programming that is recorded on any receiver from any TV. They also have an iPhone app that allows you to set up recording on any receiver, and unlike the Dish app, theirs actually works.

However, the biggest unexpected feature of DirecTV is that the high volume sound of all commercials is somehow suppressed. I had complained to Dish on several occasions about this problem since their own commercials were the worst offenders. No more running for the mute button when Vince comes on with the wonders of Sham Wow, or the dork in PC Matic fixes his mom's computer.

In case you were not aware of it, some newer types of HDTV's have a built it sound suppresor for those loud commercials and he settings include for the channels that have low sound. You just set the volume and it stays the same. Samsung is one of the models that have.

I currently own a 57 inch flat screen from Samsung and it has that feature. It works great especially during the NFL Sunday ticket
where the volumes are very different due to croud noise.

Barefoot
12-08-2010, 11:23 PM
I thought Comcast was bad, no I know Comcast was bad but I expected something different from Direct TV. Seems like they're all the same.

All Communications companies seem to be terrible at communicating with customers. Monday I wasted hours and hours ... I was placed on hold three times, told my story three times, and got disconnected three times. So discouraging. :shrug:

aljetmet
12-09-2010, 04:31 PM
I ordered Direct TV a couple of days ago. Sales rep assured me the installation fee would be $19.99. I told him I didn't want it on the house or my roof. He said that would be no problem, he'd note that on the installation order.
The tech arrived this morning and told me the included "professional installation" didn't cover a pole mount. Said that would cost me an additional $150, $75 for the pole and another $75 to run the cable about 6 ft. I balked and called customer service. They said that it was a valid charge and there was nothing they could do about it. I told them to cancel the install. The switched me to another rep who offered to give me a $50 credit to ease the pain. I then agreed to have the service installed. I asked them to verify what was included in the package. When I mentioned one item Cinema Plus, which I think is Direct TV's version of On Demand, the tech started waving his hands. He wanted me to know that for Cinema Plus to work there would be yet another charge for him to run wiring for that feature. I think that charge was $50, I'm not sure if that was total or per TV. In any case that was the straw that broke the camels back.
I cancelled the installation, even that took awhile because they kept switching me to different reps who apoligized and tried to talk me into staying with Direct.
I thought Comcast was bad, no I know Comcast was bad but I expected something different from Direct TV. Seems like they're all the same.

Is that a Sanchez jersey you are wearing? Directv only provider you will get to see the NFL. $300 per season unless you want to watch on your smartphone. Then add another $70. Don't know what Cinema Plus is and I've had Directv for 10 years. I'l have to check it out. Wish I was blacked out a few times last Monday night!

logdog
12-09-2010, 04:53 PM
I ordered Direct TV a couple of days ago. Sales rep assured me the installation fee would be $19.99. I told him I didn't want it on the house or my roof. He said that would be no problem, he'd note that on the installation order.
The tech arrived this morning and told me the included "professional installation" didn't cover a pole mount. Said that would cost me an additional $150, $75 for the pole and another $75 to run the cable about 6 ft. I balked and called customer service. They said that it was a valid charge and there was nothing they could do about it. I told them to cancel the install. The switched me to another rep who offered to give me a $50 credit to ease the pain. I then agreed to have the service installed. I asked them to verify what was included in the package. When I mentioned one item Cinema Plus, which I think is Direct TV's version of On Demand, the tech started waving his hands. He wanted me to know that for Cinema Plus to work there would be yet another charge for him to run wiring for that feature. I think that charge was $50, I'm not sure if that was total or per TV. In any case that was the straw that broke the camels back.
I cancelled the installation, even that took awhile because they kept switching me to different reps who apoligized and tried to talk me into staying with Direct.
I thought Comcast was bad, no I know Comcast was bad but I expected something different from Direct TV. Seems like they're all the same.

I had DirecTV installed last week. I ordered mine on line and paid zero for installation/delivery and got an extra $5 a month off for the first year along with the advertised $30 off for the first year. When they showed up for the install, they told me initially that there might be a $75 charge for the pole mount but then the installer called someone and got that waived. They hooked up two TVs, the 500 hour DVR (100 hour HD) and installed On Demand over my home network. Everything works great. No hidden charges.

If anyone wants to order DirecTV, send me a PM and we can both get another $100 off.

BobKat1
12-09-2010, 05:26 PM
The whole cable/dish thing is like "Let's Make A Deal". Different prices, costs, programs etc. etc.

What one person gets, the next guy doesn't and vice versa.

No wonder their credibility is so low.

billethkid
12-09-2010, 05:54 PM
but I was told my home would have to be re-wired as they cannot use the existing cable....which first of all just does not sound right or ring true....secondly our home is cement block and cannot imagine how they rewire in cement block walls. So until I te verification the re-wiring is a fact....there is no way.
If anyone can clear this issue for me I would appreciate it.

btk

Bosoxfan
12-09-2010, 06:51 PM
but I was told my home would have to be re-wired as they cannot use the existing cable....which first of all just does not sound right or ring true....secondly our home is cement block and cannot imagine how they rewire in cement block walls. So until I te verification the re-wiring is a fact....there is no way.
If anyone can clear this issue for me I would appreciate it.

btk


I don't believe this to be true.Satellite & cable both use coax cable to bring a signal to your tv

Snowbirdtobe
12-09-2010, 07:15 PM
Direct also told us that they wouldn't use the existing equipment in the re-sale we bought but needed to install new equipment. When the installer showed up he just turned on the existing receiver.
A possible reason they insist on a new cable is the direct tv antenna receives it's dc power through the cable and splitters in the line won't pass the power to the amplifier in the antenna but won't harm cable.

Getting direct tv from a dealer will have a different set of rules and prices.

bluedog103
12-09-2010, 10:12 PM
Is that a Sanchez jersey you are wearing? Wish I was blacked out a few times last Monday night!
Yep, it's a Sanchez jersey. Rough night to be a Jets fan. I watched until late in the third quarter. With the score 31-3 I finally packed it in.
I wasn't really surprised that our guys lost. I just didn't think it would be such as butt kicking. They had a lot of luck the last few games. The defense hasn't been as strong as last year and the offense is extremely inconsistent. Then we have Folk trying to kick for us.
We'll have to see which Jets team shows up Sunday.

RVRoadie
12-10-2010, 12:57 AM
but I was told my home would have to be re-wired as they cannot use the existing cable....which first of all just does not sound right or ring true....secondly our home is cement block and cannot imagine how they rewire in cement block walls. So until I te verification the re-wiring is a fact....there is no way.
If anyone can clear this issue for me I would appreciate it.

btk
My house is about 3 years old. I first had Dish then switched to DirecTV. They both used the existing coax that runs from the utility box to each room. DirecTV even used the same pole that Dish installed.

getdul981
12-10-2010, 07:46 AM
I'm still on the fence regarding Comcast or Dish Network. I know that with Comcast, you do not need a converter box unless you want a DVR or digital channels. In VA, we had 2 boxes and 4 other TVx on regular coax.

If we go with Dish Network, does each receiver need a box? They advertise that you can watch whatever is recorded on your DVR on any set in the house. Does anyone know how this works? If you need a box for each set, does it cost extra for each box?

I know it's a lot of questions, but inquiring minds want to know. Actually, I may have Dish Network confused with DirectTV.

jblum8156
12-10-2010, 07:51 AM
I have DISH TV, 2 tvs, only one box and one DVR. The second tv gets whatever the first one (with box) can get, including all programs saved in the DVR.

Bill-n-Brillo
12-10-2010, 07:58 AM
I'm still on the fence regarding Comcast or Dish Network. I know that with Comcast, you do not need a converter box unless you want a DVR or digital channels. In VA, we had 2 boxes and 4 other TVx on regular coax.

If we go with Dish Network, does each receiver need a box? They advertise that you can watch whatever is recorded on your DVR on any set in the house. Does anyone know how this works? If you need a box for each set, does it cost extra for each box?

I know it's a lot of questions, but inquiring minds want to know. Actually, I may have Dish Network confused with DirectTV.


Greg - I can't speak to specifics about what Dish Network does or doesn't offer as we haven't had their service here at home for a couple of years. But as far as DirecTV goes: Each television will require a receiver ("box") - no additional converter boxes needed. If you want to be able to watch programs in HD on a specific television, then that receiver has to be an HD receiver. You can mix and match within the same house - some receivers can be HD and others don't need to be. But you'll be paying for the HD service so most people will opt for all their receivers to be HD. It's definitely better picture quality versus standard definition. You can also get any of those receivers with built-in DVRs. DirecTV does offer a service where, from a single DVR, you can watch a program on any of the televisions in the house. You'd have to speak with them about the specifics on how this works as it all has to do with how the coax cabling is set up in the house.

Hope that helps!!

Bill

getdul981
12-10-2010, 08:24 AM
Thanks Bill. Every little bit helps. Also, was there a particular reason you discontinued Dish Network?

Bill-n-Brillo
12-10-2010, 08:33 AM
Thanks Bill. Every little bit helps. Also, was there a particular reason you discontinued Dish Network?

I don't have any specific technical info to back it up, but I feel that a satellite signal vs. cable yields a better quality picture. But keep in mind - and Concast will market this strongly - weather can disrupt a satellite signal temporarily. Big storms will knock the signal off the air til the worst of the weather clears. You can check other threads on the board for people's perspectives on that.

We had Dish Network at our prior house here in OH for years, back before we had HD service. Had no real issues with them or their service. When we moved to the new place here, they didn't offer our local channels in HD and there were a couple of specific channels that they didn't carry in HD as well - - - so we switched to DirecTV. I feel DirecTV's technology today is ahead of where Dish is - kinda the same comparison people will make with Verizon vs. AT&T re: mobile phone networks/service. Now, though, I believe Dish DOES provide those channels that were missing when we first switched service a couple of years back. Always best to look online at each company's specific offerings/packages to see if they've got what you want.

Bill

aljetmet
12-10-2010, 12:42 PM
I've had Directv for 10 years and I love it.
NFL package, MLB etc. So from 1000 miles from NY I can watch my JETS and METS.
I just bought a new Dell laptop that has HDMI.
I have two DVR boxes.
With free software from Directv, I can watch a prerecorded program on my PC.
I was able to watch a program I recorded on DRV 2 on DVR 1's TV. Pretty cool.
There was an inquiry concerning CinemaPlus. It provides on demand pay per view, on demand movies from premium channels (you have to subscrive to receive the movie) and some free movies that are usually very old. To use on demand you must connect your DR box to your internet connection. Not sure but Directv might charge $50 for a wireless bridge.
There is also some free programing. I have dwonloaded lot's of golf tips for example.
I bought my own wireless bridge and have my plasma TV and directv box hooked to the internet.

NJblue
12-18-2010, 05:44 PM
All the pro teams will be blacked out unless you purchase the specific sports package.

John

This was definitely not the case last summer. I subscribed to the regional sports package and was able to get the YES network for Yankee games. I was able to watch every Yankee game that was on the YES network, with the Yankee announcers. The only time I was not able to get the YES network was when the Yankees played the Rays in which case it was blacked out from the YES network but still available with the Sun Sports network - albeit with the Rays announcers who are very boring.

But, I am concerned that you may be right going forward. Over Thanksgiving my son-in-law was here and wanted to watch the Bruins over the New England sports network. He was disappointed that they were blacked out. I'm hoping that they do not black out the Yankees this coming season.

Should that be the case, another alternative is to subscribe to the Internet streaming games over mlb.com. You can watch them on a computer, which is not so great, or you can buy a Roku box for under $100 which allows you to play them on your TV (as well as Netflix movies).

natickdan
12-18-2010, 07:36 PM
I don't have any specific technical info to back it up, but I feel that a satellite signal vs. cable yields a better quality picture. But keep in mind - and Concast will market this strongly - weather can disrupt a satellite signal temporarily. Big storms will knock the signal off the air til the worst of the weather clears. You can check other threads on the board for people's perspectives on that.

We had Dish Network at our prior house here in OH for years, back before we had HD service. Had no real issues with them or their service. When we moved to the new place here, they didn't offer our local channels in HD and there were a couple of specific channels that they didn't carry in HD as well - - - so we switched to DirecTV. I feel DirecTV's technology today is ahead of where Dish is - kinda the same comparison people will make with Verizon vs. AT&T re: mobile phone networks/service. Now, though, I believe Dish DOES provide those channels that were missing when we first switched service a couple of years back. Always best to look online at each company's specific offerings/packages to see if they've got what you want.

Bill

I see that you have or will have Direct TV, so I thought I'd ask you where you have your dish installed? My issue with satellite is more about aesthetics. Perhaps I'm a bit anal, but I don't want a dish attached to my house. A short short pole behind my house would be OK. Although I would get my high speed internet through Comcast, I like the programming choices of Direct TV.

Your thoughts or, for that matter, any other opinions would be appreciated.

logdog
12-19-2010, 03:05 PM
I see that you have or will have Direct TV, so I thought I'd ask you where you have your dish installed? My issue with satellite is more about aesthetics. Perhaps I'm a bit anal, but I don't want a dish attached to my house. A short short pole behind my house would be OK. Although I would get my high speed internet through Comcast, I like the programming choices of Direct TV.

Your thoughts or, for that matter, any other opinions would be appreciated.

When I had my DirecTV installed this month, I didn't specify where the dish should go. They decided they wanted to mount it on a short pole behind my house. Then they said that would cost $75. I balked. They called someone and got the fee waived. I got my pole mount and free installation.

Someone else on this forum complained that DirecTV wanted to charge $75 for a pole mount and another $75 for a cable run from the pole to the house. Don't bite. Free installation means free installation (unless you live in a tree house or some other non-traditional housing unit outside The Villages).

So far, I'm very happy to be rid of Comcast and I really like DirecTV.

Bill-n-Brillo
12-19-2010, 08:53 PM
When I had my DirecTV installed this month, I didn't specify where the dish should go. They decided they wanted to mount it on a short pole behind my house. Then they said that would cost $75. I balked. They called someone and got the fee waived. I got my pole mount and free installation.

Someone else on this forum complained that DirecTV wanted to charge $75 for a pole mount and another $75 for a cable run from the pole to the house. Don't bite. Free installation means free installation (unless you live in a tree house or some other non-traditional housing unit outside The Villages).

So far, I'm very happy to be rid of Comcast and I really like DirecTV.

Thanks for the current scoop, logdog. DirecTV's coming out here in the a.m. to install our dish - hopefully, we'll get the same deal as what you got! We've been with them for a couple of years back home - having the antenna installed here as a secondary service address so we can switch back and forth between service here and in OH. One service at two different addresses (though they can't be served concurrently)......all for no additional charge from what our normal monthly bill is with them. Woo-hoo!

Bill

memason
12-19-2010, 09:05 PM
Do you just signup online and they send a tech to install or do you have to call someone locally to get it installed???? I'm ready to pull the trigger on DirecTV, once I know the answer to this questions.

Thanks... Mike

elevatorman
12-19-2010, 09:13 PM
I just got Comcast on 1 tv and internet. Comcast internet is about the same cost as Centurylink but is faster. I have Dish on the other 3tvs. I will dump the phone soon and go with Vontage. Embark phone with long distance & TAX was $62, Vontage is $25. I can keep the same #. ANY COMMENTS WELCOME:024:

Bill-n-Brillo
12-19-2010, 09:16 PM
Do you just signup online and they send a tech to install or do you have to call someone locally to get it installed???? I'm ready to pull the trigger on DirecTV, once I know the answer to this questions.

Thanks... Mike

Mike - For something like this, I called DirecTV to speak with a person....so I can ask all my questions, etc. Sometimes, the rep will clue you in to some special offers that might not show up online.

I did, however, find out after the fact (when I initially ordered the service a couple of years ago) that a.) AAA offered their members some good discount
of some sort, and b.) if you have a friend/neighbor/whomever who currently has DirecTV service and you give DirecTV their account number at the time of placing the order, you get $100 credited against your account as does your friend! I didn't find out about those two things til too late. Such is life!

Bill

bluedog103
12-19-2010, 09:20 PM
When I had my DirecTV installed this month, I didn't specify where the dish should go. They decided they wanted to mount it on a short pole behind my house. Then they said that would cost $75. I balked. They called someone and got the fee waived. I got my pole mount and free installation.

Someone else on this forum complained that DirecTV wanted to charge $75 for a pole mount and another $75 for a cable run from the pole to the house. Don't bite. Free installation means free installation (unless you live in a tree house or some other non-traditional housing unit outside The Villages).

So far, I'm very happy to be rid of Comcast and I really like DirecTV.
I gave up trying to get Direct TV installed. The installer told me that a pole mount would cost me $75 plus another $75 to run the cable about 6 ft. I called and e-mailed Direct TV several times and was told that the charge for a pole mount would be $75 and that should include 20 ft of cable. The charge, however, would be something I had to negotiate with the installer. Didn't make sense to me.
I stopped by Century Link, knowing they sold a phone/internet/Direct TV package. The rep there agreed that it seemed too open ended. He said most often the installer gets the $75 fee waived and he'd never heard of the additional fee to bury a few feet of cable. He said he'd make some phone calls and get back to me. He didn't. I stopped back a Century Link a couple of days later and he apologized, saying he'd just been too busy to call me. He then verified that the final charge for installation was up to the installer. He said they had to inform you up front what the fee would be so you could refuse the installation. He again said the some installers charge for the pole mount, some get it waived.
I finally gave up. I still have Comcast but plan to give Dish a call. Arrrrrrrrgh!

memason
12-19-2010, 09:21 PM
Thanks Bill... I'll give them a call in the morning. ABout how long does it take to get installation after you order ??? We just arrived to TV from Germany a couple days ago, so we've got lots of stuff to do...

Thanks for the help...

Larryandlinda
12-19-2010, 09:23 PM
Re: the volume of commercials: On Wednesday President Obama signed into law the "Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation" or "CALM Act." A press release from the White House states the law "requires the Federal Communications Commission to prescribe a regulation limiting the volume of audio on commercials transmitted by television broadcast stations, cable operators, and other multichannel video programming distributors."

Basically, I don't think they'll allow commercials to be any louder than the show.

Bill-n-Brillo
12-19-2010, 09:30 PM
Thanks Bill... I'll give them a call in the morning. ABout how long does it take to get installation after you order ??? We just arrived to TV from Germany a couple days ago, so we've got lots of stuff to do...

Thanks for the help...

Mike - There's a question I can't answer. I knew when we were going to be in TV abour 3 weeks ago - that's when I called them and asked for a 12/20 appointment date. Sorry I couldn't be of more help on that one!

Best bet is just call them and hope the local subcontractor(s) that does the install isn't overly busy.

Bill

asilver
12-20-2010, 10:08 AM
For all you satisfied DirecTV customers, what are you doing for phone and internet service? What are the options?

Hoosierb4
12-20-2010, 11:16 AM
asilver, For phone we use our cell phones. For internet we use a Virgin Mobil mifi ( $150 for the device and $40 per month , but we don't pay when we're not here). The downside of this combination is that you can't get video on demand from DirecTV without the phone or a wired internet...no problem for us. The Virgin Mobil connection is about as fast as the slower speed Comcast internet.

Another 65er
12-20-2010, 11:50 AM
We have DirecTV in Connecticut and use Comcast for internet and phone.

logdog
12-20-2010, 02:08 PM
Do you just signup online and they send a tech to install or do you have to call someone locally to get it installed???? I'm ready to pull the trigger on DirecTV, once I know the answer to this questions.

Thanks... Mike

I went to Best Buy to get my questions answered. Then I went to the DirecTV web site and signed up. Their web site offered me an extra $5 off per month for a year in addition to the advertised promotion and what Best Buy was offering. The dealer at Best Buy also wanted to charge $20 for delivery. This was free on the web site. After I placed the order, they gave me open dates for installation. When I ordered, the first date was the next business day. I picked an afternoon later that week when it was more convenient. An installer called me on my date, asked if he could come over an hour early and did his thing. All installation was free. No hidden charges.

logdog
12-20-2010, 02:11 PM
Re: the volume of commercials: On Wednesday President Obama signed into law the "Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation" or "CALM Act." A press release from the White House states the law "requires the Federal Communications Commission to prescribe a regulation limiting the volume of audio on commercials transmitted by television broadcast stations, cable operators, and other multichannel video programming distributors."

Basically, I don't think they'll allow commercials to be any louder than the show.

It was signed into law Wednesday but stations have one year to implement.

elevatorman
12-20-2010, 04:05 PM
I lost my signal from Dish on Friday. Total loss of signal. Did every thing the guy on the phone said to do, no help. The tech scheduled the earliest time to visit for Monday. He came and after trying every thing in his bag told me the box was bad. I figured he would go to his truck and get me a new one. WRONG. Dish is shipping me one and then I have to ship the old one back or be charged the price of a receiver. Dish said it should be here Wednesday but with Christmas delivery times may be longer. One more thing, I have a service contract at $6.00 / mo. so the tech visit was only $15.00. If I did not have the contract the visit would have been $85.00. This was the second time Dish charged me to fix their equipment. I am going to switch to Direct TV as soon as I don't have to pay a cancellation fee. (5 mos left @$12.50 / mo.)

Bill-n-Brillo
12-20-2010, 09:33 PM
From the FWIW department:

DirecTV install guy came to the house today to set up the antenna. I brought our two receivers down from OH - we're going to flip service back and forth between the two places. I wasn't elated with HOW he did what he did (not the slickest job running the coax from the antenna to the house entrance box, kept tromping in and out of the house dragging dirt etc. in each time.....across the carpet, much to Sandy's dismay.....with no concern about wiping his feet, didn't have any conduit with him to protect the coax from weedwhackers, and so on) but WHAT he did at least has the set up working. His initial quote for mounting the antenna on a pole rather than on the roof or the side of the house (which is DirecTV's free install) was $75 which I figured would be about the price. But by the time he was done, he was all apologies for how things went (I didn't voice any concerns other than disappointment about the conduit but told him I'd take care of that myself) and told me to just make the check out for $25. The installers are independent contractors and it's up to the consumer to cut whatever deal they can/want re: extra charges that might occur as part of the install. You're pretty much on your own with the installer who shows up!

Bill
Bill

elevatorman
01-06-2011, 07:47 AM
I lost my signal from Dish on Friday. Total loss of signal. Did every thing the guy on the phone said to do, no help. The tech scheduled the earliest time to visit for Monday. He came and after trying every thing in his bag told me the box was bad. I figured he would go to his truck and get me a new one. WRONG. Dish is shipping me one and then I have to ship the old one back or be charged the price of a receiver. Dish said it should be here Wednesday but with Christmas delivery times may be longer. One more thing, I have a service contract at $6.00 / mo. so the tech visit was only $15.00. If I did not have the contract the visit would have been $85.00. This was the second time Dish charged me to fix their equipment. I am going to switch to Direct TV as soon as I don't have to pay a cancellation fee. (5 mos left @$12.50 / mo.)

Update: The new box arrived and worked fine for about a week. Then it started to freeze the picture. Call Dish and they said turn off and turn back on. This corrected the problem for about an hour. After a few days of resetting every few hours I called Dish back. They are sending another reconditioned box. This is box #3, maybe I will get the same box back I had before. The person also said maybe since I am having all these problems it may be wiring in my home. I told her that maybe the people who recondition the boxes should test them before sending them back out, rather then sending me someone elses problems.:blahblahblah::blahblahblah:

Bill-n-Brillo
01-06-2011, 09:49 AM
Update: The new box arrived and worked fine for about a week. Then it started to freeze the picture. Call Dish and they said turn off and turn back on. This corrected the problem for about an hour. After a few days of resetting every few hours I called Dish back. They are sending another reconditioned box. This is box #3, maybe I will get the same box back I had before. The person also said maybe since I am having all these problems it may be wiring in my home. I told her that maybe the people who recondition the boxes should test them before sending them back out, rather then sending me someone elses problems.:blahblahblah::blahblahblah:

An idea: If you're keeping detailed records of all your problems and issues with Dish, maybe presenting all that to their Customer Service folks would get you a green light to bail out with no penalty fees. Might not hurt to try if you're about at the end of your rope with them.

Bill