View Full Version : DirecTV.com Redesign-Problems
maineengineer
11-21-07, 12:04 PM
DirecTV.com has been redesigned, and is playing to mixed reviews. Some with the "latest and greatest" computers, browsers, and broadband internet providers may think it's "neat," with the new AJAX/javascript navigation "tools." Others, like myself, with Internet Explorer 6 and a high-speed cable modem service can't even get the index page to fully load (it now "hangs" the site; the only site on the Internet encountered to date that does that). Ironically, I tried to pay my bill today, and couldn't, because of the problem. I do get the new, cute "snow globe" animation, before the page hangs, but I can't give them any money. What's wrong with this picture? I couldn't convince the CSRs that it's not just "my problem." I'm wondering what other problems are being encountered by others, and if there are ways we can prevent the running of the "cute" scripts, so we can actually get some "business" transacted on the site again.
jdspencer
11-21-07, 04:12 PM
The site works fine for me with FireFox 2. I have the Flashblock extension installed, so I only see those animations if I select them.
You should either upgrade to the latest IE or give Firefox a try.
maineengineer
11-21-07, 05:19 PM
Say, you sound just like a CSR. :o) Actually, I'm running the proper (highest) version of Explorer (6.0) that will run on my current operating system (Windows 98SE). DirecTV.com is now the only site on the entire Internet that won't load properly with this configuration. The Dish site takes my money just fine, along with e-bay, pay-pal, etc. By the way, I also design websites, and the first thing we do is insure backwards capability. Your points, however, are well-taken; thank for participating in the discussion.
Say, you sound just like a CSR. :o) Actually, I'm running the proper (highest) version of Explorer (6.0) that will run on my current operating system (Windows 98SE). DirecTV.com is now the only site on the entire Internet that won't load properly with this configuration. The Dish site takes my money just fine, along with e-bay, pay-pal, etc. By the way, I also design websites, and the first thing we do is insure backwards capability. Your points, however, are well-taken; thank for participating in the discussion.
Haha, trust me, there are more sites than just directv.com that dont work with Win98SE, unfortunately I dont have a list.
LarryFlowers
11-21-07, 08:59 PM
I may be missing something here... why not simply upgrade to Internet Explorer 7?
You are late on a ship that has already sailed. IE7 and/or Firefox2 are pretty much the standard and either, should eliminate your problem.
He stated that IE7 will not run on his OS, which is Win 98SE. That's why he doesn't upgrade to IE7.
Why should someone have to upgrade a computer/OS if it is otherwise serving your purpose. I still have a machine running DOS (no version of Windows at all), as well as a Win 95 machine and a Win 98SE machine. I have no intention of ever upgrading any of those, as they are working just fine, doing what they are intended to do. I do, however, also have three PC's running XP Pro. I do not see Vista in my predictable future.
Carl
ThomasM
11-21-07, 09:49 PM
DirecTV.com has been redesigned, and is playing to mixed reviews. Some with the "latest and greatest" computers, browsers, and broadband internet providers may think it's "neat," with the new AJAX/javascript navigation "tools." Others, like myself, with Internet Explorer 6 and a high-speed cable modem service can't even get the index page to fully load (it now "hangs" the site; the only site on the Internet encountered to date that does that). Ironically, I tried to pay my bill today, and couldn't, because of the problem. I do get the new, cute "snow globe" animation, before the page hangs, but I can't give them any money. What's wrong with this picture? I couldn't convince the CSRs that it's not just "my problem." I'm wondering what other problems are being encountered by others, and if there are ways we can prevent the running of the "cute" scripts, so we can actually get some "business" transacted on the site again.
It took me 4 hours to figure out why this exact same thing was happening to me with IE6 and Windows 2000. (I did IT desktop support for 7 years and such things drive me up a wall until I figure out what is going on) It's the stupid globe with the phoney snow. It is written incorrectly and Adobe (formerly Macromedia) FLASH player v9 hangs up.
To fix it you can a)use a computer running XP and IE7, or b)just uninstall FLASH player v9, or c)when the screen hangs up, MINIMIZE it for about 10 seconds. When you MAXIMIZE it, the next screen you were waiting for will be there!
Hopefully, the goofballs who thought that snowy logo-globe was cute will fix it as a LOT of DirecTV customers probably are using IE6 and FLASH v9. And while they are at it, they can restore the DETAILED EXPLANATION to the "activity since last bill" screen that I find totally unacceptable. :mad:
The new web site and the OTA-tunerless HR21 DVR are in a tie for DirecTV Inc. Stoopid Idea of the Year award.
lowgolfer
11-22-07, 09:34 AM
It took me 4 hours to figure out why this exact same thing was happening to me with IE6 and Windows 2000. (I did IT desktop support for 7 years and such things drive me up a wall until I figure out what is going on) It's the stupid globe with the phoney snow. It is written incorrectly and Adobe (formerly Macromedia) FLASH player v9 hangs up.
To fix it you can a)use a computer running XP and IE7, or b)just uninstall FLASH player v9, or c)when the screen hangs up, MINIMIZE it for about 10 seconds. When you MAXIMIZE it, the next screen you were waiting for will be there!
Hopefully, the goofballs who thought that snowy logo-globe was cute will fix it as a LOT of DirecTV customers probably are using IE6 and FLASH v9. And while they are at it, they can restore the DETAILED EXPLANATION to the "activity since last bill" screen that I find totally unacceptable. :mad:
I agree with restoring the DETAILED EXPLANATION.
jdspencer
11-22-07, 09:42 AM
... And while they are at it, they can restore the DETAILED EXPLANATION to the "activity since last bill" screen that I find totally unacceptable. :mad:I agree. That screen is the only way to see the details behind any changes.
jefirdjr
11-22-07, 10:11 AM
I too hate the new DirecTV web site. Especially the inability to view the details for activity since last bill function.
Don't forget to email DirecTV and express your gripes/concerns about the web changes. I have sent 3 different emails, and received responses from each one. Last one said that they had forwarded it to web development for investigation and resolution. I don't know if the right DirecTV people read these forums, that could fix the web problems.
jefirdjr
11-22-07, 10:59 AM
Anyone find where the "refresh service" function is on the new site? I can't find it.
maineengineer
11-22-07, 11:01 AM
A kudo to ThomasM. His diagnosis on the website loading problem was absolutely correct. Thanks to him for the effective workaround, with which, ironically, I can now use the website to e-mail my complaint. It's a bad piece of code, and it took a fellow RF engineer to figure it out.
Say, you sound just like a CSR. :o) Actually, I'm running the proper (highest) version of Explorer (6.0) that will run on my current operating system (Windows 98SE).I highly recommend installing the latest Firefox release (which will run on your machine quite nicely). If you don't have enough space, I would recommend upgrading to IE 5.5.
maineengineer
11-22-07, 11:15 AM
Anyone find where the "refresh service" function is on the new site? I can't find it.
One good turn deserves another. You can refresh your service by "drilling down" in the "Customer Service" section, through "Troubleshooting," and "On-Screen Messages," to "Please call customer service, ext. 721," which contains the secure link (requires logging in) for resetting your receiver.
One good turn deserves another. You can refresh your service by "drilling down" in the "Customer Service" section, through "Troubleshooting," and "On-Screen Messages," to "Please call customer service, ext. 721," which contains the secure link (requires logging in) for resetting your receiver.Which like several other things, have been buried deeper and deeper into sub menus, making the site harder, not easier to use. Refresh Services used to be right on the Troubleshooting page in plain sight.
Jeez, D*, (I mean DuhwreckedTV).
FireFox + AdBlock = win
Flash can't freeze on what it doesn't try to load. :)
FireFox + AdBlock = win
Flash can't freeze on what it doesn't try to load. :)Exactly! Firefox (http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/) and AdblockPlus (https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1865) help surfing the net as much as DVRs help you watch TV.
Adblocking that friggin' DIRECTV INC. animation was the first thing I did. Useless flash crap...
.
ThomasM
11-23-07, 08:00 PM
Anyone find where the "refresh service" function is on the new site? I can't find it.
In surfing around the new website, they have things buried where you would least expect to find them. It's almost like playing a video game and you get points if you find what you are looking for. (Maybe the GAME LOUNGE people redesigned the web site?) ;)
In any case, it's real easy to send a refresh signal to your system without having to suffer talking to a CSR. Just call in on the usual number 800-531-5000 and then say "missing channels" to the robot that answers the phone. One of the touchtone selections is to send a refresh to your account. Good luck!
ThomasM
11-23-07, 08:07 PM
(I mean DuhwreckedTV).
That's hilarious!!!!
There's good TV, better TV, and Duhwrecked TV. I love it!! :D :D
Earl wanted us to stop using D* or DTV. Well until they fix their &^%$^&%* new web page and give us back detailed descriptions of activity since the last bill......
It's almost like playing a video game and you get points if you find what you are looking for. (Maybe the GAME LOUNGE people redesigned the web site?) ;)More like a text adventure but not as much fun.
fikuserectus
11-24-07, 08:35 AM
Firefox 2 is the way to go. The site runs fine for me, but it can slow down a bit during the day.
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