Which Is Better

[HD is Life]

I'm gettng my first HD set this weekend (52" Sony).

Is it better to order DIRECTV with their website or in the store? Which is the better deal, which has the better installation reputation?

Any other useful information would be helpful.

Thanks.

[smiddy]

:welcome_s

Hi, and welcome aboard!

My own experience is that I got my home builder's low voltage folks to install it. I wasn't particularly looking for the best deal. After some looking though, online on DirecTV's website, I couldn't have gotten the setup I wanted from the basic setups, so a direct call would be needed for me. Thus I suspect only what they could offer over the phone. I had all of mine delivered teh very same day, since I bought my TV and theater room projector from them as well. They were flawless in their install and setup. It was likely not the best value though, to which I didn't have a big care about, just the quality of install and setup.

[randyk47]

If you're buying from say DirecTV, BestBuy or Curcuit City you're probably going to get the same installer. Some independent stores have their own installers but then again, at least around here, many of the independents no longer are DirecTV dealers so you can't order from them. I got my dish put up by a private installer, referred to me by an independent, after the DirecTV installer couldn't put up the dish because of location (high, steep roof).

[Vampyre720]

I believe most of the prices for Equipment is about the same in-store and on the Website. I did build a system on DirecTV.com and found it was comparable. So, you can go either way. But I believe the PoS at Best Buy/Circuit City send the orders up to DirecTV and the HSP doing the install anyways. So, you'll end up with the same installer. Unless, ofcourse, they have their own install team.

So, it's sixes either way you go.

- V

[fishbonz]

HD is Life...

I'm new here but have gained much from everyone so thought I would pass on my experience from the last month.

I was working with a local retailer because of the reputation of his installer. He is a Dish & DirectTV retailer, but much more for Dish. I ran the system builder on the DirectTV website and knew what I wanted. 2 HD receivers & 3 SD receivers. I also knew that DirectTV website was offering an additional $10 off per month plus offering all premiums for free for 3 months.

When I visited with the local retailer, he started working with me on setting up my order. He also informed me that I could have next day installation. Well, he could not get the same deal. He could only offer me 4 total receivers for free and would need to charge $69 for #5. As well, he could not get the additional $10 off per month for a total of $20/mo. Another thing he could not match, website offer has a $50 Visa gift card for signing up for autopay. (I want to use this to buy another HD rec from BB/CC) He was on the phone with DirectTV retailer support and eventually told me to order on-line or he could set me up with Dish.

I spent a week thinking about it and placed my order on-line last night. There was too much $ difference to justify not. ($69 + $10/mo for 12 mo + $50 = $239). I am taking my chances on installers though....

Just my experience.

[VLaslow]

My experience tells me that, unless you are doing a total custom home theater, you are better off ordering from DirecTV. Your pricing will be equal to, or better, than the dealer, your install will be "who knows," but you will be able to continue working with DirecTV to resolve any issues.

A private installer will do it his/her way and that could also be "who knows" unless you have a very good set of references.