View Full Version : Noob looking for advice on getting DirectTV
I'm looking at getting DirectTV for my home. I have an HDTV and would really like the additional channels that Direct TV offers. Plus, having the NFL Sunday Ticket would be good as well.
Right now I have service through WideOpenWest and have HD/DVR on one TV, DVR on another, and basic cable on a 3rd.
What are some good beginning things to know/research while trying to make my decision? I looked on the forum for a FAQ for noobs, but didn't see one.
What are some good things to think about or consider when switching from cable to DirectTV?
How often should I expect outages? What are some of the tips/tricks on the packages? What are some of the better deals? How do I know what sattellite to get or what receiver?
Are the HD channels really different depending on the package you pick? Looking at the Plus HD DVR package, it has different HD channels compared to the Premier package. What would I need to get all the HD Channels, but not necessarly HBO and all that?
How does Sunday Ticket work? Do I need the SuperFan package?
Thanks for helping me to get started!!
Stuart Sweet
07-09-08, 10:51 AM
:welcome_s ewto16!
Outages are extremely rare with DIRECTV. Personally I've never had a system-wide outage, although a channel or two has gone south, usually because of the broadcaster. However, those who live in places where it rains a lot sometimes complain of reduced service during heavy rains.
As far as the packages, there aren't really tips or tricks, just select the one you want. Personally I have the HD DVR package which includes local channels, most HD channels, and the DVR service. There is also an HD extra pack that adds a few more HD channels, that's your call.
When you order your service you'll be sent the appropriate receivers. There really isn't a difference between different models of HD DVR or different models of HD receiver.
I'll leave Sunday Ticket and Superfan questions to another member, as I don't have those packages.
FHSPSU67
07-09-08, 10:58 AM
I had SuperTicket/SuperFan last year and it's nice, but expensive especially if you can't get the SuperFan free. Once you have had HD, it's very difficult to watch a game in SD.
Bottom line: If you're really into the NFL, it's worth it at $250-$270, but only if you get SuperFan for free.
:welcome_s ewto16!
Outages are extremely rare with DIRECTV. Personally I've never had a system-wide outage, although a channel or two has gone south, usually because of the broadcaster. However, those who live in places where it rains a lot sometimes complain of reduced service during heavy rains.
As far as the packages, there aren't really tips or tricks, just select the one you want. Personally I have the HD DVR package which includes local channels, most HD channels, and the DVR service. There is also an HD extra pack that adds a few more HD channels, that's your call.
When you order your service you'll be sent the appropriate receivers. There really isn't a difference between different models of HD DVR or different models of HD receiver.
I'll leave Sunday Ticket and Superfan questions to another member, as I don't have those packages.
Thanks!! What comes in the HD Extra Pack? I see that listed, but I don't see anywhere that lists the channels that are in it. The main difference I see in the new packages I was comparing is that VERSUS is in the Premier but not the others.
I had SuperTicket/SuperFan last year and it's nice, but expensive especially if you can't get the SuperFan free. Once you have had HD, it's very difficult to watch a game in SD.
Bottom line: If you're really into the NFL, it's worth it at $250-$270, but only if you get SuperFan for free.
How do I go about trying to get the SuperFan for free? I actually saw DirectTV had a offer on their web site last week for the Sunday Ticket package that they seem to have every year, but it is not there this week.
I notice you seem to have two different receivers? Why and what is the difference between the two?
What are some good things to think about or consider when switching from cable to DirectTV?Will you want/need the ability to record 2 channels simultaneously? If so, you will need to either run 2 cables to each box, or have an SWM (single wire multiplex) setup, which is somewhat uncommon right now.
Will you want/need the ability to record 2 channels simultaneously? If so, you will need to either run 2 cables to each box, or have an SWM (single wire multiplex) setup, which is somewhat uncommon right now.
Yep, I have the ability to record two shows at once on my cable DVR now, so I would want that on a DirectTV setup.
Is that something I have to specifically ask for, or would the setup person just do that normally? What is a SWM and how do I know if I can/should get one of those? Does it effect the signal?
jodyguercio
07-09-08, 11:25 AM
Thanks!! What comes in the HD Extra Pack? I see that listed, but I don't see anywhere that lists the channels that are in it. The main difference I see in the new packages I was comparing is that VERSUS is in the Premier but not the others.
The HD Extra Pak has the following:
Ch. 78 HDNet Movie
Ch. 255 MGM (MGM movie channel)
Ch.332 MHD ( I dont know what this one is)
Ch. 267 Smithsonian Channel
Ch. 74,259 Universal HD
I notice you seem to have two different receivers? Why and what is the difference between the two?
The only real difference between the HR20 and the HR21 is the lack of an OTA tuner in the HR21
Stuart Sweet
07-09-08, 11:44 AM
...and that HR20 receivers are not made any more.
jodyguercio
07-09-08, 11:45 AM
...and that HR20 receivers are not made any more.
There is always that little small detail. Thanks Stuart. :lol:
MIAMI1683
07-09-08, 12:17 PM
There is always that little small detail. Thanks Stuart. :lol:
What about the color too. :p :p
Thanks for all the responses so far. Everything has been helpful. Please keep the tips and advice coming.
What about the color too. :p :p
I see you have two receivers and have them networked. What does that do for you?
FHSPSU67
07-09-08, 12:41 PM
How do I go about trying to get the SuperFan for free? I actually saw DirectTV had a offer on their web site last week for the Sunday Ticket package that they seem to have every year, but it is not there this week.
I notice you seem to have two different receivers? Why and what is the difference between the two?
I see good answers to your last question.
As far as getting Superfan for free, I would just offer to pay for SuperTicket when you are getting signed up, but only if SuperFan is included since you want the HD games. That's basically what I did, but no guarantees. I think you'll get it though!
:welcome_s
MIAMI1683
07-09-08, 12:42 PM
I see you have two receivers and have them networked. What does that do for you?
Networking enables on Demand and some "other" functions ie Media share. D* hasn't added MRV yet, but hopefully soon. Then it will allow me to watch either DVR in the house on one tv. D* has great equipment for the most part, and the best service I have ever found. The only advice I give you is. Get what you want from the start. You will get a better deal as a new customer. Make sure you understand the work orders, and make sure the install is correctly done. Other than that enjoy!
Is D* the same as DirectTV? :confused:
Being able to watch any of my DVR programs on either TV would be fantastic!!
Can you program it over the web or anything like that? Can you stream other content to it, or off it onto a different device?
I see good answers to your last question.
As far as getting Superfan for free, I would just offer to pay for SuperTicket when you are getting signed up, but only if SuperFan is included since you want the HD games. That's basically what I did, but no guarantees. I think you'll get it though!
:welcome_s
Maybe if I pay for the whole SuperFan package up front, as opposed to monthly, that would help. I might be able to swing that.
jdphil99
07-09-08, 01:15 PM
Is D* the same as DirectTV? :confused:
Being able to watch any of my DVR programs on either TV would be fantastic!!
Can you program it over the web or anything like that? Can you stream other content to it, or off it onto a different device?
Yes, you can program it over the web from a computer or PDA, Blackberry, etc. including DirecTV on Demand.
Yes you can stream music, some video, and pictures to your DVR.
I would read the installation guide for the satellite you're getting ahead of time even if you are using a professional installer.
I would read the installation guide for the satellite you're getting ahead of time even if you are using a professional installer.
How would that help me? What would be some of the things I want to look for?
My neighbor has a dish mounted on a pole in his yard. Should I have mine installed the same way, or on my house like seems typical?
jodyguercio
07-09-08, 01:48 PM
How would that help me? What would be some of the things I want to look for?
My neighbor has a dish mounted on a pole in his yard. Should I have mine installed the same way, or on my house like seems typical?
Your neighbor might have a LOS issue is why his is on a pole in his yard....
LOS = L ine O f S ight
The installer will be able to tell you if you have an issue or you can tell yourself just by looking towards the southern sky and see if there are any real obsticles in the way.
Your neighbor might have a LOS issue is why his is on a pole in his yard....
LOS = L ine O f S ight
The installer will be able to tell you if you have an issue or you can tell yourself just by looking towards the southern sky and see if there are any real obsticles in the way.
I guess I should anticipate that my neighbors big tree is probably an issue then....
Greg Alsobrook
07-09-08, 02:08 PM
I guess I should anticipate that my neighbors big tree is probably an issue then....
May or may not be... the installer will determine that for you... He may be able to get it high enough on your roof that the tree won't be an issue... or you could always do a pole mount like your neighbor...
May or may not be... the installer will determine that for you... He may be able to get it high enough on your roof that the tree won't be an issue... or you could always do a pole mount like your neighbor...
That would probably work. There is a pretty clear view of the southern sky if it were in my backyard near the back.
FHSPSU67
07-09-08, 04:54 PM
This link should take care of SuperFan for you (maybe,after reading whole thread, but I think Directv will deal on this).
http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=132772
This link should take care of SuperFan for you (maybe,after reading whole thread, but I think Directv will deal on this).
http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=132772
AWESOME!! That would rule.
Still looking for anymore tips and info you guys can share. Thanks for everything so far!
How is the HD programming on the HD stations? My current HD is OK, but some of the channels are what I would describe as soft. NBC seems to be the worst of these. The HD looks sort of blurry.
Do a lot of the other HD channels that are offered by DirectTV actually have HD programming on them?
I don't think anybody has noted this yet. You need a separate DirecTV receiver or DVR at each television location. There is nothing like basic cable that just plugs directly into the TV set.
So in your case, you have 3 tv locations. That means 3 receivers or DVRs or combinations thereof. The first one is included in whatever programming package you have. Each additional receiver or DVR will cost you an additional $4.99 a month.
Depending on what programming package you pick, you may have to pay a monthly DVR fee (once per account, not per DVR) and a monthly HD fee (again once per account, not per receiver/DVR). Those are included in one of the packages but are additional in most/all of the others.
The Premier package includes the 5 "premium" packages (HBO, Showtime, STARZ, Cinemax, Sports). If you go with a lesser package and want any of those, you can add them ala-carte for varying monthly amounts.
HD service includes any HD channels that are available as SD channels in the programming package you have. For example, if you have HD and you have HBO, you will get HBO HD. If you have HD but do not have HBO, then you will not get HBO HD. The HD Extra pack includes several channels that do not have SD counterparts.
Dish location will be up to the installer based on line of sight requirements. When the installer shows up, walk through the entire installation with him before he starts any work, and make sure you both agree on what is to be done, and how it is to be done. That way there will be no surprises later. If you have HOA rules, make sure the dish installation complies with them.
Carl
Canis Lupus
07-09-08, 06:26 PM
The most important piece of advice I can give you is echoing what's been posted above about the installation/installer.
We can help you as you get closer to getting it done (or even while it's getting done), but it's important to know a lot about your install setup and what's been told to you by DirecTV and/or the installer.
deafcorn
07-09-08, 07:59 PM
http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=116105
and in case you don't know about some of the specials, read this thread...........
Any more good information? Everything in this thread was so helpful.
EricJRW
07-11-08, 10:25 AM
From: HD DVR FAQ (High Definition PLUS Digital Video Recorder) (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=76617)
From the HD DVR FAQ: What do I need to know about HD DVR ordering and installation?
→ Ordering Tips
→ Installation Guide
→ Single Wire Multiswitch
Does my DirectTV receiver need to be connected to a phone line? What if I have it networked instead?
Does my DirectTV receiver need to be connected to a phone line? What if I have it networked instead?
Only to order pay per view using the remote. The newer HD DVRs should be able to do that via network also.
Carl
How do I get a referral? What information does someone have to give to me?
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