View Full Version : I need advice bad.
No one at Directv is willing to help me with a simple order so I'm hoping someone here can give me advice on how to accomplish this order. If anyone knows any corporate phone number I can call that would be greatly appreciated too. Here's what my order should consist of:
2 HD DVR's
2 DVR's
1 5LNB Dish
Professional Installation
Will be billed directly to my account (I was a member for seven years and canceled service for two. Now I'm attempting to come back.)
Here's what Directv has tried:
1. One work order for everything. Unfortunately the way Directv's order system is setup is you can't have this much hardware on one work order. (This amazes me.. isn't four TV's in a household common?)
2. Two work orders total. One order for Dish, 2 DVR's and a HD DVR. Another for just the other HD DVR. Unfortunately Directv's order system automatically cancels the second work order the following day. To make matters even worse it still bills you for $199.99 even when its automatically canceled. I ended up having to call back to get over $600 credited back to me because the rep tried it several times!
3. One work order for just three DVR's yet having me call the sub-contractor to tell him to bring a total of four instead. Unfortunately when I try this the sub-contractor thinks I'm trying to scam him out of a HD DVR and tells me to contact Directv instead.
Is there anyway possible I can get this simple order done right? I've been on the phone for hours over the course of four days and still nothing. The worst part about it is every time I call I'm told its fixed yet it never really is. In most cases its worse off than it was before I called. :mad:
Maybe pick up the 4th at a local store like Bestbuy or Costco? I've never tired to add that many at once but given people on here have 20+ tuners in some cases I am shocked that it has been this difficult for you.
Place 1 order for both DVR's and 1 HD-DVR. Install it. Place 2nd order for HD-DVR, install it. You can't get 2 HD-DVR's at once.
Ahh alright so it does look like my only option is to purchase the other HD DVR elsewhere. This policy makes no sense, especially when they make such a big deal about their HD channels. Two or more HD TV's in a household is pretty common and chances are if you have HD you also want a DVR.
kevinm34232
07-12-08, 05:11 AM
I saw a New Install work order with 2 HD/DVR's on it yesterday.
MIAMI1683
07-12-08, 07:08 AM
Place 1 order for both DVR's and 1 HD-DVR. Install it. Place 2nd order for HD-DVR, install it. You can't get 2 HD-DVR's at once.
Oh yes you can. Get someone on the phone with case management. If you are willing to pay for the ird's there is a way to do it. D* system baisically has a firwall built in. It stops the work orders that have more the one HDvr+. No one knows why. Case mangaement has a different authority. Call them. Get them on the phone. Explain thet you're initial install should be done with ALL of the IRD's you need. Also the that many tuners will need at least a 6x16 multi switch, or atleast 2 6x8's.
Edit : the 6x16 would be for further expansion. A regular 6x8 would work, but you would be finished with all of the ports on it.
The problem is whenever I ask for some sort of supervisor I'm told to hold on and then transferred to another regular rep. The funny thing is whenever I end up explaining my situation the rep usually says "I've got to get my supervisor" and puts me on hold. When they come back they basically act as a middleman and refuse to let me actually speak to the supervisor myself. The latest news regarding my order is someone created a new order with a HD DVR, despite me telling them that won't work, except this order never charged my account. Obviously tonight it'll be canceled. I guess I'll call today and keep stating "I need to talk to case management" over and over and maybe after 20 transfers and 2 hours of waiting I just might actually get there.. we'll see. I'll let you all know how it goes.
Mertzen
07-12-08, 01:37 PM
It can be done. I did a 3 combo job once. Annoying cust tho.
You might get better results by calling between 9 and 5 on weekdays. In most organizations, the more authority you have, the less you work nights and weekends. Good luck.
After several transfers I've been told Case Management doesn't exist. Thankfully though, the last rep canceled my 2DVR/1HDDVR order so now I have nothing. I can't even purchase a HDDVR elsewhere now since I've got no pending install. Apparently the only way to get this blunder fixed is to speak to customer retention yet this is a new order?! :confused:
UPDATE: After speaking to customer retention I was beyond annoyed and just placed an order for 1HDDVR/2DVR's. I'll just buy another HD DVR at best buy the day before the install. Anyone know if the "Free install" will cover the additional HD DVR I buy locally?
curt8403
07-12-08, 02:34 PM
After several transfers I've been told Case Management doesn't exist. Thankfully though, the last rep canceled my 2DVR/1HDDVR order so now I have nothing. I can't even purchase a HDDVR elsewhere now since I've got no pending install. Apparently the only way to get this blunder fixed is to speak to customer retention yet this is a new order?! :confused:
UPDATE: After speaking to customer retention I was beyond annoyed and just placed an order for 1HDDVR/2DVR's. I'll just buy another HD DVR at best buy the day before the install. Anyone know if the "Free install" will cover the additional HD DVR I buy locally?
free install will not cover units purchased at retail
MrMojoJojo
07-12-08, 02:42 PM
Case Management does exist, but its not something you can just ask for when you call in. Especially for a new install.
Carl Spock
07-12-08, 02:48 PM
Bad Advice:
1 - Tell your sister-in-law to marry the bum. They can work out his philandering after the wedding.
2 - Plaid dress pants are coming back in style.
3 - Buy Ford Motor Co. stock as big SUVs are still cool.
I'm glad I could help.
free install will not cover units purchased at retail
Well this sucks. I guess I have to call back but I have no idea how to go about doing this. I need an install on all these boxes. :(
So I check my most recent order after it finally updated and guess what? They messed it up even further. The order number states a "DIRECTV 18x20 Triple LNB Satellite Dish". Considering I'm getting HD thats wrong, it should be 5 LNB. This is insane. I'm calling them one more time and if it doesn't get settled I guess I'm forced to go with Comcast. :nono:
Update: Apparently they put a note on the account stating the additional HD DVR is to be covered under the "Free install". They also put a note stating I'm supposed to get a 5LNB dish. All I can do is wait until the 17th when/if the installers arrive to see if this is true. Somehow I doubt it really is and one of two things will happen:
1. Wrong dish
2. They won't install the extra HD DVR unless I pay extra for it
Grydlok
07-12-08, 04:17 PM
So I check my most recent order after it finally updated and guess what? They messed it up even further. The order number states a "DIRECTV 18x20 Triple LNB Satellite Dish". Considering I'm getting HD thats wrong, it should be 5 LNB. This is insane. I'm calling them one more time and if it doesn't get settled I guess I'm forced to go with Comcast. :nono:
Update: Apparently they put a note on the account stating the additional HD DVR is to be covered under the "Free install". They also put a note stating I'm supposed to get a 5LNB dish. All I can do is wait until the 17th when/if the installers arrive to see if this is true. Somehow I doubt it really is and one of two things will happen:
1. Wrong dish
2. They won't install the extra HD DVR unless I pay extra for it
Note on a Work order don't mean sh@#.
You need to cancel your order and redo it correctly with the correct codes.
Here's what you do:
Order the HD/DVR and the two DVRs and the KAKU dish and have it installed. After the tech closes the work order call and order an upgrade for another HD/DVR. Tell the tech your desire to order another upgrade and he may call it in for you and do it the same day. Once the work order is closed, then another HD/DVR may be ordered. The tech will get paid more for an additional workorder to be created but you should be billed the same as if it was all on one workorder. Worst case scenario is that your HD/DVR gets installed a few days after the other items.
Mertzen
07-12-08, 04:22 PM
Case Management does exist, but its not something you can just ask for when you call in. Especially for a new install.
Indeed it is more used for repeat tech repairs. In most HSPs case management jobs are required to be done by a tech supervisor.
Note on a Work order don't mean sh@#.
You need to cancel your order and redo it correctly with the correct codes.
The thing is I've done this several times and every time its messed up. While it might sound easy to call and get them to input the correct codes unfortunately its not. Just to give you an example my "Orders & Installation" page on Directv.com shows five orders with four canceled. Several of these orders were reinstated and then canceled again. It has been virtually impossible to get them to do an order the correct way.
thespaceghost
07-12-08, 05:07 PM
Also the that many tuners will need at least a 6x16 multi switch, or atleast 2 6x8's.
Edit : the 6x16 would be for further expansion. A regular 6x8 would work, but you would be finished with all of the ports on it.
bad advise. 6x16 requires a power adapter, not to mention you have 8 remaining ports open to allow moisture to seep in and cause problems. Keep it simple. Let the 6x16 be handled by future upgrades.
To OP:
It comes to a point on how much trouble its worth. You are having trouble with the first step. If you can get two standard DVR's and an HDDVR, go pick one up at best buy. If you're dropping a few hundred into this system, whats an extra $20 to the installer to run the additional line? Don't be cheap.
Secondly, have you considered how your lines are going to be ran? Wall fishes? Also, remember free install = basic install. Basic install = 125' of cable. It varies from tech to tech on how much cable they will run before you have to pay extra.
Take care of your tech. If he's competent, reward him and let him know up front so he will do a good job. He has his work cut out for him.
Alright, I'm calling to cancel before I can even get service. I have $600 I'm trying to give to Directv and they won't take it. Unless this rep does something amazing and solves it all I'm done.
MrMojoJojo
07-12-08, 05:50 PM
Indeed it is more used for repeat tech repairs. In most HSPs case management jobs are required to be done by a tech supervisor.
Well the D* edict is that it MUST be either a Supervisor or Lead for all HSPs.
thespaceghost,
Thats the thing, I'm being far from stingy. I actually have no problem paying all this money. I also tip big if you treat me with respect and do your job properly. (The two guys who delivered my new TV actually got $50 each because they hung it up without being asked too and it wasn't part of their job.) However, I'm extreme in both respects. If you do a bad job you can expect nothing. If you go out of your way to be rude or act like you have more important things to do I might even hand you an envelope with a shiny penny in it. (I did this for a Comcast sub-contractor who damaged tiling in my home and attempted to tell me its normal when HD channels freeze up even when it was clear my signal was low. I ended up giving a $50 tip to the guy who fixed his shoddy work however.)
The biggest problem I have is when I'm unaware of what I'll be charged or worse yet, I'm given incorrect information. I refuse to pay $150, which is what I was quoted by Directv for another install for another HD DVR, simply because they can't properly train their techs on how to handle a "big order". (Actually, I'm amazed by the fact four TV's is considered a big order but apparently it is to DTV.)
I'm probably just screwing myself over by doing this but I've agreed to give Directv one more chance. They have done two orders again although this time for different dates. According to this rep it won't be canceled this time. Most likely tomorrow I'll be calling to finally cancel it all but just maybe I'll actually get what I'm trying to pay for. Only time will tell...
BattleZone
07-13-08, 09:53 AM
The biggest problem I have is when I'm unaware of what I'll be charged or worse yet, I'm given incorrect information. I refuse to pay $150, which is what I was quoted by Directv for another install for another HD DVR, simply because they can't properly train their techs on how to handle a "big order". (Actually, I'm amazed by the fact four TV's is considered a big order but apparently it is to DTV.)
It isn't a training problem, but a time problem. It isn't in DirecTV's interest, and certainly not in the installer's interest, to only have one big job to do in a day. What if you aren't home? What if there is no line-of-sight? What if you are renting and realize that you don't have permission to mount the dish or drill holes? These things happen to installers every day, and if that's the only job for the day, then the installer makes nothing for the day. Actually, loses money (gas) and time.
Multiple DVR jobs mean running lots of cable, which can take a long time. The HD dish is big and heavy and can take a long time to mount correctly, depending on the circumstances. At some point, there has to be a limit on how much "estimated time" can be allowed on a single work-order, so DirecTV created business rules to limit it. That's what you're running into. The CSRs were trying to break the rules, but DirecTV designed their system to catch that, and it did.
You're on the right track now: let the install happen per DirecTV's business rules. Yeah, it'll take 2 installs, but it will get done.
It isn't a training problem, but a time problem. It isn't in DirecTV's interest, and certainly not in the installer's interest, to only have one big job to do in a day. What if you aren't home? What if there is no line-of-sight? What if you are renting and realize that you don't have permission to mount the dish or drill holes? These things happen to installers every day, and if that's the only job for the day, then the installer makes nothing for the day. Actually, loses money (gas) and time.
Multiple DVR jobs mean running lots of cable, which can take a long time. The HD dish is big and heavy and can take a long time to mount correctly, depending on the circumstances. At some point, there has to be a limit on how much "estimated time" can be allowed on a single work-order, so DirecTV created business rules to limit it. That's what you're running into. The CSRs were trying to break the rules, but DirecTV designed their system to catch that, and it did.
You're on the right track now: let the install happen per DirecTV's business rules. Yeah, it'll take 2 installs, but it will get done.
I actually disagree somewhat. I totally understand now, after a lot of drama, that its a policy with DirecTV. However, all of this drama could have been prevented if reps were properly trained about company policies like this. Surely I'm not the only one with two HDTV's and each and every tech I spoke to had no idea that you couldn't have two HD DVR's on the same work order. I have no problem with the reps actually; they were very helpful and tried to fulfill my needs yet sadly were misinformed about what to do in a situation like this. It isn't their fault but rather upper managements. In other words, every rep I spoke to would have handled the situation in the same way; thus causing confusion and drama with not only myself, but several other reps who have to deal with the confused/frustrated customers after attempting to have similar installs to this done. If these reps were properly trained to understand company policy this situation could have been prevented from the very beginning. After all, isn't one of the major parts of employee training to educate new employees on company policies? If they knew about this policy from the beginning I would have been told it's impossible to have two HD DVR's installed at once and there's nothing else they can do for me. I would have gladly accepted that answer too. (Although it's still a bit odd to me really. A company that has 90+ HD channels has issues with houses with more than one HDTV. They realize it's 2008, right?)
So far my two orders are still active! Although I'm still planning on seeing them canceled eventually this is the longest they have ever gone without getting canceled so far. If they do get canceled I have another idea: I'm going to ask for 3 regular DVR's and 1 HDDVR. That way I'll get four TV's installed and then I can easily go buy an HD DVR and install it myself. It'll cost an extra $99 for a DVR I won't need but will probably be cheaper than what I'd pay for another install job.
Carl Spock
07-13-08, 05:34 PM
So far my two orders are still active! Although I'm still planning on seeing them canceled eventually this is the longest they have ever gone without getting canceled so far.
I've followed along on this thread. I understand your frustration. I agree that the CSRs could have been more informed and provided you with better and more complete information. But please realize that much of this is your doing. I have never seen a ordered/cancelled/reordered/recancelled cycle like this before. One of your cancellations was because you were to get a 3 LNB dish. Don't you think that if you had gone ahead with an HD installation, the installer would have caught that? He's loading HD receivers onto his truck for your intall, he'll load a 5 LNB dish, too.
But then, I did this process backwards. I hired the installer first. Then I got my hardware. My install went perfectly.
I mean, you're welcome to continue this cycle. I don't see where you are breaking any rules or abusing the system. And if this will make you feel the most secure with your purchase, knock yourself out. Cancel your order another half a dozen times. Just realize in this case, it takes two to tango.
I've followed along on this thread. I understand your frustration. I agree that the CSRs could have been more informed and provided you with better and more complete information. But please realize that much of this is your doing. I have never seen a ordered/cancelled/reordered/recancelled cycle like this before. One of your cancellations was because you were to get a 3 LNB dish. Don't you think that if you had gone ahead with an HD installation, the installer would have caught that? He's loading HD receivers onto his truck for your intall, he'll load a 5 LNB dish, too.
But then, I did this process backwards. I hired the installer first. Then I got my hardware. My install went perfectly.
I mean, you're welcome to continue this cycle. I don't see where you are breaking any rules or abusing the system. And if this will make you feel the most secure with your purchase, knock yourself out. Cancel your order another half a dozen times. Just realize in this case, it takes two to tango.
I'm not sure if you understand whats going on. Here's the major parts of it:
1. I have NEVER canceled an order. DirecTV has randomly canceled orders a half dozen times yet no reps can tell me why exactly.
2. I have been told by at least 10 reps I'm doing this the correct way. I, as the consumer, have no idea about company policies. It is up to the company to tell me what I can and can't do. Instead, I'm told by several reps two orders is the right way to do this when, come to find out, I should be told that this isn't possible. How am I suppose to know otherwise? How am I supposed to know one will get canceled? What am I supposed to think when I call to ask why one was canceled and I'm told "I have no clue but I've reactivated it and you should be fine". And then later I find out I'm not fine, once again its canceled.
3. I never called to cancel the 3LNB work order. Instead, I called to inquire about why I'm getting a 3LNB dish and have it fixed. As of right now one of my active orders still shows a 3LNB dish and I've been assured the dish will be a 5LNB instead.
4. How am I responsible for getting billed numerous times for HD DVR's that DirecTV randomly canceled? At one point my account had a bill of $600 and would have stayed that way if I didn't keep up on it. That's right, when reps ordered these HD DVR's they charged my account and when DirecTV randomly canceled them they never automatically credited my account.
5. The only time I ever attempted to cancel something was when after 20 reps and four days my account was still messed up. Even then, I wasn't calling to cancel a work order but rather calling to cancel my entire DirecTV account. Here's exactly what I told the rep:
"I'm calling to cancel my DirecTV account because I'm unable to give you $600+ ($750 when you include services too). Instead, I'm told its possible to order 2 HD DVR's and 2 DVR's by dozens of reps only to find out I'm getting billed for them yet orders are being canceled. If I contacted Comcast and asked for this same setup there would be no issue whatsoever. Apparently my only option at this point is to cancel this new order altogether and go with Comcast."
At this point I'm assured by the rep everything is fixed and my order will be fulfilled. Just to clarify even further, I attempted to end this entire fiasco and stop the BS yet was convinced once again to give them one more try. So far both orders are active but as I've said in previous posts if one cancels I'm done. I won't be a DirecTV customer, period. It has nothing to do with me. I called DirecTV and asked for a simple install. I was told that simple install could be done. DirecTV has since canceled orders, charged me for canceled orders, charged me for ghost orders, consistently told me my order could be done and they don't know why DirecTV is canceling them, etc. I have never been told by DirecTV you're not allowed to order two HD DVR's. Instead, I've been told "We can't order two HD DVR's on one work order but don't worry, we can order another one on a separate order". If I was told this, I would have been on my way and I wouldn't even have an account to begin with. Instead, every time I call to put an end to all this I'm told to just give them one more chance and that this order really will be fulfilled.
Just to reiterate: If I was given correct information I could have made an informed decision based on that information which would have resulted in me going elsewhere to TV. Instead, improperly trained reps gave me incorrect information which eventually led to all types of problems. Properly train your reps and this could have all been avoided.
Carl Spock
07-13-08, 07:45 PM
You're right. I don't understand what's going on. :)
BattleZone
07-13-08, 08:36 PM
However, all of this drama could have been prevented if reps were properly trained about company policies like this. Surely I'm not the only one with two HDTV's and each and every tech I spoke to had no idea that you couldn't have two HD DVR's on the same work order. I have no problem with the reps actually; they were very helpful and tried to fulfill my needs yet sadly were misinformed about what to do in a situation like this. It isn't their fault but rather upper managements.
Absolutely TRUE. The average jobspan of a CSR is a few weeks-a few months. Turn-over is constant. As such, it is VITAL that the training for CSRs be comprehensive, and that their supporting documentation be correct and current. I'm fairly sure that those areas are lacking (of course, DirecTV could also pay the CSRs better, which would bring in better candidates who would be likely to stay longer, and reduce the hiring and training budget significantly.)
I didn't mean to imply that you should have known this; you should have been told this by every CSR you spoke to, so that you would understand the guidelines limits that they are under. It would have been so much better for everyone.
wesmills
07-13-08, 08:40 PM
It isn't a training problem, but a time problem. It isn't in DirecTV's interest, and certainly not in the installer's interest, to only have one big job to do in a day. What if you aren't home? What if there is no line-of-sight? What if you are renting and realize that you don't have permission to mount the dish or drill holes? These things happen to installers every day, and if that's the only job for the day, then the installer makes nothing for the day. Actually, loses money (gas) and time.
Multiple DVR jobs mean running lots of cable, which can take a long time. The HD dish is big and heavy and can take a long time to mount correctly, depending on the circumstances. At some point, there has to be a limit on how much "estimated time" can be allowed on a single work-order, so DirecTV created business rules to limit it. That's what you're running into.
OK, after reading all these types of threads and such, I figure DirecTV is going to fail when going up against FiOS unless they either hire and pay a fleet of installers to do the job right, or they start giving contractors a whole pile of $$$$.
Here's why: My in-laws had FiOS triple-play installed. They have three HDTVs, two regular TVs, are getting Internet and adding an additional phone line. The install took SEVEN HOURS and required THREE people. However, at the end of the day the install was perfect, the wires (including coax, which had to be replaced) were wall-fished, the ONT properly grounded, and everything worked perfectly. There was no "the dish is too heavy," "there's too many cables to be run," "I don't have that part on my truck." This installation experience perfectly matches my parents' install (which, admittedly, was just phone and Internet) as well as several of my coworkers'.
Verizon sent three installers, all employed by the company and given the time and pay to do the job correctly. They even ran the data over ethernet (vs MoCA) at my request so I could use a Linksys router without trouble for another purpose.
I've never run into any DirecTV installation problems, but that's because DirecTV has never done an install for me. Fortunately for me, I like these sorts of projects, but I can understand why most people wouldn't. For that reason, DirecTV needs to get their act together as more people want and are (at least and ESPECIALLY in OP's case) willing to pay for these larger setups.
OK, after reading all these types of threads and such, I figure DirecTV is going to fail when going up against FiOS
I couldn't agree with you more. I actually currently have FiOS. I'm moving to a new home where FiOS isn't an option and Comcast is horrible. I had DirecTV for 7 years awhile back and they were excellent at the time. After being a member for five years I got a card with a toll free number that allowed me to get a rep on the phone without any wait, EVER. Apparently times have changed I guess.
With FiOS I had five TV's installed; 2 HD DVR's and 3 SD DVR's and Internet. When I ordered this I had no problems whatsoever and just like the rep said it was installed in a timely manner. I had only one installer and he was beyond excellent and a perfectionist. Everything was installed in three hours. Unfortunately, I had it installed when FiOS had a major outage. (The only one I'm aware of actually) And guess what he did? He waited in my parking lot for a hour, apologized for the outage, and even when he learned it was still out he went home and got dinner and then came back to check if it was alright. Once he verified it was working fine he gave me his cell phone number and told me to contact him, rather than Verizon directly, because he could get things done much faster. Guess what? He even came back the next day to ask how we liked FiOS and if we had any questions that we forgot to ask the previous day. The only thing I ended up asking was who was his supervisor and how can I get in touch with him to let him know what an amazing installer this guy was. I actually tried to tip him very well but he refused and said "We're not allowed to take it". Apparently Verizon must pay these guys well or something. :eek2:
I'm really going to miss FiOS. Especially when I'm forced to go with Comcast for Internet and maybe even TV if DirecTV won't take my money. :nono2:
sylvanir
07-14-08, 06:26 PM
OK, so I know you were given a special offer through retention, but at this point, why not just place this as a new order through directv.com?
I know it will allow multiple HD-DVRs, hell, just for a lark I tried setting up an order with the equipment you listed and it went through with no problem. Heck, it looks like you could put up to 6 HD-DVR's on one order this way... Just a thought, considering what you've put up with so far, why not try a different route since the one you've been trying doesn't seem to work.
sgr215,
If you don't mind sharing how much where you expecting to pay for everything? I suspect you where running into troubles because the reps where trying to get you more discounts than you where suppose to.
By my count it should have been 1 hd dvr at 99$ (100$ discount) and all others at full price. 199 for the second dvr and 99 each for the 2 sd-dvrs. Total of ~500 for the dvrs + shiping taxes etc.
sgr215,
If you don't mind sharing how much where you expecting to pay for everything? I suspect you where running into troubles because the reps where trying to get you more discounts than you where suppose to.
By my count it should have been 1 hd dvr at 99$ (100$ discount) and all others at full price. 199 for the second dvr and 99 each for the 2 sd-dvrs. Total of ~500 for the dvrs + shiping taxes etc.
Thats exactly the quote I have. It comes out to $538 after taxes/handling. I did get another promo offer though, I'm getting Sunday Ticket which will give me the premier package for free for four months.
As far as ordering online goes, I really wanted this billed directly to my account which isn't possible online. (Come to find out after speaking to numerous reps I was eventually told this isn't normally allowed via phone too. The funny thing is the original rep made it seem as if this is the norm!) The main reason for billing directly to the account is that my employer pays the bill. I didn't feel like reaching into my own pocket to pay the cost. Moving is already expensive enough as it is. The funny thing is my employer reimbursed me much sooner than I expected (today) and now I can easily just bill it to a credit card. Fortunately it looks like that might not be necessary though, my two orders haven't been canceled and its been almost two days. Its starting to look like doing two orders for different install dates works. I'll keep you all updated on what happens. :)
DirecTV came out on the 17th and after all this drama I'm unable to get DirecTV due to a line of site issue. Apparently standard definition isn't a problem but high def is. According to the installer the only option I have isn't really feasible; it'd involving mounting it really far away in my backyard and would be really expensive. ($400-500 install and $200 for some amp or something I'd have to get directly from DTV.) :\
Define FAR in FEET, use something to measure.
AntAltMike
07-20-08, 04:12 PM
DirecTV came out on the 17th and after all this drama I'm unable to get DirecTV due to a line of site issue. Apparently standard definition isn't a problem but high def is. According to the installer the only option I have isn't really feasible; it'd involving mounting it really far away in my backyard and would be really expensive.
The word is that in September, the nine Ku band national HDTV chanels on the lower satellites (ESPN, HBO, SHowtime, TBS, TNT, etc.) will be mirrored on the 99/101/103 slot, so you should be able to get all DirecTV HDTV programming for which you are eligile from a dish located where you can presently get 101 standard definition signals.
samrs, roughly 1500-2000 feet. The backyard itself is massive and thanks to a couple trees I'm told its impossible to get a line of site unless I put the satellite in front of them.
AntAltMike, that would be awesome if its true.
Carl Spock
07-20-08, 09:29 PM
Now I truly don't understand what's going on. You're having trouble shooting over trees a quarter mile away? :eek2:
RobertE
07-20-08, 10:10 PM
Time out. Flag on the play.
Just WTH is going on?
A tree 1500 feet away would have to be 797 feet tall to block out a sat at 28 deg elevation. :eek2: What kind of trees do you got growing there?
Me thinks we are missing part of the story here. Actually several chapters.
wesmills
07-20-08, 10:42 PM
samrs, roughly 1500-2000 feet. The backyard itself is massive and thanks to a couple trees I'm told its impossible to get a line of site unless I put the satellite in front of them.
AntAltMike, that would be awesome if its true.
If you mean 150-200 feet, this is more reasonable. 1700 feet (midpoint of your estimate) is almost a third of a mile. I don't think there's ANY way to get a DirecTV (or any) satellite signal down a line 1700' feet long without some serious equipment. Plus, as was mentioned earlier, you'd need trees almost 80 stories tall to blot out the beam. Do you happen to live behind the Chrysler Building? :hurah:
colebert
07-21-08, 03:44 AM
It's probably a mini-forest.
Directv dosn't sell any sort of amp.
You might want a second opinion.
Buckcherry
07-21-08, 06:58 PM
Cut down the trees>>> just a thought:D
Here's whats happening: exhaustion from an insane move. :lol: I wish I could tell you why I added the extra 0's, but I have no idea myself. I guess thats what happens when you get 3hours of sleep in several days. :eek2: I meant 150-200ft. There are six large trees that cover my roof so putting it on the roof isn't an option. There is also several trees in my backyard so, according to the installer, I'd have to put the sat on a pole behind the trees and purchase some type of amp or switch from DirecTV. (Apparently DirecTV doesn't sell anything like this though?) The installer seemed knowledgeable and used a tool to check various areas so I took his word and declined a second opinion. What do you think, should I call DirecTV back and get a second opinion? All of this is getting insanely annoying and my move has been pure hell alone. Comcast is set to come by on Thursday to install TV. What do you all think, get a second opinion or just take my losses and go Comcast? (Comcast will literally be a plug & play install. The wires are ready to go so all I need is the receivers.)
On a side note, don't suppose theres any installers on this forum near Freeland, MD that want to check out my house and tell me if its possible before Thursday? I'd make it worth your time. :)
kevinm34232
07-22-08, 05:29 AM
Get a 2nd opinion, there's always a way to do it. But you may have to pay for it...
vBulletin® v3.7.6, Copyright ©2000-2012, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.