Thinking about getting D*. Got ?'s [Archive]

jimb726

10-13-08, 09:49 AM

OTA is done differently depending on the reciever you have. On the first generation HR20 it had on board OTA, with all other generations an add on box called the AM21 is required. It is 50 dollars and you can order right from DirecTv, in some cases folks have gotten it free depending on their negotiation skills. As far as sports options, I guess it depends what sports you are looking for DirecTv has MLBEI, NBA League Pass, NHL Center Ice, MLS, NASCAR HotPass and NFL Sunday Ticket. I think that covers just about every single sport. Generally speaking your best new customer deal is going to be through DirecTv, but I would suggest checking around and seeing what is the best deal for you.

Mike Bertelson

10-13-08, 09:53 AM

Where can I find specs and capabilities of the HD DVR?

Does it do OTA?

I have E* now, but want more sports options. Compared to E* what will I like and dislike about switching.

Is ordering direct through D* the best option?

Anything I should watch for or consider when signing up?
OTA - Off The Air via antenna.

Here is where you can find info about most of Directv's hardware.

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=117744

Good Luck :)

Mike

sore_bluto

10-13-08, 09:54 AM

If you need OTA then you will need a HR20 or HR21 +AM21. This thread (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=76617) has got good info on the HDDVR. Read the AAA thread to find out about some good discounts. It is here (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=116105). Usually calling DIRECTV will get you the best deal, but to get the AAA discount you have to call the specific AAA 800 number.

spartanstew

10-13-08, 09:58 AM

Where can I find specs and capabilities of the HD DVR?

HERE'S (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=117744)all the first looks for each receiver. You'll get either an HR21, HR20 or HR22. Might want to read on each of those. The main differences are that the HR20 has built in OTA capability, but the HR21 and HR22 don't (you can get OTA with an additional box - AM21 - if you get one of those receivers). The HR20 is silver and the other two are black. The HR22 has roughly twice the HD space as the other two.

Does it do OTA?

Yes, either by itself or with the AM21 (see above).

I have E* now, but want more sports options. Compared to E* what will I like and dislike about switching.

Don't know.

Is ordering direct through D* the best option?

Yes, you typically get the best deals that way. HERE'S (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?p=839938#post839938)l link to the ordering thread.

And finally, HERE'S (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=72648)the link to the undocumented Tips and Tricks thread which will give you a lot of information about the units.

carl6

10-13-08, 10:36 AM

Keep in mind that OTA is (at this point in time) only going to be available with the HD DVR product, not the standalone HD receiver (with one exception), and not at all on the SD products.

Carl

scrybigtv

10-13-08, 10:46 AM

The first respondent forgot to mention two College Sports Packages that are also available on D*: ESPN Game Plan (football) and ESPN Full Court (basketball). Thought I'd throw those in, just in case you're a big fan of college sports.

BattleZone

10-13-08, 10:53 AM

Also, this would be a good time to make it clear that you do NOT get to choose which specific model you will get. You can only order an "HD-DVR", and DirecTV's system will only note "HD-DVR". You will be installed with whatever receiver the installer has on his truck at that time (90+% of the time, that will be the newest version available, which is the HR22 in this case). Technically, you could receive a refurb HR20 or HR21 or a new HR21 (not many left anymore), but every day that goes by increases the likelyhood that you'll get the HR22.

The reason I point this out is because many people WANT an HR20 because they want included OTA capability, but despite many CSRs putting many notes in a customer's account, there is simply no way to ensure that a specific receiver model will be available. These days, the only HR20s are refurbs, and there are relatively few of those in active circulation (meaning: available to send to customers), and the ordering/fulfillment system is specifically designed NOT to track by model number, because there is no central database of who has which receivers, and the availability of specific models varies from day to day. It wouldn't be cost-effective to try to keep track of receivers at this level, so they don't.

Dozens of people have posted "My CSR *promised* me..." only to learn that those assurances are meaningless, because DirecTV's policy is that "an HD-DVR is an HD-DVR" and so customers get whatever is available, which again is almost always the latest model.

tsduke

10-14-08, 09:43 AM

sore_bluto

10-14-08, 09:59 AM

I placed an order, but it's been nothing but a nightmare so far.

I'm on my 4th order with also had to be corrected and was given an install date of 10/17. When I called in today to get my order fixed again I was told 11/28 is the only install date my order ever got.

This ordering process has been a complete joke so far. I thought E* service was bad until the last 2 days.

Sorry that you had trouble. I just ordered a new setup for my father via the AAA number and it was as smooth as silk.

Call back and when you get into the automated system, say "cancel service". You'll have to repeat it. This will connect you with the Retention department. Once connected, do not threaten to cancel. Politely explain what has been happening and ask for help. They'll fix you up. Welcome to CSR roulette.

tsduke

10-14-08, 10:03 AM

Sorry that you had trouble. I just ordered a new setup for my father via the AAA number and it was as smooth as silk.

Call back and when you get into the automated system, say "cancel service". You'll have to repeat it. This will connect you with the Retention department. Once connected, do not threaten to cancel. Politely explain what has been happening and ask for help. They'll fix you up. Welcome to CSR roulette.

I actually tried that this morning, but was transferred back to installs again instead and told I can't get retention yet because I'm not installed. Unless I need to call a different number.

On anther note the install company just called me back and have put me on priority for Friday 12-4. I'm a little worried how the handle it though because she said my actual install date won't show changed in the work order and that it's only noted.:confused:

sore_bluto

10-14-08, 10:11 AM

I don't think there is a direct number to retention anymore. Anyone reading this can jump in if they know otherwise. I am stumped for additional advice other than to say that it is good that you have been in direct contact with the install company. Unfortunately, having an afternoon install can sometimes turn into a blowoff. Try to stay positive. The good news is once you are finished with the installation process, you shouldn't have to call in for anything else. Good luck.

harsh

10-14-08, 10:29 AM

Does it do OTA?Not by itself. OTA requires a USB attached gizmo (AM21) that works uniquely with the HD DVRs.Compared to E* what will I like and dislike about switching.You will find the DVR serviceable but somewhat hinky. It has some non-DVR features that the DISH HD DVR lacks and a much more flexible remote control.

If you're using an external hard drive now, you will miss that functionality bigtime.

If you're using the home distribution feature, you won't find that on the D* side.

If you have less than three cables coming to your locations, you may have to buy additional equipment or have more cabling installed when they set you up. Two cables is a minimum with OTA according to DIRECTV.

Diplexing (sharing satellite, OTA and/or backfeeding on the same cable) is recommended against by DIRECTV.Is ordering direct through D* the best option?It is required for some of the special promotional deals. The trade-off (as you've found) is that installations are weeks away.Anything I should watch for or consider when signing up?The same things you would consider when selecting any other provider:

1. Price
2. Packaging
3. Do they offer the channels you and the rest of the household viewers want?

DIRECTV is a good fit for the household that values conventional sports programming. Their equipment is not exactly robust and you'll want to read here carefully and often about how to identify and/or work around various issues.

The biggest factor in happiness with DIRECTV is getting a conscientious installer. With a proper installation, many of the often whined about factors aren't an issue.

tsduke

10-14-08, 11:06 AM

Now I'm on order# 5. Last CSR didn't change my account as asked she voided it.:(

houskamp

10-14-08, 12:37 PM

You will find the DVR serviceable but somewhat hinky.
You have directv now??? :eek2: :lol:

RobertE

10-14-08, 12:45 PM

tcusta00

10-14-08, 12:46 PM

If you're using an external hard drive now, you will miss that functionality bigtime.

Why would he miss it? DirecTV DVRs support eSata.

If you have less than three cables coming to your locations, you may have to buy additional equipment or have more cabling installed when they set you up. Two cables is a minimum with OTA according to DIRECTV.

Not if he gets a SL3 dish or SWM, which are rolling out across the country.

It is required for some of the special promotional deals. The trade-off (as you've found) is that installations are weeks away.

No it's not. the local retailers have the same access to deals as DirecTV does.

Their equipment is not exactly robust and you'll want to read here carefully and often about how to identify and/or work around various issues.

Um, ok. Seems that at least 2/3 of the users out there strongly disagree or disagree with you based on this (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=142406).

The biggest factor in happiness with DirecTV is

... actually having DirecTV and being able to comment on it intelligently. Are you done "educating" people now? :nono2:

tsduke

10-14-08, 02:25 PM

Why have you had 4 (now 5 I see) orders built? Do you keep changing what equipment you want or is it something else?

Not my doing trust me. Each of the first orders did not have the correct equipment. Either missing a receiver or the a wrong type each time. Even though they verbally confirmed my equipment to be what I asked for the orders came out wrong. The 2nd order may have actually been correct but the CSR voided it after I got off the phone.

I'm hoping the retention department got things right now. I've talked to the install company and they show the right # of receivers and the right types so I have my fingers crossed.

archer75

10-14-08, 04:47 PM

tsduke

10-14-08, 05:01 PM

something else to note as you are switching from Dish is that on the Dish receivers when you add in OTA you can then record 3 programs at once.

On Direct when you get the OTA add on and essentially have 2 OTA tuners and 2 sat tuners you can still only record 2 programs at once.

That's not really an issue for me. I don't usually do more than 1 recording at one. I'm picking up HD locals by switching to D* so at least now I'll be able to watch an HD local while recording a different HD local.

harsh

10-14-08, 05:43 PM

Why would he miss it? DirecTV DVRs support eSata.eSATA is nothing like external support on the DISH receivers. DISH allows you to move the drive relatively freely between HD DVRs and it doesn't wipe your scheduling preferences to swap and/or add new drives as often as you want.Not if he gets a SL3 dish or SWM, which are rolling out across the country.Which is why I said "may". Better to give likely scenario versus best case scenario.No it's not. the local retailers have the same access to deals as DirecTV does.I asked about the AAA discount and referral bonus program not too long ago and was told that they were not available outside of the direct sales channel. I'll ask again.

The DIRECTV website says the following:Point your friend in the right direction and feel good about yourself
Step 1: Refer a friend to DIRECTV with an email
Step 2: Tell them to visit directv.com/refer to order or call 1-866-443-8869 and mention your account number when ordering
Step 3: Receive $50 in bill credits for each friend who activates DIRECTV service. (Limit to 20 referrals per person per year)

The AAA website says the following:BILL CREDIT OFFER: New customers must sign up using the phone number provided (800-242-9114) and order their leased system (on approved credit) by 12/31/08. Upon activation of DIRECTV System and programming, customer will receive 24 nonrefundable/nontransferable credits of $10 each over 24 DIRECTV billing cycles totaling $240.Seems that at least 2/3 of the users out there strongly disagree or disagree with you based on this (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=142406).A relatively small sample of a very small subset of the population.

In the context of someone coming from elsewhere, the perspectives of a longtime DIRECTV subscriber may not be any more valuable than someone with alternative experience.

tcusta00

10-14-08, 05:49 PM

In the context of someone coming from elsewhere, the perspectives of a longtime DIRECTV subscriber may not be any more valuable than someone with alternative experience.

You sound like a politician with your "may" and loose comparisons.

In what context do the perspectives of a Dish customer dispensing information about DirecTV become valuable? :scratchin :confused:

houskamp

10-14-08, 05:50 PM

eSATA is nothing like external support on the DISH receivers. DISH allows you to move the drive relatively freely between HD DVRs and it doesn't wipe your scheduling preferences to swap and/or add new drives as often as you want..

Last I knew you couldn't use dish's external for recording space at all... your stuck with the little drive to record your shows and having to sit and wait to copy anything to the external manualy... The beauty of the Directv esata is the ability to up your live recording space to 2 tb... you can go on vacation for 2 weeks+ and it won't fill up and start deleting your stuff..

inkahauts

10-14-08, 06:03 PM

eSATA is nothing like external support on the DISH receivers. DISH allows you to move the drive relatively freely between HD DVRs and it doesn't wipe your scheduling preferences to swap and/or add new drives as often as you want.

Dish charges for using an external drive, Directv doesn't... even if it is a one time fee... Unless this has change lately...

Also, Dish is set up more as a archive for the external is it not? Directv is meant to simply make you system able to record more... Its seemless...

External does not in any way wipe out programs if you remove the drive and then plug it back in latter... Prefrences are stored on each drive seperatly.... for that drive...

And you sometimes seem to write things as fact rather than opinion... Dish's multi room feature is completely worthless to me... It limits the machines capabilityes, and only ouitputs sd to the second room, which is completely unacceptable for me, so I don't like it at all.... Doesn't mean I'd tell people its not good for them... I'd ask them their setuip and how they use the system first before I'd tell them what they may or may not like... And I noticed you didn't mention that when Directv implements MRV it will blow DIshes SD second room output out of the water either.... :D

ANd your other comments have already been commented on, but you really need to stop telling people that the HRs are hinky or whatever, considering you've never owned one... Not once have I ever told anyone that Dish hardware isn't any good, as you seem to like to do about Directv... I read the Dish forums enough to see that a LOT of people have hardware issues over there too... I have yet to see you call Diosh hardware Hinky...

From what the OP has said so far,sounds like he is going to like DIrectv a lot better for 2 reasons... Locals in HD and sports, assuming hes getting a sports sub that Dish doesn't have...

Until he tells us what he has now, how he uses it, and what hes ordered, we can't really tell him anything about what he may or may not like after the switch...

Frankly he mentioned the only two things that I believe really make a difference in choosing between the two providers right now.. HD LIL and sports subs....

tsduke

10-14-08, 06:14 PM

--HD lils - even though the local ABC network is using the HD channel as leverage for a new deal with Direct so I will be short one for now. I have OTA for to cover for now.
--NFL-ST

--MLB channel in 2009. Maybe MLB EI. Dish will not have either.

--I know it cost more for lease fees, but I want the main functionality of the receiver at each TV. Not the limited tv2 output.

--I'm tired of seeing channels fall off Dish because of failed contract negotiations. In comparison I rarely see channels go dark on Direct.

--Hoping for better PQ on HD channels.

I will admit. I will probably miss the Dish's VIP722.

harsh

10-14-08, 11:08 PM

In what context do the perspectives of a Dish customer dispensing information about DirecTV become valuable? :scratchin :confused:When the fanboys and apologists only offer the party line with nothing in the way of comparison.

harsh

10-14-08, 11:38 PM

Dish charges for using an external drive, Directv doesn't... even if it is a one time fee... Unless this has change lately...The DISH external storage feature is something you pay extra for and it is officially available and supported.Also, Dish is set up more as a archive for the external is it not? Directv is meant to simply make you system able to record more... Its seemless...Seamless is not the term I would use. Having to update programming each time you change drives is not seamless and not being able to move the drive to another machine is not particularly seamless.External does not in any way wipe out programs if you remove the drive and then plug it back in latter... Prefrences are stored on each drive seperatly.... for that drive... No, but eSATA temporarily denies you access to what is on the inactive drive and you have to unplug power and the drive to restore access to the "other" drive. In contrast, the DISH solution doesn't mess with anybody's settings and it allows one to easily archive mass quantities of programs and play them back on the machine that recorded it as well as other machines (and replacement machines if that is necessary).

With the DIRECTV solution, programming is lost when the associated receiver is replaced and there's no way to view or recover the content.And you sometimes seem to write things as fact rather than opinion...While much of it is fact, some is indeed opinion. When it is opinion, I usually say so. It is up to the reader to evaluate the relative importance in their mindFrom what the OP has said so far,sounds like he is going to like DIrectv a lot better for 2 reasons... Locals in HD and sports, assuming hes getting a sports sub that Dish doesn't have...
As the HD DVR was mentioned as a concern, I offered my experience. If you want to get stinky, there are very few that actually "own" an HR2x and you certainly don't have to own one to be familiar with the ins and outs. As for HD LIL, apparently that's not all of it as OTA support is still desired.

I have to chuckle when you mentioned how kickass DIRECTV's MRV will be -- have you seen it in action? Will it be officially supported in such a manner than anyone can use it?

mutelight

10-15-08, 01:46 AM

Not my doing trust me. Each of the first orders did not have the correct equipment. Either missing a receiver or the a wrong type each time. Even though they verbally confirmed my equipment to be what I asked for the orders came out wrong. The 2nd order may have actually been correct but the CSR voided it after I got off the phone.

I'm hoping the retention department got things right now. I've talked to the install company and they show the right # of receivers and the right types so I have my fingers crossed.

That sounds about right. The quality of operators that place the orders must have really dropped recently because I had a similar experience. The CSR I dealt with was very rude when I first called up and had a few questions like I was wasting his time. Then once I told him I would like to sign up he lightened up a bit but managed to get my entire order wrong.

I ordered 1 HD DVR and then 3 HD receivers and not only double checked the order and had him read it back but triple checked to make sure everything was correct. He managed to get an installer out the next day (which was nice) who arrived with a SD DVR, and three standard receivers. Immediately I rang DirecTV and they confirmed that the installer had the gear that was on my order. I explained my case and the lady that was helping me had me put her on the phone with the installer and he was given the go ahead to replace all the receivers with the equipment I wanted.

Long story short, the installer was a bit of a flake, I ended up making most of the coax runs and finishing the install myself, they got my equipment wrong but I was generously compensated for my troubles. I truly was very close to throwing in the towel until a conflict resolution specialist called me up after a many heated calls to DTV. He was very professional and was the one that offered me the compensation but it is very unfortunate that it had to get to that point. DTV really needs to take a look at their sales people because it looks like I am not the first to have order issues which is vital for them getting new subscribers.

:rant:
With all of that said, after all of the issues and being on the verge of dropping the service before it even started, everything is working 100% now and I can't even begin to describe how much happier I am with DTV over my previous provider.

braven

10-15-08, 04:34 AM

When the fanboys and apologists only offer the party line with nothing in the way of comparison.

Pot meet kettle. :rolleyes:

tcusta00

10-15-08, 06:36 AM

When the fanboys and apologists only offer the party line with nothing in the way of comparison.

When did I do that? You offered up only half the story in the post I quoted above so I offered up the other half. It's no wonder you only knew half the story since you're a Dish customer.

Seems like the OP got the answers he needed anyway, in spite of you.

Join us next week for our next installment of "Why is the Dish customer attempting to answer questions about DirecTV, right here at DBSTalk!"

tsduke

10-15-08, 06:42 AM

Sorry I started Direct vs Dish war guys. I didn't intend to. I just wanted some constructive info about Direct.

David MacLeod

10-15-08, 06:45 AM

Sorry I started Direct vs Dish war guys. I didn't intend to. I just wanted some constructive info about Direct.

not your fault, happens often lately. its not actually a bad thing since you can get a lot of info from it.

natethegreat

10-15-08, 08:24 AM

I asked about the AAA discount and referral bonus program not too long ago and was told that they were not available outside of the direct sales channel. I'll ask again.

As a new D* dealer I can attest that the AAA discount is the only promo I've seen so far that I can't offer. Yes, we can offer the referral bonus. Maybe not all can, but if I can, there are others as well.

IDRick

10-15-08, 09:03 AM

Sorry I started Direct vs Dish war guys. I didn't intend to. I just wanted some constructive info about Direct.

Actually this has been a good thread. Handling of EHD is very different between the two sat companies and it may or may not be an important issue to you. I currently do not sub to either sat service and can see +'s and -"s for both. I think Dish got it right with their EHD approach. One can move the EHD between dvrs and can use multiple EHD's. If the dvr must be returned, the user retains the programming on the EHD but loses what's on the internal HD.

Direct allows a much larger HD, a good thing that can be a negative if one has to return the dvr or if one has to reset/reformat the dvr. I don't know the relative frequency or probability of having to return dvrs or resetting/reformatting. To me, it is a huge negative to potentially lose archive files for either event. Non portability between dvrs is also negative. YMMV.

tcusta00

10-15-08, 09:12 AM

Sorry I started Direct vs Dish war guys. I didn't intend to. I just wanted some constructive info about Direct.

No worries... I was just trying to make sure you got the whole story and not bits and pieces from people who don't know enough to tell it. :)

IDRick

10-15-08, 09:13 AM

[QUOTE=inkahauts;1836737]
ANd your other comments have already been commented on, but you really need to stop telling people that the HRs are hinky or whatever, considering you've never owned one... Not once have I ever told anyone that Dish hardware isn't any good, as you seem to like to do about Directv... I read the Dish forums enough to see that a LOT of people have hardware issues over there too... I have yet to see you call Diosh hardware Hinky...QUOTE]

Relative reliability is an important factor for any consumer considering a major change in home electronics. It would be incredably helpful if there were a consumer reports summary on satellite dvrs. Several measures could be used. Some examples: What is the frequency of dvr returns? What is the frequency of failure to record? What is the frequency of resets? What is the level of customer satisfaction and would they recommend to others? I would love to read these results from a large unbiased sampling of users for both satellite services. I recognize all electronics have a failure rate. I'm interested in relative frequency and are there differences between providers. I prefer to stay away from a system requiring more returns, resets, etc.

IDRick

10-15-08, 09:20 AM

As a new D* dealer I can attest that the AAA discount is the only promo I've seen so far that I can't offer. Yes, we can offer the referral bonus. Maybe not all can, but if I can, there are others as well.

I have been a long time member of AAA and would use this discount if I chose D*. I think that it is very unfair of D* to not allow local dealers to provide this discount. I can show a local dealer my card that says I've been a member for 28 years. On line, a person can just use someone else's number and cheat the system.

I personally would prefer to use local talent but I'm not Bill Gates and can't afford the extra $340 to install D* ($240 discount + $100 savings on second dvr). D* is a tough sell in my DMA because they don't provide locals. Allowing the local retailers to do some installs likely improves their ability to stay in business...