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View Full Version : HR20-700 "Calling Home" issue


CindyJ
07-11-09, 10:08 AM
Watched a movie in Top Movies on 4 July. Usually when I watch a PPV movie it is on my online bill by the time the film is finished. Noticed on Monday that it still wasn't on my bill. Over the course of the week I have rebooted my receiver twice. System test shows no errors. On Demand and online caller id are both working. As of this morning still nothing on my bill.

Called D* customer service. The first person I spoke with had no clue what I was talking about. She kept offering to order the film again. Then when she finally understood that I had already seen the film she said "it will show up on your bill". When I insisted that it wouldn't without solving the issue that is causing the receiver to not report that I watched the film she said there is nothing she can do and I should just wait. I continued to insist that there is a solution and request that she transfer me to someone else. Finally she agreed to do so and when I was transferred, after several rings the call was disconnected. Called back and this time I got someone who was clearly reading from a script and sounded like she is likely in the Philippines. Even though I explained that I had already watched the film, this person also wanted to reorder it. After several more minutes of explaining she finally understood what I was saying. Her solution was to request a call back from the box. I asked when the last call back was. She said 5 July. So why didn't the PPV get reported on 5 July? Anyway.... she was going to request the call back. I am doubtful that will solve the issue.

The frustrating thing is that in both calls I explained that I have a phone line and Ethernet hooked up, that system test shows no errors and that caller id and On Demand are working. Both reps totally ignored this info. Probably because they had no clue what any of that means.

I'm probably going to have to call back. Any tips for exactly what to say to the automated system in order to actually get someone with a technical clue? I tried just asking for technical support. It then wants specifics. If you mention anything about PPV or Top Movies it sends you to someone who only knows how to order one. If you say any phrase that includes error, it sends me to billing. If I simply ask for customer service representative, it requests specifics. I've been unsuccessful with coming up with the right combination of words to actually reach someone with a clue.

Any idea of something that might fix the problem? I'd really love to avoid going back for another dose of CSR frustration.

Rich
07-11-09, 11:00 AM
Watched a movie in Top Movies on 4 July. Usually when I watch a PPV movie it is on my online bill by the time the film is finished. Noticed on Monday that it still wasn't on my bill. Over the course of the week I have rebooted my receiver twice. System test shows no errors. On Demand and online caller id are both working. As of this morning still nothing on my bill.

Called D* customer service. The first person I spoke with had no clue what I was talking about. She kept offering to order the film again. Then when she finally understood that I had already seen the film she said "it will show up on your bill". When I insisted that it wouldn't without solving the issue that is causing the receiver to not report that I watched the film she said there is nothing she can do and I should just wait. I continued to insist that there is a solution and request that she transfer me to someone else. Finally she agreed to do so and when I was transferred, after several rings the call was disconnected. Called back and this time I got someone who was clearly reading from a script and sounded like she is likely in the Philippines. Even though I explained that I had already watched the film, this person also wanted to reorder it. After several more minutes of explaining she finally understood what I was saying. Her solution was to request a call back from the box. I asked when the last call back was. She said 5 July. So why didn't the PPV get reported on 5 July? Anyway.... she was going to request the call back. I am doubtful that will solve the issue.

The frustrating thing is that in both calls I explained that I have a phone line and Ethernet hooked up, that system test shows no errors and that caller id and On Demand are working. Both reps totally ignored this info. Probably because they had no clue what any of that means.

I'm probably going to have to call back. Any tips for exactly what to say to the automated system in order to actually get someone with a technical clue? I tried just asking for technical support. It then wants specifics. If you mention anything about PPV or Top Movies it sends you to someone who only knows how to order one. If you say any phrase that includes error, it sends me to billing. If I simply ask for customer service representative, it requests specifics. I've been unsuccessful with coming up with the right combination of words to actually reach someone with a clue.

Any idea of something that might fix the problem? I'd really love to avoid going back for another dose of CSR frustration.

When you call, keep saying "cancel service". You will be asked if you really want to cancel. Say yes and you will be sent to the Retention department. Their CSRs will help you. Expecting the first CSR you get when you call to help you is an act of futility.

Rich

Gloria_Chavez
07-11-09, 11:10 AM
Perhaps a stupid question, but why would you worry about the PPV not showing up on your bill? If it shows up four months from now, pay it. But what if, due to some technical glitch, it won't, ever. I don't understand the premise of your question. We're not talking about a company having to build reserves for a contingent liability. We're talking about a PPV movie.

Rich
07-11-09, 11:30 AM
Perhaps a stupid question, but why would you worry about the PPV not showing up on your bill? If it shows up four months from now, pay it. But what if, due to some technical glitch, it won't, ever. I don't understand the premise of your question. We're not talking about a company having to build reserves for a contingent liability. We're talking about a PPV movie.

I was wondering about that myself, figured there must be more to it than the TS posted. D* rarely misses a chance to bill you for something. In fact, I'm quite impressed with their accounting department. I have never had a problem with a bill. If only the rest of their departments operated so well...

Rich

bonscott87
07-11-09, 11:34 AM
I was thinking the same thing, why be worried about it at all? It's a PPV and if it shows up it shows up. Seems like a lot of headache and hassle for nothing really. I doubt a CSR is actually going to be able to "help" because the most they can do is force the receiver to call in. If the PPV isn't in the call in packet then you got it for free, rejoice! :)

CindyJ
07-11-09, 11:44 AM
Why worry about it? Because I watch one or more PPV per month. The box will only let you order a small number of PPVs without reporting the charge before it stops letting you order from the remote. For my receiver, that number is 3. (Been through this situation before.) Order from the website you say? Most of what I watch is from the Top Movies folder in 1080p. The website can't help me with that.

Rich
07-11-09, 12:03 PM
Why worry about it? Because I watch one or more PPV per month. The box will only let you order a small number of PPVs without reporting the charge before it stops letting you order from the remote. For my receiver, that number is 3. (Been through this situation before.) Order from the website you say? Most of what I watch is from the Top Movies folder in 1080p. The website can't help me with that.

Ah, knew there had to be more to this. OK, that's clearer. Why not refer to my previous post and call Retention? They will help you.

Rich