View Full Version : DirecTV or FIOS
itguy05
09-25-09, 08:08 AM
Been with DTV for almost 2 years now and have had decent service. A few glitches here and there, but overall we've been relatively happy.
However, we have Internet with FIOS and their new offer is $150 to make the switch and we'd be saving about $5 a month if we go with FIOS.
I know this is a loaded question but I'm sure many on this site have thought about this as well....
Excluding the small-ish DVRs, any downsides to going FIOS over DTV?
You could always suspend your D* account for a few months if you want to go see if the grass is greener with FIOS.
Capmeister
09-25-09, 08:24 AM
I have been considering the move to FiOS, but unless I come into some real money and can afford 3 TiVos with expanded hard drives, I've heard horror stories about their DVRs. I won't make the move until they have a better (not just larger--but better) DVR offering.
dcowboy7
09-25-09, 09:05 AM
Thread already:
http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=162232&highlight=fios
cariera
09-25-09, 12:06 PM
However, we have Internet with FIOS and their new offer is $150 to make the switch and we'd be saving about $5 a month if we go with FIOS.
If the issue is cost, why not call Directv and see what they can do. They are obviously willing to deal based on the bizillion threads on discounts and freebies in this forum.:)
The other thread hits the major points, but to encapsulate, here's my take on the pros/cons of each - this is from my perspective, based on what's important to me... and based on my time as a DirecTV subscriber - 5 years, SD only, and now a FiOS TV subscriber - going on 2 1/2 SD and HD.
Pros of FiOS over DirecTV:
1) Local stuff - if you want local subchannels, and all your HD locals, plus weather on the 8's, and WeatherScan Local, FiOS is the better place for it.
2) Number of channels - now this is somewhat subjective. I was never a Sports Pack subscriber with DirecTV, and beyond my own RSN, I really don't care about having all those RSNs. Nor did I care about specialty sports packs (e.g. NFL ST). But in terms of just overall SD and HD channels, FiOS has more. And they have more of the channels that I care about (you can do what I did - do a side-by-side comparison of both channel lists, and see if Verizon has the channels you care about.
3) PQ - Now, like I've said, I've never had HD with DirecTV, so I really can't speak to their HD PQ, but the HD PQ on FiOS really is nice - from all that I've read in comparisons of the two, it sounds like they're on par, with maybe a tiny edge going to FiOS. But for SD, which I still watch alot, the difference is pretty dramatic.
4) No rain fade.
5) Single-wire solution - since FiOS is essentially cable, and all their linear channels are QAM. Why DirecTV has been so slow to roll out such a solution is beyond me. I know they have one... but it's far from wide-spread.
6) Multi-room viewing - this may or may not be a biggie - I really like it. Yeah the multi-room DVR has some nits, but overall it works great.
7) VOD - While Verizon still isn't on par with say Comcast on this front, they're quickly making up ground. They've been aggressively increasing their VOD offerings - recently putting out a press release saying that they'll be more than doubling the number of HD VOD premium channel feeds, e.g. I've already seen the growth of their VOD library result from that (they just turned on Epix VOD, e.g., and we now have 99 movies, both in SD and HD... the number of movies on Starz continues to grow... that kind of thing).
8) Premium movie channels - not only does Verizon have every premium out there (with one stupid exception - they don't have Starz West HD - why they exclude that ONE channel, I have no idea), but price-wise you can't beat it. I have their movie pack which gives me: Showtime, Starz, TMC, Encore, Flix, IFC, Sundance (47 SD channels in all), plus all their HD counterparts (except for Starz HD West, like I said), and all the VOD for those channels for $13/month. The movie pack price has gone up to $15 or $16/month (I'm grandfathered in), but even so, it's a hell of a deal.
Pros of DirecTV over FiOS:
1) If you're a sports nut, and you have to have the specialty sports channels, there's no other choice but DirecTV. Even with the sports packs that Verizon does offer (e.g. MLB EI), they only offer up one HD game at a time.
2) Out of market RSNs. No... I don't care about this, but I could see why someone would like that. Verizon can't offer this... DirecTV can, and does.
3) Recording capacity on their DVRs - as others have said, the recording capacity on the Motorola DVR is limited. There are some other differences which, in some ways, give the DirecTV hardware a bit of an edge, but this is probably one of the most subjective items that everyone quotes. I personally love Verizon's guide s/w. It's fast as hell, extremely intuitive, and is surprisingly bug-free (yeah, there are some minor bugs, but nothing like the show-stoppers I used to see on my R15s), but it's missing some much-needed functionality.
Other differences:
This is an area where it's hard to say who has the advantage, because it really depends on your preference. But these are differences that are worth noting:
1) Pricing - Which is cheaper? Well, that depends. With FiOS you can get their triple play, and save alot on their service. You can renew your contract and get the latest deal (I just did that - I now have 25/15 internet service, with their Extreme HD TV service, with their price locked in for 2 years). But on the other hand, their hardware is more expensive than directv, month to month. They're just different business models. I don't pay for my equipment up-front, and getting new equipment doesn't lock me into any contracts, but I pay more per month for each box. But I pay alot less on the service side. So if you have alot of STBs/DVRs, then DirecTV will undoubtedly be cheaper in the long run. If you have a couple, then FiOS will likely be cheaper.
For me, I did an apples to apples comparison - I looked at my DirecTV setup, and said 'ok, to get the equivalent of what I have now, how much will it cost me?'
2) No programming tiers - this one, again, is subjective. Verizon doesn't really have programming tiers. They have 2 basic packages - Essentials (pretty much their SD only package - although you get locals in HD), and Extreme (pretty much their everything-but-the-premiums package). Extreme also includes (in markets outside NY/NJ) all their former sports pack channels. So, in short, for my price, I get everything. The only extras are the premiums - sports packs, movie channels, internationals. That's it - I get everything else. Isn't that a good thing? Well, yes... unless you want a slightly cheaper option. If I wanted to pare back my bill by going to a lower tier, I really can't do that with FiOS. If I want HD, I HAVE to get their Extreme package.
I think that covers it.
The only other thing I would mention is the D* exclusives such as the Mix Channels, Interactive Weather Channel, the 101 and special sports event channels like the US Open, etc.
compnurd
09-25-09, 02:58 PM
The only other thing I would mention is the D* exclusives such as the Mix Channels, Interactive Weather Channel, the 101 and special sports event channels like the US Open, etc.
I have fooled around with Fios and like it alot. If i had it here i probably would switch. The interface is also very nice. I would do a compare for a couple of months but i would say minus HD space right now Fios has an edge IMO
cariera
09-25-09, 04:30 PM
jpl, good solid post and comparison.:)
itguy05
09-25-09, 09:02 PM
Thanks guys. I'm thinking of the double play - very happy with our VoIP service (Viatalk, $200 for 2 years unlimited). I'm salivating at the thought of 25/15 internet :)
Could care less about sports so that is not applicable.
Right now, I pay Directv $81.25 a month (Choice + HD + DVR + 1 extra) and Verizon $54.99 for 15/5 internet. $136.24 Total.
With our 2 DVR's on Verizon, HD Extreme, and 25/15 Internet, I'm looking at $126.97 a month or a $9.27 savings. And then there's that $150 carrot that they are dangling. For a net cost of $114.47 per month (or a free month and a half).
The only thing that's bugging me is the less DVR capacity on FIOS. The positive is that if they get the higher capacity or enable eSATA it will be better.
Oh Well, I have until December 30 to make up my mind.
JoeTheDragon
09-25-09, 09:44 PM
Thanks guys. I'm thinking of the double play - very happy with our VoIP service (Viatalk, $200 for 2 years unlimited). I'm salivating at the thought of 25/15 internet :)
Could care less about sports so that is not applicable.
Right now, I pay Directv $81.25 a month (Choice + HD + DVR + 1 extra) and Verizon $54.99 for 15/5 internet. $136.24 Total.
With our 2 DVR's on Verizon, HD Extreme, and 25/15 Internet, I'm looking at $126.97 a month or a $9.27 savings. And then there's that $150 carrot that they are dangling. For a net cost of $114.47 per month (or a free month and a half).
The only thing that's bugging me is the less DVR capacity on FIOS. The positive is that if they get the higher capacity or enable eSATA it will be better.
Oh Well, I have until December 30 to make up my mind.
fios also makes you par $10 per hd box and $15-$20 per HD dvr. HD dvr $15 Home Media DVR $20 for 20h HD
The only other thing I would mention is the D* exclusives such as the Mix Channels, Interactive Weather Channel, the 101 and special sports event channels like the US Open, etc.
I have fooled around with Fios and like it alot. If i had it here i probably would switch. The interface is also very nice. I would do a compare for a couple of months but i would say minus HD space right now Fios has an edge IMOEach person has different interests and that's why providers use different ways to market their offerings. D* uses the "Sports Leader" approach and thats what I'm interested in. So for me they have the edge.
JPL did an excellent job of recapping D* & FiOS advantages/disadvantages. I made the post about the US Open coverage, etc, because I believe those are a few advantages D* has that he should have included. If someone is making a decision to switch, its something they will lose that they might not think about.
Brennok
09-26-09, 11:00 AM
Also one thing to consider as far as a pro for Fios at least for me is the ability to use your own DVR. I don't just mean Tivo/Moxi but now with Windows 7 dropping the requirements for cable card tuners you will be able to build a 4 tuner DVR with as much space as you want with the ability to record any channel using only one cable card at 3.99 a month.
Hutchinshouse
09-26-09, 11:40 AM
I've seen many people state that FiOS SD blows away DIRECTV SD.
Why is this?
DIRECTV compressing the “H” out of it?
whitey2755
09-26-09, 12:50 PM
jpl,
Best post I have seen yet on this matter. Thanks!
The other thread hits the major points, but to encapsulate, here's my take on the pros/cons of each - this is from my perspective, based on what's important to me... and based on my time as a DirecTV subscriber - 5 years, SD only, and now a FiOS TV subscriber - going on 2 1/2 SD and HD.
Pros of FiOS over DirecTV:
1) Local stuff - if you want local subchannels, and all your HD locals, plus weather on the 8's, and WeatherScan Local, FiOS is the better place for it.
2) Number of channels - now this is somewhat subjective. I was never a Sports Pack subscriber with DirecTV, and beyond my own RSN, I really don't care about having all those RSNs. Nor did I care about specialty sports packs (e.g. NFL ST). But in terms of just overall SD and HD channels, FiOS has more. And they have more of the channels that I care about (you can do what I did - do a side-by-side comparison of both channel lists, and see if Verizon has the channels you care about.
3) PQ - Now, like I've said, I've never had HD with DirecTV, so I really can't speak to their HD PQ, but the HD PQ on FiOS really is nice - from all that I've read in comparisons of the two, it sounds like they're on par, with maybe a tiny edge going to FiOS. But for SD, which I still watch alot, the difference is pretty dramatic.
4) No rain fade.
5) Single-wire solution - since FiOS is essentially cable, and all their linear channels are QAM. Why DirecTV has been so slow to roll out such a solution is beyond me. I know they have one... but it's far from wide-spread.
6) Multi-room viewing - this may or may not be a biggie - I really like it. Yeah the multi-room DVR has some nits, but overall it works great.
7) VOD - While Verizon still isn't on par with say Comcast on this front, they're quickly making up ground. They've been aggressively increasing their VOD offerings - recently putting out a press release saying that they'll be more than doubling the number of HD VOD premium channel feeds, e.g. I've already seen the growth of their VOD library result from that (they just turned on Epix VOD, e.g., and we now have 99 movies, both in SD and HD... the number of movies on Starz continues to grow... that kind of thing).
8) Premium movie channels - not only does Verizon have every premium out there (with one stupid exception - they don't have Starz West HD - why they exclude that ONE channel, I have no idea), but price-wise you can't beat it. I have their movie pack which gives me: Showtime, Starz, TMC, Encore, Flix, IFC, Sundance (47 SD channels in all), plus all their HD counterparts (except for Starz HD West, like I said), and all the VOD for those channels for $13/month. The movie pack price has gone up to $15 or $16/month (I'm grandfathered in), but even so, it's a hell of a deal.
Pros of DirecTV over FiOS:
1) If you're a sports nut, and you have to have the specialty sports channels, there's no other choice but DirecTV. Even with the sports packs that Verizon does offer (e.g. MLB EI), they only offer up one HD game at a time.
2) Out of market RSNs. No... I don't care about this, but I could see why someone would like that. Verizon can't offer this... DirecTV can, and does.
3) Recording capacity on their DVRs - as others have said, the recording capacity on the Motorola DVR is limited. There are some other differences which, in some ways, give the DirecTV hardware a bit of an edge, but this is probably one of the most subjective items that everyone quotes. I personally love Verizon's guide s/w. It's fast as hell, extremely intuitive, and is surprisingly bug-free (yeah, there are some minor bugs, but nothing like the show-stoppers I used to see on my R15s), but it's missing some much-needed functionality.
Other differences:
This is an area where it's hard to say who has the advantage, because it really depends on your preference. But these are differences that are worth noting:
1) Pricing - Which is cheaper? Well, that depends. With FiOS you can get their triple play, and save alot on their service. You can renew your contract and get the latest deal (I just did that - I now have 25/15 internet service, with their Extreme HD TV service, with their price locked in for 2 years). But on the other hand, their hardware is more expensive than directv, month to month. They're just different business models. I don't pay for my equipment up-front, and getting new equipment doesn't lock me into any contracts, but I pay more per month for each box. But I pay alot less on the service side. So if you have alot of STBs/DVRs, then DirecTV will undoubtedly be cheaper in the long run. If you have a couple, then FiOS will likely be cheaper.
For me, I did an apples to apples comparison - I looked at my DirecTV setup, and said 'ok, to get the equivalent of what I have now, how much will it cost me?'
2) No programming tiers - this one, again, is subjective. Verizon doesn't really have programming tiers. They have 2 basic packages - Essentials (pretty much their SD only package - although you get locals in HD), and Extreme (pretty much their everything-but-the-premiums package). Extreme also includes (in markets outside NY/NJ) all their former sports pack channels. So, in short, for my price, I get everything. The only extras are the premiums - sports packs, movie channels, internationals. That's it - I get everything else. Isn't that a good thing? Well, yes... unless you want a slightly cheaper option. If I wanted to pare back my bill by going to a lower tier, I really can't do that with FiOS. If I want HD, I HAVE to get their Extreme package.
I think that covers it.
compnurd
09-26-09, 03:25 PM
I've seen many people state that FiOS SD blows away DIRECTV SD.
Why is this?
DIRECTV compressing the “H” out of it?
Yah pretty much
Of course another con against FiOS is the fact that unlike DirecTV it is not available everywhere and subject to federal and state right-of-way taxes. Here for instance in South L.A. our ILEC is AT&T , which therefore prohibits the intrusion of another LEC such as Verizon into their service area. So we cannot get FiOS.
Another problem I see is that since FiOS TV simply conveys a conventional ~870 MHz RF CATV signal spectrum over a 1550 nm analog modulated laser beam to the individual subscriber's "Optical Network Terminal" (or "ONT") which in turn reverts it back to a conventional coaxial cable RF band, I frankly see no advantage in FiOS' fiber-to-the-home system over a HFC digital cable system in this respect.
I know that Verizon's ultimate goal is to eventually convert to a full "Switched Digital Video" ("SDV") system for the delivery of their TV services as with their present on-demand PPVs, but for the time being I only see the speed of their internet and the on-demand downloads as the only real benefits of the FTTH system used by the FiOS service right now.
captain_video
09-26-09, 08:03 PM
I had DirecTV for over 10 years and FIOS for about 2-1/2 years. I've never regretted making the switch to FIOS. If for no other reason, get it for their wideband internet. I used to have Comcast wideband and they charged me almost twice as much for inferior service.
One of the best features with Verizon is that I have landline phone service, internet, and TV service in a single package and get just one bill for all of them. I also have Verizon wireless phone service and that's rolled into the monthly bill as well. I get a slight discount on my TV service by having the other two (phone and internet). My phone service includes unlimited long distance for what I used to pay for just local service.
TV channel packages are competitive with other providers, including DirecTV. Fios offers several channels that DirecTV doesn't (HBO Comedy comes to mind and I'm sure there are others). DirecTV offers a whopping four HD local channels in my area whereas I get about a dozen with FIOS from two different markets (Baltimore and DC).
Someone mentioned the restrictions on CableCARDs being lifted. I currently have an HTPC with six ATSC tuners for picking up all of my local HD channels via OTA antenna. I also have two S3 Tivos with four CableCARDS for recording from FIOS channels. When the new CableCARD tuners become available at the end of this year from Hauppauge (the 4-tuner model from Ceton will be avilable in the 1st quarter of 2010), I'll be adding four more tuners to my HTPC and dumping my Tivos when my 3-year prepaid plan expires early next year. The CableCARD tuners only require a single M-card so I'll not only be reducing my CableCARD renal from 4 to 1 card, I'll also be eliminating my service fees with Tivo. The reduction in monthly fees will more than pay for the tuners and I'll probably come out slightly ahead when I sell the Tivos.
Did I mention that there's no commitment when you sign up for FIOS service? The number of negative posts about DirecTV's customer service has escalated over the past couple of years, making me even more elated that I made the switch. I've always done my own dish and cable installations so I never had to deal with any of the contract installers or DirecTV techs. The one instance where I had a DirecTV installer come out to my house was not a good experience. I purchased a HDTivo from DirecTV and they would not ship it to me directly. They had to have one of their installers come out and hook it up for me, which just made the experience more inconvenient than necessary. The installer turned out to be a complete moron and managed to mishandle the HDTivo during installation such that it died exactly 93 days following installation. Since I could only get a new HDTivo as a replacement if it died within 90 days, I had to settle for a refurbed unit.
Since the OP already has DirecTV, there's a good chance Verizon can use your existing wiring. The Verizon techs that came to my house were very professional and knew exactly what they were doing. I had internet problems that turned out to be an issue with a bittorrent client I was running on my PC but Verizon responded quickly to every one of my service requests and never charged me a dime. I called them one time and they said they'd be there that afternoon. I went out to run some errands for about 45 minutes and found a note on my front door when I returned that the techs had been there and I wasn't home. I called them back to reschedule and they were there within 30 minutes. How long do you think it would have taken DirecTV to respond to a service request?
bruceko
09-28-09, 06:36 PM
The biggest negative for fios is customer service.
If you think you have dealt with dumb Directv csr's just wait until you deal with Verizon.
The Verizon techs that came to my house were very professional and knew exactly what they were doing. I had internet problems that turned out to be an issue with a bittorrent client I was running on my PC but Verizon responded quickly to every one of my service requests and never charged me a dime. I called them one time and they said they'd be there that afternoon. I went out to run some errands for about 45 minutes and found a note on my front door when I returned that the techs had been there and I wasn't home. I called them back to reschedule and they were there within 30 minutes. How long do you think it would have taken DirecTV to respond to a service request?That is great service, hope it doesn't change as they get more customers. If there was a possibility that they would offer FiOS in my area, I would switch from AT&T DSL. Although I would keep D* for TV because of NFL ST and the rest of the sports programming. Although if Verizon bought D* and was able to offer NFL ST on FiOS, then we would be talkin'.
Of course another con against FiOS is the fact that unlike DirecTV it is not available everywhere and subject to federal and state right-of-way taxes. Here for instance in South L.A. our ILEC is AT&T , which therefore prohibits the intrusion of another LEC such as Verizon into their service area. So we cannot get FiOS.
Another problem I see is that since FiOS TV simply conveys a conventional ~870 MHz RF CATV signal spectrum over a 1550 nm analog modulated laser beam to the individual subscriber's "Optical Network Terminal" (or "ONT") which in turn reverts it back to a conventional coaxial cable RF band, I frankly see no advantage in FiOS' fiber-to-the-home system over a HFC digital cable system in this respect.
I know that Verizon's ultimate goal is to eventually convert to a full "Switched Digital Video" ("SDV") system for the delivery of their TV services as with their present on-demand PPVs, but for the time being I only see the speed of their internet and the on-demand downloads as the only real benefits of the FTTH system used by the FiOS service right now.
I didn't include availability of FiOS as a con because the OP has the option of getting it. Just like I didn't include line of sight issues for DirecTV.
As for the advantages of FTTP (or FTTH - both are correct) over traditional HFC... there are a few. First, few cable companies actually operate at a full 870MHz. Around here Comcast runs at about 750. Running an electric current over coax over distance is an issue in terms of signal loss. Rate of signal loss is proportional to the frequency carried, so running at higher frequencies for cable companies is harder for them to do - they need additional boosting stations, e.g., to keep a strong signal. The higher the frequency they operate at, the more boosting they have to do.
Verizon has no such issue - their fiber is unpowered to the home. They have no issue running at the full 870MHz.
Next, because the fiber gives them gobs of bandwidth, they don't need to use QAM space for internet, voice, or even some of the TV service feeds. The ONLY thing Verizon uses their QAM space for - linear TV feeds.
What does all that have to do with anything? Easy - all of that gives them alot more QAM space for TV channels than other cable companies. Giving them the ability to carry 2 mpeg-2 HD channels per QAM (vs. 3 for Comcast). They run 8 -9 SD digital channels per QAM vs. 12 - 15 that Comcast runs (I use Comcast as a point of comparison not only because of their size, but because I'm most familiar with their setup, being a former customer). All of that allows them to have a better PQ than anyone else.
Next, that fiber to the home allows them to run things like VOD over their IP feed. Because of the way they are able to provision things, that ONT does something very cool. When I play a VOD, even though it comes through my IP service, my internet connectivity doesn't suffer. Know why? The ONT automatically boosts my internet speed to compensate. And because I have a dedicated line for VOD I don't have to worry about competing with 50 of my closest neighbors over getting to watch VOD. Traditional cable uses QAM space for VOD feeds. Since that space is shared by all the people on your node, if you get too many people wanting to watch VOD at the same time, you're outta luck.
Next, their system is highly networked. What the heck does that mean? It means that my cable boxes are basically thin clients on their system. When I reset my box it comes back in about 30 seconds, and with a full complement of data. If I search, it doesn't matter how much guide data my STB has - the search data comes from their servers.
It also allows for network connectivity to my stuff. Not only do I have things like remote DVR access, but they're actively working on a sling-like functionality. That networking gives FiOS a really nice edge over traditional cable.
Yes, they use QAM, but they actually run a QAM/IP hybrid architecture that's highly networked. That's very different than traditional cable.
That is great service, hope it doesn't change as they get more customers. If there was a possibility that they would offer FiOS in my area, I would switch from AT&T DSL. Although I would keep D* for TV because of NFL ST and the rest of the sports programming. Although if Verizon bought D* and was able to offer NFL ST on FiOS, then we would be talkin'.
That's on par with my experiences too. The installers I had were easily the best that have ever stepped foot in my house. And since they get paid by the hour, and not the job, they weren't overbooked, and therefore really took their time getting me set up, and made sure everything worked before they left. Unlike the last DirecTV installer I had who installed an R15, but left before he activated it because it was taking too long to do.
Their field techs are equally excellent in my experience.
There were a couple service calls that were nothing short of outstanding. Early on I had issues with my VOD pixellating. The techs I called tried a few things, to no effect. One final person I called spent the first 5 minutes of the phone call reading. Reading what? The logs for all my prior phone calls. He wanted to make sure he didn't needlessly repeat a step tried by one of the others.
One time, coming back from vacation, my router was dead. I called them, and the rep sat on the phone with me for 20 minutes helping me trouble-shoot the problem. After I was up and running again, the rep noticed something. An indicator light was showing that my battery backup unit was having issues. I went down and checked, and sure enough it was fine. I told him it was showing green. He said 'well, I'd like to send someone out anyway.' The tech showed up less than 12 hours later.
One other time, we had some minor issues with some pixellating on a couple channels. They determined that it was likely my ONT was bad. The tech was out at my house about 9 hours later (I called around midnight).
BTW, those TV issues all happened very early on, and were quickly resolved. I haven't had so much as a flicker in about 2 years.
To say that their tech service impressed me is an understatement.
TBlazer07
10-02-09, 06:43 AM
@Captain-Video
Fios, here in NY, requires a 2yr contract for any of their offers and it's clearly advertised on every TV and print ad.
I'd switch in a minute if their DVR's handled more then 20hrs HD. I don't want to spend any additional $$$ on TiVo. I find it hard to believe that all these providers (cable, Fios) haven't upgraded yet.
I currently have Fios internet 25/5 at $2 less then I was paying for Comcast for more then triple the bandwidth.
@Captain-Video
Fios, here in NY, requires a 2yr contract for any of their offers and it's clearly advertised on every TV and print ad.
I'd switch in a minute if their DVR's handled more then 20hrs HD. I don't want to spend any additional $$$ on TiVo. I find it hard to believe that all these providers (cable, Fios) haven't upgraded yet.
I currently have Fios internet 25/5 at $2 less then I was paying for Comcast for more then triple the bandwidth.
While deals vary from market to market, what you're quoting as the current contract offer isn't correct (again, it varies so you'd have to confirm with your particular market). I JUST renewed my contract about 2 weeks ago. Here are the deals that they currently offer (this is just the terms of the deals - I'm not including price... that DOES vary - in NY it's cheaper than elsewhere).
You have a choice of 2 different contract options:
- 6-month contract
- 1-year contract*
* One note on this one, which caught me by surprise. The contract is only for one year, but they lock in your price for 2 years. I thought the rep I was dealing with had that wrong, but she confirmed that information to me after I pressed. And sure enough, after renewal I checked my contract on line, and that's exactly what it says. So I'm only locked in for a year, but they will guarantee my package price for 2 years.
Oh, and captain-video is correct - the contract isn't required. That's one difference between the pricing models between DirecTV and FiOS. With DirecTV you get a contract when you get equipment - get a new DVR and you've added 2 years to your contract. Verizon doesn't work like that. You sign into a contract when you bundle (e.g. a triple play). The thing is, you don't HAVE to bundle. You can go ala-carte. It'll cost you a bit more each month, but it doesn't tie you into a contract. And one thing that's nice with this set up... I can renew when my contract expires (like I did 2 weeks ago). I rebundle, for the current price, and I get the new contract. But again, contracts aren't required. When I first got FiOS TV they didn't have any bundle offers, and I was under no contract.
That's on par with my experiences too. The installers I had were easily the best that have ever stepped foot in my house. And since they get paid by the hour, and not the job, they weren't overbooked, and therefore really took their time getting me set up, and made sure everything worked before they left. Unlike the last DirecTV installer I had who installed an R15, but left before he activated it because it was taking too long to do.
Their field techs are equally excellent in my experience.
There were a couple service calls that were nothing short of outstanding. Early on I had issues with my VOD pixellating. The techs I called tried a few things, to no effect. One final person I called spent the first 5 minutes of the phone call reading. Reading what? The logs for all my prior phone calls. He wanted to make sure he didn't needlessly repeat a step tried by one of the others.
One time, coming back from vacation, my router was dead. I called them, and the rep sat on the phone with me for 20 minutes helping me trouble-shoot the problem. After I was up and running again, the rep noticed something. An indicator light was showing that my battery backup unit was having issues. I went down and checked, and sure enough it was fine. I told him it was showing green. He said 'well, I'd like to send someone out anyway.' The tech showed up less than 12 hours later.
One other time, we had some minor issues with some pixellating on a couple channels. They determined that it was likely my ONT was bad. The tech was out at my house about 9 hours later (I called around midnight).
BTW, those TV issues all happened very early on, and were quickly resolved. I haven't had so much as a flicker in about 2 years.
To say that their tech service impressed me is an understatement.I agree with your logic. My AT&T field techs have also been excellent. For example, I had a techs mobile from original DSL install. My gateway went down and I was able to determine it was the power cord. After running me through their script and wasting my time, the CSR said my replacement would arrive in 5 days. No internet access for 5 days, say what? I called the tech, he had a power cord on the truck. Met him at his job site and was back up in an hour.
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