DTV website says its free... [Archive]

RadOD

09-25-09, 03:25 PM

The DTV on-demand website is telling me the Day the Earth Stood Still is FREE:

Day the Earth Stood Still, The ... 1100 DIRE Drama PG-13 29 FREE Record

But after downloading it, the DVR tells me its not free. Customer service just says well it says it $5.99 for them. Anyone else ever have this happen?

djzack67

09-25-09, 03:27 PM

Same happened to me last week

Shades228

09-25-09, 07:26 PM

By ordering it you will receive a PPV coupon in the mail.

wildbill129

09-26-09, 08:05 AM

By ordering it you will receive a PPV coupon in the mail.

Which 90% of the people won't mail back.....so D* makes out big. Just like mail in rebates...good for business.......bad for consumers.

tcusta00

09-26-09, 08:15 AM

Which 90% of the people won't mail back.....so D* makes out big. Just like mail in rebates...good for business.......bad for consumers.

Because you should just get something for free because they're philanthropic? Mail in the darn coupon and get your free movie. Or don't and just complain about it anonymously on the internet.

It never ceases to amaze me what people will complain about around here. :rolleyes:

OP - do you have a link to the offer? I can't find it.

The Merg

09-26-09, 09:31 AM

Because you should just get something for free because they're philanthropic? Mail in the darn coupon and get your free movie. Or don't and just complain about it anonymously on the internet.

It never ceases to amaze me what people will complain about around here. :rolleyes:

OP - do you have a link to the offer? I can't find it.

I think the issue is that it is listed as free, yet it then prompts for it to be purchased. And when they give out a movie for free, I realize they are not being philanthropic, but perhaps trying to get people see how good VOD is and then purchase more. Consumers love free samples and so do businesses if it gets consumers to purchase more.

As to the OP, when I look it up on directv.com, it lists it as being $5.99. When I view it on the DOD channel on my TV, it shows the $ symbol next to it and on the info screen for it, it also says $5.99.

- Merg

tcusta00

09-26-09, 09:37 AM

I think the issue is that it is listed as free, yet it then prompts for it to be purchased. And when they give out a movie for free, I realize they are not being philanthropic, but perhaps trying to get people see how good VOD is and then purchase more. Consumers love free samples and so do businesses if it gets consumers to purchase more.

As to the OP, when I look it up on directv.com, it lists it as being $5.99. When I view it on the DOD channel on my TV, it shows the $ symbol next to it and on the info screen for it, it also says $5.99.

- Merg
I wasn't responding to the OP, I was responding to wildbill99 who was either speculating that it's a mail-in-rebate type of thing or saw that it said so on DirecTV.com somewhere.

I still don't see on DirecTV.com which is why I asked the OP where it was.

tcusta00

09-26-09, 09:48 AM

Never mind, I see what the OP is referring to now.

There are two listings on the website for "The Day The Earth Stood Still."

The one he listed above is the "Featurette" which is indeed free:

Day the Earth Stood Still, The: Special Effects Featurette TVPG
THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL: SPECIAL EFFECTS FEATURETTE - THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL is now available On Demand! Check out behind the scenes footage of how Hollywood special effects artists made 'movie magic!' (CC)

The movie is not free:

Day the Earth Stood Still, The (2008) PG-13 CC HD 1080p
24 HOUR RENTAL- THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL (2008) - In this updated version of the 1951 classic, Keanu Reeves stars as an alien named Klaatu who's sent to Earth to warn humankind about the consequences of their dangerous ways. Also starring Kathy Bates. (CC)

You have to click on the program name to expand it so you can see what it is you're looking at.

wildbill129

09-26-09, 10:38 AM

I wasn't responding to the OP, I was responding to wildbill99 who was either speculating that it's a mail-in-rebate type of thing or saw that it said so on DirecTV.com somewhere.

I still don't see on DirecTV.com which is why I asked the OP where it was.

I wasn't speculating.....I have received several of the coupons. D* has called me several times and offered me a free pay per view movie. The catch is I pay for it through autopay, and they send me a coupon. They don't include envelopes, they don't want people to mail them back. They want you to forget, so they can charge you for it.

If they really wanted to give you a free movie, you could redeem it online, or just get it free instantly.

Your D* can do no wrong rhetoric is getting seriously old.....

tcusta00

09-26-09, 10:43 AM

I wasn't speculating.....I have received several of the coupons. D* has called me several times and offered me a free pay per view movie. The catch is I pay for it through autopay, and they send me a coupon. They don't include envelopes, they don't want people to mail them back. They want you to forget, so they can charge you for it.

If they really wanted to give you a free movie, you could redeem it online, or just get it free instantly.

Your D* can do no wrong retoric is getting seriously old.....

Yeah and your whiney "I'm entitled to a free <insert something here>" rhetoric is getting old too. :rolleyes:

When did I say DirecTV can do no wrong?? I'm constructively critical of DirecTV when they deserve criticism. I don't whine though. I guess for that I'll be called a fanboy.

Anyway, your "issue" isn't even on topic so go start your own whinefest about wanting a postage paid envelope for your free movie in another thread.

:backtotop

wildbill129

09-26-09, 11:07 AM

Yeah and your whiney "I'm entitled to a free <insert something here>" rhetoric is getting old too. :rolleyes:

When did I say DirecTV can do no wrong?? I'm constructively critical of DirecTV when they deserve criticism. I don't whine though. I guess for that I'll be called a fanboy.

Anyway, your "issue" isn't even on topic so go start your own whinefest about wanting a postage paid envelope for your free movie in another thread.

:backtotop

I have never asked for anything free. D* offered it to me, at least once a month. Now you are calling me a whiner...I am not sure how having a discussion is whining. Usually to make that determination you need to hear the sounds of someones voice. You apparently are able to do that through the written word. You are simply amazing.

My issue is on topic. Someone else chimed in on the coupon. I am addressing that.

And....I have never heard you be critical of D* not once. But that is off-topic.

Shades228

09-26-09, 02:00 PM

I wasn't speculating.....I have received several of the coupons. D* has called me several times and offered me a free pay per view movie. The catch is I pay for it through autopay, and they send me a coupon. They don't include envelopes, they don't want people to mail them back. They want you to forget, so they can charge you for it.

If they really wanted to give you a free movie, you could redeem it online, or just get it free instantly.

Your D* can do no wrong rhetoric is getting seriously old.....

Of course companies love lazy customers who feel that doing what is required to send in a rebate is not worth the time. However it's still provided. I don't send in every rebate but I also make sure I'm not buying something because of the rebate price either. It's just up to the individual. There are people who use coupons like no other when they get them in the mail with those valu packs. I send them straight into the bin. It's all just based on what you're willing to do to save money.

tcusta00

09-26-09, 04:16 PM

I have never asked for anything free. D* offered it to me, at least once a month. Now you are calling me a whiner...I am not sure how having a discussion is whining. Usually to make that determination you need to hear the sounds of someones voice. You apparently are able to do that through the written word. You are simply amazing.

My issue is on topic. Someone else chimed in on the coupon. I am addressing that.

And....I have never heard you be critical of D* not once. But that is off-topic.

Maybe because you're too busy trying to criticize me (And stalk me, apparently). I only had to go back a few days to find these (constructive) criticisms:

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?p=2224467#post2224467
http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?p=2226120#post2226120

Now if you'd be so kind as to stop talking about me and start talking about the topic I'd appreciate it. The trolling around these forums has got to stop.

ThomasM

09-26-09, 06:41 PM

Why play silly marketing games?

If you are into movies and want the best value just subscribe to Netflix and ignore those outrageously-priced DirecTV Cinema movie "teasers" that you have to watch within 24 hours of paying for them?

I had IPPV (impulse pay-per-view) disabled on all of my receivers long ago so none of these programs can be purchased "accidentally" via remote. It's a free service for the asking by calling a DirecTV CSR.

RadOD

09-27-09, 06:14 PM

Free means free. Not free after rebate or anything else.

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/7996/40752163.jpg

wildbill129

09-27-09, 06:57 PM

Maybe because you're too busy trying to criticize me (And stalk me, apparently). I only had to go back a few days to find these (constructive) criticisms:

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?p=2224467#post2224467
http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?p=2226120#post2226120

Now if you'd be so kind as to stop talking about me and start talking about the topic I'd appreciate it. The trolling around these forums has got to stop.

!rolling..........stalking? Go back up a few posts and see who started this BS. That would be you. GET OVER YOURSELF...

tcusta00

09-27-09, 07:14 PM

!rolling..........stalking? Go back up a few posts and see who started this BS. That would be you. GET OVER YOURSELF...

Yes, you did when you continued the thread off topic whining about having to put 44 cents on an envelope to mail in a free movie coupon.

:backtotop

tcusta00

09-27-09, 07:15 PM

Free means free. Not free after rebate or anything else.

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/7996/40752163.jpg

Interesting... I see 5.99 when I look that up.

If I were you I'd order the movie and go ahead and email that to DirecTV if they try to charge you for it.

joe diamond

09-27-09, 07:28 PM

The Merg

09-27-09, 08:40 PM

I look at this thread and smile.

You guys are beginners, getting screwed out of seven dollars is just the initial ante!

Enter the world of installation and watch hundreds just float by.
After the lawsuit has been heard and the judgment has been rendered the settlement will round out to odd hundreds.

Screwed out of seven dollars & pissed...amazing!

Go figure?

Joe

Umm... $7 is a good bit of money for some people. In my job, I don't get the luxury of bringing my dinner with me to work everyday, so I generally have to eat out. $7 is dinner. If I have to decide between dinner or a movie, I'm thinking I'm going to pick the dinner. So, if DirecTV is telling me I can get a free movie and is then charging me for that movie, yes, I'm going to be pissed.

- Merg

Shades228

09-28-09, 10:53 AM

Interesting... I see 5.99 when I look that up.

If I were you I'd order the movie and go ahead and email that to DirecTV if they try to charge you for it.

I think he was implying that if something says free there shouldn't be any up front costs to be reimbursed.

Again if taking a couple of minutes out of your day isn't worth the money than you shouldn't be upset because it's a choice you make.

tcusta00

09-28-09, 11:26 AM

I think he was implying that if something says free there shouldn't be any up front costs to be reimbursed.

Again if taking a couple of minutes out of your day isn't worth the money than you shouldn't be upset because it's a choice you make.

But this just says it's free... nothing about mailing in a rebate or having to call. This is different.

Shades228

09-28-09, 12:04 PM

But this just says it's free... nothing about mailing in a rebate or having to call. This is different.

In guide ads are cumbersome. Could you imaginine i guide disclosures?

Hoosier205

09-28-09, 01:19 PM

Free means free. Not free after rebate or anything else.

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/7996/40752163.jpg

Mine said the same thing for several other movies. They were listed as being Free...even though they were newer movies. I selected one of them. I was charged for it. I didn't mind too much. I figured it was a mistake and I would be charged. Just wanted to test it out.

tcusta00

09-28-09, 01:20 PM

In guide ads are cumbersome. Could you imaginine i guide disclosures?

I don't follow. Are you saying that it's okay to list it as "FREE" and then require a Mail-in-rebate to actually make it free, without disclosing it?

MarkEHansen

09-28-09, 02:01 PM

Perhaps they could say "Free (after rebate)"?

tcusta00

09-28-09, 02:09 PM

Perhaps they could say "Free (after rebate)"?

Who said there's a rebate involved here at all? It just says FREE.

MarkEHansen

09-28-09, 02:21 PM

Who said there's a rebate involved here at all? It just says FREE.

Sorry I wasn't clear. I was replying to those that said that, although the listing showed the movie as Free, it will actually be charged - then you'll have to send in a coupon to get the charge reversed.

Perhaps I misinterpreted what was said?

tcusta00

09-28-09, 02:26 PM

Sorry I wasn't clear. I was replying to those that said that, although the listing showed the movie as Free, it will actually be charged - then you'll have to send in a coupon to get the charge reversed.

Perhaps I misinterpreted what was said?

This is the very reason I suggested to those people earlier that we get back on topic... there is no rebate implied here. OP pulled the movie up in the guide and it said FREE. He wanted to know why he now has to pay for it.

Gloria_Chavez

09-28-09, 02:36 PM

Rebates are great way to promote product. Only 5% to 20% of eligible rebates are ever redeemed.

tcusta00

09-28-09, 02:40 PM

!rolling

Back off-topic again.

The Merg

09-28-09, 02:56 PM

Okay, I just checked and this movie along with Taken are both listed as Free. I've downloaded them, and will see if I need to purchase them to view them. Well, on the DVR, it shows Taken with the $ and when selecting it, I can Play, Watch Trailer, or Buy/Watch it.

Seems that the website is definitely off... I checked via the receiver and both movies are showing the $ when viewing them via DirecTV Cinema.

- Merg

harsh

09-28-09, 03:09 PM

Yes, you did when you continued the thread off topic whining about having to put 44 cents on an envelope to mail in a free movie coupon.How does something that costs you money up front and 44 cents get to get refunded get classified as free?

tcusta00

09-28-09, 03:16 PM

How does something that costs you money up front and 44 cents get to get refunded get classified as free?

Oh lordy lordy lord. Read the thread again and tell me how your post is remotely on topic. In case you missed it, mail in rebates are not on topic. So go troll another thread please. In the Dish forum preferably.

scottandregan

09-28-09, 03:28 PM

Umm... $7 is a good bit of money for some people. In my job, I don't get the luxury of bringing my dinner with me to work everyday, so I generally have to eat out. $7 is dinner. If I have to decide between dinner or a movie, I'm thinking I'm going to pick the dinner. So, if DirecTV is telling me I can get a free movie and is then charging me for that movie, yes, I'm going to be pissed.

- Merg

I would also be very upset if I watched a movie that said it was FREE and then later got a bill for $5.99 + Tax. Chances are by the time you get your bill the price in the guide has already gone back to normal and what is the chance you would have a screen shot of the guide stating it was free?

Scott

harsh

09-28-09, 03:30 PM

Read the thread again and tell me how your post is remotely on topic.Who anointed you the Lord High Moderator of this thread?

DIRECTV screwed up. Get used to the new Liberty Media version of DIRECTV.

wildbill129

09-28-09, 03:42 PM

Who anointed you the Lord High Moderator of this thread?

DIRECTV screwed up. Get used to the new Liberty Media version of DIRECTV.

I was going to ask the same thing. Apparently it's self designated. When he is unhappy with the direction of the conversation he resorts to name calling and rude comments. It's a really good way to make a point. :nono:

This is a marketing campaign from DirecTV. It has happened to me, that was my point. They indicate the movie is free on the guide. You buy the movie, they charge you for it. They send you a coupon for it in the mail. They do not send an envelope or postage. You must return that at your own expense. That is not free, and if the same about of people that don't send rebates in (roughly 20-40%) don't send in the coupon, DirecTV stands to make a pretty profit from the "free" pay per view movies.

If they really wanted it to be free, it would be instantly. That was my point.

tcusta00

09-28-09, 03:57 PM

Who anointed you the Lord High Moderator of this thread?

DIRECTV screwed up. Get used to the new Liberty Media version of DIRECTV.

When did the OP mention a rebate? Let's stay on topic and criticize DirecTV for the things they've done wrong and not some mystical thing they may have done wrong in another situation.

For those that haven't been paying attention, I have been criticizing them for that particular screw up. You know, the one this thread's topic is about.

Now get back to topic, dish customer.

tcusta00

09-28-09, 03:58 PM

I was going to ask the same thing. Apparently it's self designated. When he is unhappy with the direction of the conversation he resorts to name calling and rude comments. It's a really good way to make a point. :nono:

This is a marketing campaign from DirecTV. It has happened to me, that was my point. They indicate the movie is free on the guide. You buy the movie, they charge you for it. They send you a coupon for it in the mail. They do not send an envelope or postage. You must return that at your own expense. That is not free, and if the same about of people that don't send rebates in (roughly 20-40%) don't send in the coupon, DirecTV stands to make a pretty profit from the "free" pay per view movies.

If they really wanted it to be free, it would be instantly. That was my point.

Oh yeah, excuse me for trying to steer the thread back to topic... go start another thread to criticize what you want.

I never called you a name, so please don't tell stories.

tcusta00

09-28-09, 04:01 PM

I give up. If I'm not criticizing DirecTV I'm called a fanboy.

If I criticize DirecTV for doing something wrong and then try to steer the topic back to that thing I'm called a fanboy.

Let's let trolls overrun these forums. Good idea.

Tonedeaf

09-28-09, 04:11 PM

Even free, the movie is not worth it to watch it again. :lol:

The Merg

09-28-09, 04:33 PM

Look, here's the issue.

The website shows the movie as being free. There is nothing on there that says you will be charged and then have to get a coupon to mail in to get the cost of the movie back. There are plenty of other items on the website that are listed as free and work just like you think they should (IOW, you download it and then watch it for no cost).

If the movie is free after rebate, it needs to say so. You shouldn't have to download it, watch it and find that you have been charged, and then request a rebate coupon or a credit. There are plenty of regulations in advertising that state that if an item is free after a rebate it must be disclosed ahead of time.

This is obviously a glitch with the website (that should and needs to be corrected) as pulling up the movie via the receiver in DirecTV Cinema or On Demand shows it as being $5.99. Once downloaded (if done via the web), it shows as requiring to be purchased. Something is wrong on the website that needs to be corrected.

The issue here has nothing to do with having to send in a rebate coupon to get the movie for free.

If making this post as to what the issue is makes me a self-proclaimed moderator of this thread, then so be it.

- Merg