Wanting to come back.............

[the300]

I was a Direct tv customer for about five years, then my local utility company rolled out fiber to the home several years ago. I must say, I was totally caught up in the excitement of having all three services rolled into ne(Cable,phone,internet).
However, every year since inception my cable bill has risen to the point to where I don't think it is feasible to stay with my current set-up.
I am thinking about coming back to Direct-Tv, the prices on the most recent promotion seem very reasonable compared to my current cable bill of just over $90 a month. And now that I have a second tv in the bedroom they want to charge me another $15 for a second receiver.
I am looking into getting the Choice+Extra package w/no locals and hd/dvr service, price would be around $52 a month.
I am going to have to pay the $199 for the second hd/dvr with Dtv, but even then it would be much cheaper short term and long term.
I am kinda worried about rain fade, has Dtv's rain fade performance increased over the last 10 years ? Are there going to be any hidden costs that I am not seeing on the Dtv website ?
Can someone give me some pros/cons ?

Thanks Everyone !

[ben4715]

Rain fade is much, much better than it used to be. If the dish is dithered correctly, then you shouldn't have much problem. The second receiver is gonna cost you 5 dollars extra a month. other than that, DTV is like everybody else. Prices are good at first, then they just go up.

[the300]

Thanks Ben, I also don't know how clear the line of sight will be towards the southern sky from where I live. There is also some utility wires in front of the house. I did have Dtv at this location for about two years and received some pretty good signals from just my own personal installation with no meter,just eyed it and listened for the beep.
Will the installers usually try to find the best signal for you ?

[Grentz]

Rain fade is the same as it always has been, very rare if you have a well aligned dish and clear line of sight. Sorry to be so blunt, but I have had DirecTV for going on 14yrs in varying setups and as long as the dish is aligned well rain fade is very infrequent and the same as it always has been. The main satellites are the same ones you used back when.

If you have heavy trees and such in the way, that can weaken the signal that will then be knocked out more easily by heavy rain storms. Overall though rain fade is usually infrequent and only comes with the heaviest of storms.

Installers usually get it fairly good, though not always absolutely peaked. You might ask the installer nicely when he comes though to try and spend a bit more time peaking it.

[dpeters11]

I get rain fade a few times a year, and usually not for long. A lot of us have similar experience.

Hidden fees, not really. You've got a lease or mirroring fee for receivers, the DVR fee is per household, and the HD access fee. The beta of MultiRoom Viewing is rolling out in a new release, once it leaves beta it's expected that there will be a charge for that. No one knows what it will be, but the thought is under $5 a month.

Of course there are various taxes, etc.

[JoeTheDragon]

I get rain fade a few times a year, and usually not for long. A lot of us have similar experience.

Hidden fees, not really. You've got a lease or mirroring fee for receivers, the DVR fee is per household, and the HD access fee. The beta of MultiRoom Viewing is rolling out in a new release, once it leaves beta it's expected that there will be a charge for that. No one knows what it will be, but the thought is under $5 a month.

Of course there are various taxes, etc.

I pay no tax

[veryoldschool]

I pay no tax
This varies by state for the leased hardware.

[JLucPicard]

You will pay for the equipment up front (looks like you are already aware of that), then the $5 a month for all but one receiver (as Ben4715 mentioned).

Something to be aware of, when your service is activated you will be agreeing to a service commitment of two years (you will maintain at least a minimum service level for two years or pay an Early Termination Fee prorated at $20 per month for every month remaining if you terminate before two years).

Other than that, as others have stated, I have had very, very little trouble with rain fade, and only in the heaviest of rain storms or snow storms made of heavy, water-laden snow.

[the300]

So should I go out and buy a hd dvr ? or just buy the one from DTV ?
I have seen some out in retail land about $20 bucks cheaper, and I would get to choose my own model.
As I have heard that when I order directly from DTV that it could be several different models.
This would be for a second room as the first one is free anyway, or should I just wait and hope DTV offers two receivers free somewhere down the line ?

[kevinwmsn]

If you order from D*, they will provide the dish and free standard install.

[the300]

They should do that anyways since I am going to purchase one hd dvr for the living room. I am wanting a second receiver (hd dvr) for the bedroom.
Does anyone know if you get the newest model receiver when you ssign up now ?

[the300]

Also, what networks does Dtv give you now ? When I had them several years ago I was able to receive a network station out of New York that I could see Giants games on here in Tennessee. Are those stations still available ?

[mobandit]

They should do that anyways since I am going to purchase one hd dvr for the living room. I am wanting a second receiver (hd dvr) for the bedroom.
Does anyone know if you get the newest model receiver when you ssign up now ?

You get whatever model is on the installer's truck. D* cannot guarantee any specific model, in most circumstances.

Also, be aware that D* is currently using a lease model, not a purchase model. The vast majority of D* receivers/HD-DVR's are leased, even if you go to the Best Buy/Costco route...

[the300]

yes, I am aware that even if I purchase the receiver that it is still Dtv's. I was just thinking that if I purchase a receiver at Best Buy for example, for say $20 cheaper than what DTV offers at least I could pick the newest model.

[Davenlr]

Get it at Best Buy, you could get a used and scratched unit from DirecTv or a Brand new one, there is no way to tell. Best Buy you know for sure. Just make sure DirecTv knows they will be doing a two room install and you will be providing the second DVR, or they might try to charge you for the extra hookup if its not on their work order.