Is it time to jump ship? [Archive]

mhowie

04-06-07, 11:56 AM

I've been a longtime Dish subscriber... since early 1996... and have funneled approximately $15,000 to Charlie's coffers in that timeframe (we get virtually all the channels).

I am concerned about the moves DirecTV has made in positioning itself as the true satellite TV leader (NFL Ticket, Extra Innings, other channels unavailable on Dish) and am wrestling with the Johnny Damon-like notion of switching providers. In addition, my local channels in HD are still unavailable via Dish but available through DirecTV.

While I don't yet have a HDTV (to some degree I have been awaiting Dish's inclusion of my local channels to pull the trigger), I expect that to change in the upcoming months... so I am faced with the decision of upgrading to a 622 and remaining with Dish or starting anew with DirecTV.

I would appreciate feedback on the pros/cons of Dish vs. DirecTV-- both currently and into the future (speculation). Will Dish continue to lose ground programming-wise? Are there things from a hardware/software perspective which gives Dish an advantage over DirecTV? What will I miss by transitioning to DirecTV that I might not be appreciating?

Thanks for your insight...

NKy.Yall

04-06-07, 12:15 PM

The only person who can decide this is you………. Although you ask a good question here un fortunately you are probably going to get bombed with the I hate E* and this is why…………. Or I hate D* and this is why…………type responses. Another way to look at it is if you’re an avid sports fan D* might be the way to go. If you have other interests or just curious as to how one stacks up against the other choice and $$$$$ wise just look at each web sites, make some phone calls and decide what is best for you. I have had both services and that’s how I made by decision. Based on what I liked and wanted.

harsh

04-06-07, 12:32 PM

I've been a longtime Dish subscriber... since early 1996... and have funneled approximately $15,000 to Charlie's coffers in that timeframe (we get virtually all the channels).Don't let this slow you down. You don't get many brownie points for longevity.I am concerned about the moves DirecTV has made in positioning itself as the true satellite TV leader (NFL Ticket, Extra Innings, other channels unavailable on Dish) and am wrestling with the Johnny Damon-like notion of switching providers. In addition, my local channels in HD are still unavailable via Dish but available through DirecTV.DirecTV has been the "leader" all along in terms of subscribers. They also have an unfortunate lock on a couple of key professional sports packages.While I don't yet have a HDTV (to some degree I have been awaiting Dish's inclusion of my local channels to pull the trigger), I expect that to change in the upcoming months... so I am faced with the decision of upgrading to a 622 and remaining with Dish or starting anew with DirecTV.At the moment, the ViP622 looks like a much better bet than DirecTV's HR20 models in terms of performance and flexibility.I would appreciate feedback on the pros/cons of Dish vs. DirecTV-- both currently and into the future (speculation).Responsible speculation requires a reasonably complete understanding of what you're looking for. Each carrier has some specialties that may make them more appealing to you over the other. If you are actively interested in the sports exclusives of DirecTV, then you need to see how the rest of their existing programming lines up with your needs. Do not make plans based on announced (but as yet unimplemented) plans. A lot of customers left DirecTV to chase after TiVo boxes at Comcast and are still waiting years later.Will Dish continue to lose ground programming-wise?That is a matter of perspective. DirecTV has been quite successful at locking up existing sports programming while Dish Network has delivered a lot more entertainment and foreign content.Are there things from a hardware/software perspective which gives Dish an advantage over DirecTV?At the moment, yes. DirecTV has some technology in the works that looks like it may (or may not) leapfrog Dish's existing technology, but it doesn't have much to do with the user experience.What will I miss by transitioning to DirecTV that I might not be appreciating?If you transition to HD at the same time, you'll find that DirecTV's current offerings are pretty slim. If programming other than sports is critical, DirecTV can seem a little shallow in terms of their movie channel offerings (especially monthly adult channel subscriptions). Dish, on the other hand, has some pretty nasty limitations on the number of leased receivers.

There is no perfect provider and you have to weigh what each offers (along with what they do not offer). Commitments have become a major issue in switching, so it isn't as easy as it used to be to make a decision.

In summary, don't switch based on where you think someone might be headed; they may surprise you. Switch based on getting more of what you want at an acceptable value. I also advocate evaluating any other options that may exist. Cable and Internet services have, in some cases, become quite attractive.

richiephx

04-06-07, 12:37 PM

No one here truly knows what the future holds for both D* and E*. Words and promises mean nothing until it happens. Unless you're unhappy with your current provider, I would just wait and watch the drama unfold. My philosophy is....he who has the most HD (in both quality and quantity) at the best price, will get my business. There is more than enough sports to watch on E*; however, that is not the determining factor for me.

tomcrown1

04-06-07, 12:40 PM

Don't let this slow you down. You don't get many brownie points for longevity.DirecTV has been the "leader" all along in terms of subscribers. They also have an unfortunate lock on a couple of key professional sports packages.At the moment, the ViP622 looks like a much better bet than DirecTV's HR20 models in terms of performance and flexibility.Responsible speculation requires a reasonably complete understanding of what you're looking for. Each carrier has some specialties that may make them more appealing to you over the other. If you are actively interested in the sports exclusives of DirecTV, then you need to see how the rest of their existing programming lines up with your needs. Do not make plans based on announced (but as yet unimplemented) plans. A lot of customers left DirecTV to chase after TiVo boxes at Comcast and are still waiting years later.That is a matter of perspective. DirecTV has been quite successful at locking up existing sports programming while Dish Network has delivered a lot more entertainment and foreign content.At the moment, yes. DirecTV has some technology in the works that looks like it may (or may not) leapfrog Dish's existing technology, but it doesn't have much to do with the user experience.If you transition to HD at the same time, you'll find that DirecTV's current offerings are pretty slim. If programming other than sports is critical, DirecTV can seem a little shallow in terms of their movie channel offerings (especially monthly adult channel subscriptions). Dish, on the other hand, has some pretty nasty limitations on the number of leased receivers.

There is no perfect provider and you have to weigh what each offers (along with what they do not offer). Commitments have become a major issue in switching, so it isn't as easy as it used to be to make a decision.

In summary, don't switch based on where you think someone might be headed; they may surprise you. Switch based on getting more of what you want at an acceptable value. I also advocate evaluating any other options that may exist. Cable and Internet services have, in some cases, become quite attractive.

The reason I stayed with dish is that right now they have the most HD programming. This can change it is best to wait untill the beginging of next year and if HD is important to you, go with whomever carries the most HD programming---that is what I plan to do.

DanoP

04-06-07, 01:34 PM

I switched from DirecTV to Dish in October in order to have the HD DVR. DirecTV was just beginning to roll theirs out at that time and there were all sorts of problems with sufficient stock and buggy software. My understanding is that the DVR is still a work in progress and Dish's is much more stable overall. I've had good luck with it and am satisfied. Those things are certainly cool and could be sufficient reason for staying with Dish at this point. However........

I find Dish's HD programming only marginally better than DirecTV's and that is due mostly to quantity of programming rather than quality. The Voom idea is obsolete given just about everything on the major prime time networks is HD anyway along with many sports. Why do you need a cooking show in HD, or a fine arts show, or martial arts movies (sheesh!). You don't. It's a waste of money IMO. You don't need to showcase HD programming anymore. It's here.

The only reason I'm not on the phone negotiating an out right now with Dish is that the DirecTV HD DVR is not ready for prime time. Once that gets straightened out I'm gone. I want to be able to subscribe to pro sports seasons that interest me and we know that Dish wont be a baseball carrier for a long long time. Is Center Ice next. I subscribed in the past to both.

Stewart Vernon

04-06-07, 01:38 PM

As others have said... you have to make your own decision ultimately. I strongly advise you to decide based on current status rather than future promises from either company. All you can reasonably expect are channels that are live now... anything else and you set yourself up for disappointment if launches of channels are delayed.

Also, if you are not in a commitment (i.e. month to month) then I see no need to rush to a decision unless and until you actually have HDTV in your home OR you want one of those sports packages DirecTV offers. I assume if you wanted those sports packages, you'd already be with DirecTV anyway... so I am guessing that wasn't a major factor in your original decision to go with Dish.

Grandpa Train

04-06-07, 02:44 PM

DISH just promises. but rarely ante ups. At this point I would go with DIRECT.

msalvail

04-06-07, 02:52 PM

I am concerned about the moves DirecTV has made in positioning itself as the true satellite TV leader (NFL Ticket, Extra Innings, other channels unavailable on Dish) and am wrestling with the Johnny Damon-like notion of switching providers. In addition, my local channels in HD are still unavailable via Dish but available through DirecTV.

Our story is similar to yours, Dish subscriber since 1998. For the record, local channels are not available in HD through either satellite provider where I live so that was not an issue. But they come through great with my OTA antenna so that is not a deciding factor for me.

When I called *E and told them that I was thinking of switching to *D, they offered me the following: 2 622 HD DVRS, $20 off of my bill for 10 months, Free HBO for 3 months, no DVR fee for 10 months and free warranty for the life of the 18 month commitment as long as I stayed on credit card auto pay.

It was a hard decision to make as we are huge baseball fans and I knew that *E was probably not going to be able to get the Extra Innings package. We decided to take it mainly for the reason that *D just promises High Def channels and *E actually has them. Also, from all the reviews that I have read, I feel that the 622 receiver is superior to the one that *D offers.

Ironically, I just called *D to check out just getting their basic 39.99 package for 6 months so that I could get Extra Innings and we may decide to do this. The installation is free, they'll give me a free portable DVR player, free 2 tuner DVR with up front $100 off, no rebate to mail in and I can suspend service at the end of baseball season and start it up again next April.

I was willing to pay the $160 for EI anyway so in reality, this is just costing me about $250 for 6 months. The boyfriend is a Yankees fan, I'm a Braves fan and we both like watching other teams as well so this is the best solution for us right now. I called Comcast and it would have been $69.99 a month for their digital cable so I am saving $30 a month by going with *D.

RAD

04-06-07, 02:56 PM

The only reason I'm not on the phone negotiating an out right now with Dish is that the DirecTV HD DVR is not ready for prime time. Once that gets straightened out I'm gone.

I think you'll find that most folks here will say the HR20 is now ready for prime time, it's much better then when it originally came out. That can be said for just about any DVR STB that either provider has come out with, numerous problems at first but eventually fixed.

Paul Secic

04-06-07, 03:10 PM

I've been a longtime Dish subscriber... since early 1996... and have funneled approximately $15,000 to Charlie's coffers in that timeframe (we get virtually all the channels).

I am concerned about the moves DirecTV has made in positioning itself as the true satellite TV leader (NFL Ticket, Extra Innings, other channels unavailable on Dish) and am wrestling with the Johnny Damon-like notion of switching providers. In addition, my local channels in HD are still unavailable via Dish but available through DirecTV.

While I don't yet have a HDTV (to some degree I have been awaiting Dish's inclusion of my local channels to pull the trigger), I expect that to change in the upcoming months... so I am faced with the decision of upgrading to a 622 and remaining with Dish or starting anew with DirecTV.

I would appreciate feedback on the pros/cons of Dish vs. DirecTV-- both currently and into the future (speculation). Will Dish continue to lose ground programming-wise? Are there things from a hardware/software perspective which gives Dish an advantage over DirecTV? What will I miss by transitioning to DirecTV that I might not be appreciating?

Thanks for your insight...
I'd wait a year before buying anything because HD hasn't matured, plus each company charges extra for HD..

harsh

04-06-07, 03:33 PM

The reason I stayed with dish is that right now they have the most HD programming. This can change it is best to wait until the beginging of next year and if HD is important to you, go with whomever carries the most HD programming---that is what I plan to do.The key being to evaluate all the options at the time. Don't go into it with any preconceived notions about what you should expect. Check into everything

James Long's website (http://jameslong.name) is a valuable tool for comparing the current programming lineups of Dish Network and DirecTV. I used something similar that another DBSTalk user (Steve Mehs) put together and added my local cable provider to the grid. I was more than prepared for the "exit interview" from my previous provider.

Earl Bonovich

04-06-07, 03:34 PM

I'd wait a year before buying anything because HD hasn't matured, plus each company charges extra for HD..

HD hasn't matured? Okay... I guess, since the "explosion" of HD material probably won't happen to the later portion of this year, or 2008... by HD is pretty solid right now...

Anyway... your later point... each company charges extra for HD.
Don't expect this to change... while they may stop listing it as a "line item" in the bill, don't expect a drop in service fee because HD is the mainstream.

What will happen, is that it will just become "part" of the package...

DirecTV right now has two versions of each of their packages:
One with HD... One with out... You will eventually get to the point, where the one without HD, is going to be dropped... and you are just going to "pay" for it, regardless if you use it or not.

Might now be now... Might not be next year, or the following year....
But that is just the evolution of the technology/cost.

Paul Secic

04-06-07, 04:47 PM

HD hasn't matured? Okay... I guess, since the "explosion" of HD material probably won't happen to the later portion of this year, or 2008... by HD is pretty solid right now...

Anyway... your later point... each company charges extra for HD.
Don't expect this to change... while they may stop listing it as a "line item" in the bill, don't expect a drop in service fee because HD is the mainstream.

What will happen, is that it will just become "part" of the package...

DirecTV right now has two versions of each of their packages:
One with HD... One with out... You will eventually get to the point, where the one without HD, is going to be dropped... and you are just going to "pay" for it, regardless if you use it or not.

Might now be now... Might not be next year, or the following year....
But that is just the evolution of the technology/cost.
Well Earl, enjoy your HD.:) To some HD is a luxery. Look at my pic. Do I look like I can afford a HD set & costs? Perhaps one day in a galaxy far away:lol: :lol: :lol:

mhowie

04-06-07, 06:23 PM

James Long's website (http://jameslong.name) is a valuable tool for comparing the current programming lineups of Dish Network and DirecTV.

Thanks for the link. That's very valuable information Mr. Long has compiled!

thefunks67

04-06-07, 07:21 PM

DISH just promises. but rarely ante ups. At this point I would go with DIRECT.

Nice. Thanks for the facts.

-Funk

akw4572

04-06-07, 08:37 PM

Our story is similar to yours, Dish subscriber since 1998. For the record, local channels are not available in HD through either satellite provider where I live so that was not an issue. But they come through great with my OTA antenna so that is not a deciding factor for me.

When I called *E and told them that I was thinking of switching to *D, they offered me the following: 2 622 HD DVRS, $20 off of my bill for 10 months, Free HBO for 3 months, no DVR fee for 10 months and free warranty for the life of the 18 month commitment as long as I stayed on credit card auto pay.

It was a hard decision to make as we are huge baseball fans and I knew that *E was probably not going to be able to get the Extra Innings package. We decided to take it mainly for the reason that *D just promises High Def channels and *E actually has them. Also, from all the reviews that I have read, I feel that the 622 receiver is superior to the one that *D offers.

Ironically, I just called *D to check out just getting their basic 39.99 package for 6 months so that I could get Extra Innings and we may decide to do this. The installation is free, they'll give me a free portable DVR player, free 2 tuner DVR with up front $100 off, no rebate to mail in and I can suspend service at the end of baseball season and start it up again next April.

I was willing to pay the $160 for EI anyway so in reality, this is just costing me about $250 for 6 months. The boyfriend is a Yankees fan, I'm a Braves fan and we both like watching other teams as well so this is the best solution for us right now. I called Comcast and it would have been $69.99 a month for their digital cable so I am saving $30 a month by going with *D.

Don't mistake a 2 tuner DVR to mean a DVR that will work on 2 tv's. I switched to D to keep the EI package, and the one thing I do miss from Dish is my dvr that would work on 2 TV's. Other than that, I'm happy.

wje

04-07-07, 09:28 AM

DISH just promises. but rarely ante ups. At this point I would go with DIRECT.

Yep, D* delivers all right. All those "100's of channels of HD" they've been promising for years now. Somehow, I just couldn't find them in the EPG.

RAD

04-07-07, 09:55 AM

Yep, D* delivers all right. All those "100's of channels of HD" they've been promising for years now. Somehow, I just couldn't find them in the EPG.

Yep, they've been promising them for years, to become available in 2007. Last time I looked we had about 7 months and 3 weeks left in 2007.

Michael P

04-07-07, 10:04 AM

While I don't yet have a HDTV (to some degree I have been awaiting Dish's inclusion of my local channels to pull the trigger), I expect that to change in the upcoming months... so I am faced with the decision of upgrading to a 622 and remaining with Dish or starting anew with DirecTV.
How far are you from the transmitters of your local stations? You can have HD OTA channels today with an E* HD receiver. Unlike analog, digital OTA pictures are perfect. They are far superior to the SD LIL pictures because the local stations do not need to use as much compression as satellite-delivered signals.

Additionally, if you live in an area where signals from neighboring DMA are receivable, you can watch a station that E* is not legaly able to sell to you. For example: I get an additional CBS affilliate from a DMA 57 miles from here. This station also carries a LPTV FOX affilliate on it's subchannel. This is great during football season - I have received on some Sundays up to 3 extra games to chose per week between my locals and this station!

wje

04-07-07, 10:49 AM

Yep, they've been promising them for years, to become available in 2007. Last time I looked we had about 7 months and 3 weeks left in 2007.

When I switched to HD, back when I had D*, they were saying 2005. Then it was 2006. Now it's 2007. I was a D* customer from the beginning. After Rupert bought them, things went downhill rapidly. Maybe the new owners will improve things, maybe not. I'm still really po'd over the $1K I paid for my HR10-250. After going through three to get one that more-or-less worked, I switched to E*. As my sig says, haven't regretted it for a minute.

RAD

04-07-07, 11:08 AM

When I switched to HD, back when I had D*, they were saying 2005. Then it was 2006. Now it's 2007.

Don't know who ever told you 2005 or 2006, I never saw any PR with dates like that. Check PR http://www.dbstalk.com/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=902345 which says:

"Local HD programming in the first group of markets will be available mid-year following the successful launch of the Spaceway 1 and Spaceway 2 satellites in the second quarter. The launch of these satellites and two others -- DIRECTV 10 and DIRECTV 11, scheduled to go aloft in early 2007 -- will play a vital role in the dramatic expansion of programming capacity for DIRECTV, announced last September."

I will agree that the 2007 dates have slipped since Boeing hasn't even delivered D10 yet for launch and SeaLaunch had their little mishap back in February, but still no mention of 100's of HD channels in 2005 or 2006. But if you're happy with E* I'm happy for you. Just don't go saying things that D* never said.

Stewart Vernon

04-07-07, 12:24 PM

Going back to the original post and the "is it time to jump ship" question...

Think about where the origin of that question comes from.

If you are out to sea, when is it time to jump ship? You wouldn't jump a perfectly good ship out in the middle of the ocean would you? It would have to be definately sinking and on the way down fast before you seriously jump ship.

If you are out to see on a ship that is working fine... and another ship passes nearby... you wouldn't jump ship just because that other ship looks shinier would you?

I think the properly used metaphor of "jumping ship" applies to many of our answers here about when it makes sense to consider switching companies.

rjs

04-07-07, 02:56 PM

After 6 years with E I got a little peaved at the recent price increase.Directv sent me thier current offer in the mail I figured what the hell I'll try em for a 2 year commitment :nono: I cancelled within three days and came back home!
I'll never deal with Direct again. Rain fade/weaker signal/crappy equipment/crappier CSR's, Just my opinion.

tommiet

04-07-07, 03:17 PM

My normal response to anyone that ask about service -- If you a sports fan, go with D*. If you want better hardware, HD and movies -- go with E*.

So if sports is your main concern... Go ahead and jump.

wje

04-07-07, 04:21 PM

Don't know who ever told you 2005 or 2006, I never saw any PR with dates like that. Check PR http://www.dbstalk.com/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=902345 which says:

"Local HD programming in the first group of markets will be available mid-year following the successful launch of the Spaceway 1 and Spaceway 2 satellites in the second quarter. The launch of these satellites and two others -- DIRECTV 10 and DIRECTV 11, scheduled to go aloft in early 2007 -- will play a vital role in the dramatic expansion of programming capacity for DIRECTV, announced last September."

I will agree that the 2007 dates have slipped since Boeing hasn't even delivered D10 yet for launch and SeaLaunch had their little mishap back in February, but still no mention of 100's of HD channels in 2005 or 2006. But if you're happy with E* I'm happy for you. Just don't go saying things that D* never said.

I was given those dates several times by D* CSRs, basically every time I complained about lack of HD content. Of course, they were CSRs.

kstuart

04-07-07, 04:48 PM

I am concerned about the moves DirecTV has made in positioning itself as the true satellite TV leader (NFL Ticket, Extra Innings, other channels unavailable on Dish)
Sounds like someone who owns a BMW - the car doesn't matter - only the BMW symbol.
If you want to spend $200 for games of the sports teams that are not your local team, then even Charlie himself has said "then change to DirecTV".
If not, then the fact that Dish Network does not have those packages means you are paying less per month for everything else.
HD hasn't matured? Okay... I guess, since the "explosion" of HD material probably won't happen to the later portion of this year, or 2008... by HD is pretty solid right now...
HD will have matured when most programs are in HD. That still hasn't happened.

Jhon69

04-07-07, 05:37 PM

I was given those dates several times by D* CSRs, basically every time I complained about lack of HD content. Of course, they were CSRs.

Well I'm sure you are now happier with E* CSRs cause we know that E* CSRs never give misinformation like D* CSRs.:lol:

Jhon69

04-07-07, 05:54 PM

I've been a longtime Dish subscriber... since early 1996... and have funneled approximately $15,000 to Charlie's coffers in that timeframe (we get virtually all the channels).

I am concerned about the moves DirecTV has made in positioning itself as the true satellite TV leader (NFL Ticket, Extra Innings, other channels unavailable on Dish) and am wrestling with the Johnny Damon-like notion of switching providers. In addition, my local channels in HD are still unavailable via Dish but available through DirecTV.

While I don't yet have a HDTV (to some degree I have been awaiting Dish's inclusion of my local channels to pull the trigger), I expect that to change in the upcoming months... so I am faced with the decision of upgrading to a 622 and remaining with Dish or starting anew with DirecTV.

I would appreciate feedback on the pros/cons of Dish vs. DirecTV-- both currently and into the future (speculation). Will Dish continue to lose ground programming-wise? Are there things from a hardware/software perspective which gives Dish an advantage over DirecTV? What will I miss by transitioning to DirecTV that I might not be appreciating?

Thanks for your insight...

If you want the most HD it's E*.If you want the cheapest package it's E*.If you want the most sports it's D*.If you want the most basic national channels you can get it's D*.All you have to do is check out both websites and compare.It all depends what you want.Unfortunately they are not the same there are some big differences.
If you want to come across to D* because of HD then again it depends what you want.Right now the most HD national channels it's E*.The most HD sports channels it's D*.Good Luck!:rolleyes:

jimstick

04-09-07, 12:23 PM

The only reason I'm not on the phone negotiating an out right now with Dish is that the DirecTV HD DVR is not ready for prime time. Once that gets straightened out I'm gone. I want to be able to subscribe to pro sports seasons that interest me and we know that Dish wont be a baseball carrier for a long long time. Is Center Ice next. I subscribed in the past to both.

Go. It's ready now.

I just tried E* for a month, and Friday I got my D* HD-DVR. D*'s is far more stable than E*'s. If you get the right CSR, you'll get it for free, too.

wje

04-09-07, 04:53 PM

Well I'm sure you are now happier with E* CSRs cause we know that E* CSRs never give misinformation like D* CSRs.:lol:

Actually, I don't know about E* CSRs, 'cause I haven't had to talk to one!:)

bagsy

04-09-07, 05:46 PM

Don't mistake a 2 tuner DVR to mean a DVR that will work on 2 tv's. I switched to D to keep the EI package, and the one thing I do miss from Dish is my dvr that would work on 2 TV's. Other than that, I'm happy.

Besides missing having 2 tvs on 1 dvr, is there anything else you dislike about the R15 dvr? I'm on the verge of switching because of EI, but I'm really concerned about the R15. I'm wondering if a lot of the problems people have are really issues of past Tivo users. Since E* doesn't use tivo, how does the R15 compare to the E* dvrs?

msalvail

04-09-07, 06:51 PM

Did you make a decision yet? I just don't think you can make a decision based on the future as no one knows what's going to happen. If you have an HD TV, you can get your locals in HD now with an OTA antenna. If you call Dish, you can get a VIP 622 basically for free after all the rebates. (99 mail in and 10 off for 10 months) I love my 622s!!!!

Jhon69

04-09-07, 07:55 PM

Actually, I don't know about E* CSRs, 'cause I haven't had to talk to one!:)

Well your in for a surprise if you ever have to.Good Luck!.:rolleyes:

Ext 721

04-12-07, 07:14 AM

IF you DO consider switching, waiting for the day after the new channels come online may prove to be like getting off work at 3:30 and waiting until 5:01 to drive home on the highway.

If the 'bird' doesn't explode in flight, that'll be the time...once the new channels come online, it'll be rush hour on the D* HD equipment.

ScoBuck

04-12-07, 07:27 PM

BNUMM

04-12-07, 08:34 PM

Well your in for a surprise if you ever have to.Good Luck!.:rolleyes:

I haven't tried calling D* lately but when you call E* you do not get to talk to a CSR until you have gone through their automated response menu. After that then you are put on hold until someone answers. It may be different if you are calling to order a new service.

Ext 721

04-13-07, 04:33 AM

I haven't tried calling D* lately but when you call E* you do not get to talk to a CSR until you have gone through their automated response menu. After that then you are put on hold until someone answers. It may be different if you are calling to order a new service.

generally, this is the way with any company nowadays.

No consumer actually wants a live person immediately when they call in...except directv titanium customers...

because while you may THINK you want a live person when you first call in, you're actually unwilling to pay the extra $2 a month or so for the extra staff.

One company has professional baggers and dedicated assistants who bring the groceries to your car, no matter who you are. Lines are always short, and registers are plentiful.

Another company has long lines, even in the half of the registers that are se;f-help automated systems. No-one brings anything to anyone's car unless they're obviously disabled, and even then they have to ask. Lines are long, staff are knowledgeless and frequently ignore customers.

Guess which company gets more business...

Yup, it's Wal*mart...because prices are cheaper.

Customer service takes a backseat to price, because price is what consumers value above service.