Basic beginner questions about DirecTV service.

[blurredvision]

I had a few questions that I figure you guys could answer for me pretty quickly, without me having to waste too much time researching. And just as a setup, I used to have DirecTV 3 years ago, but switched to local cable. Main reasoning behind this was so that I could get rid of my home phone line and switch directly to cell (I assumed back then the phone line was required for the box to call home, I still do assume this, but check out my questions below), which saved me a load of money back then.

Considering the influx of HD channels coming soon, I'm thinking of switching back, albeit after being cautious to see how the HD channels end up looking for everyone else (yes, I'm afraid of the ever-infamous HD-lite, because back when I switched from D* to local cable, the HD quality was night and day....the local cable looked 10x better).

If I do switch, I'll definitely aim my sights at the HR20.

So, on with the questions:

1.) Do you need a home phone line, is it required? I NEVER do pay-per-view in any form, if this matters. If the box needs to "phone home", can that be done over a broadband connection now? I've been out of the loop, so I don't know anything at this point.

2.) I'm looking at the $69.99 package. I can see that it includes the DVR and HD in the price. Does this include locals as well?

3.) If I get a regular unit for the bedroom, do they still charge $5/month extra for that extra receiver?

4.) Can I typically get that extra unit for free without having to pay extra up front or lease it monthly?

5.) And without going into much detail, where can I get the best deals currently for the package and receivers I want to buy? Just a name will do. I've already asked enough basic questions here, I'll do a little bit of research on my own.

Thanks!

[Brandon428]

I had a few questions that I figure you guys could answer for me pretty quickly, without me having to waste too much time researching. And just as a setup, I used to have DirecTV 3 years ago, but switched to local cable. Main reasoning behind this was so that I could get rid of my home phone line and switch directly to cell (I assumed back then the phone line was required for the box to call home, I still do assume this, but check out my questions below), which saved me a load of money back then.

Considering the influx of HD channels coming soon, I'm thinking of switching back, albeit after being cautious to see how the HD channels end up looking for everyone else (yes, I'm afraid of the ever-infamous HD-lite, because back when I switched from D* to local cable, the HD quality was night and day....the local cable looked 10x better).

If I do switch, I'll definitely aim my sights at the HR20.

So, on with the questions:

1.) Do you need a home phone line, is it required? I NEVER do pay-per-view in any form, if this matters. If the box needs to "phone home", can that be done over a broadband connection now? I've been out of the loop, so I don't know anything at this point.

2.) I'm looking at the $69.99 package. I can see that it includes the DVR and HD in the price. Does this include locals as well?

3.) If I get a regular unit for the bedroom, do they still charge $5/month extra for that extra receiver?

4.) Can I typically get that extra unit for free without having to pay extra up front or lease it monthly?

5.) And without going into much detail, where can I get the best deals currently for the package and receivers I want to buy? Just a name will do. I've already asked enough basic questions here, I'll do a little bit of research on my own.

Thanks!

1.)No it is not required No you can't order PPV through your ethernet connection but you can order by phone or computer.

2.)Yes

3.)Yes your charged a mirror fee for each additional receiver excluding your primary receiver.

4.)Depends on what kind of receiver you want. DVRS and HD DVRS or HD receivers will cost upfront but you might be able to get one of those free if you haggle.

5)Try CC or Best Buy you can get good deals if your in the market for new tvs.

[Kevin Dupuy]

I had a few questions that I figure you guys could answer for me pretty quickly, without me having to waste too much time researching. And just as a setup, I used to have DirecTV 3 years ago, but switched to local cable. Main reasoning behind this was so that I could get rid of my home phone line and switch directly to cell (I assumed back then the phone line was required for the box to call home, I still do assume this, but check out my questions below), which saved me a load of money back then.

Considering the influx of HD channels coming soon, I'm thinking of switching back, albeit after being cautious to see how the HD channels end up looking for everyone else (yes, I'm afraid of the ever-infamous HD-lite, because back when I switched from D* to local cable, the HD quality was night and day....the local cable looked 10x better).

If I do switch, I'll definitely aim my sights at the HR20.

So, on with the questions:

1.) Do you need a home phone line, is it required? I NEVER do pay-per-view in any form, if this matters. If the box needs to "phone home", can that be done over a broadband connection now? I've been out of the loop, so I don't know anything at this point.

2.) I'm looking at the $69.99 package. I can see that it includes the DVR and HD in the price. Does this include locals as well?

3.) If I get a regular unit for the bedroom, do they still charge $5/month extra for that extra receiver?

4.) Can I typically get that extra unit for free without having to pay extra up front or lease it monthly?

5.) And without going into much detail, where can I get the best deals currently for the package and receivers I want to buy? Just a name will do. I've already asked enough basic questions here, I'll do a little bit of research on my own.

Thanks!

Welcome! OK, so I can answer some questions...

1.No phone line is required for non-PPV purposes... and if you do want to use pay Per View, you can order it online...

2. Yes, locals are included in the price of all packages

3. Yes, they do charge that fee, although it's now a 'leasing fee', not a 'mirroring' one.

4. You can occasionally work out deals with DIRECTV's cutomer serice reps...

5. Can't really help ya there...

Hope that help out a little..

[DogLover]

1. With the HR20, the phone line is only needed for PPV and caller id. If you don't care about either, no phone line will work. (PPV can still be ordered through the web site.)

2. It does if they are carrying locals in your area. There is a place on the D* web site that will allow you to enter your zip and see what locals and RSN that you will get.

3. Yep, still extra for each unit.

4/5. There is a forum here. It think it is the ordering and installation forum. You can usually find info on what deals are available.

[Michael D'Angelo]

I had a few questions that I figure you guys could answer for me pretty quickly, without me having to waste too much time researching. And just as a setup, I used to have DirecTV 3 years ago, but switched to local cable. Main reasoning behind this was so that I could get rid of my home phone line and switch directly to cell (I assumed back then the phone line was required for the box to call home, I still do assume this, but check out my questions below), which saved me a load of money back then.

Considering the influx of HD channels coming soon, I'm thinking of switching back, albeit after being cautious to see how the HD channels end up looking for everyone else (yes, I'm afraid of the ever-infamous HD-lite, because back when I switched from D* to local cable, the HD quality was night and day....the local cable looked 10x better).

If I do switch, I'll definitely aim my sights at the HR20.

So, on with the questions:

1.) Do you need a home phone line, is it required? I NEVER do pay-per-view in any form, if this matters. If the box needs to "phone home", can that be done over a broadband connection now? I've been out of the loop, so I don't know anything at this point.

2.) I'm looking at the $69.99 package. I can see that it includes the DVR and HD in the price. Does this include locals as well?

3.) If I get a regular unit for the bedroom, do they still charge $5/month extra for that extra receiver?

4.) Can I typically get that extra unit for free without having to pay extra up front or lease it monthly?

5.) And without going into much detail, where can I get the best deals currently for the package and receivers I want to buy? Just a name will do. I've already asked enough basic questions here, I'll do a little bit of research on my own.

Thanks!

1) You do not need a phone line. The only thing you need a phone line for is to order PPV from the remote (you can still order it online or you can call on your cell phone), CID (caller ID), or to use the game lounge.

2) Yes that included the locals

3) Yes they charge $5 for every receiver after the first one.

4) I believe right now they will give you a free HD receiver or SD DVR and 3 SD receiver's for free. Then if you don't need all of them just tell them when you order and they will not install them and charge you the monthly fee for them. I would suggest if you are going to get a HR20 which you will probably have to pay for I would tell them you want the free SD DVR (R15) for the bed room so you have a DVR in there also. You only pay one DVR fee and it covers every DVR you have in the house.

5) Ordering through DirecTV will be your best chance of getting any kind of deal.

[Ken984]

Definitely call them, tell them you are thinking of switching back, they will probably make you a very good offer.

[blurredvision]

Thanks a lot for the quick replies!