[westHD]

Researched satellite pkgs for my parents and decided on ChoiceExtra HD because web site indicated FSN was included. My son also has D* and has been quite happy with it. My parents wanted Detroit Tiger Baseball so I talked to DirecTV reps twice prior to ordering to make sure it was Detroit FSN. Both reps assured me it was included.

While channels were downloading to the receiver, installer asked if I wanted to check any channels. I asked to see the Tiger game on 636. Came up "not authorized". Had him verify with the activator on the phone that 636 FSN Detroit was included, she said "yes" and it would show up when channels finished downloading. Didn't show up.

Installer called a 2nd rep who also verified 636 was included with ChoiceExtra and she downloaded new software and channels, but it still didn't show up.

Installer got the current channel pamphlet from his truck which showed that FSN Detroit is NOT part of ChoiceExtra - only in the Sports Pkg or Premium. Installer called a 3rd rep who verified that and only remedy was to add Sports Pkg for $11/mo.

Got home and checked web site again.
FSN shows up in the channel list for ChoiceExtra and ChoiceExtra HD on the "promotions" page "Channel" tab. However, it does NOT show up on the "compare" pages or other channel lists.

Called D* and argued with a rep for a while who turned me over to Customer Retention. The lady there finally admitted that the web site promo page and the 4 reps were all wrong, but the only remedy was Sports Pkg at $2 for 6 mos. and $12 for the other 18 mos. Told her this was unacceptable, so I had her cancel the service.

Also informed her that this was illegal, but she didn't seem to care.

I'm shocked that D* wouldn't remedy this.
Every remedy offered was more money out my pocket.

Does anyone have experience escalating issues like this beyond the Customer Retention people ??

She also said D* will not remove the dishes - those are my problem.
Is that also true ?
How do I get rid of them so Dish can be installed ?
Or will the Dish installer remove them ?

 

[RAD]

I plugged in an East Lansing ZIP code (48823) at http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPageIF.jsp?assetId=P3000004 and it says you should have :

FSN Detroit (Ch. 636) - HD Available
Detroit Pistons (HD Available)
Detroit Red Wings (HD Available)
Detroit Shock
Tigers (HD Available)

If you're not in that zip code I'd recommend going to the link above and put in your zip code and see what it comes back with. If it also says you should have 636 and you aren't getting anywhere with the normal support structure try e-mailing to [email protected], she's a VP in the executive offices. You won't hear from here but one of the staff there, maybe they can resolve this problem for you.

 

[Tom Robertson]

RAD is very likely headed down the correct track. RSN are like local channels as they are completely controlled by Zip code--even if you pick up the Sports Pak as far as blackouts are concerned.

The other part of this equation is that Dish is likely governed by the exact same Zip code database as DIRECTV.

Sorry you've run into this,
Tom

 

[westHD]

Thanks for the great responses.

My parents are in Northern Michigan.
I plugged in their zip code and came up with the same thing RAD did for East Lansing.

Will email the executive as RAD advised.

 

[Hound]

E* may not necessarily use the same zip code restrictions as D*. The MLB web site has the correct zip codes for each team. E* restricts the Zip codes so that more subs have to get sports pack. D* and cable give me SNY. E* requires me to get sports pack. My zip code falls within SNY's territory.

 

[twaller]

I can assure you that FSD should come with any package in your area. It is, as Rad said, a local channel.

 

[westHD]

*** UPDATE ***

Detroit FSN (636) magically became available yesterday on my parents receiver !!
I had not contacted anyone at D* yet.

Guess I'll call D* and re-activate the account.

Last night I looked at the "Programming Schedule" on the web site.
Clicked on "My Channels".
Channel 636 (Det FSN) did not show up in the list.
However 722/722-1 does show up and it also had the Detroit Tigers broadcast ??
My wife was up there today and just informed me that todays Tigers/Twins game is
on both 636 and 722/722-1.

Apologize for being such a noob about satellite, I have Comcast.

 

[Doug Brott]

westHD,

Glad everything has worked out for you .. now maybe it's time for you come on over from Comcast .

 

[EricRobins]

However 722/722-1 does show up and it also had the Detroit Tigers broadcast ??
My wife was up there today and just informed me that todays Tigers/Twins game is
on both 636 and 722/722-1.

the 720-749 (?) range includes channels only available through the MLB Extra Innings package. So, unless you also have MLBEI, the out-of-market game in that range should be blacked out.

 

[bakers12]

Using the DirecTV web site that RAD pointed out, my zip code only gets Comcast Sports-Chicago on channel 640. But I also get a second Comcast Sports-Chicago on 668 and 668-1. I found out about these channels watching a Cubs game recently, when they announced games for the next week. It's possible that DirecTV doesn't update the web site often enough.

 

[PCampbell]

I have two accounts one in Livonia and one in the UP and they both get FSN. Total choice and choice extra up north.

 

[bonscott87]

The RSN channels are similar to the local channels. I've seen them take an hour or so to actually come in when a receiver get's hit with authorization. Glad you're getting it now!