[Link]

My parents have had Directv since 1995 and the only reason they have kept the service is because of having the East/West distant networks. If it wasn't for that they would have switched to Dish or cable along time ago.

Directv has gotten way too expensive. Their current package costs them $90 a month for distant networks, Total Choice Extra, DVR service, HD Access, and an extra receiver. I know they have added a lot of HD channels but the reality is a lot of these so called HD channels don't carry hardly any HD content.

With Dish Network (which carries their locals), the equivalent programming with Top 200 DVR Advantage, locals, HD Access, plus no extra receiver fee with a dual tuner receiver would cost $59.99 a month - a $30 savings.

Cable would cost a little more with DVR--about $70 a month and the HD channels are included. But it is still cheaper than Directv.

 

[Brandon428]

I know what you mean. If it wasn't for ST I probably would be with Dish Network myself. Come 2010 when the NFL contract is up with Directv they better give me a a hell of a incentive to stay.

 

[MIAMI1683]

On the other hand. I have premiere, hdaccess, hdextra pack, 7 ird's, pp, st, hot pass, sf. DVr is included in my base package. My bill was only about $90 this month. So maybe they should move to the HDVR plan for $70 and add distant locals. Maybe that will save them some money.

 

[RichB4321]

On the other hand. I have premiere, hdaccess, hdextra pack, 7 ird's, pp, st, hot pass, sf. DVr is included in my base package. My bill was only about $90 this month. So maybe they should move to the HDVR plan for $70 and add distant locals. Maybe that will save them some money.

What is the HDVR plan?

 

[MIAMI1683]

What is the HDVR plan?

The HDVR plan includes HD access (not extra pack) and DVR fees. then there wouldn't be extra fees. now it $70 + $5 for the extra ird. You probably get more than that way instead of doing it ala carte. Oh and i believe the distants are extra, but if they don't supply locals where the OP is he can get a credit from his package. That way it off sets.

 

[d max82]

On the other hand. I have premiere, hdaccess, hdextra pack, 7 ird's, pp, st, hot pass, sf. DVr is included in my base package. My bill was only about $90 this month. So maybe they should move to the HDVR plan for $70 and add distant locals. Maybe that will save them some money.

Since Premiere is $105 a month before any of the other add ons you mentioned I'd REALLY like to know how your bill was on $90 this month.

 

[bakers12]

The package called Plus HD DVR costs $73/month and includes HD (except 5 channels), DVR services and the same channels as the Choice Xtra package. Add $5 for an extra receiver.

 

[finaldiet]

The package called Plus HD DVR costs $73/month and includes HD (except 5 channels), DVR services and the same channels as the Choice Xtra package. Add $5 for an extra receiver.

I have that package and I don't have premier. Premier itself costs more than his quoted price. I'll have to check that out. Maybe a new customer got that price.

 

[joed32]

My parents have had Directv since 1995 and the only reason they have kept the service is because of having the East/West distant networks. If it wasn't for that they would have switched to Dish or cable along time ago.

Directv has gotten way too expensive. Their current package costs them $90 a month for distant networks, Total Choice Extra, DVR service, HD Access, and an extra receiver. I know they have added a lot of HD channels but the reality is a lot of these so called HD channels don't carry hardly any HD content.

With Dish Network (which carries their locals), the equivalent programming with Top 200 DVR Advantage, locals, HD Access, plus no extra receiver fee with a dual tuner receiver would cost $59.99 a month - a $30 savings.

Cable would cost a little more with DVR--about $70 a month and the HD channels are included. But it is still cheaper than Directv.

And?

 

[Redlinetire]

And?

This is what happens when people post rants at 4AM....:lol:

 

[MIAMI1683]

Since Premiere is $105 a month before any of the other add ons you mentioned I'd REALLY like to know how your bill was on $90 this month.

I thought the same thing, but it is this month. IDK its usually $170 or so.

but,

Current Balance:$90.37Pay Now Payment Due:07/14/08Auto Pay:Not SetupSetup Auto PaymentPaperless Billing:EnrolledView Bills

06/25/2008XXXXXXXX5543Additional Receiver - Charge$4.99$0.66
06/25/2008XXXXXXXX8125Additional Receiver - Charge$4.99$0.66
06/25/2008XXXXXXXX3867DIRECTV Protection Plan - Charge$5.99$0.42
06/25/2008XXXXXXXX3867PREMIER - Charge$104.99$13.83
06/25/2008XXXXXXXX9794Leased Receiver - Charge$4.99$0.35
06/25/2008XXXXXXXX3867HD Access - Charge$9.99$1.32

Looks like someone made a mistake. I do get $10 a month credit for a year. (idk why though)

 

[dcowboy7]

I know what you mean. If it wasn't for ST I probably would be with Dish Network myself. Come 2010 when the NFL contract is up with Directv they better give me a a hell of a incentive to stay.

....like directv getting st exclusively again for another 5 years.

 

[MIAMI1683]

....like directv getting st exclusively again for another 5 years.

YUP

 

[zimm7778]

....like directv getting st exclusively again for another 5 years.

I REALLY don't think that will happen again. I think the NFL is going to use the NFL Sunday Ticket package as the carrot that will finally get the NFL Network where they want it on all cable and satellite systems. Something where they say "Carry it on basic cable, we give you NFL Sunday Ticket access. You don't, and you can keep selling the sports fanatics on your non HD version of MLB EI."

 

[DodgerKing]

Each individual needs to look at their particular setup and package to determine with provider is best for them. For me Direct is much better than Dish and it is cheaper.

1. Direct has EI and Dish does not
2. Direct has both of my local RSN's in HD full time and Dish does not
3. Direct carries 7 of my locals in HD and Dish carries only 4
4. Direct is cheaper for my setup than Dish

Everything is rounded up to the nearest $

Dish

Dish DVR advantage (200+ channels) - $50
Dish HD ultimate - $20
Extra receiver (leased) - $7.00
DVR Service (for the extra DVR, which Direct does not charge) - $6.00

Total - $83

It is the last two items (these extra fees that Dish charges that will get you)

And I forgot to add the extra fee they will charge me for not having my DVR plugged into a phone line (I do not have a phone jack in my living room).

Direct

Total Choice Plus (200+ channels) - $55
HD Access - $10
HD Extra Pack - $5
DVR Service - $6
(same price no matter how many DVR's one has, unlike Dish)
Extra receiver (leased) - $5

Total - $81

So, yes, Direct is cheaper for me.

 

[DodgerKing]

Compare comparable packages and the HD channels within each channel, see attachment below.

 

[jimbo713]

I dropped DirecTV and went back to cable after being with them for 10 years. I now have a house full of HDTiVo's and lovin' it. With the cable bundle, I'm saving over $100 a month.

 

[Mertzen]

So how much will Dish charge you after the initial promotion period ?

 

[ArkieLad]

I had Dish Network for two years and hated every minute of it. First their reception sucks and they are always having channels being "negotiated" which is why we lost all the Viacom channels and Lifetime a few years back. Also, their packages are cheaper but the extras are more. HD is like $10.00 more a month.

Once the new customer package runs out, you'll be running back to DirecTV.

 

[Link]

And?

The point is Directv has gotten extremely expensive.

$90 a month is a lot to pay for pretty much basic channels with some HD content, DVR service, and broadcast network programming. It includes no premium movie package or sports channels. Other services aren't costing as much.