[Jakz34]

I currently have the Premiere package. I have a HD-DVR, SD-DVR and 3 SD receivers for a total of 5 in the house. I'm looking at dropping to Entertainment or Choice due to the cost of the Premiere package. It currently runs about $185 a month for my current setup. I am also out of contract meaning I can end service altogether without paying any fees.

If I downgrade my package, does that put me in another 2 year contract? Are there any other negatives I need to be aware of if I choose to downgrade?

On a side note, I live in the Jonesboro, Arkansas area and we recently got locals. These only show up on the HD receiver and not the SD. Any reason for that?

 

[dpeters11]

Since you are on premier, no real downsides. It does not extend your contract, and you can go back to it later.

It's possible your locals require an HD box, even for SD. I think I saw Jonesboro on that list. You can get a swap out from DirecTV.

 

[RACJ2]

The only possible issue that could happen, is if when you signed up you received free HD. If so, its possible you will lose that discount and end up paying $10 more per month then you expect. Its happened to others.

 

[dpeters11]

Do MPEG4 market customers have to pay that? He has to have HD boxes for his locals. Or is it only waived if you have SD equipment swapped out because of the locals requirement?

 

[CCarncross]

Do MPEG4 market customers have to pay that? He has to have HD boxes for his locals. Or is it only waived if you have SD equipment swapped out because of the locals requirement?

I don't think that MPEG4 markets have to pay the $10 unless they are subscribe to HD...people in MPEG4 markets dont get channels in HD just because they have HD equipment. If someone in an MPEG4 market wants HD, they still have to pay for HD. In the OP's case, he should have been notified that his locals were being offered in MPEG4 only and offered to have his SD equipment swapped out, of course thats only if he was even subscribed to locals in his area, which he may not have been if they weren;t offered when he originally signed up.

 

[PCampbell]

Do MPEG4 market customers have to pay that? He has to have HD boxes for his locals. Or is it only waived if you have SD equipment swapped out because of the locals requirement?

If you want HD you have to pay the fee. If you have SD only you can't set the res past 480. I have a place in northern Michigan and it is in an HD only market, had to get the HD free for two years when we updated to HD tvs.

 

[xmguy]

I currently have the Premiere package. I have a HD-DVR, SD-DVR and 3 SD receivers for a total of 5 in the house. I'm looking at dropping to Entertainment or Choice due to the cost of the Premiere package. It currently runs about $185 a month for my current setup. I am also out of contract meaning I can end service altogether without paying any fees.

If I downgrade my package, does that put me in another 2 year contract? Are there any other negatives I need to be aware of if I choose to downgrade?

On a side note, I live in the Jonesboro, Arkansas area and we recently got locals. These only show up on the HD receiver and not the SD. Any reason for that?

I can confirm. That lowering or modifying any package or other account settings like Whole Home DVR, etc doesn't add to or create a new contract. I'm nearing the end of mine (in June) and am lowering my channel package from Choice Xtra to Entertainment. No issues at all with my contract. The ONLY time you have to sign a new or extend an existing contract is if you lease a new receiver. Whether it be DVR, HD-DVR, or just good ole basic receiver. If DirecTV has to discount (yes $199 or less is a discount, full price is MUCH more) a receiver it will require a contract to be renewed or started. If you "buy" it out right (still leased keep in mind) then they "should NOT" (some may need to correct me if I'm wrong) have to start a new or extend a contract for your service. Other wise you should be good to go.

 

[dpeters11]

If its actually bought and is one tat can be bought, no contact and not leased. In the past people thought they bought from Costco or Best Buy. Those were leases.

 

[Jakz34]

I'm already being charged $10/month for locals so I don't think I'll be incurring extra charges there. I am being charged $2.50/month for a Fox East feed I was approved for prior to locals being approved in the Jonesboro market. Is there any benefit keeping it?

 

[MysteryMan]

With every program package it states "Local channels included at no extra charge. (?): Eligibility based on service address".

 

[CCarncross]

I'm already being charged $10/month for locals so I don't think I'll be incurring extra charges there. I am being charged $2.50/month for a Fox East feed I was approved for prior to locals being approved in the Jonesboro market. Is there any benefit keeping it?

Regular locals arent $10/month, so I can only assume you must be getting Distant Network feeds as your locals since D* didnt offer them until recently. Unless you are heavily vested in the local feed from someplace else(many people get that way), there is no reason to spend the extra money on the distant feeds but that would be up to you.

 

[dpeters11]

I can see it being useful if a sporting event on the local channel runs long or they interrupt programming for weather (and you're not affected).

 

[The Merg]

With every program package it states "Local channels included at no extra charge. (?): Eligibility based on service address".

Yup. All packages include locals. If locals are not available for you then they will deduct $3/month from your package price. They used to do it the other way in that you paid $3/month extra if you wanted locals.

- Merg