[dcandmc]

I received an email from DirecTV this morning informing me that they will be updating their customer agreement, effective May 15. Has anyone already done the research to figure out what will change from the current customer agreement?

 

[kaminar]

Has anyone already done the research to figure out what will change from the current customer agreement?

Seems like minor wording changes and clarification..

As quoted:
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Key Changes for 2012
Throughout the Customer Agreement, references to any "receiver" were changed to "box."

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In Section 1, "OUR SERVICE" area, new information was added about ordering pay per view:

(1) On Demand/DIRECTV Cinema. Customers with advanced HD DVR boxes may also access additional titles and on demand programs by connecting the box to the internet. Information available at directv.com.

(2) Other Authorized Devices. Customers may also access certain titles and on demand programs by using a separately distributed DIRECTV software application on a compatible smartphone, tablet, computer or other device you provide that is authorized by DIRECTV ("an Authorized Device"). Information available at directv.com.

**In (2) above, DIRECTV software application may refer to a) the DIRECTV Player, b) the DIRECTV Phone App, or c) the DIRECTV App for iPad.**

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In Section 2, "PAYMENT" area, text was changed to advise the customer that DIRECTV may reverse certain offer credits which posted to accounts, under certain circumstances.

(a) Programming. You will pay in advance, at our rates in effect at the time for all Service ordered by you or anyone who uses your Receiving Equipment or Authorized Device, with or without your permission, until the Service is canceled. If the Service is part of an offer through which you receive credits offsetting all or part of the Service price, such credits are also paid in advance. If you cancel the Service, you are no longer entitled to receive the credits and we reserve the right to recoup pre-paid credits.

Further along in Section 2, "PAYMENT" area, text describing charges for service on additional TVs was changed.

(3) Up to $6.00 Box and/or enabled TV Fee in connection with obtaining Service on each additional box and/or enabled TV, provided you meet the qualifications specified in Section 1(f) and the Receiving Equipment and/or enabled TV(s) are located at your residence.

**In (3) above, although this text was changed, it does not mean that billing descriptions will change.**

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In Section 3, "CUSTOMER INFORMATION" area, text was changed and text was added.

3. CUSTOMER INFORMATION (b) Contact Information. You agree to provide true, accurate, current and complete contact information about yourself, and maintain and promptly update your contact information to keep it true, accurate and complete. If you provide a cellular telephone number, you acknowledge and consent that we may call you on your cellular phone for business purposes, including collections calls. You also grant permission for us to send non-marketing service or account related text messages to your cellular phone. Your carrier's message and data rates may apply but, you may opt out of the text messages at anytime.

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Hope this helps.

-=K=-

 

[dcandmc]

Seems like minor wording changes and clarification..

...contract language...

Hope this helps.

-=K=-

Thanks kaminar, that's a big help.

 

[jceman]

They also changed the wording throughout regarding boxes being connected to phone lines. It now states that they are to be connected via phone lines or internet.

 

[ThomasM]

Here's a little change I spotted that doesn't amuse me at all:

OLD AGREEMENT (4-24-10)

8. (b) Disclaimers. Except as expressly provided herein, we make no warranty or representation, either express or implied regarding any service or your receiving equipment, which is provided to you as is. All such warranties or representations, including, without limitation. The implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, title, and non-infringement are disclaimed. You are responsible for the loss of or any damage to the receiving equipment.

NEW AGREEMENT (5-12-12)

8. (b) Warranty disclaimer. Except as provided herein, we make no warranty regarding any service or your receiving equipment which is provided as is. All such warranties, including the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose are expressly excluded. You bear the entire risk as to the quality and performance of the receiving equipment and are responsible for the entire cost of any necessary repair.

Now, I wonder if this means the $20 S & H charge for replacing a failed LEASED receiver will now become the ACTUAL AMOUNT TO FIX IT like it specifically states in the new agreement??

 

[dpeters11]

Here's the problem with agreements, at least some of the ones I've seen. They get so broad with stuff that the lawyers write, they include things customers don't like but that the company has no intention of doing.

 

[Shades228]

Here's a little change I spotted that doesn't amuse me at all:

OLD AGREEMENT (4-24-10)

8. (b) Disclaimers. Except as expressly provided herein, we make no warranty or representation, either express or implied regarding any service or your receiving equipment, which is provided to you as is. All such warranties or representations, including, without limitation. The implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, title, and non-infringement are disclaimed. You are responsible for the loss of or any damage to the receiving equipment.

NEW AGREEMENT (5-12-12)

8. (b) Warranty disclaimer. Except as provided herein, we make no warranty regarding any service or your receiving equipment which is provided as is. All such warranties, including the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose are expressly excluded. You bear the entire risk as to the quality and performance of the receiving equipment and are responsible for the entire cost of any necessary repair.

Now, I wonder if this means the $20 S & H charge for replacing a failed LEASED receiver will now become the ACTUAL AMOUNT TO FIX IT like it specifically states in the new agreement??

It has more to do with modification and damage outside of normal wear and tear. Dpeters11 is correct that for the average consumer it won't mean anything.

 

[hdtvfan0001]

This is the simplified explanation of changes int he agreement as found on the DirecTV Answer Center page - most appear related to terminology as a result of the new HR34 Whole Home Media Center device:

What has changed in the DIRECTV Customer Agreement?

Recently, we updated The DIRECTV Customer Agreement. This update will take effect on May 15, 2012.

The Customer Agreement outlines the terms and conditions of your DIRECTV Service. To make sure that the changes are clear we outlined some minor changes from the previous version.
•Throughout the agreement the term "Receiver" has been replaced with 'box."
•Section 1. Our Service: Information is provided for Ordering Pay Per View and using On Demand/DIRECTV Cinema, as well as using other authorized devices.
•Section 2. Payment: New information has been added about promotional credits and the terms "mirroring" and "additional receiver" have been removed and replaced with "enabled TV's" or "additional boxes."
•Section 3. Customer Information: New information has been added about account related text messaging.

To view The Customer Agreement in English or Spanish, visit http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/content/legal/customer_agreement.

For more information about DIRECTV agreements and policies please visit directv.com/agreements.

 

[bobcamp1]

Here's a little change I spotted that doesn't amuse me at all:

OLD AGREEMENT (4-24-10)

8. (b) Disclaimers. Except as expressly provided herein, we make no warranty or representation, either express or implied regarding any service or your receiving equipment, which is provided to you as is. All such warranties or representations, including, without limitation. The implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, title, and non-infringement are disclaimed. You are responsible for the loss of or any damage to the receiving equipment.

NEW AGREEMENT (5-12-12)

8. (b) Warranty disclaimer. Except as provided herein, we make no warranty regarding any service or your receiving equipment which is provided as is. All such warranties, including the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose are expressly excluded. You bear the entire risk as to the quality and performance of the receiving equipment and are responsible for the entire cost of any necessary repair.

Now, I wonder if this means the $20 S & H charge for replacing a failed LEASED receiver will now become the ACTUAL AMOUNT TO FIX IT like it specifically states in the new agreement??

Man, I missed that one!

It means once they get the receiver, they can charge you up to the MSRP of a new box to repair the old one. Since it's THEIR equipment, they can only charge you that if there is damage that is obviously caused by you.

EDIT: They changed the agreement last year, too. You've referenced the one from two years ago. Maybe they already made that changed last year?
But if the box is damaged during shipping, you're paying for the repairs unless you take pictures of it before you put it in the box.

 

[Jon J]

How about the $10 activation fee or the $300 fee for not returning an access card or $10 fee to downgrade your programming package?