OT: DirecTV

[bmuff]

OK, anyone here have advice for me? I have two HD TVs and am a DirecTV customer (bundled with Qwest). Both of my receivers are just regular and I'd like to upgrade one to HD and one to HD-DVR. What is the best way to go about this? I had called inquiring about a HD-DVR a few months ago and they said that they would sell it to me for $99. Now, when I called asking for that deal plus a regular HD receiver, they said that offer is no longer there and they could only knock $50 off the total...so $150 for the HD-DVR and $100 for the HD only totalling something like $290. Am I wrong for thinking that is way too much? Since I am bundled with Qwest, can I deal with the local guys still?

 

[ISUFan22]

You bundle doesn't matter at all really for this stuff - it's simply consolidated billing.

As far as trying to get a better deal, how long have ya been with DirecTV? Use that to your advantage and/or start the "cancellation" process.

 

[ISUFan22]

On a somewhat related note, I'm looking for info about the future of DirecTV boxes - saw a little on DBSTalk.com - but tying to make sense if it.

Heard they have a box in beta that has about 6 tuners it it - great for putting in a central place in your home and being able to watch different channels in different rooms and of course - being able to access the DVR from any room in the house connected to that box.

 

[Cyclonepride]

Yes, the cancellation process is the way to go. Call them and tell them you are switching to Dish Network. They will fold like Hawkeyes.

 

[OC Cyclone]

I just recently upgraded to the HD DVR, its like the Rolls Royce of receivers, the best thing you can hope for is to schedule an appointment, then hope they forget to come, then you complain and they knock $100 off plus the $50 that you already get off just for telling them its way to expensive...or maybe complain that since dish is doing free upgrades, that's what you want to do to

 

[BigBake]

tell them u are switching to dish. Set the cancellation date about two weeks out. Either on that call or sometime shortly after a CRS rep will call and try to get u back. This is the rep with the most power to get u a deal.

Be sure to call dish and get the most current promo offer info.
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[dmclone]

If you're still under contract than Directv will most likely call your bluff. Once you're a customer they don't offer very good deals.

 

[myersisu]

I disagree that being a customer hurts you...I'm not sure how exacly seeing as I'd only been a customer for less than a year, but when I called to upgrade to hd dvd they said as "long standing customer", I got a free upgrade. I didn't pay a dime for my new hd dish or hd dvr. The bonus was that when the installation guy came...I asked him about a HDMI cord so I could use my 2nd one for the dvd player. He pulled one out of his van and gave it to me. He said directv gives all installers "extras" when it comes to cords etc. just in case customers ask for something. That said, this was the ONLY time I've gotten a "deal" from their customer service.

 

[Ames]

My dad is a 15 year customer. He is 3 months and $350 into trying to get switched to HD.

 

[Cyclonepride]

The contract could be a sticking point for sure, so I would check the length of your agreement to see how much leverage you have.

 

[bmuff]

The contract could be a sticking point for sure, so I would check the length of your agreement to see how much leverage you have.

I've been a customer for three years, so as far as I know, I'm not on contract. All of my introductory rates are long gone.

Another question: If I get a HD tuner, do I need an antenna to plug in to the receiver for local channels? If so, how much do those run?

 

[Cyclonepride]

I've been a customer for three years, so as far as I know, I'm not on contract. All of my introductory rates are long gone.

Another question: If I get a HD tuner, do I need an antenna to plug in to the receiver for local channels? If so, how much do those run?

No......Direct just recently added the local channels in HD.

 

[Chad]

I just got a call from Mediacom saying they would bundle phone, internet and cable w/ HDs for $79.85 for 12 months. Not sure what it will be after that, but you might be able to use this for leverage.

 

[dmclone]

I disagree that being a customer hurts you...I'm not sure how exacly seeing as I'd only been a customer for less than a year, but when I called to upgrade to hd dvd they said as "long standing customer", I got a free upgrade. I didn't pay a dime for my new hd dish or hd dvr. The bonus was that when the installation guy came...I asked him about a HDMI cord so I could use my 2nd one for the dvd player. He pulled one out of his van and gave it to me. He said directv gives all installers "extras" when it comes to cords etc. just in case customers ask for something. That said, this was the ONLY time I've gotten a "deal" from their customer service.

So you got a free HD DVR even though you were already a customer under contract? If you did consider yourself lucky because I know people who have been customer for 10+ years, excellent credit, and never have missed a payment and they didn't get anything for free. I assume they extended your contract back out to 2 years?