Buh Bye DirecTv

[hsmamato2]

I thought you needed an expensive receiver to stream netflix through the tv?
We get a great deal through dishnetwork..we've had the same price for 2 years now- for 36.00 per month we get more channels than we'll ever watch,plus 2 room DVR(it's what I keep it for) and can watch tv in 2 different rooms at the same time,or record,watch,etc...it's a good deal IMO.
I haven't found cheaper,except no service at all and an antenna.

 

[mbanks21]

Just a note if you want to lower your bills for a few months you can call directv and tell them to suspend your account I believe for up to 6 months, tell them youre going out of the country for a while.

 

[1PrincessMomma1]

Hit the bricks!! Tell them to keep their satellite!! Stand firm!! Go get em!!

Netflix streaming and 1 DVD at a time is $8.95 a month. Sure beats $92.88!!

Ask to speak to a supervisor; sometimes that opens doors.

I actually switched to cable today(said I'd never do that again but it's a different provider from my old one and I already have phone & 'net with them) I've got a 1 year contract (DTV wanted 2 years with a new box and I don't know where we'll be after next summer) and I'll be saving $30+ dollars a month not including what it would have cost to upgrade my DTV package to HD. Plus I'm getting $150 rebate to boot.

Forgot to add free installation no cost's to me for anything.

 

[Muushka]

I thought you needed an expensive receiver to stream netflix through the tv?
We get a great deal through dishnetwork..we've had the same price for 2 years now- for 36.00 per month we get more channels than we'll ever watch,plus 2 room DVR(it's what I keep it for) and can watch tv in 2 different rooms at the same time,or record,watch,etc...it's a good deal IMO.
I haven't found cheaper,except no service at all and an antenna.

Can you tell me exactly what programming you have through Dish for $36 a month (if taxes and fees are not added, can you add them in that price for us?). We had Dish prior to DircTv and it was not that much less. Thanks!

Wow, thanks for posting! I recently reduced our DTV bill but this gives me new options to consider. Can you get ESPN or other sports stations & Disney through any kind of streaming? I don't think we'd miss too much else if we could still get networks. I know DH likes his sports channels though.

Also, we already have a wireless router for our 2nd computer - would that work for something that needs internet?
I am not sure how to answer that, sorry.

If I could drop that bill further, I'd be so happy!

No, the receiver that is specifically for Netflix (the Roku thingy) is $99 http://www.roku.com/what-to-watch.a...u Variations&gclid=CNeTy6aWvZwCFeFM5QodEjTmnQ but you can get it through the X Box and certain Blu Ray players . Also, the streaming Netflix is for things that have already aired on TV, not current stuff. Then there is Hulu.com to get more current stuff.

We had the satellite for NASCAR. But with finances being stretched, something had to give.

 

[Muushka]

I actually switched to cable today(said I'd never do that again but it's a different provider from my old one and I already have phone & 'net with them) I've got a 1 year contract (DTV wanted 2 years with a new box and I don't know where we'll be after next summer) and I'll be saving $30+ dollars a month not including what it would have cost to upgrade my DTV package to HD. Plus I'm getting $150 rebate to boot.

Good job!

Some day we will probably get some sort of enhanced television again. When we do I am going to be sure to get a great deal.

 

[eeyorefan67]

Just wanted to say that I've had Directv on and off for years and think the company are full liars, liars, liars. and never fullfill what they promise unless you call them every month to remind them. I bought a DVR reciever about 6 months ago through Directv. They charged me 99.00 for the reciever and 19.95 for shipping and handling. OK fine, I waited for the reciever to be delivered by the mail since I did pay 20 bucks for shipping and handling. I called to see when they were going to ship me my DVR and they told me that I needed to set up a appointment to install my DVR by their people and that the installer will have my reciever. So I asked them why did I pay shipping and handling on something that a person was bringing with him????? They tried to pull the S/H covers the costs for this and for that blah blah excuses. I told them to keep the reciever and all of a sudden they were willing to take the charge of my bill. Well they did come and install the reciever, never got the S/H charge taken off my bill and then the installer tried to take my original reciever that I own with him???? I had my Directv account closed and they have the nerve to call and ask for the reciever back that I paid for. I keep telling them when I get the 99.00 that I paid for the reciever they will then get the DVR back. All they say is well.... we'll take this amount off your bill and you will ONLY owe this amount. The funny thing is that they keep telling me that this is going to hurt my credit, I laugh and say "Credit, what credit I don't have any credit". Poo Poo on them, I'm keeping the DVR until I see some mmoney in my pocket and not their's.

 

[DisneyDebbie]

I had basic DirectTV (1 room, no dvr) for $57/month. I cancelled and switched to Dish Network- basic bronze pkg. - 1 reciever w/dvr and it works in 2 rooms. $30/month (inc. tax. I did have to sign up for 2 yrs. $30 first year and $40 second year. It's alot better than what we had and no upfront fees.

My bedroom just has a dvd player, vcr, and rabbit ears. you don't need the digital converter box if you've bought your tv within 2 yrs.

 

[nunzia]

Good going on getting some prices reduced and I'm sure you'll be fine without so much TV (don't know that I would! )
You must have alot of programming. Our regular (not promotional) price is 75.00 a month for the highest package of channels (no movie channels which are basically worthless IMO), and three different receivers. I know for just one receiver and basic channels it's more like 30 something a month with no promotion, so if you can't stand it, maybe you can go back with smaller bill. Or..try Dish for a promo period and switch back and forth with promos.

 

[pbharris4]

We just switched to cable after having Directv for the last 9 yrs. When we built the house cable wasn' t in the ground so we had to Directv (of course, back then we had to buy all the equipment..it was before all the 4 rooms free type deals.) I just called to cancel & apparently I have 1 more month left with the HD DVR rec'vr. So I have to call after 9/17 to cxl.

They tried to get me to stay offered me a bunch a different deals. I really liked them, but we have like 5-6 TVs and 3 DVRs................so by streamlining with internet, phone & Cable we're saving $80/mo. Now when that's up..we'll switch to whoever has the better deal at the time.

 

[heartsy77]

I just wanted to tell you we used to have DTV and we got out of contract with no fees. We had many of the issues previous posters had also: hidden fees, wrong charges, etc. I told them flat out I was canceling and not paying contract termination fees. After a few supervisors all they wanted was there receivers back which I was happy to return on their prepaid shipping labels! As a side note we just switched from cable to dish network again. We love them and we get way more HD channels then cable and its cheaper!

 

[hsmamato2]

hmmm...we use a ps3 to stream hulu anyway...but for Dishnetwork- we have the family plan,plus free cinemax- one dual room receiver(the best secret) so we have a tv in the rec room and one main one in the LR. SO we usually tape on the rec room tv,while watching on the LR tv,or you can tape on the tv you're watching while watching a previously taped show
base cost is 19.99 a month,plus 5.00 for locals,plus 5.98 for the one box dvr fee. total with all charges is about 36.00 per month. can't complain there!
but we are CHEAP. if the price rises,we'll go to antenna and internet streaming only.

 

[angwill]

I have had nothing but problems with Directv over the last year. I love it when they tell me to shut things off and turn them back on, check the cables, go out to the dish and check there. I just ask for a supervisor from the beginning of he conversation now. They are the only ones who can do anything for you anyway. The employees knowledge is very limited and they are stuck with a series of things they have to get you to do before they can go furthur. Everytime you get a new box or change anything your contract renews for 2 years. It's a joke even the repair guy who came out last time told me he switches back and forth between directv and dish every 2 years as it is the only way to get decent pricing.

Too bad that a few years ago they were an awsome company to do business with. I wonder if they even train them anymore.

 

[Kickapoo Joie Juice]

The next time they inform you that you're locked into a contract, ask them to fax (or email in PDF format) the copy of the contract where you signed up agreeing to their terms.

Also ask to see a copy of the directv contract which states that by you calling them you are automatically agreeing to a contract extension. Any time they tell you something, ask to see it in writing.

Then inform them that you will report them to the Attorney General's office for your particular state if they insist on trying to apply termination fees or contract fees which you did not agree to in writing. You can also throw in the FCC.

Then tell them you will bring suit in small claims court in your state for any fees incurred by yourself if you have to fix your credit rating because of their actions.

Always, when you call in, ask to speak with the "retentions" department. That will get you several notches up the idiot scale. We have used all of these tactics to keep Directv as honest as possible when we deal with them.

Also, any time they promise you something, ask the person you are talking to to put it in an email to you. They'll tell you they don't have access to a computer . You tell them that you'll continue the conversation when you have the email from them once they're able to find themselves a computer. Then save all your emails from them; we've found that to be a REMARKABLY effective tool...

When you're David, you have to have some good rocks to throw at Goliath...

 

[dclfun]

The apartment complex we live in required that everyone without a "wraparound porch" option remove their satellite dishes, so we had to get rid of DirectTV and go back to Bright House. I called DirectTV to note that I had to cancel due to our lease and was able to suspend our account. I was also told that they'll email me every 6 months so that I can continue the suspension. I was never told that I am starting over with a new contract so if that's the case, I WILL fight back. Meanwhile I HATE, HATE, HATE Brighthouse! We have their HD but there's a pink and green line running up and down the screen and the picture quality is horrible. They also tried to sell me packages I didn't want or impose upcharges for things I don't need. I remember the good ole' days when everyone just had rabbit ears and TV was free. Now I'm paying for poor quality service.---Kathy

 

[Kickapoo Joie Juice]

www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/consumerdish.html

Also, from WikiAnswers:

What can you do if your housing complex does not allow a satellite dish?Answer

If your housing complex does not let you put up a dish you can take certain measures to counter this. But it will require some effort on your part and also some money.

The first thing to know is that it is illegal for your complex committee to stop you from putting up a satellite dish. So if you do want legal recourse, the law will be on your side. But this will not come cheap to you as you will have to pay the lawyer�s fees that could set you back by quite a bit. You could try to scare your complex committee people by telling them that you are not averse to taking legal action and that if you do decide to go ahead, they WILL LOSE and might even end up paying your expenses along with their own.

If you must file a legal case, then you can take the help of ASTA (The American Satellite Television Alliance) who have very efficient deals to help you prepare your case and win it. ASTA even provides you with all the necessary information for a small fee. Many people have used the information given by ASTA as well as their services to successfully get their satellite dish put up.

In case you do not want to go the legal way and do not want to spend your time and money in this pursuit, then too you can do certain things to get your dish. You could hide it or even disguise it. There are many satellite dishes available for this express purpose. You can get one that looks like a beach umbrella or even one which has a covering and looks like a plain old shed. The latter is also advisable as dishes should be covered in some way to protect them from the natural elements.

If you are still looking for a place and not yet bought one, then it would be better to first enquire into this and then make a decision accordingly, if a satellite dish is that important to you.

 

[Tinkerbelle99]

We HATE Comcast!! Their fees are ridiculous! After going round-and-round on particular charges, they agreed to issue two credits on my account and gave me confirmation numbers for the credits. I mistakenly thought everything was fine. went to pay the next months bill...and guess what? the credits were 'denied', huh? they issue me credits with confirmation numbers, but they got denied? whatever...they have been nickle and diming us (and everyone else) forever....after being good customers to them for the better part of 15 years, we cancelled and truth be told, I am not really worried about paying them the remainder of our bill either! (i know, thats just my frustration with them talking)

its been hard being without tv/phone/internet for almost a week now...but i am looking into other options, not many around here though....

 

[dizzy duck]

We only have cell phones. We did away with out land line a couple of years ago. We are on a minimum plan, as it is just DH and I at home now. Honestly, we never used the phone. It just hung on the wall. The only reason we kept it as long as we did was for internet. We live so far out in the sticks, we can't get DSL or cable or anything like that and the dial up was sooooo slow. Our big splurge was switching to HughesNet internet satellite. It is not nearly as fast as other stuff, but it is so much faster than dial up it is not funny. Not cheap either. Our land line dial up provider was twenty dollars a month, our phone was 40 a month and Direct TV was 75 a month. After getting rid of all those things, we can afford the Hughes. I keep hoping that there will be more companies get into the satellite internet business and give Hughes some competition, but with the economy so bad, I don't expect that to happen for a while.
We have surprised ourselves with the being able to do without things we thought we could never do without. I think maybe it helps being of a certain age and not having those things growing up. I mean when I was a kid, there was no internet, there were only three networks to watch and everybody had rabbit ears or an antenna. I can remember watching Gunsmoke on Saturday night on a black and white TV

 

[DawnM]

We actually prefer satellite to cable. We had to put up with cable for a year and hated it.

I don't care for DTV customer service at all, but I prefer the service.

Dawn

 

[SaveTheSeaTurtles]

We had a horrible 18 month contract with DirectTV - the problems with them literally started the day that they arrived to install the dish and wanted to charge for extra stuff that we had NEVER agreed to. After several conversations with DirectTV reps that I can only classify as idiot drones who cannot carry on a thinking conversation - I swear that their answers are canned. I cannot tell you how many conversations I had with them early on, where I would ask them "do you realize what you are saying???" - this happened when they insisted that we had asked for extra insurance on the equipment and extended services. I finally gave up on speaking with them via phone - always through LIVE CHAT or email so I had a running strong of conversations so there would be no dispute later over what I said or agreed to. When I would speak with them via "chat", I always kept records of the conversations. When it got bad in the first few months, I had to threaten action through the FCC and a lawyer. Life is too busy and stressful to add extra crap from a service provider.

The 18 months just expired - so we signed up for Comcast @ $29.99/month for the next 12 months. When that is up, I will re-negotiate with someone so we keep the costs at a reasonable level.

A colleague of mine has been in a dispute with DirectTV for 3 months over what DirectTV tells them was a contract extension that they "agreed to" but mysteriously, DirectTV cannot produce the conversation (despite their recorded announcement saying that the conversations will be recorded ! (It used to be that it said that they "may be recorded" but apparently not any longer. ) and neither can they produce a contract...meanwhile the charges are being disputed with Visa now. What a mess !

Never again - they are idiots and they are very close in many cases to committing unlawful acts by their actions with contracts, etc. Comcast might not be perfect but at least I do not have to worry every month about spending an hour or longer on the phone fixing the credits that need to be applied . We had Comcast for several years before this last mistake of going with DirectTV. We learned our lesson.

 

[of the seas]

I don't even understand how Directv can say they are #1 in customer service. They are horrible! If they are that bad, then the others must be terrible! I hate Directv!!!