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ATTN: DirecTV experts

S

Saulbadguy

Diamond Member
Currently I am toying with the idea of purchasing the DirecTV HDTV package for $299, but I would like to have a few questions answered before I splurge.

1. How hard is this baby to install? I live in a condo, so I would have to install it on my balcony. I do not want to permanently mount it to the balcony, but i've heard of people using poles or buckets of concrete to secure their dishes. I'm not good at any of these things, so an explanation of how this would be done would be nice. Also, installation is included with this price, but how willing would a installer be to accomodate my needs?

2. Do any receivers come with an option to hook up an OTA antenna, so I can pullin my local channels in HD? I know that they offer local channels in my area, but i'm not sure if they offer them in HD or not.

3. How sensitive is the dish as far as placement? I know it says a clear view of the south sky, but my balcony faces west, but i'm sure it could be pointed southwest to get a signal. There are quite a few trees around, but nothing major that would block a LOS signal (imo).

4. If I am not able to receive a good signal, is there some kind of clause where I can return the equipment and receive a partial refund, and opt out of the 1 year contract?

Thanks for any and all help and/or opinions to help sway my decision. I realize I could probably just call and ask them, but i'd rather to talk real people instead of salesmen.

ps..I've wanted to say FU to my cable company for some time. This would only help in my quest.:shocked:
 
1) Not very hard. If installation is included, let them do it. As long as you provide something to mount it to, they will accomodate your needs. A day or two before they come, you could place a 4x4 in a bucket and fill the bucket with concrete. That would make a great support for the dish.

2) Dunno for sure, but I think so.

3) Fairly sensitive. When I was on DTV, our dish pointed southeast, but this is in Oregon. Before you bother getting the dish delivered, ask them the compass setting and check out whether your balcony will work. They also *might* be able to come out ahead of time and look.

4) As far as I know, you are safe to get out of your contract if you can't use the service. If the installers come out and determine that you don't face the right way, they won't set up the dish or take the receivers out of the boxes. They don't contact DTV until they are partway through installation, I think, so there shouldn't be a problem. Actually, this would be a good reason to let them install it.

Good luck
 
2) Yes, they will come with support for OTA. Check titantv.com or something similar to see what is being broadcast in your area for HD. When you call and order the package mention that you will need an OTA antenna, in certain areas they will include it as part of the package.
 
if you have local channels available in your area, you will receive them for free with directv (dishnetwork charges $5 extra). also, if they are installing it to your balcony rail, they will just bolt it on, so you should be able to remove it if you ever need to.

i would call customer service and ask about the signal quality issue before you purchase. they usually make you sign a 12 month contract and i wouldnt enter into it without checking.
 
Thanks for the good information. I have another question...does DTV require a landline phone? I heard its just used for PPV movies...?
 
I don't remember with DTV. Dishnetwork does not require a landline. You can phone in advance of a movie and they'll unlock it for you and charge you.
 
Originally posted by: Saulbadguy
Currently I am toying with the idea of purchasing the DirecTV HDTV package for $299, but I would like to have a few questions answered before I splurge.

1. How hard is this baby to install? I live in a condo, so I would have to install it on my balcony. I do not want to permanently mount it to the balcony, but i've heard of people using poles or buckets of concrete to secure their dishes. I'm not good at any of these things, so an explanation of how this would be done would be nice. Also, installation is included with this price, but how willing would a installer be to accomodate my needs?

2. Do any receivers come with an option to hook up an OTA antenna, so I can pullin my local channels in HD? I know that they offer local channels in my area, but i'm not sure if they offer them in HD or not.

3. How sensitive is the dish as far as placement? I know it says a clear view of the south sky, but my balcony faces west, but i'm sure it could be pointed southwest to get a signal. There are quite a few trees around, but nothing major that would block a LOS signal (imo).

4. If I am not able to receive a good signal, is there some kind of clause where I can return the equipment and receive a partial refund, and opt out of the 1 year contract?

Thanks for any and all help and/or opinions to help sway my decision. I realize I could probably just call and ask them, but i'd rather to talk real people instead of salesmen.

ps..I've wanted to say FU to my cable company for some time. This would only help in my quest.:shocked:
Click to expand...

Most your questions have been answered, and yes you can pull the HD local channels right through the box with a OTA antenna, the best HD box is the Hughes HTLHD IMO, youd never even notice you were using a OTA antenna for your local HD channels except the fact it will show it as Ant-Digital in the corner in the info screen. And you have 14 days to cancel the contract. Also facing the dish is very important, if you on the east coast youll have no issue most likely as you point it SW then, in the middle of the country you point it S, on the west coast it is pointed SE.
 
Originally posted by: Saulbadguy
Thanks for the good information. I have another question...does DTV require a landline phone? I heard its just used for PPV movies...?
Click to expand...

You can't get PPV movies or other special programming (which, I believe, includes NFL Sunday Ticket). Otherwise, only the DirecTivo requires a phoneline.

I know you can still get PPV by calling them (which has a surcharge), but I'm not sure if that would work w/ Sunday Ticket.
 
Originally posted by: kaizersose
if you have local channels available in your area, you will receive them for free with directv (dishnetwork charges $5 extra). also, if they are installing it to your balcony rail, they will just bolt it on, so you should be able to remove it if you ever need to.

i would call customer service and ask about the signal quality issue before you purchase. they usually make you sign a 12 month contract and i wouldnt enter into it without checking.
Click to expand...

That's not entirely true. With DTV, you are paying for locals too, but it's only $3.

The cheapest package is Dishnetwork's at 24.99 without local for 60 channels.

To compare them side by side, you'll have to look at DTV's most basic package vs. Dish's Top 120 package which is the same price with locals.
 
1. Not to bad, actually though a 1 5/8 galvanized fence post is better than the 4x4, 5 gallon bucket full of concrete, level the pole while your doing it and your set.

2. Most Hi-Def receivers do but don't quote me on it (The Hughes HTL-HD does, thats the receiver we use)

3. Placement wise we need to see the sky above houston, TX. It will always be a variation on south (Albany, NY area is 230 - 250 on the compass). Yes, it is sensitve but you can always repoint it yourself if necessary.

4. Normally, the installer will call it a "no-sight" and he'll go on his merry way, at that point all you need to do is return it (you will need to either (1) drop it off at the place you bought it or (2) mail it back to the place you bought it, either way, you pay to get it back but you should receive a full refund - shipping charges unless they stated otherwise). The 1 year agreement means nothing at this point as long as the receivers are not "activated".

Anymore ??? LMK, I'm a DTV/Dishnetwork installer in the upstate, N.Y. area😀

WTT
 
Originally posted by: Shelly21
Originally posted by: kaizersose
if you have local channels available in your area, you will receive them for free with directv (dishnetwork charges $5 extra). also, if they are installing it to your balcony rail, they will just bolt it on, so you should be able to remove it if you ever need to.

i would call customer service and ask about the signal quality issue before you purchase. they usually make you sign a 12 month contract and i wouldnt enter into it without checking.
Click to expand...

That's not entirely true. With DTV, you are paying for locals too, but it's only $3.

The cheapest package is Dishnetwork's at 24.99 without local for 60 channels.

To compare them side by side, you'll have to look at DTV's most basic package vs. Dish's Top 120 package which is the same price with locals.
Click to expand...

I just signed up for DirecTV (actually directivo). I am pretty certain you dont have to pay for locals
DirecTV Website
 
Yes, you do pay $3 for locals but they are kinda sneaky, look at the "Total Choice Packages without locals" link on the left side Here and compare the prices.
 
lol, by the way, Dish Network is offering a free HD Receiver with a 2 yr. commitment, might be worth looking into😀
 
Originally posted by: WTT0001
lol, by the way, Dish Network is offering a free HD Receiver with a 2 yr. commitment, might be worth looking into😀
Click to expand...

It is a pretty decent deal, I do like the Hughes DirecTV receiver alot more then the Dish HD receiver... thats the only downside, dish doesnt really have any GOOD hd receivers like that... they just have decent ones.
 
Originally posted by: WTT0001
Yes, you do pay $3 for locals but they are kinda sneaky, look at the "Total Choice Packages without locals" link on the left side Here and compare the prices.
Click to expand...

Yeah, what he said, sometimes you gotta read the fine print.

It's like at Mcdonalds, you don't have to pay for buns with your sandwich because they included it in the total price. 😉
 
Originally posted by: Strangone

You can't get PPV movies or other special programming (which, I believe, includes NFL Sunday Ticket). Otherwise, only the DirecTivo requires a phoneline.

I know you can still get PPV by calling them (which has a surcharge), but I'm not sure if that would work w/ Sunday Ticket.
Click to expand...

Even with DirecTivo you only need a phonline when it first sets up. I've had mine running for a little over 6 months (including Sunday Ticket) without a phoneline, just order your ppv's online.
 
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