My beef with direct tv

[Argo]

So a couple of years ago a signed up for direct tv mostly to get NFL Sunday ticket (they're the only ones carrying it). At the time Direct TV didn't have local channels (ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, WB) in HD. I spoke with their rep and he said to hold tight - they're adding local HD channels to more and more areas.

So fast forward to a few weeks ago - I found out that local HD channels are now available in Seattle. What's even better - those channels are part of my subscription, so I should receive them. I change my receiver to the specified channel - nothing comes up. I call their support - they had no freaking clue what I was talking about.

After almost 2 hours on the phone with them, they finally realize that my tripple LNB dish and HD receiver don't allow me to receive local HD channels. Apparently, *they think* I will need to buy a 5 LNB dish and special receiver - total cost $300. Even then, they didn't seem too sure it'll work - the tech said to buy that and if it doesn't work he's sure they'll refund me. Awesome support there.

At this point I'm almost thinking about saying f-it to NFL Ticket and switching to cable. I know a lot of people hate cable, but honestly, while I was with comcast I haven't had any complains.

 

[Late4Dinner]

At this point I'm almost thinking about...switching to cable.

Now let's not do anything rash. Calm down, count to 10, relax. There's still dish network.

 

[herkulease]

here's your solution, call up retention.

search avsforums or satelliteguys.us for it.

complain to them and you'll get new dish and receiver for free.

Or you can try Over the Air hd. Its free, you just need to get an antenna. As you can save the complaining for free stuff when the sunday ticket promo starts up.

 

[Argo]

Originally posted by: herkulease

Or you can try Over the Air hd. Its free, you just need to get an antenna. As you can save the complaining for free stuff when the sunday ticket promo starts up.

Tried that. Problem is I live in steel & concrete building with the broadcast tower on the opposite side of the building. All the channels are completely obstructed.

I might try the "complain" approach though.

 

[jadinolf]

My beef with DTV is that they were merciless in raising their prices. I went to DISH.

 

[d4mo]

Yea, DISHnetwork is where it's at IMO. You get more channels for cheaper. I don't know what else you need.

 

[mobobuff]

If you already have the H20 Hi-Def receiver, you don't need a new one. You only need the KA/KU dish (the 5-LNB dish) to receive your local HD channels. Local HD is broadcasted on satellite 99°. The oval triple-sat dish you have now only receives signal from 101°, 110° and 119°. The KA/KU dish receives those three + 99° and 103°. It's a little bit larger (the reflector is about a meter wide). Your other option would be to get an OTA HD antenna.

 

[xchangx]

Originally posted by: mobobuff
If you already have the H20 Hi-Def receiver, you don't need a new one. You only need the KA/KU dish (the 5-LNB dish) to receive your local HD channels. Local HD is broadcasted on satellite 99°. The oval triple-sat dish you have now only receives signal from 101°, 110° and 119°. The KA/KU dish receives those three + 99° and 103°. It's a little bit larger (the reflector is about a meter wide). Your other option would be to get an OTA HD antenna.

to sum that up, HD Locals are broadcast MPEG4, Other HD channels for the time being are MPEG2. In order to get the locals you'll need to get the 5lnb dish to pick up the MPEG4 channel.

check out dbstalk.com

 

[mpitts]

Easy resolution:

Call Directv
Complain and threaten to cancel
Receive new dish, installation and receiver(s) necessary to get HD channels you want

 

[RichUK]

the beef goes in the taco

 

[Whoozyerdaddy]

Originally posted by: Argo
So a couple of years ago a signed up for direct tv mostly to get NFL Sunday ticket (they're the only ones carrying it). At the time Direct TV didn't have local channels (ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, WB) in HD. I spoke with their rep and he said to hold tight - they're adding local HD channels to more and more areas.

So fast forward to a few weeks ago - I found out that local HD channels are now available in Seattle. What's even better - those channels are part of my subscription, so I should receive them. I change my receiver to the specified channel - nothing comes up. I call their support - they had no freaking clue what I was talking about.

After almost 2 hours on the phone with them, they finally realize that my tripple LNB dish and HD receiver don't allow me to receive local HD channels. Apparently, *they think* I will need to buy a 5 LNB dish and special receiver - total cost $300. Even then, they didn't seem too sure it'll work - the tech said to buy that and if it doesn't work he's sure they'll refund me. Awesome support there.

At this point I'm almost thinking about saying f-it to NFL Ticket and switching to cable. I know a lot of people hate cable, but honestly, while I was with comcast I haven't had any complains.

Never call tech support for Dish or DirecTV

Always call a local installer. They will actually be able to answer your question. The tech support guy is in India and all he knows is what the FAQ tells him on his computer.

 

[vrbaba]

Originally posted by: Argo

At this point I'm almost thinking about saying f-it to NFL Ticket and switching to cable. I know a lot of people hate cable, but honestly, while I was with comcast I haven't had any complains.

u did the research?? im perfectly happy with it...except maybe the price could be lower.

 

[vrbaba]

Originally posted by: mpitts
Easy resolution:

Call Directv
Complain and threaten to cancel
Receive new dish, installation and receiver(s) necessary to get HD channels you want

works with cable... my dad wanted to go dish before we had HD, because basic cable was cheap...each time they lowered their prices for 6 months or a year.

 

[QueBert]

I like cable only because of ondemand, it's great being able to watch some movies and stand up comedy specials whenever I want. When will DirecTV have anything like this? And I'm not talking about PPV those cost money, I get HBO on demand with my HBO subscription and love it.