Should I switch from Directv to Dish Network

[CPA]

Thinking about switching from Directv to Dish Network primarily because Directv are being asses about giving me what I consider a fair upgrade for the new HD channels. Right now they are giving me the HD DVR for $199, 12 months free HD programming, $10 credit on my bill and 3 months of HBO.

Taking a look at Dish Network, I can get a HD DVR free and 6 months HD programming for free, plus HBO/Playboy for $20/month.

Here is how I see it:

Directv:
Pros
Been with them forever, generally satisfied
Coming out with new HD programming (really, though, how many of these am I going to use)
Free local channels

Cons
Slightly more expensive packages
Charging me $199 for their new HD DVR, plus installation/shipping charge

Dish Network:
Pros
Free HD DVR and installation
Cheaper
Sirius Music channels

Cons:
Lose NFL Ticket (not sure I care anymore, however)
Pay for local channels
Slightly higher ESPN Fullcourt price
Lose my lifetime subscription service of TIVO (it's a DirecTivo)

So how is Dish Network? Is it worth the change?

UPDATE: Sent an email basically stating that I thought it was crap that a 10 year customer has to pay $199 for a DVR upgrade, but new customers can get them free. Through in the word "cancel" and "DishNetwork." Got an email a couple of hours later with another 1-800 number and the PIN.

So, I call up enter the PIN and I get the same voice response system as before (strange, I would have though I would go straight to someone). I say "upgrade" instead of "cancel" and get a CSR. I explain what's been offered and that I received this PIN. He says he can help, but their systems are down for maintenance. Now, I have to call back tomorrow morning. Sigh.....a little anti-climatic, I know, but I'm getting closer.

2nd Update: Well after receiving the Express 1-800 number and PIN I called this morning. I got the same bogus response: "$199 is the best we can do. We do NOT give out the HD DVR's free." Even after telling them that that was not true and I would call back later to cancel (I want to get Dish Network's offers first), it didn't matter. Oh well, the wife was okay with us leaving. So, up your's Directv! I'm outta here!

3rd update Okay, just got another email from them. Now someone will be calling me within the next 48 hours. In the meantime, I will be calling Tivo and DishNetwork to get their latest and best deals. We'll see what happens[/b]

4th and hopefully last update: 4th time is the charm. Called them back after another round of emails and getting a quote from Dish Network. They credited my account tonight for $199. Looks like 4 is the magic number for some of us.

 

[Queasy]

Can't believe that DirecTV won't give you an upgrade to the HD DVR for free. I got two for free.

 

[SpunkyJones]

I'm in the same boat, I'm kind of pissed about having to by a new HD-DVR so I can watch the new channels. The other issue is I still love the Sunday Ticket.

 

[CPA]

Originally posted by: Queasy
Can't believe that DirecTV won't give you an upgrade to the HD DVR for free. I got two for free.

I told them that I had a "friend" who got two of them for free and they flat out denied that they gave any away for free. It's starting to piss me off.

 

[meltdown75]

The only thing I can comment on is the NFL Ticket...

DirecTV was nice for NFL Ticket but I have found that I can find pretty much any game on Dishnet anyway. Aside from the locals you choose there are also a bunch of other network channels... if they are Fox or CBS they usually have games on. I haven't missed my Sunday Ticket, except for the fact that it put all the games in one block of channels. As long as you don't mind searching your guide a bit more I don't think you will miss the NFL package much.

 

[nakedfrog]

I've been pretty happy with Dish in the time I've been with them. I'm not happy about paying for locals, but I plan on building one of these antennae in the near future so I can stop. I have one of those indoor powered antennae, but it sucks adjusting directions for different channels, and I still get drop-out if people are in certain rooms.

 

[Mojoed]

I would call and let them know you would like to cancel. (Even though you really don't) You will be put through to retentions where they will ask you why, etc. Tell them you got a much better deal with Cable or Dish. At that point they WILL offer you a better deal than what you are being quoted above.

My friend did this just a few weeks ago actually. He ended up getting the HD DVR for FREE +$29 s/h.

If they call your bluff, just hang up, but I seriously doubt that they will.

This technique actually works for any service. Using this technique with Comcast, I went from:

- basic cable + HBO
- 6/384 internet
- basic cable box

to:

- every single premium channel
- 6/384 internet
- HD DVR cable box
- Comcast VOIP phone service

...for the same exact price.

A little work *should* benefit you greatly as far as this kind of thing goes.

 

[CPA]

Originally posted by: meltdown75
The only thing I can comment on is the NFL Ticket...

DirecTV was nice for NFL Ticket but I have found that I can find pretty much any game on Dishnet anyway. Aside from the locals you choose there are also a bunch of other network channels... if they are Fox or CBS they usually have games on. I haven't missed my Sunday Ticket, except for the fact that it put all the games in one block of channels. As long as you don't mind searching your guide a bit more I don't think you will miss the NFL package much.

Do you get your locals or others as well? I get an ABC West and ABC East channel on Directv, as well as my locals.

 

[Queasy]

Originally posted by: CPA

Originally posted by: Queasy
Can't believe that DirecTV won't give you an upgrade to the HD DVR for free. I got two for free.

I told them that I had a "friend" who got two of them for free and they flat out denied that they gave any away for free. It's starting to piss me off.

Did you go through the whole speel I posted in another thread where you call their retention line?

edit: Here it is for reference

Ripped from this post at DBSTalk.com

Notes:
You should be able to keep your old receiver and get an HR20 for no more than $199. Many are getting their new HR20's for just the shipping cost of $19.

The deal you will get depends on your your "Hearts" rating that factors in payment history, automatic payments, protection plan, tenure, current hardware, when your commitment renews, sports packages, etc. There is no such thing as an "A List," just 1, 3, or 5 Hearts. If you are 5 Hearts, you have the winning hand.

Upgrading to the HR20:
1. Check out the competition. Print out the offers from Comcast, DISH, etc.
2. Call DIRECTV at 800-531-5000. At the voice prompt say "Cancel" to go directly to Retention.
3. Be polite. Tell them you want to stay with DIRECTV. Repeat their name & write it down. Ask them how many "Hearts" you are.
4. Ask if you can upgrade to the HR20 for the $19 shipping? Tell the competing offers if needed.
5. See if you can get any months of free HD and Showtime. You may have to call more than once.
6. Make sure you get a morning installation for timeliness and to have extra equipment on hand.
7. Before you hang up, confirm that your work order is for:
DIRECTV HD DVR (Expanded HD Prog. Capable)
Standard Professional Install that will include:
- New RG6 cabling and connectors (up to 125' x 4 as needed)
- Zinwell 6x8 Multiswitch (if needed)
DIRECTV 5-LNB Multi-Satellite Dish (if dish upgrade needed)
Your date and price
- Craig

I just called and got:
- 2 HR20s to replace my current HR10-250s for free + shipping
- Free Dish
- Free Installation
- 6 months of HBO and Showtime for free
- 1 year of HD channels for free
- No extension of my current contract

Awesome.

 

[Linflas]

Originally posted by: CPA

Originally posted by: Queasy
Can't believe that DirecTV won't give you an upgrade to the HD DVR for free. I got two for free.

I told them that I had a "friend" who got two of them for free and they flat out denied that they gave any away for free. It's starting to piss me off.

Have you tried the email trick yet?

 

[CPA]

Originally posted by: Mojoed
I would call and let them know you would like to cancel. (Even though you really don't) You will be put through to retentions where they will ask you why, etc. Tell them you got a much better deal with Cable or Dish. At that point they WILL offer you a better deal than what you are being quoted above.

My friend did this just a few weeks ago actually. He ended up getting the HD DVR for FREE +$29 s/h.

If they call your bluff, just hang up, but I seriously doubt that they will.

This technique actually works for any service. Using this technique with Comcast, I went from:

- basic cable + HBO
- 6/384 internet
- basic cable box

to:

- every single premium channel
- 6/384 internet
- HD DVR cable box
- Comcast VOIP phone service

...for the same exact price.

A little work *should* benefit you greatly as far as this kind of thing goes.

I've talked to retention twice. The $199 is the best they would do. I didn't go as far as saying I was going to cancel, but instead told them about Dish's offer and that I would think about it. They said "okay, thanks, bye".

I've been a customer for 10 years, have had the NFL Ticket, ESPN Gameplan and ESPN Full Court as long as they have provided them. And I can't get an upgrade to the DVR for free. Unfrickenbelieveable!

 

[Queasy]

You may have to try with retention again. It can be like playing Russian Roulette with them. I was able to upgrade to my HR20s on the first try but it took four tries back when I wanted them to upgrade me to the HR10-250.

 

[Electric Amish]

Originally posted by: CPA

Originally posted by: Queasy
Can't believe that DirecTV won't give you an upgrade to the HD DVR for free. I got two for free.

I told them that I had a "friend" who got two of them for free and they flat out denied that they gave any away for free. It's starting to piss me off.

I'm going through the same thing...except they want $299 for an HD DVR...

 

[CPA]

Originally posted by: Queasy
You may have to try with retention again. It can be like playing Russian Roulette with them. I was able to upgrade to my HR20s on the first try but it took four tries back when I wanted them to upgrade me to the HR10-250.

I think tonight I'm going to call Dishnetwork, get their best package (I have 4 TVs), call Tivo about their lifetime subscription (I'm already a TIVO customer, as well with lifetime subscription) options if I move to Dish. Then, if I like what I hear I'll call Directv and give them one last chance. If they balk, I'm out.

 

[Mojoed]

Originally posted by: CPA

Originally posted by: Mojoed
I would call and let them know you would like to cancel. (Even though you really don't) You will be put through to retentions where they will ask you why, etc. Tell them you got a much better deal with Cable or Dish. At that point they WILL offer you a better deal than what you are being quoted above.

My friend did this just a few weeks ago actually. He ended up getting the HD DVR for FREE +$29 s/h.

If they call your bluff, just hang up, but I seriously doubt that they will.

This technique actually works for any service. Using this technique with Comcast, I went from:

- basic cable + HBO
- 6/384 internet
- basic cable box

to:

- every single premium channel
- 6/384 internet
- HD DVR cable box
- Comcast VOIP phone service

...for the same exact price.

A little work *should* benefit you greatly as far as this kind of thing goes.

I've talked to retention twice. The $199 is the best they would do. I didn't go as far as saying I was going to cancel, but instead told them about Dish's offer and that I would think about it. They said "okay, thanks, bye".

I've been a customer for 10 years, have had the NFL Ticket, ESPN Gameplan and ESPN Full Court as long as they have provided them. And I can't get an upgrade to the DVR for free. Unfrickenbelieveable!

I think it's possible that they may have some notes on your accounts describing your requests. I would keep trying though man. Call at night and be very pleasant. I would absolutely say you're gonna cancel, and make it sound like you're disappointed to do so. The CSR's definitely have some leeway, and if they like you, you're more likely to get a better deal.

The key is to say you're going to cancel no matter what even if you're not going to. I would be willing to bet if you did the above, you'd be taken care of.

 

[CPA]

Originally posted by: Linflas

Originally posted by: CPA

Originally posted by: Queasy
Can't believe that DirecTV won't give you an upgrade to the HD DVR for free. I got two for free.

I told them that I had a "friend" who got two of them for free and they flat out denied that they gave any away for free. It's starting to piss me off.

Have you tried the email trick yet?

What's the trick?

 

[pyonir]

I've had both and have DirecTV now. I'd never switch back to Dish. I just like DirecTV that much more. With tons of HD channels it's the major selling point for me. I generally watch a lot of programming i wouldn't normally watch, only because it's in HD (vs watching something that isn't). Even though you are paying 199 for the new DVR if they don't give it to you free if you threaten to cancel, you are still getting a pretty good deal. 12 months free HD programming, is what, $120? Three months free HBO is another ~$30..and a 10 credit. So you are getting the DVR for about 39 bucks?

The Dish deal may be better to get the DVR...but then you are stuck with Dish programming. *shrug* just my two cents.

 

[Linflas]

Originally posted by: CPA

Originally posted by: Linflas

Originally posted by: CPA

Originally posted by: Queasy
Can't believe that DirecTV won't give you an upgrade to the HD DVR for free. I got two for free.

I told them that I had a "friend" who got two of them for free and they flat out denied that they gave any away for free. It's starting to piss me off.

Have you tried the email trick yet?

What's the trick?

I emailed them and politely told them that I wanted to upgrade to an HD DVR but there was no way I was paying $200.00 for a box that I didn't even own and that I had been a customer for 10 years and spent a nice chunk of change but was at the point where I was considering making a change. There is a lot of info about this over in that huge thread at dbstalk. They replied with a phone number for me to call and a PIN number and I didn't even have to argue with the guy he just offered me the box straight up for $19.00 shipping/handling and the 2 year commit which was not a big deal since I still had over a year left from when I got the 5 LNB and H20 upgrade from them free. About a month later I got another SD DVR from them free as well. The only reason I can think that they might be a bit less willing at the moment is because they may be pulling in a lot of new customers with this 100 HD channel ad blitz they are doing but they would be nuts to lose a 10 year customer that buys more than basic over a stupid DVR charge.

 

[Fritzo]

Dishnetwork is good. Local channels are 5.00, but their receiver supports OTA HD channels and will integrate them into their TV guide. Their DVR has a lot of features, but it's no where near as slick as Tivo. They just added internet features to their DVR's, but I haven't played with them yet.

I've got the America 250 pack with HBO + Cinemax and my bill is about $112/month after taxes.

 

[Pliablemoose]

All of my TV options suck, I want HD TIVO...

DTV doesn't offer TIVO, Dish doesn't offer TIVO, my cable company doesn't do HD or cable cards

 

[Mojoed]

Originally posted by: Pliablemoose
All of my TV options suck, I want HD TIVO...

DTV doesn't offer TIVO, Dish doesn't offer TIVO, my cable company doesn't do HD or cable cards

:Q What cable company?

 

[Pliablemoose]

Originally posted by: Mojoed

Originally posted by: Pliablemoose
All of my TV options suck, I want HD TIVO...

DTV doesn't offer TIVO, Dish doesn't offer TIVO, my cable company doesn't do HD or cable cards

:Q What cable company?

Charter

 

[bunker]

I basically got the same offer as you , as soon as I said cancel it, they gave me the dvr for free.
Did you talk to the retention department?

 

[Mxylplyx]

Originally posted by: Pliablemoose

Originally posted by: Mojoed

Originally posted by: Pliablemoose
All of my TV options suck, I want HD TIVO...

DTV doesn't offer TIVO, Dish doesn't offer TIVO, my cable company doesn't do HD or cable cards

:Q What cable company?

Charter

I currently have quite a few HD channels on my Charter service. Must be a location thing.

 

[Pabster]

Don't do it! :laugh:

Dish has better HD DVRs, no doubt about it. The 622 and the new 722 are fantastic. But they're falling way behind in HD programming, and will continue to for some time. While D* doesn't have the most spectacular HD DVRs on the planet, they do the job.

As for getting a "deal", it all depends. DirecTV uses a "heart rating" to determine a subscribers' eligibility for free/discounted equipment upgrades and specials on programming. I don't know with Dish.

I just switched back from E* to D* last week and I'm loving it. Miss the 722's a tad bit but the HD programming on D* is superb.

All YMMV and IMHO