New member, awesome forum!
Apologies for length, but this story must be told in hopes of getting some help. I also posted a similar thread in the Dish forum, I hope that is OK, I just would like a Directv perspective since I may be switching from Dish and need to know if Directv can accommodate me.
I have only been a dish customer for the past 9 months (15 year former comcast customer who never registered any complaint) but have become increasingly frustrated with my Dish account as we move into the digital age. Let me preface that I am not trying to bash Dish or Directv, my Dish service has been, for the most part, enjoyable if perhaps a little expensive (more on that in a moment). I just want a service that can meet my needs, which I feel are becoming more standard every day as HD becomes common place and I wonder if Directv would be more accommodating.
Please let me explain my dilema.
When we built our new home last year, we initially only really needed 2 HD signals, so we were provided 2 HD Duo DVRs (777 series and 222 series I believe) that gave us 2 HD signals and two "wireless" SD signals. I really did not research Dish vs. Directv and was with Dish because they were coupled as a package offering from my DSL 10mbps carrier (formerly Embarq, now Centurylink). Now that we are moved in and have a finished basement, rec room and a separate theatre room, we really NEED 5 HD signals. So I made a call to Dish yesterday thinking no problem, I will just get a few more receivers, increase my bill and be on my way. Boy was I mistaken.
Unfortunately, Dish has informed me that they have a standing policy to not lease more than 3 boxes to any household. This limitation is very frustrating as I have a need for A MINIMUM of 5 rooms in HD. Even with 3 HD DVR Duos, I only get 3 HD signals. I politely told the CSR that I would gladly trade in the DVRs and just take 5 base HD receivers taking the DVR hit but again was stonewalled. They did tell me however, that I could "semi purchase" new 922 models for... get this... $400 EACH AND a $17 dollar EACH per month charge AND I "own" them but only for the life of my subscription (meaning that if I leave, they are really not mine)!
No thanks...
The CSR was actually pretty understanding, polite and actually said that they have gotten a lot of calls like. She also said she would send me to the "loyalty" department where they might be able to help me. Great! I am then transferred and was immediately greeted by the most arrogant, condesending woman I have ever spoken to on a customer service call (I have her name and OPID) who basically told me that nothing could be done and actually questioned why anyone would "NEED" 5 HD signals when I have the Duos SD!
In 2010? Really?
Am I crazy for wanting 5 of my 7 60"+ or projector rooms to display At LEAST 720p? Really?
Anyway she was quick to let me cancel and of course informed me that I would be hit with the early service termination ($210), $15 shipping charge per DVR/remote and that I would need to have those back in 30 days or I would be charged MSRP for those boxes.
Now that is customer service!
It is important to note that I called in that morning with no issue and with ZERO intention to leave the service, but the sheer lack of flexibility (I was not offered a single dollar discount on anything in an effort to save my account) and arrogance by this "supervisor" left me with no options. I might also add that I had the America's Top 250 package, full sports package with Redzone and paid $112 a month for that plus the 2 DVRs which I am finding out was not a "great deal".
I have spoken briefly with Directv and they seem much more flexible in that they can give me 5 HD units with whole home DVR for $300 (2 HD free, paying $99 each x 3 for remaining) and then only charge me $5 a month for the 3 additional units (as opposed to Dish charging upwards of $400 each and $17 monthly charge each). They also seem to have better pricing on packages (from the $112 I am paying currently).
So what I need to know are the following:
1. Am I off base asking for 5 HD signals in 2010? Maybe I am wrong and this is an odd request.
2. Does anyone have a Directv solution with 5 HD signals? If so, how did you do it with Directv and how much do you pay?
3. Does anyone have any experience in getting NFL Redzone without Sunday Ticket?
4. If no to 3... whats the best deal I can get on Sunday Ticket? $314 seems outlandish when Redzone is what I would watch most of the time.
Assistance is appreciated.
Apologies for length, but this story must be told in hopes of getting some help. I also posted a similar thread in the Dish forum, I hope that is OK, I just would like a Directv perspective since I may be switching from Dish and need to know if Directv can accommodate me.
I have only been a dish customer for the past 9 months (15 year former comcast customer who never registered any complaint) but have become increasingly frustrated with my Dish account as we move into the digital age. Let me preface that I am not trying to bash Dish or Directv, my Dish service has been, for the most part, enjoyable if perhaps a little expensive (more on that in a moment). I just want a service that can meet my needs, which I feel are becoming more standard every day as HD becomes common place and I wonder if Directv would be more accommodating.
Please let me explain my dilema.
When we built our new home last year, we initially only really needed 2 HD signals, so we were provided 2 HD Duo DVRs (777 series and 222 series I believe) that gave us 2 HD signals and two "wireless" SD signals. I really did not research Dish vs. Directv and was with Dish because they were coupled as a package offering from my DSL 10mbps carrier (formerly Embarq, now Centurylink). Now that we are moved in and have a finished basement, rec room and a separate theatre room, we really NEED 5 HD signals. So I made a call to Dish yesterday thinking no problem, I will just get a few more receivers, increase my bill and be on my way. Boy was I mistaken.
Unfortunately, Dish has informed me that they have a standing policy to not lease more than 3 boxes to any household. This limitation is very frustrating as I have a need for A MINIMUM of 5 rooms in HD. Even with 3 HD DVR Duos, I only get 3 HD signals. I politely told the CSR that I would gladly trade in the DVRs and just take 5 base HD receivers taking the DVR hit but again was stonewalled. They did tell me however, that I could "semi purchase" new 922 models for... get this... $400 EACH AND a $17 dollar EACH per month charge AND I "own" them but only for the life of my subscription (meaning that if I leave, they are really not mine)!
No thanks...
The CSR was actually pretty understanding, polite and actually said that they have gotten a lot of calls like. She also said she would send me to the "loyalty" department where they might be able to help me. Great! I am then transferred and was immediately greeted by the most arrogant, condesending woman I have ever spoken to on a customer service call (I have her name and OPID) who basically told me that nothing could be done and actually questioned why anyone would "NEED" 5 HD signals when I have the Duos SD!
In 2010? Really?
Am I crazy for wanting 5 of my 7 60"+ or projector rooms to display At LEAST 720p? Really?
Anyway she was quick to let me cancel and of course informed me that I would be hit with the early service termination ($210), $15 shipping charge per DVR/remote and that I would need to have those back in 30 days or I would be charged MSRP for those boxes.
Now that is customer service!
It is important to note that I called in that morning with no issue and with ZERO intention to leave the service, but the sheer lack of flexibility (I was not offered a single dollar discount on anything in an effort to save my account) and arrogance by this "supervisor" left me with no options. I might also add that I had the America's Top 250 package, full sports package with Redzone and paid $112 a month for that plus the 2 DVRs which I am finding out was not a "great deal".
I have spoken briefly with Directv and they seem much more flexible in that they can give me 5 HD units with whole home DVR for $300 (2 HD free, paying $99 each x 3 for remaining) and then only charge me $5 a month for the 3 additional units (as opposed to Dish charging upwards of $400 each and $17 monthly charge each). They also seem to have better pricing on packages (from the $112 I am paying currently).
So what I need to know are the following:
1. Am I off base asking for 5 HD signals in 2010? Maybe I am wrong and this is an odd request.
2. Does anyone have a Directv solution with 5 HD signals? If so, how did you do it with Directv and how much do you pay?
3. Does anyone have any experience in getting NFL Redzone without Sunday Ticket?
4. If no to 3... whats the best deal I can get on Sunday Ticket? $314 seems outlandish when Redzone is what I would watch most of the time.
Assistance is appreciated.
Last edited:
) No word if DirecTV will offer RedZone seperate yet.
