Cutting back.

[priester68]

As much as I hate to, I have to cut back on my tv bill. I have a HD DVR with all the HD packages. I'm having to cut it down to the bare minimum. Want to get a SD DVR and the basic package. How can I swap this around without it costing me a fortune? Will Directv just swap DVR's with me or do I have to purchase a new one. Money getting tight right now and don't have the money to buy any new equipment. My other option is to switch to Dish and get a new basic setup for free. I would rather stay with Direct no doubt. What can I do? Please help.

Thank you.

 

[VMI90]

I don't see the need to swap out the HD DVR for a SD one. Just save by cutting out the HD channels.

 

[mikew]

Probably wants to cut out the $10 HD Enabling fee. Have you called DirecTV to see what they can do for you? It really shouldn't cost much to do an equipment swap, especially if it is a lease.

 

[dishrich]

If the OP is in a MPEG4 local market, he definitely will NOT have to swap anything out - they'll just disable HD access on his existing HD DVR's...

 

[bgothard72]

With an HD DVR, the $10.00 fee will still be charged. I've already beat this bush to death with D!

 

[priester68]

At first I thought I could just unsubscribe from the HD packages and the CSR told me I can't do that because I have HD equipment. Maybe I should just try it on the web site? I guess I will call and see what they can do to help me. If they won't help then Dish it is. How sad. Been with Direct for over 10 years. Can't see them putting up a fight to save a customer who only wants SD.

 

[raoul5788]

If the OP is in a MPEG4 local market, he definitely will NOT have to swap anything out - they'll just disable HD access on his existing HD DVR's...

I don't think the op even has local hd channels.

 

[dishrich]

I don't think the op even has local hd channels.

But there ARE a few MPEG4 SD only markets...

 

[raoul5788]

But there ARE a few MPEG4 SD only markets...

Yes, there are, but he isn't in one of them.

 

[sonydude1966]

For $10 a month, all you would have to do is go pickup a few cans. Use cheaper soap, generic ketchup, mayo, cereal, etc.

Cancel your caller ID service on your phone. Sign up for all the low income phone, electric, gas bills. Have children, get WIC.

But, keep your $10 HD service. That's hardly 1 pizza for the month.

 

[scoop8]

For $10 a month, all you would have to do is go pickup a few cans. Use cheaper soap, generic ketchup, mayo, cereal, etc.

Cancel your caller ID service on your phone. Sign up for all the low income phone, electric, gas bills. Have children, get WIC.

But, keep your $10 HD service. That's hardly 1 pizza for the month.

Good points....esp that "pizza" point :up I would say "ditto" to the OP about the HD. Since I finally upgraded to HD DTV last summer, nothing comapres to the entertainment I've enjoyed from HD this past year. I guess upgrading to that Plasma TV didn't hurt the effect either.

 

[Lkr]

^I agree with everything except generic ketchup and cereal. it just isn't the same to me

 

[Ken S]

Suspend your DirecTV service and go with OTA for a bit. You'll still get some HD and it won't cost you a thing. If you have a decent net connection you can get all sorts of programming from providers like Hulu at no cost.

If you want to get a bit more you could always get a NetFlix account for $9/month and have the streaming and DVDs.

 

[Jimbo]

At first I thought I could just unsubscribe from the HD packages and the CSR told me I can't do that because I have HD equipment. Maybe I should just try it on the web site? I guess I will call and see what they can do to help me. If they won't help then Dish it is. How sad. Been with Direct for over 10 years. Can't see them putting up a fight to save a customer who only wants SD.

Call them and tell them the situation , maybe they can help you out with your monthly bill .... You could drop the HD for the time being.

I would not go back to SD recvrs, seeing they are now giving out HD recvrs when you ask for SD anyways, at least they are here.

Chances are you can cut back and not change any equipment, tell them when things get better you'll move back to the HD side of things.

What package are you using ... if your at the Priemium, drop down to the Choice package, cut back on the Movie channels and or PPV's.

 

[Jimbo]

Suspend your DirecTV service and go with OTA for a bit. You'll still get some HD and it won't cost you a thing. If you have a decent net connection you can get all sorts of programming from providers like Hulu at no cost.

If you want to get a bit more you could always get a NetFlix account for $9/month and have the streaming and DVDs.

That would eliminate the $ 10 per month he's trying to eliminate !

I think the OP is concerned about more than $ 10 a month, I would think that would be easy to come up with.

 

[Ken S]

That would eliminate the $ 10 per month he's trying to eliminate !

I think the OP is concerned about more than $ 10 a month, I would think that would be easy to come up with.

My solution is eliminating about $75+ a month (based on DirecTV ARPU). OTA with Net and NetFlix is a viable alternative to DirecTV and the cost would be about $9 (if he already has an internet connection).

With a suspension not cancellation he will be able to keep his current equipment (for 6 months). After that time his financial condition may have changed (at the very lease he will have saved close to $450 in DirecTV fees) and can make a decision on what he would like to do.

 

[priester68]

Ok Directv helped me a bunch. At first they weren't saying much but when I mentioned that I was considering Dish to cut costs, they caved. I have Total Choice Plus, HD, and Showtime. I canceled Showtime and they dropped my price to $65 a month. I get to keep all my HD. The deal expires in 6 months I think so I can worry about it again then. Also with Hurricane season here I got the protection plan so I'm happy and don't have to leave Directv. The thought of that really terrified me. I have a HR-20 that works great. No flaws. I hate to give that up seeing as lots of people are having issues with theirs.

 

[lacubs]

can you cut back on some of the sports channels? and pick only a few of them?