DirecTV 3D programming minimum requirements.

[TheForce]

I am totally out of date with DirecTV. Last I subscribed was in 2007.

If I wanted to get DirecTV JUST FOR 3D, what would be my minimum system?

Need to know- what DVR, what dish sat is required and what would be the minimum program subscription requirements, both cost and packages names.

What all is offered and what can and cannot be saved on DVR for later viewing?

I have no need for anything other than 3D but if forced to subscribe to some basic SD package, I understand and just need to know what unnecessary programming and costs I would also need.


Presently I have 2 unused RG6 cables run from my roof and a vertical mast that was once used for Dish 500 and DirecTV's original 3 LNB dish.


Please give details, any pros, cons, and gotchas would be appreciated. Also, I have no intention in getting rid of my Dishnetwork system so my only interest in D* is the 3D offerings.

 

[dfergie]

Any HD DVR but the HR20, not sure on minimum programming Don.
Here is a link to the Directv answer center : DIRECTV Answer Center

 

[stonecold]

Family + HD access is the bare minimum.

Select classic + HD access for ESPN 3D and then regular 3d channels.

 

[TheForce]

Thanks for the scoop.

I recall when many of the original HD channels began, they were only HD for a tiny fraction of the daily schedule. Is this true of the DirecTV 3D channels? Or, can one tune in any time of the day and find 3D "live" for the hour?


Stonecold- Appreciate the starting point. I'm off to the link from Don's answer and may have more questions so please check back. You saved me a call to DirecTV!

 

[dfergie]

Don, go here and view channels 103 -107 for The Guide DIRECTV: My DIRECTV: TV and Pay Per View
ESPNHD is for special events right now as they and Directv are haggling... I've seen Boxing, College Basketball & NBA so far on it, n3D is on most of the time...

 

[TheForce]

It looks like I can get into D* for 3D for $42/month + Taxes.

The packages listed do not state "Family" They are listed as "Choice" "Choice Extra" "Choice Ultimate", and "Premium"

If I examine the channel offerings I see all 4 3D channels for each of the above packages as offered which is good. Due to special free stuff offered it looks like the best deal is "Choice Extra" since it is $42 per month while "Choice" with 60 less channels is $47 / mo. Don't understand that but that is how it works out.


In other FAQ, I see that the HR20 HD DVR is not 3D capable but HR21 and higher models is capable. Yet there is no way to make sure the DVR selected is an HR21 or higher model. There is no place to select the model number.

How do I insure that when I order everything will be done to enable 3D channels?

 

[dfergie]

Stress the fact that you are getting into for the 3D, Stone may know some tricks...

 

[stonecold]

It looks like I can get into D* for 3D for $42/month + Taxes.

The packages listed do not state "Family" They are listed as "Choice" "Choice Extra" "Choice Ultimate", and "Premium"

If I examine the channel offerings I see all 4 3D channels for each of the above packages as offered which is good. Due to special free stuff offered it looks like the best deal is "Choice Extra" since it is $42 per month while "Choice" with 60 less channels is $47 / mo. Don't understand that but that is how it works out.


In other FAQ, I see that the HR20 HD DVR is not 3D capable but HR21 and higher models is capable. Yet there is no way to make sure the DVR selected is an HR21 or higher model. There is no place to select the model number.

How do I insure that when I order everything will be done to enable 3D channels?

1. to get a HR20 on a new install would be very odd.
2. If by some chance you got one we have a order code in our system for 3d swap out that is for replacing hr0 with a 21-24 series box.
3. Techs are on orders to use h24/hr24 for new installs anyway.

Reason why choice extra is cheaper is that an addition new customer discount is avaiable for choice extra that is not available in choice. It happens some times.

 

[TheForce]

Hey, thanks!

I was doing some searching on the differences in models 21-24 and couldn't find much at all except "24 replaces 21 -23."

When I get ready to do this, I'll be sure to make it clear to the CSR my only purpose for direcTV is for the 3D channels.

I won't be jumping on board immediately but just making plans to allocate my budget that will most likely be freed up from Blockbuster when they go out of business.

At least now, I think I'll be able to do this with just a small increase from what I am now spending for BB.