Looking to switch from the other Satellite guys

[Buzz15]

Just a few question from someone looking to switch to Direct.

I currently have an Eastern Arc setup with D network. I'd like to use my existing connection on the southwestern corner of the house. I'm in western NY (14228). What satellite(s) do I need to point to for an HD directv setup?

Also, does any hardware replacement during your 24-month commitment automatically reset your commitment to 24 months? Even with the hardware service plan?

If so, does it make sense to get an extra receiver or DVR upfront as a spare?

Does the HR24 have PIP capability?

How do I get over the air HD on Direct? Can I get an add-on module? Can I record over the air HD to DVR?

Thanks for your help.

 

[lparsons21]

Welcome to SateliteGuys!

All Direct sats are in the vicinity of the western arc that Dish uses. I would think that you could see them from the SW corner of the house assuming no trees to the southwest.

And hardware replacement is not supposed to restart the 24-month commitment, but it does happen now and then. A phone call generally will fix that.

It doesn't make sense as a spare since you have to have them activated within a certain time window and then pay lease fees on it. That said, with the whole home DVR, you might find an extra HDDVR comes in real handy at times. I know I certainly do.

No PIP on any D* equipment.

You can get OTA with the optional AM21 box. And you can record OTA if you have it, but all D* HDDVRs record only 2 events at once. So if you are thinking about using the OTA box like you use the OTA on your E* equipment, it doesn't work that way. Only 2 at a time. Also, D* OTA does not scan for channels, it has a database of channels by DMA/Zip Code and you get the channels they have in the database. Not all the sub channels are there in my experience.

 

[raoul5788]

You nailed all of the questions Lloyd! The only thing I would add is regarding the equipment replacement issue. Buzz15, if you are replacing defective equipment, there is no commitment extension. If you upgrade in any way, that will trigger a new commitment. That includes sd to hd, or receiver to dvr.

 

[Buzz15]

Thanks for the info guys

Rather than drop $6 on the protection plan, I figured I'd just get an extra receiver instead. Then, instead of paying to replace a box, I'd just send the dead one back.

 

[charper1]

I get all OTA channels and sub-channels in my DMA; so I guess its YMMV

 

[lparsons21]

Thanks for the info guys

Rather than drop $6 on the protection plan, I figured I'd just get an extra receiver instead. Then, instead of paying to replace a box, I'd just send the dead one back.

I don't have the protection plan, so if I have a receiver go out, I'll have to pay shipping and nothing more. But realistically, how often does a receiver go out and how many times would you need a tech to do a truck roll? I think not much at all, hence no protection plan for me.

 

[charper1]

I have been with DirecTV since the mid-90's and not counting upgrades after they stopped allowing DIY and the SlimLine upgrade; I have only needed to replace one receiver and never had a truck roll.

 

[raoul5788]

Thanks for the info guys

Rather than drop $6 on the protection plan, I figured I'd just get an extra receiver instead. Then, instead of paying to replace a box, I'd just send the dead one back.

At the most, replacing a defective box would be $20, for the shipping. If you ask nice, they will sometimes waive the fee.

 

[Buzz15]

Been with the other guys for 15 years. Haven't paid to replace or upgrade in quite some time. Never had a service contract from them either.
What is the service contract with Direct supposed to buy you?

 

[lparsons21]

basically free fixes including truck rolls if needed. Would include covering re-pointing and such too, and I think acts of god also. Should be a link to the agreement which tells you all on Directv.com