DirecTV questions

[Micki]

I have had DirecTV for the last 15 years and never a problem. Just recently I found out that I'm entitled by law to the local channels without having to pay more for the plan I got.
Emailed them a couple times, they gave me a list of the local channels which it always said "for ordering info call........" So, finally they said that I needed new equipment and to call whatever number. When I asked them if new equipment means a new satellite dish or a new box they didn't email back.
I do have a new flat-screen HD Panasonic TV - so that's not the problem.
I just don't want them to talk me into new stuff that's really not necessary, only because I don't know any better.
Any input would be appreciated, I know, quite a few of you forumites have DirecTV.

 

[donmagicyourmom]

i bought a new HD DVR from bestbuy a couple months ago and had it activated, but it didn't work. turns out my dish wasn't compatible with HD so Directv sent a repair guy out and replaced the dish with a new model for free. so in your case, you might have to buy a new receiver, but they should do the dish for free.

 

[Micki]

i bought a new HD DVR from bestbuy a couple months ago and had it activated, but it didn't work. turns out my dish wasn't compatible with HD so Directv sent a repair guy out and replaced the dish with a new model for free. so in your case, you might have to buy a new receiver, but they should do the dish for free.

I bought both the dish and receiver (not renting), so I don't think they'll give me anything for free. And that's what I'm worried about, will they try to sell me both or do I really only need one or the other replaced.

 

[BoyGenius]

I bought both the dish and receiver (not renting), so I don't think they'll give me anything for free. And that's what I'm worried about, will they try to sell me both or do I really only need one or the other replaced.

That's where I think your problem is going to be. As I understand DTV, it's no longer possible to own your equipment. Everything is leased, even though you actually buy the equipment. In other words, you go into Best Buy and purchase a $199 DVR. You bring it home and activate it. You then begin paying something like $5 per month to lease the DVR.

Sucks, I know, but you either want the service or you don't in their opinion.

 

[BoyGenius]

I bought both the dish and receiver (not renting), so I don't think they'll give me anything for free. And that's what I'm worried about, will they try to sell me both or do I really only need one or the other replaced.

They've got the info on this page:

DIRECTV - Customer Service : Agreements

The first receiver is free, no lease fee per month. All additional ones are $4.99.

As I stated above, there's no such thing as owning any of this new equipment, it's all leased, and if you don't activate it, or return it, they bill you big.

 

[Micki]

They've got the info on this page:

DIRECTV - Customer Service : Agreements

The first receiver is free, no lease fee per month. All additional ones are $4.99.

As I stated above, there's no such thing as owning any of this new equipment, it's all leased, and if you don't activate it, or return it, they bill you big.

Thanks for the link. Okay, so like you say the first receiver is free and that's really all I need. What about the dish? Will that be good forever?
Another question, they shouldn't bill me for the local channels, right? They should be automatically activated with the new receiver and I still pay the same monthly amount?
Damned technology gets me every time!!!!

 

[Beaver-Cleaver]

I have had DirecTV for the last 15 years and never a problem. Just recently I found out that I'm entitled by law to the local channels without having to pay more for the plan I got.
Emailed them a couple times, they gave me a list of the local channels which it always said "for ordering info call........" So, finally they said that I needed new equipment and to call whatever number. When I asked them if new equipment means a new satellite dish or a new box they didn't email back.
I do have a new flat-screen HD Panasonic TV - so that's not the problem.
I just don't want them to talk me into new stuff that's really not necessary, only because I don't know any better.
Any input would be appreciated, I know, quite a few of you forumites have DirecTV.

your tv should pick up the channels without the box - but if you want the directv interface, you need to hook up a digital antenna ($10 at best buy) to your directv box.

 

[Beaver-Cleaver]

the additional local channels are NBC Weather Plus (which was shut down a week ago - NBC now owns The Weather Channel), ABC7 Weather Now, WJLA-3, and WUSA Dopper 9000 HD Live.

Your HD TV should pick these up automatically - EVERYONE will have these channels on February 17th when the digital conversion is forced.

 

[bfncbs1]

I have had DirecTV for the last 15 years and never a problem. Just recently I found out that I'm entitled by law to the local channels without having to pay more for the plan I got.
Emailed them a couple times, they gave me a list of the local channels which it always said "for ordering info call........" So, finally they said that I needed new equipment and to call whatever number. When I asked them if new equipment means a new satellite dish or a new box they didn't email back.
I do have a new flat-screen HD Panasonic TV - so that's not the problem.
I just don't want them to talk me into new stuff that's really not necessary, only because I don't know any better.
Any input would be appreciated, I know, quite a few of you forumites have DirecTV.

Making some assumptions here....but if your equipment is from 1993 then you will probably at a minimum need a new reciever, sounds to me you are from the Old USSB days.

In any event if you could tell me if that is the case and you haven't changed the receiver or dish in 15 years that may help. Regardless Direct TV will give you a dish and standard receiver for free. This will include standard installation also. If you decide to move up to HD or DVR there will be a cost. $99 for a DVR and $199 for a HD DVR. Me personally I have never paid for a receiver. I ask to speak to retention, threaten to cancel and they give it to me free.

In regards to your locals being free? No they will cost you I believe $5.99 a month. Direct TV will tell you it's only free via a OTA.

Keep in mind with any receiver you will have to agree to a 2 year contract...the equipment is only a lease.

 

[BoyGenius]

Making some assumptions here....but if your equipment is from 1993 then you will probably at a minimum need a new reciever, sounds to me you are from the Old USSB days.

In any event if you could tell me if that is the case and you haven't changed the receiver or dish in 15 years that may help. Regardless Direct TV will give you a dish and standard receiver for free. This will include standard installation also. If you decide to move up to HD or DVR there will be a cost. $99 for a DVR and $199 for a HD DVR. Me personally I have never paid for a receiver. I ask to speak to retention, threaten to cancel and they give it to me free.

In regards to your locals being free? No they will cost you I believe $5.99 a month. Direct TV will tell you it's only free via a OTA.

Keep in mind with any receiver you will have to agree to a 2 year contract...the equipment is only a lease.

The lowest package for $29 per month states the local channels are free:

https://www.directv.com:443/DTVAPP/wizard/buildYourSystem1.jsp

 

[GWguy]

Making some assumptions here....but if your equipment is from 1993 then you will probably at a minimum need a new reciever, sounds to me you are from the Old USSB days.

In any event if you could tell me if that is the case and you haven't changed the receiver or dish in 15 years that may help. Regardless Direct TV will give you a dish and standard receiver for free. This will include standard installation also. If you decide to move up to HD or DVR there will be a cost. $99 for a DVR and $199 for a HD DVR. Me personally I have never paid for a receiver. I ask to speak to retention, threaten to cancel and they give it to me free.

In regards to your locals being free? No they will cost you I believe $5.99 a month. Direct TV will tell you it's only free via a OTA.

Keep in mind with any receiver you will have to agree to a 2 year contract...the equipment is only a lease.

I have Dish, and most of the above holds true. I've had my receiver for about 15 years, still works fine, still will when HD comes along. I won't be able to display in HD, but the box will down-convert as needed. Satellite signals are ALREADY digital. I also have a DVR version, and it costs nothing to have record capability. It DOES cost $5.99 a month to get "local programming", ie the broadcast version of ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, PBS, etc..... Whether or not that pricing will change in Feb, I have no idea. As far as "getting it for free" over the air, if you cannot get broadcast channels now on an external antenna, you STILL won't get HD in Feb on an external antenna. It's simply too far from SoMD to DC or Baltimore to get a clean signal unless you have a tower and amplifiers up the gazoo.

Primary receiver is free, 2nd - 5th receiver is $5.99/mo per unit extra.

 

[BoyGenius]

Thanks for the link. Okay, so like you say the first receiver is free and that's really all I need. What about the dish? Will that be good forever?
Another question, they shouldn't bill me for the local channels, right? They should be automatically activated with the new receiver and I still pay the same monthly amount?
Damned technology gets me every time!!!!

In your situation I'm inclined to believe they will give you all the new standard equipment for free. You'll pay for the channel package only. If you decide to get the HD equipment and HD channels, you're opening up a lot of new expenses. If you add new additional receivers, you start opening up the lease expense.

I like the $5 maintenance plan. They realign the dish for free and replace any equipment failures for free. In the last year lightning has hit my HD dish and my HD DVR failed. They took care of it all free under the plan. With two HD receivers and a DVR, I like the peace of mind.

 

[TWL]

With the equipment you have now you should be able to receive local channels. Although within the next year or two your current equipment will no longer work at all. When this happens DTV will most likely upgrade you for no or little cost(paying only for shipping).
Depending on how long you've had your current Programming Package, you may need to change to a current Programming Package. All current packages have locals at no additional cost. On the older receivers the channels are in the 900 range. Try these:

Network            Channel        DTV channel
ABC	       WJLA	 7	       963	
CBS	       WUSA	 9	       964	
CW	       WDCW	 50	       960	
ETV	       WNVC	 56	       972	
FOX	       WTTG	 5	       962	
ION	       ION	 66	       305	
MNT	       WDCA	 20	       966	
NBC	       WRC	 4	       961	
PBS	       MPT	 22	       973	
PBS	       WVPY	 42	       970	
PBS	       WHUT	 32	       968	
PBS	       WETA	 26	       967	
TFT	       WMDO	 47	       969	
Uni	       WFDC	 14	       965

If they don't come up call DTV and ask why you don't have local channels. They should be able to activate them, but you may need to change to a current Programming Package. If they insist for you to upgrade your equipment, politely negotiate a free or low cost upgrade. You may have to hang up and try again if the current CSR doesn't budge. PM me if you need more assistance.

 

[Micki]

With the equipment you have now you should be able to receive local channels.

I had emailed them already asking where my local channels are and tried every one of them (the same you listed) and it always says at the bottom of the screen "if you like to order call ......". Then they emailed me that I needed new equipment and to give them a call. I'm paying already $47.99 per month and am trying to avoid any more expenses.
That's why I came on here to see what you guys know.
Anyhow, thanks for all your advise and help.

 

[TWL]

I had emailed them already asking where my local channels are and tried every one of them (the same you listed) and it always says at the bottom of the screen "if you like to order call ......". Then they emailed me that I needed new equipment and to give them a call. I'm paying already $47.99 per month and am trying to avoid any more expenses.
That's why I came on here to see what you guys know.
Anyhow, thanks for all your advise and help.

I haven't been able to find out much about the older receiver but you will most likely need to upgrade the receiver. If you don't care about HD programming a standard receiver is all you would need. Hopefully they would upgrade you for free or just shipping ($19.99). If not, a standard receiver is $69 plus $19.99 shipping. Since you are a long time customer, I would politely insist they do the free upgrade. You should be able to keep your current programming package. But if the CSR can't get the local channels to come up on the new receiver, The Choice package @ $52.99 would be the package closest to your current one.

So, the best case scenario would have you a free new receiver with no increase in your bill. Worst case scenario would be $69 for the receiver + $19.99 shipping + $5/month more on your bill. In either case you will be committed to an 18 month agreement and the receiver would have to be returned if you ever decide to leave DTV.

 

[bfncbs1]

I I also have a DVR version, and it costs nothing to have record capability. It DOES cost $5.99 a month to get "local programming", ie the broadcast version of ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, PBS, etc

DTV is the same.....Locals are included in the package I have....Free? No. They just embedded the cost into my package to appear free.

Dish gives DVR service for free? I thought it was $6.99 or something monthly? Direct TV charges a fee.

 

[bfncbs1]

The Choice package @ $52.99 would be the package closest to your current one.

And more then likely the one he will have to move to, requiring a new lease agreement.

 

[BernieP]

i bought a new HD DVR from bestbuy a couple months ago and had it activated, but it didn't work. turns out my dish wasn't compatible with HD so Directv sent a repair guy out and replaced the dish with a new model for free. so in your case, you might have to buy a new receiver, but they should do the dish for free.

The old (SD) antenna needs to be upgraded for HD.


Back on point, if you want HD feeds (and you do want HD feeds if you have a HD TV) then you will need to purchase and install a second dish AND a new HD Reciever (or HD DVR). The good news is that you can then mirror that service to up to 3 more rooms for a flat $5 per month (per room) fee. By my math my DircTV HD service (with the DVR) for 4 rooms is cheaper then MetroCast digital cable and has more programming.

Not to mention better srervice.

Damn I sound like a shill for DirecTV. They aren't perfect but in my case it's a much better deal then cable.