In a Challenge to TiVo, DirecTV Promotes Its Own DVR

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In a Challenge to TiVo, DirecTV Promotes Its Own DVR

Today's New York Times carries and article about DirecTV Promoting Its Own Box and how they're spending $30 million to lure anyone using a combo DirecTV TiVo unit to the new NDS box. The article reveals that as part of the TiVo/DirecTV licensing deal, DirecTV pays just over $1 per month per subscriber. Given that the number of DirecTiVo units is well over a million (or two at last count), that's a decent amount of revenue.

Still, spending $30mil on advertising to lure folks away from the units seems a bit much, especially when DirecTV could easily up the monthly DVR charge from 4.95 to 5.95 and not have to worry about lost revenue.

by Matt Haughey October 7, 2005 in News

Comments

"... DirecTV could easily up the monthly DVR charge from 4.95 to 5.95 and not have to worry about lost revenue."

It's already $5.99 for new subs.

www.directv.com/DTVAPP/get_directv/get_directv_whatsmycost.jsp
"DIRECTV® DVR subscription: $5.99 /mo."

Posted by: Fugg at Oct 7, 2005 9:36:25 AM

You're forgetting the bigger reasons they want folks to switch though - its not just the $1.13 they pay per subscriber, per month to TiVo, but the extra revenue they can generate using the new boxes. The new DVRs supposedly support instant-on Pay-Per-View, where the movies will be pre-loaded onto the hard drive, so customers can start watching them whenever, instead of the next available timeslot. Plus, since new content can be sent anytime (and just once, mind you, rather than continuously on the traditional PPV channels), DTV can offer more content, using fewer valuable channel slots, freeing up capacity for more channel offerings. And speaking of more capacity, don't these new boxes support MPEG4 video streams now, as well as the traditional MPEG2? The sooner DTV can get everyone onto new boxes that support MPEG4, the sooner they can switch their channel encoding to MPEG4, giving them far more channel capacity than they have now.

Posted by: Dave at Oct 7, 2005 9:52:56 AM

Maybe Directv are just trying to not rase the charge to show much they care about the people that are already in there base. I think they should even make a way for there base to know what they are doing.

Posted by: Cláudio Salles at Oct 7, 2005 10:38:29 AM

"And speaking of more capacity, don't these new boxes support MPEG4 video streams now, as well as the traditional MPEG2?"

Nope. Mpeg2 only.

Posted by: Fugg at Oct 7, 2005 10:40:35 AM

The questions are:

Will the new DirecTV DVRs compare with actual TiVo units features wise, If a current TiVo user can't have things they are used to such as Season Pass functionality (the biggest one) they aren't likely to switch.

Now DirecTV has been keeping their TiVo units cripped so most of the new features (TiVoToGo, use without phone line, etc.) have never been available for DirecTiVo users.

Also how long before the cirrent DirecTV units are effectively forced to switch to the DirecTV DVR? How long will DirecTV continue to support the TiVo units as well as their own?

Posted by: Robert Aitchison at Oct 7, 2005 10:42:10 AM

I've read a bit about the Tivo-To-Go feature. Is Tivo likely to add it to their DirecTV software? My DirecTV DVR tuner has a USB 2.0 port, but the software does not allow Tivo-To-Go. I'd switch for the ability to transfer video to my laptop for travel. Why doesn't Tivo enable this feature for DirecTV>

Posted by: Andrew at Oct 7, 2005 11:22:08 AM

I just switched back to Directv hd pvr with Tivo from dishnetwork because the Tivo software is so superior. If Directv doesn't keep the season pass function, I'm gone. Also Directv confirmed that they will not charge to upgrade to the new mpeg4 units (whatever they look like) when they come out. They also made no effort to sell me anything other than the Tivo hd pvr.

Posted by: David at Oct 7, 2005 12:23:32 PM

Andrew many of the features of the DriecTV integrated TiVo units have been disabled because DirecTV insists that they be disabled. This is the crippling that I referred to in my earlier comment.

This is one of the reasons that I have a Stand Alone TiVo unit, I do lose some features like recording the digitial stream directly and no dual tuners but I can use my TiVo with any provider.

Posted by: Robert Aitchison at Oct 7, 2005 12:43:08 PM

Posted by: David at Oct 7, 2005 12:56:28 PM

Andrew,

The features are already in the DirecTiVo software - DirecTV has just crippled it. It is DTV's doing, not TiVo's. And I believe it is deliberate because the new NDS boxes won't have all those features, so they don't want to make their 'new' boxes look cheap compared to the 'old' TiVos.

Posted by: MegaZone at Oct 7, 2005 12:57:55 PM

You can already use a DirecTV Tivo without a phone line. Just unplug it...the program guide downloads over the satellite connection. And if you can handle receiving a daily message warning you to plug in the phone line, you'll have free PPV.

Posted by: Mike at Oct 7, 2005 2:05:09 PM

I read that DIRECTV won't make anyone switch or even encourage them to switch from their current DVR. This is just the new DVR going forward. Plus, it definitely has a season pass feature as it stated in the maual that was leaked on the internet a few weeks ago. But they are going to call it Series Link like they do at Sky in the UK.

Posted by: scenario at Oct 7, 2005 5:59:45 PM

No Dave they don't support MPEG4, and can barely cope with standard programming (that monolithic bootloader just can't handle it). Sorry, I can't stop laughing.

My advice to everyone is to wait for the *real* 4-tuner DirecTV PVR which will be released towards the end of this year or early next year, not this POS.

Posted by: Anonymouse at Oct 7, 2005 8:49:43 PM

how do I get a owners manual for dvr ????? we can't run the thing.

Posted by: Myra at Oct 10, 2005 4:48:17 PM

Wouldn't it be nice if TiVo sued DirecTV over these boxes?

Truth be told, this decision was not meant to prop up DirecTV at all. Its a decision made from the top, being from Rupert Murdoch trying to salvage his large investment in NDS.

Granted, I guess it would still be bad had Dish Network purchased DirecTV instead of Murdoch controlled Fox. Dish has never supported TiVo; merely felt free to violate TiVo's intellectual property and passing off a shoddy series of DVRs to their subscribers in the process.

Posted by: The Jeremy at Oct 11, 2005 4:54:18 PM

Knowing that DirecTV would roll out a product that would make current HD PVRs obsolete, I decided for the moment to live with my lo-def Sony DirecTV and opted for the non-PVR DirecTV HD box.

Two surprises:

1. I continued to get dropped pictures using the HDMI input. DirecTV customer assistance insisted that the television or the HDMI plug was bad. I have used the same plug and TV input with the HDMI output on my DVD player without ever experiencing a problem. After visits from customer service personnel to fiddle with the dish, with no change, another call was made by DirecTV's own service man. After moving up the chain, DirecTV finally acknowledged that the HDMI output should not be used since there were known issues which they hoped to fix with a later software upgrade. I switched to component output. Now, a couple of months later, the dropouts are occurring with this output as well, but ONLY on the HD stations. I expect spending another month attempting to have this issue resolved.

2. I purchased the DirecTV in May 2005, at full price. In mid-October (2 days ago), I received a postcard advising me that by purchasing this equipment, I had committed to a 2-year contract with DirecTV and that should I ever downgrade my package (which is NOT a basic package) or drop the service, I would receive a hefty fine. First I ever heard of this. More calls to DirecTV and a supervisor got me nowhere. Apparently, when I picked the box off the shelf at Best Buy and bought the unit at the counter, a salesman was obligated to inform me of this commitment. Didn't happen.

What is even more peculiar, if I had been a new customer and sent in a coupon to get $100.00 off the price, I would (according to the fine print on the coupon) have committed myself to a 1-year contract at the basic level.

Beware, I was told that any upgrade of equipment (including PVRs) commits the purchser to a 2-year contract at the existing level of service.

Needless to say, as one of the earliest adopters and a loyal fan of DirecTV, I am put off by these high-handed tactics and poor quality of product that DirecTv is now offing on their customers. I suspect this is part of NewsCorps means for improving profits.

Have any others run into these problems?

Posted by: Mike at Oct 16, 2005 7:19:17 AM

Sorry, in #2 above, I should have said "..when I pruchased the DirecTV HD receiver in May..."

Posted by: Mike at Oct 16, 2005 7:26:34 AM

Yeah, but check this out... what will THAT mean for DirecTV?

http://www.tivotoday.com/tivo_confirms_that_echostar_case_will_be_continued_until_march_of_2006_as_market_reacts_favorably

Posted by: krez at Oct 19, 2005 2:57:43 PM

Hey Mike,

Just have them put you on hold. we moved to an apartment and weren't able to put up our dish so they told us to not cancel and they just put a hold and we were good. I don't know if this helps you at all. Could give them a friends address!

Posted by: Brian Hock at Nov 8, 2005 9:26:41 AM

I just got the new mpeg4 receiver and 5-lnb dish. Receiver was $199 dish was $79.
It has HDMI output also.

Posted by: Randy Canada at Nov 12, 2005 9:21:54 PM

i heard that the contract between dorectv & tivo was about to expire & not able to be renewed is this correct. i own two direct tv w/tivo dvrs one 35 hour and one 100 hour unit i have been unable to find a second 100 hr t replace the 35 hr now i guess i know why.

Posted by: bob at Nov 20, 2005 4:41:19 PM

DirecTv is blocking TIVO To Go service, and they are not allowing software updates from TIVO to enable these services.... This is a scam. Don't buy DirecTv TIVO service, get cable. They are trying to control the consumer. DirecTv can't stop the future, but they feel that if they can hold off, they will please there sponsors.... Just remember, DirecTv's sponsors pay for viewer base... so if they screw that up......

Posted by: John Denver at Nov 21, 2005 1:46:43 PM

I have a simple question. If I'm currently a DirecTV user with a DirectTV TIVO, can I get a TIVO unit and service that is used in conjunction with my DirecTV receiver? Thank you.

Posted by: Tony at Dec 5, 2005 1:58:02 PM

To MegaZone and all others,
Just because there is no phone line connected to the receiver, it doesn't mean that you can just watch ppv for free. Your ppv information is stored on the access card, the phone line is just so that the information on the card can be sent to Directv or a local retailer (like the one i work for). So you can enjoy watching a movie at the present moment without a phone line, however, you will have to eventually pay for it, otherwise they will take you to court:)

Posted by: Bryan at Dec 14, 2005 8:55:16 AM

03/02/2006 I just got a refurb replacement from D*tv they told me it would only cost me 14.95 for S/H to replace my fried HD on my old Sat-T60 Tivo.
Now when I got my bill this month they say I signed up for a 2yr ANNUAL COMMITMENT. I did NOT authorize no change to a 2 yr commitment & D*tv now says they have a new pricing plan for Tivo's !
Now they want to LOCK Me in to 2 yrs of price inCREASES , I am sending letter to see if I can get out of this. With unannounced price increases it may be cheaper for me to Fix my old Tivo. The new Tivo's only come w/90 dya warranty & they want you to pay 7.00 a month mainteneace fee if you want longer warranty. This is Nothing but a gimmick for more $$$.

Now that I moved to the sticks I should have had Tivo on BACK-UPS unit. Way too many power surges and spikes in the suburbs, that what burned up my Tivo HD. Panamax (surge suppressor co that Old Tivo was on) told me my TIVO MUST be hooked up to a UPS to get any warranty protection, they just don't cover PVR'sor Tivo's anymore.
Best to be forewarned...get a UPS too!!

Posted by: Wood at Mar 12, 2006 8:25:05 AM

I have a question:

When I "buy" a new HD DirecTV receiver, say from Best Buy for $99.99, to upgrade my current DirecTV service, I realize I'm getting a break on the MSRP so that DTV can lock me into a new 2-year plan and pay more for the HD capability.

But what I want to know is, do I actually "own" my new receiver - or am I just leasing it?

What prompted my query is the folling language on Best Buy's website after I went to the DirecTV products page for exisitng customers:

"Prices shown are 'lease upgrade fees.' Additional $4.99/mo. lease fee applies for each DIRECTV Receiver you add. Programming commitment required. See terms."

And then when I click on "See terms" for more info, I see this:

"FAILURE TO ACTIVATE DIRECTV SYSTEM WITHIN 30 DAYS OF RECEIPT MAY RESULT IN CHARGE OF $150 PER DIRECTV RECEIVER NOT ACTIVATED. IF YOU FAIL TO MAINTAIN YOUR PROGRAMMING COMMITMENT, DIRECTV MAY CHARGE PRORATED FEE OF UP TO $150 FOR STANDARD RECEIVERS (UP TO $300 FOR ADVANCED RECEIVERS). RECEIVERS ARE AT ALL TIMES PROPERTY OF DIRECTV AND MUST BE RETURNED UPON CANCELLATION OF SERVICE, OR ADDITIONAL FEES APPLY. VISIT DIRECTV.COM OR CALL 1-800-DIRECTV FOR DETAILS."

Huh? Does that mean that:

(1) If I break my 2 year agreement, then I have to give it back or pay extra to keep it (on top of the potential $300 for not keeping my committment)?

(2) If I EVER cancel my subscription, then I have to give back the receiver or pay more to keep it?

The way it's written, especially the part that says "RECEIVERS ARE AT ALL TIMES PROPERTY OF DIRECTV," makes it seems like number two (2) is the case, which is appropriate because that's a bunch of crap.

If you're not required to renew your contract after the intitial 2 years is up (i.e. pay month to month and cancel whenever you want), then essentially this language in the lease terms means that you will eventually have to pay more for your receiver, if and when you choose to leave DTV. In the least, it means that you're not allowed to sell it to anyone else because you DON'T OWN it, but instead only "leasing" it.

So does this mean that all of those people selling their used receivers on eBay, will eventually get a charge on their bill for the cost of re-buying a receiver they thought they already owned?

Or will someone who "buys" a new HD or DVR receiver off an eBay seller or other prior purchaser be subject to a $150 charge for not activating service within 30 days after the original purchaser "bought" it? Even worse, can DTV reclaim the receiver because the first guy never had the right to sell it? Or can DTV charge that second "buyer," too?

Sorry this is so long. I've been considering upgrading myself, and I guess I'm just thinking out loud. But maybe people should consider all of the possible implications of letting DTV get its coporate, money-grubbing hooks into them.

Posted by: Leon at Mar 30, 2006 12:50:14 PM

They really could have done a much better job on this. I suppose it is a fine tool for those who haven't used a DVR before, but I find it less user friendly than the good ole' tivo.

Todd Lokken

Posted by: Todd Lokken at Apr 30, 2006 5:05:05 PM

I had a very difficult experience with this piece of hardware.

I bought a HD TV, wanted to upgrade from my conventional DirecTV with Tivo to the HD version DVR. I asked if I could get the local channels, she said yes, but what she didn't say was that I needed to get them overthe air, and not through the satellite transmission. So I ordered the service, and bought the receiver from Best Buy. After it was installed and activated, I asked about the local channels, the installer told me that I can't get them. So I called DirecTV and they told me I needed to buy an antennae. I told them I didn't want it, and cancelled the service because I thought I was misled. They cancelled the service, and so I returned the box to Best Buy. I thought it was all done. A few weeks later, I receive a bill for the box. I call them and tell them I didn't buy it from them, but from Best Buy. They said it didn't matter, that I still owe them the money for the box. I thought this was ridiculous, as did the people at Best Buy. DirecTV stood by it. The salesmen at Best Buy knew nothing of this, so I can't imagine how many people bought the box from them and think they actually own it when they don't. They'll be in for a surprise later on when they find they need to return it or get charged for it.

Very very very shady of DirecTV in my opinion.

Posted by: Dave at Sep 19, 2006 8:13:07 AM

I am currently using a Tivo in my living room and a Directv DVR that I received recently in my bedroom. the directv DVR is HORRIBLE! I already missed 2 of my new shows this season because it didn't record, AND it is the hardest thing to understand and learn to work. There is NO season pass...so I must remember every week to set up to record shows....that takes the enjoyment out of a dvr. I wish I had NEVER spent the money to get one. AND when I spent the money on my Tivo it is now MINE to keep....the DVR you spend the same amount of money for...and have to return it. That is the most insane thing I have ever heard. Had I known before purchasing it...they would never have gotten my money. Directv should go back to tivo and give up the crappy boxes they charge so much for.

Posted by: Tiffany at Sep 20, 2006 4:58:15 AM

I am currenlt a Directv customer with a DIRECTV R15. Can I go to Dish Network and keep using this Tivo rather than the bad one with Dish??

Posted by: steve zimmett at Sep 28, 2006 10:08:27 AM

I am a current customer with Directv. I have a Hughes SD DVR40, not the Directv R15 mentioned above. I've been told that I cannot use this TIVO with Dish Network, would that be true?

Posted by: steve zimmett at Sep 29, 2006 5:34:13 AM

I just got the DirectTV HD DVR and is SUCKS compared to the one with Tivo....SUCKS!

Posted by: Robert at Dec 5, 2006 1:42:34 PM

I had the R15 and had to jump through several hoops with DirecTV to "downgrade" to the R10 reciever but it was worth it. The R15 is a REALLY BAD product and I'm surprised DirecTV hasn't pulled it yet. DirecTV has to be loosing customers over this seemingly fatal decision to oust TiVo and go at it alone!

Posted by: Bill Roark at Dec 6, 2006 12:13:46 PM

Bill Roark

When did you get them to downgrade you to a R10. I just called and they said they do not offer any R10's anymore. I too hate these R15's

Posted by: George at Dec 22, 2006 4:09:41 PM

R15 is a worthless piece of junk. Have two of them that freeze up every other day and need to be reset. At least the reset button is red and easy to find; arguably, the best feature of this product. Things certainly went downhill after my Samsung combo Tivo.DVR died. I have been told that DTV will be distributing a software update on Jan 11.

Posted by: TD at Jan 10, 2007 9:47:31 AM

I just bought a Directv Plus DVR. I have had directv for a long time, but wanted a dvr. Does this just replace my current Receiver? I bought it from best buy because i wanted to "own" it and not lease it, but now i'm wondering if i am really going to end up owning it at all. Will they put me on a 2 year committment as well? Not so worried about that as much as knowing i own what i just paid $99 for.

Posted by: Tammi at Jan 10, 2007 8:03:44 PM

you dont own that dvr you just bought from bestbuy... you are going to be put on a 2 year commitment with directv... if you raise a big enuf stink about directv will send you the same DVR for $20. you paid $99 for a unit that you are "leasing" which makes no sence..

Posted by: Tracy at Jan 15, 2007 11:04:57 AM

Well just tried DirecTV's new DVR and it sucks there is no other word for it but it sucks. I was going to cancel Directv but they cond me into a new directv dvr I tried it for Two Hours and called Directv to get my TIVO reinstalled they did. But Directv forced us into a contract for two years even well I only used the unit for about two hours and was never told about the deal. Thats not fair I hope this helps someone not fall into the same trap DIRECTV DVRS SUCK WITHOUT TIVO We will try to cancel

Posted by: Emery at Jan 15, 2007 8:54:54 PM

Thanks to all for their info. I took back the system i bought at Best Buy and got my money back. I think i'll end up getting tivo instead. More money, but better quality.

Posted by: Tammi at Jan 16, 2007 9:24:01 PM

Directv DVR Plus software sucks compared to the Tivo I had.
I sure hope someone at Directv reads these postings.
I will be checking into Dish network, if the software and hardware are not upgraded.!

Posted by: Skip Ray at Jan 18, 2007 8:07:37 PM

On June 23, 2006 I bought a Directv DVR at Circuit City in Temecula, California for $99. Prior to doing so, two different Circuit City employees on two different days said there was no commitment except to return the DVR to Directv when I'm finished with it. I wanted to make sure there was no commitment since I plan on changing service to Verizon FIOS TV once it becomes available in my area. I did not have to sign a special Directv agreement at Circuit City to purchase the DVR as I have in the past when purchasing Directv receivers (I have been a Directv customer for 10 straight years.) I would not have purchased the DVR if they did require me to sign an agreement. I called Directv that night to install it and spoke with a sales person about installing it. I made it clear to her that before I opened the DVR box, I wanted to make sure there was no commitment involved since I wanted to switch to Verizon FIOS TV when it became available. She did not say one word about a two year agreement with Directv being required. She said only that I return the DVR to Directv if I cancel. After installing it, she informed me, "You agree to the standard Directv two year commitment which is to carry at least the basic Directv Total Choice package for two years." I could not believe the nerve of this sales person informng me of this now after me making it clear to her my intentions at the outset. I reminded her that earlier in our conversation she said there was no commitment involved. She said she didn't think we talked about that and she apologized for any misunderstanding but informed me that it was too late since she had just activated it. I asked to speak to her manager and she put him on the phone. He apologized and said once the receiver is activated, it cannot be deactivated, that I was committed to two years of Directv service and that I could no longer return the receiver to the store. Now I'm committed to two years of Directv. I can't believe they still get away with scamming customers like this.

Posted by: TiredOfScamCompanies at Feb 10, 2007 6:41:05 PM

I've enjoyed Tivo and Directv with Tivo for several years now and persuaded a family member to buy the Directv/Tivo. She called Directv and asked for their Tivo. Instead, they installed their DVR, and did not tell her that she would get their DVR instead of Tivo. She called Directv, and they told her that they would not refund her money because the unit has already been activated, even though they had concealed from her that they would be installing their much-inferior DVR instead, and she did not figure it out until after the unit was activated and she could see there were no Tivo functions or icon.

I checked out her Directv DVR, and it's awful. Way less user friendly and without Tivo's charm. The text on the screen is difficult to read, crowded, and fades out when the picture in the background is light. I am sure that Tivo also extracted a 2-year subscription extension when they scammed my family into buying their DVR.

I complained to Directv about their bait and switch, to no avail. They don't care because they'll do just about anything to get you switched to their DVR. All of you to whom this happens should check your Tivo contract -- it will provide for dispute resolution, probably by arbitration. Don't forget that you can file a claim if you feel you've been conned. You can also complain to your local consumer protection agencies about the deceptive businesss practices.

Posted by: Anna at Feb 24, 2007 8:45:41 PM

I want a new DVR, preferable a TIVO DSS, but I wont commit to any 2 year deal with DIRECTV or TIVo or anyone for any electronics at all!!!! NOT EVEN A CELL PHONE!!!!

But why doesn't the new INTEGRATION BAN on digital cable boxes apply to satellite receivers too? If I read it correctly, the ban requires cable companies to allow consumers the option to purchase their cable box or cable cards for their HDTV's to enable digital broadcasts via the built-in HD tuners in most modern TV's. The only current option is to pay the monthly rental fee on the digital DVR.

Does anyone else feel like we will be more over the barrel than we are now since the FCC is mandating all channels be broadcast in HD in 2 years? So does this mean we are all subject to fee's to recieve these new mandated channels and fee's associated with the hardware rent/lease to decode the channels?

Where do I sign up for some of these business tactics? Get the FCC to come up with new rules and laws for broadcast requirements and then allow companies like DTV to stick it to their subscribers all due to these new laws.

All this when cable companies are finally being forced to allow consumers the option to purchsae the set-top bax or cable card.

I have been a DTV customer from day one and have enjoyed it up til now and feel like they are quickly becoming the enemy and cable is beginning to look like a better option for me since I can OWN my equipment.

Am I missing something?????????????????

What does everyone else think?

Hack
DTV Customer since day 1 and quickly losing faith in DTV.

Posted by: Hack at Mar 5, 2007 9:38:07 PM

Thank God I'm not the only one who thinks that the DTV DVR is absolute junk! TiVo is far superior.
I woke up New Year's Day to find that my Samsung DirecTV DVR model #SIR-S4040R had died. When I called DTV and explained what was happening, I was told that the hard drive was bad. The DTV rep. simply said that they could send me a new box within a few days, and that all I would pay for is S+H, approx. $20. At NO TIME did the rep. state that the new box would not have the TiVo software. I don't recall any mention of a 2 year commitment either. I have been coping with the inferior DTV box for about 2 months now and have been contemplating what I should do. After reading all of these postings, I have decided that Metrocast cable is worth a look. If DTV claims that I committed to something that I was unaware of, I will be posting again regarding a class action lawsuit!

Posted by: Gary at Mar 11, 2007 12:52:36 PM

I UPGRADED FROM THE REGULAR SAMSUNG TIVO TO THE HAHA DIRECTV TIVO, WHAT A JOKE, THAT I REGRET NOW. I GOT IT TO GET THE WEATHER AND SEVERAL OTHER OPTIONS.. WELL WHEN I FASTFORWARD AND GO TO 2 IT LOOPS AND HANGS SO I AM WATCHING THE CHARACTERS ON THE SCREEN DANCE AROUND AND AROUND, UNTIL I PRESS AGAIN TO GO TO 3, DONT WANT 4 BECAUSE IT GO TO THE END OF THE SHOW.
FOR MY MONEY, I HAVE TO SAY, I AM BEING SCREWED BY DIRECT TV TOTALLY. BUT WHAT IS LIFE WITHOUT A LITTLE SCREWING, I JUST HATE THAT I AM THE ONE WHO SEEMS TO BE GETTING IT FROM THES COMPANIES ALL THE TIME,,

OH ON AN ALTERNATIVE NOTE,, DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE GET A ROOF, SIDING OR ANYTHING ELSE DONE BY THE HOME DEPOT. I AM STILL SUFFERING FROM THAT...

Posted by: MIKE at Mar 24, 2007 3:17:11 PM

I am beyond sick of DIRECTV. I called and signed up on the phone for first time - always been a cable user. The rep went over one particular plan(Choice) and gave me the price. he also told me it was a 12 month agreement. I was hesitant but he assured me that I would be completely satisfied. I said ok and he then asked if I had any interest in the Choice Plus/w dvr. After explaining that and for an extra $4.99 per month, I agreed.

Upon receiving my first bill, I noticed it said there was a 24 month agreement. I called right away and complained - telling them I would not have signed up for this if I had known. I hesitated even signing up for one year. They recorded my dispute but that has gotten nowhere. Phone calls and emails later and still nothing. I said I didn't want the service, never signed up for that. They apologized but said if i was cancelling, I would be charged an early cancellation fee. I told them if they would honor their 12 month agreement - which is what I was told and signed up for, I had no intention of going anywhere. They kept referring to "their policy". Funny as they ignored their policy when I signed up but remember it now. So I switched back to cable, have been billed that early cancellation fee and have filed a complaint with the BBB.

ANY IDEAS? email: maand3kids@yahoo.com

Posted by: Mike N at May 21, 2007 12:45:11 PM

ANY IDEAS? email: maand3kids@yahoo.com

Posted by: Mike N at May 21, 2007 12:45:13 PM

just switched from COX to Direct TV and am adjusting to the HD DVR vs the SA unit of COX--which was great

how do I copy from my DVR to DVD

Posted by: John TW at Jun 17, 2007 9:53:55 AM

PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR DETAILS ON JOINING A NATIONWIDE CLASS-ACTION LAWSUIT vs. DIRECTV!!
Lawyers are willing to take this case on ProBono/Consignment because they smell blood!

Too many people are being taken advantage of by DirecTV -

a) installer comes to home, mentions the DTV DVR box option and only 1-yr commitment. You tell the installer sure go ahead, but find out later it's a 2-year commitment.

b) some representatives have told customers 1-yr agreement required - customers try to cancel after 1-yr and told early cancellation fee if less than 2 years

c) DTV DVR has bugs/issues - you return it not being told until after you're sent a REFURBISHED replacement that you are then bound to a new 2-yr agreement

d) you call to complain DTV stopped working in a particular area of your home, representative tells you they will send a serviceman - they come and are unable to resolve, but you find out on your BILL later that you were charged $70! The rep failed to mention this charge to you!

e) NBA League Pass and other special passes, you are falsely led into believing you will have EVERY game you want for the entire season - you pay up to $200 for the package, then MANY of your games are BLACKED-OUT! DTV should NOT be able to CHARGE for something they can NOT deliver!

f) "F" is for F@&K%D like you all feel you have been! There are many more stories and if we work together, we will bring DTV to it's knees! STAND UP FOR THE LITTLE MAN!! STAND TOGETHER AND WE WILL WIN!! PLEASE RESPOND to this post, TELL US YOUR STORY, and PASS THE WORD! DTV will PAY!!

Posted by: Rich at Jul 27, 2007 10:38:10 PM

Got a phone call from DirectTV telling me to call because my HD Tivo Receiver would shortly not work. When I called they offered to lease me a new HD DVR (which they own)in exchange for my HD TIVO unit that I own. Too mad to ask them if there was a monthly lease charge and of course they never mentioned the 2 year commitment (I'm currently on a month to month commitment). I cancelled my HBO feature and will stick with my current unit until it isn't able to work, then switch to cable.

Posted by: Don at Nov 26, 2007 12:18:24 AM

I had the same problem with Direct Tv They just stole 121.00 out of my account without my consent after I completed my one year agreement. Now they were acting like it was a mis-understanding. It was theft

Posted by: cat at Dec 7, 2007 5:17:05 AM

A person should tape calls to DTV (or any Customer service) because they do not stand behind what they say and will not send you a transcript of the conversation. I have requested it more then once. Dish Network is no better. Cable is no better. I do not understand the government letting them take customers to the cleaners but they do. You can't really blame corporations for sticking it to us when we let them do it and grip a little then sign on again when we want new hardware. I'm going round and round right now with them because I got a person to sign on and they say since he didn't call a certain number we aren't eligible but the guy he told during the application taking didn't bother to tell him he needed to call the number, he went right on signing him on. It is all high handed selling and customer service and until we stand up and tell them to kiss our royal behinds we have to live with it. I have had more then one cable provider, Dish Network and DirecTV and they are all alike and their policies are much the same. I am ready at the end of my contract to put up the best antenna I can find and get my HD TV for free and use one of those cheap mail order video sources for my movie watching. I know those living in remote areas can't very well do that but I say Down with them all.

Posted by: Jim Vetor at Dec 20, 2007 9:34:58 PM

Yea I have had problems with Direct TV purchased a H10 reciever a couple of years ago to watch HD tv now reciever will not work with new channels,called direct tv and was told will need to buy a new reciever to recieve new channels but stated if i wanted to keep the old one it would work just fine and exsisting programing would stay the same now I come home and Discovery HD has moved HD net moves is in a special tear and im down to 5 or so channels for 9.99 called direct tv again said i needed to purchase a new reciever for 99.00 to recieve channels now I think this is bull s--t what in the H did I buy a hd reciever for if I cant recieve hd channels I think if direct tv is going to make their exsisting equipment obsolete that they would at lease up grade you for free after all you are buying their programming and now their ripping me off owe yea and one more thing if i change equipment I'me in the two year thing too

Posted by: wayne at Dec 28, 2007 7:24:29 PM

Interesting to read all the hostilities toward Direct TV. Obviously people are more likely to speak the bad rather than the good (I've had mixed results with Direct TV, some good, some bad). They seem to respond well to me since I spend a good amount of money with them (namely since I buy the MLB and Sunday Ticket packages).

Posted by: Todd Lokken at Apr 10, 2008 10:37:06 AM

In a Challenge to TiVo, DirecTV Promotes Its Own DVR

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