F... Dish Network

This will be my second full season with DirecTV. I love it, the Sunday Ticket is soooo freaking money.

As a new member to Direct TV, I have been happy with the programing, and unhappy with the tech support.

I have the HD DVR and one day I came home to a green screen. I called DTV and they were not helpful. Finally I talked the lady into sending out a technician. I began troubleshooting myself and turns out it was just my HDMI and Componet connections that were a green screen. I called them back to let them know the normal AV was working, and the lady wanted to cancel my technician request as it was working. After arguing that 480i is not the same as 720p/1080i she left my ticket open.

So Friday rolls around and I took time off work for the tech to show up. He never shows. I called in and talked to a helpful person and got $100 credit. While I was waiting on the tech I googled my answer and it turns out that my TV was the issue.

Either way, DTV programing should be far superior once these new HD channels are added, and just be aware of their support. It is really hit or miss if you are going to get someone in the US or in India.

DirecTV is the ONLY ticket for NFL fans! I have had the NFL ticket since inception of the program some 9-10 years ago. Now with the HD and the Superfan there is nothing better! Go with DirecTV as they are the premier dish provider that can deliver your NFL fix!

That what I'm doing. I called DirecTV and told them I wanted to switch but that they'd have to give me a deal to make up for the fact that I just paid to have Dish installed, blah blah blah. No luck yet, but I'll call back later. Right now, all they're willing to do is free HD receiver and install which is their regular promotion anyway. $200 for a HD DVR.
You paid too have the dish installed? I thought all of these Co. had install so many boxes and dish for free deals. You may be stuck if you had to sign a contract for a certain amount of time.

As a new member to Direct TV, I have been happy with the programing, and unhappy with the tech support.

I have the HD DVR and one day I came home to a green screen. I called DTV and they were not helpful. Finally I talked the lady into sending out a technician. I began troubleshooting myself and turns out it was just my HDMI and Componet connections that were a green screen. I called them back to let them know the normal AV was working, and the lady wanted to cancel my technician request as it was working. After arguing that 480i is not the same as 720p/1080i she left my ticket open.

So Friday rolls around and I took time off work for the tech to show up. He never shows. I called in and talked to a helpful person and got $100 credit. While I was waiting on the tech I googled my answer and it turns out that my TV was the issue.

Either way, DTV programing should be far superior once these new HD channels are added, and just be aware of their support. It is really hit or miss if you are going to get someone in the US or in India.

Unfortunately, a lot of of their "field" tech's, the guys that actually perform the installation, are "contract" workers, and not actual DirecTV employees. If in question, just look at their truck. It will say something to the effect of: XYZ Company contracted by DirecTV. However, the one that installed my oval HD dish, as a FREE upgrade, was very cordial and went out of his way to get the job done. Here in Georgia, the pine tree rules and they are freakin' everywhere! So, that creates problems trying to connect with a geosynchronous (sp?) orbiting satellite. It's amazing what you learn when you watch way too much TV! :)

You paid too have the dish installed? I thought all of these Co. had install so many boxes and dish for free deals. You may be stuck if you had to sign a contract for a certain amount of time.

Yeah, I had agreed to an 18 month commitment with a $300 early termination fee.

But... I talked to 6 different people, and had to call the legal department of Dish Network but in the end, it worked. They refunded my installation fee and dissolved my 18 month contract with dish network without charging me the $300 early termination fee. I had to argue my ass off. I was on the phone with this prick who said the following interesting things:

1. Have you tried using a regular air antenna? my reply: (Why the fuck should I have to strap some other ugly thing on the outside of my house, I already have two damn satellite dishes)
2. Where in your legally binding contract does it say that you will get local channels in HD? my reply: (There was no written contract presented at the time of agreement as it was EXPLAINED TO ME OVER THE PHONE BY YOUR IDIOT SALES REP)
3. We are going to charge the account you used for your last payment for $399 for the early contract termination. my reply: (Good, do that. And when I get my lawyer and sue your ass for breach of contract, how long do you think it's going to take for you to get fired for doing that?)
4. Well, what do you want me to do about it? my reply: (Get this shit turned off and out of my fucking house immediately.)

Long story short, no termination fee and I get the installation charges back so whatever. If anyone needs the number to Dish Corporate offices (the only ones who can release you from your contract) here it is: 1-888-241-2195. They're located in Denver, CO.

So now I have to call DirecTV and see what I can get there...

Ok, I ordered the DirecTV. I hope it's all you guys say it is... I got 2 HD receivers, Sunday Ticket, the premium ticket package etc. They're running a promo right now where if you buy the Sunday Ticket, you get the rest of your programming free for those 4 months. So basically, you're getting the ticket for free, right? Also, I got a $100 online rebate and $50 gift card, along with free installation. I guess that's good... I'm really leery after dealing with Dish Network.

Ok, I ordered the DirecTV. I hope it's all you guys say it is... I got 2 HD receivers, Sunday Ticket, the premium ticket package etc. They're running a promo right now where if you buy the Sunday Ticket, you get the rest of your programming free for those 4 months. So basically, you're getting the ticket for free, right? Also, I got a $100 online rebate and $50 gift card, along with free installation. I guess that's good... I'm really leery after dealing with Dish Network.

Sounds like a nice deal. Good luck!

I have had both in the past, currently I have Dish Network. Where I live, BFE, I was able to bundle my phone, internet and tv all in one with DishNetwork. I get unlimited long distance and the works on my phone which is good for me and my wife as she is from Erie, PA. and can talk to her mom when ever she wants. That is really the only reason that I left DirecTV.

But not to worry I still get my skins games, I go to my cousins house and watch on his sunday ticket.

Bleed Burgundy, everyone is right about DirecTV. It is as good as they say. Also, after your contract is up with them call them and make as if you are going to leave their service for DishNETWORK and they will give you free programming for like 3 or 4 months to get you to stay. That is what my cousin did when I switched over. They gave him HBO, SHOWTIME, and all the other movie channels for free for like 4 months just to keep him, when in all actuallity he had no intentions of leaving to begin with...

Update: When I signed up online, my installation date wasn't until 9/18 :(

I called customer service this morning and rescheduled for tomorrow at 1 pm. I'll have it for the game on Sunday. I can't wait for the game.