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Mish mash => Open Forum => Topic started by: VirginiaJim on July 11, 2012, 02:56:28 AM

Title: Directv has done it again....
Post by: VirginiaJim on July 11, 2012, 02:56:28 AM
They pulled all the Viacom channels last night.  This includes the Nick channels.  I have two very upset 8 year old grandchildren who don't care whose fault it is.  What's interesting in this fight vs the last one (Fox issues) is that it wasn't brought out in to the open until yesterday so not much time to protest.

I'm switching to Dish.   Probably a good time to update the hardware.  Got to do some investigating but I've made the decision to switch providers.  I'm not locked in to any contracts that I'm aware of.  I guess I'll find out soon though. 

One channel over them all that Dish has that Directv doesn't is BBCA HD.  Directv doesn't have that one.  That's enough right there to put me over the edge.
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: Conrad on July 11, 2012, 05:04:58 AM
I'm surprised that us DTV subscribers haven't heard anything about this, at least I haven't.

What I have been hearing about, from DTV, is that AMC (Walking Dead) and some other chans will not be available on Dish any longer.
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: T Cro ® on July 11, 2012, 05:11:51 AM
I'm surprised that us DTV subscribers haven't heard anything about this, at least I haven't.

What I have been hearing about, from DTV, is that AMC (Walking Dead) and some other chans will not be available on Dish any longer.


I think that boils down to the channels that you watch most.... I did not hear about it until yesterday and that's only because my wife watches one or more of the affected channels.
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: Cholla on July 11, 2012, 05:47:24 AM
From what I understand Viacom pulled the channels to try and curry favor with DTV customers in an effort to get customers to call DTV and threten to switch providers. Viacom wants a 30% increase in fees from DTV (their customers) and DTV is saying no way.
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: Rhino on July 11, 2012, 06:29:09 AM
Back in the 90's some time, DTV treated me with arrogance and total disdain. I swore I would never ever buy their service again.
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: midnightrider on July 11, 2012, 07:10:37 AM
Back in the 90's some time, DTV treated me with arrogance and total disdain. I swore I would never ever buy their service again.

They still do.
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: Mal on July 11, 2012, 07:44:38 AM


I'm switching to Dish.   Probably a good time to update the hardware.  Got to do some investigating but I've made the decision to switch providers.  I'm not locked in to any contracts that I'm aware of.  I guess I'll find out soon though. 



Be careful, Dish's customer service is less than stellar...
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: Conrad on July 11, 2012, 08:37:04 AM
Back in the 90's some time, DTV treated me with arrogance and total disdain. I swore I would never ever buy their service again.

They still do.

They've always treated me just fine.
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: rcannon409 on July 11, 2012, 08:58:32 AM
I dont like them much either, BUT they do have Isle of Man races on their "VOD" section..channel 1501, I believe.

Oh, but if you call, threaten to cancel, you can name your own price for the next year or two.  Dont waste your breath on the first rep that answers, ask for the "retention dept".   Dont be afraid to low ball them, either, since they will accept damn near any offer.  ALSO, after the first offer they make, say, "THATS NOT ENOUGH" and you can get free HBO, Showtime, or such.Not Playboy, though.
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: Conrad on July 11, 2012, 09:35:02 AM
I dont like them much either, BUT they do have Isle of Man races on their "VOD" section..channel 1501, I believe.

Oh, but if you call, threaten to cancel, you can name your own price for the next year or two.  Dont waste your breath on the first rep that answers, ask for the "retention dept".   Dont be afraid to low ball them, either, since they will accept damn near any offer.  ALSO, after the first offer they make, say, "THATS NOT ENOUGH" and you can get free HBO, Showtime, or such.Not Playboy, though.

Thanks for the reminder, I haven't done this for a while and it sounds like now would be a good time.
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: MrPepsi on July 11, 2012, 10:32:08 AM
I'm switching to Dish.   Probably a good time to update the hardware.  Got to do some investigating but I've made the decision to switch providers.  I'm not locked in to any contracts that I'm aware of.  I guess I'll find out soon though. 


Keep in mind, Dish just dropped AMC.
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: Excavator on July 11, 2012, 11:42:27 AM
I changed over to AT&T U-verse TV and internet, it is awesome, pause/replay anything you're watching, DVR, all my favorite channels, HD TV. The very best thing about it is that it does not go off due to a rain storm (no dish, no problem) unless of course you lose power. I don't know how many times Dish Network failed me in the 4th quater of the Cowboys vs Redskins game........No more.

I will never have sat. TV again. If it's available in your area you should check it out.

I am an AT&T contractor but that is not the reason I changed to U-verse.

http://www.google.com/aclk?sa=L&ai=CdEORhLr9T-_hIujBsQLjyt3QCcDO9uwByI_y-jKKrqDjKwgAEAEgtlQoA1CojtX0-v____8BYMm2t4bAo9gVyAEBqgQZT9AsM-HDs3_gHwJw9AviVMJS819NJOMWL4AFkE4&sig=AOD64_0B7xW9t07V4FwI1yzCx0ys53p4AA&ved=0CGwQ0Qw&adurl=http://clk.atdmt.com/CNT/go/349017241/direct/01/&rct=j&q=AT%26T%20U-verse%20TV&cad=rja (http://www.google.com/aclk?sa=L&ai=CdEORhLr9T-_hIujBsQLjyt3QCcDO9uwByI_y-jKKrqDjKwgAEAEgtlQoA1CojtX0-v____8BYMm2t4bAo9gVyAEBqgQZT9AsM-HDs3_gHwJw9AviVMJS819NJOMWL4AFkE4&sig=AOD64_0B7xW9t07V4FwI1yzCx0ys53p4AA&ved=0CGwQ0Qw&adurl=http://clk.atdmt.com/CNT/go/349017241/direct/01/&rct=j&q=AT%26T%20U-verse%20TV&cad=rja)
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: MrPepsi on July 11, 2012, 11:59:11 AM
I am NOT an AT&T contractor, and I friggin love my U-Verse, but it is expensive.
Plus its just not available in very many areas.
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: Excavator on July 11, 2012, 12:15:27 PM
I am NOT an AT&T contractor, and I friggin love my U-Verse, but it is expensive.
Plus its just not available in very many areas.

True, you must be within 7500 ft of a VRAD. That's the equipment (cabinets) you see along the street right of ways.

I have U-verse TV, internet and home phone with unlimited long distance for 188.00 per month on one bill. I'm a happy viewer.  ;D
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: MrPepsi on July 11, 2012, 12:18:27 PM
Plus, you can't beat the quad tuner which can record four shows at once. (non HD)
Yes I know, it has happened at my house, in fact I had a fifth in conflict. :)
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: sherob on July 11, 2012, 12:55:57 PM
Be careful, Dish's customer service is less than stellar...

I dropped Dish 2 weeks ago after 5 years... P'ed me off, dropping AMC Channels!  They even had the balls to send me a letter telling me that they would have AMC, and to come back!  Holes!  >:(  Now I'm just doing over air right now while I decide what I'm willing to pay for and settle on.
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: Pokey on July 11, 2012, 03:44:29 PM
I like cable. 8)
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: VirginiaJim on July 11, 2012, 04:51:13 PM
I can live without AMC.  I can't live without Sponge Bob, iCarly, and Victorious.  I have two 8 year olds that will do bad things to me.  Each of these aholes (Directv and Viacom) are blaming each other.  All I know is I'm subscribed to Directv.  I don't give a hoot about Viacom or how much they want.  Directv has been raising prices since day one.  I could care less if they raise it again.  But pulling channels and having blank screens is not professional on either part.  F m both I say.  I would go cable but it sucks here.  I've got bad wiring in the house and I'm not sure what I would have to go through to upgrade it.  I may well check into it but Dish is dishing out some fairly good deals and the biggest thing of all is that BBCA is HD plus I can set up several rooms.
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: MrPepsi on July 11, 2012, 04:59:34 PM
I can live without AMC. 

That's crazy talk.
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: SteveJ. on July 11, 2012, 06:29:42 PM
My answer to all of those arrogant nasty companies, most recently Prizm from CenturyLink:


(http://www.summitsource.com/product_thumb.php?img=images/products/ANTU33.jpg&w=150&h=134)
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: Cholla on July 11, 2012, 08:23:46 PM
Okay, if the broadcasters charge the sat companies more do you think the sat company (Direct) will charge you more or less?
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: Snibbor on July 11, 2012, 08:33:19 PM
Be careful, Dish's customer service is less than stellar...

Dish was just voted one of the top 10 worst customer service companies in the country.  Yikes!!
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: timsatx on July 11, 2012, 09:33:14 PM
That's crazy talk.

+1

What's weird is I just went to check out AT&T and they are carrying DirecTV. What's up wit dat?
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: VirginiaJim on July 12, 2012, 04:03:14 AM
Okay, if the broadcasters charge the sat companies more do you think the sat company (Direct) will charge you more or less?

I don't care about the price.  I understand how the market works.  I fully expect them to pass on the pricing.  It's cutting off the programming I detest.

And as far as Dish being the worst...I think I've called Directv once in 12 years on an issue and that was to get the tech to re-align the antenna that he didn't install correctly.
My answer to all of those arrogant nasty companies, most recently Prizm from CenturyLink:


(http://www.summitsource.com/product_thumb.php?img=images/products/ANTU33.jpg&w=150&h=134)

I would go back to that but those antennae aren't allowed in my subdivision or there would be one on my rooftop.
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: Cholla on July 12, 2012, 06:39:31 AM
You expect a company to hold the line in the face of a 30% increase?
And if Viacom is withholding the signal how can DTV be responsible? If they don't get it we don't!
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: VirginiaJim on July 12, 2012, 07:13:28 AM
I've seen info where Viacom is saying Directv is pulling the channels and I've seen the reverse.  My point is I'm the consumer, the endpoint.  I don't care if it's an issue with Viacom or Fox or what have you.  All I see is the end result...no channels.  It's Directv's fault as far as I'm concerned.  Raise the price, do whatever, just keep the channels going.  Directv is not out for our welfare, there is something else going on with this than price.  We just don't know about it.

In my business, installing IBM mid-range servers, if something beyond my control happens, it's my fault.  I have to rectify it behind the scenes to make the client happy.  Pointing fingers has never worked.  That philosophy has worked for me for nigh on 24 years now.  I have had many instances of that scenario.  When I see to very large companies pointing fingers at each other, it's really unprofessional as far as I'm concerned. 

Work out a stopgap measure and keep negotiating.  Figure it out and get on with your lives.  Both Viacom and Directv evidently don't subscribe to this.

So, I've made the decision to switch technologies.  There's been a few things bothering me about Directv and this is the last straw for them.  I can switch to Dish or switch to cable.  I like my options with Dish better.  I have to do some research to what equipment I need and talk to my neighbor who has them.  I'm not going to do this in a hurry.  The kids have switched over to Disney for now.  TV Land is another channel that's gone and there are programs I watch there, but they won't be back on until around September.  I imagine this issue will be resolved at some point by then.

There are so many channels that are pure junk to me.  I wish there was an ala carte system of choosing what you want to pay for instead of paying for a package where there is really only one or two channels you need.
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: sherob on July 12, 2012, 08:20:30 AM
I wish there was an ala carte system of choosing what you want to pay for instead of paying for a package where there is really only one or two channels you need.

+1  There is 100+ channels I would drop in a minute!  I would end up with 20 channels in the end.   8)

 :offtopic:

In my business, installing IBM mid-range servers...

I was a IBM Mainframe SysProg for 25+ years... we had AS400's at one of my employers, did token ring commincations to the mainframe with it.  That was a long time ago.  :o

Now do open systems and mainframe storage... not as exciting... but no calls at night, no weekend nights anymore.  :)
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: Conrad on July 12, 2012, 09:05:45 AM
http://www.cnn.com/2012/07/12/showbiz/tv/viacom-directv-dispute/index.html?hpt=hp_c2 (http://www.cnn.com/2012/07/12/showbiz/tv/viacom-directv-dispute/index.html?hpt=hp_c2)
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: Cholla on July 12, 2012, 09:16:52 AM
I ga ron tee if Direct just passed on the increase everyone would complain about the increase.
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: VirginiaJim on July 12, 2012, 09:44:18 AM
I ga ron tee if Direct just passed on the increase everyone would complain about the increase.

Yeah, but I would still have the programs to watch...grumble grumble...
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: just gone on July 12, 2012, 10:01:34 AM
I would go back to that but those antennae aren't allowed in my subdivision or there would be one on my rooftop.

Unless there are more details you haven't shared, by law, your subdivision shouldn't have that power over you.
http://www.fcc.gov/guides/over-air-reception-devices-rule (http://www.fcc.gov/guides/over-air-reception-devices-rule)
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: Mal on July 13, 2012, 08:58:12 AM

There are so many channels that are pure junk to me.  I wish there was an ala carte system of choosing what you want to pay for instead of paying for a package where there is really only one or two channels you need.


+1!
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: snarf on July 13, 2012, 08:46:49 PM
Ok here is what pisses me off. I have a two yr old grandaughter that  loves Dora and the likes. We had over 40 shows recorded on the DVR. They are not accesible anymore. WTF I paid for those shows. To me that is stealing and a from of home invasion. This make me upset beyond words.
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: timsatx on July 13, 2012, 09:32:35 PM
If they were already recorded then you can watch them. If you are not able to then something must be wrong with the DVR. It would be like a thunderstorm going overhead and you lose reception. You can still watch what you recorded.
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: snarf on July 13, 2012, 11:07:06 PM
If they were already recorded then you can watch them. If you are not able to then something must be wrong with the DVR. It would be like a thunderstorm going overhead and you lose reception. You can still watch what you recorded.
No sir we cannot. Nothing wrong with our dvr. If we select the recorded shows from the channels they dropped we get the direct tv logo. Every other recording is still there; not a F'n thing from Nick. I will be calling tomorow.
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: Conrad on July 14, 2012, 06:15:24 AM
Ok here is what pisses me off. I have a two yr old grandaughter that  loves Dora and the likes. We had over 40 shows recorded on the DVR. They are not accesible anymore. WTF I paid for those shows. To me that is stealing and a from of home invasion. This make me upset beyond words.

Damn, that is a pisser! I've seen that kinda thing happen before with DTV's DVR too. Sometimes if they have a free preview of some pay channel and you DVR it, you can't watch it after the free preview. It's totally stupid too.
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: billhook on July 14, 2012, 09:02:07 AM
I recorded on the DVR about a dozen movies a couple of weeks ago during DirecTVs free weekends of HBO, Showtime, etc. and we've been watching them over the past few weeks, one last night, with no issues.
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: timsatx on July 14, 2012, 09:21:47 PM
No sir we cannot. Nothing wrong with our dvr. If we select the recorded shows from the channels they dropped we get the direct tv logo. Every other recording is still there; not a F'n thing from Nick. I will be calling tomorow.

Then the shows simply didn't record. I saw the same thing just this morning on mine. Spike tv is also part of Viacom and it recorded the Powerblock shows. But when I looked closely I saw that it was actually channel 8241. It looks like all the channels that were under Viacom switched over the the same number preceded by an 8. If all you got was the logo then it simply recorded the empty channel and not the real channel. It suck but until they come to an agreement!!!
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: Conrad on July 15, 2012, 05:43:52 AM
I recorded on the DVR about a dozen movies a couple of weeks ago during DirecTVs free weekends of HBO, Showtime, etc. and we've been watching them over the past few weeks, one last night, with no issues.

I've seen that too. Sometimes they work and sometimes they don't.
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: VirginiaJim on July 15, 2012, 06:29:56 AM
Both my grandson's Super Ninja show that were recorded previously on Nick still play.
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: Conrad on July 15, 2012, 06:50:16 AM
Both my grandson's Super Ninja show that were recorded previously on Nick still play.

Case in point.
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: T Cro ® on July 15, 2012, 08:09:46 AM
I wonder if DTV will reduce our bills for the programing that we no longer receive?

I switched to DTV from Comcast a few years ago when Comcast began reducing the number of channels that we could receive "without" one of their boxes on every set in the house. This in turn drove up the cost to the point that DTV was a better value and I'm used to DTV as that's what we use on the boats at work. In fact DTV is the only game in town when it comes to marine based self tracking marine sets.
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: VirginiaJim on July 15, 2012, 01:12:09 PM
I'm going to Dish in the next few weeks.  I talked to my neighbor today and she said they love it and haven't had any issues.  That's good enough for me.  I'll keep em for two years and then see what happens then.  It's a good time to get the newer technology at a lower price. 
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: snarf on July 15, 2012, 02:14:32 PM
Well all the shows that I had recorded are back.. I tell you they were not there earlier.  They showed up when I went to the recorded section, but would not play.  I tried them all yesterday and now they play.  Very wierd
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: sherob on July 15, 2012, 02:51:23 PM
I'm going to Dish in the next few weeks.  I talked to my neighbor today and she said they love it and haven't had any issues.  That's good enough for me.  I'll keep em for two years and then see what happens then.  It's a good time to get the newer technology at a lower price.

Just a warning.  If you have any issues with a DVR, they UPS a new one to you... 3 to 5 business days.  They do not send anyone to replace/repair.  So you are out of business for 3 to 5 business days at a minimum.  If you do have a problem, tell them you want it FedEx overnight!  This will get you the equipment next day, even on a Saturday.  Don't let them send UPS... they do not deliver on Saturdays.

Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: Cholla on July 15, 2012, 04:39:32 PM
UPS does in fact deliver on Saturdays.
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: VirginiaJim on July 15, 2012, 05:11:09 PM
Thanks.  I've been lucky with my Directv DVR.  No problems at all.
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: VirginiaJim on July 15, 2012, 05:12:46 PM
UPS does in fact deliver on Saturdays.

I'm lucky they deliver at all here.  I'm not really impressed with UPS.  Fedex, I've had no issues.
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: sherob on July 15, 2012, 08:09:33 PM
UPS does in fact deliver on Saturdays.

Not here when It was supposed to.  Of course, they've been known to give my stuff to the guy on the other street all the time... we both live at the same house number after all.
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: Cholla on July 16, 2012, 05:02:14 AM
Saying they were supposed to deliver on Saturday means they deliver on Saturdays, does it not?
Some places are remote enough they don't offer Saturday service, but that is the exception, not the rule.
BTW Saturday service is only offered on air delivery. If it was shipped regular ground Saturday delivery is not an option.
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: timsatx on July 20, 2012, 06:04:16 AM
It looks like they have reached an agreement. I turned on the TV this morning to see that the channels are back on. I have heard no news about it, I just saw the results.
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: MrPepsi on July 20, 2012, 08:53:03 AM
It looks like they have reached an agreement. I turned on the TV this morning to see that the channels are back on. I have heard no news about it, I just saw the results.

http://money.cnn.com/2012/07/20/technology/viacom-directv/index.htm (http://money.cnn.com/2012/07/20/technology/viacom-directv/index.htm)

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Viacom and DirecTV announced Friday that they have reached a deal, putting aside their dispute and allowing programming to return to the airwaves.

The agreement ends a dispute that has interrupted programming since July 10.
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: VirginiaJim on July 21, 2012, 06:55:54 AM
Too late...making the switch to Dish.  Talked to another Directv user and they are switching as well.  I may go back in two years for a cheaper deal but for now I'm done with them.
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: Cholla on July 21, 2012, 07:47:14 AM
Dish doesn't seem to settle their disputes they drop the channels for good, witness AMC.
Now I wonder if Direct will raise prices.
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: VirginiaJim on July 21, 2012, 07:52:57 AM
Time will tell....
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: timsatx on July 22, 2012, 06:06:53 AM
I have had DTV for maybe 8 or 9 years. Never had an issue with them. I have read way too many bad things about Dish and even witnessed a couple of things. I have no desire to switch. Not sure what you think will be better over there but good luck to you. Oh, and no AMC? fugitaboutit
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: VirginiaJim on July 22, 2012, 08:20:02 AM
I've talked to several people about Dish...no complaints.   I haven't had any issues with Directv aside from their programming issues with their vendors.  I've had Directv for quite awhile.  Longer than you, without technical issues.  Haven't called them for support at all.  I get all mine from the forums, oddly enough.  I've been thinking about switching to Dish since their last escapade.  It's coming down to switching for the following: vendor disputes, pricing of packages, new equipment, trying something different, and last but not least BBCA HD.

As far as installation goes....I wasn't impressed with the guy they sent out.  He had to come back twice.

Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: Conrad on July 23, 2012, 04:28:17 AM
I've talked to several people about Dish...no complaints.   I haven't had any issues with Directv aside from their programming issues with their vendors.  I've had Directv for quite awhile.  Longer than you, without technical issues.  Haven't called them for support at all.  I get all mine from the forums, oddly enough.  I've been thinking about switching to Dish since their last escapade.  It's coming down to switching for the following: vendor disputes, pricing of packages, new equipment, trying something different, and last but not least BBCA HD.

As far as installation goes....I wasn't impressed with the guy they sent out.  He had to come back twice.

Which guy, the Dish dude? Have you switched already?
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: VirginiaJim on July 23, 2012, 04:49:31 AM
The Directv dude... ;)   In process of switching...debating on whether to angst about some of the recorded shows I have on disk that I haven't watched in years.  More than likely I'm leaning towards 'I don't care'.
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: Conrad on July 23, 2012, 04:56:26 AM
Oh, it sounded like maybe you already made the switch.

Yeah, what's to do with all those old shows. Let me guess, stuff about WW2 and the like?
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: Cholla on July 23, 2012, 05:09:06 AM
The installers are independent contractors. Funny you keep mentioning disputes between DTV and networks. Dish does the same thing.  Again, what do you think happened with AMC?. A friend thought he wasn't happy with DTV until he got Dish. Waited 30 days and went back to DTV.
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: VirginiaJim on July 23, 2012, 05:13:58 AM
Oh, it sounded like maybe you already made the switch.

Yeah, what's to do with all those old shows. Let me guess, stuff about WW2 and the like?

Oddly enough, no.  Cooking and DIY stuff (home and garden).
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: VirginiaJim on July 23, 2012, 05:27:47 AM
The installers are independent contractors. Funny you keep mentioning disputes between DTV and networks. Dish does the same thing.  Again, what do you think happened with AMC?. A friend thought he wasn't happy with DTV until he got Dish. Waited 30 days and went back to DTV.

I've been debating going to Dish for the last year since their last escapade.  I'm on the older technology (though fairly stable) DVR with limited storage.  I've lately been having issues with the DVR with performance.  If I upgrade I have to pay (last time I checked).  Could I twist their arm a bit....sure and get something off the bill.  It seems these companies only do stuff for you if you strong arm them.  I'm ready for a change.  This action with viacom just pushed me over the top.  Really, the biggest thing is BBCA HD.  Directv doesn't offer that.  As I am a big time watcher of that channel (who would have guessed?), that means a lot to me.  As for AMC, I couldn't care less.  It's not a channel I watch that much.  FX on the other hand, would be a deal breaker.

 :offtopic: I actually renewed my old Netflix subscription in the last couple of days.  I have Amazon Prime and get quite a few shows but Netflix has more variety.  I'm just streaming.   We've got hooked on Poirot on Amazon.  If you love Art Deco, then this is the show to watch.  Such beautiful architecture and cinematography.  Wanted to see season 2 and couldn't get it without paying and Netflix has it.  No problem with the streaming.  I dumped them about a year ago because of delivery issues with their DVDs and their streaming performance sucked, not to mention their price increases as well.

I guess the point of that is I could drop off the grid and not have either and just stream everything.  It would be a lot cheaper.
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: T Cro ® on July 23, 2012, 05:29:48 AM
I've talked to several people about Dish...no complaints.   I haven't had any issues with Directv aside from their programming issues with their vendors.  I've had Directv for quite awhile.  Longer than you, without technical issues.  Haven't called them for support at all.  I get all mine from the forums, oddly enough.  I've been thinking about switching to Dish since their last escapade.  It's coming down to switching for the following: vendor disputes, pricing of packages, new equipment, trying something different, and last but not least BBCA HD.

As far as installation goes....I wasn't impressed with the guy they sent out.  He had to come back twice.

I switched to DTV from Comcast cable a couple years ago and what I thought was really cool was they DTV can now use the existing wiring "as is" only needing to install their splitters in place of any others. Used to be that they needed ALL boxes run to ONE central which as I recall was out to the dish itself; my house has six boxes but only one wire going out to the dish.
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: Conrad on July 23, 2012, 08:12:12 AM
Oh, it sounded like maybe you already made the switch.

Yeah, what's to do with all those old shows. Let me guess, stuff about WW2 and the like?

Oddly enough, no.  Cooking and DIY stuff (home and garden).

I guess that I was thinking about all the old stuff on my DVR then...
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: timsatx on July 23, 2012, 03:10:38 PM
I switched to DTV from Comcast cable a couple years ago and what I thought was really cool was they DTV can now use the existing wiring "as is" only needing to install their splitters in place of any others. Used to be that they needed ALL boxes run to ONE central which as I recall was out to the dish itself; my house has six boxes but only one wire going out to the dish.

I believe you are talking about the SWM, or the Single Wire Multiswitch. With this you can run up to 8 devices off of one cable coming from the Slimline dish. There are a number of ways to hook them up. Too bad though that each receiver will only accept two lines so you can only record two channels at once, or watch one and record another.
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: Mal on July 23, 2012, 04:16:18 PM

I guess the point of that is I could drop off the grid and not have either and just stream everything.  It would be a lot cheaper.



That's actually where I'm heading.

BTW, as soon as you tell them you're going to Dish, they will offer you some amazing upgrade deals. New DVR's, new Dish, HD and lots of other features. You could end up with a heckofa deal if you play your cards right...
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: VirginiaJim on July 23, 2012, 05:56:39 PM
Good point.  We'll see after my conversation with Dish.  Still haven't called yet.  Haven't had the time.
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: VirginiaJim on November 30, 2012, 05:06:58 AM
Here we go again....Now it's CBS.  I'm starting to get numb over this shi*, I hate to say.  On Directv's part, I haven't seen any information flowing across the screen from them.  Saw it on a taped version of The Big Bang Theory I watched this morning from CBS I would think.  I would hate to lose CBS for that and NCIS, but you know what, at this point I'm beginning not to care any more.  I think I will use it as a bargaining chip for an upgrade though, for the whole house DVR system.  I'm calling in today.  I'll let you know how that goes.
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: Conrad on November 30, 2012, 05:15:55 AM
First I heard of this.
Title: Re: Directv has done it again....
Post by: VirginiaJim on November 30, 2012, 05:38:14 AM
Seems I misspoke.  It's only the CBS station in the DC area...WUSA 9.

http://www.wusa9.com/life/programming/direcTV.aspx (http://www.wusa9.com/life/programming/direcTV.aspx)

This is ridiculous negotiating every single broadcast station or group.

So, this is only affecting the viewers in the DC area that watch WUSA 9 CBS.... 

Based on this new incident, I called Directv and upgraded all my equipment and signed a new two year contract.  I got the equipment for free including the HR24 DVR receiver.  Two additional HD receivers come with it.  My monthly cost went up $6.

I've been waiting for something like this to happen to push the upgrade button.  I didn't even have to argue with them....much....about the price of the units.