Directv (1 Viewer)

[porculator]

The more I use someone else's cable or satellite, the more I realize how much directv sucks. I got it for the Saints, and because it turned out to be pretty cheap, but it's really terrible for just about everything else. Is this the case for everyone else, or am I just doing it wrong?

The channel layout makes no sense. Why is there porn everywhere? That's what the internet is for. They just sprinkle it in between random channels.

What the hell is the deal with on-demand? As far as I can tell it doesn't exist for TV shows. For movies, it "records" it, but not fast enough to actually watch immediately? Pathetic.

There's no decent way to search or browse for shows the way cable and Dish let you.

Worst of all, its so damn SLOW. You press a button, it takes 2-3 seconds to respond, at which point you've pressed it again and sent it to some other random channel.

Anyone else regret their directv?

 

[buzd]

I have directv and I have been very pleased. Picture quality is great, service is good, and I don't have to deal with Cox. Slowness of the receivers can be an issue, but often you can talk them into an upgrade, and/or a reboot can help with that.

Yes, the channel layout is a pain. You can set a custom layout, though (hide unwanted) and you can also hotkey 9 channels to your remote.

On demand actually does download over the internet (it would be way too slow over satellite), so it's limited by your internet speed. I don't watch it much, but I haven't had a problem with it (although I'm on a speedy wired connection).

There is a search function that I use occasionally. It's slow, but it works.


So, yeah, I'm happy with it. I like the whole home DVR, too. Between my 3 DVRs, I can record up to 6 shows (although the end result is that I just end up recording the same show on three different boxes).

 

[saintsfanfl]

I've had it since 1997, no regrets here.

Not sure why you are seeing porn everywhere, there is a block of channels in the 500's reserved for adult channels. You can delete them out of your guide list, just like any other channel you don't want.

The recent software update now allows instant viewing of on demand shows, no longer having to wait for the download.

There has always been an issue with speed, but most of the HR-2X receivers have had software updates that speed them up some, and the new receivers are very fast compared to older models.

Not saying they don't have their flaws, but all the carriers do IMO, so far me, the fact that I can't get anyone else in my area cheaper added to the Sunday Ticket, I've remained loyal all these years. The other reason is because 3 times after hurricanes, I was up and running as soon as I restored power via generator or power comp. while on all 3 occasions, cable was out for 5-10 days after the storm. That alone keeps me from even considering cable in my area.

 

[saintsfanfl]

By the way, if you happen to pay for the Protection Plan ($5.99 a month), it is going up to $7.99 a month.

But there is a sweetener for that $2 increase. Among other newly included features, FREE upgrades will now be offered for each receiver in your home that is no longer under it's 2 year agreement.

It's a huge bonus for someone like me that has 4 DVR's, all of which are all at least 3 years old, that I can now upgrade to the newer/faster models at no charge.

 

[insidejob]

Not sure what you're talking about with the On Demand not being available for tv shows. I've downloaded many. Nor the porn thing...no random porn popping up between other channels. My internet connection is great so I have no issues with the speed. I have two accounts at two different houses and the latest account doesn't lag nearly as much as the original, which I assume is because of the newer dvr boxes, but that is really frustrating with the old boxes.

 

[superchuck500]

I love my DTV.

And there's only porn in two places: the high 100s (in the pay per view events) and the high 500s (the regularly occurring porn channels). Unless you count Skinemax.

 

[porculator]

I guess I've never had any service interruptions in the 2 years so I should count my blessings. The porn channels show up around 200, right next to all the sports channels, and again in the 500s. What really bothers me the most is the slow receiver. I figured it was a universal satellite thing until I used my parents' Dish network and the receiver response was instantaneous like cable is. Maybe I'll have to look into receiver upgrades since my 2 year contract is about up so I can threaten to cancel.

 

[V Chip]

DTV Is awesome except for these few things

Sometimes (not often in my experience, but sometimes) heavy storms knock out the signal. It happens about as often in frequency as my cable internet being out, but for different reasons obviously. Unfortunately this has happened during Saints game(s) the past couple years aargh.
Their receiver is kinda slow. Doing search by "typing" in the name is a slow pain, but eventually it gets you there. I think a lot of the time the slowness is due to getting data from the satellite or internet.
Just moved and now it takes 3-10 seconds to switch from one channel to another. It wasn't like that before so not sure what the problem is...

But they have Sunday Ticket so that outweighs everything else.

BONUS: this year I get Sunday Ticket (the full-shebang version) FREE because I just moved. SCORE!

 

[Semper]

Love it. No regrets at all. I honestly had more outages with Time Warner Cable.

 

[saintsfanfl]

The porn channels show up around 200, right next to all the sports channels, and again in the 500s.

That's bizarre. I've never seen any porn channels show up in the 200's, especially near the lower 200's which are the sports channels.

I know there are a few shopping channels (actually a boatload) scattered in the 200's and those drive me crazy until I go in and edit my favorites list. Seems like there are always new shopping channels popping up though.

 

[insidejob]

That's bizarre. I've never seen any porn channels show up in the 200's, especially near the lower 200's which are the sports channels.

I know there are a few shopping channels (actually a boatload) scattered in the 200's and those drive me crazy until I go in and edit my favorites list. Seems like there are always new shopping channels popping up though.

Channels 190-200 or so are porn, but that's where they've always been at the end of the on demand movies. And then the porn channels are with the HBO's and others in the 500's.

 

[Saint by the Bay]

By the way, if you happen to pay for the Protection Plan ($5.99 a month), it is going up to $7.99 a month.

But there is a sweetener for that $2 increase. Among other newly included features, FREE upgrades will now be offered for each receiver in your home that is no longer under it's 2 year agreement.

It's a huge bonus for someone like me that has 4 DVR's, all of which are all at least 3 years old, that I can now upgrade to the newer/faster models at no charge.

Wow, really?

I have a new one (just moved in to a new house and got free DVR) and a Genie (called and asked for a free one when they first came out and they gave me one). I also have 2 dirt old DVR's I'd love to upgrade. Is this in effect already?

 

[Surviving Saint]

I never had problems but I plan to cancel my service soon. $1000 ? a year isnt worth it. We dont watch that much TV.

 

[saintsfanfl]

Wow, really?

I have a new one (just moved in to a new house and got free DVR) and a Genie (called and asked for a free one when they first came out and they gave me one). I also have 2 dirt old DVR's I'd love to upgrade. Is this in effect already?

The email I received said May 16th is when the new features/price increase take affect. I assume the new rates/benefits go into affect at the same time for all customers, but I don't know for sure. Could be linked to each customers enrollment date in the PP.

Here is the contents of the email I received a few months back.

We heard your feedback and have added several great new improvements to the DIRECTV PROTECTION PLAN as a result, including an equipment upgrade every two years at no additional cost beyond the monthly charge. (Offer requires a renewed 24-month agreement.)* Effective May 16, 2013, the DIRECTV PROTECTION PLAN will increase by $2 per month to $7.99. We're sure you'll agree that it's a small price to pay for these great new benefits. For a list of benefits, see chart below.

If you would like more information about upgrading your equipment, please call us at 1-800-531-5000 on or after May 16, 2013 and reference "upgrade my equipment" in our automated phone system.

You get even more protection and better benefits^

NEW BENEFIT: Equipment upgrade every two years at no additional cost beyond the monthly charge.

NEW BENEFIT: Unintentional and accidental damage from handling of the DIRECTV System.

And of course, you continue to get:

On-site repairs and the cost associated with replacing defective equipment.

Protection for every DIRECTV Receiver, remote, connection/switch, satellite antenna and wiring, plus dish antenna realignment.

24-hour technical support, 7 days a week

 

[Tony in Brandon]

Ok, new to DTV here. How do I delete those unwanted channels from showing up in my guide?