It’s been a long ride with DirecTv. I learned about the service in Best Buy. I bought the dish and receiver. Did my own install in 1998.
It felt so good cutting off my crappy Cable. It was so unreliable. My original DirecTv equipment worked flawlessly. I never had to reboot it or call customer service.
The newest equipment is a huge PITA. I had to reboot the box three times this month. DirecTv wants me to pay extra for Customer Service. It’s several Dollars extra a month. I refuse.
DirecTv basic package is already overpriced.
They constantly Spam me with telephone calls. You have this trial package of channels free! I just say I don’t want my service changed and hang up.
I’ve done my research. Philo is $28 a month and nearly all my favorite channels are there. I already have Paramount+ and Peacock. That gives me their library of shows and my local CBS and NBC channels.
I will lose ABC. I don’t think Hulu offers my local tv channel. I can’t stand the thought of giving Hulu/Disney one nickel.
I can install a antenna outside and get my local ABC channel. I don’t need a roof install. A basic pole is enough.
It’s too weak for rabbit ears.
I am concerned the low rates at Philo and other similar Companies will go up. $28 a month is ridiculously low. I hope it’s not $68 three years from now.
I have DirecTV Stream. Pretty sure it’s the same channel line-up as with the actual dish but no equipment needed. Just a wi-fi connection. I’ve never been contacted by them.
I thought about the streaming service. It would eliminate the complex equipment that I’m using and getting charged.
I currently have two receivers and the basic channel plan.
I get called at least once a month. They offer a free trial. Then add it to my plan if I don’t cancel. I tell them immediately I don’t want the trial and to leave my subscription plan alone.
This started after AT&T bought DirecTv. The original company never called or bothered me. I had to update my receiver Access card a few times in 20 years. No big deal. The original company was very good.
I used my equipment purchased from Best Buy for almost 10 years. Then DirecTv wanted to upgrade it free. That’s impressive lifespan for tech equipment.
I run the streaming on 2 tvs, 2 ipads, one iphone, and one laptop with no extra fees. The on-screen interface is the same as using a box. Full channel guide. Unlimited cloud recording.
I gave them up long ago. I did keep it just for NFL Sunday Ticket, but NO basic service, a fact which confounded the service personnel to no end.
I gave up on everything else when they dropped Music Choice (true commercial- and announcer-free) for Sirius XM (not announcer free). And when they lost NFL Sunday ticket, I said bye bye,
’
And yes, DTV has the absolute worst customer service i have ever had the displeasure to use.
Since AT&T is still the principal owner of DirectTV, expect 1) a strong effort to inveigle you into continuing as a subscriber, 2) making it difficult for you to leave, and/or 3) an attempt to bill you an extra month or so as you’re headed out the door.
My dad is in the same position, but canceling because he’ll be moving soon. Probably only 24 years, though; basically a newb.
He’s paying something like $120/month for a whole bunch of channels, of which he watches the broadcast channels, and a few specialized sports ones covering the local pro and college teams.
I am reasonably impressed with the hardware setup, though I think it’s 5+ years old at this point. There is a main box, which is connected to the satellite and contains the drive for the DVR. That then connects over wifi to little boxes attached to each TV. If he’s watching live TV and loses the satellite signal, it will automatically cut over to streaming.
Hopefully the DirecTV will accept “moving” as a reason to cancel without a barrage of sales pitches. I also really hope they want their hardware back, because otherwise it’s all going to end up in the landfill. Including about a dozen unused remotes.
Don’t just send the hardware to a landfill without looking for alternatives. There are almost certainly places that will accept the e-waste for proper disposal; Best Buy or Goodwill Industries, possibly, or your local waste authority.
If you still want satellite for some reason, Dish has never bugged us, customer service is free, the DVR is pretty reliable, and when a DVR is dying I get through to someone who is both intelligent and respects my intelligence quickly.
But I definitely see why people would drop it entirely. We keep it to avoid commercials on shows we record.
You argue with my dad about it, then. Believe me, I know all about e-waste, and as soon as I look away it’s in his bin, even when DirecTV boxes are on Best Buy’s free list.
