Disappointed with DirecTV

DirecTV is in the middle of a long-planned upgrade to new satellite broadcast technology. The company has launched new satellites that use MPEG-4 video compression to carry an ever-increasing number of HDTV stations, both local and national.

I've been a DirecTV subscriber for many years. In fact, I signed up in 2000 because I wanted to take a look at the then-new RCA DTC100 HD receiver. I didn't even have an HDTV, but I did have a high-quality 21" CRT computer monitor that the DTC100 could drive. It wasn't good for large audiences, but for one or two people at a time, it was a real eye-opener. Eventually I got a real HDTV and the Hughes HR10-250 TiVo DVR (digital video recorder) for DirecTV. That was a great combination, one of the best high-tech purchases I've ever made.

Late last year, DirecTV started calling me, inviting me to upgrade my equipment so that I could start receiving the new MPEG-4 channels. The representatives explained that the MPEG-2 HD channels I was watching on the DTC100 and HR10-250 would be phased out, and I would need to get new receivers eventually anyway.

But I really didn't want to upgrade. See, DirecTV and TiVo don't get along any more. DirecTV sells its own DVRs, and all the reports I read online said these non-TiVo models were pretty bad. I wanted to hang onto my HR10-250 as long as possible, hoping there'd be a new TiVo-branded DirecTV DVR before the old MPEG-2 channels were cut off.

But eventually I forced myself to accept that wasn't going to happen, so when DirecTV called again last month and offered to give me a new receiver to replace the DTC100, a new DVR to replace the HR10-250, and free installation of a new dish antenna, I gave in and scheduled the appointment.

I should have held out longer. I had problems getting the appointment set up, big problems with the work done by the installer, more problems with DirecTV customer service, and now I'm stuck with a mediocre DVR, DirecTV's HR21-700, that doesn't do all the things my HR10-250 did.

I'll explain what happened and provide a detailed review of the HR21-700 over the next few days.

[bryanlyle]

I went through a similar scenario last year. I upgraded one of my HR10-250 Tivos to a HR20-700. Other than being able to now receive the new HD channels, I would rather have the Tivo interface.

I have gotten used to the HR20 interface, but it took some time.

[dariffle]

I couldn't agree more. The Tivo unit is vastly superior to the HR20, but I had to weigh the pros and cons and the HR20 won out. The extra HD channels are worth more to me than an awesome interface and a better DVR.

I don't know if it will happen, but my HR20 will go directly into the trash if a Hi-Def Tivo unit is ever offered.

[bigmc6000]

No complaints here - I had no problems with any of this. I never wanted a TIVO branded DVR because I don't like TIVO. The interface of the DirecTV DVR is insanely easy to grasp and understand - I have no idea why you're complaining. DirecTV even just added programming your DVR via the web so there goes that "limitation." I'll admit - even when I had internet programming on my UVerse DVR I didn't use it that much. Regardless I couldn't be happier with the new receivers and dish. I think he's just complaining because it's something new...

[PortVista-19095313035016904102]

This is why I've always gone back to "basic cable." I've lived a few places and tried them all. The digital boxes you get from your cable or satellite provider are always slow, hard to find the shows you want, and you get really high compression and artifacts in the picture, with occasional freezes/stuttering and sound syncing problems. Now I'm starting to see the same problems in analog because the source singles are starting to use this new crappy compression too. I'd like to try TIVO but I hear about all these compatibility issues and complicated/restricting set-ups. So I have basic cable for news mostly, and any shows I want to watch I just bit torrent and burn them on DVD --- my DVD player plays Divx so I'm good.

[youdontknowblog]

I'm stuck in the same situation, and now DirecTV is making it more painful by putting up banners telling me to upgrade, so even the little time I have left is marred by their nonsense.

There's good info about this here:

http://www.wkblog.com/2007/12/hd_on_directv_hr10250_hr20_and.html

For me, since the programming I watch (broadcast networks plus HBO and some very, very common other channels) is the same from DirecTV or cable, I'm going to cable. I've already got a TiVo HD, and it's just way - WAY - better than my HR10-250, even though that machine is no slouch.

DirecTV is so heavy-handed, I can't stand it. I haven't had cable for a while, but it can't be this bad.

[Bubba-gump]

Even better..... HD channels we used to get as part of the HD package have now been transitioned into another package in which we have to pay another $5.00 on top of the $10.00 HD service. I'm seriosly considering FiOS, even though direct tv is truly better, I just am fed up with them nickle and dime-ing me. Oh and rates keep going up and up about every 6 months.

[ebonovic]

Yes, you have to pay the additional $5 to get Universal and HDNet Movies.... but how many more channels do you get for that same $9.99 that you have paid the last many years?

I've see tons of people complain about having to pay the $5 more... but no one saying the reverse about getting 35+ more HD channels, for not a penny more on the HD Service fee.

As for Nickle-Diming... it is called options....
Customers complain about big packages, that contain everything... thus they have broken it up... so you can build the plan that fits your needs.

As for rates going up every 6 months.... DirecTV only has increased their base packages rates 1 time a year (March) for the last few years.

While 2007 was slight different because of the HD-Extra pack... the rest of their rates typically have stayed the same for a full year.

[jotterson]

I am *totally* pissed off at DirecTV for the HD channels fiasco you mentioned, and that the channels I wanted when I foolishly signed a 2 year contract with them are no longer available. I am referring to Universal HD and HDNet Movies. I liked those channels, but I am already paying close to $90 a month to DirecTV, so there is no way I am going to pay them another $5 on top of that.

I plan cut my nose off to spite my face and switch to Comcast as soon as my contract is up with DirecTV.

[ebonovic]

I am curious to see your review of the HR21-700 (which is part of the HR21 series, no difference between the HR21-100, -200, and -700... and with the exception of OTA, little different with the HR20 series).

There are definently a few things that the HR2* series can't do, that the HR10-250 (TiVo) did... such as DLB, Suggestions, and Some combinations of wishlists (note newer updates of the HR2* software will give you more features in searching, that improve it's ability to act more like Wishlists).

But there is a lot the HR2* series can do (taking MPEG-4 out of the picture), that the TiVo couldn't (such as single channel/single tuner overlaps, Group Playback, Available space meter, and others).

While it sucks that you had issues getting an appointment and installation, those issues are independent of the HR2* (two seperate discussions)....

Another spot to get a LOT of information about the HR2* is www.dbstalk.com
There are also a few very detailed comparisons between the HR10/HR20/HR21 units as well available.

And yes... comes March 31, the LA MPEG-2 HD locals will be no more. You will have to have an MPEG-4 compatible receiver to receive them. (Note you will not need the 5LNB until September, as the LA HD locals will be broadcasted on an 3LNB compatible sat)

[larryflowers]

I have followed a course from Microsoft's Ultimate TV DirecTV receiver to the TIVO DirecTV receiver and now to the HR20-700 DirecTV receiver. Tivo makes a nice product. It has a pretty interface and makes nice sounds.

But I do not miss any of that.. I love my HR20-700. It gets the job done. It records what I want when I want. The HD offerings are unmatched by anyone anywhere.

I also like that the HR20-700 is a "work in progress". DirecTV continues to add new features to the unit. I have had this unit since it came out and am extremely satisfied with it.

I have been a DirecTV customer since 1994. No regrets, ever. If DirecTV has a weak link it is in the installation arena. I have had both good and bad installer experiences, however DirecTV has always made them right.

[carstud]

That is the problem with the hr20's they aren't as reliable as the hr10 has been. I have had my Hr20 replaced 5 times now and it still does not record my shows as it should. Luckly I still have 1 of my Hr10's and 3 Sd directv tivos that still record most of shows since I don't trust the Hr20, it randomly misses at least 3 shows a week. I wish there was a list guide like the tivo had not just the grid guide. I also think the max limit of 50 series link is stupid why limit it. I have had D since 1999 and have had at least 20 friends and family that have gotten D from my recomendation and using my Tivo Dvr's. I honestly don't recomend them anymore since the Dvr is no longer reliable and they keep raising the rates. I personally wouldn 't mind paying Extra to get a Hd dvr with tivo software since it has very reliable over the last 7 years. I never had a installer issues but I learned early on they are not well trained and the installer companies have a high turn over rate. So I do my Installs and all they have to do is mount the dish and hook up the box.

[Kingdaddy2000]

I had to switch to DirecTV from DishNetwork to get the NFL Sunday ticket two years ago after sticking with Dishnetwork for years (they kept saying they were going to get the NFL ticket but never did). I really liked the Dish DVR. I then spent the money for the HR 10-250 (they came out at around $1k), and I felt robbed when DirecTV made them obsolete (I had two of them). I have now gotten used to the HR 20 receivers. I actually like the ability to find a show forward in time, and then select "Episodes", so that I can choose episodes of that show in the future I'd like to record. I do miss the old Tivo interface though where I could view the menu and go forward in time only by a single channel. Found that very helpful.

LIke others comments here, I too hate the nickel and diming of everything. We have to have 5 DVRs in the house, and that extra $4.99 per DVR adds up. So does the extra $10 for HD channels. Not to mention how much the Sunday ticket adds, but the problem there is the additional fee for HD Sunday ticket games! They also tack on another fee for "NFL Redzone".

I do like the significant number of HD channels now available. Hopefully, DirecTV will get local HD channels in the Hampton Roads VA area soon.

[jerry419]

I am a long time Directv & Tivo user. I replaced the Tivo with a Directv DVR, and was very disappointed. User navigation on the Directv DVR is illogical and crude compared to the Tivo. Further, the lack of networking and DVR to DVR and/or Computer is non-existant. I finally got rid of the Directv DVR and re-installed Tivo.

[Cirick]

What I couldn't figure out is how they can charge you $200-$300 for this unit and you don't even own it. You have to give it back if you cancel their service and don't get your $200- $300 back.

[kbrown57]

I have Direct TV, I called them today to talk about upgrading my equipment to HD, they told me that I would have to buy a new DVR, and was told that I could not get any of the specials that they offer a new customer. I wonder what they will have to say when I call them on Friday to cancel my service. I switched over to Dish, which will be Installed on Thursday.

[hturner1949]

I dumped DirecTV in 2002 when I got my HDTV because they wanted almost 800 bucks to upgrade my Dish and receiver to HD. I took advantage of Comcast's "Dish Out" promotion. But I found our that no one nickels and dimes you more than Comcast. I was spending $130 bucks a month for their HD package which consisted of 1 HD receiver and 1 HD-DVR. The only premium channels I had were HBO & the Encore package. Finally DirecTV made me an offer I counldn't refuse. Even with initial investment I'm still going to save over $400.00 this year vs Comcast and I have my NFL package back plus 3 times as many HD channels. I've never owned a TIVO because buying a recorder and then paying a monthly fee on top of it seemed ludicrous. If you say TIVO has a better GUI then I'll take your word for it, but I didn't have problem navigating the Comcast DVR and DirecTV's DVR is just as easy.

[twothtek--2008]

I've had Dish, Time Warner and now Dirct TV ...they all have their bad sides. I've had major pixle problems with Direct TV, which seems to have finally been resolved by a complete reinstall. The DVR 21 I have works very well and I think looks great in black with the blue power ring effect. The unit has had 2 program updates with more features to come I'm told. The menu could be more intuitive and does scroll very slowly.... on my HD 21 100 non DVR, this feature is lightening fast. I hope the powers that be address this in a future update. I've asked for and recieved credit for my troubles amounting to $160 out right credit and free HD, $120, for a year.

[TheresaGriffin]

OMG! How did you get credit? I've had DirecTV since 1994 and currently have two accounts with them for a total of five HD DVRs, one normal DVR and three of the small boxes. I just did an audit and found that they had overcharged me for about a year for a total of 7 HD DVRs, 2 normal DVRs and 5 of the small boxes. When I requested a refund, the rep said she was blocked from giving more than $49 at her level but that she was sending my case to Accounting. She wouldn't give me their number but promised I would hear within a week. It's been two months and I've not been called.

I called in and the person who was supposed to have helped me didn't leave notes. I had a total of seven phone calls on this issue with each rep assuring me that "I was a very valued customer" and they "apologized for the prior rep who didn't leave notes, but I assure you that I am leaving good notes." I finally gave up. I determined the errors happened when I've had to have my DVRs replaced (pixilation and audio problems) and each installer simply renamed the new one a name and didn't eliminate the old equipment, consequently we were being charged for way too many.

In case you're wondering, why it took so long to figure it out, it's because we use bill pay and are out of the country so often that we didn't examine the bills before they were paid. Shame on us, I know.

[never2u]

I can't imagine using DirectTV or any other service without TiVo. The day I'm told that I can no longer use Tivo, is the day I quit DirectTV. I've been satisfied with DirectTV up until now. I'll be sorry to leave them. I'm holding out hope that they work something out with TiVo.

[bobdirects]

I bought a High def tv and got DirecTVs HD DVR to replace our Tivo. The DirecTV HDR is nowhere NEAR as user friendly as the TIvo.

For instance, on our TIVO we could switch between the two tuners without losing the last thirty minutes of programming. On the new one, we have to physically RECORD the program.

We just are not happy. We love the HD picture, but the Tivo interface and user friendliness are SO MUCH BETTER.

[48bigpaul2004]

I just bought a 750 Gb (701 hour SD) HR10-250, it is on the way to my place. I have the new DirecTv HRBull Crap Recever already in use. I use it only for the new HD channels. The HR10-250 will be used for all the other programs I like that are not and the HD programs I couldn't care less about. 'GD,MF' HD channels are just another way for these morons to stick-it to you. No more tiers of channels, now you have to subscibe to everyything they offer. Damn good thing I didn't have to buy the sports package or I would have shut the whole GD Thing down. I am screwed! I live in a Mobile Home Park and they have their own cable system. If they let Comcast come in I Plan to drop DirecTv like a bad habit. I hope my Park can't afford to upgrade in February 2009. I am SO ready for a cable modem and Comcast Digital Cable. I don't owe anythign to DirecTv anymore and I have lost all loyalty to them. Hiow dare they just screw over my system. I had a DirecTiVo Hughes HDRV2 I upgraded that sucker to 354 Hours, I still have/use it and I will keep it in the backroom until Feb 2009. DirecTv is heading for a fall. I have seen Comcast over my Brothers House. He has the whole 1080P thing going on. Blue Ray, Laserdisc all the goodies. That system makes mine look like a waste of time!