Can you negotiate with DirecTV? (1 Viewer)

[shuke]

It's about time for my annual call as well...

Quick question guys, is the Genie really that big of an improvement over what's out there now? I ask because the drawback for me is that I would have to be the one to re-program all the remotes, hook it all up, etc. Plus, we'd have to catch up on all of our old shows before we could turn the old one off.

If it's just "woo, new box, new name," then forget it.

I think I heard that if you put in the Genie, you can keep your old DVR and also watch those programs on other tv's, as long as you have a minigenie hooked up to it.

Can someone confirm this?

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

I signed up for Directv a few months ago with the 2 year contract. Does this mean that after my first year is up and lose all my credits I can still call back and negotiate the price?

I'm in the same boat and I'm going to call this week and see what they say. I'm planning on using the Netflix angle as well as the fact that they've already charged me this month for part of the Sunday Ticket, which I probably already authorized, but wasn't aware of.

Did they actually charge you, or did you just get the notification that they were automatically renewing ST? (My bill just has the renewal notice with no charge.)

 

[Drifter]

Does Genie let people watch 2 different shows at the same time in different rooms? I imagine since it says you can record up to 5 you could conceivably watch different shows concurrently in different rooms but it doesn't clarify that point exactly.

 

[fred_1_15301]

I called last night and received $30 off a month plus free showtime, starz and encore. I'm also not committed to another year. I know this isn't much compared to what many of you got but my 2 year contract ends in November and I plan to call again then. I didn't put up much of a fight yesterday--just willing to take whatever they were going to give me.

 

[Skipdog77]

Does Genie let people watch 2 different shows at the same time in different rooms? I imagine since it says you can record up to 5 you could conceivably watch different shows concurrently in different rooms but it doesn't clarify that point exactly.

Yes, Genie allows for different programs in different rooms to be shown at the same time.

 

[GoFishTN]

I signed up for Directv a few months ago with the 2 year contract. Does this mean that after my first year is up and lose all my credits I can still call back and negotiate the price?

I'm in the same boat and I'm going to call this week and see what they say. I'm planning on using the Netflix angle as well as the fact that they've already charged me this month for part of the Sunday Ticket, which I probably already authorized, but wasn't aware of.

Did they actually charge you, or did you just get the notification that they were automatically renewing ST? (My bill just has the renewal notice with no charge.)

My statement has this line listed under Current Charges:

NFL SUNDAY TICKET 2013 Early Renewal in 6 Payments: $37.49

 

[Brony]

I decided to actually look at my last statement. Here are my charges for having 3 receivers in my house...

06/26 07/25 CHOICE XTRA CLASSIC Monthly 71.99
06/26 07/25 Advanced Receiver-HD Monthly 10.00
06/26 07/25 Advanced Receiver-DVR Monthly 10.00

06/27 Additional TV 6.00
06/27 Additional TV 6.00
06/27 Primary TV 6.00

Then I have a credit each month for my Primary TV (-$6) and 12 mos of HD for free (-$10).

Even with the credits, I feel like I'm getting double whammied on each extra box. Anyone else have similar fees?

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

I signed up for Directv a few months ago with the 2 year contract. Does this mean that after my first year is up and lose all my credits I can still call back and negotiate the price?

I'm in the same boat and I'm going to call this week and see what they say. I'm planning on using the Netflix angle as well as the fact that they've already charged me this month for part of the Sunday Ticket, which I probably already authorized, but wasn't aware of.

Did they actually charge you, or did you just get the notification that they were automatically renewing ST? (My bill just has the renewal notice with no charge.)

My statement has this line listed under Current Charges:

NFL SUNDAY TICKET 2013 Early Renewal in 6 Payments: $37.49

You can get that reduced..I had the same thing and they offered ST Max for free when I called.

 

[lumpy19]

I decided to actually look at my last statement. Here are my charges for having 3 receivers in my house...

06/26 07/25 CHOICE XTRA CLASSIC Monthly 71.99

06/26 07/25 Advanced Receiver-HD Monthly 10.00

06/26 07/25 Advanced Receiver-DVR Monthly 10.00

06/27 Additional TV 6.00

06/27 Additional TV 6.00

06/27 Primary TV 6.00

Then I have a credit each month for my Primary TV (-$6) and 12 mos of HD for free (-$10).

Even with the credits, I feel like I'm getting double whammied on each extra box. Anyone else have similar fees?

Yes everyone has those fees. That's why it's important to call and complain. I always call in July and then right after football season. I always call if they lose a channel or if my local cable is offering something good.

 

[Abraham]

That's basically my Bill. I think I have the $65 plan plus one HD box and 3 other boxes. I need to call tonight.

 

[Master of Past and Present]

So direct tv isn't playing ball with me with the hulu/netflix threat ($11 off Sunday Ticket Max). Never really been serious about switching but usually I call in once and get a good deal. Called twice and basically squat so far. Try a time or two more but I'll be honest, using the hulu threat but I really don't know much about it. I don't watch many shows, is this a viable thing if what I like to do is watch tennis channel, Mariners on root sports, and then the nationally televised games for NFL/NBA/College? Or do I basically need a cable provider for that type of content?

Really baffled why direct tv is giving out such awesome deals this year and can't get a sniff of any of it.

 

[McGarnicle]

So direct tv isn't playing ball with me with the hulu/netflix threat ($11 off Sunday Ticket Max). Never really been serious about switching but usually I call in once and get a good deal. Called twice and basically squat so far. Try a time or two more but I'll be honest, using the hulu threat but I really don't know much about it. I don't watch many shows, is this a viable thing if what I like to do is watch tennis channel, Mariners on root sports, and then the nationally televised games for NFL/NBA/College? Or do I basically need a cable provider for that type of content?

Really baffled why direct tv is giving out such awesome deals this year and can't get a sniff of any of it.

My deal was okay but I'm also pissed that others got free ST Max and I couldn't. Seems like they have different deals depending on how long you've been a customer, your current package, and what incentives you've been given in the past. The guy I spoke to said they will only give you free ST Max once.

One thing is for sure, there is no predictable pattern of what deals are available at any given time.

 

[Slapdash]

So direct tv isn't playing ball with me with the hulu/netflix threat ($11 off Sunday Ticket Max). Never really been serious about switching but usually I call in once and get a good deal. Called twice and basically squat so far. Try a time or two more but I'll be honest, using the hulu threat but I really don't know much about it. I don't watch many shows, is this a viable thing if what I like to do is watch tennis channel, Mariners on root sports, and then the nationally televised games for NFL/NBA/College? Or do I basically need a cable provider for that type of content?

Really baffled why direct tv is giving out such awesome deals this year and can't get a sniff of any of it.

I am going to try the TWC angle since they finally have Redzone and BeIn Sport. No reason that should be half the price of Direct Tv...

 

[McGarnicle]

I doubt it matters what alternative service/competitor you cite as your reason for canceling. More important to sound determined to leave and focus on price as a key factor IMO. And just come off as reasonable, friendly and candid.

 

[Davej626]

So direct tv isn't playing ball with me with the hulu/netflix threat ($11 off Sunday Ticket Max). Never really been serious about switching but usually I call in once and get a good deal. Called twice and basically squat so far. Try a time or two more but I'll be honest, using the hulu threat but I really don't know much about it. I don't watch many shows, is this a viable thing if what I like to do is watch tennis channel, Mariners on root sports, and then the nationally televised games for NFL/NBA/College? Or do I basically need a cable provider for that type of content?

Really baffled why direct tv is giving out such awesome deals this year and can't get a sniff of any of it.

My deal was okay but I'm also pissed that others got free ST Max and I couldn't. Seems like they have different deals depending on how long you've been a customer, your current package, and what incentives you've been given in the past. The guy I spoke to said they will only give you free ST Max once.

One thing is for sure, there is no predictable pattern of what deals are available at any given time.

It depends on who you get. I've been with them for years and the average bill over that time has been 70-100. So its not like I'm the biggest spender out there. You just need to call at the right time and get the right person. Call them back and say the wife isn't happy with that deal and you are calling to cancel again. Never know...

 

[VA703]

should i wait atleast a year before trying this?

 

[McGarnicle]

So direct tv isn't playing ball with me with the hulu/netflix threat ($11 off Sunday Ticket Max). Never really been serious about switching but usually I call in once and get a good deal. Called twice and basically squat so far. Try a time or two more but I'll be honest, using the hulu threat but I really don't know much about it. I don't watch many shows, is this a viable thing if what I like to do is watch tennis channel, Mariners on root sports, and then the nationally televised games for NFL/NBA/College? Or do I basically need a cable provider for that type of content?

Really baffled why direct tv is giving out such awesome deals this year and can't get a sniff of any of it.

My deal was okay but I'm also pissed that others got free ST Max and I couldn't. Seems like they have different deals depending on how long you've been a customer, your current package, and what incentives you've been given in the past. The guy I spoke to said they will only give you free ST Max once.

One thing is for sure, there is no predictable pattern of what deals are available at any given time.

It depends on who you get. I've been with them for years and the average bill over that time has been 70-100. So its not like I'm the biggest spender out there. You just need to call at the right time and get the right person. Call them back and say the wife isn't happy with that deal and you are calling to cancel again. Never know...

Getting more and more pissed that I didn't get free Max. I'm going to call these sons of #####es back. Got nothing to lose.

 

[Master of Past and Present]

So far I have called in and said my wife is looking at Hulu and Netflix because that much cheaper (plus the auto renewal for football came) and asked them for a way to convince her to stay. I think my next time I will call and if they give me squat, ask them what cancellation appointments in mid-August when I have some time off scheduled for. If that doesn't get their gears moving then I really will be fine looking for new service and have the switch made when I'll be off work anyway.

Hopefully it is just haven't gotten the right person so far but I actually thought I did on call 1. I said Hulu and Netflix and she seemed to perk up. I mentioned my wife wasn't a football fan so when we got the auto renewal notice my wife wasn't amused and the reps response was something like, you're the one on the phone so I'm here to help you, but the end result was very mediocre. Really thought I was about to get one of those sweet deals the way the woman was acting but not to be.

 

[Davej626]

So direct tv isn't playing ball with me with the hulu/netflix threat ($11 off Sunday Ticket Max). Never really been serious about switching but usually I call in once and get a good deal. Called twice and basically squat so far. Try a time or two more but I'll be honest, using the hulu threat but I really don't know much about it. I don't watch many shows, is this a viable thing if what I like to do is watch tennis channel, Mariners on root sports, and then the nationally televised games for NFL/NBA/College? Or do I basically need a cable provider for that type of content?

Really baffled why direct tv is giving out such awesome deals this year and can't get a sniff of any of it.

My deal was okay but I'm also pissed that others got free ST Max and I couldn't. Seems like they have different deals depending on how long you've been a customer, your current package, and what incentives you've been given in the past. The guy I spoke to said they will only give you free ST Max once.

One thing is for sure, there is no predictable pattern of what deals are available at any given time.

It depends on who you get. I've been with them for years and the average bill over that time has been 70-100. So its not like I'm the biggest spender out there. You just need to call at the right time and get the right person. Call them back and say the wife isn't happy with that deal and you are calling to cancel again. Never know...

Getting more and more pissed that I didn't get free Max. I'm going to call these sons of #####es back. Got nothing to lose.

You could do it another way. Ask for a discount against your service for 12 months. Say $10, or even $20 discount for a year. You would then order Max for $99 or whatever the rate is and you still make out ahead. You may need to take the commitment for a year though. However, its only a $10 per month ETF, so even if you cancel it right now, that's only $120.

 

[Davej626]

So far I have called in and said my wife is looking at Hulu and Netflix because that much cheaper (plus the auto renewal for football came) and asked them for a way to convince her to stay. I think my next time I will call and if they give me squat, ask them what cancellation appointments in mid-August when I have some time off scheduled for. If that doesn't get their gears moving then I really will be fine looking for new service and have the switch made when I'll be off work anyway.

Hopefully it is just haven't gotten the right person so far but I actually thought I did on call 1. I said Hulu and Netflix and she seemed to perk up. I mentioned my wife wasn't a football fan so when we got the auto renewal notice my wife wasn't amused and the reps response was something like, you're the one on the phone so I'm here to help you, but the end result was very mediocre. Really thought I was about to get one of those sweet deals the way the woman was acting but not to be.

When a real person picks up the call, is she transferring you to a new person, or trying to solve the issue herself? If she doesn't transfer you, you are not getting the right person/department. You want to tell the first person that you are going to cancel. They will then send you to the Customer Retention Dept. They don't call it that, but that's what they do. These are the folks with the access to grant the big discounts.

 

[Master of Past and Present]

So far I have called in and said my wife is looking at Hulu and Netflix because that much cheaper (plus the auto renewal for football came) and asked them for a way to convince her to stay. I think my next time I will call and if they give me squat, ask them what cancellation appointments in mid-August when I have some time off scheduled for. If that doesn't get their gears moving then I really will be fine looking for new service and have the switch made when I'll be off work anyway.

Hopefully it is just haven't gotten the right person so far but I actually thought I did on call 1. I said Hulu and Netflix and she seemed to perk up. I mentioned my wife wasn't a football fan so when we got the auto renewal notice my wife wasn't amused and the reps response was something like, you're the one on the phone so I'm here to help you, but the end result was very mediocre. Really thought I was about to get one of those sweet deals the way the woman was acting but not to be.

When a real person picks up the call, is she transferring you to a new person, or trying to solve the issue herself? If she doesn't transfer you, you are not getting the right person/department. You want to tell the first person that you are going to cancel. They will then send you to the Customer Retention Dept. They don't call it that, but that's what they do. These are the folks with the access to grant the big discounts.

At the automated prompt I say cancel and talk to that person. Assumed this was customer retention and in the past 5 years I've been fine dealing with the person at this stage. If there is a stage after that, I have not talked to them or have needed to in the past.

 

[Worm]

Anyone had any success getting fees/charges removed for a brand new customer? I'm looking at signing up and wondering if it's possible to get the $6 per additional TV fee removed, even if only for 12 months.

 

[lumpy19]

Possibly my most successful call ever

$50 credit for this months bill

$20 x 12 months

$15 x 15 months

$3 x 12 months

$10 x 12 months

Free sunday ticket

Free Redzone

Free mini genie

For some reason I can get free sunday ticket AND free redzone separate but the Sunday ticket max option is $147...so really all I'm missing is the ability to watch on my mobile device, that's not worth $147 to me so no problem.

I pushed for a free Genie($299) but they wouldn't budge...said next August I'll be eligible for a full genie and 4 mini genies

 

[strykerpks]

I'm at about $147 after taxes (Choice Plus, HBO, Stars, 1 HD DVR, 2 standard boxes). I'd like to get back to around $100. ST would be nice but not a huge deal. I'll have to try calling this week.

Anyone had any success getting fees/charges removed for a brand new customer? I'm looking at signing up and wondering if it's possible to get the $6 per additional TV fee removed, even if only for 12 months.

Usually they waive a lot of those fees for the first year or so anyways when you are a new customer, don't they?

 

[Worm]

I'm at about $147 after taxes (Choice Plus, HBO, Stars, 1 HD DVR, 2 standard boxes). I'd like to get back to around $100. ST would be nice but not a huge deal. I'll have to try calling this week.

Anyone had any success getting fees/charges removed for a brand new customer? I'm looking at signing up and wondering if it's possible to get the $6 per additional TV fee removed, even if only for 12 months.

Usually they waive a lot of those fees for the first year or so anyways when you are a new customer, don't they?

This is what I'm seeing online for a new customer, price for the first 12 months:

TV package CHOICE $64.99 - $35 = $29.99

HBO/Showtime/Starz/Cinemax FREE for 3 months = $0

NFL Sunday Ticket Max 2013 FREE = $0

Advanced Receiver Service $25 - $10 = $15

Primary TV $6 - $6 = $0

Secondary TV's $6 x 3 = $18

Genie HD DVR + 3 Genie Minis = $0

Dish/Installation/S&H = $0

Total = $62.99 first 12 months

I would love to get the $18 for the 3 additional TV's knocked off for the first year, but I guess I am getting a bunch of stuff for free already. I hate getting locked into contracts though.

 

[lumpy19]

I'm at about $147 after taxes (Choice Plus, HBO, Stars, 1 HD DVR, 2 standard boxes). I'd like to get back to around $100. ST would be nice but not a huge deal. I'll have to try calling this week.

Anyone had any success getting fees/charges removed for a brand new customer? I'm looking at signing up and wondering if it's possible to get the $6 per additional TV fee removed, even if only for 12 months.

Usually they waive a lot of those fees for the first year or so anyways when you are a new customer, don't they?

This is what I'm seeing online for a new customer, price for the first 12 months:

TV package CHOICE $64.99 - $35 = $29.99

HBO/Showtime/Starz/Cinemax FREE for 3 months = $0

NFL Sunday Ticket Max 2013 FREE = $0

Advanced Receiver Service $25 - $10 = $15

Primary TV $6 - $6 = $0

Secondary TV's $6 x 3 = $18

Genie HD DVR + 3 Genie Minis = $0

Dish/Installation/S&H = $0

Total = $62.99 first 12 months

I would love to get the $18 for the 3 additional TV's knocked off for the first year, but I guess I am getting a bunch of stuff for free already. I hate getting locked into contracts though.

Get as many receivers as you can for free when you sign up. Even though you're leasing receivers from DTV and they charge $6 a month, when you want to add a receiver you have to pay for it. It's the worst to have to pay $99 for something that you don't own.

ETA: you're getting a lot of free stuff, I wouldn't sweat the $18 but doesn't hurt to try

 

[VA703]

Possibly my most successful call ever

$50 credit for this months bill

$20 x 12 months

$15 x 15 months

$3 x 12 months

$10 x 12 months

Free sunday ticket

Free Redzone

Free mini genie

For some reason I can get free sunday ticket AND free redzone separate but the Sunday ticket max option is $147...so really all I'm missing is the ability to watch on my mobile device, that's not worth $147 to me so no problem.

I pushed for a free Genie($299) but they wouldn't budge...said next August I'll be eligible for a full genie and 4 mini genies

what was your normal bill looking like?

 

[lumpy19]

Possibly my most successful call ever

$50 credit for this months bill

$20 x 12 months

$15 x 15 months

$3 x 12 months

$10 x 12 months

Free sunday ticket

Free Redzone

Free mini genie

For some reason I can get free sunday ticket AND free redzone separate but the Sunday ticket max option is $147...so really all I'm missing is the ability to watch on my mobile device, that's not worth $147 to me so no problem.

I pushed for a free Genie($299) but they wouldn't budge...said next August I'll be eligible for a full genie and 4 mini genies

what was your normal bill looking like?

~$190/month if I paid full price for everything.

 

[Davej626]

So far I have called in and said my wife is looking at Hulu and Netflix because that much cheaper (plus the auto renewal for football came) and asked them for a way to convince her to stay. I think my next time I will call and if they give me squat, ask them what cancellation appointments in mid-August when I have some time off scheduled for. If that doesn't get their gears moving then I really will be fine looking for new service and have the switch made when I'll be off work anyway.

Hopefully it is just haven't gotten the right person so far but I actually thought I did on call 1. I said Hulu and Netflix and she seemed to perk up. I mentioned my wife wasn't a football fan so when we got the auto renewal notice my wife wasn't amused and the reps response was something like, you're the one on the phone so I'm here to help you, but the end result was very mediocre. Really thought I was about to get one of those sweet deals the way the woman was acting but not to be.

When a real person picks up the call, is she transferring you to a new person, or trying to solve the issue herself? If she doesn't transfer you, you are not getting the right person/department. You want to tell the first person that you are going to cancel. They will then send you to the Customer Retention Dept. They don't call it that, but that's what they do. These are the folks with the access to grant the big discounts.

At the automated prompt I say cancel and talk to that person. Assumed this was customer retention and in the past 5 years I've been fine dealing with the person at this stage. If there is a stage after that, I have not talked to them or have needed to in the past.

Yea, that's the first tier support. They answer simple billing questions, "What channel is X?", etc. They usually pass you off to a second tier if you insist on cancelling. If you get to someone that asked you for an appointment when they can come get the stuff, you went too far. However, if you get to someone who starts with "I'm sorry to see that you want to cancel. Can you tell me what is wrong?"...That's them. Here is where you go into how the bill is too high, wife hates it, want to go to Netflix and Redbox, etc, etc...Make sure to mention the Ticket too.

 

[arctic_panzer_wolf]

I decided to actually look at my last statement. Here are my charges for having 3 receivers in my house...

06/26 07/25 CHOICE XTRA CLASSIC Monthly 71.99

06/26 07/25 Advanced Receiver-HD Monthly 10.00

06/26 07/25 Advanced Receiver-DVR Monthly 10.00

06/27 Additional TV 6.00

06/27 Additional TV 6.00

06/27 Primary TV 6.00

Then I have a credit each month for my Primary TV (-$6) and 12 mos of HD for free (-$10).

Even with the credits, I feel like I'm getting double whammied on each extra box. Anyone else have similar fees?

I have pretty much the same bill, but with only two receivers and I'm not even getting the $10 HD credit. I think it's ridiculous that I'm paying $103 a month and I don't even get any movie channels. I've had Directv for over 11 years, so will they give in to my demands? Will I have to sign a new contract? Think I could get a genie, sunday ticket, free movie channels and lower bill? I did just get my 1st smart phone(way late to the party) and have been trying Hulu Plus for free and it seems pretty decent.

 

[McGarnicle]

Genie guy is here now. He has to move the dish because a tree has started to block the signal, and replace all the wiring. <_<

But hey...free Genie.

 

[strykerpks]

Genie guy is here now. He has to move the dish because a tree has started to block the signal, and replace all the wiring. <_<

But hey...free Genie.

What is the cost per month for the Genie and each Genie mini?

 

[siffoin]

Earnings for DTV is Aug 1st. That may have some impact on your ability to negotiate tilted to your favor if you call sooner rather than later. I think today and tomorrow will be the best days to get a good deal....so if you plan to call do it now.

I been a subscriber since March 2012..

I got $45 off my bill for 15 months.

Free HBO/Showtime for 4 months (I was already paying for these so that's a nice bonus)

Free Sunday Ticket

Upgrade to Genie and Genie Mini

I wasn't expecting to get anything...and they gave me everything I asked for.

I did have to re-up the 24 month contract, which was fine by me.

 

[Brony]

I decided to actually look at my last statement. Here are my charges for having 3 receivers in my house...

06/26 07/25 CHOICE XTRA CLASSIC Monthly 71.99

06/26 07/25 Advanced Receiver-HD Monthly 10.00

06/26 07/25 Advanced Receiver-DVR Monthly 10.00

06/27 Additional TV 6.00

06/27 Additional TV 6.00

06/27 Primary TV 6.00

Then I have a credit each month for my Primary TV (-$6) and 12 mos of HD for free (-$10).

Even with the credits, I feel like I'm getting double whammied on each extra box. Anyone else have similar fees?

I have pretty much the same bill, but with only two receivers and I'm not even getting the $10 HD credit. I think it's ridiculous that I'm paying $103 a month and I don't even get any movie channels. I've had Directv for over 11 years, so will they give in to my demands? Will I have to sign a new contract? Think I could get a genie, sunday ticket, free movie channels and lower bill? I did just get my 1st smart phone(way late to the party) and have been trying Hulu Plus for free and it seems pretty decent.

I'm gonna try and lower things here in the next few days when I find some time.

 

[McGarnicle]

Genie guy is here now. He has to move the dish because a tree has started to block the signal, and replace all the wiring. <_<

But hey...free Genie.

What is the cost per month for the Genie and each Genie mini?

In my case we're just swapping out a standard receiver for the Genie and there is no monthly cost difference.

 

[derek245583]

On the phone with them as I post

$10 a month for a year

$15 a month for 15 months

Genie for free

Free Red Zone Channel

No contract extension

No Sunday Ticket (Said I have had it free too many years in a row...but I can get it for half price)

It was easy as hell. I actually felt bad.

 

[McGarnicle]

The Genie is pretty sweet. The remote is different -- shorter and fatter, and contoured better to your hand. Fewer buttons and more intuitive. There is now a picture-in-picture feature that I'm looking forward to using come football season. Supposedly the "genie" refers to the ability to learn you viewing habits and then automatically record things that you might like based on common genre, actors, etc. Kind of goes against my controlling nature and I'm concerned about my wife wondering why the thing is filled with Dallas Cowboy cheerleader tryouts, but we're going to let it work its magic for a while. You can deactivate that if you wish.

Supposedly starting in September the remote will be voice activated. The guy said we won't have to change equipment; we'll just have that function one day. Say "ESPN" into the remote, boom, ESPN.

Cool I guess. Time will tell if we end up using the new features much. Best part for me is an additional terabyte of storage. And the box is a quarter of the size of the box it replaced.

Oh, and the 30-second fast forward is lightning fast. Probably triple the speed to get through commercials.

 

[bushdocda]

Just wrapped up.

$20 off x 12

$15 off x 15

Free ST & Redzone

3+ yr customer, contract extended roughly 5 months bc was still under contract till Feb.

 

[roarlions]

Thinking about upgrading to Genie, but what do I do about all the programs already recorded on the 3 DVRs we have now? Anyway to transfer recordings from 1 DVR to another?

 

[McGarnicle]

Thinking about upgrading to Genie, but what do I do about all the programs already recorded on the 3 DVRs we have now? Anyway to transfer recordings from 1 DVR to another?

We have two existing DVRs with the whole home DVR service and just added the Genie to that. We can watch programs from any of the DVRs on any TV in the house. The Genie just added some cool bells & whistles to our main TV, and greatly increased our total DVR capacity.

 

[roarlions]

Thinking about upgrading to Genie, but what do I do about all the programs already recorded on the 3 DVRs we have now? Anyway to transfer recordings from 1 DVR to another?

We have two existing DVRs with the whole home DVR service and just added the Genie to that. We can watch programs from any of the DVRs on any TV in the house. The Genie just added some cool bells & whistles to our main TV, and greatly increased our total DVR capacity.

Thanks for the info., sounds perfect.

 

[southeastjerome]

The Genie is pretty sweet. The remote is different -- shorter and fatter, and contoured better to your hand. Fewer buttons and more intuitive. There is now a picture-in-picture feature that I'm looking forward to using come football season. Supposedly the "genie" refers to the ability to learn you viewing habits and then automatically record things that you might like based on common genre, actors, etc. Kind of goes against my controlling nature and I'm concerned about my wife wondering why the thing is filled with Dallas Cowboy cheerleader tryouts, but we're going to let it work its magic for a while. You can deactivate that if you wish.

Supposedly starting in September the remote will be voice activated. The guy said we won't have to change equipment; we'll just have that function one day. Say "ESPN" into the remote, boom, ESPN.

Cool I guess. Time will tell if we end up using the new features much. Best part for me is an additional terabyte of storage. And the box is a quarter of the size of the box it replaced.

Oh, and the 30-second fast forward is lightning fast. Probably triple the speed to get through commercials.

How fast is the remote when changing channels? Is it better/worse/same than the regular HD DVR? Also, did they mention anything about transferring existing content that is stored on a current DVR to the new Genie?

 

[McGarnicle]

The Genie is pretty sweet. The remote is different -- shorter and fatter, and contoured better to your hand. Fewer buttons and more intuitive. There is now a picture-in-picture feature that I'm looking forward to using come football season. Supposedly the "genie" refers to the ability to learn you viewing habits and then automatically record things that you might like based on common genre, actors, etc. Kind of goes against my controlling nature and I'm concerned about my wife wondering why the thing is filled with Dallas Cowboy cheerleader tryouts, but we're going to let it work its magic for a while. You can deactivate that if you wish.

Supposedly starting in September the remote will be voice activated. The guy said we won't have to change equipment; we'll just have that function one day. Say "ESPN" into the remote, boom, ESPN.

Cool I guess. Time will tell if we end up using the new features much. Best part for me is an additional terabyte of storage. And the box is a quarter of the size of the box it replaced.

Oh, and the 30-second fast forward is lightning fast. Probably triple the speed to get through commercials.

How fast is the remote when changing channels? Is it better/worse/same than the regular HD DVR? Also, did they mention anything about transferring existing content that is stored on a current DVR to the new Genie?

I never noticed any issues changing channels quickly before, so no real change there. I did notice that the playlist retrieval is instantaneous where it would take several seconds on the old box. DirecTV told me you can't transfer programs between DVRs. I'll bet there is a way to do it though. I would Google it.

 

[snogger]

The Genie is pretty sweet. The remote is different -- shorter and fatter, and contoured better to your hand. Fewer buttons and more intuitive. There is now a picture-in-picture feature that I'm looking forward to using come football season. Supposedly the "genie" refers to the ability to learn you viewing habits and then automatically record things that you might like based on common genre, actors, etc. Kind of goes against my controlling nature and I'm concerned about my wife wondering why the thing is filled with Dallas Cowboy cheerleader tryouts, but we're going to let it work its magic for a while. You can deactivate that if you wish.

Supposedly starting in September the remote will be voice activated. The guy said we won't have to change equipment; we'll just have that function one day. Say "ESPN" into the remote, boom, ESPN.

Cool I guess. Time will tell if we end up using the new features much. Best part for me is an additional terabyte of storage. And the box is a quarter of the size of the box it replaced.

Oh, and the 30-second fast forward is lightning fast. Probably triple the speed to get through commercials.

How fast is the remote when changing channels? Is it better/worse/same than the regular HD DVR? Also, did they mention anything about transferring existing content that is stored on a current DVR to the new Genie?

I never noticed any issues changing channels quickly before, so no real change there. I did notice that the playlist retrieval is instantaneous where it would take several seconds on the old box.DirecTV told me you can't transfer programs between DVRs. I'll bet there is a way to do it though. I would Google it.

How about viewing recorded programs through other TV's.. Is it faster with the Genie?

Right now when I want to watch a recorded program on another TV, I'm almost better off watching the commercials as the 30 second jump is S-L-O-W.. and sometimes my impatient nature gets the best of me and I end up past the commercials and then have to do a S-L-O-W back..

 

[McGarnicle]

The Genie is pretty sweet. The remote is different -- shorter and fatter, and contoured better to your hand. Fewer buttons and more intuitive. There is now a picture-in-picture feature that I'm looking forward to using come football season. Supposedly the "genie" refers to the ability to learn you viewing habits and then automatically record things that you might like based on common genre, actors, etc. Kind of goes against my controlling nature and I'm concerned about my wife wondering why the thing is filled with Dallas Cowboy cheerleader tryouts, but we're going to let it work its magic for a while. You can deactivate that if you wish.

Supposedly starting in September the remote will be voice activated. The guy said we won't have to change equipment; we'll just have that function one day. Say "ESPN" into the remote, boom, ESPN.

Cool I guess. Time will tell if we end up using the new features much. Best part for me is an additional terabyte of storage. And the box is a quarter of the size of the box it replaced.

Oh, and the 30-second fast forward is lightning fast. Probably triple the speed to get through commercials.

How fast is the remote when changing channels? Is it better/worse/same than the regular HD DVR? Also, did they mention anything about transferring existing content that is stored on a current DVR to the new Genie?

I never noticed any issues changing channels quickly before, so no real change there. I did notice that the playlist retrieval is instantaneous where it would take several seconds on the old box.DirecTV told me you can't transfer programs between DVRs. I'll bet there is a way to do it though. I would Google it.

How about viewing recorded programs through other TV's.. Is it faster with the Genie?Right now when I want to watch a recorded program on another TV, I'm almost better off watching the commercials as the 30 second jump is S-L-O-W.. and sometimes my impatient nature gets the best of me and I end up past the commercials and then have to do a S-L-O-W back..

I had the same issue. Haven't tried it on the Genie yet. I'll report back when I do.

 

[Abraham]

I doubt any of you will beat this.... I feel awesome.

I have the Xtra package (200 channels, no movie channels)

Had to agree to a 2 year deal. I have been a customer for 5 years and out of contract for 3.

$15 credit for 15 months.

$10 HD credit for 15 months.

New HD receivers (going from 1 HD, 3 regular to 4 HD). No Genie because I don't use DVR.

$240 credit added to my account.

Free SUnday ticket and RZ Max.

So my bill goes from $98/month to $40/month for the next two months and then $53 a month for the next 13 months thereafter before I call in again and do the dance.

 

[bushdocda]

I doubt any of you will beat this.... I feel awesome.

I have the Xtra package (200 channels, no movie channels)

Had to agree to a 2 year deal. I have been a customer for 5 years and out of contract for 3.

$15 credit for 15 months.

$10 HD credit for 15 months.

New HD receivers (going from 1 HD, 3 regular to 4 HD). No Genie because I don't use DVR.

$240 credit added to my account.

Free SUnday ticket and RZ Max.

So my bill goes from $98/month to $40/month for the next two months and then $53 a month for the next 13 months thereafter before I call in again and do the dance.

Great work. How were you watching non HD on them tvs? And how dont you use DVR?Crazy stuff here.

I guess the value of my call is roughly $465 in credits plus the ST & RZ and you got that beat.

 

[Abraham]

I doubt any of you will beat this.... I feel awesome.

I have the Xtra package (200 channels, no movie channels)

Had to agree to a 2 year deal. I have been a customer for 5 years and out of contract for 3.

$15 credit for 15 months.

$10 HD credit for 15 months.

New HD receivers (going from 1 HD, 3 regular to 4 HD). No Genie because I don't use DVR.

$240 credit added to my account.

Free SUnday ticket and RZ Max.

So my bill goes from $98/month to $40/month for the next two months and then $53 a month for the next 13 months thereafter before I call in again and do the dance.

Great work. How were you watching non HD on them tvs? And how dont you use DVR?Crazy stuff here.

I guess the value of my call is roughly $465 in credits plus the ST & RZ and you got that beat.

My wife is not a tech person at all, so introducing dvr to her would start a fight. And I don't really watch many shows fanatically. Mad men, breaking bad, sons of anarchy...I make sure I'm available to watch when they come on. If I had a dvr I might watch more tv, but I don't really want to watch more tv.

The non hd boxes work with my hd tvs, they just don't pump hd to them.

 

[snogger]

I doubt any of you will beat this.... I feel awesome.

I have the Xtra package (200 channels, no movie channels)

Had to agree to a 2 year deal. I have been a customer for 5 years and out of contract for 3.

$15 credit for 15 months.

$10 HD credit for 15 months.

New HD receivers (going from 1 HD, 3 regular to 4 HD). No Genie because I don't use DVR.

$240 credit added to my account.

Free SUnday ticket and RZ Max.

So my bill goes from $98/month to $40/month for the next two months and then $53 a month for the next 13 months thereafter before I call in again and do the dance.

Nice work but on the bold part..

Might want to join the 21st century there pops!!

 

[VA703]

240 credit is pretty sweet