Can you negotiate with DirecTV? (2 Viewers)

[Hawks64]

I have scoured the internet to no avail on my question, so forgive me if this is obvious before I call DTV.

I have a 1 TV setup right now with the Genie Whole-Room DVR. I have a second TV that I want a second Genie Client (Mini) for so that I can watch the Ticket on 2 TV's on Sundays. Is the Genie Mini client (for the second TV) wireless, in that it doesn't require coax to the base DVR, or is it wired-only solution to the original box even if in a second room? And I could care less about on demand/DVR connectivity on the Mini, just want live TV for Sundays.

Sorry, I don't feel like getting the DTV sales pitch on the phone if this is wired, which won't work for me. Thanks in advance, guys.

Wired only for now. Rumor is wireless network receiver coming out in the fall but I think it will still require the wire for content.

 

[Witz]

I have scoured the internet to no avail on my question, so forgive me if this is obvious before I call DTV.

I have a 1 TV setup right now with the Genie Whole-Room DVR. I have a second TV that I want a second Genie Client (Mini) for so that I can watch the Ticket on 2 TV's on Sundays. Is the Genie Mini client (for the second TV) wireless, in that it doesn't require coax to the base DVR, or is it wired-only solution to the original box even if in a second room? And I could care less about on demand/DVR connectivity on the Mini, just want live TV for Sundays.

Sorry, I don't feel like getting the DTV sales pitch on the phone if this is wired, which won't work for me. Thanks in advance, guys.

Wired only for now. Rumor is wireless network receiver coming out in the fall but I think it will still require the wire for content.

When I spoke with DTV on Monday night, I was inquiring about the same exact thing. The sales rep told me that they have been rolling out the wireless mini-Genie to some locations but it's not widespread now (my location wasn't one of those locations). She said it was supposed to be everywhere later this year/beginning of next year.

Take it for what's it worth.

 

[mquinnjr]

I have scoured the internet to no avail on my question, so forgive me if this is obvious before I call DTV.

I have a 1 TV setup right now with the Genie Whole-Room DVR. I have a second TV that I want a second Genie Client (Mini) for so that I can watch the Ticket on 2 TV's on Sundays. Is the Genie Mini client (for the second TV) wireless, in that it doesn't require coax to the base DVR, or is it wired-only solution to the original box even if in a second room? And I could care less about on demand/DVR connectivity on the Mini, just want live TV for Sundays.

Sorry, I don't feel like getting the DTV sales pitch on the phone if this is wired, which won't work for me. Thanks in advance, guys.

Wired only for now. Rumor is wireless network receiver coming out in the fall but I think it will still require the wire for content.

When I spoke with DTV on Monday night, I was inquiring about the same exact thing. The sales rep told me that they have been rolling out the wireless mini-Genie to some locations but it's not widespread now (my location wasn't one of those locations). She said it was supposed to be everywhere later this year/beginning of next year.

Take it for what's it worth.

Great info, thanks alot fellas.

ETA: Because I am extremely impulsive, I called to confirm the above. The Genie Mini wireless versions are in current circulation, but are in short supply. The rep told me to keep trying and I could luck out, but basically that they're not readily available.

Also, these suckers cost $99, PLUS a $50 "account service fee" PLUS a $50 truck roll fee (they send a tech out to your house). PLUS applicable tax, AND monthly fee. Really wanted this for football, but might pass even if they do become available, totally brutal.

 

[Controller]

I called Directv a few weeks ago to complain that they were offering NFL ST to new subscribers, but not to me (been with them 10 years). The woman I was speaking with wasn't much help and wasn't offering to lower our bill. She did ask me if I wanted to be transferred to "retention" but I told her no and said I would just look at switching to Comcast or ATT or someone else. She didn't seem to care.

Today, I called and the voice-activated system asked me why I was calling and I said "cancel my account". I was automatically transferred to "retention" and the girl who came on the line asked me why I wanted to cancel, so I told her I was paying way too much, and as a sports fan I'd have to pay even more for NFL ST while new subscribers get it free. She answered that "well, if we gave it free to everybody, we would just be paying for it at our end, and getting nothing in return" to which I replied "I understand. However, when I first signed up for it years ago, I never got it for free, even the first year".

Long story short, she ended up giving me NFL ST Max, the NBA league pass, Showtime & Starz, plus our regular programming package (whatever it's called) for LESS than we were paying for just the regular programming before! Sweet! The advice in this thread worked - I was patient, and nice, on the phone. I explained my situation and frustration, and then waited and let her start offering discounts. Worked like magic.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I have scoured the internet to no avail on my question, so forgive me if this is obvious before I call DTV.

I have a 1 TV setup right now with the Genie Whole-Room DVR. I have a second TV that I want a second Genie Client (Mini) for so that I can watch the Ticket on 2 TV's on Sundays. Is the Genie Mini client (for the second TV) wireless, in that it doesn't require coax to the base DVR, or is it wired-only solution to the original box even if in a second room? And I could care less about on demand/DVR connectivity on the Mini, just want live TV for Sundays.

Sorry, I don't feel like getting the DTV sales pitch on the phone if this is wired, which won't work for me. Thanks in advance, guys.

Wired only for now. Rumor is wireless network receiver coming out in the fall but I think it will still require the wire for content.

When I spoke with DTV on Monday night, I was inquiring about the same exact thing. The sales rep told me that they have been rolling out the wireless mini-Genie to some locations but it's not widespread now (my location wasn't one of those locations). She said it was supposed to be everywhere later this year/beginning of next year.

Take it for what's it worth.

Great info, thanks alot fellas.

ETA: Because I am extremely impulsive, I called to confirm the above. The Genie Mini wireless versions are in current circulation, but are in short supply. The rep told me to keep trying and I could luck out, but basically that they're not readily available.

Also, these suckers cost $99, PLUS a $50 "account service fee" PLUS a $50 truck roll fee (they send a tech out to your house). PLUS applicable tax, AND monthly fee. Really wanted this for football, but might pass even if they do become available, totally brutal.

If this is truly a wireless solution that I can put on any tv in house, I will be more than happy to pay the $99. Anyone know what the monthly fee is for a second mini-genie?

Here is a great review if the wireless mini and the associated video bridge that is required. Note, this wireless mini genie does not use your home network. It creates a seperate wifi network with the bridge.

http://forums.solidsignal.com/showthread.php/4792-Solid-Signal-s-Hands-on-Review-DIRECTV-C41W-Wireless-Genie-Client

 

[Hawks64]

I have scoured the internet to no avail on my question, so forgive me if this is obvious before I call DTV.

I have a 1 TV setup right now with the Genie Whole-Room DVR. I have a second TV that I want a second Genie Client (Mini) for so that I can watch the Ticket on 2 TV's on Sundays. Is the Genie Mini client (for the second TV) wireless, in that it doesn't require coax to the base DVR, or is it wired-only solution to the original box even if in a second room? And I could care less about on demand/DVR connectivity on the Mini, just want live TV for Sundays.

Sorry, I don't feel like getting the DTV sales pitch on the phone if this is wired, which won't work for me. Thanks in advance, guys.

Wired only for now. Rumor is wireless network receiver coming out in the fall but I think it will still require the wire for content.

When I spoke with DTV on Monday night, I was inquiring about the same exact thing. The sales rep told me that they have been rolling out the wireless mini-Genie to some locations but it's not widespread now (my location wasn't one of those locations). She said it was supposed to be everywhere later this year/beginning of next year.

Take it for what's it worth.

Great info, thanks alot fellas.

ETA: Because I am extremely impulsive, I called to confirm the above. The Genie Mini wireless versions are in current circulation, but are in short supply. The rep told me to keep trying and I could luck out, but basically that they're not readily available.

Also, these suckers cost $99, PLUS a $50 "account service fee" PLUS a $50 truck roll fee (they send a tech out to your house). PLUS applicable tax, AND monthly fee. Really wanted this for football, but might pass even if they do become available, totally brutal.

If this is truly a wireless solution that I can put on any tv in house, I will be more than happy to pay the $99.Anyone know what the monthly fee is for a second mini-genie?

Here is a great review if the wireless mini and the associated video bridge that is required. Note, this wireless mini genie does not use your home network. It creates a seperate wifi network with the bridge.

http://forums.solidsignal.com/showthread.php/4792-Solid-Signal-s-Hands-on-Review-DIRECTV-C41W-Wireless-Genie-Client

That's awesome! It would work perfectly for adding TVs in rooms where there isn't a coax termination.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I have scoured the internet to no avail on my question, so forgive me if this is obvious before I call DTV.

I have a 1 TV setup right now with the Genie Whole-Room DVR. I have a second TV that I want a second Genie Client (Mini) for so that I can watch the Ticket on 2 TV's on Sundays. Is the Genie Mini client (for the second TV) wireless, in that it doesn't require coax to the base DVR, or is it wired-only solution to the original box even if in a second room? And I could care less about on demand/DVR connectivity on the Mini, just want live TV for Sundays.

Sorry, I don't feel like getting the DTV sales pitch on the phone if this is wired, which won't work for me. Thanks in advance, guys.

Wired only for now. Rumor is wireless network receiver coming out in the fall but I think it will still require the wire for content.

When I spoke with DTV on Monday night, I was inquiring about the same exact thing. The sales rep told me that they have been rolling out the wireless mini-Genie to some locations but it's not widespread now (my location wasn't one of those locations). She said it was supposed to be everywhere later this year/beginning of next year.

Take it for what's it worth.

Great info, thanks alot fellas.

ETA: Because I am extremely impulsive, I called to confirm the above. The Genie Mini wireless versions are in current circulation, but are in short supply. The rep told me to keep trying and I could luck out, but basically that they're not readily available.

Also, these suckers cost $99, PLUS a $50 "account service fee" PLUS a $50 truck roll fee (they send a tech out to your house). PLUS applicable tax, AND monthly fee. Really wanted this for football, but might pass even if they do become available, totally brutal.

If this is truly a wireless solution that I can put on any tv in house, I will be more than happy to pay the $99.Anyone know what the monthly fee is for a second mini-genie?

Here is a great review if the wireless mini and the associated video bridge that is required. Note, this wireless mini genie does not use your home network. It creates a seperate wifi network with the bridge.http://forums.solidsignal.com/showthread.php/4792-Solid-Signal-s-Hands-on-Review-DIRECTV-C41W-Wireless-Genie-Client

That's awesome! It would work perfectly for adding TVs in rooms where there isn't a coax termination.

I read through in detail today and there is almost no reason for a tech to come out as the installation looks to be as plug and play as you can get.

When this becomes more widely available I am probably going to get one for bed room where we never ran a cable to way back when.

 

[FDAS]

Called to see what kind of deal I could get on the ST this year. I didn't even have to go through the charade of canceling this year. They gave me the max package for 50% off (4 payments of $37) and a $15 credit for the next $15 months. I've got 8 months left on my current contract and did not have to extend the contract to get this. Paying a little more up front but it ends up being free ST plus a credit of $65.

 

[arctic_panzer_wolf]

Finally got around to calling Directv last week. I've had it since 2002 and I wasn't under any contract. Even with everyone in this thread getting free stuff, I wasn't really expecting much. Last time I called was 6/7 years ago to cancel the ticket and they basically just said "OK" and hung up. What I really wanted to get was a Genie. I don't know how many times I've been home with 2 shows recording. The first person I spoke with couldn't do jack for me. Like $5 off a month, so I asked for retention or cancellation. I told that person how my bill was too high($105 a month) and that I didn't even get movie channels and only had 1 HD box. Mentioned Netflix, Hulu, Dish..blah, blah blah. Pretty much instantly I was offered $35 off a month for a year and all the movie channels free for 3 months. I told the guy that was OK. He then told me he could give me the Ticket if I signed a 1 year contract or the Ticket and Genie if I signed for 2 years. So I went with the two year contract.

Summmary:

$35 off a month for a year

All movie channels for 3 months

Free Ticket and Genie

I had the Genie installed on Tuesday and what I think I might like the best is the free movie channels. I can record all the on demand stuff I've never seen. Game of Thrones, Boardwalk etc..I'm almost done with the 1st season of Dexter and have the two seasons of Curb I missed. Tons of other stuff I want to watch too, The Wire(saw about 1.5 seasons), Carnivale, The Pacific, Eastbound 3rd season, Rome. Any other series on the movie channels I should check out?

I also liked that we were able to keep all the stuff we had recorded on the old HD DVR(HR-23) and it shows up on the Genie(HR-44)list too. What's crazy is that my older DVR only had about 8% left. With all that stuff going to the Genie, plus the stuff I already recorded, I still have 95% available!

 

[prosopis]

$25.00 off per mos

ST free

Starzz 6 mos free

Showtime 4 mos free

extra package free

UFC 164 free

I got lots more and dropped the monthly bill.

* I called to"cancel" because they dont carry Pac 12 channel.

 

[fruity pebbles]

Just signed up with Dish Network. 120 channel package with hopper. Free HBO etc for 3 months, Redzone, free ipad 2 and $100 amazon giftcard. $61 a month, not promotional, stable price.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Just signed up with Dish Network. 120 channel package with hopper. Free HBO etc for 3 months, Redzone, free ipad 2 and $100 amazon giftcard. $61 a month, not promotional, stable price.

And you get to enjoy their wonderful customer service. Bonus.

 

[fruity pebbles]

Just signed up with Dish Network. 120 channel package with hopper. Free HBO etc for 3 months, Redzone, free ipad 2 and $100 amazon giftcard. $61 a month, not promotional, stable price.

And you get to enjoy their wonderful customer service. Bonus.

ive been with both, neither struck me as great

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Just signed up with Dish Network. 120 channel package with hopper. Free HBO etc for 3 months, Redzone, free ipad 2 and $100 amazon giftcard. $61 a month, not promotional, stable price.

And you get to enjoy their wonderful customer service. Bonus.

ive been with both, neither struck me as great

Odd. We left Dish because of the craptastic service. We've been with DirecTV for almost ten years with good service.

 

[Slapdash]

I am always impressed by DirecTV's service. Part of that is the nice southern girls I get routed to.

 

[NewlyRetired]

DirecTV's customer service is as good as you will find any where IMO.

 

[SouthJersey]

I assume it's because I signed up for DTV last year but they weren't willing to play much ball with me. I called to complain about my bill being higher. I've already made 2 $37 payments for ST...and he offered to waive the rest of the balance for ST, but didn't offer ST totally free. He then offered to reduce my bill by $15/mo. That's it.

I asked about Genie...he said they could give it to me for a $50 installation fee. I said I wanted to cancel, and he reminded me of a $200 cancellation fee since I signed a 2 year contract. I told him I will call back. I assume since i'm under contract i'm SOL and will have to call back and accept the $15/mo discount and that's about it?

 

[sho nuff]

I assume it's because I signed up for DTV last year but they weren't willing to play much ball with me. I called to complain about my bill being higher. I've already made 2 $37 payments for ST...and he offered to waive the rest of the balance for ST, but didn't offer ST totally free. He then offered to reduce my bill by $15/mo. That's it.

I asked about Genie...he said they could give it to me for a $50 installation fee. I said I wanted to cancel, and he reminded me of a $200 cancellation fee since I signed a 2 year contract. I told him I will call back. I assume since i'm under contract i'm SOL and will have to call back and accept the $15/mo discount and that's about it?

Yeah...I signed up in December and did not get far.

He dropped the Ticket down to $29.99 and threw in Max....I declined thinking I could get him down further and ended up just canceling the Ticket...now I have the Madden thing coming to have the mobile version and already have the game sold to a friend so it really will cost me about $40 for the mobile version (which my wife likes better as Im not taking over the TV)...Im not happy as I can't DVR the games I wanted...but knew I was not in a great position to negotiate this year. Next year maybe.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I assume it's because I signed up for DTV last year but they weren't willing to play much ball with me.

they play ball based on the following items

1) How long you have been with the company

2) How good your payment record is

3) How many current discounts you have on record

I always try and line up all discounts for a 12 month period and just call back the day they expire. They are always willing to deal with out much provocation as long as you get the retention group.

In your case just keep paying on time to build up your record.

 

[MindCrime]

Spent an hour on the phone with them yesterday, pretty happy with what I walked away with.

Note: Been with DTV for 7 years, contact just expired. Hadn't had HD before.

New 24 month contact.

Genie + 3 mini genies, new dish, installation completely free.

Starz/Encore free for 3 months, $5 off normal price (12.99, 7.99 after discount)for the next 3 months.

Sunday Ticket Max for 1/2 price. ($148)

$30 off for 12 months.

All in all, even after the 12 month discounts expire, I'll be paying $2 less than I am currently, but get 4 Genies, HD, Whole Home service.

 

[Jack McCoy]

I am always impressed by DirecTV's service. Part of that is the nice southern girls I get routed to.

LOL. I'm sure it's just a coincidence, but as soon as I get transferred to a woman with a southern accent, I know the discounts are coming. It's like DirecTV puts all the friendly southern girls in retention and all the angry women in the regular customer service.

 

[simmonjm]

Been with Directv for 2.5 years now and finally called to have my bill adjusted. Was paying around 120 for pretty much all channels to include HBO and regional sports. Had made 2 payments for NFL ticket. Told them I was moving in November and wouldn't have much time for tv after the move so I couldn't justify paying over 100 a month. They worked with me and credited my 2 prior NFL ticket payments and gave additional 37 dollar credit. I am now receiving NFL ticket for free along with basic package with major network channels for only 57 a month also waived all charges for upcoming move (would have been 75 with HBO). So basically I wont have to pay a single dollar for the next two months which is certainly more than I could have hoped for.

ETA: I had to sign 1 year contract.

 

[MindCrime]

I am always impressed by DirecTV's service. Part of that is the nice southern girls I get routed to.

LOL. I'm sure it's just a coincidence, but as soon as I get transferred to a woman with a southern accent, I know the discounts are coming. It's like DirecTV puts all the friendly southern girls in retention and all the angry women in the regular customer service.

Had this experience yesterday. "Dawn" was super sweet, and rolled out the deals for me.

 

[SouthJersey]

I assume it's because I signed up for DTV last year but they weren't willing to play much ball with me. I called to complain about my bill being higher. I've already made 2 $37 payments for ST...and he offered to waive the rest of the balance for ST, but didn't offer ST totally free. He then offered to reduce my bill by $15/mo. That's it.

I asked about Genie...he said they could give it to me for a $50 installation fee. I said I wanted to cancel, and he reminded me of a $200 cancellation fee since I signed a 2 year contract. I told him I will call back. I assume since i'm under contract i'm SOL and will have to call back and accept the $15/mo discount and that's about it?

Just called back to accept the earlier deal from this morning. Ended up with a little bit of a sweetened pot. Free ST. Bill reduced $15/mo for the next year. Then threw is an extra $5 off a month for the next 3 months for auto-bill pay.

No go on Genie, ST Max, or any premium channels. But considering I'm still under contract for almost a year I think this ended up pretty good. Did have to extend my contract an extra 2 months to get the free ST but better than paying for half of ST that I was offered this morning.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

called and immediately got the nicest rep I've ever spoke to.

said I was frustrated with the rising cost of my bill given that I didn't watch much and wanted to get more value.

Got all this without any type of resistance whatsoever:

$50 off NHL package
$20 off bill per month for a year ($240)Free NFL Sunday Ticket ($225) (I asked if I got red zone and she said yes, but that I'm not getting the Max so not really sure. she said the only limit is I couldn't watch on a mobile device.)
Free HD for 2 years ($240)Every single premium channel (HBO, Showtime, etc.) and sports package free for 2 months (maybe $100?)I was already on a 2-year contract from back in January when they gave me a free upgrade to the Genie so no change was made to my contract with all this.

GB these guys.

 

[culdeus]

They must be really hurting. You guys are bending them over. And all this while the dumpster fire at TW continues.

 

[rail]

Finally got my call done three days ago.

$20 for 12 months

$5 off for 12 months

Free Genie upgrade - which was just installed yesterday (got them to waive the $49 install fee and the guy acted like he was doing me a HUGE solid )

Free NFL Sunday Ticket and Red Zone. Guy claimed they don't give out Sunday ticket for free twice in a row, yet I've never paid for it and this is the third year I've had it.

Starz and Showtime free for 3 months.

Maybe I didn't push them hard enough about the $ discounts given I was out of contract with them. But, I'm really liking the Genie upgrade and I'm happy with what I got.

 

[Gambino]

Just made the annual call and John says, "we aren't authorized to give ST free for 2 years in a row". Problem is I've had it free for like five -- will call back and see if I get a more generous rep.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

The yearly call really is like some sort of weird lottery.

 

[Gambino]

Just made the annual call and John says, "we aren't authorized to give ST free for 2 years in a row". Problem is I've had it free for like five -- will call back and see if I get a more generous rep.

Called back in and got David "Company Guy"...said nothing he can do, and gave me the instructions on sending my receivers back in. Called right back and got Amanda, she gave me the $20 a month off back for 12 months and half off of half off on the ticket, so ST Max costs me $72 and I get the $20 monthly credit back...I can live with that. I had to agree to another 12 month contract. She offered the Genie upgrade free with a 24 month commitment, but I don't think I need that enough to agree to another 2 years.

 

[bagger]

They must be really hurting. You guys are bending them over. And all this while the dumpster fire at TW continues.

not really. their whole business model is to overcharge everyone and give the squeaky wheels and new customers the deals.

 

[Davej626]

First time I called in, back in July, I got $45 a month in discounts off of my $95 bill. I also got ST, and the RZ, free for a year commitment. Not too bad. But I wanted more. So I called them last week (after the NFL's week1) and complained that my ST Max wasn't working and that I couldn't watch nfl on my phone. He claimed that there wasn't anything he could do, but he could transfer me to the "NFL Department". Told them the story and they replied that I only had the RZ. I explained that the first call in July gave me the Max, not simply the RZ and that I was mad because I couldn't use it over my buddy's house to show them the Max. Zing! Instantly added for free.....

 

[flapgreen]

Comcast has screwed me for the last time. I had Directv years ago but it has changed drastically since then and I don't know where to begin. Would anyone be willing to give me a brief rundown? There are so many options now. Can you get iInternet through them now? I've read through all of the packages and they all look relatively close in price. We don't want a ton of movie channels, but if the price isn't that different, we might as well get them. Not sure what the Genie is either. Same as a digital DVR receiver as cable? We really on use one TV in living room. Small one in bedroom we use on occasion.

Does monthly bill increase the longer you have the package? I keep seeing "First monthly bill" when checking packages, which makes me think it goes up. I have to get off this cable crap. Thanks all

 

[NewlyRetired]

Comcast has screwed me for the last time. I had Directv years ago but it has changed drastically since then and I don't know where to begin. Would anyone be willing to give me a brief rundown? There are so many options now. Can you get iInternet through them now? I've read through all of the packages and they all look relatively close in price. We don't want a ton of movie channels, but if the price isn't that different, we might as well get them. Not sure what the Genie is either. Same as a digital DVR receiver as cable? We really on use one TV in living room. Small one in bedroom we use on occasion.

Does monthly bill increase the longer you have the package? I keep seeing "First monthly bill" when checking packages, which makes me think it goes up. I have to get off this cable crap. Thanks all

A Genie is just a powerful DVR. It works on a server client basis.

You get tone main Genie Server and it can record all the shows in your house, up to 5 at once.

Then you can get up to 4 mini-Genie's and place them next to other tvs in the home. The mini-Genies can access and play anything that the main Genie has recorded or you can just watch regular DirecTv through it.

 

[shuke]

Comcast has screwed me for the last time. I had Directv years ago but it has changed drastically since then and I don't know where to begin. Would anyone be willing to give me a brief rundown? There are so many options now. Can you get iInternet through them now? I've read through all of the packages and they all look relatively close in price. We don't want a ton of movie channels, but if the price isn't that different, we might as well get them. Not sure what the Genie is either. Same as a digital DVR receiver as cable? We really on use one TV in living room. Small one in bedroom we use on occasion.

Does monthly bill increase the longer you have the package? I keep seeing "First monthly bill" when checking packages, which makes me think it goes up. I have to get off this cable crap. Thanks all

A Genie is just a powerful DVR. It works on a server client basis.

You get tone main Genie Server and it can record all the shows in your house, up to 5 at once.

Then you can get up to 4 mini-Genie's and place them next to other tvs in the home. The mini-Genies can access and play anything that the main Genie has recorded or you can just watch regular DirecTv through it.

You actually don't need a mini Genie to access the Genie hard drive if you have whole home DVR. You can do that with a standard HD receiver. The benefit of the mini Genie is that you can pause/rewind live TV on the secondary sets.

 

[shuke]

Comcast has screwed me for the last time. I had Directv years ago but it has changed drastically since then and I don't know where to begin. Would anyone be willing to give me a brief rundown? There are so many options now. Can you get iInternet through them now? I've read through all of the packages and they all look relatively close in price. We don't want a ton of movie channels, but if the price isn't that different, we might as well get them. Not sure what the Genie is either. Same as a digital DVR receiver as cable? We really on use one TV in living room. Small one in bedroom we use on occasion.

Does monthly bill increase the longer you have the package? I keep seeing "First monthly bill" when checking packages, which makes me think it goes up. I have to get off this cable crap. Thanks all

Remember you're not only paying for the base package. You have to pay extra for HD, extra receivers, whole home DVR.

New customers get free Sunday Ticket this year. I think you can also get a free Genie upgrade.

If I were you, I'd get Xtra with a HD Genie and a second HD receiver for the bedroom.

Also, let me know if you if you want to use me as a referral and we both get $100 or something.

 

[flapgreen]

Comcast has screwed me for the last time. I had Directv years ago but it has changed drastically since then and I don't know where to begin. Would anyone be willing to give me a brief rundown? There are so many options now. Can you get iInternet through them now? I've read through all of the packages and they all look relatively close in price. We don't want a ton of movie channels, but if the price isn't that different, we might as well get them. Not sure what the Genie is either. Same as a digital DVR receiver as cable? We really on use one TV in living room. Small one in bedroom we use on occasion.

Does monthly bill increase the longer you have the package? I keep seeing "First monthly bill" when checking packages, which makes me think it goes up. I have to get off this cable crap. Thanks all

Remember you're not only paying for the base package. You have to pay extra for HD, extra receivers, whole home DVR.

New customers get free Sunday Ticket this year. I think you can also get a free Genie upgrade.

If I were you, I'd get Xtra with a HD Genie and a second HD receiver for the bedroom.

Also, let me know if you if you want to use me as a referral and we both get $100 or something.

Will definitely do that. What do I need to give them?Going to try and negotiate the DVR fee being waived as well. We shall see. We have to get the 2nd to highest plan because the ones below it don't have sprout.

 

[lumpy19]

Just made my annual football is almost over call

free genie

free mini genie

free installation

$25 credit

And the big thing that I wasn't expecting, I have 9 receivers(4 extra for football), they're going to allow me to go seasonal on those and turn them on in the fall and off in the spring without having to return them. I've fought this battle a bunch of times about deactivating extra receivers and never won. Good 30 min phone call.

 

[mquinnjr]

Just made my annual football is almost over call

free genie

free mini genie

free installation

$25 credit

And the big thing that I wasn't expecting, I have 9 receivers(4 extra for football), they're going to allow me to go seasonal on those and turn them on in the fall and off in the spring without having to return them. I've fought this battle a bunch of times about deactivating extra receivers and never won. Good 30 min phone call.

Dis you ask for/get the wireless genie mini? I keep calling, and they're unsure when those will be ready.

 

[lumpy19]

Just made my annual football is almost over call

free genie

free mini genie

free installation

$25 credit

And the big thing that I wasn't expecting, I have 9 receivers(4 extra for football), they're going to allow me to go seasonal on those and turn them on in the fall and off in the spring without having to return them. I've fought this battle a bunch of times about deactivating extra receivers and never won. Good 30 min phone call.

Dis you ask for/get the wireless genie mini? I keep calling, and they're unsure when those will be ready.

No I didn't ask for it, I currently don't need it. Built the house in 2008 and did a pretty good job pre-wiring to be prepared. I can see a use for it in the future on our patio but not ready yet so no need to push.

 

[fantasycurse42]

Great thread...

Sunday Max this year for me was $90... A little disappointed because last year I got them to give it to me for free.

 

[mquinnjr]

Just made my annual football is almost over call

free genie

free mini genie

free installation

$25 credit

And the big thing that I wasn't expecting, I have 9 receivers(4 extra for football), they're going to allow me to go seasonal on those and turn them on in the fall and off in the spring without having to return them. I've fought this battle a bunch of times about deactivating extra receivers and never won. Good 30 min phone call.

Dis you ask for/get the wireless genie mini? I keep calling, and they're unsure when those will be ready.

No I didn't ask for it, I currently don't need it. Built the house in 2008 and did a pretty good job pre-wiring to be prepared. I can see a use for it in the future on our patio but not ready yet so no need to push.

Gotcha, yeah I need the wireless genie. They're elusive, only in test markets right now, or so I'm told on the phone.

 

[mquinnjr]

When is the best time to make the call for the free sunday ticket? I got it for free this year by signing up for 2 years. Do i even have any leverage being under contract?

I'm in the same boat (Signed up in March 2013). The way I'm looking at it, if I were to threaten to cut the cord with them next football season, I'd be on the hook for $20/month early cancel fee x 7 months remaining = $140 OOP. I think if they know keeping me happy with free ST vs. cutting the cord @ $85.40/mo will cost them $450+ just on those 7 months, let alone potential future billing, they'll work with me.

 

[AK83NY]

When is the best time to make the call for the free sunday ticket? I got it for free this year by signing up for 2 years. Do i even have any leverage being under contract?

I think a contract makes it pretty binding. If you got a bunch of different tv options you might get leverage. Out by me they call every week asking me to switch and when I threaten to my original company gives me a deeper discount.

 

[mquinnjr]

You know what totally rocks? 12:30 PM of Week 15, and your Genie Whole-Room DVR receiver craps out.

 

[3C's]

You know what totally rocks? 12:30 PM of Week 15, and your Genie Whole-Room DVR receiver craps out.

I just added another box (HD receiver) and upgraded an old SD DVR to HD DVR. So I now have 3 HD DVRs, 1 SD DVR and 1 HD receiver. Woman briefly mentioned going to a Genie. Read too many mixed reviews to go that route. Though it would be a "cleaner" setup and I'd like the 5 tuner option the boxes I have have been solid. No need to mess that up.

 

[lumpy19]

You know what totally rocks? 12:30 PM of Week 15, and your Genie Whole-Room DVR receiver craps out.

I had my genie install yesterday...about 20 minutes after the technician left the genie crapped out. quickly called but i was too late, now i have to leave work today to go home for them to come fix it, not happy about it....at least i didn't pay for it.

I can't believe how tiny the mini genie is, it's awesome.

 

[3C's]

You know what totally rocks? 12:30 PM of Week 15, and your Genie Whole-Room DVR receiver craps out.

I had my genie install yesterday...about 20 minutes after the technician left the genie crapped out. quickly called but i was too late, now i have to leave work today to go home for them to come fix it, not happy about it....at least i didn't pay for it.

I can't believe how tiny the mini genie is, it's awesome.

genie mini size was a selling point as was the 5 tuners of the genie so I could record 2 games and watch another or do PIP during bowl season. too many bad reviews though. the guy who did my upgrade left me his cell number if there were any issues.

 

[VA703]

This was my first attempt at this so I'm not sure how I did. Been a member for about 18 months

I got

15 off 6 months

5 off 24 months

And all premium channels for 3 months

I think I can do better.. Not sure if it'll work but I might call back and try to get a extra remote and/or on demand setup

My son hid our 2nd remote about a year ago and I have no idea where it is

 

[mquinnjr]

So, if you're not looking to completely cut the cord, but cut back and have Comcast specifically for internet access, I have found a discount loophole for 2 TV NFL watching vs. "leasing" a second receiver through DirecTV. Personally, I like my primary TV to have Sunday Ticket, all games available setup enabled. Second TV for RedZone dedicated viewing, all in no-lag broadcast HD. I need no more than this, and want no less - this is my optimal setup.

I am 1 year into my contract with DirecTV, and I confirmed the Wireless Genie is available nationwide as of now (no longer in Beta) with customer service. Great news, I want one for second TV viewing of RedZone. Called to get the details Sunday (yesterday). DirecTV wants for it, as my second box: $99 down, $49 for an installer to setup, $6/month extra, and two-year service extension. Not shocking, but not fitting my needs as I might move in the next year or so, tacking on $20 x 12 = $240 in cancellation fees for this second box. So that has me around ~388 + tax/etc. to get it going, so it's not that worth it to me.

Call Comcast, with whom I only have internet with currently. Paying $70 for internet only. For the same price I am paying now ($70), they are offering the same 25/5 internet, limited basic service, HBO, Streampix, and HD box access for 12 months. Now the big question for me, can I get RedZone added to this during NFL season for ~6-7 a month, since I'd only have limited basic service (local channels only) and not a base video package? Answer was YES, which shocked me. I was sure you had to have a higher tier video service with them to get that which puts you back into having them as your TV provider... apparently not. This blew me away, I had them process this for me. After the promo rate ends in 12 months, the "worst case scenario" is that it goes up from $70 to $80 non-football season if I forget to call and get it back to $70, works for me!

I know the above is a lot of information and won't be applicable to everyone's setup, but if you like a 2 TV setup with RedZone on one TV and ST on the other, and don't want to get doored on the DirecTV pricing/contract extension on getting a second box from them, check with your internet provider to see if there's a way to get something going. No way on God's green earth I am paying those fees and extending my contract just to get a second box from DirecTV.