Time to switch?

[Tom Snyder]

Of course if anyone needs a "referral" to get their $50 off and their best current promotional deal on installation,  MilwaukeeHDTV.org can give you one where the $50 referral fee goes to support this site... Just PM me!

[klwillis45]

You should make a seperate sticky post for that Tom. If/when I switch I'd be happy to do it.

[gparris]

Thanks
She couldn't tell me if I would get the HR20 or HR21. I asked for the HR20. I get my 1 HD box and 3 standard boxes.  $199 for the HD box, I went in as my bro-in-laws referral and we both received a $50 discount -  $10 per month for 5 months. I am getting the Plus HD/DVR package with STARZ and Showtime.  This package includes "HD Access" Looking forward to a better TV experience.

The "Plus HD DVR" package offers the most HD with the access fee and DVR fee included, less premiums, but it appears that  you have got some of those, too!;)
The HR21 could be a problem if you ever want to integrate your guide and add OTA recordings; its existance, from what I understand, is based on your satisfaction with receiving Directv-only signals.
I would push for the HR20-only if you could.
Note too, that the "HD EXtra"  package is free until I think January (?), then the other six HD channels are charged $4.99 additional.
Avsforums is debating the legality of Directv making HDNET/HDNET Movies, formerly included in the HD pack, now soon to be extra (Mark Cuban is fuming).

[gb4fan92]

As of last nite I am a Direct TV Sub. Its kinda like getting a new toy. I was delayed 1 week because after further review I decided to get one HD receiver and 2 standard (instead of 3 standard)  along with the HD DVR.  When I called to make the change the cancelled my original order and rewrote it up. But in doing that it pushed back my install. (I was ****ed!). So even though I requested it I didn't get the HR20 model DVR. I got the HR21.  The installer said they are completely out of them and won't be getting any more. So my question now is am I SOL for receiving CH58 OTA or is there  another way to pick up the HD signal?

[Chinatown]

As of last nite I am a Direct TV Sub. Its kinda like getting a new toy. I was delayed 1 week because after further review I decided to get one HD receiver and 2 standard (instead of 3 standard)  along with the HD DVR.  When I called to make the change the cancelled my original order and rewrote it up. But in doing that it pushed back my install. (I was ****ed!). So even though I requested it I didn't get the HR20 model DVR. I got the HR21.  The installer said they are completely out of them and won't be getting any more. So my question now is am I SOL for receiving CH58 OTA or is there  another way to pick up the HD signal?

It all depends on where you live.................I use a roof top antenna..........Maybe you can get it with rabbit ears.............If not, see if you can get the "D" intaller to put on up for you. You can get a Radio Shack model for about $80.00, including the tri-pod.

[gparris]

gb4fan92:
I'll bet you want to record CBSHD programming, too.
Too bad, Directv thinks every subscriber can get it now, so there is no more need to record OTA, hence the lack of HR20's - so you got no chance of getting one anymore?
Seems as though you went from one sucky service (TWC) to Directv, only different headaches (but you got more HD channels!).
Guess its a trade off for you, but CBSHD is a dealbreaker for me recording-wise.

I have a least a half dozen shows on CBSHD alone I timeshift and since there is no way to record them on one box, forget Directv until CBSHD is available on Directv, period.

Anyway, congradulations on your "new toy" and enjoy.
My brother does not watch network TV (he says) so CBSHD is not an issue, but he does enjoy his H20, Slimline Dish (just installed) and the many dozen HD channels now available (I beg to go to his house just to watch!)

[hggeorge]

I dropped TWC 2 weeks ago and switched to Directv.  My install also was a HR21- 700 with out ota.  It's my under standing that Direct will be releasing another
HR21 with ota  soon.  After waiting for TWC to add more HD, BTN, and NFL I couldn't be more happy with switch.  The picture quality is outstanding and with another new satellite going up soon they will have all the band width they need to keep adding HD.  


George K9GM
Howards Grove

[gparris]

DirectvHD is amazing, true, but I have had some complaints from former Tivo users, those older models are truly wonderful with the Tivo interface.
We had a "lesson session" one night with a few Directv HD DVR "converts", trading tricks on how to use the HR20 vs. their older boxes and it got interesting.

One in the group actually can actually afford a couple HD DVRs from both Directv and TWC to get everything recorded.:eek:
It got sort of confusing to learn how to use that one more HD DVR, the HR20 (out of three), but they got the "hang" of it:
TWC offers all HD network programming, including PBSHD, CWHD and whatever MyNtwkHD ever offers, if any HD, including CBSHD for HD DVR recording.
It was very important to them to get all their HD locals recorded, so I had to set up their remotes and both AVRs to accept going between both DVR boxes and it got easy with practice for them to remember everything.

I also was envious for their setups since at one time, I had the pleasure of both providers (with mostly SD service back in 2003 and no HD DVRs available).

[AndrewP]

So even though I requested it I didn't get the HR20 model DVR. I got the HR21.  The installer said they are completely out of them and won't be getting any more. So my question now is am I SOL for receiving CH58 OTA or is there  another way to pick up the HD signal?

I heard over satelliteguys.us that D* will release external OTA tuner integrated into HR21 DVR. So just wait three more months if you don't have OTA tuner in TV.

I am switching to D* from E* on Dec. 12. Also insisted on HR20, but doubt I will get it. But I have USB HDTV tuner and that will do it for me.
When I was ordering I talked them to reduce the price for HD DVR with no go. But they actually willing to offer 6 moths free of premium movie channels. And after talking to the supervisor the guy offered me a deal nobody will be able to refuse. He offered premium movie channels for free for as long as I will have D* service. Of course I doubt it will be cleared but at least 6 months I will get. And it will save me $250 over E* year service with much less HD. For now I try to be optimistic.

[gb4fan92]

I heard over satelliteguys.us that D* will release external OTA tuner integrated into HR21 DVR. So just wait three more months if you don't have OTA tuner in TV.

Guess I could wait that long.

It all depends on where you live.................I use a roof top antenna..........Maybe you can get it with rabbit ears.............If not, see if you can get the "D" intaller to put on up for you. You can get a Radio Shack model for about $80.00, including the tri-pod.

But I would still need some type of receiver to get it in HD right?? Besides the Dish is already installed.

[Bebop]

The cheapest way is to get a USB HD tuner and watch it on your computer. If your HD TV doesn't have a built-in HD turner.

[kevbeck122]

If you don't mind an additional box, you can get an activated Voom HD box on ebay for around $30 - $50.  Even though Voom isn't around, the receivers still can get OTA channels.  Make sure it's activated, otherwise it won't work.

[flash]

I'd switch but I can't beat the price the TW is offering.
I get High speed internet (5+megs/sec), unlimited phone service and an HD DVR for $125 (tax included).
Right now, for me at least, I don't see me jumping off of TWC for what I'm getting.
U verse won't be here in Muskego for a while and they are the only thing offering competitive pricing.
I've had Direct before and loved the quality but to get what I currently get...... way more $$$$$$.
If TWC tries to raise my pricing, I will call customer retension and tell them I'm leaving to stay at my current rate.
If anyone knows if I can get all that I am getting anywhere near what I'm paying, please enlighten me.
Thanks ahead of time.

[Bebop]

I don't know if your package has any premium channel. But, I'm paying about the same as you.

Road runner Turbo: $43
Voip unlimited (ViaTalk): $15
DirecTV  Total Choice with HD access and DVR, no premium channels: $70


About $128 (tax included)

[flash]

Hey Bebop, with your voip, were you able to keep your phone number or did you have get a new one?
I got a flyer about Direct in Sundays paper and they were showing a similar package but the DVR was SD not HD for $50 (after a monthly rebate) do you pay extra for the HD DVR?
Thanks ahead of time for answering the questions 'cause I'd like to be able to boot cable if possible.