Direct TV $99 Reciever Offer?

[RRP]

I've been reading over at AVS that Direct TV is offering for $99 a 3LNB dish, HD reciever, and installation for long time subscibers or big time spenders (length and size subjective).  Has anybody tried this yet in Milwaukee?

They also seem to indicate that you don't necessarly have to commit to the 1 year HD package.   Does direct TV's annoucement of carring CBS HD and FOX ED apply to the Milwaukee area?  I'd like to get the local FOX and CBS for now and signup for D*'s HD package once they have a larger offering.

Thanks
Richard

[borghe]

In theory we should be allowed to recieve the national FOX EDTV channel as WITI is Fox O&O. CBS wouldn't apply to us.

[dclutter]

I just got the $99 deal from DTV. you are correct i got the 3 LNB dish, samsung reciever and free instalation.  I have been a DTV customer for a VERY long time, in fact the DTV rep was amazed at my customer number. The catch is the following:  they charge your credit card aprrox 425.00 and then credit your DTV bill.  I also asked and also recieved 6 months of Showtime.  You will never get it unless you ask for it

[pilprin]

Is there a special person or dept. that I need to speak with at Directv?

[Matt Heebner]

I too did the $99 deal through Directv. I've been a customer since 1997. You only have to commit to a year of programming...not just the HD programming. If you do decide to cancel Directv, they pro-rate the remaining amount you need to pay up to $150.

When calling, get in contact with a CSR, and ask for the Customer Retention Department. They are the only ones authorized to okay this deal. Also ask for a special $2/mo rate for 6 mo. on either HBO-HD or Showtime-HD also!

Its a great deal and the Samsung receiver is excellent ! Light years ahead in features and picture quality to my old RCA DTC-100 !

Just found the direct number to Customer Retention:
1-800-600-8977
Call them and skip the whole automated menu crap.

Matt

[gparris]

For those 2-HDTV households, and I KNOW there are some...what does Directv offer? TWO $99 deals?

I have had a few requests on that, for example, the HDTV in the family room is a 65" and the smaller 42" set is in the master bedroom for the parents. They will need a second HD receiver as all they have been using is DirecTivos in both rooms and basic boxes for the children's rooms (with parental controls).
Once they saw the HD pictures on their neighbor's set on DTV, they wanted it bad! So I need to figure out how to get both of them set up with 2 HD boxes at $99 each..!
By the way, they have been loyal DTV subs since 1997, so that may help, right?

[Andrew Grall]

Is this ONLY for existing customers?  Or can new customers get in on this too?

[Matt Heebner]

It is only for existing customers. I think there is a new customer deal that includes a triple LNB dish, installation, and a HD box for $399. That is still a grat deal though.

Matt

[BigShooter]

I just got the $99 deal you all spoke of.  Thanks very much for all the info. it saved me a bundle.  

Incidentally, DTV tried to make me commit to 1 year of the 10.99 HD package, after the Retention Specialist told me I didn't have to.  They tried to sneak it past me in the form of a letter confirming the offer.  I had to call customer service and only when I talked to a supervisor did I get them to waive it.  While I fully intend to subscribe to the HD package, I refused to be duped into a commitment.  That was dirty pool and I told them so.  They rolled.  

Also, my retention specialist gave me the ShowtimeHD/Movie Channel package for free for 6 mos. as well as the HBO+HBOHD package for 6mos. @$2/mo.  

Also, be sure to ask them about the OTA antenna.  They'll throw that in too.  I think I paid $425ish, and was credited for all but $99.  Again, many thanks.

[krauts]

You got the OTA antenna? When I called last they said it wasnt available for this area. I live in Sheboygan. Only 20 or 30 markets could get anteanna's from what I was told. Do you know what model you are getting?

[BigShooter]

I got the Samsung SIRT(?)-360 box and a Winegard 1000, a non-amplified antenna.  Incidentally, I live in Franklin.  Not sure if that matters, but if you can receive OTA Milwaukee signals in Sheboygan, I can't see why you wouldn't get the antenna offer.

[borghe]

Markets are determined by DMA.

Are you eligible for Milwaukee locals?

I called on this a while back to report to the forum and they were going to give me the offer also. I live in Wauwatosa.

[krauts]

How is the winegard antenna? I was looking at the one Channel Master. Does it have a decent range? I should be able to get Milwaukee and Green Bay locals from where I am so I should qualify then. I'll have to call them again. I'm debating between trying to get this offer and the antenna they throw in or move to dish with a free hd reciever and have to pay for the antenna. Each case has its pro's and con's.

[borghe]

I would go with DirecTV either way. You should still be eligible for the $49 receiver from DirecTV, right?

As for why they might not give it to you, possibly because you are only in class B range for WTMJ and WITI. Maybe they are only offering it in markets who have all networks up in HDTV and are within a class A signal.. don't know though, just a guess.

[BigShooter]

It's decent.  The reason I say this is that I am having problems picking up CBS 58 in HD (See "CBS 58 Issue" thread).  I get NBC, ABC and PBS, all signals are solid and very rarely is there any drop out (though the signal strength is 20-50 range).  I plan to adjust the direction of the antenna this weekend to see if I can find a midpoint where I can get all four of the networks.  I'll let you know how it works.  

I've heard that ChannelMaster makes a good product, but this Winegard was thrown into my D* deal, so for me it was a no brainer.  If I had to buy the thing, I probably would've gone with the Channelmaster.  Mind you though that I am by no means an authority on the subject.  

Incidentally (if you don't mind my 2 cents), I have found that if I don't get what I want right away from DTV, I ask to talk to a supervisor (all the while expressing my undying loyalty to the quality product that is DTV, and how much I think TWC bites). I  explain that if they give me what I want I will remain the loyal customer that I have always been.  They've always given me what I wanted, without fail.  

I'd try again for the OTA antenna.  Don't take no for an answer.  If they don't throw you the OTA antenna that ALL your buddies from the Milwaukee area got, ask them for additional free programming.  My guess is that they'll give you something.  They've never let me down.  BE A WEASEL if that's what it takes.