Ordering DirecTV from Independent Retailer?

[Boomer]

I just moved into a new apartment and I'm looking to switch from Comcast to DirecTV.

Currently, the DirecTV website is offering the "Choice" package for 44.95 for 4 months. However, I came across this website http://www.usdirect.com/directv/direct-tv.html which is offering the same package for 39.99 for 12 months. They are supposedly an independent retailer for DirecTV.

Does anyone have any experience when ordering through an independent retailer? Are the prices legit, or should I expect something completely different when I get my first bill?

Thanks in advance

 

[AZZenny]

I know Qwest offered a very good deal for DirecTV if bundled with any other Qwest service -- I was 'grandfathered' under an old contract and it didn't turn out to be a benefit, but for a new user, it would have been. BUT a lot of these deals have very tiny print saying this is for 4 or 6 or 12 months -- make darn sure you know what the 'regular' rate will be. My Qwest Broadband jumped by 75% when the intro deal ran out, which was far from clear when I signed on.

 

[Red Dawn]

Just call Direct TV and tell them you are interested in getting their service. After they make their initial offer don't jump on it, but mention that you are also looking at comparing it with Dish Network and Cable (research what they are offering too and bring it up to the customer service rep). Call back if you dont like the deal, your next CSR may be in a better mood. They may be able to sweeten the deal for you. Direct TV is becoming known for giving good deals through customer retention, but that is after you have established yourself with them; I don't know how much a new customer can expect to get. The official site may be able to give you some credits etc. to reduce your bill for 12 months or so....when you call them tell them about the $39.99 deal and my guess is they will match it at least. IIRC there is a deal going now where a Direct TV customer who refers a new customer gets a $50.00 credit, and the new customer gets the credit too. If you know someone with DTV, have them refer you. Always read the fine print to make sure what your monthly rate will be after the specials run out.

Here's a $100.00 programming credit.

Here's the link to the referral program..maybe your friend will give you the $50 bucks.

 

[Boomer]

Thanks for the replies, folks.

Zenny, unfortunately Qwest is not available in my area of California.

RD, thanks for the tips and the link. I'm going to go ahead an order today!

 

[Boomer]

One other, silly, question.

I'm going to upgrade to the HD receiver, however I havent yet purchased my HDTV. Will I still be able to watch regular programming on my current TV with the HDTV?

Thanks!

 

[dreamcastrocks]

One other, silly, question.

I'm going to upgrade to the HD receiver, however I havent yet purchased my HDTV. Will I still be able to watch regular programming on my current TV with the HDTV?

Thanks!

Yes you can.

 

[Boomer]

Thanks!

Since I'm a big time lurker here, I know you're the king when it comes to HDTV and tv in general

I'm planning on buying at 32" LCD TV (on a budget). Does ordering the Hi-Def programming really make that much of a difference over regular programming on a 32" TV? I could see that HD would be great on a TV over 40", but I'm not sure if it would be as stellar on a smaller TV.

The other option DirecTV has is a free upgrade to a DVR receiver instead of the HD receiver.

 

[abomb]

I'm planning on buying at 32" LCD TV (on a budget). Does ordering the Hi-Def programming really make that much of a difference over regular programming on a 32" TV? I could see that HD would be great on a TV over 40", but I'm not sure if it would be as stellar on a smaller TV.

The answer is yes! I have a buddy who has a smaller TV, but HD service and it looks just as magificent as my 57".

 

[dreamcastrocks]

Thanks!

Since I'm a big time lurker here, I know you're the king when it comes to HDTV and tv in general

I'm planning on buying at 32" LCD TV (on a budget). Does ordering the Hi-Def programming really make that much of a difference over regular programming on a 32" TV? I could see that HD would be great on a TV over 40", but I'm not sure if it would be as stellar on a smaller TV.

The other option DirecTV has is a free upgrade to a DVR receiver instead of the HD receiver.

Yes, because you are on a budget, you don't need to try and get a 1080p tv. You probably won't see much of a difference with that size of TV. Any particular reason why you want an LCD? Just curious.

 

[Boomer]

Thanks for the input fellas.

LCD's seem to be a bit cheaper given the size of TV I'm looking for compared to the other types available.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

What's your budget? You should try to get the biggest TV screen possible.

 

[Louis]

Boomer not sure if this was mentioned...

But you can get the Premier package for free until the NFL season is over by signing up for the NFL ticket which is broken into 4 payments.

New customers get a free dvr upgrade as well.

 

[Boomer]

My budget is $550 or less. I know, it's a small budget.

But, I've found a Westinghouse 32" LCD HDTV for $499 and it has some very positivie reviews.

 

[Boomer]

Anyone got the scoop on re-ceritified/refurbished products?

I'm sure they don't last nearly as long as new TVs, but there are some really, really great deals on some large TV's at ecost.com. However, most of them have been "re-certified" by their manufacturers.