Use the search and filter options in the menu to find products
When AT&T purchased DIRECTV, many people wondered if DIRECTV would end up becoming more like AT&T's U-verse TV. U-verse TV is a service that does not always get the best reviews from many people. Luckily, DIRECTV has not changed. It the still acts and looks like the service that consumers are used to seeing. In the opinion of many, DIRECTV is the best television service available. Even when taking the price increase into consideration, DIRECTV is still a great television service. Anyone who doesn't have an issue with the two-year commitment should consider DIRECTV. The service delivers a great TV viewing experience.
The TV service offers the NFL Sunday Ticket, something that can't be found elsewhere. Also, subscribers get to enjoy DIRECTV's Genie DVR. The DVR service is one of the best ones on the market. Having tried DIRECTV's equipment, there are a few things that customers should know about before getting it.
Call (855) 652-1629 to order DIRECTV today.
It wasn't that long ago that DIRECTV changed its pricing structure to make it easier for consumers to understand, at least that's what DIRECTV wants their customers to believe. DIRECTV used to add a lot of fees the monthly service charges. The bill would include a receiver fee, DVR fee and a host of other fees. To be fair, these charges weren't charges that aren't typical of other Pay-TV services. The vast majority of tv providers add fees to the advertised price of their service. DIRECTV's new pricing structure no longer has any of those fees. Their service pricing is now all-inclusive. In other words, the price that is quoted online is the price that customers pay. There are no hidden or surprise fees. DIRECTV's claims are mostly true, but customers do seem to appreciate no longer having to pay any additional fees.
However, halfway through a two-year contract, DIRECTV increase the monthly service charge.
It's important to state that there aren't any service changes to DIRECTV's service in the second year. The change only involves the price increase, which doesn't make a lot of sense. For example, a customer that has the Entertainment package will have a monthly service charge of $40 for the first 12 months. The pricing is pretty good considering that customers get 160 channels with DVR service. Starting at the 13th month, the service charge for the same package increases to $87 a month. The price increase after the first 12 months is consistent across all DIRECTV packages. Now, price hikes are common to TV service providers. However, DIRECTV seems to be the most egregious offender. Having said this, DIRECTV still provides a service that is worth considering.
Despite DIRECTV's pricing increase, customers are still getting a good price for the service they are getting. The all-inclusive price also comes with the Genie DVR.
Related: DISH Hopper vs. DIRECTV Genie
Yes, DIRECTV's pricing tactic doesn't make any sense. But DIRECTV provides customers with such a comprehensive channel lineup that the service can be overwhelming.
Choosing a TV package can be difficult, especially when there are so many channels available. If having every channel is important, the Premier package is the ideal one to choose. Of course, having this many channels comes at a price. Customers with this plan will be paying for DIRECTV's most expensive package.
Anyone who just wants to watch popular tv shows should get the Entertainment package. This package includes some of the most watched tv channels like AMC, TBS, FX, USA, ESPN, TNT, The Discovery Channel, and more. Subscribers who want to watch shows like American Horror Story and The Walking Dead can do so with this package. In total, the package has more than 155 channels. There are so many channels, deciding which one to watch may be a challenge.
DIRECTV has a lot of channels, so many channels choice which one to watch is a bit overwhelming. However, customers who need to know what's on each channel will appreciate DIRECTV's channel lineup tool. This tool helps users find television listings for every channel.
The Entertainment package is a highly-recommended one. This package should work for most people. However, sports fans may want to look into the sports channels that are available in the higher packages. Also, movie lovers may like the Premier package. The Premier package has the STARZ Super Pack, a dozen HBO channels, and a dozen SHOWTIME channels. The package also includes several Cinemax channels. This package is one that cinephiles will love.
If watching movies and television in standard definition (SD) is unappealing, DIRECTV also has an assortment of high definition (HD) channels. In fact, DIRECTV has more HD channels that most other TV service providers. DISH only offers that customers around 105 HD channels. With DIRECTV, consumers get more than 200 HD channels. Finding out exactly how many HD channels are available in a package is somewhat complicated. The Select package (DIRECTV's lowest package) has 55+ HD channels. DIRECTV and DISH both carry the popular HD channels. The channels customers get to watch depends on their subscription package. DIRECTV's online channel guide is a useful resource for finding out what channels are available in HD.
Related: Compare TV Providers
What makes DIRECTV's equipment likable is the fact that it doesn't interfere with watching TV.
DIRECTV's service with Genie DVR works as expected. The menus are easy to navigate. Once users get past the initial setup of the remote and DVR, they will be able to record and binge-watch their favorite shows.
The DVR and actual remote control have a fairly basic design. The remote, like the interface, is easy to use. Remembering channel numbers can be a pain. Luckily, the menu allows users to select the type of programming they want to see. The remote doesn't have all of the capabilities and features of XFinity's X1. However, users will be able to find the channels they want with ease.
The Genie DVR does a good job recording shows. It can record up to five shows at the same time. So, anyone who enjoys tv won't have to worry about missing a show. The Genie can also record 200 hours of HD television or 800 hours of SD television. There are very few customer complaints about DIRECTV's DVR service.
DIRECTV also offers the Genie Mini. These DVR systems connect to additional televisions. These small wireless models are available for $7 a month. The mini Genies work in the same manner as the regular Genie. With the Genie Mini, subscribers you can start a show in one room and move it to another one. The only issue with the DIRECTV equipment is the satellite dish.
The DIRECTV satellite is not as large as one would expect. However, customers will still have to find a place to put it. The reason placement matters is because the satellite needs to be in a place where the signal won't get lost. Or, the satellite dish needs to be in a place where something like snow does not disturb the viewing experience.
Making sure that the satellite is placed in a place where it can be reached is important. Unless the customer lives in a place where the weather is perfect year-round. If the weather is not perfect all the time, place the satellite in the most optimal spot. It is possible that the customer will have to remove snow or debris from it.
Related: Satellite vs. Cable TV
A lot of people tune into to a TV show late and wish they could start it from the beginning. With DIRECTV missing a show is no longer an issue. DIRECTV has a feature called Restart. While customers don't pay an additional charge for this feature, it's limited. Restart is only available on a few channels.
Another feature of DIRECTV that is worth mentioning is the 72 Hour Rewind. This feature allows users to go back three days to watch a show. Avid TVC watchers no longer have to be upset because they missed a show. Again, this feature is only available on select channels.
No one expects excellent customer service from TV provider, DIRECTV is no different. So, let's take a moment to talk about what customers can expect from the typical customer service experience.
Surprisingly enough, DIRECTV's customer service isn't bad. Our reviewers basically harassed the customer service department for a week. For the most part, the customer service reps were helpful. The customer service reps won't just answer a question, they will go further an e-mail a PDF document with a listing of DIRECTV's HD channels. Now, not all DIRECTV sales representative will go above and beyond to assist a customer. Some representatives will give customers a sales script or be less than helpful. While there are complaints about the customer service, the quality of service can vary from one representative to the next.
Now, it's not unusual to hear people state that DIRECTV representatives will try to upsell channels and packages. Upselling is not that surprising from customer service representatives. However, the representatives are not aggressive in their sales pitch. Also, the representatives are honest about explaining fees when questioned about them. Their answers are clear and concise. Generally speaking, customers who contact customer service are less likely to have a horrific customer service experience.
The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) is a good source to get fair research on customer satisfaction. The ACSI has DIRECTV ranked 3rd in the TV service industry. While that isn't bad, it's not great. The television service industry is known for having bad customer service. So, coming in third isn't exactly a glowing endorsement.
Even still, DIRECTV beats several other TV providers when it comes to customer satisfaction. While DIRECTV is better than a lot of television providers, its customer service still needs improving.
The reason the Entertainment package is highly recommended is because of what it contains. This package has sports channels and every popular cable channel. The package is ideal for people who enjoy watching must-see shows and wants to stay updated on current pop culture.
DIRECTV is not specific to any location. DIRECTV's satellite service is available to anyone in the U.S.
The Entertainment is a good package for someone who wants a good variety of sports and television programming. If you want to figure out which package works the best for your situation, visit DIRECTV's website to compare packages.
DIRECTV is a satellite television service. Because it is a satellite service, it's available across the U.S.
Yes. DIRECTV has three 4K channels. Channel 106 is the 4K event channel. Channel 4K is the pay-per-view movie channel. Subscribers can turn to channel 104 to get 24/7 programming in 4K.
Almost all DIRECTV packages have ESPN. The only exception is their Select package.
While DIRECTV is a good service, it's not perfect. Past and current customers of DIRECTV should feel free to share their experience? What needs improvement? How were the services? Considering switching to DIRECTV? Feel free to ask any questions that would help in the decision-making process. If the questions are good, they might get included in the FAQ section.
