I am seriously thinking about switching over to DirecTV from Time Warner Cable- just not happy with the PQ over at TWC- SD looks just awful! I have read here and there that people are able to negotiate better deals with DirecTV- on equipment, added service, etc. I could not determine though if it was for new customer or for existing customers. Looking at getting their new HD-DVR unit- which is discounted to $199, free install, free shipping, etc. Programming package comes in at $60.00 a month with 3 premiums for free for 3 months. What I would like is to basically get another HD-DVR or just a HD receiver for free and maybe more months free with the premiums, or something. Plus the Over the Air Antenna for free. It might not be possible, but I figured I would ask to see if DirecTV negotiates for new customers on items- and who i should be talking to to do it?

DIRECTV often does give deals to get new customers. Satellite may have a better enhanced definition picture, but cable companies have a better high definition picture. You would not need a OTA in most cases if you use the KAKU dish as it finds local and HD local channels.

Yeah the current "deal" from them is:
$100 off service (broken into 10x $10 increments used 1 per month)
$100 off first box (means free HD or DVR... or $199 HD-DVR- which is what I want)
Free shipping
Free professional install
3 months free HBO, Cinemax and Showtime

I was wondering if I can get a better deal from them if I tried- if people had negociated a better deal- or if I needed to be an existing customer to negociate a deal later on- say adding a box, or upgrading, etc.

Also the KAKU dish you refer to, I am not sure what that is. DirecTV gives me a "5 something" dish with install- think it is the slim line one. Problem is that in my area only 3 of the 6 HD local channels I am told are including- FOX, ABC and NBC... CBS, PBS and CW only have SD channels in my area available without an antenna from the looks of things. I also have the option to add an OTA antenna to it for $50.00- but the woman on the phone did not seem to think that would help with the missing HD channels. It sounds like a good indoor antenna hooked to the box should allow me to get the additional channels I want- correct or not?
Thanks so much for the info!
Tom

also wondering about this...i was offered the same deal as above

They don't tend to negotiate with new customers because of what it costs behind the scenes for each new customer they sign up. It's much like a cell phone provider, they offer the equipment for less in exchange for a contract with the intention of making up the difference over the life of your contract. Once you are in the door awhile you may have some leverage with them to add additional equipment.

Check their site to see what locals they carry for your DMA, they may have the big 4 in HD available and you would only need an OTA antenna for any additional sub channels or channels you want to receive.

also wondering about this...i was offered the same deal as above

Considering what it cost me to sign up (10 years ago,) you should take the offered deal and run away. ;) :D

(I seem to recall it being about $650 for one SD receiver/dish and mounting hardware ... plus I had to do the install myself ... not to mention the drill I had to buy.) :D

I know this thread is rather old but the current as is deal with DirecTV for new subscribers is not bad at all:

• Switch to DirecTV and save $23/month.
• FREE – Premium Movie Channels (for 3 months with CHOICE extra package and above.
• FREE – HD DVR Receive upgrade…a $199 value.
• FREE – Standard Professional Installation

You can call DirecTV at 877-576-3326 to take advantage of this deal for new customers. No coupon is needed.

... in my area only 3 of the 6 HD local channels I am told are including- FOX, ABC and NBC... CBS, PBS and CW only have SD channels in my area available without an antenna from the looks of things. I also have the option to add an OTA antenna to it for $50.00- but the woman on the phone did not seem to think that would help with the missing HD channels. It sounds like a good indoor antenna hooked to the box should allow me to get the additional channels I want- correct or not?...Usually, the CSRs don't have a clue about what's available locally OTA in your area. Take what they say with a grain of salt.

If you get a DVR, you'll need the AM-21 OTA add on box to record any of the local channels that aren't on D* in your area, and the box is usually $50. You might be able to talk them into throwing that in (via programming credits), but you'll have to ask.

To see whether you need indoor or outdoor antenna, enter your address here (http://www.tvfool.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29). Post a link to the results page back in this thread, for antenna help. Your address will not display on the results page.

To see whether you need indoor or outdoor antenna, enter your address here (http://www.tvfool.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29). Post a link to the results page back in this thread, for antenna help. Your address will not display on the results page.

Bad link..

No, tvfool.com is temporarily down at the moment.