Contributor
Caller ID
I have two TV's hooked up to DirecTV the main box is in the living room and it will not display caller ID it is a box that has a phone jack the other TV is in the bedroom and smaller box which is connected to the main box that television shows caller ID if this problem cannot be fixed I am going to cancel DirecTV I have been a customer for the past 12 years and my bills are over a $250 every month
Juniper
ACE - Expert
•
22.9K Messages
6 years ago
Caller ID on DirecTV boxes is an outdated feature that hasn't been supported in years. New boxes do not have a phone jack and the new software removes the menu option.
If you have the 2nd generation Genie (HR44), though it is the last to have a phone jack, it gest the new software so Caller ID once removed is gone for good.
But if you have any other model with a phone jack, then the Caller ID feature should continue to work (in theory) as it stays on the old software. Be aware though if the feature breaks or is not compatible with any updates to landlines (only compatible with Plain Old Telephone Systems/POTS), there is no fixing it.
Previously DirecTV software updates on really old models came through phone line, and that is how you ordered PPVs, plus anonymous viewing data got sent. Now, those software updates come exclusively through the satellite feed, and the other parts are through internet connected (which gets you On Demand as well). So DirecTV no longer has a big incentive to invest in the hardware and software support of supporting a non TV service.
If you really want Caller ID, don't rely on your TV service as that is not what it is for. Instead use your phone's built-in feature, or get a dedicated Caller ID box if you prefer something more special.
As for your bills being over $250, that has nothing to do with Caller ID but with what services you are subscribed to (and possibly number of TVs). Review what you use of services you do pay for and see if there might be a better fit. Packages have changed over the years, and some channels are in lower costing packages then they used to be. Even Hallmark Movies & Mysteries used to only be in a add-on pack and is now in a few packages as well.
0
0