Canceling service

Keep in mind that they're all going to be about the same price since 99% of channels are on the majority of providers. Any rates you see advertised are most likely for new customers and are temporary prices.

One big difference is the regional sports channels which most likely aren't on YouTube TV or Hulu. This includes the newer "channels" that are run by the league like what many baseball and hockey teams use.

Not only does DirecTV Stream have these channels, but you can also keep using these same forums *and* they also have a device you can legally buy on eBay which has a system of channel numbers where you can go directly to that channel instead of endless scrolling like on Hulu or YouTube TV.

The other difference is that with Hulu's live service and YouTube TV, you're not paying monthly rates for equipment or infrastructure.

With internet-based services, your channels will be delayed from satellite. If you have notifications about games/events or are in text chains for TV shows or sports, Hulu and YouTube TV viewers tend to get those notices on their phone well before they see the big play or major "reveal scene" on TV...even if they're watching live.

What does this mean? Say there's a double play in the 8th inning of a baseball game or a surprise return of a TV character. You'll see that on DirecTV before your friends with Hulu or YouTube TV. If you have YouTube TV, you'll see "Woah! I didn't expect Mr. Conroy to return" on your phone maybe 1-2 minutes before it is seen on your TV.

You can always contact DirecTV via social media or their retentions/cancelations department and see if they have promotional rates which could beat new customer prices offered by other companies.

If you're intent on changing, absolutely look at the lineup before you switch and take advantage of any trial period. You can usually cancel as soon as you sign up, thus preventing any surprise charges.

There used to be people who'd switch to U-Verse because third-party sellers would promise new customers "all your favorite channels". Well, it turned out the customers would be angry because U-Verse didn't have such-and-such channels.

As I used to say then, switching TV providers is a lot like moving to a new city. Make sure you land in the right neighborhood. For a childless couple in their young 40s who doesn't intend to buy a car, maybe a suburb isn't the right fit. If someone has three kids under 10, they probably want a safe area with good schools. If the person is a foodie who likes eating out, the neighborhood with good local restaurants might be the best fit.

Dont know where I will end up .  DTV is rated as one of the best you just get to pay for it  .  I have the Choice package now  with nothing else . Thanks for your input  .  

Cancellation process hasn't changed for the most part. You call their (DirecTV, not AT&T) customer support number and when you get the voice system say "cancel" and that should route you to the correct department.

It will be the agent's job to find out why you are canceling and make a reasonable save offer (with encouragement not to accept the first "no", find out why and see if they can address it). Ultimately your decision of course.

I would review the channels you watch, just in case any package below your current one would work better. Also consider if you use all those TVs. (Of course not getting back to $15, or free for legacy DirecTV before AT&T was in the picture, but every little bit helps when you have the service that fits you).

If you still cancel, remember it goes through at the end of your bill cycle. So no proration for canceling mid-month as service continues for the full time. This way you minimize any overlap with a new TV service.

The C41s I would expect are non-returnable. As for the HR54, being the 3rd generation Genie I would expect returnable but with AT&T's "overhaul" where they heavily pushed the restrictive Genie-2 (HS17) setup I am not sure. Verify the email confirmation when you cancel and even if they say non-returnable, either return via a participating return center or hold on for a couple months or so to make sure you don't get a non-return fee (NRF).

For their current return options: https://www.directv.com/support/article/000093574 

With shopping around, always be aware the advertised prices are the introductory offers with those new customer discounts. They are not long-term pricing and may not include all fees, as those may be determined by your exact setup. Just do your research.