New Member
•
3 Messages
Questions about replacing an old receiver
Hello,
My elderly mother has a receiver that was installed in 2015. It still works but she is interested in upgrading due to obvious issues finally starting to bother her: certain channels not being centered on the screen, some channels not clearing coming through ---> having lines on the R side of the screen, plus some of her friends talking about programs on the channels she lost earlier this year when if you didn't have the upgraded tech...
In any event, she asked if I would check into the process and ask what, if any, price would be involved and if it would require a new dish to be installed on her hours and/or something like an extended 1- or 2-year commitment.
Well, I just finished a chat session with a rep and we never got beyond cost. I was informed that the upgraded receiver would be a bit over $500. When asking "isn't that a BIT high?" the rep escalated to a manager who simply gave the number for cancelling the service and said words to the effect of "Sorry, loyalty is her last resort. Have a nice day" and the chat was over.
Admittedly, I've not called anyone with D/T as yet. I'm a bit stunned. I feel like I just dipped my toes into the water on this subject and the piranhas took everything up to the knee. Is what I was told accurate per the cost?
litzdog911
ACE - Sage
•
46.7K Messages
3 years ago
What equipment does she have now?
DVR/Receiver model numbers?
Some of those issues you describe sound more like TV issues than DirecTV Receiver issues.
0
0
Bismarck_Original
New Member
•
3 Messages
3 years ago
It's a D12-100. She has no DVR at present.
I assumed they are receiver problems as the issues began after the date that coincided with, words to the effect, "upgrade by this date or you'll lose these channels". For example, she has watched Dr. Pimple Popper on CH 280 (which was not one of the channels she was going to lose) but said those lines began the day after that "drop dead" date on those other channels...ditto the other problems.
0
0
DIRECTVhelp
Community Support
•
255.7K Messages
3 years ago
Hello @Bismarck_Original, thank you for bringing this to our attention, and we do apologize for the inconvenience this situation may have caused.
We want her to get the most out of the service, and we're ready to go over her upgrade options. Let's meet in a Direct Message on this. Please check your Direct Message Inbox (It's the chat icon next to the bell icon in the upper right corner of the Forums).
Maria, DIRECTV Community Specialist
0
0
detuch254
ACE - New Member
•
5.2K Messages
3 years ago
If it’s just the D12, DIRECTV should do a free MPEG2 as all the MPEG2/SD feeds are being phased out as we speak. Thus, SD only equipment like the D12 will become useless. When calling DIRECTV (number in my greeting below) mention MPEG2 free swap and ask specifically for an H25 receiver unless your mother wants to record shows. This will require a new HD dish since your mother’s current one is probably either an 18 inch dish or an 18x20. Since this is a REQUIRED upgrade to continue enjoying service, there are NO FEES or contract extensions.
It does sound like symptoms of SD channels and/or TV picture issues as @litzdog911 indicated. Channels disappearing from her lineup could very well be SD channels being phased out. I know for sure channel 345 and a couple others in SD were completely removed. It’s also somewhat normal for some channels to have poor or unclear picture. After all, it is 480i SD.
(edited)
0
0
Bismarck_Original
New Member
•
3 Messages
3 years ago
Detuch254,
Thanks very much for your input. I have to log off here shortly, but will talk with her in the morning and get with Directv soon. Given what you've said it would be much wiser for her to act sooner versus later.
Yes, 345 was lost (RFD tv?) and 361 (accuweather) and I think 307 (WGN), among a few others, perhaps. I know I visited and sat down to watch one of the ESPN channels and the lines issue was on it as well, so it's out there.
0
0
Juniper
ACE - Expert
•
23.4K Messages
3 years ago
When she calls DirecTV, make sure she requests a MPEG swap and to NOT say "upgrade". Otherwise it would come with a 24 month service agreement and the $10 HD service would not be credited monthly.
Once order is placed, read the order confirmaiton their system emails shortly after. Want to make sure all is as expected.
0
0