Choice Xtra Classic vs Ultimate

Hello there. Moving from Choice Xtra Classic to Ultimate would not generate the loss of any essential channels because as you pointed out, it is a grandfathered package discounted a few years ago. The move would actually add a few channels I believe. The move from Choice Xtra Classic to Choice would generate the loss of a few channels. You can check the Choice lineup online to see the channels that are included in that package. Also, do keep in mind that once you move from Choice Xtra Classic to Ultimate/Choice, then it is impossible or very cumbersome to go back to this grandfathered package. Here is the link for the current Choice lineup to review the channels you will lose by going to Choice: https://www.directv.com/dtvassets/pdfs/channel_lineups/DIRECTV_Satellite_Channel_Lineup.pdf

Ultimate is a level above Choice Xtra Classic. The reason most people stayed on the grandfathered package was because you had specialty channels like Cloo and Chiller that were only available in Ultimate on the new set of packages. Since those channels don't exist anymore with anybody, being shut down by their respective parent networks, Choice Xtra Classic tends to be higher cost for no gain in channels compared to the current equivalent.

I would look into the channel lineups of Xtra and Choice. That way you can see about saving some cost, and perhaps gaining any channels that might not be in the grandfathered one.

Yes, they simplified the names. Instead of Choice, Choice Xtra, and Choice Ultimate the current versions are just Choice, Xtra, and Ultimate. Having 3 packages with Choice in the name caused a lot of confusion in the past.

Although if you watch little to no sports, I would ask if they still have Preferred Xtra. With base cost slightly less than Xtra, and no RSN fee, it is close in cost as if you had Choice. Also has the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries channel (565). Was a new option they had when the RSN fee was separate out as its own line item instead of hidden in package cost. Hope they still offer it but might be grandfathered. Not one that was advertised

DirecTV Packages & Channel Lineup.

I wish they can bring back the DIRECTV XTRA package. If they do, there would now be 5 packages to choose from, and this would be the new order of packages.

1. DIRECTV ENTERTAINMENT
2. DIRECTV CHOICE
3. DIRECTV XTRA
4. DIRECTV ULTIMATE
5. DIRECTV PREMIER

I wish XTRA could come back, and its new possible price would be from a range of $84-$89.

I am not clear if the packages are grandfathered, or just not advertised as part of new customer offers. They are still in the channel lineup overview.

DirecTV Packages & Channel Lineup

Family

Select

Entertainment

Choice

Xtra (or Preferred Xtra for those that watch little to no sports)

Ultimate

Premier.

I think they have now been grandfathered. But how can I still order it?