Beware, beware, beware!
Written: May 10 '02
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Pros: Channels, On-screen guides/search capabilities, caller id,
Cons: poor reception, poor customer service, poor build quality, annoying features...
The Bottom Line: Caveat emptor! I still think DirecTV **could** be great, but there are too many annoying "quirks". I'd switch back to (digital) cable in a second. Damn contract.
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| norcal420's Full Review: Hughes Networks HSYSE8674 Platinum Edition DirecTV... |
Ok, I was EXTREMELY excited about getting my DirecTV installed after I bought my new house. First, the installer doesn't show up, so I have to re-schedule (No apologies offered by the installer).
Installation was a breeze. Got a signal and everything's fine. Then the problems begin (I'll list them in no particular order):
1) Picture quality is incredibly poor even with a signal strength of 93-95 (DirecTV shoots for a 70 or higher for a good signal). It's not my TV either. Small boxes of snow criss-cross the screen every two minutes. Then you have to change the channel to correct the issue. Very annoying if you're trying to watch TV. Also, every 5-10 minutes a large, grainy, multi-colored box would appear in the lower right hand corner of my TV. DirecTV's 800# says that these image problems are due to poor weather. Well, it was foggy out, but this is crazy! I live in S. California, so the weather is NOT bad. All my friends with DirecTV say they've never had a problem, but I think they're lying. ;)
2) On-Screen guide: A very nice layout. Multi-colored with picture-in-picture (so you can watch while you surf) and shows 2 hours of upcoming programming. However, if you're watching @ 8 pm, and you want to review a program that's coming on at 9 pm, the channel automatically changes (to the new channel) instead of just providing you with a description of the program. I hate this...
3) 5 second delay for video when you change a channel. You'll get audio instantly, but the way the build the DirecTV receivers (according to Hughes technicians), there is up to a 5 second delay (black screen) before the video comes through. I can't stand this!
4) Caller ID feature (where the incoming phone number will be displayed on your TV) doesn't work. I pay for the service from the phone company (it's required), but my receiver won't display the number regardless of how many times I fiddle with the settings.
5) You're locked in for a year. Can't escape the contract despite crappy customer service, poor video quality and features that don't work.
6) Sports programming sucks. Bought the regional sports pack so I could get local baseball games from across the country. I'm still blacked out. Guess you have to fork over another $150 (I think) for MLB Extra-Innings and I still wouldn't trust DirecTV to not blackout the games.
There are some nice features that I really like and are working (so far):
-- "Turbo": Allows you to program 9 channels in a 3x3 grid for one-button surfing. Shows channel logos and provides the program title (ESPN - Sportscenter) for easy surfing!
-- Interactive: certain channels will flash an "I" in the upper left corner. When you press "I" on the remote, a black-box will show up on the bottom and provide you with sports scores (ESPN) by sport and by league. Really cool. On CNN, you can read 'top stories' etc... You can also shop (haven't used that yet) for music on the special music channels as well.
-- Comfy remote. Pretty well laid out.
-- Favorites list. Pre-program only the channels you (or another family member) want to see.
-- Guide search. Look for movies, sports, specials that are currently playing.
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 200
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Epinions.com ID:
norcal420
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Reviews written: 3
Trusted by: 0 members
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