If you really push it, you can get the referral bonus too, but YMMV (search fatwallet for directv, you'll find the thread on it).

They also charged me for some 20 fee for installation or something, which was not on my original non-AAA order, but whatever.

When I signed up a few days ago, I also got three months of free HD (9.99 value) which brought my total for the first few months down even more.

Apparently the old DirecTivos have to be authorized over the phone for updates, even though the software is downloaded through the sat. They also sell some kind of adapter so you can hook up to your internet instead of the phone line for ppv and stuff.

Another quick question: I have an extra HD receiver... and I've heard that it can output SD, and is actually a better option for a non-HDtv than the regular receivers are. Any truth to that?

I don't know about better picture, but it will almost certainly have a higher capacity.

Capacity? I'm not talking about DVRs, just the normal HD receiver vs. the regular non-HD receiver. Since I'm not planning on getting another HD DVR for a while, I was planning on just using my old, lifetime TIVOs.

I recently did a similar switch -- except to Dish. I was fed-up with Comcast and their prices. The big thing I miss is their OnDemand (though it only worked half the time anyway).

I thought about DTV, but ended up going with Dish because of their TurboHD offerings and I'm not an avid watcher of NFL (DTVs hook).

Either way, both are better than cable.

It was still available On Demand the other day.

I don't remember Directv ever going off the air so they could work on their equipment or signals like they do with cable when you never know when the cable will go out during the day.

the picture is a lot better with directv and their customer service is pretty good.

the only drawback is their HD DVRs are lousy.

they need to fix them.

they have too many bugs and you have to restart the receiver at least once a week because it freezes up.

I finally broke down and ordered Directv as well although they're certainly in no hurry to come out and actually install it (they already cancelled my first appointment and pushed it out another two weeks). I'm really not looking forward to dealing with a dish but I'll be saving $40 a month over Comcast (Thank you AAA) which is just too much to pass up.

Since I'll still have Comcast for broadband I'll be able to use my TV's QAM tuner to get PBS in HD and CBC which Directv doesn't carry and also the other locals if the dish gets wonky. I guess that should cover me pretty well.

With the AAA deal they should also throw in a free SD-DVR to go along with the free HD-DVR you're already getting.

I had Direct Tv for awhile but continually had problems during bad weather. Couldn't adjust my dish or knock off snow since it's mounted on the sideof my apt building. Went back to comcast-costs more but at least I don't get a crappy picture when a storm pops up.

It's either a free SD-DVR or a free HD (non DVR) receiver... I just suggested the HD receiver since the OP mentioned they were paying for one out of pocket already.

I was able to get the AAA deal along with the referral deal and whatever promo pricing they had 6 months ago.

It's still available through DirectTV on Demand through January 31.

So the current deal would give you the Choice Xtra Plus HD DVR (or whatever convoluted name they use), and a free HD DVR, and HBO/Starz/Showtime free for 3 months, for $50 a month for 12 months. Of course each extra receiver is $5 a month.

Were you guys able to get this price PLUS the $10 off AAA deal?

Directv is 100 times better than Charter. Its been snowing like a SOB today and there is no picture problem. The only thing I miss from cable is WWE 24/7. I don't miss being double charged for everything.

you take the good and then you take the bad... DirectTV and dish type services have the bad weather/ice on the dish problem. Neither are 100% reliable.

yes... at the time, the promo also had three months of free digital tier (10 bucks off the bill).

And the AAA deal comes with a free HD Receiver or SD DVR, which is in addition to whatever the national promo gives free (the HD DVR).

I love DirectTV, but agree with the statements that on-demand is basically a big joke.

I was too late for the free HD content, but I did get the $50 referral + the AAA discount + the free HD DVR + an additional free HD receiver + free installation. Thank you so much for pointing that out to me! My first 5 months' bill is only going to be $39.97, and I saved $106 on the HD receiver.

What do you have to do to get the referral bonus?

That's part of the reason that after about 10 years with Directv i'm about to make the switch to cable. Last night I turn it on and the reciever (which I paid $200 for at BB yet it is still property of Directv) says there is a problem with the drive and it needs to scan (which it says can take several hours), I come back 4 hours later and it is still scanning. So after scanning and re-scanning over and over it was still scanning as of this morning.
But the main reason is because they just can't or won't offer the programming I want. I have been asking them forever to add HRTV but they won't do it, plus I really want HowardTV and since Directv can't do true OnDemand stuff then it's just time to cut my ties I guess, as much as I hate to do it.

All you need is the customer number of a current Directv subscriber. I didn't have any problems getting both the AAA and referral discounts. I just mentioned that I had a referral, the rep asked me for the customer number, I gave it to him, and he entered it.

I think all HD DVRs must be crap. I've had problem after problem with mine from TW. Freezing, crashing, not recording shows I have subscriptions to, deleting shows I've told it to save, etc. I really don't understand that. My old Tivos were fantastic.

I'm really hoping whatever comes out of the new DirecTV/Tivo deal will be good.

Yeah, I held onto one of my old HR10-250s hoping that *maybe* they'll offer an update for them in the future to make them MPEG4 capable - any idea if this is wishful thinking or if there have been any talks of such a thing?

Won't happen. The decoding happens on a chip that does not exist in the 10-250s.

Thanks, I guess.

I might just put the box on my mantle in remembrance.