Is Direct TV as stupid as their commercials?

[little wing]

So I'm bored one night channel surfing, trying to find something worthwhile to watch, and I come across 3 channels that are grayed out, but labeled "4K". So I'm thinking, great! Finally some broadcast content in 4k! Let's call DTV to find out what the deal is. So after the usual gyrations of getting to a live person, they proceed to tell me that the model of set box that I have will not do it, I need an updated box. And I am not due to upgrade my equipment for another 6 months. So If I did want to actually watch the 3 4k channels, I would need to spend $300 to upgrade equipment! Is it me or is this just stupid? Seems like if they offer some 4k content, they would actually want to make it easier for their customers to view it.

 

[panteragstk]

So I'm bored one night channel surfing, trying to find something worthwhile to watch, and I come across 3 channels that are grayed out, but labeled "4K". So I'm thinking, great! Finally some broadcast content in 4k! Let's call DTV to find out what the deal is. So after the usual gyrations of getting to a live person, they proceed to tell me that the model of set box that I have will not do it, I need an updated box. And I am not due to upgrade my equipment for another 6 months. So If I did want to actually watch the 3 4k channels, I would need to spend $300 to upgrade equipment! Is it me or is this just stupid? Seems like if they offer some 4k content, they would actually want to make it easier for their customers to view it.

Well, they're owned by ATT now so customer service went bye bye. Now you just talk to the same level of moron you'd get when calling ATT. Finding a person that isn't a moron is a difficult task.

Their service is still great and my equipment works so I won't be changing a thing for a while.

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

Yes. Yes they are. You have a better chance of getting CS from a fork than some stupid farmed out call center jackass. My contract is up in a couple weeks. Can’t wait to go back to dish network. I also have a lot more banding and false contouring from directv than dish too.

 

[adk highlander]

It always amazes me how all of our experiences differ. I have been a dtv customer for over 20 years and I would not switch to a cable company for anything.

 

[lovinthehd]

I have some older D* stuff and recently had to change my wifi password, and the D* stuff just didn't like that....it was not fun getting help from D*. Definitely worse since ATT took over.

 

[adk highlander]

I find it difficult to believe there,was any cha,he in CS post AT&T. I do not like AT&T and I have found no difference post change. If you have an issue ask for. retention specialist and they can solve issues. No different than any other company other than you need to,get to the correct folks.

 

[little wing]

I just figured, If their going to offer 4k content, why not make it reasonably easy to get it.. Without having to drop 3 bills off the bat. I guess it's too much to ask...

 

[adk highlander]

Ok I do get what you are saying but, how is dtv any different than any company that you are within your contact would allow you to change the terms? Would comcast let you change anything if you were in your 99 dollar deal for the first year?

 

[little wing]

Ok I do get what you are saying but, how is dtv any different than any company that you are within your contact would allow you to change the terms? Would comcast let you change anything if you were in your 99 dollar deal for the first year?

Probably no different at all...But it seems like if they are going make a service available, or "offer" it, they would make it easier to obtain it.

 

[2channel lover]

So I'm bored one night channel surfing, trying to find something worthwhile to watch, and I come across 3 channels that are grayed out, but labeled "4K". So I'm thinking, great! Finally some broadcast content in 4k! Let's call DTV to find out what the deal is. So after the usual gyrations of getting to a live person, they proceed to tell me that the model of set box that I have will not do it, I need an updated box. And I am not due to upgrade my equipment for another 6 months. So If I did want to actually watch the 3 4k channels, I would need to spend $300 to upgrade equipment! Is it me or is this just stupid? Seems like if they offer some 4k content, they would actually want to make it easier for their customers to view it.

Generally speaking, we've always had to pay extra for HD so it's not surprising they would make 4k access a profit center. The dollar amount of this upgrade is what makes it stupid.

 

[yepimonfire]

Why do people still pay for satellite or cable? At $150 or even $200 a month you could simultaneously subscribe to Hulu, Netflix, amazon prime, hbo, starz, Cinemax, and purchase HD versions of TV shows you’re actually interested in watching for less money, better video and audio quality, and no commercials whatsoever.

 

[Foxrox]

I’m with you, Yep. Haven’t had cable or sat for many years now and never miss it. There are also affordable streaming subscriptions like PS View and Sling, but I didn’t even find value in those compared to Netflix, HBO, and Amazon Prime. I find those three are all I need.

That being said, I’m fortunate to live somewhere with relatively cheap fiber internet access (50Mbps for $60/mo). I don’t think most people are so lucky. I’ve heard some outrageous prices for high speed internet from friends across the US. No idea about outside the US.

To the OP’s question, I agree it’s ridiculous. “Pay us a bunch so you can then pay us more all the time” is not a way to attract people to upgrade. I expect they’re just going after “hardcore” viewers right now who they know will pay to have the best. Eventually, they will promote it with FREE!!! this or FREE!!! that.

 

[little wing]

Generally speaking, we've always had to pay extra for HD so it's not surprising they would make 4k access a profit center. The dollar amount of this upgrade is what makes it stupid.

Yes, this is my point exactly. We are talking two or three additional channels for $300

 

[little wing]

I’m with you, Yep. Haven’t had cable or sat for many years now and never miss it. There are also affordable streaming subscriptions like PS View and Sling, but I didn’t even find value in those compared to Netflix, HBO, and Amazon Prime. I find those three are all I need.

That being said, I’m fortunate to live somewhere with relatively cheap fiber internet access (50Mbps for $60/mo). I don’t think most people are so lucky. I’ve heard some outrageous prices for high speed internet from friends across the US. No idea about outside the US.

To the OP’s question, I agree it’s ridiculous. “Pay us a bunch so you can then pay us more all the time” is not a way to attract people to upgrade. I expect they’re just going after “hardcore” viewers right now who they know will pay to have the best. Eventually, they will promote it with FREE!!! this or FREE!!! that.

Fox - You and Yep bring up very good points. When I was on the east coast I had Comcast and actually liked it much better than satellite, but it's the only way to get the Sunday ticket so I can watch my Eagles games (Yes being an Eagles fan is an exercise in frustration) And the NFL package runs about an additional $270 . hopelessly addicted I guess....

 

[2channel lover]

Yes, this is my point exactly. We are talking two or three additional channels for $300

That's why the big boys, CBS, NBC, etc. are not even sniffing 4k content...they can't upcharge the consumer to offset the camera upgrades and everything else incremental that goes into a 4k broadcast.

The frontline guys are going to charge us an arm and a leg because there's not enough 4k content out there and imo we're probably talking about a decade before we see over the air 4k broadcasts. So it's a catch 22 because for the same reason, not enough content, consumers are not going to pay to upcharge in droves to drive more content.

Maybe when market penetration for 4k TV set hit the critical mass number.

 

[little wing]

That's why the big boys, CBS, NBC, etc. are not even sniffing 4k content...they can't upcharge the consumer to offset the camera upgrades and everything else incremental that goes into a 4k broadcast.

The frontline guys are going to charge us an arm and a leg because there's not enough 4k content out there and imo we're probably talking about a decade before we see over the air 4k broadcasts. So it's a catch 22 because for the same reason, not enough content, consumers are not going to pay to upcharge in droves to drive more content.

Maybe when market penetration for 4k TV set hit the critical mass number.

Goes to show you the marketing hype and BS these TV manufactures are using to push 4k sets. Oh well, I'll settle for the 4k "upscaling" for now.

Congrats on the new speakers BTW, damn fine system you have there sir! I'll bet it sounds tremendous.

 

[2channel lover]

Goes to show you the marketing hype and BS these TV manufactures are using to push 4k sets. Oh well, I'll settle for the 4k "upscaling" for now.

Congrats on the new speakers BTW, damn fine system you have there sir! I'll bet it sounds tremendous.

4k sets...manufacturers probably knew they would not get the networks to support it with content given they had to be dragged kicking and screaming into HD. Still to this day we don't get the full 1080p bandwith from all 4 major networks.

Buying a TV is kind of like buying a fridge...that consumer is likely out of the market for 8-10 years. Most homes have more than one TV, but tech improvements has been a way to keep consumers in the market....had 4k not been developed, probably fewer sets would have been purchased in the category.

My thoughts...from an old brown goods buyer for a now defunct consumer electronics retailer.

Thanks...the system in general is more than I could've hoped...these speakers were truly worth the wait.

 

[aschamne]

A couple years ago, I decided to try AT&T Uverse. Wow, was that a mistake, once the one year contract ran out, I went back to cable and never looked back.