I agree that the whole tv/internet thing in this country is a racket, but I had direct tv for several years and was quite happy with it. In that time we lost the picture only once or twice a year - certainly not every time in rained.

We are now with RCN and they are very good. I would never go back to Verizon or Comcast if you paid me...

PP here and Directv subscriber for 10+ years. Yes, the channels go out during weather events. What I have experienced is that DVRd shows work fine, so if you are able to get a deal on DVR package, do so and record your favorite shows. That will get you through any weather event.

I had DirecTV for over eight years and I loved it. I prefer their channel line up and overall operating system than cable. However, yes when it snows or rains the channels shutter (but typically only on the HD channels).

I will say this when you sign up for any television service make sure it comes with an HD box...because often times the "deal" you're getting DOES NOT come with an HD box. It comes with a standard box! I had to upgrade my DirecTV boxes to HD and it was an extra $10 per box per month.

Anonymous wrote:DirectTV goes out anytime it snows (today, for example) or rains (today, for example). Run- FAST.

PP here- I should mention we've had DirectTV for 13 years. Every time it snows- no service, they say there's nothing they can do. Same with plain old rain- they can't make it not happen. It's gotten to the point where the TV service goes out, and I know a weather event is about to happen.

Save yourself.

DirectTV goes out anytime it snows (today, for example) or rains (today, for example). Run- FAST.

Agree with PP. Don't disagree with OP that that deal has bait-and-switch potential AND admit that they are not the cheapest option, BUT we have had DirecTV for ten years and they are fantastic. Customer service is exceptional before even considering that they are in possibly the worst industry for that. And we call once or twice a year for discounts and always get them.

The entire cable/satellite television thing is a racket. We have had Directv for several years now. I will say that if you sign up and the price goes up after 1 year, you can always get customer service to discount your service to retain you as a customer. We have done it every year for the past 4-5 years. We have gotten free sports subscriptions, discounted base package, free or reduced movie channels. You just have to ask.

Talked to the Direct TV guy at Costco. He presented what seemed like a great deal: $53 per month for two years (plus a 3.5% county sales tax fee). We asked a bunch of question like whether there were any other fees, whether the rate was locked in, etc. Ok, great, all of that sounds good, time to put it in writing. So what they do is prepare a "worksheet" that has all of the terms discussed on it. Then, they give you a letter that you have to sign that is separate from the worksheet. Well, in the middle of the letter it says that the promotional rate is only good for one year and then it jumps up to $88 a month. It also says that they can change the retail price of the service you receive at any time. Yes, that's right, you have to use their service but you have no idea what the price may be 13 months from now and price changes are not a basis to cancel the service. The kicker is that the letter supersedes the worksheet! The sales guy even had the balls to say that the worksheet supersedes the contract...unreal. Just seems like a terrible and deceptive way to do business.