13 Reasons Not to Choose DirecTV

I have two HD DVRs and one standard receiver and here's what I've discovered...

Reasons to Buy DirecTV

1.  Terrific picture.

Reasons Not to Buy DirecTV

1.  All too frequently the DVR  must be reinitialized using the reset button; this takes 10 to 20 minutes, so if you are intending to watch a program, you're out of luck.

2.  They bill for premium channels not ordered and then state since the channels were available reversal of the charges are not possible.

3.  Promised credits never materialize on the bill.

4.  None of the equipment is guaranteed beyond 30 days; your choice is to either pay for an ongoing monthly service plan or the full cost of the repairs/replacements.

5.  They nickel and dime you to death with extra charges (e.g., more than one receiver, HD reception).

6.  Compared to my Samsung/Sony TV  remotes, the buttons on the DirecTV remote are unlit, very stiff and are difficult to use for anyone with a joint disorder, such as arthritis.  It is also not logically/ergonomically designed and white (dirtying easily).
 
7.  Only one channel is available from local stations that broadcast multiple channels.  For example, the local PBS station broadcasts one hi-def channel and three standard definition channels, but only the former is available.

8.  The audio and video are not always in sync; sometimes resetting the unit helps, sometimes not.

9.  Changing channels is not instantaneous, in fact, not even close, taking 4-11 seconds.

10.  Sometimes when the DVR requires resetting, previously recorded programs are not available.

11.  Although you pay $200 per DVR when initiating service, you don't really own it and must return it to DirecTV or be charged once again for it.

12.   Attempting to record only the new episodes of a series does not work if the same episode appears later in the day or the next day (e.g., some news shows, such as Countdown).  The DVR will record multiple copies of the same show, unnecessarily using hard disk space.  

13.   If DirecTV physically damages your audio video equipment on installation, they refuse all responsibility, refusing to pay for repair costs (after initially agreeing to do so and firing the tech).  I'm out several hundred dollars in replacement costs.

Caveat emptor!