OK, I admit it.  I am a tech geek, and I love my HD TV.  This new advancement in video reproduction is great.  (not as great as a true 3D TV or a holodeck, but who is counting)  To get the most out of my HD experience, 2.5 years ago I dropped Comcast like a bad habit (they suck) and switched to DIRECTV.  The biggest reason I switched was due to their HD TIVO.  Not only do I love HD TV, but I really enjoy having a TIVO.  I have been a TIVO user now for 8 years, and I believe it is the best way to watch TV.

This past week I received notice from DIRECTV that I have to give up my TIVO if I want to continue to receive HD service.  (ASSHOLES)  Needless to say, after this football season, I will be looking for an alternative HD programming provider which allows the use of TIVO.  (There had better be something other than Comcast, I hate them too)

Here is a copy of the current conversation I have been having with DIRECTV support.  I feel really bad for the people who are sending me these e-mails, and even worse for the one unfortunate enough to be on the other end of the phone when I call in.   Am I being to demanding?  I pay a lot fo rthis service, and I believe I should get out of it what I want.  Not what these idiots think I want.

Enjoy:

Subject
—————————————————————
Re: I can’t believe you are taking my HD TIVO AWAY! [Reference #: 080805-006314]

Discussion Thread
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Response (Anna D ID Y4033) – 08/06/2008 08:53 PM   
Dear Mr. Terlizzi,

Thank you for writing again.

If you would like to be able to take advantage of the NFL Sunday Ticket SuperFan this year, you will have to have an MPEG4 compatible receiver in order to view the HD programming.

This will not affect the standard definition NFL Sunday Ticket programming.

Please remember that DIRECTV is offering to send you a new MPEG 4 compatible HD DVR receiver at no cost, no commitment, as well as including a relocation of your current HD TIVO to another room if you so desire.

Thanks again for writing. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

Sincerely,

Anna D ID Y4033
DIRECTV Customer Service

Catch up to 14 games every week this fall with NFL SUNDAY TICKET, now available at directv.com/nfl.

Make the most of DIRECTV by registering your account on directv.com. You’ll learn about exclusive online promotions, new features of DIRECTV and the latest programs and packages. Visit www.directv.com/register today.

Customer (Robert Terlizzi) – 08/06/2008 10:40 AM   
.

I have seen all the review on the new DVR box replacement, and it does not stand up the the HD TIVO in performance or functionality.  And it seems to be failing to win the hearts and minds of your customers.  Read the blogs out there.  And not just the TIVO fans.  Also, the DirecTV ACTIVE, for me, I could care less.  (Horoscopes, what loser needs an interactive horoscope?  WTF?) 
I know it is your job to try to sell me a bill of goods and try to make it seem like I will be better off.  The truth is, I am being forced to use inferior equipment because DirecTV got a better deal from some other DVR manufacturer. 
If the MPEG4 signal is not going to effect me until after this football season is over, then I’ll keep directv until my NFL Sunday ticket is over.  Then I will change to a service that will let me keep a TIVO box.
What is the timeline for the cutover?  Will I be forced to use the non TIVO DVR to see the end of the season? When is the executive who made the decision to not use TIVO going to pull their head out of their ass and realize that DirecTV + HD + TIVO is the way to keep customers happy? 

—– Original Message —-
From: DIRECTV Customer Service <directvcustomercare@directv.com>
To: rlt5437@yahoo.com
Sent: Wednesday, August 6, 2008 7:27:10 AM

Subject
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I can’t believe you are taking my HD TIVO AWAY!

Discussion Thread
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Response (David B. – 100133547) – 08/06/2008 07:27 AM   
Dear Mr. Terlizzi,

Thanks for writing. I understand your concerns about keeping your TiVo system. While DIRECTV has introduced new DVRs, we will continue to support the DIRECTV DVR with TiVo service. If you are using the DIRECTV DVR with TiVo or a TiVo stand alone you can continue using your existing equipment.

On the other hand, the DIRECTV Plus DVR also has many features you won’t find on a TiVo receiver, things like:

- Faster speed and more recording capacity (depending on generation of TiVo you previously had. Example: RCA DVR40= 40GB hard drive or 40 hours of recording space.)
- Easier Recording: To record a show just press the record button once and press it twice to record an entire season of your favorite shows.
- Bookmarks: So you can highlight your favorite spots in a program and reach them again quickly.
- DIRECTV Active: Featuring Mix Channels, Weather, Horoscopes and more.

In addition to these features we’ll continue to roll out new ones that we’re sure you’ll enjoy. Please stay tuned to directv.com/plus for the latest news about the DIRECTV Plus DVR.

Thanks again for writing and for giving us the chance to respond to your concerns.

Sincerely,

David B.
Employee ID 100133547
DIRECTV Customer Service

Catch up to 14 games every week this fall with NFL SUNDAY TICKET, now available at directv.com/nfl.

Make the most of DIRECTV by registering your account on directv.com. You’ll learn about exclusive online  promotions, new features of DIRECTV and the latest programs and packages. Visit www.directv.com/register today.

Customer (Robert Terlizzi) – 08/05/2008 11:27 PM   
I switched to DirecTV for the sole purpose of getting away from crappy DVR’s and returing to the functionality and usability of TIVO.  Now I am being told I will get a free upgrade to equipment which decoded a MPEG4 signal and has similar functionality of my HD TIVO.

It is well documented that aside from the ability to decode MPEG4, the new DVR you want to give me has fewer functions, has a weak interface, the remote is not as user friendly as the TIVO remote, and the ability to switch from tuner to tuner is not as seamless.  Not to mention that I will lose all my existing season passes.  (And I will have to take the time to set the thing up AGAIN)

I am in no way happy with being bullied into this, and as a long time DirecTV user, will most likely be changing my service if TIVO is not an HD option in the near future. 

Whoever made the decision to break the TIVO relationship is a complete IDIOT!

-Rob Terlizzi