So often we hesitate to go on the websites of the services we buy–we fear the bureaucratic small print, information that’s hard to locate, confusing layouts and information, and, of course, being asked to create a log-in profile…another password to remember. With DirecTV.Com, you might be surprised at the wealth of helpful and easy to navigate information. This website has a lot to offer. Before you call DirecTV, try their website for easier access.

Some of the domains you’ll find on DirecTV.Com include: TV schedule, pay-per-view, packages, premiums, HD, sports, international, exclusives, receivers, services, and the ability to log into your account. DirecTV.Com also has a section on homes, residential buildings, businesses, and transportation. In addition to all this, DirecTV.Com’s search tool is convenient and located right on the top of the screen.

If you scroll down on DirecTV.Com’s homepage, you’ll find DirecTV news items, sign-up information for new customers, exclusive programming information, a list of DirecTV’s top ten shows to record. You can also sign up for DirecTV’s newsletter.

If you are looking for more detailed information, scroll down to the very bottom of DirecTV.Com’s homepage. Here the links are broken down into three categories: support, customer service, and about us.

Under “Support,” you’ll find: programming, equipment, services, sound and picture, on-screen guide, statements and payments, orders, installation, profile, tech forum, online assistant, and FAQ (frequently asked questions).

Under “Customer Service,” you’ll find: contact us, privacy and security, commitments, referrals, rebates, moving, digital transition, go green, and DirecTV Rewards. On DirecTV.Com’s “Contact Us” page, you’ll find an e-mail address, numerous phone numbers, and a mailing address.

Under “About Us,” you’ll find: our company, DirecTV news, investor relations, press releases, corporate citizenship, careers, and find a retailer.

If you want to look up your own account on DirecTV.Com, all you need to do is give them your email address and request a password. You are then given three options to verify your account. You can provide your account number with the last four digits of your Social Security number; you can provide your last name, phone number, zip code, and the last four digits of your Social Security number; or you can provide your account number, your phone number, and your zip code. This last option allows you to bypass providing any part of your Social Security number.

What’s the real deal with DirecTV’s newest high-definition receiver, the H20?

Crutchfield.Com provides these specs on the H20 HD receiver:

available to current DIRECTV subscribers only
High-Definition DIRECTV receiver — receives and decodes digital standard-definition and HDTV signals from DIRECTV satellite broadcasts and local over-the-air broadcasts (antenna required)
receives digital TV broadcasts in 480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080i
selectable 480i/480p/720p/1080i output via HDMI and component video
built-in ATSC tuner receives over-the-air digital broadcasts (antenna required)
searchable 7-day program guide
on-screen caller ID (when connected via phone line)
satellite and antenna inputs
2 sets audio/video outputs (2 composite, 1 S-video, 1 component video, 1 HDMI)
optical digital audio output passes Dolby® Digital audio
1 USB interface for future use
phone jack
IR multibrand audio/video remote (can control up to four components)
includes component video, S-video, and RCA audio/video cables
MPEG4-capable
14-15/16″W x 2-13/16″H x 10-13/16″D
warranty: 90 days
DIRECTV subscription and satellite dish required to receive programming.

Crutchfield.Com also lists these features of the DirecTV H20 HD receiver:

Display Formats: The H20 receiver features multiple format modes that can be selected from the remote control and front panel to best reproduce the original broadcast on a wide variety of televisions.
HDMI Equipped: The H20 is equipped with an HDMI output which carries both digital audio and video signals to HDMI compatible TVs.
Dolby Digital: This unit is capable of receiving Dolby Digital signals and passing those signals through the optical digital and HDMI outputs to a Dolby Digital A/V receiver.
Digital Audio Output: The optical digital output is located on the rear panel, and allows you to send a Dolby Digital bit-stream to a Dolby Digital receiver or decoder.
Advanced Program Guide: The DIRECTV Advanced Program Guide is an on-screen listing of current and future programs for up to 7 days that are available from DIRECTV and your local digital stations.
Channel Banner: The Channel Banner appears whenever you tune to a new channel or press the Info button on the remote while viewing a program. The banner lists all sorts of useful information, including: current date and time, current channel info (logo, number, call letters), program information (title, start and stop times, rating), audio options, messages, and parental control status.
Favorite Channels: This feature allows you to create a list of favorite channels that you store in memory. When using the Favorite Channels list, only those channels are displayed in the guide and tuned while channel surfing.
Parental Controls: These controls let you restrict what the children watch. Restricted programming is locked using a four digit code and the following settings are offered:
Block Channel: Blocks any channels you do not want to be viewed
Movie Rating: Blocks movies according to the movie ratings limit
TV Programs: Blocks TV programs based on the industry rating
Spending Limit: Sets the Pay Per View spending limit

With all of these great features, it’s easy to see how the DirecTV H20 high-definition receiver has become so popular.

India has seen an amazing technological growth over the last few years. Rising to a global financial power has been an odd transition to a country with so many ties to the past. Riding through many Indian towns is like taking a walk in the past as almost nothing has changed. Many people still ride on elephants as a method of transportation and the train is the main way to get cross country.
In India’s success I can’t imagine the struggle to keep an infrastructure of technological advancement. It’s easy for a country like America, we’re young we haven’t been a nation much longer than 200 years. Imagine how hard it is to change the dynamic of a country thousands of years old. India has seen every Great War right down to Alexander and Genghis Khan.
It is exciting to see the way that satellite Television is being seen in India. In the United States cable is still king because it has been from the start. Satellite TV has been marketed off the wrong way in America since it first came out. I remember ads for Prime Star showing a guy named “Bob” in a flannel shirt and a tool belt standing by his farm. Satellite was given an “old Timey” feel when it should have been seen as the way of the future. India of course never saw Bob or his farm and see satellite as a way to connect the entire country without all of the wires.
I can’t imagine how this is going to help Bally Wood. I had the chance to watch some India made television the other day and wasn’t at all what I expected. It was extremely entertaining, the language is different and the clothes are not what we are used to but the plot was so much more present than what I see on a lot of American television. At the very least it wasn’t a damn reality show.

There are basically three types of DirecTV remote controls: infrared, radio frequency, and ultra high frequency. One of the cool things about the radio frequency remotes are that you don’t have to point the remote at the TV for them to work. In fact, you don’t even have to be in the same room!

The current most popular remote used by DirecTV is the RC64RB IR/RF. In addition to being both infrared and radio frequency, the buttons are backlit–meaning you can easily see them in the dark. The buttons are also big and easy to use. If you have the HR-20 or HR-21 DirecTV receiver, you must use this remote. This remote claims to be able to hold more programmable codes than any other DirecTV model.

If you are looking for a DirecTV universal remote control that goes with any model of receiver, the RC32 is a good choice. The RC32 is infrared capable and has big, user-friendly buttons.

Another DirecTV universal remote that is compatible with all of their receivers is the RC16. If you have either the D11 or D10 receiver, this is the only remote that will work it. This basic remote does have infrared capabilities.

DirecTV is also compatible with the hard-to-find TiVo HACC-TR2 remote. This remote is a direct replacement for the DirecTV HR10-250 HD DVR TiVo and the R-10 standard. This DirecTV remote is also known as the “black peanut” due to its concave shape. It is infrared capable.

Another popular DirecTV remote control is the RC24 IR/RF, which is compatible with the DirecTV H20, H10, and R15 HD receivers. The RC24 can hold many programmable codes for your TV, DVD player, or other equipment. It is infrared and radio frequency compatible.

Some of the remote controls made by Hughes are also compatible with DirecTV receivers–like their HRMC-18. This remote works with the DirecWay and DirecDuo DirecTV receivers. Most Hughes remotes are hard to find and outdated. One reason for this is because Hughes stopped making remote controls and DirecTV receivers in 2005.

Some other companies that make DirecTV compatible remote controls are: Philips, RCA, Samsung, Sony, and Toshiba.

All this hype about the DTV transition, and San Diego went ahead with it, despite Congress having delayed it. And out of the 4.8 percent of television viewers without a cable or satellite package, that were “unprepared” for the switch, one station received a whopping 30 calls. Now, in the entire United States, 4.4 percent have reported that they are unprepared for the switch.
I have been so annoyed with all of this talk of the DTV and how its going to cause chaos when the switch occurs because so many people will be without TV. What are we, Cavemen? We can’t pick up a newspaper to get news when the TV goes out? Chances are, the people that don’t have cable or satellite television don’t watch that much TV anyway, and I’m sure they aren’t too broken hearted about having to go without until they can come up with 40 bucks.
So Congress delayed the switch so we can get more coupons and what have you – and so that people wouldn’t be left without “safety groups” programming. In case there is a dire emergency, you should be sitting at home watching TV, you know.
At any rate, I think San Diego shines as an example of what would happen if the delay were not put in place. There would be a very small amount of people calling their local networks and asking where to get a box. And since the government has run out of coupons, they will probably reach into their wallet and invest is a small converter box. Maybe that will help the economy, who knows?
San Diego television stations did go through a lot of hoopla to have residents notified of the switch a week prior. And there were still 4.8 percent unprepared, so maybe with the nationwide DTV transition happens, there will be even less than 4.4 percent.

In August of 2001, Hughes Electronics proudly unveiled its DSL service. Hoping to lure customers away from the competition, DirecTV DSL was offered for $19.99 per month for the first three months, and the activation fee was waived. DirecTV DSL also did not require an annual contract.

DirecTV bought out Telocity, a troubled DSL provider a few weeks before introducing their DSL service. Through a partnership with Circuit City, DirecTV DSL was hoping to, “…build loyal relationships with our subscribers, offering more choices of how and where they would like to order our service,” said Ned Hayes, DIRECTV Broadband president and chief executive officer. He was also quoted, saying, “As we work in partnership with DIRECTV to offer consumers a bundled whole-house entertainment and information solution, it will be critical to have a strong national retail strategy and partnership in place.”

The addition of DSL to the DirecTV lineup gave the company a multi-pronged entry into the highly-competitive DSL market, a sector that is continually duking it out with pricing wars, special offers, and other gimmicks and promotions. DirecTV thought their chances of penetrating and succeeding in the DSL market were good because of their established base of 10 million satellite TV subscribers.

Less than two years later, DirecTV DSL announced it would be ending the service. They left 160,000 DSL customers a few weeks to find a new Internet Service Provider. CNET.Com reports that DirecTV DSL was one of the largest DSL providers not affiliated with a telephone company. CNET.Com also reports, “Like other independent DSL companies, however, DirecTV found that being an indie was an expensive proposition. Late last year, following the failure of Hughes’ proposed merger with rival satellite company EchoStar, DirecTV’s corporate parent decided the money-losing broadband operation was too costly to maintain.”

Furthermore, TechDirt.Com reported that DirecTV DSL had a customer service center in Portland, Oregon. All of the employees from the center were laid off in one foul swoop.

What did DirecTV have to say to 160,000 customers? They published this message on their webpage:

“Dear DIRECTV DSL Customer,
“We have some difficult news to share. With the dramatic change in the capital markets and the significant shift in the telecom operating environment, DIRECTV DSL can no longer stand as an independent business.
“It is our sincere regret to inform you that DIRECTV DSL will discontinue operations. DIRECTV DSL’s network will be operational for a minimum of 30 days. We are working with our last-mile carriers to determine alternatives for your broadband service.
“We know you have many questions. The best way to keep up-to-date is to refer to www.directvdsl.com . We’ll keep this site current with the latest information on your account, billing issues and next steps.
“If you are a DIRECTV subscriber, your satellite television service will not be disrupted in any way. Please do not call DIRECTV customer service regarding your DIRECTV DSL high-speed Internet service, as they will not be able to help you.
“It has been our privilege to serve you.”

DirecTV programming is the main attraction of their service, one of the reasons why they are currently the largest satellite TV provider in North America.  From movies and sports channels to international and HD programs, DirecTV offers a package that’s just right for any family.

The Family Package

The Family Package is a standard DirecTV programming package that offers channels in SD and HD format.  This package will get you many of your local favorites with several national channels such as The Food Network, Nickelodeon, Home & Garden Television, The Hallmark Channel, and Word Network.  The Family package is available for only $29.99 per month and includes no equipment or installation fees.

Total Choice Plus for DirecTV Programming

Total Choice Plus is the DirecTV mid-range programming package.  Recently dropping from $41.99 to $29.99 per month, this package offers the best value, with many more channels in SD and HD format.  Total Choice Plus gives you 100 more channels than the Family package with additional stations like American Movie Classics, The Learning Channel, Lifetime, Cartoon Network, Soap Net and several others.

To feed your high definition crave, you can enjoy DirecTV Programming’s HD channels like Animal Planet, A & E, Bravo, TNT and USA Network.  Note that this package calls for HD Access, which is an additional $9.99 per month.  You’ll also get local channels at no extra cost and 50 XM satellite radio stations.

Choice Xtra HD

Choice Xtra HD is the perfect DirecTV programming package for the high definition enthusiast.  At only $44.98 per month, you’ll enjoy the best possible picture quality with channels like Cartoon Network, Country Music Television, The Weather Channel and Fox Business Network.  You’ll also receive local channels at no additional charge and a free HD receiver upgrade after an online instant rebate.

Plus HD DVR

This DirecTV programming package gives you the ability to record your favorite shows and movies in HD.  Plus HD DVR offers excellent value with more 200 digital channels.  There will always be something exciting to watch with programs from Fuel TV, Turner Classic Movies, Fox Reality Channel and G4 Videogame TV.  As of now, this package also includes a number of premium channels with 7 HBO stations, 12 Starz stations and 9 channels from Showtime.  At only $49.99 per month, this DirecTV programming deal offer is hard to beat.

Total Premier DirecTV Programming Pcakage

One time priced at over $90 per month, Total Choice Premier is now available for just $81.99 per month.  This is the ultimate DirecTV programming package for the movie lover.  With more than 200 channels, Total Choice Premier offers thousands of movies with channels like HBO and HBO HD, Showtime, Starz, Cinemax and MoreMax, just to name a few.  It also includes a plethora of great sports programming with Comcast SportsNet, FSN Sports, Madison Square Garden and Sun Sports.  You can also add many more channels in HD including MTV, CBS College Sports, ESPN and ESPN 2, The Sci-Fi Channel and Spike TV.

Whether it’s local channels, sports events or HD, DirecTV programming offers a number of options for your viewing pleasure.  Be sure to keep your eyes peeled, as the company is always advertising a new deal more amazing than the last.

My in-laws are stuck with dial-up internet because in the area where they live, satellite providers have to charge them more money than they would elsewhere – since the house in on a lake, in the woods, away from everything. They subscribe with DirecTV, and internet would cost them $60 on top of what they pay…that’s pretty expensive. I thought at first this was DirecTV price gouging…but Verizon can’t even offer them internet, and out of the three, (DirectTV and Dish Network as well), I think Verizon is the least expensive…unless you’ve purchased FiOs.
There is a case in Virginia, where a cable internet provider is legally unable to service a certain area, per the request of a cable giant. And since they are also out in the middle of nowhere, they end up paying $280 for a full satellite package, including internet, as well. At first I thought that was a terrible price..and then my mother told me how she got another statement from Time Warner this month, telling me that her rates are being raised AGAIN. They just went up in January, and now they are due to go up again…one month later. Her three-in-one deal, she told me, started out at $99 a month..and in less than three years has raised to $140. Now, Verizon offers the same package for $110.. Verizon offers a satellite and DSL internet service through DirecTV – so I really don’t think DirecTV is price gouging, it just costs more to provide these services to extremely rural areas.
The town where my in-laws live is called Theresa and it is in NY. They recently installed a wireless tower there so that people could actually use their cell phones. I mean, this place is not very up with the times. Still satellite television providers manage to get them a signal, and if they wanted to pay a little extra, they could have internet. Where cable fails, satellite excels.

The satellite TV industry is alive and well, offering features and benefits that put cable services to shame.  This market has made significant advancements in regard to equipment and overall quality.  Much of this can be attributed to the receivers used to capture signals from a satellite and display a reception on your television set.  The one receiver that truly revolutionized satellite TV is the DirecTV DVR.  Not only is this device responsible for providing audio and video content, but it also has the ability to record digital TV.

Upon being introduced, DirecTV DVR models were combined with the popular product known as TiVo.  In November of 2005, the companies parted ways, causing DirecTV to market their own brand of digital recorder.

If the concept of recording digital TV sounds appealing, you should be aware of the two different types of DirecTV DVR models available.  You have the Plus DVR, which is the standard model, and the HD DVR, which is a model intended for displaying high definition programming.  If you’re not sure of which one to choose from, the following information should help with your decision.

Pricing for the DirecTV DVR

Before deciding on an HD receiver, it’s a good idea to establish a budget.  You should also know that the HD DVR is far more expensive than the standard DVR.  If you do not have a high definition television set and only wish to record digital programming, the better option is the standard DirecTV DVR.

Features of the DirecTV DVR

The best way to shop for a DVR is to determine the features your ideal system requires.  Are you looking for a model with the basic functions or something more advanced?  This is very important, as these receivers offer different features and programming as well.

The HD DVR comes with numerous benefits, such as Season Pass, a programming package that enables you to record each episode of your favorite TV show for the entire season.  It also includes Wish List, a feature that automatically records your favorite movies by specific criteria such as actor or director.

One of the many benefits of DirectTV is the interactive programming menu.  This allows you to control programming with settings for your favorites, which can be configured for recording by alphabetical order or date.  It also gives you the ability to view programming days in advance.  This type of functionality was introduced by the TiVo DVR system.

More Options with Your DirecTV DVR

If the sound quality, color and contrast of a program are of significant importance, you may want to invest in the DirecTV HD DVR.  This model captures and displays the best in high definition programming with a crystal clear picture that cannot be rivaled.  This receiver is perfect for creating a movie theater experience in your home.

Last but not least, you want to choose a DVR with a reasonable warranty period.  The Plus DVR model comes with a 90-day warranty, while the HD DVR offers a 1-year warranty.  Paying attention to the small details can certainly save you a lot of money if something out of the ordinary should occur.

I just thought I would take a minute to talk about how awesome John Malone is…because he’s pretty much the reason for the success of cable television, and he probably will give satellite television providers Echostar/Dish Network and DirecTV a run for their money if they’re not ready. Here’s a guy who more or less jumped out of the spotlight in the 90’s. He rose to the top in media distribution by way of negotiations. Nobody could turn your head in circles like this man; he negotiated deals that made cable what it is today.

Now the man who is really behind the rise of cable plans to cut the cord (sorry couldn’t help it). His plan is to make satellite television the next big thing. He owns just about half of any company that has anything to do with satellite broadcasting. The only satellite company he has nothing to do with is EchoStar. Malone is long time enemies with the CEO of EchoStar and the last thing he wants is them getting a free ride when he changes the whole world into satellite.

There has been much speculation about why Malone would spend so much money on a sagging company. Doubters would be wise to remember just who this man is, if he said satellite is the next big thing and puts his money on it, not only should you believe him but you should start investing in DirecTV stock. If there is an angle to play in these transactions he has it figured out and will play all that get in his way like a chess board.

The plans with Sirius XM were played out beautifully and even the best of experts had no idea he would pull this move. I normally stand against corporate moves like this but with John Malone at the helm there is no need to not get behind it. Malone’s negotiations have almost always led to people saving money even in his biggest endeavors. Liberty Media Group is pushing in directions nobody can predict. In the last few years the company has made some less than savvy moves and lost a bit of money, but I almost believe he did the bad moves on purpose. There can be no way to tell how this man will work, he plans years in advance and plays the business world with a strategy that colleges will study for years.