D* 4 for Free NFL Sunday Ticket offer

[jdiehl]

Okay, so I've lived with BHN digital cable for 2 months now since I moved to Tampa, but I'm ready to get DirecTV again (specifically for NFL Sunday Ticket). I was a customer in St. Louis, but cancelled last October, so I should be able to take advantage of their new installation offers (if not, I'll just use my wife's name only).

I have my DirecTV HD Receiver still that I plan to use for the HDTV, so I only need 3 SD receivers from them (which is their current offer) but I'll need 4 rooms wired (since I have an existing receiver already). Also, with the dish that's included with the free 3-room install, is that an oval dish with 3 LNB's which is HD compatible or do they give you the standard round dish with that package?)

I want to take advantage of this great off (4 free months of premier programming, but you have to pay the full $250 for Sunday Ticket instead of the discounted $199 for early bird).

Any advice on who to go through for the install or who to order the service from (DirecTV offers a free DVD player for online orders, Best Buy is giving a $50 gift card). I'd like all new RG6 run to the 4 locations, rather than use BHN's wiring (I may keep basic/local/limited cable on my TV's since I'll be keeping the RoadRunner service for $45 anyway). Will they wire all of that in the free "standard" installation or do you have to pay extra for difficult wiring jobs (2 rooms would have an exterior wall to go through, the family room and bonus room would not (would have to come from the attic, and that's a real pain to get around up there)).

Any advice before I pull the trigger? The last time I did DirecTV, I had bought my HD receiver used, bought an oval dish cheap off of eBay and installed it all myself (so I wouldn't have a service commitment).

[jdiehl]

Bump. No replies in a week?

I've gone to both CC and Best Buy, and of course they are clueless as to what the installer will do when they get here and what dish is included with a 3 room install.

Neither will do a 4th room for free (assuming the extra charge is due to the extra receiver) so I'm guessing I'll do the 3 room for free deal, and then run my own RG6 from my existing HD receiver to the multiswitch on the back of the dish (assuming they give me a HD-capable dish).

[sfollenius]

You can buy the equipment at directv.com and have the option to include the oval dish. You can schedule the installation as you place your order.

[jdiehl]

You can buy the equipment at directv.com and have the option to include the oval dish. You can schedule the installation as you place your order.

I called them and the order taker was absolutely clueless. Plus, they aren't going to offer any added incentives (ie. gift card, DVD player, etc) that a retailer would. I'd prefer to go with a local company for the order (but noone seems to have any recommendations?), plus if they are actually doing the installation themselves (rather than sub it out like large electronic stores) I can get them to commit to maybe throwing in a more advanced installation (ie. attic work, fishing through a wall) rather than give me a crappy DVD player as my bonus.

[LRSchuler]

It has been my experience that if you buy from a local retailer, the installation will likely be done by a sub-contractor who is also likely a satellite equipment dealer as a small business.

You can often get the same prices on equipment from these companies as at the big-box retailers (but no additional retail incentives like gift cards or DVD players...)

These sub-contractors I have always found to be "authorized" by the satellite company, who is paying them for the install though the retailer.

HOWEVER, if you order the equipment from the satellite company (DirecTV, Dish), they will arrange the install via their "primary" distribution company in your area. These installers represent your "factory" installation crew; throughly trained, latest hardware, etc.

Either way, ask for a "pre-installation site survey". The 'factory' guys do this routinely, but even a local installer stopped by to do this when I stipulated the use of duplexers and willingness to pay a small additional installation charge.

But, most negotiations of a difficult installation should be done with the installer on-site. Be willing to add something for addtional time beyond a "normal" installation. Decline the installation unless you are sure know the installer knows what you want done. Don't sign anything until the install is completely finished and everything is working.

I like dealing directly with Dish.