De-activated (yes, again!)

Yep, again.

I turned the tv on Sunday morning and sure enough, no picture. I called them and was on hold for 25 minutes until I finally got someone on the line.

I said "what gives?" And they said they said my old Tivo dvr wasn't activated. Then why had it worked fine since Friday?

And why would they turn my new dvr off before I'd even received the return kit, therefore depriving me of service I'm already paying for? Because DirecTV sucks.

The CSR this time was at least friendly and professional. I'd say that happens about 25% of the time by the way. His name is Wade.

So Wade asks me why I want to go back to the old Tivo dvr and reduced set of HD channels?

Well Wade, let me break it down for you:

• I already "upgraded" TWO YEARS AGO in order to get the HD channels.
• I bit the bullet AGAIN in order to get the new new HD channels and was given an inferior dvr AND was expected to continue paying a $6 "service" charge.
• I was also LIED to when they said I could transfer the programs from my old dvr to the new dvr. I never asked if I could keep my old programs, I asked specifically if I could transfer them to the new dvr. The woman on the line said "oh sure, the technician installing the new dvr can do that for you." Lie.

I said I'd just find another deal with Dish Network or Cox Cable. That's when he said, "well sir, your contract is until October of 2009."

"Why would I sign a four and a half year contract?" I said. The last contract I signed was in August of 2005.

He said "well you did sign a new two year contract when they installed the new dvr" he said.

"Dude, the deal is off; I'm returning the dvr. You're even sending me out a return kit."

He said I could have an address I could write to to dispute this. Screw the address, I'm not in any contract because they already violated it. They lied to me about what the new dvr would do and I'm returning the dvr.

See what I mean about a "hostage" mentality?

I said if they wanted to keep me as a customer they can waive the dvr service fee of $6 a month. Why would I continue to pay for something that is inferior to what I had before? This was supposed to be a step UP, not DOWN.

The car I drive has XM satellite and a navigation system. If I go by the new model, guess what? I'm getting even more options INCLUDED like an iPod interface, lighted turn indicators on the side mirrors, fog lights, back up sensors, etc... I sure as hell am not going to buy the same car for a higher price that now doesn't have XM satellite and navigation.

Reminds me of the former East Germany that literally held their citizenry prisoners and the only car you could get (unless you were mafia or had party connections) was the POS Trabant.

That's why there's absolutely no incentive for DirecTV(sucks) to provide their customers with a positive experience; they don't have to.