The only problem EVER with Directv was at installation. I'm in PHX AZ and they subcontract out the installation and I was without HD for a week after the initial installation of the dish and Directv did give me a 6 month credit on the spot for HD.
The tech returned, still couldn't get the HD to work so I googled it and gave him the fix from, you guessed it, Directv forums. Directv customer support took my complaint about the installation and made me happy. They even paid the bill for the extra holes the guy drilled in my block wall and the side of my house.