I hate directv! (rant)

[Steptide]

I'm venting here, I need to get it all out because my wife doesnt seem to understand. 

 

Last night, like all of us, I was looking forward to watching the bills. I have not had CBS since the beginning of July and not had ABC since June. I was plenty aware the bills games would be on CBS. First thing I did was bought 2 over the air antennas. One was a cheap 10 dollar one and the other a powered 75 dollar one (both indoor). Anyway, neither of those worked, so I bit the bullet and subscribed to YouTube TV which includes all local channels. As much as I hate paying for both directv and a streaming TV service, at least I'd be able to watch my bills. 

 

Low and behold, YouTube had the bills game blocked on CBS last night and directv has no CBS where I live. I tried in a fit of rage to get my antenna working but no luck. I called directv and lost my mind on them. After that I attempted to watch the game via the bills app, but the stream was sketchy at best. Very pixalated and constantly cutting out. 

 

I called directv back again (to see if there was a way I could watch ppv) and the woman told me that CBS and directv agreed to a deal and I should have cbs (which I didnt). She then transfers me to tech support who tells me that CBS DID reach a deal, just not where I live. I'm almost to the point of getting spectrum, and paying for both services. Only reason I won't cancel directv is the Sunday Ticket. I can't be the only one in this boat? 

[Bangarang]

CBS is still blacked out for me so I’m looking into alternative services. 

 

Don’t take your frustrations out on innocent call center workers. 

[MikeSpeed]

Find a friend or relative that lives in the area. Buy them an antenna and a tablo. Pay the $5 subscription fee. Watch all game broadcasted in Buffalo and all local channels. Finally unsubscribe to DirectV.

[Marv Levy]

I tried Reddit NFL Streams last night. It was choppy at first, but i was actually able to watch most of it no problem. I'm surprised the NFL is going bonkers about the Reddit website stream! Anybody else watch it thru Reddit? Just curious.

Edited August 9, 2019 by Marv Levy

[badassgixxer05]

I watched on Hulu live. Dvr'd it too and tested that I can fast forward through commercials on playback. I was really happy with the service. Stream was in HD and had no choppy/lag issues. This is over 5ghz wifi too.

[Buffalo Boy]

   I’ll one up you.

   I set my DVR to record the game a few days ago on DTV NFL1 channel . It showed up on the guide and I was getting more and more excited.

   I actually had someplace to be but skipped it last night as it was the last game I get to see with my son before he leaves for freshman year of college Sunday.

    He had Seinfeld on at 6:59 when we switched over and the game was Blacked out in Charlotte?!?!?!????

   I , too, lost my mind in a fit of anger.

   I tried to get an “ alternate streaming site” to open on my smart TV and my TVs web browser wouldn't allow me to open it ( some kind of BS chicanery going on there which I will have to research)

    I ended up finding a stream on my desktop and we watched the game on a 17” screen. Better than nothing but it still pushes me off.

 

    

 

 

[ddaryl]

My anger is placed towards the NFL regarding preseason games. Its preseason for Christ sake give the fans a little something for their years of loyalty.

 

$99 for gamepass that includes a bunch of perks I have ZERO interest in

 

Sad IMO

 

 

Edited August 9, 2019 by ddaryl

[Steptide]

1 minute ago, Buffalo Boy said:

   I’ll one up you.

   I set my DVR to record the game a few days ago on DTV NFL1 channel . It showed up on the guide and I was getting more and more excited.

   I actually had someplace to be but skipped it last night as it was the last game I get to see with my son before he leaves for freshman year of college Sunday.

    He had Seinfeld on at 6:59 when we switched over and the game was Blacked out in Charlotte?!?!?!????

   I , too, lost my mind in a fit of anger.

   I tried to get an “ alternate streaming site” to open on my smart TV and my TVs web browser wouldn't allow me to open it ( some kind of BS chicanery going on there which I will have to research)

    I ended up finding a stream on my desktop and we watched the game on a 17” screen. Better than nothing but it still pushes me off.

 

    

 

 

Had this same issue. Directv guide was showing this on my TV also and Nothin. So stupid and frustrating 

[Buffalo Boy]

5 minutes ago, badassgixxer05 said:

I watched on Hulu live. Dvr'd it too and tested that I can fast forward through commercials on playback. I was really happy with the service. Stream was in HD and had no choppy/lag issues. This is over 5ghz wifi too.

So a quick check of Hulu live. You have to be in a market showing the game to watch it or can you get any game in any market?

[Steptide]

6 minutes ago, badassgixxer05 said:

I watched on Hulu live. Dvr'd it too and tested that I can fast forward through commercials on playback. I was really happy with the service. Stream was in HD and had no choppy/lag issues. This is over 5ghz wifi too.

Good to know. Wonder why it would work on Hulu and not YouTube TV. Where do u live? 

[tbarg12]

9 minutes ago, Marv Levy said:

I tried Reddit NFL Streams last night. It was choppy at first, but i was actually able to watch most of it no problem. I'm surprised the NFL is going bonkers about the Reddit website stream! Anybody else watch it thru Reddit? Just curious.

Yeah I watched it on Reddit, besides the occasional window closing because of an ad, it really wasn't that bad. 

[ddaryl]

I had 212-1 set up on DirecTV and it said Buffalo vs Colts but when the game started the screen went black, and of course the message you are out of area and are not allowed

 

This happens every time their is an alternate channel listed for the Bills or Sabres. Its a place holder for those in market or those who paid for Centre Ice for Hockey and that is all

[badassgixxer05]

1 minute ago, Buffalo Boy said:

So a quick check of Hulu live. You have to be in a market showing the game to watch it or can you get any game in any market?

Yeah, i watched it on local channel 7

 

Just now, Steptide said:

Good to know. Wonder why it would work on Hulu and not YouTube TV. Where do u live? 

Im in Buffalo area

[Chuck Wagon]

Direct TV / ATT doesn't care about customers anymore.  Cable is not a profitable division for them, they are launching their own app soon and are waging a price war with local channels all over the country (in Columbus we haven't had NBC for 2 months).

 

 

[Steptide]

21 minutes ago, Bangarang said:

CBS is still blacked out for me so I’m looking into alternative services. 

 

Don’t take your frustrations out on innocent call center workers. 

Call center workers who 4 days ago said they'd send me a free antenna that plugs into my cable box for local channels, only to tell me last night that this antenna they were supposed to send (which they didn't and never told they wernt sending it) doesnt work with my directv box? Yes, innocent call center employees who are other countries and can't understand what I'm asking 

[mykidsdad]

Super frustrated by Directv, too. Had the game set to record on 212-1, and when I went to watch it late last night, the first 45 minutes were blackout out, but then the rest of the game recorded, so I missed almost all of the first quarter. I don't know why they would blackout a portion of the game? I'm in VA. Very strange, but, to be honest, it is just one more nail in the coffin for them. They are terrible.

[badassgixxer05]

34 minutes ago, Bangarang said:

CBS is still blacked out for me so I’m looking into alternative services. 

 

Don’t take your frustrations out on innocent call center workers. 

Its up to Direct TV to protect their call center workers by providing adequate services/alternatives. That is who they stick in front of you to represent them. Id be more then glad to voice my opinions at the higher up execs that are behind their desks in hiding..

Edited August 9, 2019 by badassgixxer05

[boater]

Just a thought on maybe why your antenna TV didn't work..

 

If the over the air antenna is not omnidirectional -- you have to carefully aim it at the transmitter site.

 

You can find out where the transmitter is using several websites.

 

 

[That's No Moon]

31 minutes ago, Marv Levy said:

I tried Reddit NFL Streams last night. It was choppy at first, but i was actually able to watch most of it no problem. I'm surprised the NFL is going bonkers about the Reddit website stream! Anybody else watch it thru Reddit? Just curious.

I did. It was great. No problems.

[klos63]

37 minutes ago, Marv Levy said:

I tried Reddit NFL Streams last night. It was choppy at first, but i was actually able to watch most of it no problem. I'm surprised the NFL is going bonkers about the Reddit website stream! Anybody else watch it thru Reddit? Just curious.

I use reddit to watch MLB. It's great. I did use it last night for the game too. I'm in phoenix and it was blacked out on Directv for me.

[Big Turk]

get IPTV. $15 a month, all games and channels. This is a recording.

Edited August 9, 2019 by matter2003

[Buffalo Boy]

28 minutes ago, ddaryl said:

I had 212-1 set up on DirecTV and it said Buffalo vs Colts but when the game started the screen went black, and of course the message you are out of area and are not allowed

 

This happens every time their is an alternate channel listed for the Bills or Sabres. Its a place holder for those in market or those who paid for Centre Ice for Hockey and that is all

The other thing it is BS.

Im glad the Colts started with the ball as JA was what I was most interested in.

[Nihilarian]

I cut ties with Direct TV after they stopped showing the "shortcuts" on Mon, Tues, Wed nights. I used to record the games I wanted to review and watch at my leisure during the week. I loved watching the games with no announcer comments or commercials. I mean, who can watch so many games all at once anyway. Better to just watch the highlights on various channels.

 

I switched to Spectrum and get NFL network along with the red zone package . I watched the game last night on channel 8.  I also have their high speed internet 119.1 mpbs download, 11.2 upload along with a landline. I haven't looked back...especially when it rains. 

[pi2000]

I cancelled DTV 3 days ago and will go with Hulu Live as an alternative ($45/mo, w/local channels).   

 

I also subscribe to NFL Gamepass Europe.     You can download the app from 3rd party sites on the web to get around the geo restrictions for installing the app.

 

I use a VPN service to spoof my location before I launch the app.    I also configured my wifi router to connect to the VPN so I can chromecast from the app to my 65" TV.     It's beautiful, the quality is superb.   NFL Gamepass Europe Pro version also includes RedZone and NFL Network live stream.    IIRC I paid about $180 US.

 

If they really wanted to, the NFL could use a service like Geoguard to block VPNs, but there are probably so many of us that they'd be losing significant revenue if they went that route.   This way I'm not cheating the NFL by watching a pirated stream... I'm paying them, while giving a big middle finger to DTV

[CNY315]

43 minutes ago, Marv Levy said:

I tried Reddit NFL Streams last night. It was choppy at first, but i was actually able to watch most of it no problem. I'm surprised the NFL is going bonkers about the Reddit website stream! Anybody else watch it thru Reddit? Just curious.

I watched the Bills on TV but checked out a couple other games through reddit with no problems

[Buffalo Boy]

42 minutes ago, Marv Levy said:

I tried Reddit NFL Streams last night. It was choppy at first, but i was actually able to watch most of it no problem. I'm surprised the NFL is going bonkers about the Reddit website stream! Anybody else watch it thru Reddit? Just curious.

When it’s choppy , try a different stream. 

The first one I might have watched might have been choppy?

The second one might have been perfect?

[CowgirlsFan]

Sigh just sigh ?

 I was blacked out too.

I am a member of the  Bills Mafia Facebook Group and watched their stream 

[BillsFan2313]

1 hour ago, Steptide said:

I'm venting here, I need to get it all out because my wife doesnt seem to understand. 

 

Last night, like all of us, I was looking forward to watching the bills. I have not had CBS since the beginning of July and not had ABC since June. I was plenty aware the bills games would be on CBS. First thing I did was bought 2 over the air antennas. One was a cheap 10 dollar one and the other a powered 75 dollar one (both indoor). Anyway, neither of those worked, so I bit the bullet and subscribed to YouTube TV which includes all local channels. As much as I hate paying for both directv and a streaming TV service, at least I'd be able to watch my bills. 

 

Low and behold, YouTube had the bills game blocked on CBS last night and directv has no CBS where I live. I tried in a fit of rage to get my antenna working but no luck. I called directv and lost my mind on them. After that I attempted to watch the game via the bills app, but the stream was sketchy at best. Very pixalated and constantly cutting out. 

 

I called directv back again (to see if there was a way I could watch ppv) and the woman told me that CBS and directv agreed to a deal and I should have cbs (which I didnt). She then transfers me to tech support who tells me that CBS DID reach a deal, just not where I live. I'm almost to the point of getting spectrum, and paying for both services. Only reason I won't cancel directv is the Sunday Ticket. I can't be the only one in this boat? 

 

Did you get any channels from your antenna? I stream with directv now ( I get all local channels), so I setup an antenna as a backup and it works great. I got an amplifier with it also. I can PM you what I bought if you would like. 

[Patrick Duffy]

1 hour ago, Steptide said:

I'm venting here, I need to get it all out because my wife doesnt seem to understand. 

 

Last night, like all of us, I was looking forward to watching the bills. I have not had CBS since the beginning of July and not had ABC since June. I was plenty aware the bills games would be on CBS. First thing I did was bought 2 over the air antennas. One was a cheap 10 dollar one and the other a powered 75 dollar one (both indoor). Anyway, neither of those worked, so I bit the bullet and subscribed to YouTube TV which includes all local channels. As much as I hate paying for both directv and a streaming TV service, at least I'd be able to watch my bills. 

 

Low and behold, YouTube had the bills game blocked on CBS last night and directv has no CBS where I live. I tried in a fit of rage to get my antenna working but no luck. I called directv and lost my mind on them. After that I attempted to watch the game via the bills app, but the stream was sketchy at best. Very pixalated and constantly cutting out. 

 

I called directv back again (to see if there was a way I could watch ppv) and the woman told me that CBS and directv agreed to a deal and I should have cbs (which I didnt). She then transfers me to tech support who tells me that CBS DID reach a deal, just not where I live. I'm almost to the point of getting spectrum, and paying for both services. Only reason I won't cancel directv is the Sunday Ticket. I can't be the only one in this boat? 

 

I feel for you guys that still have to deal with the DTV bull####. I canceled mine last year. Just could not take it anymore. Had been with them since 2004 and they do nothing but raise my bill at every turn. They don't care how loyal you have been. A few other things I could go on about but to make it short, it just wasn't worth it anymore for me.

 

Hope someday another company gets a way so people can see all and any games at some point or other. Until then I will just continue to find other ways to watch the Bills, which is fine by me for now.

[BuffalOhio]

NVidia Shield with IPTV.  I hear Area 51 is pretty good.

[Steptide]

12 minutes ago, BillsFan2313 said:

 

Did you get any channels from your antenna? I stream with directv now ( I get all local channels), so I setup an antenna as a backup and it works great. I got an amplifier with it also. I can PM you what I bought if you would like. 

Where I live I can barely pick up channels. Occasionally I can get cbs, but any bad weather (like last night) and I get Nothin 

[Fan in San Diego]

It was blocked in bars here in San Diego, Is that normal? I thought Sunday Ticket showed all preseason games?

 

 

[nucci]

1 minute ago, Fan in San Diego said:

It was blocked in bars here in San Diego, Is that normal? I thought Sunday Ticket showed all preseason games?

 

 

Nope, preseason is not a part of Sunday Ticket...most preseason games are local broadcasts. Sunday Ticket picks up Network broadcasts

[Augie]

1 hour ago, Steptide said:

Had this same issue. Directv guide was showing this on my TV also and Nothin. So stupid and frustrating 

 

THIS is what killed me! They really stepped up their game as far as pissing me off! AT&T UVerse dropped the NFL Network, though my bill remains the same. I have DTV ONLY for Sunday Ticket. I checked and sure enough, channel 212-1 has Colts at Bills on the guide. YAY!  It’s only at the very moment I’m expecting to see our Bills play an actual football game that I find out it’s not available to ME. Blacked out! WHY??? 

 

It’s the anticipation and then having it ripped away at the very last second that hurts the most! I have it set to record on NFLN (DTV only, since UVerse robbed me of this - same company, so double the venom!) Saturday at 2:00am, and I’m wondering how this can possibly go wrong as well......

[BillsFan2313]

6 minutes ago, Steptide said:

Where I live I can barely pick up channels. Occasionally I can get cbs, but any bad weather (like last night) and I get Nothin 

 

I think an amplifier might help you out with that. 

 

https://www.channelmaster.com/Antenna_Cable_TV_Amplifier_p/cm-3414.htm

[TheFunPolice]

I'll bet Sunday Ticket is pretty much the only thing keeping Direct TV afloat at this point. It's a PIA for anyone who rents (yes, the law says you can have it but many landlords don't care and it's a nightmare), when the weather is bad you can't watch TV, the the customer service has gotten worse and worse. 

 

Back when we rented in a large apartment building we were out of the Bills market area (stuck in the crappy NE zone) and I was willing to subscribe to Direct TV and leave the box unopened in my closet, just so I could get streaming access to the games and watch the Bills. We also had cable at the time for internet and TV. I could not install the dish anywhere and the landlord wouldn't even allow us to use a tripod on our private porch, which probably would not have worked anyway. Direct TV insisted that I had to actually install their equipment or they could not allow me to pay for the service, even if I wanted to. So they got zero $$ instead. The whole thing with Direct TV and the NFL is plain stupid. 

 

The NFL likes it this way, because in their minds making it as difficult as possible for fans to see out of market games is a good thing, because they think it will increase attendance and viewership for the in-market games. Instead, people just find free online streams and they don't get a dime. 

 

Most other sports have streaming packages that anyone can sign up and pay for and watch legally, which benefits everyone. The NFL is stuck in the past when it comes to this. 

 

All that said, I think we're about to see the end of the golden age of streaming. Everyone wants their own apps now with exclusive content, so the days of Netflix or Hulu having what you need are coming to and end very soon. You'll have to subscribe to 11 different services to watch what you want. 

Edited August 9, 2019 by TheFunPolice

[notwoz]

Reading through these comments makes me wonder where the game "wasn't" blacked out. I live in the Virginia suburbs of Washington DC. The game was listed for Channel 212-1 on DTV. I decided to record it. But no dice. I got a blackout notice. Was the game actually shown anywhere? 

 

[TheFunPolice]

We watched it on TV in Buffalo

[mykidsdad]

2 minutes ago, notwoz said:

Reading through these comments makes me wonder where the game "wasn't" blacked out. I live in the Virginia suburbs of Washington DC. The game was listed for Channel 212-1 on DTV. I decided to record it. But no dice. I got a blackout notice. Was the game actually shown anywhere? 

 

I'm in VA, too. The first 45 minutes were blacked out on my DVR recording, but my son and I kept fast forwarding and rewinding, then it started playing. I may have gotten lucky because of a glitch.

[Bangarang]

1 hour ago, badassgixxer05 said:

Its up to Direct TV to protect their call center workers by providing adequate services/alternatives. That is who they stick in front of you to represent them. Id be more then glad to voice my opinions at the higher up execs that are behind their desks in hiding..

 

Granted they are easy targets for frustrated customers but they are just trying to earn a living. If you want to tell DTV how unsatisfied you are then do it with your wallet. Giving a call center worker a hard time is equivalent to yelling at a cashier at Walmart. 

Edited August 9, 2019 by Bangarang