I completed my two year obligation with Direct TV after my fees went up significantly after the first year, however, my major beef with them was the fact that I contacted them twice to come for technical services because my DVR would not record two channels at once, which made it essentially worthless. I purchased a DVR from Best Buys for $200 and tax and requested they come to add an additional line that would allow full function of the DVR. Twice, I made requests for service. The first time they came a day early and I was not at home. The second time, they came for a 2:00 PM visit and I arrived at 2:05 PM and they had already departed. They could have run the line without my being there very easily. Naturally, I was charged both times and I contacted Direct TV about the problem and they said they would issue a credit. When I stopped service, they asked me why and I told them about the DVR issue. I was advised that with my credit for the missed technical services that my final bill would be $68.22. I requested the opportunity to pay the balance at that time and they instructed me to wait for my final invoice, which happened to be $187 and change.

I contacted them about the difference and never received a satisfactory response. Based on principle, I did not pay them because they didn't deserve the payment. I sent them the amount that I was told would complete my service and no more. They subsequently turned the account over to a collection agency. I told them why I wasn't going to pay and that I didn't care what they did although I had plenty of money, again it was the principle of the matter. I was not going to be screwed, yet I was. The first collection agency gave up and Direct TV assigned the account to another collection agency, then a third. The collection is shown on my credit report and I'm not happy about it but I'm not going to pay those bastards another cent. Of course, when I sent in the equipment, I was required to return to them the DVR that I paid for (but received little usage from). That amounted to another rip-off in my mind. These people push their weight around and there is little you can do but to grin and bear it. Sadly, there are few options available. Time Warner is a rip-off locally for cable so I went with Dish Network. So far, their service has been excellent and I anticipate I will continue to utilize them. Direct TV can blow me! They are thieves because they can get away with their crimes and make you pay if you don't yield to their demands. Stay away from them if you can!!