Verified Again...

Well, my "love letters" back and forth with DirecTV continue and I haven't let up with my demand that they go public with this issue. As a matter of fact, I sent a news tip to CNet.Com's news desk to let them know and I'll be doing the same with every blog and web site that deals with satellite TV that I can find.

In the response I received today, there was a "couched" admission of the problem, but they tried to "bribe" their way out of it, as follows:

"
Dear Mr. Greene,
Thank you for taking the time to let us know how you feel about your HD DVR's software issues.
I see that you have been a loyal DIRECTV customer for 8 years. I would like to personally assure you that your feedback about equipment issues is very important to us.
Technical problems are rare, but when they do happen our number one priority is to restore your service. Once the problem is resolved we can give you billing correction for the charges you have incurred despite not receiving the service.
After reading your email and reviewing your account I see that you are eligible for some complimentary programming. Because we appreciate you being a DIRECTV customer I've added three months of free SHOWTIME UNLIMITED to your account. We hope you enjoy your free programming.
As mentioned in the previous email, DIRECTV is working on a permanent fix. I understand this has been a frustrating experience for you. We respect your time and I appreciate that you've given me the opportunity to personally address your concerns.
In addition, I've forwarded your email to DIRECTV's Management Team, who review every suggestion, inquiry and complaint for trends from our most important customers to determine what changes should be considered.
We're glad you're one of our loyal customers. It's feedback like yours that helps us remain America's #1 Satellite provider.
We thank you for your continued support!
Sincerely,
Aubrey S.
Employee ID 100126090
DIRECTV Customer Service"

I immediately wrote back, thanked them for the offer, but advised them what they could do with the offer. I told them that there was no sense in increasing the number of HD channels I can receive, if I cannot watch what I want, when I want. Last night, for instance, there were a total of four programs within two hours of each other, one of which was a two-hour premier. So, I got to see half of that one and one more show, but lost the other two.

And when you think about the timing of this problem, as we're entering a new television season, this is really going to suck. New shows, hopefully better shows, will be debuting, but we'll only be able to see one or another, here and there.

I've just received a response to what I just wrote above:
"
Dear Mr. Greene,
Thanks for writing us back. I just wanted to let you know that we received your email and I have forwarded it for special handling. A specialist will respond as soon as an agent is available (likely within 24 hours). For immediate assistance, please call us at 1-800-531-5000.
Sincerely..."

I received a similar email the other day and have yet to hear from them. I guess those agents are extremely busy.

Till next time...