I think I got fooled

That's not what they actually advertise.  

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/content/directv/cinema?footernavtype=-1&lpos=header

Clearly states "Get access to 400 of the newest movie releases", but doesn't say those are free.  And then it goes to advertise "enjoy over 6,000 shows and movies at no extra charge."  The "no extra charge" is any added cost beyond the movie channels you already subscribe to.  So, for example, if you subscribe to Showtime, you can access all of their OnDemand shows and movies for "free", that is, no extra cost beyond what you're already paying for Showtime.  And there are LOTS of shows from the basic channels available without any premium channel subscriptions.  

We see posts similar to yours from time to time.  It appears to me that your salesman didn't know what they were talking about and got your expectations too high.  If you think about it there is no service anywhere that offers recent release movies free of charge.  The Cinemaplus (non PPV) service is free, but that is based on your subscription package.  For example, if you want HBO On Demand, you must be a HBO customer.  There is lot's of content for even low level packages, but not a lot of full length movies.

It would seem to me that if you consider that the individual who misinformed you was probably simply not aware you'd feel better.  For those of us who have been around for some time the mere fact that we have the Cinemaplus (on demand) available is a huge step forward because until a couple of years ago none of these neat features were available.

lakersfreak,

Your first line of defense is NEVER believe what an electronics store salesman tells you until you validate it by a second, reliable source(like here).

I got fooled too.  I subscribed to Directv at Sam's Club.  When told about the 6000 "Free Movies", I told the salesman I would not be purchasing any premium channels (HBO, Showtime, Starz, etc.), and repeatedly asked (at least 3 times) if Directv Cinema would still be available to me.  Each time, the salesman assurred me that the package I purchased (Choice xtra) would ensure my access to the movies

When I called Directv, they told me the salesmen were not company employees so....they really couldn't do anything.  Subscription will be up in about 18 months.  I will then definitely be exploring options at that time.

naborg08:

What did you really expect?  Did you think that those premium movies would suddenly become free because you download them from the internet?  They're still part of the premium movie subscriptions as dictated by those networks (HBO, Showtime, etc).  DirecTV can't magically give them to you for free because you have a DVR and internet.  As noted above, DirecTV's web site is actually pretty clear.  If the fact that DirecTV doesn't charge extra to access thousands of free TV shows and even some free movies is sufficient cause for you to jump ship, then I wish you luck finding another satellite or cable provider that will provide you premium movies for free.  And no, I don't work for DirecTV, just a customer like you.

Here is the exact wording in Directv's ad.

²DIRECTV CINEMA™ — Access to DIRECTV CINEMA™ programming available at no additional charge based on package selection.

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/content/directv/cinema

Three things:

1.  I did not have the exact wording of the advertisement in front of me when subscribing.

2.  As a result of #1, I extensively questioned the "Sales Person" whom I (mistakenly) presumed was a Directv employee.

3.  My fault for not remembering the axiom of "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn't."

I have buyers remorse because I know I was deliberately mislead.   I will endeavor to not let this happen again.  It will definitely not happen again with Directv.  Contract time will be up soon enough.

Check those other provider's website carefully, too.  They're really no different than DirecTV's OnDemand. 

In case you don't know, everyone here is a user like you, no Directv employees. I have all of the exact same restrictions as you do as do all 20 million or so other Directv customers. I can understand that you are disappointed, but face the facts. You made an on the spot decision at a store, and I seriously doubt the crux of your decision making process centered on a free feature like Cinema. Further, you entered a 2 year contract without any research. All of the facts we've pointed out to you are readily available by Googling "Directv on demand". And, finally, if you want to leave, go, no one here cares one way or the other.

If I appear to be a bit snippy it's because several of us have taken our personal time to sooth your feelings and you resist at every turn.

I will reiterate one more time with the sound advice that in today's economy and marketplace(s) "buyer beware", "read all the fine print" and NEVER "believe what a salesman promises you"!!!!:0(

If you want to ease your buyers remorse, just think about what you are getting.

Among the best HD quality available. Whole home dvr with the ability to combine dvr's and share a combined playlist throughout your home. Stream your DVR content in full HD to any of your connected HD receivers. There are lots of free on demand programs available to download without any premium package subscriptions. And the fact that you have to download them to watch makes the quality better than service providers who stream them to you directly from their servers and lock in your quality depending on the speed of the connection. (and usually you can start watching almost instantly after starting the download) You get a more intuitive user experience than most other providers and the newer receivers and dvr's are very reliable and responsive. Yes maybe you were mislead a little, but I challenge you to line up all of your own facts from the other providers and then talk to their salespeople to see if what they say directly matches what the facts are.

sailorc27:

Hopefully you realize that DirecTV doesn't control this OnDemand content.  You would need to ask the relevant channel/network by they're only providing SD versions of those shows or movies.  

Personally I've done all the explaining I intend to do.