Direct Tv For Rv

Distant Signals

Unhappy with an aspect of his satellite-TV programming schedule, a reader sought the influence of RV Action Line to assist him. he wrote:

We have been through several reception issues with DirecTV over an extended period of time. First we were able to receive East and West Coast feeds, but later had to choose a local area. After awhile, we had to go bach to East or West Coast feeds, but had to sign a special form relating to our traveling status. As a result of this last transaction, we were designated "distant-signal subscribers. "

Now I am having a problem with DirecTV refusing to carry a Public Broadcasting System (PBS) station in the schedule it broadcasts to distant-signal subscribers like myself. I attempted to get a resolution for this by calling DirecTV's customer service office and later my local PBS station in Seattle, Washington. 1 was told that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) didn't allow DirecTV to broadcast PBS.

I then called the FCC office in Washington, O.C., andwas sent a fact sheet that specifically reads, "AfterJanuary 1,2002, satellite companies may provide the national PBS signal to subscribers that are eligible to receive distant signals. "

Armed with this information, I wrote to DirecTV's Los Angeles, California, office to see what it could do about my problem. In response, I was sent a letter that did not address the question I had asked.

I am enclosing all of my correspondence for your review. H just doesn't seem right that we are denied a PBS station.

TED OOM

RED ROCK, ARIZONA

We sent Oom's grievance to DirecTV's top management echelon for an explanation. Based on the company's reply, however, Oom won't be receiving Elmo, Mr. Noodle, Huell Howser, Nova or Antiques Roadshow on his satellite dish anytime soon.

Although not promising anything immediately, DirecTV did imply in its response to Oom that there was still hope PBS might be added to its distant-signal schedule at a future date. The company indicated that if enough distant-signal subscribers wrote to its programming director, requesting PBS, someone might eventually take heed and start broadcasting it. For those interested, that address is: DirecTY Customer Service, PO. Box 92600, Los Angeles, California 90009.

Following is DirecTV's response to Oom:

Thankyoufor taking the time to write to DirecTV's office of the president. We welcome any opportunity to better serve our customers.

J would like to take this opportunity to express our apologies for any inconvenience you have experienced because of the issueJOU raised inyour letter. At this time, the PBS national feed is not a distant network service or part ofDirecTV's Distant Network Services package. We do thank y ou for your suggestion to make the national PBS broadcast available to our customers in RVs. We value y our opinion as a customer.

Please be assured that we will forward your suggestion to our department that manages programming. DirecTV often evaluates the content of our packaging and makes changes and/or additions based on feedback from our customers.

As [you are] ajull-time RV traveler, I realize this causes y ou an inconvenience. Thankyou for your patience and for being a loyal DirecTV customer.

MICHAEL ROSS

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

DIRECTV

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE

Damage during shipping is an all-too-common occurrence when purchasing items by mail order. Unfortunately for the reader in the following case, he could find no one to compensate him when he suffered such a loss. As a result, he asked RV Action Line for assistance as a last resort. he wrote:

Earlier thisyear, 1 ordered a new power generator from Colorado Standby LLC at a total cost of $2,730.50. This company advertises in y our magazine.

After receiving the genset that was shipped by ground transport via USF Redway, I opened the packing case to find that the unit had a damaged outside cover. This was surprising because the wooden shipping crate was actually in excellent condition. However, the brackets securing the generator had allowed it to shift, which apparently caused the damage.

I called Colorado Standby and a representative told me I had to file a claim with USFRedway. After completing this process and waiting until USFRedway's investigators reviewed my case, I was told that my claim was rejected because there was no visible damage to the shipping crate and no evidence that their carrier was negligent while my cargo was in its possession. They further indicated that their delivery person had handled my package correctly, and that the damage to the generator was "pre-existing."

I called Colorado Standby after receiving this decision, and the company told me to send copies of my claim and report. That was jour months ago, and as of this date, 1 have not received any word from this company. I have called on numerous occasions during this period, and cannot get any response.

The estimate to replace the cracked cover on my new generator is $454. thankyouforany helpyou can offer.

GERALD JACOBS

MORENO VALLEY, CALIFORNIA

RV Action Line sent a letter oi inquiry to the customer assistance department at Colorado Standby LLC on Jacobs' behalf. We did not receive a direct reply from the company, butjacobs filled us in on the conclusion to his struggle:

I would like to thank RVAction Line for its help concerning my problems with Colorado Standby LLC. Your letter [to the company] finally elicited a response and a satisfactory resolution to my claim.

Copyright T L Enterprises, Inc. Feb 2004
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved

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