Well, it's time to start thinking about signing up for DirecTV. I've done a lot of research and I have found some pretty amazing deals. I thought I'd share with all of you.

Note: most of these deals are available through the DirecTV website. Some are not - I have made a note of those. Despite what the DirecTV site may say, all online deals are also available if you call and reference the deal. All of these offers are stackable.

Second Note: It has not been totally confirmed where the Mtn will fall in DirecTV's packages. It will either be available in the package mentioned below or it will be necessary to add the SportsPack. CBS College Sports is in the Sports Pack. You can add the SportsPack for $8 when you sign up. Alternatively, you can avoid the SportsPack for now and add it only for football season and take it off after that without any problem.

The reference set-up is standard definition with a DirecTV-provided DVR (The Plus DVR package). This set-up puts you into an 18 month contract. However, all of these promotions apply to the HD packages as well.

Standard price: $62.99

Part 1 = $23 per month off for the first 12 months. The website is currently offering this deal - the best I have ever seen.

Part 2 = Free DVR. The DVR is now free through the website (of course, this is just a lease).

Part 3= Free shipping. Available through the website.

Part 4 = $20 off one time for signing up for Autopay and Paperless billing. Available through the website.

Part 5 = $50 off one time if you provide the account number of the individual who referred you. I would be more than happy to provide my account number if you PM me.

Part 6 = $50 American Express reward card if you sign up using your American Express card by 6/24/08. No need to sign up through a special link or to even mention this if you call. This is automatically sent to you if you use your Amex card. Please note that this is not a $50 preloaded credit card but rather a card that can be used to buy things through Amex's reward site. http://www.directvpartners.com/amex/

Part 7 = $10 per month off for the first 24 months if you are a AAA member. You can only get this by ordering through the special AAA / DirecTV number. 800/242-9114. It is worth it to sign up for AAA if you don't currently have it - $52 per year ($17 additional up front - you don't have to stay on for more than one year). You still net $171 in total savings plus all of the great AAA benefits.

Part 7a = An additional free HD receiver or Standard Definition DVR / receiver if you are a AAA member. A nice additional benefit if you have 2 tvs.

Part 8 = Try to exchange the free movie channel offers for additional benefits. Personally, I have no desire to have all of the movie channels that are offered free for a period when you sign up for DirecTV. If you talk to a nice rep, you can sometimes get them to exchange those for other services - like the SportsPack for a period of time.


Totals

First Year = $24.15 per month!
$62.99 - $23 - $1.67 ($20 one time) - $4.17 ($50 one time) - $10

Second Year = $52.99 per month
$62.00 - $10

Bonuses: Free DVR (or 2), free shipping, $50 American Express reward card, maybe free SportsPack.

fyi-the summer programming on the mtn has been awful, don't be too worried if you still don't have the mtn.

I just signed up Tuesday. I wish I had read this earlier. I was with DISH for 12 years. Now I am a happy guy with Direct. I have to figure out the channels. Oh well go Cougs

If you live inside the Mountain west conference states and have directv you will get MTN for free...GO Cougs

What about the situation where you have 2 or 3 tvs. don't you need a receiver for each tv? What's the cost and is there any deal for that? I am planning on switching the end of summer.

Does Direct TV include the BYUTV channel that Dish Network has?

Also, wouldn't you also need a package that includes Versus to ensure you get all of BYU's Games?