Q: The A&E hit show “Storage Wars” shows people buying storage lockers with good results. I’ve heard a few people say that “Storage Wars” is staged and that there is no way there are good resalable items in those storage lockers. Does A&E check these shows before they become a “reality” show? — Bryan, 46, Bethel Park, Pa.
A: An A&E publicist said, “There is no staging involved. The items uncovered in the storage units are the actual items featured on the show.”
Q: This is not a question about any TV show. In a recent column you mentioned you are a DirecTV subscriber. As an unhappy Comcast subscriber, I am looking into alternatives and, unfortunately, Verizon will never be available in my area. I realize you may not be able to answer this question, but I got nothing to lose by asking. Are you happy with DirecTV? And do you have any complaints?
— Jim, 54, Plum, Pa.
A: I’m hesitant to offer a rave because I think everyone tends to have a different experience with these cable providers. But I’m happy to describe my experience.
My beginning with DirecTV was inauspicious. The company’s literature did not make clear that a basic box does not work with the multiroom DVR and I’d had a basic box put in my home office. DirecTV resolved that issue to my satisfaction. Eventually the system was set up properly and I’ve had little technical difficulty since.
My bill is lower — but I’m still in the lower-priced honeymoon period so I don’t expect that to last — and I find it easier to add and subtract premium channels.
There are trade-offs. With Comcast you get local channels that you don’t get on DirecTV. But with DirecTV you get original, scripted prime-time programming — a new season of the drama series “Damages” debuts this month only on DirecTV’s Audience Network channel, for example — and that’s more important to me.
Q: Do you have any idea why “Torchwood” moved from BBC America to Starz? I’m a little annoyed (selfishly) since I don’t have Starz!
— Maria, 61, East Liberty, Pa.
A: Starz offered more for “Torchwood,” most notably a larger production budget. I’m sure “Torchwood: Miracle Day” will be on DVD within a year so all the non-Starz subscribers can get a chance to see the new season.
