Why DISH doesn't give existing customers discounts on new technology

[five0_4tluv]

I have been with DISH for a loooong time. I paid $399 + extended my existing sentence 12 months for PVR501. Now I have an HDTV and looking to get in but I have to extend again to get new customer prices... what gives? This is no way to keep loyal customers. I would gladly pay $800 for the new HD PVR when it comes out, but not if i have to extend again.

[gcutler]

That has been Dish's policy for just about everything since I've hade them (over 4 years). It works for them in that they can modify their accounting to guarantee a certain amount of income (as opposted to assumed income). And if you were going to stay anyway not a problem. I am on my 3rd 12 Month commit.

1) Initial commit to get free hardware
2) Commit to get free Dish 500 and install (and SW-64 for $75)
3) PVR508

I figure if I'm going to buy new hardware and I already plan on having the equivlant of the requirements, what is the negative? If you are going to spend $800 on the HW, might it be a good assumption that you might go for the 12 Months anyway (and probably get a price reduction for effectively doing nothing but not jump ship for 12 months). Granted you are locked in, but would you not be a willing "visitor" for the same amount of time?

[raj2001]

This is DirecTV's policy too, even if you buy a used receiver and pay full price for it, you still need to commit to the 12 months. I think this is a way for them to reduce subscriber churn.