A few questions about upgrading to HD

[pixelography]

Hi all. I've got a few questions about upgrading my Directv DVR. First off, let me give you my setup. I bought a HR10-250 from weaknees about a year and a half ago, which is also when i signed my 2 year agreement with directv.

Of course, with this DVR i can't get any of the many new HD channels that are broadcast in MPEG-4. :nono2: Since DTV has finally got a bunch of new HD channels, I've decided its time to update the ol DVR so i can get em. I've had my eye on the HR-21.

That being said,

1. what will happen to my HR10-250 when i upgrade?

I've already paid for it in full a year and a half ago. Is Directv going to take it away from me, or do i own it?

2. Is there anyway to upgrade to the HR-21 in my situation and pay anything less than $299?

I remember a thread for haggling with DTV on the phone, but i hear the days of getting discounts on upgraded DVRs has passed

3. Do i have to upgrade through directv, or can i upgrade by purchasing a DVR at weaknees again?

TIA to anyone who can answer my questions!

[Milominderbinder2]

Call DIRECTV and ask about your situation. Some HR10 owners are getting the HR20 for free. Some are able to keep their HR10's. Here is the script and the email to use.

From the HD DVR FAQ (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?p=817199#post817199):

What do I need to know about HD DVR ordering and installation?
→ Ordering Tips (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?p=839938#post839938)
→ Installation Guide (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=67769)

and some other links that may help you...

Why is it so important to have a battery backup for my satellite receiver?
→ UPS: Protect against lost recordings (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?p=942513#post942513)

Is your dish properly installed and grounded?
→ Satellite Dish FAQ (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?p=942518#post942518)

How can I be sure I will get an HR20 instead of an HR21? I want all of my local channels!
→ How to get an HR20 instead of HR21 (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?p=1270572#post1270572) (Thanks to Hasan)

What will I be asked to sign once the installation is complete?
→ Installation Checklist (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?p=1030383#post1030383) ● Agreement (http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPageNR.jsp?assetId=P400042)

Is there an easy way to get started?
→ 5-Minute Quick Start (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?p=1030380#post1030380) ● 144 Undocumented HD DVR PLUS Tips & Tricks (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?p=747592)

What can help me transition from TiVo? How do I get Suggestions?
→ TiVo Users Survival Guide (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=69404) ● Better Suggestions than TiVo! (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=109588)

- Craig

[pixelography]

thanks. i sent a message similar to the one in that link and got an email back with a pin number asking to call. Hopefully this is a good thing?

I'll be giving them a call tommorrow and see what happens.

[Mike728]

Don't let the installer take your HR10-250. If he does, he's just going to sell it on Ebay. DirecTV does not want them back. Also, if you have HD via OTA, keep it turned on for $5/mo. The HR21 doesn't have OTA capabilities as of yet.

[glennb]

Of course, with this DVR i can't get any of the many new HD channels that are broadcast in MPEG-4. :nono2:

of course, with my 5 year old DVD player i can't play HD DVDs. :nono2:

Things change.

[pixelography]

of course, with my 5 year old DVD player i can't play HD DVDs. :nono2:

Things change.

heh. i know. My DVR wasn't even that old and i love the TIVO software! I'm over it though, i wanna see all those HD channels.

Anyways, i called Directv and haggled with them. I managed to get 100 bucks off so that was only $199 for the new DVR and changed my old DVR status to "owned" so i can keep it. They should show up tommorrow to do installation.

Looks like the DVR HR10-250 aren't worth jack on ebay. I'll probably take it apart and use the hard drive on my PC

[Milominderbinder2]

thanks. i sent a message similar to the one in that link and got an email back with a pin number asking to call. Hopefully this is a good thing?

I'll be giving them a call tommorrow and see what happens.
You just won the lotto!

- Craig