View Full Version : Is this common
buckbelue
04-08-08, 12:15 AM
Hi, 1st off I finally decided to register after lurking for a looong time, and want to say I love this forum, and make it a daily (usually multiple) stop each day
I want to run something by you guys, and see what you think.
A little background first.....
I was a DTV customer from 99-05, and then went to TWC from 05-07.The only reason I left in 05, was that I got a HDTV, and at the time price for a HDDVR was overpriced (for me). I was under no contract, and decided to come back for a bit in 07, but with no HDTV receivers, and decided to wait till the HDTV equiptment price would come down, since I was getting HDTV from TWC.
I decided to bite the bullet, and called DTV to schedule a installation for 4/7, for one HDDVR, and two HD rec. The deal was 347.00( incl tax, etc) for the 3 rec, 10 off for 12 months, and 3 months free of the movie channels. When I spoke to the rep, I also added the sports pack, MLB EI, Super fan, and protection plan.
The installers showed up, and Im really looking forward to having my HD stuff installed. The installer then pulls out 3 receivers all refurbished 20s. Some with some scratches on top.
I then told these guys, I want the new recievers , and they told me they dont have them, and they only give out refurbished rec. I know by reading on here a lot want/like the 20's, but my point is if Im paying over 3 bills for the recievers, should I get new stuff. The installers said they have a LOT of problems with these refurbished receivers.
The installers agreed with me,and so did DTV when I explained the situation. and I went back forth between the tech company, and DTV who did not offer any kind of solution, applogized and cancelled my order. I guess DTV does not want my business. One solution would have been for me to pay for the recievers at BB,CC or Cosco, and to credit my account .
Sorry for going on for a bit, but this left a bad taste in my mouth, and after looking forward to DTV service again, I will probably not come back ever.
I would like to hear some of your opinions...
Thanks !
veryoldschool
04-08-08, 12:34 AM
Whether you get them at BB,CC, Costco, or DirecTV, you are not buying them [owning] but signing up for a lease.
While nice shiny new ones would be nicer, what is more important are working ones. Should one fail or not work to your satisfaction, it would be replaced with a refurb unit.
Currently there seems to be a stock of refurbs, earlier they were mostly new. If you wait, it may swing back around to "new".
buckbelue
04-08-08, 12:39 AM
I know they are leased, but my concern is that there may be something wrong with the receivers if they are refurbished. There may not be anything wrong with them, but we dont know. I would liked new receivers and since Im paying for them, I think Im entitled to it. Now, if they had to replace the *new receivers*, then I would understand getting refurbished ones.
Stu
litzdog911
04-08-08, 01:09 AM
If you want to be 100% sure that you're getting a new DVR/Receiver, get it at a retailer (Costco, BestBuy, etc.). Installers will typically provide whatever they get from DirecTV.
veryoldschool
04-08-08, 08:35 AM
If you want to be 100% sure that you're getting a new DVR/Receiver, get it at a retailer (Costco, BestBuy, etc.). Installers will typically provide whatever they get from DirecTV.
Even at some retail stores, there are "CR" [refurb] units.
HR20-xxxCR
I had a brand new HR20 from Circuit City a while back, looked great, never worked from Day 1. I used to be the same as you buckbelue (wasn't he a QB at UGA back in the early 80's?) but my refurb unit they sent me has had zero issues. New is nice, working is much better.
Go to Costco and buy a new HR21 for 169 and the two H21's for about 70 each. That's 310 for all new units. I bet DirecTV installs the dish for free. Also check out the AAA discounts.
buckbelue
04-09-08, 07:14 AM
Guys, Thanks for your feedback. I sent a email to DTV asking if I get the boxes from Costco, will they install the dish. Im waiting for a response. Hopefully, they will agree, and I will be a DTV customer once again
Thanks
Stu
I had a brand new HR20 from Circuit City a while back, looked great, never worked from Day 1. I used to be the same as you buckbelue (wasn't he a QB at UGA back in the early 80's?) but my refurb unit they sent me has had zero issues. New is nice, working is much better.
Every so often a "new" unit doesn't work but that doesn't mean "refurbished" units are better. I'd rather get a new unit from a store than take my chances with a beat up refurb from DIRECTV. My HR20 is a year and a half old now. If it fails and replacing the hard drive doesn't fix it I'll go get another new one from BESTBUY or CIRCUITCITY, call DIRECTV to activate it and ask how to send them back the bad one.
I know they are leased, but my concern is that there may be something wrong with the receivers if they are refurbished. There may not be anything wrong with them, but we dont know. I would liked new receivers and since Im paying for them, I think Im entitled to it. Now, if they had to replace the *new receivers*, then I would understand getting refurbished ones.
Stu
Yes I agree your entitled to it.For change outs refurbs will do,but for new installs?.Let's just say when I signed up for DirecTV in March 2006,if the installer would have shown up with refurbs?.I would have cancelled too!.:rolleyes:
Yes I agree your entitled to it.For change outs refurbs will do,but for new installs?.Let's just say when I signed up for DirecTV in March 2006,if the installer would have shown up with refurbs?.I would have cancelled too!.:rolleyes:
Same here; signed up 1/15/08 if installer had shown up with 5 refurbs I would not have accepted them. I can understand if is a replacement but not on a new install....
veryoldschool
04-10-08, 09:45 AM
While I understand wanting [and got] "new ones", since we don't own them, they are much like what I got from my cable company. They came out and installed "boxes", which were simply out of their inventory. The HD DVR was new because HD DVRs were a new item at the time, but the non DVRs were anything but new.
When I quit the service the boxes went back to them, much like what happens with DirecTV. Now what is DirecTV to do with returned receiver? "Just" send them out as replacements?
While I understand wanting [and got] "new ones", since we don't own them, they are much like what I got from my cable company. They came out and installed "boxes", which were simply out of their inventory. The HD DVR was new because HD DVRs were a new item at the time, but the non DVRs were anything but new.
When I quit the service the boxes went back to them, much like what happens with DirecTV. Now what is DirecTV to do with returned receiver? "Just" send them out as replacements?
You make a good point never thought about it from that angle. When you are a new install just seems weird to get used equipment...
say-what
04-10-08, 11:15 AM
I wouldn't dismiss a unit just because it's a refurb, but if I'm being asked to pay the same as a new unit, I'd expect a new unit out of principle.
But there's nothing wrong with refurbs - I had an HR20 just up and die after a year of use and it was swapped out with a refurb that's working just fine.
buckbelue
04-10-08, 11:26 AM
Well, here is how it ended up, they offered to have me pick up the boxes at a store, but I would not get the 100 off the receiver. So, I decided to go with what they would send me. I did ask them to note that I would prefer the 21's. Will it make a difference ? I doubt it.
I guess its like CSR roulette, I have to see where the arrow stops, and hope it falls on new equipment.:)
I have DTV coming out on Tues to install, I will let you guys know how it turns out
Appreciate the feedback !
Thanks
Stu
sore_bluto
04-10-08, 11:34 AM
If you get an HR21 you wont have OTA capability. You'll need to add an AM21 unit (when available). FWIW, I got an HR20 and H20 on the same day, both new. The HR20 has worked like a champ but the H20 was constantly malfunctioning. I called in and was set a refurb H20. That receiver has worked fine. I do agree that you should be getting a new receiver. I would bother me if I'd payed for something "new" and it arrives scratched.
veryoldschool
04-10-08, 11:41 AM
It would bother me if I'd paid for something "new" and it arrives scratched.
I would me too, if we "bought it", but we don't with these.
sore_bluto
04-10-08, 11:48 AM
I would me too, if we "bought it", but we don't with these.
When you lease a car it isn't scratched unless it was "pre-owned". Who leases a used car? It is the idea that you are forking over money to get something that is new to you and it turns out it's not new. It would seem to me to be a good policy to make sure that new customers get new receivers upon install. I don't think most people would mind getting a refurb as a replacement receiver, but the first one should be new.
You never know how many hours are on a refurbished unit. Unless you buy the protection plan, I would not do the deal unless I got new units.
veryoldschool
04-10-08, 12:03 PM
I do understand both of your views.
I think [I don't work for DirecTV] it just comes down to economics.
To ensure ever new customer would get a new receiver would drive up the cost of "that" receiver and at the same time have an over abundance of "returned" receivers.
In the beginning the lease was $299 "a pop" and this didn't cover the cost of the receiver. Buying one was close to $800.
Customers want to pay less, which is completely understandable, but something must "give" and "recycling" receivers only makes sense. Improving the refurbishing process could help this [and it sure needs it IMO].
I do understand both of your views.
I think [I don't work for DirecTV] it just comes down to economics.
To ensure ever new customer would get a new receiver would drive up the cost of "that" receiver and at the same time have an over abundance of "returned" receivers.
In the beginning the lease was $299 "a pop" and this didn't cover the cost of the receiver. Buying one was close to $800.
Customers want to pay less, which is completely understandable, but something must "give" and "recycling" receivers only makes sense. Improving the refurbishing process could help this [and it sure needs it IMO].
Well if that the new DirecTV economics it don't smell very good,because DirecTV already got their money once out of that box.And now they are trying to get it again?
Bad form if you ask me.:nono2:
Like I said send me a refurb for an upgrade or new install?.I send it Back!:rolleyes:
veryoldschool
04-10-08, 01:21 PM
Well if that the new DirecTV economics it don't smell very good,because DirecTV already got their money once out of that box.And now they are trying to get it again?
Bad form if you ask me.:nono2:
Like I said send me a refurb for an upgrade or new install?.I send it Back!:rolleyes:
How do you see that "they got their money"?
Even at the $299 price, it didn't pay for the equipment.
Now doing a cosmetic QC for the receivers for "new installs" would make some sense and the "others" go to replacements, but....
How do you see that "they got their money"?
Even at the $299 price, it didn't pay for the equipment.
Now doing a cosmetic QC for the receivers for "new installs" would make some sense and the "others" go to replacements, but....
A 24 month commitment.Even if it's not completed there a penalty fee that has to be paid.;)
veryoldschool
04-10-08, 01:24 PM
A 24 month commitment.Even if it's not completed there a penalty fee that has to be paid.;)
programing verses hardware.
programing verses hardware.
It's all the same.;)
I paid around $800 for the leased hardware alone for my install 1/15/08, then around $200 for programming. That is why I have an issue with receiving refurbs for new installs. It would be easier to accept refurbs from Comcast (left 1/15/08 :) ) considering I am only paying for programming and box rentals at install big price difference.
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