Re-activating old equipment

[BillHiggs]

I'm returning to Directv after 2 years with Dish network. I used the AAA discount and was told, as a new customer, I wouldn't be able to reactivate my 2 Samsung DVR's. The installation is scheduled for Monday April 21 (today). Can I simply reactivate the DVR's once the install is completed? I will receive 2 standard receivers at no charge but I hate to see the equipment go to waste!

[Steady Teddy]

I was recently using an old RCA receiver that I reactivated after it was collecting dust for almost two years. I never cancelled my D* service as you did but I don't think there should be a problem. You just won't be able to get any MPEG 4 channels.

[CCarncross]

That is probably true. Technically you shouldnt be considered a new customer, but merely a returning customer. You cant have it both ways. Being treated as a new customer and activating your old D* equipment....

[Stuart Sweet]

:welcome_s to DBSTalk, Bill!

You may be able to reactivate your old DVRs, and they will probably work just fine. You need to know that they may not receive all channels in the future as HD programming becomes more common.

Even being considered a new customer, if you came into having the DVRs legally then there's no reason that a new customer can't activate used equipment. It just might not be the same day.

When the installer gets there, just show him what you've got. He may be able to activate for you on the spot or you may need new access cards, meaning that you can self-activate when you get them.

[turey22]

they might ask you to get two new access card only if they made a new account for you. If they used your old account, the recievers should already be list on your account as deativated recievers and all you will need to do is activate them yourself or the tech if his kind enough.

[JLucPicard]

A couple of things running through my mind here. You indicate the install is for two standard receivers, but you are asking about reactivating 2 Samsung DVRs. It's not clear to me from your post if the install is at the same location you were a customer before. My concern is if they install two standard receivers and there is only one line to each location, you will not get full functionality of your DVRs (assuming they have two tuners). You may need to ask the installer to run two additional lines (an extra one to each location) and that very well could be extra as it would not be on the work order.

After having done that, or if you already have the two lines to each location, I don't see why you would not be able to replace those receivers with your DVRs (maybe having to get new access cards?).

If you do replace the receivers with the DVRs, the receivers would need to be returned to DirecTV, so when you deactivate them, be sure to ask for two return kits.