View Full Version : Getting an Additional HR20
RipleyK
06-20-08, 11:51 AM
I got an HR20 back in October when we upgraded to a HDTV. Got it for $19.99. We are moving in a few weeks and we will be getting a new HDTV for the new house (total of 2 HDTV's) and now want an additional HD DVR for that TV and an additional HD DVR for another SD TV. Is there a way to get good deals on ADDITIONAL receivers/DVR's? I searched but could not find any info.
I got an HR20 back in October when we upgraded to a HDTV. Got it for $19.99. We are moving in a few weeks and we will be getting a new HDTV for the new house (total of 2 HDTV's) and now want an additional HD DVR for that TV and an additional HD DVR for another SD TV. Is there a way to get good deals on ADDITIONAL receivers/DVR's? I searched but could not find any info.
The only thing I can say is to play "CSR Roulette". When calling DirecTV, you have to be polite and patient when asking for cheaper prices. You may luck out with a nice and helpful CSR, or you may get a complete jerk. It's all about luck and the way you present your case.
First off, you can pretty much write off getting another HR20. You will likely be negotiating for some flavor of HR21 (sans OTA tuners).
The deals aren't particularly sweet these days and unless you're interested in some sort of NFL ST bundle, they probably won't get much better until after Thanksgiving.
Stuart Sweet
06-20-08, 12:46 PM
Is that the only receiver you have? I mean, do you have any other HD receivers?
ProfLonghair
06-20-08, 12:58 PM
First off, you can pretty much write off getting another HR20. You will likely be negotiating for some flavor of HR21 (sans OTA tuners).
The deals aren't particularly sweet these days and unless you're interested in some sort of NFL ST bundle, they probably won't get much better until after Thanksgiving.
Not true. Got an HR20-700 just by ordering online just a month or so ago. Maybe they were just holding it for me, on account of how awesome I am, tho ;)
Bob Coxner
06-20-08, 02:12 PM
I got an HR20 back in October when we upgraded to a HDTV. Got it for $19.99. We are moving in a few weeks and we will be getting a new HDTV for the new house (total of 2 HDTV's) and now want an additional HD DVR for that TV and an additional HD DVR for another SD TV. Is there a way to get good deals on ADDITIONAL receivers/DVR's? I searched but could not find any info.
Movers Connection seems to be able to make better offers than regular CSRs. I would try that first. I got my HR20 that way for $19.99.
JLucPicard
06-20-08, 02:59 PM
I'd have to second Bob Coxner's post. When you call for your Mover's Connection, explain to them that you will have additional HDTVs at your new place and you'd like to outfit them with HR20/21s and see if they can do anything for you.
rudeney
06-20-08, 07:52 PM
First off, you can pretty much write off getting another HR20. You will likely be negotiating for some flavor of HR21 (sans OTA tuners).
Not necessarily. Sometimes your “negotiation” results in getting a refurb, which very well might be an HR20.
Not necessarily. Sometimes your “negotiation” results in getting a refurb, which very well might be an HR20.They can promise you the moon, but they can't deliver you a moon pie. Ask anyone who has been promised OTA capability and see if they actually got it. They exist, but they are not legion.
code4code5
06-20-08, 11:01 PM
I scheduled a "Movers Connection" move today, and got a second HR20 for $99, plus three months of Starz and Showtime free. I'm happy!
I scheduled a "Movers Connection" move today, and got a second HR20 for $99, plus three months of Starz and Showtime free. I'm happy!Let us know how it goes:
1. Installation
2. Which receiver you ended up getting
3. Commitment (if any)
Read the sign-off sheet carefully before you sign it.
Not necessarily. Sometimes your “negotiation” results in getting a refurb, which very well might be an HR20.The key is in understanding that negotiation doesn't determine what receiver you get.
BattleZone
06-21-08, 03:20 PM
The key is in understanding that negotiation doesn't determine what receiver you get.
Exactly. DirecTV's ordering system only states "HD-DVR", it doesn't go down to the model level, so a CSR simply has no way of specifically ordering an HR20 vs. an HR21. The notes they type in the case don't get routed to the equipment shipment center either, but most CSRs don't even know that.
What gets shipped is whatever is available. Normally, refurbs are shipped first, and when they run out, new receivers are sent. Refurbs could be HR20s or HR21s. CSRs have no way to know what equipment is available to ship at any given time (intentionally; DirecTV's opinion is that is shouldn't matter).
You can negotiate all you want, and the CSRs can note the heck out of your account, but none of that guarentees you anything. The system isn't set up for it.
code4code5
06-21-08, 05:34 PM
There was a renewal of my two year commitment, but where am I going to go... Dish? !rolling
... DirecTV's ordering system only states "HD-DVR", it doesn't go down to the model level, so a CSR simply has no way of specifically ordering an HR20 vs. an HR21...That is the heart of the whole HR20/21 mess. And it is a mess in areas where OTA HD recording capability is important.
RipleyK
06-23-08, 07:56 AM
Staurt, I only have 1 HD receiver right now- why?
I called retention dept and was able to get an additional HD-DVR for 1/2 price ($99 + S/H) with the move. Any additional HD-DVRs beyond that were full price ($199). I thought this was a decent deal. Not the best, but not too bad either.
So... I will have 2 HD-DVRs and 2 older DVRs (TiVO) when we move. Since we'll only have 2 HD TV's (and I do not care/need OTA capability), I think this is an ok deal for me.
Oh- and I did have to renew my 2 yr contract.
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