You're kidding right?

[kbxm]

That's the phrase I used probably 2 dozen times tonight while trying to get my busted HR20-100 replaced.

<RANT>

Here's the deal: My -100 has a fan that's failing. It's living on an old noisy computer fan right now since I can't replace it myself since it's a leased unit.

I called last Friday and while the CSR I talked to was either new or clueless as I was told that:

a) I'd get a replacement for free since I have the service plan
b) They'd ship it with a return kit so I can send the old one back at no cost (per the service agreement) and
c) They could certainly send a black one to replace my currently black unit along with an AM21 since I won't have OTA capability with my new one.

I get home today and find the replacement unit sitting on my doorstep and take it in. Cool that was fast...

I open the box to a refurb HR20-700, silver, no AM21 and nothing else in the box (no remote, no cords (power not included either), no nothing) except a note saying I'll get billed $470 for my old unit if I don't send my old unit back.

So of course I called DTV asking:

a) What happened to the black unit I was supposed to get?
b) Where's the return shipping material that was supposed to come?
c) What's the status of my AM21?
d) Where are the cords etc and am I going to get charged if they don't send them?

After my first call with a very rude CSR I was told that I basically get what I get and if I don't send the old unit back, I'll be charged $470. I got hung up on after asking to talk to a supervisor.

4 CSRs and two supervisors later, all of whom told me that even though I'd paid for the service plan I basically have to go to Best Buy for a new one and send the busted unit back on *my* dime, I finally got a CSR that could help me when I called back and went directly to cancellations.

So two hours on the phone later I have (hopefully) a new HR21 coming my way and a free AM21 to follow once it arrives.

The thing that bugs me about the whole thing is pretty simple:

Could no one simply say "you get whatever's next at the warehouse" instead of promising me something they couldn't deliver??

More importantly if you're only option for replacement is going to Best Buy, then getting a "credit" for less than you paid for the lease at BB, why do they even offer a service plan that's supposed to cover everything?

And finally how's it supposed to work without so much as a power cord??!?!?!??

I've been with D* since it was USSB and have never been so close to cancelling my service than I was tonight.

Aside from the one, all of the CSRs were just plain rude and had no clue what to do. The supervisors were the same. It shouldn't take going to the cancellation people to get someone to give you decent service.

If I owned the unit it'd be fixed by now, but I don't so I have no choice except to send it back to them. The least they could do is honor their commitment (and the plan that I'm paying for) and take their own equipment back.

They sent me to a supervisor for a follow up since the last CSR noticed all of the calls from this evening. I explained very nicely that if they mess up this order I'm cancelling and going with cable or Dish Network. This guy understood and comp'd me for a month's programming as well. There're still a few good ones lurking out there but it shouldn't be so hard to find them.

</RANT>

[RACJ2]

That's the phrase I used probably 2 dozen times tonight while trying to get my busted HR20-100 replaced.

<RANT>

c) They could certainly send a black one to replace my currently black unit along with an AM21 since I won't have OTA capability with my new one.

I get home today and find the replacement unit sitting on my doorstep and take it in. Cool that was fast...

I open the box to a refurb HR20-700, silver, no AM21 and nothing else in the box (no remote, no cords (power not included either), no nothing) except a note saying I'll get billed $470 for my old unit if I don't send my old unit back.

So of course I called DTV asking:

a) What happened to the black unit I was supposed to get?
b) Where's the return shipping material that was supposed to come?
c) What's the status of my AM21?

</RANT>
That was terrible service and I hope that never hapens to me. Glad to hear you have an HR21 & AM21 on the way. Just an FYI, the HR20 has the OTA tuner built in, so you don't need the AM21.

[spartanstew]

Why did you want an AM21 with the HR20?

[bobnielsen]

Replacement with a refurbished unit is standard practice. You are supposed to use your existing cables and remote. There should have been a prepaid shipping label for you to use the same box to ship back the old one.

If you had a black HR20-100, you were one of the very few--most were silver. The HR21 is glossy, not flat black.

OTOH, most of the CSRs you spoke to sure need an attitude adjustment. That's no way to treat customers.

[cnmsales]

Sorry for your troubles but just know there is no way for the to guarantee you what unit you will get much less the color.

[leww37334]

Recently, I had an HR20-700 go bad I asked for an HR-20 replacement, I got an HR-21. I called Directv back and explained my OTA situation, they were very understanding and resolved the problem to my satisfaction in short order.

I was very happy with the way it was handled.

[or270]

There should be a return shipping label on the outside of the box it usually is under the label that they used to ship the box to you.

sorry about the CSR's

[webby_s]

Why did you want an AM21 with the HR20?

He didn't say that... He asked for the black one, along with the saying HR21 (probably) so that he would make sure he would get the latest IRD (obviously not the HR22). And as you know the HR21 needs the AM21 for OTA. At least that is how I read his post.

As we all know CSR most likely don't know what IRD is what.

Hope you get your right receiver, good luck and keep us informed.

[spartanstew]

He didn't say that...

But he did:


So of course I called DTV asking:

a) What happened to the black unit I was supposed to get?
b)
c) What's the status of my AM21?
d)


Even after receiving the HR20, he still wanted to know the status of his AM21. Once an HR20 showed up, he'd have no need to ask for it (unless they had already agreed to replace the HR20)

[Johnnie5000]

I have never seen a black HR20-100....

[Newshawk]

I have never seen a black HR20-100....

There were a limited number produced... they're a rare bird now.

[Tom Robertson]

Ok, so this all boils down to 2 things?:
1) silver
2) refurb

Or am missing something? You got OTA built in, you got a replacement, hopefully it works.

I suppose I can see being mildly frustrated that it is silver instead of black. And while refurbs are part and parcel of the cable industry, it might be disappointing. But I guess I don't see getting too upset over it.

Maybe I'm just tired and mellow from another granddaughter wedding tonight. :)

Cheers,
Tom

[Dolly]

Ok, so this all boils down to 2 things?:
1) silver
2) refurb

Or am missing something? You got OTA built in, you got a replacement, hopefully it works.

I suppose I can see being mildly frustrated that it is silver instead of black. And while refurbs are part and parcel of the cable industry, it might be disappointing. But I guess I don't see getting too upset over it.

Maybe I'm just tired and mellow from another granddaughter wedding tonight. :)

Cheers,
Tom
Best Wishes to your granddaughter and her new husband :sunsmile: The last time I ordered from D* they forgot to put the return shipping label with the new unit. We told them what had happen and D* actually sent us a new box to return the replaced unit. Wouldn't it have been easier and cheaper to send the return shipping label to us :confused: :lol:

[DFWHD]

My HR20-700 fan died last month and I'm on the protection plan. I knew it was the fan causing it to overheat, but when I called D*, I played dumb and said the box was making noise and the locking up a lot. They scheduled a service call and the tech took care of the swap out to a new HR21-100 (the tech said they don't carry refurb units on their trucks here in North Texas - not sure how true that is elsewhere). I think it is easier to play dumb with D* tech support and let them send out a tech on these issues, otherwise you end up with a situation like the OP.

[hoboken]

gosh I sure feel for "you're kidding right", I really feel fortunate for my experience, I switched from dish 2 years ago & installation went great, and the dish has never needed any tweaking, I called Friday because I have purchased another hdtv, csr could not have been nicer or more professional, drop shipped me a hr21, volunteered to give me 3 mo's showtime and starz, and 3 mo's of the extra hd channels at zero cost, I have received, installed and enjoying my new "toys" (as my wife calls them), hope others are as fortunate, thanks Crystal, - lou

[bigwad]

I always make sure I get the CSR's name when I call. They hang up on me, I'm making a call or emailing Ellen or whatever her name is. That CSR needs to be replaced!

[wilbur_the_goose]

Just be sure you save your FedEx shipping receipt. D* tried to charge me $1000 for an 'unreturned' HR10-250 a few years back. Their returns unit apparently is poorly managed from a technology standpoint.

[durl]

I must call at the right times. I always get a nice CSR. Granted, some are following the script more than others but they're still nice.

[dodge boy]

I think it would be better if you had the PP and your equipment died if you contacted D* and the sent you a voucher and you take the defective equipment and the voucher to a reatailer.

[jodyguercio]

I think it would be better if you had the PP and your equipment died if you contacted D* and the sent you a voucher and you take the defective equipment and the voucher to a reatailer.

Interesting thought but how would the retailer handle the return?

[bonscott87]

Hmmm, actually doesn't sound like much of a problem.

Got lucky and got an HR20 thus no AM21 needed.
No need for cables and all that, use the ones you got.

So it's silver instead of black. Oh well, I wouldn't get all upset about that. But that's just me.

Good luck!

[Jimbos G]

So, you basically got your way and a free months service and you still come rant on here? Give me a break. I also can't help but wonder how the rude CSR's were spoken to by you....sorry dude but I think you're being a little ridiculous.

[stephenC]

I can understand D* sending out refurb'ed units rather than new units for defective replacements. If everyone started getting new units when their old units broke or in this case had a defective noisy fan, then I think there would be a set of customer's that would "break" their old receivers to get new ones. I think D* realizes that this would happen and so they send out refurb'ed units when a defective customer's box needs to be replaced.

[danman71]

I had a similar issue with a dead fan. I sent back an HR20-100 and was told I would probably get a refurb HR-21. (This is before the AM-21 was available). Since I needed OTA to get my locals in HD, this wasn't acceptable.

Basically their replacements are a total crap shoot on what you get. I was finally able to get a replacement HR20-100 after several phone calls (and rants). :)

[tkrandall]

I can understand D* sending out refurb'ed units rather than new units for defective replacements. If everyone started getting new units when their old units broke or in this case had a defective noisy fan, then I think there would be a set of customer's that would "break" their old receivers to get new ones. I think D* realizes that this would happen and so they send out refurb'ed units when a defective customer's box needs to be replaced.

The problem is they don't seem to have good QC on the new or refurb units, at least not 1 year ago. My first HR20 (a -100) that the tech installed when I upgraded to HD had a bad OTA tuner #2. They sent another one (refurb'd -700)and it had and audio problem on HDMI. In a fluke (I got disconnected during a call about replacing the 2nd unit) they sent a 3rd a 4th unit (both refurb'd -700s) at the same time to replace the 2nd one. One of these fucntioned OK but it had tangible noise/vibration that I felt unacceptable. The 4th unit has worked fine for a year now. But it took me 4 tries to get a properly working one.

Bottom line is the original new out-of-the box and 2 of the 3 replacements units should have never passed inspection. Makes you think they don't go through a full repair and functional check when they get turned back out.

[tkrandall]

I had a similar issue with a dead fan. I sent back an HR20-100 and was told I would probably get a refurb HR-21. (This is before the AM-21 was available). Since I needed OTA to get my locals in HD, this wasn't acceptable.

Basically their replacements are a total crap shoot on what you get. I was finally able to get a replacement HR20-100 after several phone calls (and rants). :)

There should be a way for the reps to specify the model. They make it unnecesarily difficult in this respect. Almost makes you think someone from Sprint came over and set up this aspect of their business. :rolleyes:

[RobertE]

I think it would be better if you had the PP and your equipment died if you contacted D* and the sent you a voucher and you take the defective equipment and the voucher to a reatailer.

Interesting thought but how would the retailer handle the return?

If they really wanted too (and I wish they would) they could setup a small "front" at each HSP warehouse location for customer swaps. All HSP warehouses that I've been too have multiple dishes setup (for training) that could be used to bench test the customers equipment. If it doesn't work, then a swap out could be done. If it does work, then it's easy enough to set up a service call right then and there face to face. I wish they would look into doing this.

They could go so far as getting upgrades for DIYers as well, receivers, dishes, etc.

If anyone at DirecTv is reading, please do it. :)

[rudeney]

If they really wanted too (and I wish they would) they could setup a small "front" at each HSP warehouse location for customer swaps. All HSP warehouses that I've been too have multiple dishes setup (for training) that could be used to bench test the customers equipment. If it doesn't work, then a swap out could be done. If it does work, then it's easy enough to set up a service call right then and there face to face. I wish they would look into doing this.

They could go so far as getting upgrades for DIYers as well, receivers, dishes, etc.

If anyone at DirecTv is reading, please do it. :)

Interesting, as this is exactly how our local cable company handles their equipment. If you have a bad receiver or DVR, you carry it into the service center and they swap it. If you cancel service, you have some number of days to return the equipment to the service center before they charge you for it. The only they won’t do is let DIY’er pickup additional equipment.

[swans]

I'm kidding.

[CliffV]

Wouldn't it have been easier and cheaper to send the return shipping label to us :confused: :lol:

I recently had to return something to some other company. They e-mailed me a PDF file that had a personalized shipping label in it. All I had to do was print the PDF and tape it to the box. Now that is efficient.

[rudeney]

I recently had to return something to some other company. They e-mailed me a PDF file that had a personalized shipping label in it. All I had to do was print the PDF and tape it to the box. Now that is efficient.

And less expensive than mailing another box! This reminds me of dealing with Assurion, the cell phone insurance company Verizon resells. I had a phone replaced and they were very clear that it had to be returned by DHL with their tracking label, and not via the USPS Business Reply Mail bubble pouch, or else I’d be charged for the phone. Instead of the DHL label, the carton had the USPS bubble pouch. I called and said they’d send me the DHL label. The next day, I get a FedEx priority envelope (cost them $20 to send this!) that contained another USPS bubble pack. I called and they said they would send the correct label. Another $20 FedEx package delivered another USPS bubble pouch. The third FedEx overnight contained the label. They spent $60 in FedEx charges to have me return a broken phone that was pretty much worthless.:lol:

[JLucPicard]

I can understand D* sending out refurb'ed units rather than new units for defective replacements. If everyone started getting new units when their old units broke or in this case had a defective noisy fan, then I think there would be a set of customer's that would "break" their old receivers to get new ones. I think D* realizes that this would happen and so they send out refurb'ed units when a defective customer's box needs to be replaced.
An installer that posts here mentioned that a relatively large percentage of units that were replaced as "defective" units actually functioned just fine.


kbxm,

Sorry to hear about your troubles.

One thing I would mention. From what you've stated, you may find yourself in a position of having to return the original defective unit and the HR20 they sent, if they do wind up sending out an HR21. Word of caution: Don't return both of them in the same box. There have been a few posts where people have returned two units in the same box and DirecTV only recognized one as being returned, so they got charged a non-return fee on the other, even though that one was returned with the one they showed as returned. Send them separately - it should save you some headaches down the road.

[kbxm]

Ok, so this all boils down to 2 things?:
1) silver
2) refurb

Or am missing something? You got OTA built in, you got a replacement, hopefully it works.

I suppose I can see being mildly frustrated that it is silver instead of black. And while refurbs are part and parcel of the cable industry, it might be disappointing. But I guess I don't see getting too upset over it.

Maybe I'm just tired and mellow from another granddaughter wedding tonight. :)

Cheers,
Tom

Hey Tom,

Congrats to the new happy couple, I hope they have a long and joyful time together.

As for the oddysey from last night.... I got everything resolved (hopefully) and even got a call this morning from a supervisor checking to see if everything's good.

When it comes down to it, the color and refurb don't really matter.

FWIW, I found a two-prong cord to use vs the 3-prong on the HR20-100 and the replacement unit didn't even power up...

The big thing that set me off was basically that 3 of the 4 CSRs basically wanted to dump me out to Best Buy (and credit me for $140, which is less than the replacement cost from BB) to fix the issue vs making any effort to resolve the problem. More importantly, the supervisors did too!

I even had to fight to get the shipping labels to return the units despite being told I have to get them back in 7 days or pay the $470 for each unit. They wanted me to pay for that as well.

I don't think I should have to resort to going through the cancellation folks to get connected to someone who gives a rip about the issue.

Bottom line: I'm paying the service fee, and expect them to make things right since I'm paying extra for them to replace a unit that should be replaced as a leased unit anyway.

That was not what I'd call anything resembling good customer service.

I worked a lot of years on their side of the phone, so believe me I tried to resolve the issue as painlessly as possible. They just weren't interested in doing anything "off-script".

It took a whopping 7 minutes once I finally got someone who took the time to listen to the problem and make things right/explain the little details that the first CSR got wrong. I'm almost back to a happy customer again. That will depend on whether or not the next unit works....

I've still got my old USSB dish in the garage so I've dealt with them for years now and this is the first time I've ever gotten people that simply refuse to help.

Cheers

[MikeW]

Good that it all worked out in the end. I believe you'd be safe in throwing away the old dish though :)

[Carl Spock]

I'm almost back to a happy customer again. That will depend on whether or not the next unit works....
It's dangerous to hang your happiness on a machine working right.

Or maybe a better way to say it is if machines working correctly are the source of your happiness, I can guarantee you'll be unhappy.

I'll pass this off as a flippant line after a frustrating experience.

I'm glad things worked out for you. :)

[techrep]

I would rather have the AM-21 to see if the tuners are any better.

[xIsamuTM]

and yet I've never had any problems with any referb in my possession. this inculdes:

1: Motorola e815 (bet phone I ever had)
2: Sony Minidisk player (remember those, mine still works, too bad my recorder doesn't)
3: My HR21-100, first one overheated due to bad ventilation on my part.

and why the hell do people always whine about the hr20/hr21 it's the same effin receiver except the 21's don't have an off air tuner. boo effin hoo if you're in the really small market that's not covered for locals. attach the bloody antenna to the tv and be done with it. If the light forsaken thing works then be happy.

[JLucPicard]

I wonder how DirecTV feels abut their employees posting like that (if, in fact, you are an employee as you posted in the 10 p.m. Cutoff thread):

I've talked to a billing rep at 10:32pm mst, found out that yes, even though I'm an employee, I still have to pay if i want HD extra pack... <snip>

[xIsamuTM]

okay, maybe that was a little too harsh, but the point's still valid. there's no major difference between the two receivers. I guess still a bit of late-night frustrations left in me. I apologize, but I won't edit that post (that'll just make me look even worse). and yes, I am a tech at a direct call center.

[Crunchy]

Best Wishes to your granddaughter and her new husband :sunsmile: The last time I ordered from D* they forgot to put the return shipping label with the new unit. We told them what had happen and D* actually sent us a new box to return the replaced unit. Wouldn't it have been easier and cheaper to send the return shipping label to us :confused: :lol:

No, their system only lets them ship boxes from the warehouse. :lol:

[bonscott87]

and why the hell do people always whine about the hr20/hr21 it's the same effin receiver except the 21's don't have an off air tuner. boo effin hoo if you're in the really small market that's not covered for locals. attach the bloody antenna to the tv and be done with it. If the light forsaken thing works then be happy.

Because you can't record OTA thru the TV.

But the solution is an AM21, perhaps given free by a CSR like yourself who understands the need. ;)

[xIsamuTM]

Yeah, depending on the context of the issue, i havent given one totally for free, but i have given a 10/6month credit for ordering one.

[mpoyner]

it's the same effin receiver except the 21's don't have an off air tuner. boo effin hoo if you're in the really small market that's not covered for locals. attach the bloody antenna to the tv and be done with it.

Nice.

Very nice.

I guess this lack of a fundamental understanding of the differences between these boxes is right in line with what I have experienced from many other CSRs like yourself in the past couple of years.

It's a DVR. If the you can't RECORD the freakin' shows, then how is this "the same effin receiver", as you so eloquently stated?????

For God's sake, isn't there any TRAINING for CSR's?

[rudeney]

Yeah, depending on the context of the issue, i havent given one totally for free, but i have given a 10/6month credit for ordering one.

Why not? It seems to me that D* vastly underestimated the importance of OTA before it took the capability out of the HR21 series. From a CSR’s perspective, you may be taking this as a customer trying to weasel something free out of your company. But from the perspective of the customers, they are simply trying to make sure they have the same capabilities today that they had yesterday, because they are paying the same (or more) today than they were yesterday.

Here’s an analogy. You rent an apartment, but the electricity in it quit working due to problems with the wiring. The apartment manager says you can be moved to another unit in a newer building for no additional rent. However, the old apartment had a built-in microwave oven, but the new one does not. The manager offers to supply one if you pay $60 for it. How would you feel about that? This is how customers going from HR10’s and HR20’s feel when they are told they have to give-up OTA or pay $60 for an AM21.

Having said all that, I have four HR20’s and not a single one has OTA connected. Really, I have no need for it as I get the major networks in HD from D*. I know I am missing PBS and some of the secondary channels, but for me, that’s not a problem. I do have OTA in my house, but I have it feeding the TV’s directly. I like this because if both tuners on the HR20 are tied-up and I want to watch a 3rd program, as long as I can arrange it so one of the three are available OTA, I’m covered. Of course I don’t get any DVR functionality on the 3rd program, but hey, nothing’s perfect. Besides, one day (SOON!:rolleyes: ) we’ll have MRV and that will solve that problem!

[KSbugeater]

Having said all that, I have four HR20’s and not a single one has OTA connected.

Rodney, you know you can split the OTA signal, right? If you're worried about signal loss, you can use an amplified splitter. I have my signal split and still receive stations over 60 miles away.

If you want to be stubborn and waste your OTA ability, you could probably make a lot of people's day by trading them your HR20s for HR21s. Including me.

[Tom Robertson]

Why not? It seems to me that D* vastly underestimated the importance of OTA before it took the capability out of the HR21 series. From a CSR’s perspective, you may be taking this as a customer trying to weasel something free out of your company. But from the perspective of the customers, they are simply trying to make sure they have the same capabilities today that they had yesterday, because they are paying the same (or more) today than they were yesterday.

Here’s an analogy. You rent an apartment, but the electricity in it quit working due to problems with the wiring. The apartment manager says you can be moved to another unit in a newer building for no additional rent. However, the old apartment had a built-in microwave oven, but the new one does not. The manager offers to supply one if you pay $60 for it. How would you feel about that? This is how customers going from HR10’s and HR20’s feel when they are told they have to give-up OTA or pay $60 for an AM21.

Having said all that, I have four HR20’s and not a single one has OTA connected. Really, I have no need for it as I get the major networks in HD from D*. I know I am missing PBS and some of the secondary channels, but for me, that’s not a problem. I do have OTA in my house, but I have it feeding the TV’s directly. I like this because if both tuners on the HR20 are tied-up and I want to watch a 3rd program, as long as I can arrange it so one of the three are available OTA, I’m covered. Of course I don’t get any DVR functionality on the 3rd program, but hey, nothing’s perfect. Besides, one day (SOON!:rolleyes: ) we’ll have MRV and that will solve that problem!

Interesting analogy. (That is meant as a compliment, to misquote the Smothers Brothers.) :)

The only part I'd add/change is that you never used the free microwave in your first apartment. Most people, don't use OTA.

I wish I could give a link to back up my statement. I could research a bit an show how satellite didn't take off until locals were transmitted, I could show how more that 85% of the popultion get their TV thru cable or satellite, etc. But nothing that says, "only 5% of cable/satellite subscribers actually bother with an antenna, etc.)

Cheers,
Tom

[hasan]

Nice.

Very nice.

I guess this lack of a fundamental understanding of the differences between these boxes is right in line with what I have experienced from many other CSRs like yourself in the past couple of years.

It's a DVR. If the you can't RECORD the freakin' shows, then how is this "the same effin receiver", as you so eloquently stated?????

For God's sake, isn't there any TRAINING for CSR's?

Myopia is a common disease that CSRs should be inoculated against. The key is the ability to RECORD....DVR....get it? People who lose their OTA tuner by a model change should be compensated for the cost of the AM21. If one wants OTA recording as an extra (and not something that you already had), then the price point is quite fair.

Having an HR20-700 myself (as well as an HR21-200/AM21), I know when it fails, I expect an AM21 with its replacement, no matter whether HD-LILs are offered or not. HD-LILs do no good whatsoever during precip events, while OTA has NEVER failed a single time. I had it originally, its replacement should have it too. No one should lose basic functionality due to receiver replacement, and you don't get more "basic" than an OTA tuner.

All this aside, we do have the AM21, it works terrifically and is reasonably priced. Everything after that is small change compared to the crisis we faced when we were being told that OTA was not going to be supported any longer. (and so many people who should have known better were singing the song, "you don't really need it", just like the CSR above. What a wonder....:)

[rudeney]

Having said all that, I have four HR20’s and not a single one has OTA connected.

Rodney, you know you can split the OTA signal, right? If you're worried about signal loss, you can use an amplified splitter. I have my signal split and still receive stations over 60 miles away.

Oh, yeah, it’s split now to three different TV’s, and I use a powered-amplified antenna. I just don’t need it on the HR20’s because I have local HD from D*. The only time I ever use OTA is to monitor the weather during bad storms when rain fade kills the D* signal and the once in a while when both tuners on the living room HR20 are busy recording and we want to watch something else live.

If you want to be stubborn and waste your OTA ability, you could probably make a lot of people's day by trading them your HR20s for HR21s. Including me.

I would gladly do it, but alas there appears to be no way to do this with D*! :(

Interesting analogy. (That is meant as a compliment, to misquote the Smothers Brothers.) :)

The only part I'd add/change is that you never used the free microwave in your first apartment.

But, Tom, how else would I make popcorn to eat while watching my DirecTV? Geez! :p

Most people, don't use OTA.

I wish I could give a link to back up my statement. I could research a bit an show how satellite didn't take off until locals were transmitted, I could show how more that 85% of the popultion get their TV thru cable or satellite, etc. But nothing that says, "only 5% of cable/satellite subscribers actually bother with an antenna, etc.)

Seriously, I know what you are saying and don’t doubt it at all because it makes perfect sense. I waited to upgrade to D*’s HD service until they had my locals and a DVR that would record them. I have no need for OTA on my D* equipment, but for those that do, I am sure it’s a big issue if they lose it.