Contract Extension BS

[tdogdfw]

I have a couple HR10-250 DirecTV Tivo units in my house to go along with some HR20's and HR21's. These Tivo units are in guest bedrooms and aren't on all the time. When an update came down which locked up the whole house 2 weeks ago I tried to reset these units only to get no data being downloaded. DirecTV said this is a known problem with these Tivo units if they go dormant. They said if the de-activate for non-use then they can not re-activate them because of the new software. They offered to send out two HR21's to replace these units since they caused the problem.

After locking up again last night and losing House/Fringe recordings I had decided enough was enough and I woiuld get FIOS. They told me I could not quit because I had 2 years left on my contract. They told me the two units they sent me to fix their problems with the TIVO units automatically extended my contract two years from that date. They never once told me anything about a contract extension.

This is BS - how could they break a receiver, send you a new one to fix their problem and then extend your contract without telling you. This is complete deceit and I am trying to find some recourse. I am really beginning to hate D*

I already filed with BBB - but don't expect much to come from that. Does anyone have other options?

[jjohns]

Take care. . .
The inmates are running the asylum.

[Grentz]

If you do not have the Protection Plan any new equipment triggers either a 18 or 24 month contract extension (depending on what equipment it is). The CSR should have alerted you when ordering/reactivating, but it is in the TOS as well.

Sadly it is just the way it is done, for most it does not matter, but for some like in your case it does. They are just trying to recoup costs on the equipment.

Remember back in the fun ole days that even basic SD receivers costed hundreds of dollars ;)

[tcusta00]

If you weren't told about the contract extension I would call back and ask to speak with a supervisor. They should be able to setup a return for your equipment and nullify the contract so that you can go with the provider you want. I believe they record all phone calls so if you're persistent you shouldn't have too much of an issue.

[Ken S]

If you do not have the Protection Plan any new equipment triggers either a 18 or 24 month contract extension (depending on what equipment it is). The CSR should have alerted you when ordering/reactivating, but it is in the TOS as well.

Sadly it is just the way it is done, for most it does not matter, but for some like in your case it does. They are just trying to recoup costs on the equipment.

Remember back in the fun ole days that even basic SD receivers costed hundreds of dollars ;)

That's not true. Read the DirecTV FAQs. Any leased equipment will be replaced free without the protection plan. DirecTV makes it pretty clear that the Protection Plan is really meant to cover items outside of the leased receivers.

Now, if the Tivos were owned that may be a different situation. In which case I'd suggest that the OP check to see if they agreed to a contract extension.

[Grentz]

That's not true. Read the DirecTV FAQs. Any leased equipment will be replaced free without the protection plan. DirecTV makes it pretty clear that the Protection Plan is really meant to cover items outside of the leased receivers.

Now, if the Tivos were owned that may be a different situation. In which case I'd suggest that the OP check to see if they agreed to a contract extension.

I might be wrong, but I thought that we have discussed this before on here and that the PP waives the contract extension but if you do not have PP you potentially will get a contract extension for replaced equipment (even though the equipment will still be free).

[rudeney]

There’s no official published policy on that. I think a reasonable person would not expect a commitment extension for the replacement of defective leased equipment, but D* can really do what it wants in this case.