Can I get DOD without HD subscription?

[ddwalker]

My understanding is that DOD only works with an HD DVR. But I don't care about HD programs -- I don't even have an HD TV. So my question is can I get On Demand without subscribing to HD programs?

Another question is that I see somewhere saying something like "Also receive FREE HD DVR Receiver Upgrade ($199.00 Value)." What does this mean? Do I own the HD DVR or am I still leasing? Do I have to subscribe to their HD program in this case?

Thanks!

[litzdog911]

1. You'll need an HD package subscription if you have an HD DVR, regardless of whether or not you only want it for DOD. You can get an R22 SD DVR that works with DOD and does not require and HD package subscription.

2. Yes, it's leased. And yes, all HD Receivers/DVRs require an HD program subscription.

[BattleZone]

My understanding is that DOD only works with an HD DVR. But I don't care about HD programs -- I don't even have an HD TV. So my question is can I get On Demand without subscribing to HD programs?

Yes, you can. The R22 is a standard-def DVR that will get DoD. The R22 is really an HR21 HD-DVR with all HD capabilities disabled in software.


Another question is that I see somewhere saying something like "Also receive FREE HD DVR Receiver Upgrade ($199.00 Value)." What does this mean? Do I own the HD DVR or am I still leasing? Do I have to subscribe to their HD program in this case?

The cost of buying an HD-DVR (HR2x-series) to own is $499. Very few people do this because the only real benefit is that you don't have a programming commitment with owned equipment. But since the HD-DVR is totally useless without paid programming, it rarely makes sense to own one. Owned receivers also have a 90 warranty only; while leased receivers will be replaced for the cost of shipping (after the 90 day warranty) for as long as you have programming.

If you have an HD receiver on your account, you must carry HD programming.

The normal up-front lease fee for an HD-DVR is $199. DirecTV is offering new customers their first leased HD-DVR for free. Additional HD-DVRs are still $199. Leased receivers some with a programming commitment. Basic receivers are 18 months, and any "advanced" receiver is 24 months. ETF is $20 x months remaining.