To buy, to lease, to just confused

[Jape]

Allow me to apologize on the front-end for how basic my questions might be. I am somewhat new to Directv and struggling to learn.

Basically, I have had cable for a few years now and due to some price restructuring my bill has gone through the roof and it is the last straw for me. Directv attracts me because I know it has one of the better images for HDTV. So I recently went online to Directv's web site to place my order but quickly became concerned whether or not this was the best avenue for me.

In the past I think you could purchase your equipment and you essentially owned it. As I look online it appears you have to pay a start-up cost for equipment but then are indeed leasing? It feels strange to me to sort of sit between both. Since I've never purchased Directv before is this simply the best deal for me? Is it even possible to purchase equipment outright and not incurr a leasing fee? Should I perhaps avoid Directv's site and look to purchase this equipment and programming elsewhere?

I am not sure if this helps but ideally this is the equipment (receivers) I suspect I need. One HD-DVR for my home theater, One SD-DVR for the master bedroom, One SD-DVR or non-DVR receiver for the living room, and one non-DVR receiver for a guest room. I guess one question I do have in this space is just because this might be my requirements is it the best equipment to get? For example, is there any reason outside of the greater recording space an HD-DVR gives you to opt for all HD-DVR's instead of non-HD DVR's where needed?

Any guidance is greatly appreciated. I have done some of my own research but I struggle with finding the answers.

Thanks.
Jape

[mstanka]

Hope you will choose Directv, I've been happy since I've started about 10 years ago.

All current receivers with Directv are leased. If you are wanting HD your only real choice is to go with the leased receiver as it is the newest with the MPEG-4. (You can buy the receivers outright, but they are several times the upfront least fee, 700-800 each).

For your first receiver you pay for the programming that you wish to subscribe to, i.e. basic package, premiums, sports etc. After the first receiver, you do not pay full price for the programming you only pay a $5.00 mirroring fee, or "LEASE FEE". This is charged for each additional receiver after the first. If you owned the receivers it would simply be called a Mirror fee. Either way this fee applies.

If you go with a DVR (or multiple) you will pay ONE fee of $6.00. This for either 1 DVR or 100 DVR's on your account.

If you want HD, then you will subscribe to the HD Access package. This is a one per account fee also of $9.99. They will regularly run a promo that you get it for free for 3 months, etc.

By best suggestion would be to call directly as you will get the best offers.

I hope that this helps.

Michael.

[mobandit]

You 'can' purchase equipment directly from D*...however, it is very expensive! The lease is a much better deal, much less cash outlay initially than an outright purchase.

[dgordo]

This is how I looked at it, with comcast I have to pay 15.99 a month to rent an hd dvr. Over two years that is $384. With directv I had to pay $99 up front for an hd dvr plus $5 a month. Over two years that is $219. Even if you cant talk them down to $99 and you have to pay $199 up front it is still cheaper than comcast.

[boba]

I would suggest 3 HDDVRs and a basic D12 your upfront expense will be $200 more but you won't need to upgrade in a few months when you add a new HD tv.

[Jape]

Thank you so much for all the responses. Just so I'm clear, it doesn't appear that there is really any better option than simply going through directv's web site or calling them...correct? You can get a few of their instant rebates but basically purchasing equipment outright just isn't a good option.

boba does make a good point about upgrading. How is that accomplished? If I have a non-HD DVR and want to upgrade to an HD-DVR what is Directv's process? I would hope they make it fairly easy and economical for the customer.

Thanks again.

[dpeters11]

Thank you so much for all the responses. Just so I'm clear, it doesn't appear that there is really any better option than simply going through directv's web site or calling them...correct? You can get a few of their instant rebates but basically purchasing equipment outright just isn't a good option.

boba does make a good point about upgrading. How is that accomplished? If I have a non-HD DVR and want to upgrade to an HD-DVR what is Directv's process? I would hope they make it fairly easy and economical for the customer.

Thanks again.

Going through DirecTV might be the best option. Another option is if there's a local installer, going directly through them. Especially something like a local electronics store (locally owned, not Best Buy etc.) However you might not get free installation. It might be a better install though.

If you want to upgrade later, it will likely cost you about $200 for an HD DVR. I was able to get mine shipped for self install. At that point you can also get one at Best Buy, you'll pay tax, but DirecTV charges $20 shipping.

[BattleScott]

If you want to upgrade later, it will likely cost you about $200 for an HD DVR. I was able to get mine shipped for self install. At that point you can also get one at Best Buy, you'll pay tax, but DirecTV charges $20 shipping.

In addition to the cost, upgrading from the SD DVR to the HD DVR later will also require a new 2 year programming committment.

[Jape]

In addition to the cost, upgrading from the SD DVR to the HD DVR later will also require a new 2 year programming committment.

Wow, I'm glad I'm learning this stuff because I didn't even know there was a 2 year programming committment. I thought it might be a year but not 2.

Is there a range of time you can get your money back without a penalty if you don't like the service? Is the 2 year committment pretty standard? What is the penalty if you want to quit before the 2 year commitment?

[coldsteel]

IIRC, DirecTV does not have a grace period; at least they did not when I had them 2 years ago. And the newer penalty is, I think, $20 a month?

[BattleScott]

Wow, I'm glad I'm learning this stuff because I didn't even know there was a 2 year programming committment. I thought it might be a year but not 2.

Is there a range of time you can get your money back without a penalty if you don't like the service? Is the 2 year committment pretty standard? What is the penalty if you want to quit before the 2 year commitment?

2 years is the standard unless you get all SD receivers only, then it's 18 months I believe. But any upgrade resets to 2 years from the date of upgrade.

[BattleZone]

As we've discussed in many, many threads, leasing equipment is a better deal financially for the vast majority of people. It allows much lower up-front cost for advanced equipment, with only two real drawbacks: you have to return the receivers to DirecTV if you cancel/deactivate them, and you have to maintain programming for a 2-year commitment (so that DirecTV can recover the expenses of leasing you the equipment and paying for your installation). But there are some advantages too. Owned equipment only has a 90 day warranty. If it fails after that, and you don't carry the Protection Plan, you are out of luck. Leased receivers will be replaced for the cost of shipping (waived if you have the PP) for as long as you keep the service, though if you don't carry the PP, it will reset your commitment back to 24 months.

While there's no official grace period, DirecTV would (eventually) let you cancel within the first 24 hours, after attempting to change your mind. After that, you are subject to the ETF, which is $20 x months remaining on your commitment. In other words, it starts at $480 and drops by $20 per month.

Unless you are planning to move, or think there's a good possibility of losing employment or otherwise being unable to keep DirecTV for 2 years, then it's a great option for TV. And if you DO move, as long as you can get Line-Of-Site at the new place, they'll move you for free.

[bridge]

Wow, I'm glad I'm learning this stuff because I didn't even know there was a 2 year programming committment. I thought it might be a year but not 2.

Is there a range of time you can get your money back without a penalty if you don't like the service? Is the 2 year committment pretty standard? What is the penalty if you want to quit before the 2 year commitment?

Also, keep in mind that regardless of signing anything, once you accept the install you are committed. There is not 30 day preview or test drive. Some customer service folks will tell you there is a 30 day evaluation period, but there ain't.

[Davenlr]

Depends what state you live in. Some states require by law, that you be able to terminate a contract on anything you purchase without being able to see it before you buy. Ive also heard you can cancel within 24hrs of installation. I would suggest you get the information from DirecTv, in writing, if this is important. It also might be worth your while to visit a neighbor, or retailer with a live demo.

I would also recommend getting all HD equipment, since the HD channels, even when viewed on a SD televisionl, look much better, and there are several HD only channels without a SD counterpart. Any Mpeg4 receiver/dvr should get them however, so you could save a little money up front by going SD, if you know for sure you will never need HD at that location.

2 yr committment is pretty standard now, with satellite and cell companies. Cable, usually not, since they are running so far behind the HD curve.

As for the lease vs owned, Unless you plan on reselling it in two years, and think you can recover your money (doubtful), the lease at least allows you to get a free or cost-of-shipping replacement should it fail. By the book, its free if from have the protection plan, and $19.95 if you dont, but they will often waive the shipping anyway.

If you have AT&T, I believe you can get a special pricing deal through AT&T on Directv.

Hope your transition is enjoyable.

[BattleScott]

...though if you don't carry the PP, it will reset your commitment back to 24 months.


:nono2: :nono2: :nono2: :nono2: :nono2: :nono2: :nono2: :nono2: :nono2: :nono2: :nono2: :nono2:

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?p=2090336#post2090336

[bonscott87]

Wow, I'm glad I'm learning this stuff because I didn't even know there was a 2 year programming committment. I thought it might be a year but not 2.

Is there a range of time you can get your money back without a penalty if you don't like the service? Is the 2 year committment pretty standard? What is the penalty if you want to quit before the 2 year commitment?

First off, if you want to actually buy a receiver you're talking $400+ bucks. Otherwise it's anywhere from free to $199 to lease it (which is what 99% of people do). Either way you still pay $5 a month after your first receiver no matter owned or leased. So there is no advantage to own, just a lighter wallet.

As for the commitment, that is standard. Dish has a 2 year commitment as well. Heck, cable has commitments too if you want the best deals. Get that triple play package and most times, at least with Charter and Comcast around here, there is at least a 1 yr commitment and if you break it your bill skyrockets.

DirecTV's penalty, called an Early Termination Fee (ETF) is $20 per month remaining. Someone already did the math so unless you plan to leave just a few months after signing up it's still cheaper to lease and pay the ETF. Also someone did the math with cable where you still end up paying more even though they don't have an up front fee.

$0-$199 up front, $5 a month ($0 a month for your first receiver)
or cable with $0 up front and anywhere from $15-$18 (and sometimes more) per month
Take your pick but I'll take the cheaper pay up front method.

Basically in almost every situation it's cheaper on equipment fees to lease with DirecTV then it is with cable. But do the math for your situation.

[paulman182]

At the time I signed up there was a big advantage to starting small and upgrading gradually. I don't know if it still works this way, but they did have a policy where every few months you become eligible for a free or low-cost upgrade. I was SD in the beginning and upgraded to the system below for a total of about $300, because I always paid my bill on time and called them to see how they could "help" me with upgrades every six months or so.

[JLucPicard]

Jape,

Welcome to DBSTalk!!! :welcome_s

It's a great place to come to get good information, and I always give huge KUDOS to people who do their research first. This is a great place for that, and there are a ton of very helpful folks here!

A couple of things to keep in mind...

I believe for a new customer, your best deals are to be had by calling DirecTV and working something out with them. There are usually discounts on some equipment costs and some new customer credits/free movie channels/something like that. If you happen to have AAA, there might be some discounts available with that, too. I am not with AAA, and have not been a new customer since 1995, so I don't know specifics, but others here will know - just ask questions if that may apply.

The question about going all HD right at the start or upgrading gradually - There is a period of time after being a new customer (3 months, 6 months, again, I'm not sure) where upgrading equipment will cost you full price. You will also need to return any equipment you replace, and you will not get any kind of refund for what you paid for that. In other words, if you get an SD DVR when you sign up, and pay $99 for it at that time, then decide to upgrade to an HD DVR within a few months, you could well pay $199 for the HD DVR and you would have to return the SD DVR and not get any of your original $99 back. Future deals on equipment are dependent in part on your account history, so paying on time, etc., will have long term benefits.

If you can afford to "go big" from the start, it could actually be more economical depending on the timing of what you would upgrade.

The two-year commitment is just a commitment to maintain at least the minimum level of programming during that period, which I believe is the basic Family Package which it $29.99 a month. If you start out with 3 receivers and deactivate/return two of them within that commitment period, you are still maintaining your commitment. You are committing to programming, not a certain number or type of receivers for that time.

As a new customer, you may need to pay some fees up front based on your credit-worthiness. Again, I haven't been a new customer for years, so don't know the specifics, but if you have spotty credit, you may be asked to pay $50, $100 or something up front in addition to the other costs. I hate to say anything about it because I don't know any specifics, but I don't want you to be blind-sided by it either. Hopefully someone with more information can help fill in the blanks there.

There are features with the HD DVRs that you can utilize if you can connect them to your internet service, such as video on demand, etc. Another thing to keep in mind when deciding on equipment.

Line-of-sight has not come up yet, but you do need a clear view to the south/southwest. There are websites that can help determine such things. I think www.dishpiointer.com is one where you can punch in your address and get, I think, an arial view of your area and information on where the dish needs to "look" for signal.

Again, I applaud you for doing your homework. Please ask TONS of questions to make your experience the best it can be.

I've been with DirecTV since '95, and for me, I have no intentions of changing - I'm VERY satisfied!

Best of luck to you!

[Jape]

Thanks so much for all this! This has helped with so many of my questions and I have a friend that has had similar questions that will be leveraging this thread as well.

I must admit I'm still surprised by the aggresive committment from directv. Most cable companies and AT&T I know allow for some grace period like 30 days in the event you aren't satisfied with the service. I'm not sure why they feel such a need to do this when it appears they do have the superior service. Oh well.

Thanks for the dispointer link. The house we bought already has a dish on the roof so I had a good feeling we could receive the signal. After looking at the site it does appear we have good line of sight.

The other item I appreciate being mentioned was that cable companies have contracts as well. I hadn't even thought of that and was concerned I might still be under contract but I'm not so that is good.

One final item that I keep wondering about is the possiblity of using another dish service like Dish Network rather than Directv. My intent behind asking this is not to start an argument. I'm sure each has their disadvantages and advantages but I'm just not sure I completely know what those are. I have heard that Directv offers a better HD image which is slightly important to me but I'm curious to hear from others if there are any other significant differences? Naturally, the programming is different and I have been told that the cost might be left if you only need certain channels with Dish over Directv but is there anything else that others feel are important that might sway them?

Thanks again for all the help. It is greatly appreciated.

[BattleScott]

I would suggest starting a thread just like this on in the Dish forum here. Don't present it as asking which is better, present the same as you did this thread. Ask the same questions that you asked of us and you will get very similar responses from the folks in the Dish area. Then you can balance the 2 and see if one makes more sense to you than the other. Just remember that in either one of these areas you are going to run in to some who are going to be overly negative no matter what, some that are going to be overly positive no matter what, but many will be in the middle and will answer pretty honestly. Asking either side "which side is better?" won't get you too far.

Good luck!

[BattleZone]

I must admit I'm still surprised by the aggresive committment from directv. Most cable companies and AT&T I know allow for some grace period like 30 days in the event you aren't satisfied with the service. I'm not sure why they feel such a need to do this when it appears they do have the superior service. Oh well.

The biggest reason is that installation costs are high, and are only recovered if you keep the service. By now, most folks know someone with DirecTV, or can go look at it somewhere if they're unsure of what it is. But installation costs are the biggest factor in not having a "grace period."

[FCBarca]

As a follow up...Not sure if this is the right thread for this but moving and finally being able to make a switch to satellite...Going to go DirecTV but wondering where's the right place to get advice about deals, i.e. what is a good pricepoint to operate from. the different receivers (I definitely want HD DVR) and contract lengths.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

[Shades228]

2 years is the standard unless you get all SD receivers only, then it's 18 months I believe. But any upgrade resets to 2 years from the date of upgrade.

New customers are 24 mo regardless of equipment.

[Shades228]

As a follow up...Not sure if this is the right thread for this but moving and finally being able to make a switch to satellite...Going to go DirecTV but wondering where's the right place to get advice about deals, i.e. what is a good pricepoint to operate from. the different receivers (I definitely want HD DVR) and contract lengths.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

New customer offers are the same no matter where you go through. There are a couple of options that can get you another discount such as, bundling with a phone provider, if you have AAA they have a discount, or being referred by someone who has Directv. If you do some searches on the forum you will find the details about these other discounts.

Make sure you get after promotional price as well as promotional price. Make sure that you get quoted everything including the mirror/lease fees.

If you feel that you might need special work done on your installation or think you want specific equipment a local dealer might be better for you. These companies are hit and miss so do some research and find out what their reputation is. A great dealer will do more installation wise then DirecTV will to get the sale, and a bad dealer can make your initial setup a headache. This is true for a good DirecTV installer and a bad one but going through DirecTV they have more information on what was said. After you get done placing your order go onto the website and look at the programming package and fees that you signed up for. Check for anything else you might want. If you still need help post here.

[jodyguercio]

New customers are 24 mo regardless of equipment.

I don't think that's right. I think it's 18 months for any SD or non-dvr equipment and 24 months for HDDVRs.

[Shades228]

I don't think that's right. I think it's 18 months for any SD or non-dvr equipment and 24 months for HDDVRs.

Here's the policy:
PROGRAMMING TERM.
For a new DIRECTV customer, The programming package(s) must be maintained for a period of not less than twenty-four (24) consecutive months. For a current DIRECTV customer, the programming package(s) must be maintained for a period of not less than (a) twelve (12) consecutive months for accounts with only standard receiver(s), or (b) twenty-four (24) consecutive months for accounts with advanced product(s)/receiver(s) (DVR, HD, or HD DVR, including additional DIRECTV receiver(s)). After you have fulfilled the agreement to the required programming package(s), you are not obliged to continue your subscription to DIRECTV programming for any specific duration. Current DIRECTV customers may activate additional receivers with thier existing DIRECTV programming package. THIS AGREEMENT TO MAINTAIN PROGRAMMING IS SEPARATE AND DIFFERENT FROM ANY OTHER PROGRAMMING COMMITMENT YOU MAY HAVE MADE WITH DIRECTV AND IS FULLY ENFORCEABLE UNDER THESE TERMS.

[gbrinck]

For what it's worth, I have Directv service in my motorhome and OWN all my equipment. Cost me $1600 for an automatic dish (dome type, seeks & finds correct satellites automatically) and a non DVR receiver. A fixed 5 LNB dish would have been considerably cheaper but not very convenient when you move every few days. I had a one year contract with DTV.

[RAD]

Jape, don't forget, if you know a DirecTV customer get a referral, they get a $100 rebate and you get a $100 rebate. Also if you are an AAA member they are also supposed to have some discouts for new customers.

[jodyguercio]

Here's the policy:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lease Addendum
PROGRAMMING TERM.
For a new DIRECTV customer, The programming package(s) must be maintained for a period of not less than twenty-four (24) consecutive months. For a current DIRECTV customer, the programming package(s) must be maintained for a period of not less than (a) twelve (12) consecutive months for accounts with only standard receiver(s), or (b) twenty-four (24) consecutive months for accounts with advanced product(s)/receiver(s) (DVR, HD, or HD DVR, including additional DIRECTV receiver(s)). After you have fulfilled the agreement to the required programming package(s), you are not obliged to continue your subscription to DIRECTV programming for any specific duration. Current DIRECTV customers may activate additional receivers with thier existing DIRECTV programming package. THIS AGREEMENT TO MAINTAIN PROGRAMMING IS SEPARATE AND DIFFERENT FROM ANY OTHER PROGRAMMING COMMITMENT YOU MAY HAVE MADE WITH DIRECTV AND IS FULLY ENFORCEABLE UNDER THESE TERMS.

Shades I stand corrected. Thank you for pointing this out. I haven't read the agreement in many years.