Upgrading to HD, switch from D*?

[yahtzee123]

I've been using D* since 2001 and have been mostly satisfied with their service (though I do wish the STB would be a bit snappier). Currently, I'm using their SD DVR; however, I've got the HD bug now and will be purchasing my first HD TV this week. Now seems like a good time to weigh my provider options, as I'm not under contract right now.

The first option would be to keep D*. Unfortunately, I've talked to them about upgrading to a HD DVR and the most I can get is 50% off the DVR ($99 value) and free HD access for six months ($60 value). All three people I talked to (1 CSR, 2 retention people) offered this deal, but would not budge when I asked for more. Has anyone been able to get free equipment or a better deal recently? I'm a bit miffed that new customers get free equipment and $20 off a month for a year. I'm not nuts about paying anything out of pocket for equipment, so I started wondering about alternatives.

The second option would be Dish. I'd be a new customer and would get all my new HD equipment for free as well as a reduced package price for the first six months. This would require a two year contract (after which I could return to D* or switch to FiOS which should be available by then in my area). My understanding is that Dish PQ is not as good as D*, but the pricing is much more attractive.

The last option would be to switch to cable and a bundled package, since I already use them for internet and phone. The monthly price would be about the same as D*, but without the equipment costs upfront. From what I hear, the DVR is a bit slow and cumbersome. The nice thing would be that there is no two year contract and I could switch to FiOS as soon as it's rolled out in our neighborhood.

Anyone have any tips for dealing with D* CSRs or have experiences with Dish or Cox Communications (Orange County, Ca)? Thanks!

[carl6]

The deal you have been offered is a pretty good deal, and pretty standard. I doubt you will get DirecTV to give more. They are having trouble keeping up with demand for HD upgrades and new subscribers right now. Good old system of supply and demand.

I've not used Dish Network, so can't, and won't, comment on it. I can tell you that I am absolutely satisfied with DirecTV's HD, and their HD equipment, and I think you would be also.

In making your decision, cost should not be the only factor you consider. Look at which HD channels are offered by each provider against whicih channels you would actually watch. If provider "A" offers all the channels you would actually watch, but fewer total and provider "B" offers many more total HD channels, but not as many of the ones you would actually watch, then provider "A" should be your choice. But once you start watching HD, you may well find yourself watching channels you never watched in SD because of the stunning picture quality.

Enjoy your HD, whoever you decide to go with. You won't be dissapointed with DirecTV if you stay with them.

[Shades228]

Considering the cost of a HD TV spending $99 on a HD DVR is not really that big of a deal. If you're happy with what you're getting then that should factor in more then anything. Also you might want to check into the upgrade costs of other companies. Sure their new customer promotions look good now but you might end up spending much more later on if you want to do more.

[mobandit]

My daughter and son-in-law have Dish, the PQ seems as good as D*. It all comes down to whatever floats your boat!

[tadtam]

I have been a D* customer since around 1995. Paid $900 for 1st receiver and had to install it myself. So you can see I am a loyal subscriber. Last year I bought a Sammie HD and last month bought a Toshiba HD. I still have SD-DVR and standard SD Receiver. I haven't went to HD because of the increased monthly cost and I am waiting for the new HD-DVR since I will want 2 of them.
The other main reason for not switching yet is the SD picture quality on a high quality HDTV is superb. My son has cable HD and I do not think his picture is that much better to justify the increased cost. So I am patiently waiting....
Oh BTW I am very “picky” about my TV picture and tweak it to the max. I have noticed that as the stations moved to HD their SD PQ also improved.
I do agree with Shades that $99 is not very much for the HD Receiver. I just do not like the increase in monthly fees...

[say-what]

Although you'd be paying $99 for the DVR, the 6-month credit makes your bottom line $39 - very good. Also, you can never compare a new customer deal to any deals offered existing customers - new customer deals are always more lucrative to entice people to subscribe and this is common with any service provider.

[Mertzen]

IF you plan on upgrading more then one IRD to D* at one point you might be off cheaper in the long run on sticking with D*.
Their HD access is for the hole account. With most other providers you'll be paying additional fees per IRD, sometimes as much as $12-15 per additional HD DVR.

But look around, but don't forget the price after the promo ends.

[tds4182]

I've been using D* since 2001 and have been mostly satisfied with their service (though I do wish the STB would be a bit snappier). Currently, I'm using their SD DVR; however, I've got the HD bug now and will be purchasing my first HD TV this week. Now seems like a good time to weigh my provider options, as I'm not under contract right now.

The first option would be to keep D*. Unfortunately, I've talked to them about upgrading to a HD DVR and the most I can get is 50% off the DVR ($99 value) and free HD access for six months ($60 value). All three people I talked to (1 CSR, 2 retention people) offered this deal, but would not budge when I asked for more. Has anyone been able to get free equipment or a better deal recently? I'm a bit miffed that new customers get free equipment and $20 off a month for a year. I'm not nuts about paying anything out of pocket for equipment, so I started wondering about alternatives.

The second option would be Dish. I'd be a new customer and would get all my new HD equipment for free as well as a reduced package price for the first six months. This would require a two year contract (after which I could return to D* or switch to FiOS which should be available by then in my area). My understanding is that Dish PQ is not as good as D*, but the pricing is much more attractive.

The last option would be to switch to cable and a bundled package, since I already use them for internet and phone. The monthly price would be about the same as D*, but without the equipment costs upfront. From what I hear, the DVR is a bit slow and cumbersome. The nice thing would be that there is no two year contract and I could switch to FiOS as soon as it's rolled out in our neighborhood.

Anyone have any tips for dealing with D* CSRs or have experiences with Dish or Cox Communications (Orange County, Ca)? Thanks!

Another thing to remember is that there have been quite a few complaints posted about the FIOS HD DVR. Most people seem happy with their PQ and programming.

Consider whats available to you in terms of programming, equipment and whether you want to be locked into a long term committment. Then make your best choice for your particular situation.

Good luck!

[yahtzee123]

Considering the cost of a HD TV spending $99 on a HD DVR is not really that big of a deal.

Yes, percentage wise, it's not that much when compared to the cost of a HD TV, but it's still $99. I could also pay $130 for a six foot HDMI cable marketed by Monster. ;)

Also, you can never compare a new customer deal to any deals offered existing customers - new customer deals are always more lucrative to entice people to subscribe and this is common with any service provider.

See, that's the thing. Since I'm not under contract, I can leave D* with no penalties. If I go anywhere else, I get the new customer deal which would be free equipment and a reduced package price for a certain amount of time. If D* doesn't want to compete with another company's new customer deal, that's their prerogative, but why shouldn't I pursue D* to match their offer or jump ship? If they'd match, it's a no-brainer for me. As it stands, I'm really torn! :p

[CCarncross]

Getting upgraded to an HD DVR for $39 is a good deal. If you are really willing to go elsewhere over $39 then so be it.

[yahtzee123]

Getting upgraded to an HD DVR for $39 is a good deal. If you are really willing to go elsewhere over $39 then so be it.

That's not entirely correct. For a valid comparison, one needs to look at the cost of the equipment as well as the programming incentives. Each of my alternatives offers at the very least a comparable discount for the programming ($10 * 6 months), at the most double that. So, I'm considering switching providers for $100-160. (Of course, this assumes that I'll spending the same amount of money per month on whatever package I pick.)

So, it looks like no one has gotten a better deal from D* recently? How aggressive is D* in trying to recover lost customers? If I switch to cable, which has no two year contract, will D* be calling me in six months to switch back with a better offer?

Thank you all for your input, it's much appreciated. I'm also glad I stumbled onto this forum. This is a gold-mine of information! :D

[my1423]

My buddy just did this after i upgraded and had my own issues with the upgrade, Wish i would have thought of it and saved a bundle.

He called changed address to a family members addy with no current service. His Wife called and asked to be a new customer at old address in her name and used a different phone number for account. Must use different Credit card and ssn! Make sure to use the referral so both accounts and get 100$ credit on each account. Make sure to have different phone number or at least change old number first. Get installed all free with big discounts and 200$ credit. Call cancel old account after install. You probably wont get your 100$ credit on your old account but hey you got everything else free. Now if you owned your units your wife can call up and add them by buying a card for 20$.


Account upgrade deals are based off the service level your account has and extras. I used to order lots of ppv fights and have friends over to pay for it. 40-50$ each and i have the premium 109$ a month package with 6 receivers. My upgrade was supposed to cost me 0 but i had to pay 137.99 upfront 99$ dvr 19.99 shipping + tax and got 12 months hd free and 3 months extra pack free with new dish switch but was stiffed for the relocate of my old unit. And took 3 weeks to get the free off air tuner i was promised. This was all in my ordeal but you dont need to hear it all.

[JoeTheDragon]

don't even think about cable it is just higher prices, small dvrs with carp software, less hd, over compressed mpeg 2 HD, and high box costs some of them want $15 - $20 /m per dvr.

Direct tv HD is real good and about 50 more channels are coming later this year.

[mcmattyo]

Just cancel the service they will send you out a letter in no time offering you the new customer deal if you come back.

[rkr0923]

I'd go with Dish, better in the long run

[Anaisa]

I'd go with Dish, better in the long run

Specially if the quality of HD is of secondary importance to you.

[yahtzee123]

Quick update: decided to remain with D* after all. Bought the HR22 from Best Buy (will be getting a $99 equipment credit from D*) to make sure that I'd be getting a HD DVR with 100 hours of HD recording. New dish was installed on Saturday, and I'm loving the HD content! :D

[roadrunner1782]

Glad to see you kept Directv! Enjoy the HD!

[Grentz]

For others reading through here (since the OP already made his choice), also make sure to read the fine print and price out the services after the new customer incentives.

Dish is actually more expensive than Directv for my current setup/programming desires even though their new customer deals are quite good looking for the first year (I can get Dish almost free for a year through my phone company).

I am quite loyal to Directv though, I know the technical side in and out and love the CE program. Dish, while similar, is still a bit of a gray area for me as I dont know the technical side as well.

[bobnielsen]

Wise move :)

[FaderMD]

The first option would be to keep D*. Unfortunately, I've talked to them about upgrading to a HD DVR and the most I can get is 50% off the DVR ($99 value) and free HD access for six months ($60 value). All three people I talked to (1 CSR, 2 retention people) offered this deal, but would not budge when I asked for more. Has anyone been able to get free equipment or a better deal recently? I'm a bit miffed that new customers get free equipment and $20 off a month for a year. I'm not nuts about paying anything out of pocket for equipment, so I started wondering about alternatives.


It seems as though the days of "threaten to cancel, and get everything free" have come and gone. Personally, i'd take whatever deal they give you. From what i've read here, there are very few people who are eligible for totally free equipment anymore past your initial offer.

D* is the leader in HD (Despite what E* claims), especially with sports, which is why i won't change services.. ever. I personally won't go to cable, or anyone else for fear that i might pay more for a lesser service and have to learn all new channel numbers and everything.

I don't know that there's a "trick" to getting everything free. No secret word or anything. Most companies are tightening their belts a little since the economy started falling downhill. I personally wouldn't mind paying for equipment cause i like where i'm at. I especially don't wanna change and get stuck in a 2 year with a service i don't like.