DirectTV protection plan

[gkamer]

Is the $6.00 a month DirectTV protrection plan worth it or is to like on of those extended warranties stores try to push on you. Makes you feel good but not worth the money?

I am looking, yet again, and pulling the trigger on DirectTV and that is one of the options on the web site.

Also is that something that can be added on later or do you have to jump on this wagon right from the starting gate?

[shedberg]

You can add it on later if you like. I have the pp because I do not want to have to go up on the roof to tweak my dish should it become loose or move a bit. I did not initially have it but had a bad receiver and added it then - had to keep it for a period of time though or they would charge back the service call.

[Mertzen]

For small SD systems I would say no, for installs with advanced equipment ( Hd & DVR ) it's not a bad idea unless you feel like you can tackle small alignments yourself.
A well installed system is a major step towards not ever needing the PP.

[narrod]

Is the $6.00 a month DirectTV protrection plan worth it or is to like on of those extended warranties stores try to push on you. Makes you feel good but not worth the money?

I am looking, yet again, and pulling the trigger on DirectTV and that is one of the options on the web site.

Also is that something that can be added on later or do you have to jump on this wagon right from the starting gate?




If you use it once a year, it is worth it. If you never use it, it isn't.

[Ken S]

I think you should do a search on protection plan. That question has been asked and answered many times. Here's one of the threads that may help

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=158862&highlight=protection+plan+worth

[JLucPicard]

I wholeheartedly agree with Ken S. This issue has been beaten to death many times, so reading through the old threads should cover all your questions.

Keep in mind, you can add this at any time, but there is a 30-day 'cool off' period between initial sign up and when you can take advantage of the coverage. You can't just sign up for $6 when you have a problem and get it taken care of for free.

[jonkeee]

I think it's worth it. I have two HD-DVR boxes, and if one of those fails, I don't want to get locked into another two year contract when they come to replace it.

How do I know if I need a dish realignment besides obvious things like heavy static or missing channels? Can it improve picture quality?

[bonscott87]

If you use it once a year, it is worth it. If you never use it, it isn't.

Pretty much says it all.

Basically, can you (or do you want to) fix any problems yourself? This would be replacing/installing a receiver, re-aiming your dish, fixing a cable issues, etc.

Or do you need a tech to do it for you? If so then get it.

I personally do not have it but then I fix everything myself. Only time I would have actually used it for anything major was when I had an LNB go bad. I just bought a new dish and put it up myself. But if you can't do that then get the protection plan.

[Tallgntlmn]

Keep in mind, you can add this at any time, but there is a 30-day 'cool off' period between initial sign up and when you can take advantage of the coverage. You can't just sign up for $6 when you have a problem and get it taken care of for free.Can you cancel it once your issue is fixed? I may have an alignment problem or an equipment problem. Not sure which yet. But once it is fixed, I don't think I'd need it anymore.

[frnz571]

in the long run you will save money not buying any kind of protection or warranty . They are money making schemes.
i made a post earlier and asked if anybody had this protection pay for itself and i think there was one flimsy answer. in the long term you would win not buying this.So what if the receiver goes out. tell them you need one that works, all you have to pay is the shipping

[gkamer]

Cool guys. I guess I'll include that in my pckage.

[Mertzen]

So what if the receiver goes out. tell them you need one that works, all you have to pay is the shipping

It's not always that easy.

[The Merg]

in the long run you will save money not buying any kind of protection or warranty . They are money making schemes.
i made a post earlier and asked if anybody had this protection pay for itself and i think there was one flimsy answer. in the long term you would win not buying this.So what if the receiver goes out. tell them you need one that works, all you have to pay is the shipping

Remember the PP is not just covering a bad receiver. It can be used to take care of any issue from the dish, wiring, multi-switches, to the receiver. I've used it on more than one occasion to have my dish re-aligned as I am NOT going up on my roof.


As for signing up and using it, although there is a cooling period after signing up for it, you can get a tech to come out at a reduced cost if you sign up for the PP when you request a technician visit. There is a one-year commitment when you first sign up, but after that it is a month-to-month service. There is a also a cancellation fee of about $10, IIRC.

- Merg

[thestaton]

I think it's worth it. Out of the blue this year a big thunderstorm rolled in, and destroyed both of my receivers and the AM-21s. What's crazy they where both behind battery backups... D* replaced everything, without question.

[raoul5788]

I think it's worth it. Out of the blue this year a big thunderstorm rolled in, and destroyed both of my receivers and the AM-21s. What's crazy they where both behind battery backups... D* replaced everything, without question.

A UPS by itself doesn't provide lightning protection. In fact, nothing but insurance will protect from a direct hit.

[KoRn]

I think it is good to have and saves some hassle in the long run.

[raoul5788]

I think it is good to have and saves some hassle in the long run.

I agree. I have three of them!

[ronsanjim]

My 1 yr Plan contract expired this month, and I was going to cancel. Never had a problem in 19 years. Then I returned from 4 week vacation, and my HD receiver was dead, not even power. They did the phone thing, then sent a replacement HD receiver, then sent the truck. He replaced LNB, switch, and still didn't work properly. Then he switched out the replacement receiver, and it worked. Decided that $5.99 a month was worth it.

I never buy these "warranties", for anything, but for $5.99, I figured it might be worthwhile....

[slls]

I have had D* for 3 years, no PP, so far saved $215.64.

[jimbo56]

Keep in mind, you can add this at any time, but there is a 30-day 'cool off' period between initial sign up and when you can take advantage of the coverage. You can't just sign up for $6 when you have a problem and get it taken care of for free.

Not always the case. When my receiver went DOA I was given the option to sign up for the Protection Plan and get a free replacement. In fact, I think the first month of the PP was free as well. I don't know if this is DirecTV's policy, but a lot depends on whatever CS person you happen to speak with (but that's another issue in itself...)

[Ken S]

There is some misinformation being printed here.

1. The protection plan has a minimum term of 12 months. If you cancel before then they charge at $10 penalty.

2. If your leased receiver fails DirecTV will replace it at no charge AND this should not renew any programming commitment.

3. The protection plan specifically exempts "Acts of God". This means they are not obligated to replace or fix anything damaged by storms, etc.

[frnz571]

I have had D* for 15 years, no PP, so far saved $1080

I had two problems in 15 yrs.

1. cable went out. D* guided me in diagnosing and i replaced it myself for under $10

2. receiver went bad one time. they made me pay shipping. under $25 [all receivers will die at some point. its their problem and only their problem except for "Acts of God" as Ken S states and PP will not cover it anyway]

even if i did not want to do my own maintenance. 2 service call would have cost me $150 and i would still be $930 ahead. that is enough savings for 12.4 more service calls.[not going to happen]

the D* setup has to be dependable or they would be out of business.

for me buying any kind of warranty for anything is a bad deal

[ThomasM]

The protection plan is actually an insurance policy (administered by an Insurance Company!)

If you are an "old school" DirecTV customer who installed their dish, multiswitch, cabling, and receivers yourself (like me) there is no benefit to the protection plan since most problems can be self-diagnosed and corrected usually at a lower cost since problems are rare for a well-installed system.

However, if you have no clue how any of the equipment is connected or how to align a dish, the protection plan may be worth it to you. For that $6/month you can have a technician appear and fix any problems at no extra charge.

It is a decision that should be based on a person's individual situation.

[wingrider01]

There is some misinformation being printed here.

1. The protection plan has a minimum term of 12 months. If you cancel before then they charge at $10 penalty.

2. If your leased receiver fails DirecTV will replace it at no charge AND this should not renew any programming commitment.

3. The protection plan specifically exempts "Acts of God". This means they are not obligated to replace or fix anything damaged by storms, etc.

Funny, took a near direct strike from a thunder storm a couple of years back, blew the TV and the 2 directv recievers and the LNB on it. House insurance helped pay for the replacement, the PP covered the owned recievers and the new dish - both recievers are still labeled owned. Had 0 issue with the people at direct TV on getting the PP to cover the "act of god" of the thunderstorm.

Guess they deemed the lighting damage a power surge

Covering the cost associated with replacing defective equipment, including remotes and receivers
Coverage of wiring, satellite antenna, connections/switches and more
Power surge-related repairs
Dish antenna realignments
24-hour technical support
In-home service calls

[CCarncross]

This means they are not obligated to......

Doesnt mean they won't....but it means noone should depend on it happening.

[Ken S]

Funny, took a near direct strike from a thunder storm a couple of years back, blew the TV and the 2 directv recievers and the LNB on it. House insurance helped pay for the replacement, the PP covered the owned recievers and the new dish - both recievers are still labeled owned. Had 0 issue with the people at direct TV on getting the PP to cover the "act of god" of the thunderstorm.

Guess they deemed the lighting damage a power surge

Covering the cost associated with replacing defective equipment, including remotes and receivers
Coverage of wiring, satellite antenna, connections/switches and more
Power surge-related repairs
Dish antenna realignments
24-hour technical support
In-home service calls

Sometimes DirecTV will go beyond their agreement and replace items. They're not required to, but they will. They'll do this whether or not you have the protection plan.

[hdtvfan0001]

Sometimes DirecTV will go beyond their agreement and replace items. They're not required to, but they will. They'll do this whether or not you have the protection plan.
Agreed...I have witnessed this firsthand.

Like anything else...there may be exceptions...but...their intent is that if you have the plan, you should not have any problems in your service, and they tend to go "the extra mile" to make folks satisfied.

[AMike]

I have had the PP since it first started primarily due to where my dish is located at my home (near the top of the roof of a 2 story house). Last week, one of my HD receivers went dead. The rep brought a new receiver to replace it. He then said, let me check the alignment of your dish, which prior techs will look at the signal strength, but never make alignment changes. This guy either went above and beyond what he was set to do at my home, or the previous techs that have been to my home have been horrible and only do a halfway job.

Regardless, that PP fee is well worth it for me.

[TTran]

I am thinking of getting the PP myself. Every time it rains or about to rain, my signal goes out for 5-15 minutes. I believe I may need an alignment.

I have a HD-DVR, which I got through DTV and a HD box that I purchased through Best Buy. Would the PP cover the HD box from best buy?

Thank you for any feedback :)

[wingrider01]

This means they are not obligated to......

Doesnt mean they won't....but it means noone should depend on it happening.

Specificly states power surges are covered, a lighting stike induces a power surge, hence it is covered. Or a electrical transformser smoking and througing a surge through, both can be considered a act of god.

[WestDC]

If you use it once a year, it is worth it. If you never use it, it isn't.

I pay for health insurance every year some times I go for 20 years without using it so should I drop it? Based you your assumption?

[Ken S]

I pay for health insurance every year some times I go for 20 years without using it so should I drop it? Based you your assumption?

You never have an annual checkup? You should keep your health insurance! Seriously, do you really think there is a viable comparison between an extended warranty program on leased equipment and health insurance?

[leww37334]

Lost two AM-21's during power problem, Directv refused to replace them ( have posted full details elsewhere).

I used to think protection plan was worth it, now I have to say NO.


(Directv built up a lot of customer ill will on this one)

[wmj5]

if you go to best buy and buy a new receiver and you have the pp will D* put that 2 yr. commitment back on you?

[CCarncross]

Lost two AM-21's during power problem, Directv refused to replace them ( have posted full details elsewhere).

I used to think protection plan was worth it, now I have to say NO.


(Directv built up a lot of customer ill will on this one)

AM21's are not supposed to be covered, everything else should be, but not AM21's.

[jonkeee]

Yea it's a valid comparison. I think he was exagerrating somewhat but I get his point. His point is when you pay for insurance part of what you're paying for is peace of mind. Extraordinary things can happen but just because they aren't likely to happen doesn't mean that insurance is a foolish thing to own. All in all, it's a personal preference.

One person in this thread said that it's disinformation that if your leased receiver breaks and they replace it and you're not on the PP that you will get a contract extension. Is this accurate or not? I got the impression based on reading things in this forum that in fact you would get a contract extension without the PP.

If the PP keeps me from getting a contract extension I'm all for it. I would have to count on both hands how many DVRs my family has been through since hdtvs first came out.

[bobnielsen]

if you go to best buy and buy a new receiver and you have the pp will D* put that 2 yr. commitment back on you?

If it is a replacement for a broken receiver, you need to get it from Directv not Best Buy (and there will be no new commitment). If you add a receiver (from anywhere) you will start the clock on a 2 year commitment.

[bobnielsen]

AM21's are not supposed to be covered, everything else should be, but not AM21's.

I suspect that network adapters aren't covered either.

[joshjr]

If it is a replacement for a broken receiver, you need to get it from Directv not Best Buy (and there will be no new commitment). If you add a receiver (from anywhere) you will start the clock on a 2 year commitment.

If anyone dont want the commitment then look for owned recievers. They are out there. You will probably pay at least half the up front lease fee at least for HD DVR's if not more.

[Parvopup]

Firstly - it's NOT 6 bucks a month - it's 5.99.

Less than 20 cents a day!!!

Secondly - a service call from HSP is currently priced out at $49.95.

So on one hand D* asks you to spend $71.88 a year to "save" 49.95 a trouble.

Which makes no sense to an accountant versed in "opportunity cost comparison".

So, assessing it's worth on a strictly cost basis, the smart choice is to waive the DPP and potentially experience a trouble for approximately 30% less on a per year basis than would be the cost of "protection".

However, let's look at the likelihood of failure following your initial installation.

As an installer, I would look at the following potential occurrences when advising my customers on whether to pony up the 6 bucks or not:

1. New electronics (especially HD/DVRS) - understand that all electronics operate and fail on a Bell Curve. Meaning that most failures with hard drives or processors will occur within the first 30 days of operations...if not, then something like 7-8 years later. Where do YOU place your bets - now or later?

2. Do you have small inquisitive children or high-jumping dogs? If so, there is a fairly common probability that said kids or pups will physically damage your IRD. Not suggesting that your particular little darlings are prone to destroying things - just saying is all.

3.Weather - is your 486 some odd square inch dish going to regularly be subjected to winds in excess of 50 mph or do you experience lightning storms of biblical proportions on a regular annual basis?

4. Crappy house cable or ac wiring. You would be amazed how many homes are wired for TV,Phone and Electric with some of the most poorly made, cheaply produced and sloppily installed wiring. Multiple splices, thin insulation, looped runs versus homed runs - I'm surprised that anything electronic works in your house. (P.S. before anyone goes off about why don't we run new cable - we try - but interestingly enough, the houses with the cheapest infrastructure usually have the most interesting floorplans - meaning NO way to run wire unless it's exposed. (It's like the builder said we'll dazzle them with floating walls so they won't notice the cheap materials!)

Now, if none of these conditions apply to you - meaning you don't have little kids or cable eating dogs, you don't get hurricanes or lightning storms, you trust Chinese hard drive makers and we just rewired your entire trailer with brand new RG6 - then heck NO - don't be a sap and spend more money than you have to.

On the otherhand - if your house is a magnet for bad juju on a good day - you need all the protection you can get.


P.S. - "experienced" D* owners know that DPP or not - if you have been a customer for any meaningful length of time AND you have a problem - just keep asking your CSR to connect you to the Presidential Complaint Desk - they will offer you everything you ever wanted for free just to not have to file a complaint at the executive level. !!!


But, if you DON'T sign up for DPP - then you cheat your installer out of an extra 4 bucks for your install and risk them being "written up" and fired for failure to upsell.

Think about this too in your decision making process.

A man's livelihood could really be dependent on this seemingly trivial decision. Sad as that is - it is life behind the scenes at D*.

[TTran]

Will the PP cover my HD receiver that I purchased from Best Buy?

[The Merg]

Firstly - it's NOT 6 bucks a month - it's 5.99.

Less than 20 cents a day!!!

Secondly - a service call from HSP is currently priced out at $49.95.

So on one hand D* asks you to spend $71.88 a year to "save" 49.95 a trouble.

Which makes no sense to an accountant versed in "opportunity cost comparison".



Yes, the service call is $49.95, but you are also responsible for any costs associated with the repair. Add a new multi-switch into the cost and you are easily over that $71.88.

- Merg

[The Merg]

Will the PP cover my HD receiver that I purchased from Best Buy?

Yes. Remember though that your "purchase" from Best Buy is actually a lease. And while your receiver is covered, if something goes wrong with it, you need to contact DirecTV to have it replaced. Do not go to Best Buy and pick up another one and hope to be reimbursed for the cost.

- Merg

[montanaxvi]

I didn't have it and when I tried to get them to come out and tell me why I didn't have over 75% of my HD channels, I was told it was a $70 service trip.

I went round and round with the CS rep, who had a comment that "if you lease a car, you are still responsible for getting stuff fixed on it" when I mentioned that why I pay a lease fee and it is their equipment but they don't want to come out to fix their box.

Turns out I ended up signing up for the PP, got the full service vist cost waived, got the "discount" service visit cost waived as well, plus 3 free months of SHO/STARZ. Tech came out and had to replace both B band as well as give me a new HR21. I have since had them come out because one of the support poles on the dish came off in a storm last year.

I won't be getting up on my 2 story roof to align the dish so I will continue to keep the PP in case their box breaks again, or their dish needs alignment.

[the1who]

My .02

I'd look at it as, if I'm not using it, someone else probably needs it. I mean we all want stuff for FREE. So if that person can't pay for the 49.95 plus parts, but s/he paid for the 5.99, everybody else's contribution to the program will help cover the cost with profit of course, plus their own contribution. Nothing is truly free, labor, parts, etc.

Plus, if we truly are fanatics for DTV (why has D* used here, just wondered), wouldn't contributing to the overall cause for continued success in a company be worth it? The installers that come to your house for free to you, such as me, need to get paid somehow too. I am under the impression that there might be direct company installers, but like my market, they are contracted installers. Do these "contracted" installers make subscription profit or installer profit? I would believe that installer profit comes from claims to a PP pot is likely. I opted in for it, for the assurance that @#$@# does happen and well I have kids, and we do have freak acts of phenomenal phenomenon.

All products may be made the same and the goal to be made equally so, but microscopically there are discrepancies that can't be foreseen such as the chemical make up of a transistor, maybe there was a bad batch. I'd rather risk spending on PP with peace of mind, even if I am technically able, then peace of wallet knowing I'd probably have to spend it in the end anyways.

Again, this is my needs and my outlook. We all have our own needs and outlooks. However, I see a bit of directed scrutiny from a newcomer stand point, mainly it seems directed at those that have PP, almost like those without are rubbing in the faces of those that have it without relying and relaying facts. This isn't an infomercial. We all can calculate how much money we'd either spend or save, the mysterious question though inlaid is, what do you spend if you don't have PP? See, it isn't a catchall, everyone has their own different costs and problems. So technically that question couldn't be answered, to me it more resembles a trick question.

What are the facts from DTV on the PP, are they in favor of the customer even if they (DTV) loses money? (tied directly to the resolving issue not subscription)

Just my thoughts and opinions as I read through this, maybe helpful for someone in the middle. I may be new here, but I am still learning and curious about what I have signed me, and my family, into. It's not just me making an investment in something that I want and want to support, but my family as we are all then committed to our 2 year agreement currently.

Hey this is long, but to me, this question doesn't get a simple answer. And as others have said, this issue probably has been beaten to a pulp, I can see that, so no major issues from me, and well now I have racked up .25, so I'll finish. Thanks for letting me have a voice.

Matthew - KD7BJG

[CCarncross]

D* is commonly used here as an abbreviation for Directv, E* is used an abbreviation for Dish(for Echostar). DTV is actually an abbreviation for digital tv.

[the1who]

D* is commonly used here as an abbreviation for Directv, E* is used an abbreviation for Dish(for Echostar). DTV is actually an abbreviation for digital tv.

Thank you, I'll keep that in consideration, as I do have DTV :)

[ZBM2 ZAR3]

D* PP is a crap shoot. You gots to ask yourself, "Do you feel lucky?"

[wingrider01]

D* PP is a crap shoot. You gots to ask yourself, "Do you feel lucky?"

more to the point - do you feel unlucky?

Kind of like life insurance - you have it, you really don't want to collect on it.

Over the years I have had the PP have used it about 15 times for various reasons - some being

1. failed owned equipment
2. storm damaged dish
3. power surge blowing all the equipment from a near miss by lighting strike, 3 DVR's, 1 receiver, multiswitch
4. dish out of alignment
5. squirrel chewed cables
6. idiot with a trencher running underground telephone feeds to the next house over - idiot because there was a yellow spray painted line where the Directv cable was buried and marker flags.

All in all, well worth the 4.99 a month to me, like it was said your choice

[Ken S]

Will the PP cover my HD receiver that I purchased from Best Buy?

The lease agreement covers you. DirecTV has stated that if the receiver fails they will replace it for Free. Check the DirecTV FAQ on leasing for more details at www.directv.com

[dodge boy]

This question comes up every other month or so.. Search is your friend....

Um Yes it is worth it, in my opinion anyway, if you smoke (I quit 5 years ago) you could easily spend/burn $6.00 a day, so $6.00 a month is NOTHING and i fyou never use it you spent NOTHING and got NOTHING, but if you need it and don't have it, you will end up with it after that anyway.

[The Merg]

The lease agreement covers you. DirecTV has stated that if the receiver fails they will replace it for Free. Check the DirecTV FAQ on leasing for more details at www.directv.com

Correct. The lease agreement does cover the replacement of the receiver. The one difference with the PP is that you are not required to pay the $20 shipping fee.

- Merg

[wingrider01]

The lease agreement covers you. DirecTV has stated that if the receiver fails they will replace it for Free. Check the DirecTV FAQ on leasing for more details at www.directv.com

free + shipping and handling - 19.95

[bonscott87]

The lease on the receiver certainly covers it's replacement if it dies.
What it *doesn't* cover is if you have to have a service call to have a tech replace it for you. That's the $70 is for that someone up above mentioned. If you replace it yourself then you'd be charged nothing but shipping since it's leased.

Now if you had the PP then the shipping would be covered as would the $70 service call as would all the other equipment in your setup (cables, switches, dish, LNB, etc).

[Ken S]

The lease on the receiver certainly covers it's replacement if it dies.
What it *doesn't* cover is if you have to have a service call to have a tech replace it for you. That's the $70 is for that someone up above mentioned. If you replace it yourself then you'd be charged nothing but shipping since it's leased.

Now if you had the PP then the shipping would be covered as would the $70 service call as would all the other equipment in your setup (cables, switches, dish, LNB, etc).

Service calls are now $49. The $19.95 S/H fee shouldn't be charged as DirecTV states it should be Free. We all know that what they do and say are two different things. Clearly, when considering the Protection Plan people should not consider their leased receivers in the equation.
but...instead of my words lets use DirecTV's...


Why do I need the protection plan if I lease my equipment?

The equipment leasing fee is for your receiver only. Leasing the receiver allows us to provide the latest equipment with minimal upfront cost, affordable upgrade options, and if the receiver fails we will replace it at no charge. The protection plan is also a great option to cover equipment other than the receiver. With the protection plan you will have access to service calls from a trained technician if we can't fix the problem over the phone, dish alignments, replacement of defective remotes and other components such as cables, multi-switches, or splitters, as well as free technical troubleshooting 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week.

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/customer/faqPage.jsp?assetId=P4660010&Id=1950010120#category1

[The Merg]

Service calls are now $49. The $19.95 S/H fee shouldn't be charged as DirecTV states it should be Free. We all know that what they do and say are two different things. Clearly, when considering the Protection Plan people should not consider their leased receivers in the equation.
but...instead of my words lets use DirecTV's...



Right, the receiver is replaced at no charge and S/H fee is waived if you have the PP. If you don't have the PP, the receiver is replaced at no charge, but you are responsible for the S/H charge.

- Merg

[CCarncross]

Right, the receiver is replaced at no charge and S/H fee is waived if you have the PP. If you don't have the PP, the receiver is replaced at no charge, but you are responsible for the S/H charge.

- Merg

You and I seem to see it the same way, they are still giving you the receiver free, just charging S&H, seems completely reasonable to us but apparently Ken S doesnt agree....

[bonscott87]

And it's not like you can't get out of that $20 shipping either. Pretty easy. At the least they'll give you free Showtime for 3 months or something to cover it.

As has been said over and over in this thread and in many others since the beginning of time, the PP is there for people who either can't (a disability or lack of knowledge) or don't want to install/fix/replace their broken stuff. It's really that simple.

[The Merg]

And it's not like you can't get out of that $20 shipping either. Pretty easy. At the least they'll give you free Showtime for 3 months or something to cover it.

As has been said over and over in this thread and in many others since the beginning of time, the PP is there for people who either can't (a disability or lack of knowledge) or don't want to install/fix/replace their broken stuff. It's really that simple.

Completely agree. I am very technically proficient (I have a side business repairing computers), but I'm not that great with physical wiring and I am not getting on my roof. For those reasons, I have the PP.

- Merg

[the1who]

don't want to install/fix/replace their broken stuff. It's really that simple.

Well I'm sorry there are people better off when it comes to money that can lump sum up something to replace when I don't have that. That to me seems like a pretty harsh rationalization and stereotype. I am technically able and I would do it all, but I also lease my place I live in, so I have that as a consideration when it comes to liability. I ran networking for Intel, I have run coax with amateur radio and avionics, I install/troubleshoot avionics in airplanes (including satellite communications) and I am an airframe power plant mechanic. I am wholly capable. That's a nice stereotype you play for people who opt-in for PP. I'm just saying, you can't sum up that people who opt for PP are people who aren't capable or that don't want to fix or replace themselves. I would if it happens to me, love to replace and do it all myself. Again I rent and the liability is more of the issue at hand than my capabilities.

Matthew - KD7BJG

[want2cbetter]

I like the peace of mind that comes with having the plan. In two years, I've used it to replace one SD DVR that went bad and two remote controls. I've not had to realign the dish yet but I know it's covered if I do.

[wingrider01]

Service calls are now $49. The $19.95 S/H fee shouldn't be charged as DirecTV states it should be Free. We all know that what they do and say are two different things. Clearly, when considering the Protection Plan people should not consider their leased receivers in the equation.
but...instead of my words lets use DirecTV's...


Why do I need the protection plan if I lease my equipment?

The equipment leasing fee is for your receiver only. Leasing the receiver allows us to provide the latest equipment with minimal upfront cost, affordable upgrade options, and if the receiver fails we will replace it at no charge. The protection plan is also a great option to cover equipment other than the receiver. With the protection plan you will have access to service calls from a trained technician if we can't fix the problem over the phone, dish alignments, replacement of defective remotes and other components such as cables, multi-switches, or splitters, as well as free technical troubleshooting 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week.

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/customer/faqPage.jsp?assetId=P4660010&Id=1950010120#category1



They state the reciever is free with out the PP, and it is, they do not charge you 1 single penny for the replacement leased reciever, they will however charge you the cost of shipping/truck roll to replace said reciever, no place in your quoted statements does it say that is for free. Leased or not, the PP is worth it to cover all the equipment and labor that is not covered by the lease nor the truck roll to check things out

This is basicly a personal choice issue, in my case my personal choice is to pay for it since I own every reciever and dvr that I have from Directv, none of them are leased, at one time or the other every unit has been replaced via the PP, they are still marked as owned.

[gfrang]

Not for me,if something fails and i can't fix it myself or if they won't take care of it and supply me whit service without a commitment than we can't do business anymore.That's the way i feel.:nono2:

[mjwagner]

It has been my observation that to buy or not to buy things like the DirecTV PP, just like extended warranties, for most people is much more about emotion and overall philosophy and much less about logic and financial justification. It is all about personal preference. If you are one of those people that just feels better having PP so you are covered then just get it. The charge is worth it for your peace of mind, and there are many more things in life more important to worry about than a lousy $6 per month.

However, if you are one of those people who think more about the cost/benefit analysis and the financial justification then it is probably not a good deal. I have been a DirecTV subscriber since the very beginning. I have never had the PP so over that time I have saved over $1K. During that time I have replaced quite a few receivers but all of them have been upgrades. With the exception of one, I received all of them for free, some I had to pay the shipping but many not even that. I moved once and had the dish at the new house installed for free thru movers connection. I have also had a few service calls, at least one dish alignment and a LNB had to be replaced. I have always been told that I get one service call per year at no charge and so have never had to pay for any of them. At this point all my receivers are leased so even if one would happen to go bad they will ship one to me for, at the most, just the cost of shipping.

Things like extended warranties, and PP, are always moneymakers for those that offer them. The vast majority of folks never benefit or even break even in service calls or repairs. YMMV

[bonscott87]

Well I'm sorry there are people better off when it comes to money that can lump sum up something to replace when I don't have that. That to me seems like a pretty harsh rationalization and stereotype. I am technically able and I would do it all, but I also lease my place I live in, so I have that as a consideration when it comes to liability. I ran networking for Intel, I have run coax with amateur radio and avionics, I install/troubleshoot avionics in airplanes (including satellite communications) and I am an airframe power plant mechanic. I am wholly capable. That's a nice stereotype you play for people who opt-in for PP. I'm just saying, you can't sum up that people who opt for PP are people who aren't capable or that don't want to fix or replace themselves. I would if it happens to me, love to replace and do it all myself. Again I rent and the liability is more of the issue at hand than my capabilities.

Matthew - KD7BJG

Ummmm, so what's wrong with what I said and what kind of stereotype do you think I used? I used none.

The protection plan is perfectly fine for many people.
I'd think you'd fall into the "won't" category. Nothing wrong with that. You don't want to based on your situation. It's not that you are "dumb" or can't technically do it, it's just that you don't want to due to renting. Again, nothing wrong with that.

I personally technically can do it all myself as well and I do. BUT if I had to have my dish on the peak of my roof instead of a pole in my yard I would certainly have the protection plan. Because there is no way I'm getting up on the roof due to my bad back and just plain clumsiness. Thus I would fall into the "won't" or "can't" category.

Again, I have no idea why you would take offense with what I posted. There is *nothing wrong* with getting the protection plan. Nothing at all. I am in a situation right now where I personally don't need it. 10 years from now? I may need it because I may not be able to physically do it anymore.

[BattleScott]

Ummmm, so what's wrong with what I said and what kind of stereotype do you think I used? I used none.

The protection plan is perfectly fine for many people.
I'd think you'd fall into the "won't" category. Nothing wrong with that. You don't want to based on your situation. It's not that you are "dumb" or can't technically do it, it's just that you don't want to due to renting. Again, nothing wrong with that.

I personally technically can do it all myself as well and I do. BUT if I had to have my dish on the peak of my roof instead of a pole in my yard I would certainly have the protection plan. Because there is no way I'm getting up on the roof due to my bad back and just plain clumsiness. Thus I would fall into the "won't" or "can't" category.

Again, I have no idea why you would take offense with what I posted. There is *nothing wrong* with getting the protection plan. Nothing at all. I am in a situation right now where I personally don't need it. 10 years from now? I may need it because I may not be able to physically do it anymore.

I am risking a re-lapse by posting, I've been "clean" for almost 2 months, but for some reason I just can't stay silent on this topic for very long...

Bonscott, even if someone by technical, physical or other limitation can't do the work themselves, that does not necesarily make the protection plan a good idea or "worth it".
DirecTV will gladly send a technician to your residence to perform what ever task it is you need done regardless of your PP status. The question of "worth" can only be answered by:
A) Whether or not the cost of the PP ends up being less than what any given user would spend on pay-as-you-go basis during the comparable coverage period.
Or,
B) If a given user simply cannot risk having to make a one-time payment for a potential service and must budget the $6 monthly charge in order to prevent that.

For the record, I would advise anyone who is debating whether or not they should get the plan, to do so. It's a nice little revenue stream for DirecTV that I am certain benefits all subscribers. :grin:

[BattleScott]

It has been my observation that to buy or not to buy things like the DirecTV PP, just like extended warranties, for most people is much more about emotion and overall philosophy and much less about logic and financial justification. It is all about personal preference. If you are one of those people that just feels better having PP so you are covered then just get it. The charge is worth it for your peace of mind, and there are many more things in life more important to worry about than a lousy $6 per month.

However, if you are one of those people who think more about the cost/benefit analysis and the financial justification then it is probably not a good deal. I have been a DirecTV subscriber since the very beginning. I have never had the PP so over that time I have saved over $1K. During that time I have replaced quite a few receivers but all of them have been upgrades. With the exception of one, I received all of them for free, some I had to pay the shipping but many not even that. I moved once and had the dish at the new house installed for free thru movers connection. I have also had a few service calls, at least one dish alignment and a LNB had to be replaced. I have always been told that I get one service call per year at no charge and so have never had to pay for any of them. At this point all my receivers are leased so even if one would happen to go bad they will ship one to me for, at the most, just the cost of shipping.

Things like extended warranties, and PP, are always moneymakers for those that offer them. The vast majority of folks never benefit or even break even in service calls or repairs. YMMV

Well said.
This post should be made a stickied, locked thread titled "Protection Plan - Is it WORTH IT?" and then all other threads about the merits of the plan closed and any new ones deleted as they are started.

I have to go now, the monkeys are coming...:eek2:

[hasan]

This means they are not obligated to......

Doesnt mean they won't....but it means noone should depend on it happening.

Under any protection plan, one should not engage in speculation. The only thing that D* needs to know is that the unit doesn't work. It's up to them to decide whether it is covered. Don't try to do their work for them. In 99% of the cases, the PP will cover whatever happens, as long as you don't say something incredibly stupid like: I dropped it in the toilet, am I covered?, or "We had bad thunderstorms and I think it might have gotten hit by lightning."

You aren't asked under the PP to diagnose failure modes. Don't ask, don't tell, don't speculate, just tell them it doesn't work, go through the steps they require and you will be fine. The only fact one really has in one's possession is that the unit doesn't work. Everything else is speculation (on the user's part), unless one has the expertise to diagnose electronics failure modes.

As always, KISS.

[ThomasM]

Correct. The lease agreement does cover the replacement of the receiver. The one difference with the PP is that you are not required to pay the $20 shipping fee.

- Merg

But once you pay the $20 S & H for a broken leased receiver without the protection plan, it will be replaced again if it fails within 3 months for free.

Protection plan gives you "free" receiver replacement(s) for $18 per three months OR you pay $20 without it. And receivers don't break down every 3 months in my experience unless you have uncontrollable kids or a mean dog. ;)

Once again, I restate my opinion that if you know how to troubleshoot and install your own DirecTV equipment, you are money ahead WITHOUT the PP.

[gfrang]

What about the act of god clause?

[hasan]

What about the act of god clause?

Everything is an Act of God, or more accurately happens by His permission, so don't be silly.:)

[TBlazer07]

Except when they tell you they won't send you one unless they send a tech out first for $49.95.

in the long run you will save money not buying any kind of protection or warranty . They are money making schemes.
i made a post earlier and asked if anybody had this protection pay for itself and i think there was one flimsy answer. in the long term you would win not buying this.So what if the receiver goes out. tell them you need one that works, all you have to pay is the shipping

[Ken S]

You and I seem to see it the same way, they are still giving you the receiver free, just charging S&H, seems completely reasonable to us but apparently Ken S doesnt agree....

Let me ask you this question. Does charging you $20 = No Charge? "No charge" isn't my word choice, it's DirecTV's. So, whether or not it is reasonable doesn't mean it's within the terms of their agreement.

[Ken S]

They state the reciever is free with out the PP, and it is, they do not charge you 1 single penny for the replacement leased reciever, they will however charge you the cost of shipping/truck roll to replace said reciever, no place in your quoted statements does it say that is for free. Leased or not, the PP is worth it to cover all the equipment and labor that is not covered by the lease nor the truck roll to check things out

This is basicly a personal choice issue, in my case my personal choice is to pay for it since I own every reciever and dvr that I have from Directv, none of them are leased, at one time or the other every unit has been replaced via the PP, they are still marked as owned.

I guess the words "replace the receiver at NO CHARGE" slipped by when you read the statement? What does replace the receiver at no charge mean?

You're absolutely correct that getting the Protection Plan is a personal choice. I don't have it, but I can understand some people do and there's nothing wrong with that. However, people posting inaccurate and sometimes misleading information about the plan is wrong and should be corrected.

[Ken S]

Everything is an Act of God, or more accurately happens by His permission, so don't be silly.:)

oy :)

[Ken S]

Except when they tell you they won't send you one unless they send a tech out first for $49.95.

If the tech visit didn't turn up any issue other than a faulty receiver I would think you could argue that the $50 charge shouldn't apply. If however, the problem was with something other than the receiver then DirecTV would have been correct in requiring the the visit and the charge would be valid

[The Merg]

Let me ask you this question. Does charging you $20 = No Charge? "No charge" isn't my word choice, it's DirecTV's. So, whether or not it is reasonable doesn't mean it's within the terms of their agreement.

I think we're mixing things up here... The PP agreement states that you will receive a replacement receiver at no charge. And in that case, yes it is true. They will supply you a replacement and NOT charge you S&H.

If you do not have the PP, DirecTV will replace the receiver for free, but in that case will charge you S&H. I did check the equipment lease agreement and it actually does not mention anything about costs to the consumer if a receiver does not work. It only states to contact DirecTV if equipment fails. They do however explicity state that all of the leased equipment comes with NO warranty.

- Merg

[The Merg]

If the tech visit didn't turn up any issue other than a faulty receiver I would think you could argue that the $50 charge shouldn't apply. If however, the problem was with something other than the receiver then DirecTV would have been correct in requiring the the visit and the charge would be valid

I don't think you'd be able to get out of that. In that case, according to their past practices though, the tech would just replace the receiver right then and there. Thus, you wouldn't need to pay the S&H fee since you are already paying for the tech.

I guess the real issue here is why some people are able to convince a CSR to just ship out a new receiver and why some are required to have a tech come out. I would assume that it has to do with how the issue/problem is described to the CSR. Some people are able to articulate their problem well enough for the CSR to know for certain that the issue is a receiver, while others are not so articulate.

- Merg

[Ken S]

I think we're mixing things up here... The PP agreement states that you will receive a replacement receiver at no charge. And in that case, yes it is true. They will supply you a replacement and NOT charge you S&H.

If you do not have the PP, DirecTV will replace the receiver for free, but in that case will charge you S&H. I did check the equipment lease agreement and it actually does not mention anything about costs to the consumer if a receiver does not work. It only states to contact DirecTV if equipment fails. They do however explicity state that all of the leased equipment comes with NO warranty.

- Merg

Merg,

Please read the section I quoted from the DirecTV FAQ on LEASING... It says that receivers will be replaced at NO CHARGE. They pretty clearly state that the protection plan is really for items OTHER than the receiver. Now, for owned receivers the protection plan may apply and DirecTV has no obligation past its warranty period to replace those.

[Ken S]

I don't think you'd be able to get out of that. In that case, according to their past practices though, the tech would just replace the receiver right then and there. Thus, you wouldn't need to pay the S&H fee since you are already paying for the tech.

I guess the real issue here is why some people are able to convince a CSR to just ship out a new receiver and why some are required to have a tech come out. I would assume that it has to do with how the issue/problem is described to the CSR. Some people are able to articulate their problem well enough for the CSR to know for certain that the issue is a receiver, while others are not so articulate.

- Merg
Maybe those people are getting the DirecTV representatives that understand what they're supposed to do (replace at no charge) and the others are incorrectly charging?

[The Merg]

Merg,

Please read the section I quoted from the DirecTV FAQ on LEASING... It says that receivers will be replaced at NO CHARGE. They pretty clearly state that the protection plan is really for items OTHER than the receiver. Now, for owned receivers the protection plan may apply and DirecTV has no obligation past its warranty period to replace those.

Can you provide the direct link to the FAQ you're talking about? I couldn't seem to find it. As for the other thread you referred someone to in this thread, there was this post from RobertE:

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?p=2113010#post2113010

One of the last questions in the FAQ for the PP is this one:

Q: Why do I have to pay for this service? This is DIRECTV’s equipment, not mine.

A: Based on whether the equipment is leased or owned:

Leased Equipment:

Without the Protection Plan, you pay $19.95 shipping and handling for replacement receivers and aren’t covered for service call fees of $49.95 per visit.
With the Protection Plan, receiver replacement, remote controls and service calls are free as long as you keep the Protection Plan. By paying $5.99 per month, you’ll ensure you’re covered if anything does go wrong with your DIRECTV system in the future.


That states you will be responsible for S&H for a replacement receiver without the PP.

- Merg

[bonscott87]

I am risking a re-lapse by posting, I've been "clean" for almost 2 months, but for some reason I just can't stay silent on this topic for very long...

Bonscott, even if someone by technical, physical or other limitation can't do the work themselves, that does not necesarily make the protection plan a good idea or "worth it".
DirecTV will gladly send a technician to your residence to perform what ever task it is you need done regardless of your PP status. The question of "worth" can only be answered by:
A) Whether or not the cost of the PP ends up being less than what any given user would spend on pay-as-you-go basis during the comparable coverage period.
Or,
B) If a given user simply cannot risk having to make a one-time payment for a potential service and must budget the $6 monthly charge in order to prevent that.

For the record, I would advise anyone who is debating whether or not they should get the plan, to do so. It's a nice little revenue stream for DirecTV that I am certain benefits all subscribers. :grin:

I would totally agree with everything you said. It's just like any other insurance that people need to evaluate the numbers on.

[Ken S]

Merg,

The link was right below where I posted the quote. Did it not show up? Anyway for ease of finding it...here ya go.

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/customer/faqPage.jsp?assetId=P4660010&Id=1950010120#category1

You will find essentially the same answer in two of DirecTV's Top Questions. I won't post the full answers here as it seems most people will have to seem them on the DirecTV website for themselves.

1. Why lease the DirecTV equipment?

and

2. Why do I need the Protection Plan if I lease my equipment?

I don't know where RobertE got the information for his post, but it differs from what is on the DirecTV website.


Can you provide the direct link to the FAQ you're talking about? I couldn't seem to find it. As for the other thread you referred someone to in this thread, there was this post from RobertE:

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?p=2113010#post2113010

One of the last questions in the FAQ for the PP is this one:

Q: Why do I have to pay for this service? This is DIRECTV’s equipment, not mine.

A: Based on whether the equipment is leased or owned:

Leased Equipment:

Without the Protection Plan, you pay $19.95 shipping and handling for replacement receivers and aren’t covered for service call fees of $49.95 per visit.
With the Protection Plan, receiver replacement, remote controls and service calls are free as long as you keep the Protection Plan. By paying $5.99 per month, you’ll ensure you’re covered if anything does go wrong with your DIRECTV system in the future.


That states you will be responsible for S&H for a replacement receiver without the PP.

- Merg

[The Merg]

Merg,

The link was right below where I posted the quote. Did it not show up? Anyway for ease of finding it...here ya go.



Got it... Your previous link was just to the DirecTV website. I read those questions and answers and see your argument.

However, I still believe that DirecTV is not necessarily contradicting themselves by having people pay for S&H. You are still technically getting the receiver at no cost. Think of all those TV ads for junk you can order when they say if you call now we'll give you a 2nd one free. In those cases, you still end up paying S&H for the 2nd item.

And the PP FAQ that RobertE posted in the other thread does state that S&H is charged for replacement receivers. Maybe he'll pipe up where he got it from. I do remember there being a full FAQ on the PP at the DirecTV website, but it doesn't seem to be there anymore.

I do agree that if S&H is a required cost that it should be explicitly stated in their FAQ. Deception, although sometimes done legally, is not something that I care for in a company that I do business with.

- Merg

[wingrider01]

I guess the words "replace the receiver at NO CHARGE" slipped by when you read the statement? What does replace the receiver at no charge mean?

You're absolutely correct that getting the Protection Plan is a personal choice. I don't have it, but I can understand some people do and there's nothing wrong with that. However, people posting inaccurate and sometimes misleading information about the plan is wrong and should be corrected.

The reciever IS beng replaced at no charge. You are not paying one red cent for the reciever. If you could go to their location and pick the reciever up at the wharehouse, the charge would be 0.00. If they do a truck roll to verify the issue the cost is 49.95 - not for the reciever - that is a no charge replacement. but for the technician.

If you have an issue with that wording ,then start railing all the "free" offers in magazines, info-mecials and the such, they are all the same - the product is free, but YOU are responsible for shipping and handling.

[Ken S]

The reciever IS beng replaced at no charge. You are not paying one red cent for the reciever. If you could go to their location and pick the reciever up at the wharehouse, the charge would be 0.00. If they do a truck roll to verify the issue the cost is 49.95 - not for the reciever - that is a no charge replacement. but for the technician.

If you have an issue with that wording ,then start railing all the "free" offers in magazines, info-mecials and the such, they are all the same - the product is free, but YOU are responsible for shipping and handling.

No, you're wrong. They say they will "REPLACE" the receiver at no charge. Not make one available. As for "railing against other places' ... I'll leave that to you.

[ToddinVA]

I just came back from vacation and my HR10-250 was dead. Well, it was time to go ahead and replace it anyway. I also have an HR20-100 and the protection plan. I just called them and they are not only going to replace the TiVo, but also the HR20. She said both are "no good". I said I didn't need the HR20 replaced, but she wouldn't take no for an answer. Does this sound right? She said they would be shipped via FedEx in 2-5 days. There was no mention of shipping charges or anything. :confused:

[wingrider01]

No, you're wrong. They say they will "REPLACE" the receiver at no charge. Not make one available. As for "railing against other places' ... I'll leave that to you.

That statement has exactly what to do with the shipping and handling charge? The make "available" a reciever to "replace" your defective one. No where in this statement does it indicate that you, as the end user is not responsible for paying to get the reciver to your door - either by a s&h charge or a truck role. BTW did you miss the "IF" on the pickup at the warehouse statement?

You are the one debating the definition of free, so I will let you do it.

Have a good day today and a better one tomorrow, I know when the wall has been reached.

[Ken S]

That statement has exactly what to do with the shipping and handling charge? The make "available" a reciever to "replace" your defective one. No where in this statement does it indicate that you, as the end user is not responsible for paying to get the reciver to your door - either by a s&h charge or a truck role. BTW did you miss the "IF" on the pickup at the warehouse statement?

You are the one debating the definition of free, so I will let you do it.

Have a good day today and a better one tomorrow, I know when the wall has been reached.

You too.

[zudy]

I think the PP is well worth the monthly fee. Anytime I had a problem it was fixed ASAP. Not that it would not be that way without it but I would not likr to find out. Plus if you don't spend the 6.00 on that you will spend it somewere else if you think about it.

[gfrang]

Here is my protection plan
1 Never put a dish where i cant get to it.
2 Have money in the bank just in case.
3 Antenna on the roof.
4 IPTV
I feel that i have enough coverage.

[The Merg]

I just came back from vacation and my HR10-250 was dead. Well, it was time to go ahead and replace it anyway. I also have an HR20-100 and the protection plan. I just called them and they are not only going to replace the TiVo, but also the HR20. She said both are "no good". I said I didn't need the HR20 replaced, but she wouldn't take no for an answer. Does this sound right? She said they would be shipped via FedEx in 2-5 days. There was no mention of shipping charges or anything. :confused:

Since you have the PP, there are no charges for your replacement, including no charge for shipping.

- Merg

[wingrider01]

Here is my protection plan
1 Never put a dish where i cant get to it.
2 Have money in the bank just in case.
3 Antenna on the roof.
4 IPTV
I feel that i have enough coverage.

1. Dish is where it can be accessed, 2 1/2 story house where only LOS on the top of the roof - you can climb up there, not me
2. have money in the bank, prefer to keep it for a real emergency, like childern getting sick, unexpected car repairs, etc
3. reference response 1
4. Internet caps in place

have perfect 100 percent coverage for unexpected issues for a budgetable monthly amount of 4.99. Only thing I have to remember is to tell Directv to make sure they tell the tech to bring a longer ladder. Never have a issue with the tech if they remember to bring the ladder

[ToddinVA]

Since you have the PP, there are no charges for your replacement, including no charge for shipping.

- Merg

Correct, but I'm curious as to why they insisted on replacing a perfectly good DVR (HR20-100). Has this happened to other people?

[The Merg]

Correct, but I'm curious as to why they insisted on replacing a perfectly good DVR (HR20-100). Has this happened to other people?

That is a little interesting. Did the CSR make any comments to as to why they thought the DVR was bad? I don't think I've ever heard of CSR's forcing people to get a HR2x receiver to replace another HR2x receiver.

- Merg

[ToddinVA]

That is a little interesting. Did the CSR make any comments to as to why they thought the DVR was bad? I don't think I've ever heard of CSR's forcing people to get a HR2x receiver to replace another HR2x receiver.

- Merg
Not really, just that it was old and bad. It was kinda weird. She was very nice and willing to help right away.

[The Merg]

Not really, just that it was old and bad. It was kinda weird. She was very nice and willing to help right away.

How old was it? If you have an HR20 from when they were first released, maybe that's why she wanted to replace it. If you own it and don't lease it, make sure that the replacement is also marked as owned and not leased. It should be that way for your HR10-250 as well.

- Merg

[ToddinVA]

How old was it? If you have an HR20 from when they were first released, maybe that's why she wanted to replace it. If you own it and don't lease it, make sure that the replacement is also marked as owned and not leased. It should be that way for your HR10-250 as well.

- Merg

My HR20 is only 2 years old and leased. The HDTiVo is owned. So I should own the TiVo replacement?

[JLucPicard]

I believe your replacement for the owned HR10-250 replaced under the PP should also be owned. That's how mine have been, anyway.

I can't say why they would want to replace the HR20-100. I would be very careful of that if you utilize the OTA on that unit. It's likely the replacement will not have the built-in OTA capability. I also doubt the HR10-250 replacement will have it, either.

If you don't use OTA, no big deal and the new HD DVRs you get may even be better than what's being replaced (possibly more recording capacity, anyway).

[bonscott87]

Well, there certainly isn't anything wrong with the HR20's, no recall or anything. Mine is almost 3 years old now.

The CSR may have been confused with the H20 (note, no "R"). It's the older non DVR HD receiver that I think one of the models had a recall. Plus it has no ethernet ports or anything so it is indeed old and can be updated to an H21 or H23 to get the latest features.
If you have no issues with your HR20 you have now I would probably call in and clarify the replacement of that or just tell the tech that comes out that there isn't anything wrong with your HR20 so there must be a mistake there, you just want the other receiver swapped.

[slls]

I pay for health insurance every year some times I go for 20 years without using it so should I drop it? Based you your assumption?

I don't think you will get a $100,000 bill, if you D* goes out.:D

[ToddinVA]

Well, there certainly isn't anything wrong with the HR20's, no recall or anything. Mine is almost 3 years old now.

The CSR may have been confused with the H20 (note, no "R"). It's the older non DVR HD receiver that I think one of the models had a recall. Plus it has no ethernet ports or anything so it is indeed old and can be updated to an H21 or H23 to get the latest features.
If you have no issues with your HR20 you have now I would probably call in and clarify the replacement of that or just tell the tech that comes out that there isn't anything wrong with your HR20 so there must be a mistake there, you just want the other receiver swapped.

Well, I got the replacements today. That was quick, but not surprisingly, they shipped 2 HR20-100 DVRs. First of all, why would I want a perfectly good HR20 replaced with another one? Secondly, I specifically asked for the HR23 or HR22 and she promised that. Not surprised it didn't come, but how can I get my HDTiVo replaced with one of those? With PP, will they ever let you buy the model you want and then credit you?

[The Merg]

Well, I got the replacements today. That was quick, but not surprisingly, they shipped 2 HR20-100 DVRs. First of all, why would I want a perfectly good HR20 replaced with another one? Secondly, I specifically asked for the HR23 or HR22 and she promised that. Not surprised it didn't come, but how can I get my HDTiVo replaced with one of those? With PP, will they ever let you buy the model you want and then credit you?

If the CSR promised you would specifcally get an HR23 or HR22, they were definitely mistaken. There is no way for the CSR to designate what you are going to get except for the type of receiver (HD DVR, SD DVR, HD Standalone, SD Standalone). You get whatever is in the warehouse and was shipped out or what is on the tech's truck.

As for buying what you want and getting a credit back with the PP, some people have stated that they have been allowed to do that, but I haven't heard of that being done in some time now.

- Merg

[ToddinVA]

If the CSR promised you would specifcally get an HR23 or HR22, they were definitely mistaken. There is no way for the CSR to designate what you are going to get except for the type of receiver (HD DVR, SD DVR, HD Standalone, SD Standalone). You get whatever is in the warehouse and was shipped out or what is on the tech's truck.

- Merg

Which is what I figured. But I will call tomorrow and see what they say. While I was leaning toward staying with DirecTV, I can switch to FiOS which is better in some ways, but would be a pain to switch everything to though.

[chris83]

Quick question: if I DO sign up for the protection plan, does it add another 12/24 months commitment to my contract, with penalty for dropping DTV early? Not the $10 fee for dropping the PP early, but the several hundred dollar penalty if you cancel service altogether. Last night a CSR told me if I took the PP, but then dropped DTV before 12 months was up, I would be assessed a penalty anywhere from $250-$400.

Is that correct?

[ToddinVA]

Which is what I figured. But I will call tomorrow and see what they say. While I was leaning toward staying with DirecTV, I can switch to FiOS which is better in some ways, but would be a pain to switch everything to though.

I called this morning and of course they refused to do anything. I'm going to look at FiOS and told them so.

[Ken S]

Quick question: if I DO sign up for the protection plan, does it add another 12/24 months commitment to my contract, with penalty for dropping DTV early? Not the $10 fee for dropping the PP early, but the several hundred dollar penalty if you cancel service altogether. Last night a CSR told me if I took the PP, but then dropped DTV before 12 months was up, I would be assessed a penalty anywhere from $250-$400.

Is that correct?

It shouldn't, but experience and the stories here would make it worth your while to be careful.

[The Merg]

Quick question: if I DO sign up for the protection plan, does it add another 12/24 months commitment to my contract, with penalty for dropping DTV early? Not the $10 fee for dropping the PP early, but the several hundred dollar penalty if you cancel service altogether. Last night a CSR told me if I took the PP, but then dropped DTV before 12 months was up, I would be assessed a penalty anywhere from $250-$400.

Is that correct?

Per the DirecTV website Terms for the PP:


Term of Coverage: The Plan coverage commences one (1) calendar month
from the date of purchase of the Plan and is effective for a period of one (1)
year and terminates as per the Limits of Liability section. The Plan will
automatically renew for additional one (1) year periods unless the Plan is
cancelled as per the “Cancellation” provision.

Cancellation: You may cancel this Plan at any anniversary date of the Plan
for no charge. You may also cancel this Plan during the term of coverage by
either calling 1-888-667-7463 or providing written notice with a copy of the
Plan to the administrator at the following address: PO BOX 29079, Glendale,
CA 91209-9079 Attn: Customer Service. You will receive a refund equal to
the unearned pro rata premium, less any claims which have been paid.
While this Plan may be canceled by you for any reason, an administrative
fee of ten dollars ($10.00) will be assessed if the Plan is cancelled mid-term.

HTH,
Merg

[The Merg]

I called this morning and of course they refused to do anything. I'm going to look at FiOS and told them so.

It's not that they are refusing. They just don't have the capability to specify a specific receiver for you.

- Merg

[ToddinVA]

It's not that they are refusing. They just don't have the capability to specify a specific receiver for you.

- Merg

I offered to go buy one myself and get a credit, but no go on that either.

[Shades228]

I offered to go buy one myself and get a credit, but no go on that either.

Why would they? If you want more space go view the external HD options that are posted here. Unless you want a black ird instead of silver.

[ToddinVA]

Why would they? If you want more space go view the external HD options that are posted here. Unless you want a black ird instead of silver.

I would really like black and I don't have much room for 2 more B-band converters. So that's part of it. I'm going to consider my options and see what happens. I'll check on e-sata drive prices too.

[JLucPicard]

Quick question: if I DO sign up for the protection plan, does it add another 12/24 months commitment to my contract, with penalty for dropping DTV early? Not the $10 fee for dropping the PP early, but the several hundred dollar penalty if you cancel service altogether. Last night a CSR told me if I took the PP, but then dropped DTV before 12 months was up, I would be assessed a penalty anywhere from $250-$400.

Is that correct?
That would only be the case if you have more than 12 months left on your current programming commitment. For sake of argument, if you currently are not under any programming commitment, add the PP and cancel either the PP service or DirecTV all together, you would only be penalized the $10 for the PP commitment.

If you're currently under a programming commitment that only has, say, six months left, and you cancel either the PP or DirecTV service all together more than six months and less than 12 months from now, again, just the $10 penalty for the PP.

Same scenario and you completely cancel DirecTV service three months from now, you would be dinged the $10 for the early PP cancellation and about $60 for the early service cancellation (3 months x $20 [or $15] per month, depending on what it was when you entered your latest programming commitment).

[kbxm]

Do not go to Best Buy and pick up another one and hope to be reimbursed for the cost.

- Merg

True, but I was actually told to do just that after my HR20-100 gave it up about a year ago. That'd be fine if they'd reimburse for the cost and send a 'coffin' for the return, but they don't. I was supposed to absorb all of the costs, and they actually sent a bill for $450 because I hadn't gotten my original unit back in 5 days!

I fought with them over it for almost a month, but eventually got through to a senior level supervisor and they simply sent a new unit. The PP made no difference whatsoever to the talking heads on the other side of the phone.

[The Merg]

True, but I was actually told to do just that after my HR20-100 gave it up about a year ago. That'd be fine if they'd reimburse for the cost and send a 'coffin' for the return, but they don't. I was supposed to absorb all of the costs, and they actually sent a bill for $450 because I hadn't gotten my original unit back in 5 days!

I fought with them over it for almost a month, but eventually got through to a senior level supervisor and they simply sent a new unit. The PP made no difference whatsoever to the talking heads on the other side of the phone.

I'm a little confused as to your situation. You had a receiver fail under the PP. They told you to go to Best Buy and get a new one. They were supposed to reimburse you for it and send a return box for the defective receiver, but did neither. Eventually the sent out a new receiver to you. Is that correct?

What happened to the receiver that you "purchased" at Besy Buy then? Did they just think you were activating a new receiver and that it was not a replacement?

- Merg