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View Full Version : HD Upgrade and SWM Install - No turning back?

dbk123
08-05-09, 07:10 PM
Thinking about upgrading my DTv to HD. I'd really like to have single wire install as my cable runs are a real pain. Of course DTv won't tell me who the local installers are so I can't contact them to see if they will use a SWM.

My question is that if the installer refuses to use a SWM or can't make a satisfactory install am I still committed to the two-year deal or can I bail and go to Dish? (I suspect that by the time I've ordered the HD DVR and scheduled the install I may already be committed in their computer system.)

THanks!

-dbk123
RobertE
08-05-09, 07:14 PM
The commitment isn't triggered until the receiver is activated.
dbk123
08-05-09, 07:34 PM
Great. Thanks!
Bill Broderick
08-06-09, 09:17 AM
What SD equipment do you currently have and what are you getting? Those answers will dictate whether a SWM install is appropriate (or even possible)
BattleZone
08-06-09, 10:03 AM
Per DirecTV business rules, SWMs are for NEW customers ONLY. Upgrades and Movers don't qualify, so there should be ZERO expectation of DirecTV providing a SWM (something they've never promised any customer in the first place).

Having said that, DirecTV now offers SWM LNB upgrades as a *custom work* item ($135), IF all of your receivers are SWM compatible and your total tuner count is 8 or less. It is a line item on DirecTV's official "Custom Work Rate Sheet". This gets you a fully-supported SWM system even if you don't qualify for it normally, but, again, that's only if all your receivers are SWM compatible. If you're keeping any legacy receivers, it won't work.
RAD
08-06-09, 10:12 AM
Per DirecTV business rules, SWMs are for NEW customers ONLY. Upgrades and Movers don't qualify, so there should be ZERO expectation of DirecTV providing a SWM (something they've never promised any customer in the first place).

Having said that, DirecTV now offers SWM LNB upgrades as a *custom work* item ($135), IF all of your receivers are SWM compatible and your total tuner count is 8 or less. It is a line item on DirecTV's official "Custom Work Rate Sheet". This gets you a fully-supported SWM system even if you don't qualify for it normally, but, again, that's only if all your receivers are SWM compatible. If you're keeping any legacy receivers, it won't work.

And then again maybe a mover will get one and not pay. My son moved in May on the movers connection, asked the tech for a SWMLNB since he had one at his prior home, which also shouldn't have qualifed since he had only 4 tuners and got one there also and didn't pay at either home. So maybe if you ask nicely you can get one without pay, despite the DirecTV business rules.
harsh
08-06-09, 10:19 AM
The only rules at DIRECTV that don't seem to be squishy are the backcharge rules.
lamotte
08-06-09, 10:29 AM
moved in mid november of last year and i got a swm also and added one hd dvr and 2 standard receivers
RobertE
08-06-09, 10:31 AM
And then again maybe a mover will get one and not pay. My son moved in May on the movers connection, asked the tech for a SWMLNB since he had one at his prior home, which also shouldn't have qualifed since he had only 4 tuners and got one there also and didn't pay at either home. So maybe if you ask nicely you can get one without pay, despite the DirecTV business rules.

And again, guys are being FIRED for installing SWiM LNBs when they shouldn't. They get caught on QCs and are shown the door.

Posting that so and so got one when they didn't qualify is the exception to the rule. This sets an unreasonable expectation to the customer and will lead to nothing but angst and dissapointment.
RAD
08-06-09, 11:14 AM
And again, guys are being FIRED for installing SWiM LNBs when they shouldn't. They get caught on QCs and are shown the door.

Posting that so and so got one when they didn't qualify is the exception to the rule. This sets an unreasonable expectation to the customer and will lead to nothing but angst and dissapointment.

Both installers called their manager before doing the installs so I would assume if a manager approves it the installer won't fail a QC, if they do then the managers should get fired.
RobertE
08-06-09, 12:10 PM
Both installers called their manager before doing the installs so I would assume if a manager approves it the installer won't fail a QC, if they do then the managers should get fired.

It has.
DiSH Defector
08-06-09, 04:28 PM
Both installers called their manager before doing the installs so I would assume if a manager approves it the installer won't fail a QC, if they do then the managers should get fired.

I think you’re kind of Missing RobertE’s point… its STILL an exception to the rule, and gives a false sense of expectation.
RAD
08-06-09, 04:36 PM
I think you’re kind of Missing RobertE’s point… its STILL an exception to the rule, and gives a false sense of expectation.

No, I'm not missing the point, just saying that getting a SWMLNB install can happen without meeting the 'guidelines' or paying the $135 dollar charge. I've never said that you should expect to get one or demand one for free just the experience that my son has had. But as a customer it never hurts to ask, if you get one great, if you don't then they shouldn't be upset and either pay the $135 or cancel the order if that's the only way they want the install.

Now if installers are getting fired for doing a SWMLNB install after receiving the OK from their manager to use one that's a problem that DirecTV and the installer's company need to resolve since that s*cks.