How much to add a second HD receiver?

[RickD_99]

I just added a 32" LCD HDTV to my exercise room and am contemplating getting a second HD receiver to hook to that new TV. My setup currently consists of a lone HR20-700 in my living room. I don't really need or want DVR capability for the exercise room TV so I was considering adding either a H21 or H23 at that location. My currrent HD install was several years ago so I don't have an SWM installation, and from what I have read here D* won't install SWMs in a residence unless you need > 5 tuners in your setup. So assuming D* won't add a second receiver to my account for free what would my out of pocket expenses be to add that second HD receiver? Would I also have to agree to a 2 year commitment with the installation? Is there any wiggle room with the CSRs on these issues? I've been with D* off and on since '95 and have the Total Choice premier package currently (5 years at my current location). TIA....

[dpeters11]

Worst case scenario, something like an H21 is $100. That's regular price. You very well might get a deal, usually you can see if you qualify by logging into your account.

As of right now, you won't be able to get a SWM, though that will change as it's required for the main method of providing MRV that they'll support once they get out of the public beta. No idea when that will be though.

And there is no way of getting around the 2 year contract unless you did get a DVR and went with a Pro. Definitely overkill in your case.

[litzdog911]

I don't think anyone here can give you "firm" price. There is, indeed, "wiggle room" in these sorts of things, so it's best to call DirecTV. Typically an HD Receiver costs $99, but I got one for free several months just by asking. Also, are you looking to install it yourself, or will you need a technician to come? That will cost extra. And, yes, adding new leased equipment will extend your commitment by another 2 years.

[BattleZone]

The normal lease upgrade price for an HD receiver is $99, and yes, it will come with a 2 year commitment. Depending on your payment history and such, you may be able to get a better deal on the price, but the commitment always comes when you add a leased receiver. You could buy the receiver outright and have no commitment, but DirecTV charges $300 or so for them.

[bixler]

I just added a 32" LCD HDTV to my exercise room and am contemplating getting a second HD receiver to hook to that new TV. My setup currently consists of a lone HR20-700 in my living room. I don't really need or want DVR capability for the exercise room TV so I was considering adding either a H21 or H23 at that location. My currrent HD install was several years ago so I don't have an SWM installation, and from what I have read here D* won't install SWMs in a residence unless you need > 5 tuners in your setup. So assuming D* won't add a second receiver to my account for free what would my out of pocket expenses be to add that second HD receiver? Would I also have to agree to a 2 year commitment with the installation? Is there any wiggle room with the CSRs on these issues? I've been with D* off and on since '95 and have the Total Choice premier package currently (5 years at my current location). TIA....

Do you know if you are still under contract? I would call and tell them you can get better deals by switching to Dish or your local cable service. They will probably give you a decent break on the upfront lease cost and also maybe some additional account credits. You could also use the no Versus channel angle as another reason for possibly switching. If you are out of contract you might get a very nice deal since the new receiver will lock you into a new 24 month contract. Good luck!

[RACJ2]

Don't know where your exercise room is in relation to your living room, but if its fairly close you might have another option. You can run a long component or HDMI cable from your existing DVR to the 32" LCD. Then use RF on your remote to control the DVR from the exercise room. A bit more expensive option is HDMI over cat5e with extenders. Of course you would have to watch the same program on both TV's with this setup. But it would eliminate a 2 year commitment and $5/mo for the extra HD receiver.

[RickD_99]

I checked on my online account and it said I was eligible for a free HD receiver so I went for it....installation is scheduled for Wednesday for $49. Seems like a decent deal all things considered....it said I would have to pay the $5 monthly lease fee but there was no mention of extending my commitment for 24 months. Even if I am extended for 24 months I think it's an OK deal considering I'm not paying anything out of pocket for the new receiver (and yes I am aware that the receiver will likely be a refurb). Thanks again for all the replies...:)