What the Deals are, and what are you being told by CSR?

[jimb726]

Please let us newbies know how you get a hold of retention. I have called three time to no avail

Is there a new number since the old one is no longer active?

All i want is a second HDDVR for $99 Just like I got with my first one

The easiest way is when you call in to the automated voice. Say "cancel service" and that will automatically put you through to retention. Hopefully, you are out of or close to being out of commitment. That has a lot to do with it. If you have 23 months left on a 24 month commitment, there really is no incentive to reduce the price. I also think that with the equipment shortages, they are less likely to reduce the price. that being said, be super polit, explain that you already got one for 99.00 and usually the people in retention are much more likely to work with you. It will usually come in the form of credits on your bill.

Good Luck,
Jim:D

[Harvick]

finally got my second hr20 installed a couple of weeks ago after calling DTV. so much for we'll put you on the waiting list and call u when they are in stock. anyway installer shows up on a monday but the box won't get beyond the start up screen (screen goes black) installer says he'll have to order a new one, it will be 2 days. he comes back on weds, installs it, it works,he leaves, black screen after an hour. so I call dtv and spend the next 20 minutes or so resetting by pulling power cord, pulling access card, pressing red reset, reformatting hard drive, etc.-nothing works. so dtv says they will fedex a 3rd box by friday. I get him to knock $5 of the bill for 6 months for the trouble and I go to bed. I wake up at 2am and think: 2 bad boxes-same issue-no way. I go down stairs roll the hitachi away from the wall to check the connections. turns out the installer installed both hdmi and component from hr20 to tv! why? so I remove the component cables, reboot, and presto instant golden. I call dtv next morning (fri) to cancel the 3rd box and let them know that the installer had blanked-up, they didn't seem to care. next day (sat) I wake up and crank up my other hr20 (in a different room) to watch some tv, but after a few minutes the receiver stops taking orders from the remote-damn. I try everything but finally I call dtv, spend 20 minutes having her talk me through reprogramming my remote-nothing works. so guess what? she wants to fed ex another box to me.:nono2: turns out the remote sensor might be bad. what the hell send it to me.
It arrives on monday and I swap them out, drop old box off at fed ex, problem solved. then a couple of days later fed ex shows up at my door with another receiver! WTF ALREADY! Ok I think I'll sit on this one until they call or bill me for it...hell maybe it will slip by them. a week has passed and both receivers are still working well...knock on wood...

[Steady Teddy]

If you have 23 months left on a 24 month commitment, ther really is no incentive to reduce the price.

This would seem to make sense. My two year commitment started July 06 and the best offer I could get for a 2nd HR20 is $ 199.00 leased.

[lovswr]

Well I called Kmart & told them that I wanted to "put out the blue light" & go over to Target.


I'm actually gonna make 33.05 on this little transaction so I'm pretty happy. This thread is wonderful!

[Gottria]

No wonder I can't get a deal, Harvick has all theHR20s :) Best I'm at is still $199 with some credits.

[biz]

Biz, how is E* so far? I assume you got the VIP622? Man I'm so on the edge as I just can't get a $99 deal on the HR20.

see your pm

[Harvick]

No wonder I can't get a deal, Harvick has all theHR20s :) Best I'm at is still $199 with some credits.

Keep trying. I got my first for free with free install and some credits. The second for $150 also with free install ($150 monthly bill credit). I've been a customer for only about 4 years.

[hoopsrgreat]

I ordered mine about 2 or 3 weeks ago and got an April 24 or so install date. I went online the next day and moved it up to today. Installer showed up today (Early) had the Hd dvr in hand and was out in 15 minutes.

He had been on the job only a few weeks and he said he had not used the Kband converters yet. Said they never told himto use them. I put them on.

Oh well, all was easy enough.

[stevesmith5678]

I ordered mine about 2 or 3 weeks ago and got an April 24 or so install date. I went online the next day and moved it up to today. Installer showed up today (Early) had the Hd dvr in hand and was out in 15 minutes.

He had been on the job only a few weeks and he said he had not used the Kband converters yet. Said they never told himto use them. I put them on.

Oh well, all was easy enough.

How do you get the reschedule thing to work? I have tried serveral times to reschedule it on line but it always gives me an error.

[dcrowley06]

Well, I called the retention department today and the first girl that I talked to was very helpful. I didn't even have to prod very hard for this deal. I think she put me on hold a couple times for a few minutes just to go get a snack and wasn't really "checking" on the deal.

But here is a breakdown of what they offered me:

the hd dvr for 300 + tax and shipping. total 338.
received 200 credit to my account.
received $10 off a month for 12 months.
received HBO for 2 dollars a month for 6 months
received Showtime for free for 6 months.

Oh, and the original install date was March 28th. I went onto the directv site under the customer service link on the left hand side and chose reschedule (as she was actually still talking to me) and selected March 2nd instead. But going back again a little later to check, the earliest was March 5th, so some people were grabbing those other slots.

Overall very easy. I just hope I am satisfied with the quality as I move to a non-tivo unit.

[kwtxnfn]

How do you get the reschedule thing to work? I have tried serveral times to reschedule it on line but it always gives me an error.

Same here.... !

[SlappyM]

Just for the sake of sharing what is possible with the CSRs, I had, what I consider to be a very successful call yesterday. On my first call, a very helpful CSR provided the following; 1 HD DVR free (charged to account, and immediately credited for the total amount); a second HD DVR, charged $99 plus tax to credit card, $10/mo credit for next 12months and another $10/mo credit for next 6months (effectively, $20 credit for next 6mo, $10credit next 6mo).

All in all, it looks as though I'll be up close to $80 (after 12 months) with 2 new HR20s. She indicated that they would not be asking for my current HD Tivo (owned) either. Install scheduled in 5days. Hope install goes smoothly ~fingers crossed~.

Hope this information helps someone else in their hunt.

ps customer for 6years, with NHL CI, HBO, SHO

[Steady Teddy]

Just for the sake of sharing what is possible with the CSRs, I had, what I consider to be a very successful call yesterday. On my first call, a very helpful CSR provided the following; 1 HD DVR free (charged to account, and immediately credited for the total amount); a second HD DVR, charged $99 plus tax to credit card, $10/mo credit for next 12months and another $10/mo credit for next 6months (effectively, $20 credit for next 6mo, $10credit next 6mo).

All in all, it looks as though I'll be up close to $80 (after 12 months) with 2 new HR20s. She indicated that they would not be asking for my current HD Tivo (owned) either. Install scheduled in 5days. Hope install goes smoothly ~fingers crossed~.

Hope this information helps someone else in their hunt.

ps customer for 6years, with NHL CI, HBO, SHO

If you were given this info from the retention department and not just customer service then all this post is going to do is piss off many subscribers, like myself, who can't get anywhere close to a deal like this.

[SlappyM]

It was from retention. I was reconsidering my service, as we will be moving in the not too distant future, and the NHL season is coming to an end (as you basically pay for the entire season in the fall). My HD Tivo is starting to act-up, as well, which accelerated my needing to address the issues.

I was honest with them, told them the situation, and the rep was very helpful.

My intention was not to 'piss' anybody off, I was simply providing information that may help someone else out. I find that getting the best deal requires knowing who to ask, as well as knowing what to ask for. Holding out for something unrealistic will just result in frustration. In reality, I was not expecting to get all that she ended up offering. She was straight forward with me, and asked, in effect, what I was looking for. I indicated what I wanted in an honest way and she seemed to bend over backwards in trying to get me what I was hoping for.

The call lasted over 45 minutes, because she indicated that the system was not letting her order 2 at the same time. Somehow she managed to get it through, and I was happy. After a couple of calls to other companies regarding other issues in the past week, I was pleasantly surprised and the service I received from DirecTV. Now, like I said, I just hope the install goes as smoothly.

Again, I'm sorry if it seemed I was gloating, that was not my intention. My intention was to provide some potential hope for others looking for something similar.

ps - love the avatar, Teddy... Arty rules!!!

[jimb726]

It was from retention. I was reconsidering my service, as we will be moving in the not too distant future, and the NHL season is coming to an end (as you basically pay for the entire season in the fall). My HD Tivo is starting to act-up, as well, which accelerated my needing to address the issues.

I was honest with them, told them the situation, and the rep was very helpful.

My intention was not to 'piss' anybody off, I was simply providing information that may help someone else out. I find that getting the best deal requires knowing who to ask, as well as knowing what to ask for. Holding out for something unrealistic will just result in frustration. In reality, I was not expecting to get all that she ended up offering. She was straight forward with me, and asked, in effect, what I was looking for. I indicated what I wanted in an honest way and she seemed to bend over backwards in trying to get me what I was hoping for.

The call lasted over 45 minutes, because she indicated that the system was not letting her order 2 at the same time. Somehow she managed to get it through, and I was happy. After a couple of calls to other companies regarding other issues in the past week, I was pleasantly surprised and the service I received from DirecTV. Now, like I said, I just hope the install goes as smoothly.

Again, I'm sorry if it seemed I was gloating, that was not my intention. My intention was to provide some potential hope for others looking for something similar.

ps - love the avatar, Teddy... Arty rules!!!

Not sure why My. Teddy is so upset, there are 50 pages of stories just like yours. i was given a very similar deal about 3 months ago and posted it. The whole purpose of the thread is to show what people are getting or being told. That is even the title of the thread. Many people like yourself have gone to great pains to explain the process they went through including their subscription status, length of time with D*, etc. If anything he should be upset with the people who come in here posting that they have been with D* for a month and how can they get the unit for free or complaining that they didnt get all of the credits etc. Bottom line is, when it come to freebies and bennies, the people who have been around the longest, subscribe to the high end packages or subscribe to expensive sports programming should get some perks for it. Thats the way business usually works, you reward your best customers to thank them for their past and hopefully future business.

Regards,
Jim

[Steady Teddy]

It was from retention. I was reconsidering my service, as we will be moving in the not too distant future, and the NHL season is coming to an end (as you basically pay for the entire season in the fall). My HD Tivo is starting to act-up, as well, which accelerated my needing to address the issues.

I was honest with them, told them the situation, and the rep was very helpful.

My intention was not to 'piss' anybody off, I was simply providing information that may help someone else out. I find that getting the best deal requires knowing who to ask, as well as knowing what to ask for. Holding out for something unrealistic will just result in frustration. In reality, I was not expecting to get all that she ended up offering. She was straight forward with me, and asked, in effect, what I was looking for. I indicated what I wanted in an honest way and she seemed to bend over backwards in trying to get me what I was hoping for.

The call lasted over 45 minutes, because she indicated that the system was not letting her order 2 at the same time. Somehow she managed to get it through, and I was happy. After a couple of calls to other companies regarding other issues in the past week, I was pleasantly surprised and the service I received from DirecTV. Now, like I said, I just hope the install goes as smoothly.

Again, I'm sorry if it seemed I was gloating, that was not my intention. My intention was to provide some potential hope for others looking for something similar.



Sorry, but my frustration was not directed towards you. It's just that hearing what kind of deal you got compared to others makes me angry and tired of being dicked around, and getting flat out lied to (concerning other issues), by D*.

I don't think I should have to play phone roulette in order to get through to the right CSR rep, at the right time, in the right mood, offering the right price, because I'm in the right situation.

Perhaps because I'm an NFL ST & MLB EI subscriber they think I'm not going anywhere.

Now of course your situation is a bit different since you'll be moving. And I can understand special offers for potential new subscribers, but I don't think it would be asking too much to have a bit more conformity with the current HR20 offers instead of it depending on if I talk to 'Sue', 'Richard', or 'Carlos'.

[gwrentch03]

Here is my experience... received first hd dvr six or seven months ago for 19.95 after contacting retention and saying I was going to E. Decided it was time for a second one and contacted them this week to see what kind of deal I could get. Talked to first person in customer service, they could only do 299.00. I said that really isn't good enough since I have been with D since they began and I know what I paid for my first one. They said I was a (A) list customer and sent me to another CSR and I went through the spiel again and they said since I was such a good customer they would take 99.00 off the price and that was the best they could do. I said that still isn’t really that good and wanted to know how many months I had left on my 2 year retention and I believe I had around 18 months left on my 2 year agreement and they said it would be 13.00 a month pro rated if I decided to leave, figured it came out to 234 dollars and I said since it was 234 and you were charging me 200 plus tax I would rather go to E and get 2 hd dvr's and 2 new dvrs for the rest of the house(just made up, didn't really know what E would give me) and then the csr said we have one more thing we could do and that is give you the 99.00 off the 299 price and give you a 20 dollar credit for 6 months which would equal 120.00 and my total would be 112.00. I figured that was fair enough for me and have it scheduled for installation. Anyway hope this helps others.

[Steady Teddy]

the csr said we have one more thing we could do and that is give you the 99.00 off the 299 price and give you a 20 dollar credit for 6 months which would equal 120.00 and my total would be 112.00.

Is that a lease or purchase price?

[etchasketch]

sorry for going silent running and failing to keep you all in the loop. But, it's been a rough week trying to replace Ethel (Vanna). She was shown the door (for cause, due to watching cable while handling the phone cue).

The casting call routine was an arduous ordeal. I should start by informing the many applicants that they were either over-qualified or didn't measure up. However, Buffy, Bambi, and Boopsie should call the private line for a second personal interview.

Meanwhile, we have done departmental reorganization in the grocery ;) and took on three promising temps: Larry, Curly and Mo. Hmm, too hard to say, hey? In a world of acronyms, let's just say all calls to Kmart grocery muffin department are now being fielded by Lacumo.

ST: I don't think I should have to play phone roulette in order to get through to the right CSR rep, at the right time, in the right mood, offering the right price, because I'm in the right situation

Crazy situation isn't it? Moving target and all that. Listen up blue-light shoppers, deja-voo, there must be a problem with the Matrix. We tracked most of these muffin posts to one ISP. It's Ethel just pulling your collective tails.

The good muffins were all consumed by gluttons who got in line before you (note stories of some advanced wheedlers getting 2-3 HR20s when others have none). This little piggy and all that don't cha know?

Some subs should really attend remedial math. Raise the base (increase due to inflation), discount the monthly (for 12 months of 24), add in some programming which cost duhrecTV © nadda (set the hook) and ...

shazam, you (think you) got a free HD-DVR (not really). Add 5, subtract 10x12, carry the 299 :nono:

Oh yah, one last thing, retention is now being referred to as extension around the corporate water cooler ... buzz-word baby! And, thank you for choosing DirecTV (we don't really care).

etch

ps - uhm they are all leases folks

[HDTVFanAtic]

Well, where to start...ordered for LA Install around Jan 20th. Finally got it straightened out (so I thought) on Jan 27th. Best install they could give me was Feb 8th. Same call as above on 2/7 Out of HD Equipment. Said Feb. 22nd was the earliest.

Original install was 1 HR20 and 2 H20s and AT/9 all for free. Decided they screwed up so I would say it was screw up and it was supposed to be all HR20s. They said impossible but finally agreed to allow me to buy 2 additional HR20s and they would rebate me $200 each for all the problems.

I have everything. 2/22 - 1-5 install. No go. Called and cancelled at 6PM.

I went back and raised hell again - seems they cancelled because they forgot to bring a 6x16 Multiswitch (even though I called Customer Retention and had them note that it was needed for 3 HR20s, A HD-TIVO and 2 H20s). They rebated the final $100 of the 2 HR20s.

Tried to pull a March 26th install.

No go I told them.

Got a 8A -12N install today. They showed up at 1pm, lol.

Installer had everything and 2 HR20s. wtf. I think they added another HR20 to force the 6x16 multiswitch.

So bottom line - Connect TV is clueless - they don't speak english - and they miss appointments left and right.

However, after working it for 6 weeks, i now have, AT NO CHARGE:

1) A new 5 lnb install

2) A 6x16 Multiswitch

3) 2 H20s

4) 4 HR20s

5) Moved HD Tivo from one room to another

6) $10 a month credit for HD for the next year.

Seems ridiculous to go through all that - but in the end I think I got the better deal.

I can't wait to see how long this finally takes to get it all in today - and feel sorry for the 1PM-5PM install that will never get done.

[AlbertZeroK]

They actually installed a 6x16 multiswitch?

[DubMarc]

Cliff notes: I got a free upgrade.

Way too long version....

I currently have a DirecTivo in the family room and a standard box in the bedroom, with all non premium channels (dumped HBO in favor of Blockbuster Online a couple months ago). Been a customer for the last 4 years or so.

I called a few days ago to a regular CSR, and told them I was gathering information to compare against E* and Comcast for my HD upgrade. I told her that if she'd upgrade me for free, I'd do it on the spot, but she would not, just the deal on the website.

I called back yesterday, and assumed I got through to retention (I just said I wanted to cancel). I told the 2nd CSR that I was going to upgrade, that E* had no upfront costs, currently more HD channels, and an HD DVR with a more reliable reputation. I said that if she could match E* (no upgrade cost), I would stay because I've had no problems over the years with D*, I assumed they would be offering more HD within the year, and I'd heard the HR20 is improving.

She said that she was aware that E* said they gave a DVR for free, she didn't think it said anywhere it was an HD DVR. I told her I was virtually certain that it was, and so we then proceeded to both go through E*'s Dish Builder utility. It was freezing on her, so I suggested she call their tech support :D . She basically couldn't get the TV setup right. She actually put me on hold to go over to someone else's computer to try. She came back after a few minutes (thanked me sincerely for waiting), and said she had some sort of other problem, and still couldn't see that it was an *HD* DVR that they offered. I tried a number of different ways to navigate her through E*'s site, and it didn't work for her.

Eventually she put me on hold again to see what she could do for me, and after thanking me again for being patient gave me what I asked. She said that since I was a good customer and they didn't want to lose me, it didn't seem right not to match E*'s offer. I agreed.

I forget how she set it up, but I actually have a negative balance on my account right now as she credited the whole DVR, and then I'll be paying it back. She saw a 3/6 (PM) installation open up while we were talking, so she grabbed that one for me. She asked if I would keep the Tivo, I said sure, so she added a second line to the bedroom to the work order so we can still use the dual tuner.

The whole call took about a half hour I guess. Although it was a pleasant call, and I got out of it just what I wanted, it does seem strange that it took that long. Obviously, I'd done my homework (thanks to all on this board, and elsewhere), and I evidently met whatever criteria needed to get the update. So why not at the outset just say yes we want you to stay a customer so we'll comp your upgrade? Better for me, and actually better for D* because then their rep can focus more quickly on the next customer. Anyway, it's just puzzling, I'm not really complaining as I got what I wanted, the call was pleasant from beginning to end, and I know that I got better than some others.

[HDTVFanAtic]

They actually installed a 6x16 multiswitch?

I have 10 feeds working - so I assume they did - of course they might have stacked 2 6x8s.

[etchasketch]

the muffin mahn, the muffin mahn?

Some must be going about it all wrong. If you call and tell them you are going to drop their service, that you have been a long term customer and hate to leave … well, you can get just about anything. Just be polite and persistent. Never give up, call and call and call again.

It’s taken me almost a year to put this package together. But, it’s been worth it to keep hounding and I want to thank all the people posting here who helped make it work. Please accept apologies in advance to any who don’t do as well, but, I deserve it and you don’t.

When we finally came to an agreement they tried pulling the March 1st install crap (an entire four business days away if you can imagine). I patiently explained that after all the inconvenience on my part it seemed like this could have been concluded yesterday.

Presto: a yesterday install date opened up! They must have some sort of time machine and a whole team of time-traveler elf-installers because while I slept the work was done. I awoke this morning to find everything we agreed to up and running (paperwork back-dated to 02/24).

The work order included:

1) two free 5 lnb dish installs (nothing like redundancy in a high tech world)

2) a 12 x 32 multi-switch which cross-feeds two 6 x 12 multi-switches (*)

3) twenty H20s (*)

4) two HR-20s (these are for my personal use)

5) Moved / phished all cables and network connections

6) $10 a month credit on HD for life (so I am being paid to watch high def).

Seems preposterous to go through all trials and tribulations - but in the end I got the best of duhrecTV © and most of you good folks at the same time. Sorry Teddy, really (if you buy into that apology I also have a nearly new bridge in Baghdad for sale).

(*) we sub-lease spare signal to the drive-n-go MOtel next door. I don’t have a job, just collect the satTV sub-lease (cash / food stamps) and sell defective (leased) hardware on etch-bay and etch-mazon. Those in line waiting for their first HR-20 are welcome to bid. Ours won’t work, but after buying from etch you can get D* to send you a replacement box by overnight parcel (pretty slick / sick, hey?).

Sincerely (not really),
Etchasketch :nono:

ps – in case I left anything on the table I plan to call back a few times later today and see if they can do better, maybe gimme free adult programming discounts or something. That would sell like hot cakes in the hot-tub rooms at the MOtel and up-scale daily take-down.

pps – survey says (ala: Richard Dawson) this is one of the most read threads on dbstalk (what a waste of time and BW). But, and it’s a big BUTT, despite creative writing by fantasy posters we can’t get over 1,000 views per day. Please refer friends and enemies.

[MicroBeta]

the muffin mahn, the muffin mahn?

pps – survey says (ala: Richard Dawson) this is one of the most read threads on dbstalk (what a waste of time and BW). But, and it’s a big BUTT, despite creative writing by fantasy posters we can’t get over 1,000 views per day. Please refer friends and enemies.


Which do you consider to be "fantasy posters" and which are not?

Mike

ps - Or, what constitutes a fantasy post?

[jimmyt]

Isn't that the dude that lives on Dury Lane ?? If so, then yes I know the muffin man.. the muffin man..

the muffin mahn, the muffin mahn?

[etchasketch]

MicroBeta: Which do you consider to be "fantasy posters" and which are not?

Well, fair is fair ... guess we could start with me (though there are sometimes seeds of truth if one peels enough layers from the onion). But, that's the whacky part about online anon ... no one knows, hey?

Could be a buncha CSRs posting here, stirring the pot. Consider it a CSR full-employment strategy!

jimmyt: Isn't that the dude that lives on Dury Lane ?

You got it mahn (non cable able address) :rolleyes:

etch

[Pakratt]

I received my first HR 20 in Sept. 2006. It had to be replaced after 2 weeks use and I am still on that one. I tried to get a second HR 20 today to replace my Ultimate TV but after one transfer between CSR's the best deal I could get was $199. Told them that I would accept $99 but they would not budge.
Later when I was in our local Costco, I found the HR 20 for $269. These units were manufactured in China. My other HR 20 was manufactured in Mexico.
Wondering if anyone knows if the China units were performing better than those from Mexico. I was going to try to see if D* would give the $100 credit if I purchased the unit at Costco. Also, was wondering if D* ships refurbished units for first orders or just for replacements.

[MicroBeta]

MicroBeta:

Well, fair is fair ... guess we could start with me (though there are sometimes seeds of truth if one peels enough layers from the onion). But, that's the whacky part about online anon ... no one knows, hey?

Could be a buncha CSRs posting here, stirring the pot. Consider it a CSR full-employment strategy!


etch

Fair enough.

I do like to see your posts in this thread. I'm firm believer that sarcasm can be your friend and some of your posts (or are they rants) are hilarious. :rolling: In addition the huge amount of useful info, there's plenty of material here laugh about. Ya just gotta laugh at all this or go nuts.

BTW, the CSR said that since I'm such a great customer I get the special HR20-MK2 that can record 500hrs of HD and has TLB(tri-live-buffers) and they'll pay me to take it. :rolleyes:

Let's see if the MK2 shows up somewhere else....................

Mike

[RANorton]

My fiance is moving into my house. She has a non-HD Tivo box. I have a Tivo 10-250, plus an old Hughes box with no DVR in one of the bedrooms. I called D* and explained that I wanted the new 5-LNB dish, an HR20 for the living room, new cables for my 10-259 in the upstairs den, and her box installed in the bedroom.

The CSR suggested that I get a new (non-HD) DVR box for the bedroom, so that her box could stay in place until the move. He offered that box, new dish, HR20, installed for $99, with an install date within a week. I thought that was quite a good offer.

[Shardin]

Finally, I get to post on this thread. :lol: I just got off the phone with D* negotiating for an HR20, 5 LNB slimline dish, installation, and an OTA antenna (more on that later).
I started the negotiations with an email to the D* website. I commented that I was at CCity and was told by a sales person that if I was a new D* customer that I would get the DVR for free along with installation, but since I was an existing customer it would be $299. I told D* in my e-mail I thought this was a bum deal for a customer since 1998. The HD setup would cost me $338 from D*’s web site with the OTA antenna. I received an e-mail back from them telling me someone would call me in a few days. I received the call and was offered the HR20, 5LNB dish, OTA antenna, and installation for $120. Told them I would think about it and call back. I spent about 30 minutes on this call. During this time I received a mail offer from Dish for all free equipment for HD DVR up 4 rooms, install and some free programming. Time to call D* again. I told the CSR about the deal from Dish and about my previous call. I was immediately bucked up the line to 2nd tier CSR or Customer Retention, I don’t know which. I was offered $100 off after I explained the Dish deal and the previous offer, still wanted me to pay the $20 s&h. I said I would take the deal. After some more talk I was told that the OTA antenna could not be ordered for this receiver. I told them that their web site said it would work with the OTA hook up. No deal, could not get the antenna, The CSR finally said he would waive the s&h, so now the cost is $0 including relocation of the R-15 to the bedroom. I might call back in a few days and see if I can try again for the antenna.
I asked for a late April or early May install (lots of snow here at this time) so that the installer won’t be doing the install in crummy weather (I expect a better job!). Thanks to all the input on this thread, saved me +$300!!

Now I can start stalking the elusive 50” Panasonic Plasma…….

[Steve Robertson]

I called the installation company last night to confirm my order and I am glad I did. The work order was just for 1 HR20 not the 2 that I had negotiated for. The company transfered me to D* and I ended up going through 5 different people and all agreed that I should have 2 on the work order but wern't sure why only 1 was on it. I waited for about 20 minutes for a supervisor and at this point I am really pissed off so I called the Office of the President on my cell while waiting on my lan line for a supervisor. To make a long story short I was told that you are allowed only 1 hr20 every 6 months because of the demand. I explained that it was never told to me and I wanted what was agreed upon or I would cancel the upgrade and just wait for FIOS to show up. I have now spent another 20-30 minutes with this guy and he finally agreed to give me the 2nd one 3 weeks latter than my install.

I would call to make sure that the right equipment is on your order and don't assume that your order will be right.

[jsnell]

I've got an HD TiVo and given that I've heard a lot of positive things about how the HR20 has shaken out, I'm seriously giving thought to sticking with DTV and getting the HR20 to replace my HD TiVo. (Primarily doing this because I can't get Fox or Fox Sports Net in HD on the MPEG-2 satellite that the HD TiVo can see. When baseball season starts I will be VERY sad if I can't see the Giants in HD.)

My question to you guys is: what should my plan of attack be with DTV to get the best deal on a dish and DVR replacement? I am an 8-year DTV subscriber with no existing commitment periods of any kind. My alternative is to switch to Comcast and buy a TiVo Series 3, which I've also been considering.

Should I just call DirecTV and say I want to cancel, and get Retention to offer me a sweet deal in order to stay? I mean, I paid $800 for this TiVo and then DirecTV announced they were rolling out all their new HD content in MPEG-4.... you know the story.

Anyway, advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

[MarkJones]

My situation was similar to yours. I've been a customer for nine years, had an HR10-250 and wanted to be able to catch the Astros in HD on my RSN.

I started with a regular CSR, who would only quote me $299 for the HR20, multiswitch, dish and install. So, I just told her I was considering switching to cable and to transfer me to Retention.

Retention was great. Got the whole thing for $99 less about $120 in credits to my account, all with no hassle.

So, that's what I'd recommend you try.

[bpdp379]

Here is my deal I got yesterday. $299 plus $19 S&H. She said we it will be broken into three monthly payments of $99 and a final of $19. I make the first payment of $99 and they comp the next two plus the final $19. So final cost is $99 plus I am guessing sales tax? Do they charge sales tax?

Big question is; the only install date available wwas 04-10-2007. I took it and did the online reschedule and found a day for next Wednesday. I don't need the 5lnb only the HR20. Will that be a problem? If the install place does not have the unit on that day will they call and say sorry we can't do it?

Also when they installed my dish they put it in an awful spot (I was not here...) Can I use my free install to have the guy move the existing dish?

[Rubble099]

Here is my deal I got yesterday. $299 plus $19 S&H. She said we it will be broken into three monthly payments of $99 and a final of $19. I make the first payment of $99 and they comp the next two plus the final $19. So final cost is $99 plus I am guessing sales tax? Do they charge sales tax?

Big question is; the only install date available wwas 04-10-2007. I took it and did the online reschedule and found a day for next Wednesday. I don't need the 5lnb only the HR20. Will that be a problem? If the install place does not have the unit on that day will they call and say sorry we can't do it?

Also when they installed my dish they put it in an awful spot (I was not here...) Can I use my free install to have the guy move the existing dish?

So far I've placed 2 calls for a total of 1:30 on the phone with D* trying to get to the somehow elusive $99 price point or less. I've sited Comcast, VZ Fios, and Dish network all offering me similar service with no out of pocket equipment costs. Here's what I've been able to accomplish so far.

Call 1:

Ordered the HR-20 and HD service. Been a customer since 2001, etc. I got them down to $150 + S&H fee ($299 box plus $150 credit). In addition I got a $10/ month for 12 months, $10/ Month credit on my HBO for 6 months, and Showtime free for 6 months. For all this, they'll lock me into a 2 year contract extension.

Call 2:

My hope was to try and get them to come down another $50 to get to $99 which I've seen a lot of you getting. Although I've had no luck, I've gotten a little closer. This call in addition to everything else, they were able to offer me a HD service credit for 6 months ($9.99/month) worth almost $60.

One last detail. When they come to deliver the HR20 (March 17th), they won't have to install a 5LNB dish or multiswitch since I had one installed when I had some custom installation work done in my new home. The work was done in December 2006 in anticipation of a near future TV upgrade. So with the install, they literally need to just drop off the box and I'm good to go. I figured that was worth something, but they wouldn't budge on the price any further.

SO the question is... what services do you have to order from them to get the box price to come down further? I order DIRECTV TOTAL CHOICE, DVR Service, HBO, STARZ, SPORTS and MLB EXTRA INNINGS, with service to 4 TV's. Pay my bill on time. When they come to deliver the box I'll add HD service to the long list of services. Any suggestions of anything else I should be asking for them to throw in? OTA antenna? Is it unrealistic to expect more?

[etchasketch]

Woo-hoo, now there's a fantasy poster for ya! Rubble099 got the same muffin, or better than most 'o you all. Is it he's a better negotiator? Is it that LaCuMo was in a good mood? Is it (s)he can't count, or won't incorporate all the monthly gimmes into the reckoning against a $299 MSR fee (oft discounted to $199 / $99) for a lemon?

And, (s)he still ends asking: SO the question is... what services do you have to order from them to get the box price to come down further? I order DIRECTV TOTAL CHOICE, DVR Service, HBO, STARZ, SPORTS and MLB EXTRA INNINGS, with service to 4 TV's. Pay my bill on time. When they come to deliver the box I'll add HD service to the long list of services. Any suggestions of anything else I should be asking for them to throw in? OTA antenna? Is it unrealistic to expect more?

Yup, regular Einstein (with all due respect, and in thought this may be one of those CSR full-employment jags). Poster wants to know whether (s)he should pay more to save a few dollars on his / her lemon? Duh, yo Curly, we got another one, cleanup on aisle two ! :nono:

Seriously folks. Does anyone really think they are saving anything in this crazy process? If just for the thrill of the hunt, do carry on ... but there's no real muffins in dis game, none, nadda, nyet.

Gotta go. I Love Lucy reruns are on. Just love it when Ricky sez splain it to me Lucy.

etch

[Rubble099]

Woo-hoo, now there's a fantasy poster for ya! Rubble099 got the same muffin, or better than most 'o you all. Is it he's a better negotiator? Is it that LaCuMo was in a good mood? Is it (s)he can't count, or won't incorporate all the monthly gimmes into the reckoning against a $299 MSR fee (oft discounted to $199 / $99) for a lemon?

And, (s)he still ends asking:

Yup, regular Einstein (with all due respect, and in thought this may be one of those CSR full-employment jags). Poster wants to know whether (s)he should pay more to save a few dollars on his / her lemon? Duh, yo Curly, we got another one, cleanup on aisle two ! :nono:

Seriously folks. Does anyone really think they are saving anything in this crazy process? If just for the thrill of the hunt, do carry on ... but there's no real muffins in dis game, none, nadda, nyet.

Gotta go. I Love Lucy reruns are on. Just love it when Ricky sez splain it to me Lucy.

etch

The deal is real, believe what you like. No, I don't count monthly gimme's towards the price of the box. The monthly programming gimme's cost D* NOTHING to hand out. My goal is to eliminate cash spent out of my pocket and for good reason... 1) the box is a LEASE!!! 2) D*'s competition doesn't charge it, so why should I pay it for the privilege of D*? I live in Northern VA... there is a ton of choice here. D* has to play ball.

Don't get me wrong, I'm pleased with the service which is why I paid $500 for some custom install worked after I moved and I'm excited about the future promise of D*'s ability to carry many more HD channels, but I certainly don't let them know that over the phone when I'm trying to drive down my costs. I already feel like I spent plenty (with all due respect to what others have spent on what I'm sure are much more elaborate set ups)...

Just to clarify, I wasn't asking what other programming I should order to get a better deal on the hardware... I was just wondering what programming other members have in order to get the price of the HR20 further discounted like the $99 offers I've seen on this board. Just curious what D* views as a "worthy" customer. I thought I ordered quite enough programming to qualify as a good customer who also pays their bills on time.

And etch, yeah, I'm a great negotiator... go eat a muffin.

[etchasketch]

Rubble099: don't take my posting personally, meant in fun, no insult intended I assure you ... in fact, please accept a public apology if you feel I was out of line.

Clearly you do get it when posting:
I don't count monthly gimme's towards the price of the box

... as opposed all the others in this huge much-read topic. So many here have posted math saying they got $120 off through monthly discounts when it doesn't cost duhrecTV © $120 to give a subscriber $10 per month credits (PV / FV). And, as you rightly point out, there is a difference between credit as deduction on the bill Versus (formerly known as OLN) $10 credit for programming (the latter costing nothing to D*).

Apparently, per your recent post, I misunderstood (?) when you said:
SO the question is... what services do you have to order from them to get the box price to come down further?

Alternate True Lies may be posted by others in answer. I would say it just doesn't matter. Please note some who mention being 9-10 year customers and others beef about pricing who have been customers for a mere 5-6 months (go figure). Happy negotiating.

The muffin mahn,
etch

[calrayray]

I was offered one of those "payment plan" where I'd only need to make the 1st of 3, and the 2nd and 3rd would be waived. I was wondering, for those who was offered the same thing, how does the 2nd and 3rd month's bill look like?

Thanks

[keeferb]

I've been watching this thread for months and today I finally decided to call today and see what, if any, deal I could get. I have been a D* customer for about 6 years and considered an 'A' list customer - although after today's call I'm not sure what that means. I have TC+ programming with 2 SD DVR's and one standard receiver, along with the NFL Ticket. I've been tied to D* because of NFLST, but am considering giving that up.

The best they would do is $199 + $19 shipping...not really any deal since I can get that just by upgrading online. They also told me I am under contract for 17 more months, which is incorrect - should be up in 11/07(I have an email from D* stating this). The irritating part of that is she couldn't even tell me why my commitment was extended into '08, so now it has to go through some resolution process which takes up to a week. I'm not sure if the 17-month commitment is what prevented any further dealing. It will be interesting to see once I get this resolved if it makes any difference in the deal they offer.

I did find it funny when she told me 'we don't give our HD DVR away'. I sort of chuckled and replied(in a friendly tone of course) 'have you been out on the internet?' Her response 'Well I don't know if I believe most of those posts'.

So will all of you stop making up these deals? :lol:

[MicroBeta]

Seriously folks. Does anyone really think they are saving anything in this crazy process? If just for the thrill of the hunt, do carry on ... but there's no real muffins in dis game, none, nadda, nyet.

Gotta go. I Love Lucy reruns are on. Just love it when Ricky sez splain it to me Lucy.

etch

I get what Rubble is saying. He wants an upgraded box. A box that has to be sent back when you are done (it is leased ya know). I'm not really sure if it's practical or if they'll even want it a few years down the road but we'll pay for it anyway. You can make an argument on either side. Personally, I want the free box. All that really matters is that D* is giving incentives. There may be a frenzy as if we are entitled to more than our fair share....Granted. With that said, why shouldn't someone try to get as much as D* will give them? I did and I'd do it again in a heartbeat. I want my free receiver.

However, don't be fooled. As Etch is pointing out, the reality under it all is D* is a business and they are not going to lose money. There's nothing superwhamplidyne about these deals. Take mine for instance (see page 43 of this thread). A laundry list of discounts that looks impressive but in the end it's a new box and new service with a 2yr commitment. All I really got is a free HR20. In year 2 of the commitment, when my bill is larger than it was B20 (that's before HR20) it will have cost me more in the end than if I had stayed with my previous D* service. The Big D makes money.

IMHO, with a 2yr comm. and leased equipment, D* should give me an upgraded box for free so they can sell more service...make more money...put more birds in orbit…upgrade bandwidth...add HD channels…add new cool content to play with… all for me.
(That’s the collective me...no really, I meant all the subscribers).

Mike

[nhguy]

I got mine for for $63.00 from D. I called a few weeks ago (I waited until the problems seeemed somewhat settled down) and the first CSR I spoke to quoted $199 and would not budge. I said no thanks, and called back 5 minutes later. I got somebody else who saw I had been quoted $199 and offered The $63 w/ no discussion at all. I figured I'd wait until I had a successful install to report this. That happened this morning. The installer showed up on time and seemed to know what he was doing.
So far so good.

[etchasketch]

MicroBeta: I get it, what Rubble009 wants (sorry Rubb, not meaning to single you out, just following on what MicroBeta said), and everyone else too. Best possible for as little ca$h as possible. Essentially, running in the background, I think everyone wants a fair price, as good as the next guy. This becomes confused by some who get (deserved) additional credits due to problems with their service, so it becomes a moving target.

Some then conjure up problems to ask for what the other guy got (see their own words, their own posts, how they finagled whatever discount by saying ____). When I say there are no deals, I mean nothing is free and few are calculating their true cost (just entry ca$h). I find it humorous when some post numbers adding programming discounts to reduce the "deal" cost. As you said, one must account for the total cost paid over a two year contract (and really, the programming doesn't count, as it costs D* nothing and the sub might not have bought it otherwise).

This past week I received a (4) page circular with three different programming packages (priced for 12 months). The circular states that the offer is good through 5/1/2007.

$29.99 - family, (40) channels and locals
$49.99 - (185) channels, including locals, with freeBs below
$59.99 (2) - (195) channels, including locals, with freeBs below + 12 HD PPV movies

The offers include: FREE 3 months HBO and Cinemax, FREE 4 room professional installation, FREE DVR (1) or HD receiver upgrade, ZERO start up or equipment costs. AND, there is a portable DVD player?

So, who is having the better experience, the feller who spent 2-3 hours reading this (52) page Magnum Opus and 2-3 hours on the phone negotiating -or- those who just read the circular and upgraded for $99-199? If everyone got the same pricing, with exception those who have / had genuine "issues" (and are compensated accordingly), this would require no magic words, no special treatment by this or that CSR. Even Steven.

Carry on (as if it would stop),
etch

(1) the DVR is not listed as HD, so reasonable to assume you'd pay something up front or monthly for that?
(2) reflects a $10 monthly discount for (12) months

ps - I also received offers from Dish and Comcast. Those who can't get what they want from D* could, maybe should look elsewhere. BTW, that same D* circular states (150) HD channels coming soon. Somehow I'm guessing etchasketch and D* have different definitions of soon. Clever marketing though ...

pps - another topic, same story: http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=81319

[MicroBeta]

When I say there are no deals, I mean nothing is free and few are calculating their true cost (just entry ca$h). I find it humorous when some post numbers adding programming discounts to reduce the "deal" cost. As you said, one must account for the total cost paid over a two year contract (and really, the programming doesn't count, as it costs D* nothing and the sub might not have bought it otherwise).


I'm not sure what you mean. The programing does count. As far as my out of pocket over the 2yrs I will have paid more than without upgrading. What else is the true cost if not my actual outlay over the commitment.

So, who is having the better experience, the feller who spent 2-3 hours reading this (52) page Magnum Opus and 2-3 hours on the phone negotiating -or- those who just read the circular and upgraded for $99-199? If everyone got the same pricing, with exception those who have / had genuine "issues" (and are compensated accordingly), this would require no magic words, no special treatment by this or that CSR. Even Steven.

Huh?! I don't think get it. If I understand you, D* has more on it's subscription-base-mind than just subs with "genuine issues" and attracting new ones. They also need to keep the existing base. Like any business with real competition (cable, other dbs's...) they gotta stay competitive and go the extra mile to keep the existing subs and that leads to these negotiations. The day will never come when everyone is offered the same level of payment for the same things, and there will always be special treatment (true for any business). Plenty of subs upgrade and are never offered any discounts. Further, the impressive laundry list of freebies that ultimately add up to a free box (and nothing else) looks better than just saying "here's a free shiney new box if you sign up for new service". In other words, a bunch of free stuff just for buying a new box, D* must really want to keep me. Part marketing, part showmanship (or is that redundant). Maybe I'm missing something about you're trying to say. BTW, I only needed to spend 20 min scanning this thread to realize that I could do better. Do you mean that all this detracts from subs with real problems/issues? If D* is doing ther job right it shouldn't.

mike

[etchasketch]

MicroBeta: yes, if you add programming your oop (out of pocket) cost during contractual period of 24 months increases. A good example would be when you add HD, and D* gives a few free months but the sub pays for the remaining months. In that case, cost goes up to customer.

But, many people here mention the freeB list and deduct it from their purchase of a leased HR-20. Posters here might say they paid $200, but D* gave them $10 off for 12 months of HBO, and $6 off for 12 months of Showtime, and then proclaim their net cost to have been $8.

It's like standing at check-out, forking over $70, and the lady says you just saved $7. Huh?

In depends on whether they were already a sub to HBO and Showtime. If so, their reduced cost for the year might be put against the HR-20. If they were not already subscribing, D* gave them something it costs nothing to provide and they paid for the leased equipment. And, D* has set the hook on additional paid svcs.

There will always be special treatment? Maybe you need to read the other hours of postings here. Some have been customers for a whopping 4-6 months (in a row mind you) and are asking for special treatment? That sub who still had 18 months on contract was no risk to provider.

Does this all detract from other subs, problems or not? What do you think? Some are waiting for their first HR-20 (while some have 2-3). Since many DVRs come only with installs, that delays upgrades and installs for the next guy, no? If some (who promote this tactic) make dozens of calls, does that clog the phone cue?

I'd say yes. But, this is above my pay grade, it's a free country, everyone has the right to go phishing. Apparently I was unclear, you asked questions, so, I'm posting a reply.

etch

ps - nice sub ... 2 Ragdolls?

pps - too serious. I'm back to tom-foolery

[MicroBeta]

ps - nice sub ... 2 Ragdolls?

pps - too serious. I'm back to tom-foolery

USS Andrew Jackson SSBN 619 - I spent 4-1/2 years on board

Ragdolls - Breed of cat. We have 2. Francis(he has blue eyes) and Sabrina.

Your good. I couldn't write that on an Etchasketch.

Mike

[HDTVFanAtic]

I ended up (because of the botched up mess within D* when it comes to CSRs and Installs) with

4 HR20
2 H20
5 lnb dish
$10 off a month for HD for a year

$0 costs

I did spend over 20 hours on the phone with them over 2 months - and that does not inlcude 4 different install dates - including 2 days that the installers actually showed up for - and feel got the worst end of the deal as I would have paid the money it cost not to have to deal with all that.

Everytime they screwed up, I was back on the phone renegotiating...but again - in the end - it was a GIANT waste of my time.

[Barnes5150]

Well- been a D* customer since 2000 - my HR10 died this week, and they sent a refurb one. But decided to get the HR20.

Ordered on 3-2-07
Got the HR20 , 5LNB dish and install for $99
But- wont be installed until March 31st (Sat)

[MarkJones]

But- wont be installed until March 31st (Sat)

You should be able to move up your installation date by logging to directv.com and going to Customer Service/Change Your Installation Date. That's what I did, and was able to move it in by a full month.

It will often give you an error, but just keep trying.

[DonCorleone]

I can't believe the # of hits this thread has and the fact that it's still going...Bravo!

[Captain Spaulding]

I called today to see what kind of deal I could get to replace my 2 HR10-250 TiVo DVRs with HR20s. They immediately offered a swap out at $99 per DVR, including installation of the new 5 lnb dish. With shipping, tax, etc. it came to about $234.00. I'm happy with the deal.

[HDTVFanAtic]

Well- been a D* customer since 2000 - my HR10 died this week, and they sent a refurb one. But decided to get the HR20.


The 3rd set of installers broke my HR10-250 and tried to get them to replace it, but they would only send me a HR20-700. How were you able to get a HR10-250 as I really needed that and not another HR20-700.

[Rubble099]

Rubble099: don't take my posting personally, meant in fun, no insult intended I assure you ... in fact, please accept a public apology if you feel I was out of line.

Clearly you do get it when posting:


... as opposed all the others in this huge much-read topic. So many here have posted math saying they got $120 off through monthly discounts when it doesn't cost duhrecTV © $120 to give a subscriber $10 per month credits (PV / FV). And, as you rightly point out, there is a difference between credit as deduction on the bill Versus (formerly known as OLN) $10 credit for programming (the latter costing nothing to D*).

Apparently, per your recent post, I misunderstood (?) when you said:


Alternate True Lies may be posted by others in answer. I would say it just doesn't matter. Please note some who mention being 9-10 year customers and others beef about pricing who have been customers for a mere 5-6 months (go figure). Happy negotiating.

The muffin mahn,
etch

Etch, no worries...

Just thought I'd update you on my quest. I was going to let sleeping dogs lie but I saw more postings of the magical $99 price point, so I thought I'd give it one last try... here's what I got (in addition to everything else):

1) Additional $25 credit
2) Credit for the S&H -> $19.95?

Total credits for the box is now $150 + $25 + S&H. I'm satisfied enough...

I'm done, I'm tired, and I'm looking forward to my new plasma arriving and my D* 3/17 install. Time to finally see what everyone's been talking about and enjoying. :D

Anyone know a good reasonable outfit in Northern VA/ Washington DC area who hangs flat panels on the wall and snakes wiring, ect?

[etchasketch]

Rubble099: congrats, especially on the part that reads:
I'm satisfied

Combined with Captain Spaulding's comment:
I'm happy

that makes two satisfied shoppers in three posts!

Compared to most in this mongo-mega-series that's smokin :smoking:

Enjoy (assuming the bloody thing actually works, even most of the time that is ...).

etch

[Sominex30]

Hey all!

Well, first off thanks to Jimb726 and everyone else for their info and valuable advice!

I had called D* (Why don't we spell their name out by the way?) about a month ago and was only offered $199 for the HR-20 and free HD programming for 6 months. Told them "No Thanks!"


I called today and said I wanted to cancel my account and spoke to a very nice CSR!

He first offered me the HR-20 for $99, and I told him with Dish Network and FiOS offering me a FREE HD-DVR, it was hard to accept his offer.

He put me on hold and told me he could do $49 and 6 free months of Showtime. I asked him for 6 free months of HD instead, and he accepted! :)


So I got:

HR-20
Installation
6 Months HD Programming

$49

(If you factor in the free HD for 6 months, then it's $0!)

Thanks all! And... since I won't have my new Vizio HD TV till mid April, I told them to hold off install until then.

[jimb726]

Hey all!

Well, first off thanks to Jimb726 and everyone else for their info and valuable advice!

I had called D* (Why don't we spell their name out by the way?) about a month ago and was only offered $199 for the HR-20 and free HD programming for 6 months. Told them "No Thanks!"


I called today and said I wanted to cancel my account and spoke to a very nice CSR!

He first offered me the HR-20 for $99, and I told him with Dish Network and FiOS offering me a FREE HD-DVR, it was hard to accept his offer.

He put me on hold and told me he could do $49 and 6 free months of Showtime. I asked him for 6 free months of HD instead, and he accepted! :)


So I got:

HR-20
Installation
6 Months HD Programming

$49

(If you factor in the free HD for 6 months, then it's $0!)

Thanks all! And... since I won't have my new Vizio HD TV till mid April, I told them to hold off install until then.

Hey Sominex,
Great Deal, Glad to have helped for whatever I may have offered.:D Everone types D* cause we are just to lazy to type it out.:lol: Actually I think that I remember reading somewhere that it started out as E* for echostar, DTV for directv tv, and so on and eventually it just began being typed as D*. I guess. Who the heck really knows?? At any rate, glad to have you on board Sailor!!

Jim

[genearch]

Just off the phone with Customer Retention "Rob" at D*

Two HR20
Two w/RF remote (Don't they come with it? He wasn't sure but would make sure I get them)
1 year HD Programming
Install,Setup,Dish and all hardware

$66.33 + 19.95 handling & delivery $86.28 = Total

I already own my HR10-250's, so naturally I keep them (sell on ebay)

Install scheduled for next week

[pdawg17]

Just off the phone with Customer Retention "Rob" at D*

Two HR20
Two w/RF remote (Don't they come with it? He wasn't sure but would make sure I get them)
1 year HD Programming
Install,Setup,Dish and all hardware

$66.33 + 19.95 handling & delivery $86.28 = Total

I already own my HR10-250's, so naturally I keep them (sell on ebay)

Install scheduled for next week

Anything special you said or did you just say you wanted to upgrade?

[genearch]

Anything special you said or did you just say you wanted to upgrade?

I jotted down a few notes before my call. I told them I wanted to cancel and he asked why, I told him that DISH was offering a great deal (everything he ended up giving me)

Simple as that... I snoozed on the 1/2 off SHO, I think I could have made that happen as well. :D

[SDizzle]

The 3rd set of installers broke my HR10-250 and tried to get them to replace it, but they would only send me a HR20-700. How were you able to get a HR10-250 as I really needed that and not another HR20-700.

There is no way to be sure. I had issues with my HR10, but was ready to get another HR20, so wanted the HR20.........and I received a refurb HR10. NO ONE at D* could tell me ahead of time which one I would get, not even someone from the warehouse?? Or so they told me. By the way, that refurb HR10 was only about 2 weeks ago. When I called back, the rep at D* was shocked that I received an HR10. Good Luck!!

[HDTVFanAtic]

There is no way to be sure. I had issues with my HR10, but was ready to get another HR20, so wanted the HR20.........and I received a refurb HR10. NO ONE at D* could tell me ahead of time which one I would get, not even someone from the warehouse?? Or so they told me. By the way, that refurb HR10 was only about 2 weeks ago. When I called back, the rep at D* was shocked that I received an HR10. Good Luck!!

Well, actually, the ended up sending me a refurb HR10-250. It fits better in the plans of what I wanted, but WTF. Doesn't anyone at that place have a clue. They go through all this crap about how they dont have any - and they will only send out a HR20-700 blah blah blah.

It's amazing how they really are so clueless in promising one thing and delivering another.

[SDizzle]

Well, actually, the ended up sending me a refurb HR10-250. It fits better in the plans of what I wanted, but WTF. Doesn't anyone at that place have a clue. They go through all this crap about how they dont have any - and they will only send out a HR20-700 blah blah blah.

It's amazing how they really are so clueless in promising one thing and delivering another.

YEP!! They told me they were on back order....blah blah. Then I called the next day to get an update on the back order, and the CSR says "I have a tracking number for you", you're right... WTF:confused: And they all pretty much assured me that an HR20 was what I would get, as they said "we don't even ask for HR10s back now....we don't want them". How do they have NO clue, at ANY level, CSRs, retention, the protection plan dept., no one!! It shouldn't be that hard, right?:nono2:

[chrisfowler99]

I already got one a couple of months ago for the $99 deal 'cause I had an HR10-250.

Just called again trying to get a second one and the "best" they could do was $299 + $19.95 for delivery.

Strangely, she mentioned I could buy instead of lease for $750 or so...I didn't think that was an option?

Guess I may have to keep trying...

[leake79]

Just placed an order for new service with DirecTV, I'm excited and I hope it's going to be worth it.

Here's the deal I got:

Hardware:
HR20: $199 - $100 mail in rebate = $99 total
H20: $0
Regular receiver: $0

Packages:
HD Plus with HD service, DVR service, HBO and Cinemax: 65.97/month for 12 months
After 12 months: 75.97/month

I haven't read through the whole thread, so I don't know how this my deals stacks up, but I'm pretty happy with it.

[HDTVFanAtic]

Now there is an interesting post.....considering that we know Directv raises their rates every Feb - so here they promise x amount for 12 months and then another amount the next 12 months - and we all know its BS since they will raise rates next February - so I would only say to have them send you that rate guarantee.

[chrisfowler99]

Latest call the CSR told me that I used up my A-list bonus with the free R15 I got in January. hehe

Gave up...ordered online from Best Buy. Should be here in a few days.

[genearch]

Wait.. there is more! :lol:

Ok.. the saga continues

I pull up my bill and there are all kinds of charges.. it shows the $66.33 will be charged three times for the next couple months. It also has a $99.66 charge? Also, I hadn't heard from anybody to schedule the install.

So.. I call D* again, by no means was I angry with them but I needed it resolved. After going around in circles with two different reps for a little over an hour; mentioning to them, "why don't we skip the whole deal, cancel the account and I'll go to DISH" (That got their attention) a few times, I get an even better deal..

2 x HR20
Complete Install
1 year HD Programming

$0.00

(fingers crossed that it sticks and I don't end up with a messed up bill again)

I tried to work him a bit by explaining that I bill out $250 an hr and he just burned that much of my time. I was angling for free SHO... he wouldn't bite Oh well...

[Sominex30]

Could you guys tell me a few things-


1. I currently have:

4 Standard D* Receivers
1 SAT-60

The HR-20 will take the place of the SAT-60. Will the installer provide me with a new multi-switch? Is there a specific one I should ask for??


2. Since I already have 2 lengths of RG6 Cable running from the current multi-switch to my Tivo, do I need him to run NEW cables?


3. Lastly, if I don't have him run the new cables (that DO afterall come along with the installation), could I convince him/her to run a new cable to Mom & Dad's room instead? The reception on their TV is awful.

Thanks all!!

[farmboy1]

:p I recived a HR20 and H20 for $0 with the new dish and $5 a month off my programing for 6 months and HD package free for 6 months. Didn't make a big stink just asked what type of a deal I could Get. Ordered on 2/23 and installed on 3/5:p :p

[StachStach]

I called the normal number, told the automated system to "Cancel Service" in order to get to Retention last night, and got the following deal on 1 HR20-700 for my folks:


+$99 x 3 months
+$20 Shipping / Installation
-$10 x 12 months
-$120 on next bill
= $80 Total

Works for me
Stach

[Hoffasenior]

Wow!! Just wanted to thank you all for the great posts in this thread. Here is the deal I received with just telling D* about a dish offer of a free HD DVR:

HD DVR was $299 now $199 plus $199 credit. (equals to free)

One year of HD programming

6 months of showtime

Free install next friday.

:hurah:

[pdawg17]

Wow!! Just wanted to thank you all for the great posts in this thread. Here is the deal I received with just telling D* about a dish offer of a free HD DVR:

HD DVR was $299 now $199 plus $199 credit. (equals to free)

One year of HD programming

6 months of showtime

Free install next friday.

:hurah:

That's all you said? Lucky mofo you is...

[goyard4x]

Called to cancel because I didn't want to spend $200.00 for a HD DVR I could get free from cable and was offered the same from D* with free HD Dish and free installation. I'm happy for now, will see about the installation, supposed to be March 29th.

[Hoffasenior]

My guess is that the price is coming down pretty soon for me to get a deal like that. Or, the fact that I've ordered the past 8 UFC Events.

[etchasketch]

Pardon the long period between posts, but, we had to do another major personnel shuffle last week and it's been elbows and arseholes ever since.

LaCuMo (Larry, Curly and Mo) proved unsuited to the task in Customer retention (which we now call customer extension). The only thing getting done was compiling a list of phone nummers of, shall we say, the fairer sex.

That just didn't cut it with corporate policy so I confiscated said list post haste.

Then, after an exhaustive interview process, the duhrecTV © HR department (and I) made what we consider a most reasonable choice. We have off-shored the position to some young ladies from the University of Sweden! :eek2:

Sales are brisk. The girls caught on quickly (or maybe it's the accent?). Subscriptions / upgrades are selling like hotcakes. Err, that would be hot muffins ( = deals per code-talk). Yes the muffins are back baby.

Lemme splain it to ya Lucy:

During the hire in some nitwit signed LaCuMo to a long term contract with benes and bonus pay instead of the usual indentured servant gig. So, we had to find a place for them in the org., or, pay them to stay home and watch re-runs.

As it happens we had this huge pile of perfectly good HR-20s stacking up and no one to re-certify them. Early estimates suggested it would take weeks to catch up the back-log, but those guys are natural born technicians.

After just a few days they had benched and stamped "good to go" on every box in the warehouse. Due to this great news we now have muffins and to spare. First box? Second box in under six months? No worries!

And, thank you for choosing duhrecTV © (we don't care, we don't have to) TM
etch

[Hoffasenior]

Might be time to tell people to jump on the d* bandwagon.

[Drew2k]

Pardon the long period between posts, but [...]The rest of this post reminds me why I don't like to read any article in "Variety" ... :D

[etchasketch]

drew2k: this post reminds me why I don't like to read any article in "Variety"

How thoroughly unkind of you when we tries so hard! :icon_cool

Thank you Sir, may I have another? :icon_da:

etch :yesman:

[pdawg17]

Well, I currently have an HR10 but called to move on to an HR20 and ended up getting a very simple deal...no credits of any kind but a 5-LNB dish and HR20 install for $0...I was tempted to ask for credits but felt she was nice enough to give me everything for free to start with...all I said was that I was shopping around...what I think helped was that I am not in a commitment although I thought I was until this August...I wasn't about to argue with her though...

Now my question...here is my online order I looked up immediately after hanging up the phone with her...does this look right? And the "Swap ReplaceImplied DVR IRD" is always there? She said I didn't have to swap out my box but the order looks like it is a swap...

Order Detail:
Description Unit Price Quantity Price
Standard Professional Install
$0.00 1 $0.00
Swap ReplaceImplied DVR IRD
$0.00 1 $0.00
DIRECTV 5-LNB Multi-Satellite Dish
$0.00 1 $0.00
DIRECTV HD DVR (Expanded HD Prog. Capable)
$0.00 1 $0.00
Subtotal: $299.00
Tax: $24.67
Total: $323.67

My install date is not until 4/22 but I'll check online to try and change it...as of now however it shows as "unscheduled"...is that expected right after placing the order?...at the top of my order page it also says: "Amount paid: $323.47"...so that means it's all free right? Like I already "paid" the $323.47? I noticed there is no s/h listing either...call my paranoid but as you all know there are many possible opportunities for them to screw up...

[ntrprize]

My order looked like that. when the installer arrived, he didnt have any equipment. When I called Directv, thay told me I was supposed to supply the receiver, dish and multiswitch. Id call back and make sure everything is ok, because I thought I was getting a free receiver. The key line on the work order is Swap ReplaceImplied DVR IRD. I thought they were going to replace my DVR, but replace is short for replacement DVR, not that they are going to replace your DVR.

I ended up buying the receiver from Best Buy and DirecTV finally broke down and replaced the dish because I could not find any in local stores. Great A list treatment for me. NOT.

Im just saying, call them and confirm exactly what they are doing.

[etchasketch]

Feller pulls over at street-side lot, sign sez Sub-prime Slim's - no fade we trade


Guy comes sliding up between cars wearing a jacket that looks like 1950s seat covers ... you've all seen the look. Sticks out his hand and says "hi guy, I'm Stan, nice to see you back here at Slim's, what can I do ya for?"

Shopper feels befuddled, never having been there before, but senses a muffin (deal) in the making, so stays mum. "Nice ride, hey? So, what's it gonna take for me to put you in this car today?"

Shopper mumbles about just looking. Stan says "well, I really shouldn't do this, but Slim is on lunch break and we save all the hot numbers for A list repeat customers, wanna go for a ride?"

Switch scenes: CSR in the grocery (formerly known as retention, aka: the extension department) knows you not from Adam. It's nicer to refer to folks in an endearing fashion.

Folks, there is no A list. There is a list.

You are on it. Get it? :icon_stup
etch

[gopack]

Customer since 2000 with no current commitment.

I've spoken with two different retntion CSRs. Best that I can get from them is $150 for the equipment with 3 mos free programming. I mentioned the Dish and local TWC offers with free HD DVRS and got "You get what you pay for" along with a mini lecture on how these things cost DTV $700 to manufacture -- DTV's doing me a favor by discounting to only $399. Doing me a further favor by discounting to $149. Didn't take the offer -- probably moving to Dish.

[keeferb]

The third time was the charm for me. For my previous 2 calls over the past 2 weeks, they weren't willing to budge from the $199. I have been a D* customer for 7 years, and had about 8 months left on my current commitment. I have Total Choice+ programming, DVR, protection plan, and NFL ST. If they weren't going to deal today, I was just going to pay the $199 and be done with it. But it was my lucky day. I got a free HR20, free HD programming for 1 yr, and $5/mo credit for 1 yr. Two-year programming commitment required.

I used the same story I had with the previous 2 calls(got to retention saying 'cancel service') ....'Dish is offering me a free HD DVR and year of free HD programming. Can we work out a similar deal?'. She was very nice and the phone call lasted about 10 minutes. Installation is scheduled for 4/31.

[gopack]

The third time was the charm for me. For my previous 2 calls over the past 2 weeks, they weren't willing to budge from the $199. I have been a D* customer for 7 years, and had about 8 months left on my current commitment. I have Total Choice+ programming, DVR, protection plan, and NFL ST. If they weren't going to deal today, I was just going to pay the $199 and be done with it. But it was my lucky day. I got a free HR20, free HD programming for 1 yr, and $5/mo credit for 1 yr. Two-year programming commitment required.

I used the same story I had with the previous 2 calls....'Dish is offering me a free HD DVR and year of free HD programming. Can we work out a similar deal?'. She was very nice and the phone call lasted about 10 minutes. Installation is scheduled for 4/31.


^ Did you call retention directly on your subsequent calls? The second CSR was reading account notes that the first one had made regarding the initial offer and would not budge from it. I'll call once more in about a week (I'd rather stick with DTV, but need to reduce the up-front cost) and try again...

[keeferb]

^ Did you call retention directly on your subsequent calls? The second CSR was reading account notes that the first one had made regarding the initial offer and would not budge from it. I'll call once more in about a week (I'd rather stick with DTV, but need to reduce the up-front cost) and try again...

On all 3 calls I said 'cancel service' to the automated operator. I'm assuming they all went to retention, but I only know for sure that the first call went there(because I asked). I just checked online and the order appears just as she said it would. So far, so good.

[GaryGnu]

I got mine for free. I called about 3 weeks ago, and was wanting to cancel service. I explained how it was ridiculous to pay $200 for a leased piece of equipment. The net cost was $0, and I got it installed the other day.

[pdawg17]

I got mine for free. I called about 3 weeks ago, and was wanting to cancel service. I explained how it was ridiculous to pay $200 for a leased piece of equipment. The net cost was $0, and I got it installed the other day.

What did your order look like? Like this?

Order Detail:
Description Unit Price Quantity Price
Standard Professional Install
$0.00 1 $0.00
Swap ReplaceImplied DVR IRD
$0.00 1 $0.00
DIRECTV 5-LNB Multi-Satellite Dish
$0.00 1 $0.00
DIRECTV HD DVR (Expanded HD Prog. Capable)
$0.00 1 $0.00
Subtotal: $299.00
Tax: $24.67
Total: $323.67

Or did the total say $0? This is what mine looks like but then at the top of the webpage it says "Amount paid: $323.67"...

[HDTVFanAtic]

My order looked like that. when the installer arrived, he didnt have any equipment. When I called Directv, thay told me I was supposed to supply the receiver, dish and multiswitch. Id call back and make sure everything is ok, because I thought I was getting a free receiver. The key line on the work order is Swap ReplaceImplied DVR IRD. I thought they were going to replace my DVR, but replace is short for replacement DVR, not that they are going to replace your DVR.

I ended up buying the receiver from Best Buy and DirecTV finally broke down and replaced the dish because I could not find any in local stores. Great A list treatment for me. NOT.

Im just saying, call them and confirm exactly what they are doing.

I can assure you from 8 weeks of head banging that calling back and confirming means nothing.

I did it 4 times prior to the 3rd install attempt - and despite specific things being stated by the CSR, Customer Retention Floor Manager, ROY3 personnel and ROY3 Manager, guess what wasn't on the computer generated work orders that the Installers had in their possession.

This is seriously like the 3 Stooged. CSR cannot pull up the Work Order info - only ROY3 can do that - and that is the info passed to the Installer.

A CSR has specific thing on their screen concerning the orders - yet a ROY3 Agent has something different and their Floor Manager when they pull it up shows something else different.

I have never seen such a disfunctional system in my life.

I CAN TELL YOU, from my conversations, in Directv lingo, swap means they don't necessarily take the HD-TIVO. I was told specifically that the HD-TIVO would be moved to a different location in the house and installed at no additional charge. I was so taken back by it, I asked them to repeat it twice and recorded it.

Of course, the installers wanted to take it as to them that meant take it with them.

Calling Customer Retention after they botched the job, the Manager explained to me that that even though it said swap, it is standard procedure to move the unit if the customer has ordered that.

Considering the installer could not speak a word of english in the first place, I don't think they would ever understand that swap or replace DOES NOT mean to reinstall the unit in another location.

Directv has only brought this trouble on themselves with their disfunctional computer system that only certain departments can access only parts of the order.

The only way mine was ever resolved after 8 weeks and 4 install dates was a call to the Presidents Office - and even then the installer had not gotten the word properly - it took a callback to Directv while he was on the way to turn his tune around - by the time he arrived it was whatever I wanted was his instructions.

[pdawg17]

I can assure you from 8 weeks of head banging that calling back and confirming means nothing.

I did it 4 times prior to the 3rd install attempt - and despite specific things being stated by the CSR, Customer Retention Floor Manager, ROY3 personnel and ROY3 Manager, guess what wasn't on the computer generated work orders that the Installers had in their possession.

This is seriously like the 3 Stooged. CSR cannot pull up the Work Order info - only ROY3 can do that - and that is the info passed to the Installer.

A CSR has specific thing on their screen concerning the orders - yet a ROY3 Agent has something different and their Floor Manager when they pull it up shows something else different.

I have never seen such a disfunctional system in my life.

I CAN TELL YOU, from my conversations, in Directv lingo, swap means they don't necessarily take the HD-TIVO. I was told specifically that the HD-TIVO would be moved to a different location in the house and installed at no additional charge. I was so taken back by it, I asked them to repeat it twice and recorded it.

Of course, the installers wanted to take it as to them that meant take it with them.

Calling Customer Retention after they botched the job, the Manager explained to me that that even though it said swap, it is standard procedure to move the unit if the customer has ordered that.

Considering the installer could not speak a word of english in the first place, I don't think they would ever understand that swap or replace DOES NOT mean to reinstall the unit in another location.

Directv has only brought this trouble on themselves with their disfunctional computer system that only certain departments can access only parts of the order.

The only way mine was ever resolved after 8 weeks and 4 install dates was a call to the Presidents Office - and even then the installer had not gotten the word properly - it took a callback to Directv while he was on the way to turn his tune around - by the time he arrived it was whatever I wanted was his instructions.

Thanks...I feel much better now:nono:

[Decosse]

I threatened to quit last year (mid-year) unless they offered me deal with no capital cost on HD - at that time the HR20 wasn't out & the Retention Rep suggested it sounded like I would be happier to wait for its release (I wanted MPEG4 Local channels - off-air not viable where I live); I agreed but she put in my file that I would get $200 credit towards equipment & $20/month off my programing bill for 6 months when the HR20 was available.

Roll forward 6 months to when I finally get on the list - had to wrestle with customer service to take the $200 credit against the advertised $200 fee for existing customers - she said I could not get both and wanted to deduct it from the$329. No problem - transfer me to Retentions please!
They concluded I could get the credit against the $200 fee - I would just need to pay the shipping fee (or whatever it was - it was less than $10) - fine.
So I'm in for $10 out of pocket but $20/mo for 6 months programming credit = new HR20 receiver plus 5LNB dish plus switch plus free install plus free relocation & install of existing receiver to another room plus $120 to me!

Roll forward to install day (Wednesday of this week); install goes reasonably well although installer didn't replace my cables to the primary location for the Hr20 - probably should have insisted, he kept saying I didn't need them (admittedly I don't see any perceived performance degradation but I was entitled to get the under the work order)
However right after he leaves, Tuner1 drops out - reset/power off/ re-initiate will all bring it back for an hour or so, then it drops out again. Switching inputs, problem remains in Tuner1 - verdict - bad box right of the box!
Good Tech support rep agreed with my analysis without requiring a tech to come out & shipped what he said would be a new box (I specifically requested new - not refurb since I hadn't even used this one!) He said, "oh yes, it will be new!"

Roll forward to Friday - 'new' box arrives - although incredibly prompt shipment/delivery it is a re-furb which sets me in a poor mood right off the bat. Oh well, let's at least try to see if it resolves issue. Major headaches trying to get the 'old' HR20 de-activated & the new activated; in the process the CSR manages to de-activate my old Sony SAT-B2 and can't get it re-started, says the card is too old; transferred to another agent - we work through many different things to get the HR operational first - takes a lot of effort to get my HD locals into effect & finally get there. HD all now working well but the Sony still can't be re-initiated. This girl was really great by the way. She apologized it was outwith her capability to be able to work-around the old card problem with the Sony & would have to transfer me again; she looked to see what she could to make up for all my inconvenience & the frustration over my refurb unit; there seemed nothing at her level of authorization she could do but would put a note in my file before transferring me again. Now I get the third tech in the chain - she recognizes my problem with the Sony is that the card, although fine while still active, cannot now be re-activated since it is so old. I suggest, can we re-program the card that came with the original (defective) HR20? She says Bingo! & goes ahead & does that & gets my Sony back on-line.
She asked if anything else I can do & explain my chain of events, especially my 3 hrs on the phone that day. She gives me another $10 off programming for next 6 months.

That brings my grand total to
HR20 receiver - $10
plus 5LNB dish - free
plus switch - free
plus install - free
plus relocation & install of existing receiver to another room - free
plus $180 to me in programming credit (applied over 6 months)!

Painful along the way but ended up being a great deal.

[HDTVFanAtic]

I ran into the "old card" issue as well last week on another account - after refusing to budge for 90 minutes - amazingly they got it working.

During the course they gave some BS about virgin cards being mated to IRDs and if not activated in 9 days they became boat anchors.

I noted that the H20s from Best Buy come with cards and have been sitting in their warehouse for over 9 days.

The whole thing sounds like a weak excuse to me.

[etchasketch]

Decosse wrote:
...bad box right of the box! Good Tech support rep agreed with my analysis without requiring a tech to come out & shipped what he said would be a new box (I specifically requested new - not refurb since I hadn't even used this one!) He said, "oh yes, it will be new!"

Folks, there are truckloads of defective units that should be benched, repaired and certified -or- pitched.

:disk: Much has been made here of CSR roulette. Same-same on box roulette, the new game in town. New boxes (DVRs) are expensive. Refurbs are cheap. The other boxes (cardboard), also cheap.

:yesman: Want a real deal on a new box? Go to a box store ...

etch

[Decosse]

I was ready to make a big deal about it after I received, ..... yup ..... a refurb unit.
Then had a huge hassle getting the original one de-activated & the replacement activated, but finally got there.
I was arguing the used vs new on a point of principle, since I had not even been able to use my new unit right from the get-go. But I got another 6 months of free HD programing ($60) for my pain - so figured I would see how it works out.
As it is this one is working flawlessly so far & I'm $60 (in credit) to the good. This is on top of the free system (HR20 + 5LNB + switch) & free installation (incl relo of my Tivo unit) to begin with (paid $10 for 'shipping' I think) and $120 in programming credit originally (from Retentions)
So I guess I will bench my point of principle since it is working (as opposed to new one which wasn't!!!) and my total deal gives me no (minimal) cash outlay and now $180 in credits applied over next 6 months.
Having seen the number of issues reported with new units, it probably makes no sense to risk getting another bad one when this is operating fine (for now anyway) & I am cash to the good.

Incidentally the issue iwth my original 'new' one didn't show up until after it had been on ~ 1 hr - tuner 1 kept dropping out. This unit will undoubtedly come back to the field (with same issue) having been tested OK I suspect (I did include a note but am extremely doubtful that will make it as far as the tester)

[pdawg17]

Are the HR20s backordered again? My install date is not until April 22 and they said it is because the units are backordered...online there is an available install date for this Wednesday (although I get an error if I try to select it)...

[MarkJones]

Are the HR20s backordered again? My install date is not until April 22 and they said it is because the units are backordered...online there is an available install date for this Wednesday (although I get an error if I try to select it)...

Select the earlier date on the D* site. That's what I did, and moved up my install about six weeks.

[pdawg17]

Select the earlier date on the D* site. That's what I did, and moved up my install about six weeks.

I've tried to select a new date like 10 times but I always get an error and am told to call...I can't seem to get it to work...

[Sominex30]

I've tried to select a new date like 10 times but I always get an error and am told to call...I can't seem to get it to work...

Oddly enough, I did the same thing, and got the "Error" message about 40 times. But actually, it DID give me the date afterall. It was kind of odd. Go check your date and see if it's still the same

[pdawg17]

Oddly enough, I did the same thing, and got the "Error" message about 40 times. But actually, it DID give me the date afterall. It was kind of odd. Go check your date and see if it's still the same

Mine has always said "Unscheduled" even though when I called D* they said my install date correctly...I'm still a little nervous about the fact that it still says "Unscheduled"...and even after trying 30 times myself, it still says "Unscheduled"...

[AlbertZeroK]

Mine has always said "Unscheduled" even though when I called D* they said my install date correctly...I'm still a little nervous about the fact that it still says "Unscheduled"...and even after trying 30 times myself, it still says "Unscheduled"...

This is not unusual. They have a problem with this functionality on their website and it seems it's not being fixed.

[pdawg17]

Well, I called D* to confirm my 4/22 install date and I got lucky and got a great CSR...she said I could have this Wednesday 3/21! I made sure and got the installer's phone number to make sure I am scheduled and that they have an HR-20...I won't get too excited until everything is done...

[Sominex30]

I called to double check the installations details with IRON WOOD today. Sure enough.... they didn't have a Multi Switch on the work order. They told me I HAD to call DirecTV and make sure they put it on there or I wouldn't get it.

I called DirecTV and they put a 6x8 multi-switch on the work-order. I called IRONWOOD back 5 minutes later, and damned if they didn't already have it added to the work order. Kudos to them! *But my fingers are still crossed* ;)

[amm0dawg]

I've been a d* customer for just a few months. I just bought an HDTV and wanted Digital Sat.

last week I call D* ansd was quoted $349.00 to get a HD DVR. So I scheduled an installation. That's whan I found this board and learned how to play the game.

I once again call D* and said I ws cancelling my service. I received alot better customer service and they reduced the price for 1 HD DVR to $ 219.12.

I waited the wekend out and Thought I would try it one more time to try to get a better deal. I once again told the computer answering system that I wanted to cancel my service. I talked to a vary nice man that that put me on hold for about 5 min.

When he returned he had a pretty good deal....a $50 Credit.....Being greedy I asked for a little more money.

The final deal was a $70 credit and 3 months of Showtime. It would have cost me 87.50 to cancel the service.

My final cost was $110.12 that's after the $70 Credit and $36 fro Showtime.

I think I got a good deal. They come this Friday so I hope all goes well.

[mrb]

I think I got a good deal. They come this Friday so I hope all goes well.

One year anniversary with D* for me this month. Called to "upgrade" from my HR10 (bought off eBay several months ago) to the HR20 as I just can't pull in the OTA HD with any reliability, thereby negating most of the reason I convinced my wife to spend two grand on a plasma, and bringing me closer to divorce as Prison Break and CSI are constantly not viewable!

Got the HR20 plus the 5 LNB dish and installation for $107.91 total on my credit card. Told them I would agree to the two year committment, but that they had to come up with a better offer than $199 as Dish was offering me a very good offer (which was true). Installation in 10 days. In the end I am so far happy with their offer.

Now we'll see if the HR20 can outperform the three replacement crappy R15 units I first started D* with. I'm worried, but it's a good deal and watching the HR20 boards here seems many of the bugs have been worked out. Not all, I know, but I've got my fingers crossed.

If not, I'm suing the sh-t out of D*!! :mad: :lol:

[AlbertZeroK]

If not, I'm suing the sh-t out of D*!! :mad: :lol:

Don't you mean enter into mediation? You can't sue them, you agreed not to when you agreed to their service.

[mrb]

Don't you mean enter into mediation? You can't sue them, you agreed not to when you agreed to their service.

I can sue whomever I please--this is America!:eek2:

I may have "agreed" to something like that, but I certainly did not agree to pay for a service (television content) that requires a piece of equipment to consume (a receiver used to view television content) provided - at my cost - from the supplier of the aforementioned content - that does not function.

But hopefully we won't have to go that route...I have high hopes for the HR20 and look forward to seeing how it's been improved.

[HDTVFanAtic]

I can sue whomever I please--this is america!:eek2: .

Too bad you signed away how it would be settled - in mediation and not a court of law - with a panel stacked by Directv deciding what you get.


I may have "agreed" to something like that, but I certainly did not agree to pay for a service (television content) that requires a piece of equipment to consume (a receiver used to view television content) provided - at my cost - from the supplier of the aforementioned content - that does not function.


And for that you might get a few cents back as clearly you could use it to watch supplied programming in real time.


But hopefully we won't have to go that route.

The first bit of wisdom imparted here - hopefully you won't have to go that route - as you will find out how you have already signed away the outcome.

[mrb]

Too bad you signed away how it would be settled - in mediation and not a court of law - with a panel stacked by Directv deciding what you get.

And for that you might get a few cents back as clearly you could use it to watch supplied programming in real time.

The first bit of wisdom imparted here - hopefully you won't have to go that route - as you will find out how you have already signed away the outcome.

Thank you, Dear Sirs, for educating me on the finer points of my DirecTV contract, the law, and wisdom in general.

I am - forever - in your debt.:rolleyes:

[zot23]

So I was thinking about getting into the new 20-700 box from D* and setting up for the MPEG4 channels coming down the pipe. But I haven't really done this for a few years, what should my expectations be? I skimmed this thread but it is damn long, can someone help me with the basics here...

What number is the best to call? What do I say to get the best deal?

This is what I have now:
* HDtivo box that we own outright with the HD package ($10.)
* The monthly protection plan
* Programming package with all the channels (the $89 one.)
* Customer for a good 5+ yrs

Can I get the 20-700, the 5 LNB, install, and everything for $0? That's what I want to do, but is it feasible?

Thanks for any help.

[MarkJones]

So I was thinking about getting into the new 20-700 box from D* and setting up for the MPEG4 channels coming down the pipe. But I haven't really done this for a few years, what should my expectations be? I skimmed this thread but it is damn long, can someone help me with the basics here...

What number is the best to call? What do I say to get the best deal?

This is what I have now:
* HDtivo box that we own outright with the HD package ($10.)
* The monthly protection plan
* Programming package with all the channels (the $89 one.)
* Customer for a good 5+ yrs

Can I get the 20-700, the 5 LNB, install, and everything for $0? That's what I want to do, but is it feasible?

Thanks for any help.

Maybe not free, but with credits, close to it . Call them an speak with a CSR at the main number and tell them what you want. More than likely you won't get it, so ask to speak to Customer Retention. They seem to be more willing and able to please long-time customers who want to upgrade.

I'd say at the very least you should be able to walk away with a $99 outlay with $99 credits to your bill, maybe better.

[keeferb]

Maybe not free, but with credits, close to it . Call them an speak with a CSR at the main number and tell them what you want. More than likely you won't get it, so ask to speak to Customer Retention. They seem to be more willing and able to please long-time customers who want to upgrade.

I'd say at the very least you should be able to walk away with a $99 outlay with $99 credits to your bill, maybe better.

Or you can say 'cancel service' to automated operator and that should get you directly to the retention dept or whatever it's called now. It still took me 3 different calls to get the HR20 for free, so it depends on how much time and effort you want to put into it.

Good luck.

[HDTVFanAtic]

So I was thinking about getting into the new 20-700 box from D* and setting up for the MPEG4 channels coming down the pipe. But I haven't really done this for a few years, what should my expectations be? I skimmed this thread but it is damn long, can someone help me with the basics here...

What number is the best to call? What do I say to get the best deal?

This is what I have now:
* HDtivo box that we own outright with the HD package ($10.)
* The monthly protection plan
* Programming package with all the channels (the $89 one.)
* Customer for a good 5+ yrs

Can I get the 20-700, the 5 LNB, install, and everything for $0? That's what I want to do, but is it feasible?

Thanks for any help.

It's absolutely feasable - I got that and more for a LA Account in the Hills above Sunset Blvd that could not pick up HD OTA as it is shaded to Mt. Wilson - and Directv has 6 HD-LIL stations on the air in LA - so that was the only way to pick them up.

However, I would point out several things.

You do not say where you are located. If you are in a market where they have HD-LIL it might make some sense to get it now - but if you are not in such a situation - you will be able to push a better deal the longer you wait - and quite frankly, if you can get HD OTA it will look better now anyway than HD-LIL.

The new CONUS MPEG4 signals won't be up for at least 4+ months - and by that time the backlog of the HR20s will probably have worked itself out - not to mention the bugs in the firmware.

So unless there is a real reason, advice would be to wait.

[jahgreen]

Too bad you signed away how it would be settled - in mediation and not a court of law - with a panel stacked by Directv deciding what you get.



And for that you might get a few cents back as clearly you could use it to watch supplied programming in real time.



The first bit of wisdom imparted here - hopefully you won't have to go that route - as you will find out how you have already signed away the outcome.

The customer agreement requires arbitration before JAMS (Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Service), a highly-respected arbitration provider that is comprised mostly of retired judges. It's hardly stacked in DirecTV's favor, although you are less likely to get a huge award or any punitive damages (that's just the nature of arbitration).

You have waived your right to a jury trial and the ability to bring a class action (although that restriction is unenforceable in some states), but you haven't agreed not to sue DirecTV. You just have to sue in arbitration.

The DirecTV arbitration provision is actually rather reasonable compared to many. It requires DirecTV to pay JAMS' fees above $125 and states that the matter will be heard at the customer's hometown.

[OneEyedWonder]

Maybe not free, but with credits, close to it . Call them an speak with a CSR at the main number and tell them what you want. More than likely you won't get it, so ask to speak to Customer Retention. They seem to be more willing and able to please long-time customers who want to upgrade.

I'd say at the very least you should be able to walk away with a $99 outlay with $99 credits to your bill, maybe better.

I called yesterday afternoon. First CSR told me $299 was the absolute best she could do. I then told her I wanted to be speak with someone in retention. When I got there, I told her I could switch to Fios for free, free DVR, free installation (which is not technically true because I still have time on a 2 year commitment with D*).

I should say I called a few weeks ago and tried. At the time I hadn't got an HD TV yet so I was just seeing what I could get. Then I was told $199, and $10/month credit for 12 months.

When the rentition came back to me yesterday, she mentioned that earlier deal, and that she could match it. Told her that was great, but it is still more than $0 out of pocket. She then came back with $99 for HDDVR, $10/month for 12 months ($120 for those w/o calculators), AND she gave me free HD service for 4 months ($9.95/month). So net-net, $99 out of pocket, and $160 back in credits.

I took that deal and install is scheduled for April 3. I think I made out pretty well. Its amazing for me to think that people pay full price for things, when all you have to do is ask and usually you'll get a break.

[reubenray]

I will be moving to an area in about 6 weeks that has the HD locals via Directv. Right now I have a HR10-250 and a R15. The R15 died about 4 weeks ago and the H10-250 HDMI connection died today.

I am hoping I can use this as a bargaining tool to get a HR20 cheap.

[Gottria]

Just got off the phone with D, installed date of Friday. Man it's going to be a good weekend. I finally get HD for my plasma.

[Sominex30]

Well... it finally happened. I got my new Vizio 42" LCD 2 weeks ago, and DirecTV came out last week to install the new HR-20 and new dish.

It all went very very well! The installer did a good job on everything. I was scheduled for a 1pm - 5pm time slot. He showed up around 1:30. He surveyed the house and planned out what he would do. We were relocating my current DVR down the hall, and had run some string through the wall to him guide the new cables. He installed the dish where our OLD one was and we helped him out by running some of the new cables for him :)

After he was done the dish install, I was in the middle of running one of the cable through the ceiling. In about 10 minutes he had the HR-20 installed via HDMI, the remote progammed for my TV and new software downloading. He was very efficient.

The only thing he made a big "boo boo" was drilling the new holes for the relocation int he room down the hall. His first drill hole went THROUGH the roof. But he went up on the roof and fixed it up.

All in all, it went great!!

Here is a re-cap for people thinking about this deal

1. I called retention and got the HD-20, Slime Line HD Dish, 6X8 Zinwell Multi-Switch, Installation, Relocation of the old DVR, and 6 months free HD package for $49.95

2. Install went great, and the HR-20 came with an HDMI cable that worked perfect!! (I am aware there are problems with HDMI during initial hook up, but mine worked well!)

3. Install took about 1 hour and 45 minute total.

4. I am a very please customer!


Heck, I even got my new Samsun Upcovner DVD Player/Recorder hooked up too! I was able to record some movies and TV shows from the HR-20 right onto DVD.

I am happy guys!



** Oh yeah... one more thing!

I went and bought a $50 "HD" Antenna from Radio Shack when I got the TV. I hung it out the window and got about 24 channels. Some came in flakey, and NBC didn't come in at all. But I was content.

When I was running the new Satelite cable in the house I found the antenna lead from the OLLLLDD antenna on the roof. I went and got a $1.99 RG-6 cable end and hooked it up into the TV and HR-20 (using a splitter). I know get 36 OTA HD Channels that display right on my DirecTV guide.

I LOVE IT

:)

[funhouse69]

Hey everyone - I'm somewhat new here and thought I would share my Install story with you as it's an interesting one.

A month or so ago I called D* to see about getting the HD Upgrade. They told me that they would upgrade me to a 5LNB Dish (not sure which one) and give me a HR20-700 for $299 with $100 off (so $199). I agreed to this (mostly because I didn't know better at the time). The installer came out and couldn't find line of site for the HD so he left. I got a message a few days later saying that a supervisor checked it out and was able to find line of site but played phone tag with them and eventually the order got canceled. I resubmitted the order and then the fun began...

Last Tuesday the installer came out (different one), I had 3 possible locations for him if he was able to get line of site. The first one was where my old dish is located and the original installer wasn't able to locate line of site. The second one he didn't even want to consider as it was on eve of the house. The 3rd which he took was on my front porch and most noticeable from the street. I tried to push back but he said he wouldn't get line of site from the eve anyway. Ok whatever!

The installer installed the dish then ran the 2 connections down to my old grounding block then utilized the existing wiring that went up to my Multi-Switch. This lead to a good 2+ hours of the installer trying to figure out why he was able to get great signals but no HD through the Multi-Switch. Since he is the "Expert" he should have known the solution but didn't. He eventually left with everything disconnected and me with no service whatsoever. I had to reconnect everything to get back up and running (still no HD).

After calling D* they sent out another person who I requested was knowledgeable about Multi-Switches and HD. The installer was a 20 yr old kid that although had a clue he had no people / customer skills. He spent more time "Taking a statement" from me and trying to figure out who the installer was that left me with an incomplete install instead of getting me up and running. Then he tells me that I should call up and complain more to get some "Free Stuff" from D* and actually said to me that I better not complain about him as he "Knows where I live". Seriously joking or not who says something like that to a customer?

To resolve the issue all in all this guy was run the two additional connections from the new dish to a new multi-switch and realigned the dish to get me up and running. That was last Thursday since then I've been trying to get used to the new DVR as I'm an old SD Direct TiVO person. I will say that it might be my imagination but the HR20 to me seems to have a better picture than the older boxes even on SD channels.

I almost forgot that when I resubmitted the order they didn't put the order in as a DVR they put it in as a regular receiver so while the installer (that couldn't) was there I called up and tried to have D* change it to a DVR. I think that they felt like they had me at this point. They started out with the price of the HR20 as $299 then when I told them that I thought I was an "A List" customer and quoted the $199 split up in to 3 payments they agreed to do that then transferred me to someone else in my area to complete the order. He tried to charge me the $299 again then said the best he could do is 3 payments of $99 with the first payment removed. Well wouldn't you know I just got my bill and sure enough there is the $99 charge on it.

So in one weeks time I went from a thrilled D* customer of over 10 years to a very unhappy customer that dealt with a completely incompetent installer and then to being threatened by one! I haven't been able to call just yet mostly because I've needed to let this settle a little more with me but now that I've seen my bill I have to call soon.

[PatNOregon]

Well after lurking around this forum since the HR20 was released, I finally jumped off the deep end and called CSR today to see what deal I could get. Did the old "Cancel Service" when prompted and got a very nice rep named Valerie (from Idaho). Told her I was looking to make the jump but wanted a good deal, preferably free (just tell them what you want folks, all they can say is no).

Here is what I got:
HR20-700 and 5LNB dish for free, not even a $20 handling fee :)
Of course had to sign up for another 2 years, but was already on the hook when I got my HR10 last August. Install scheduled for next Friday in the AM, better than what I was thinking would happen after hearing people having to wait for over a month.

Then she asked if there was anything else she could do, well I said how about some free HD. She laughed and said most people would be happy with the free upgrade, I said well I'm not most people and I'm an A list customer :), she said yes you are so I can do free HD for a year ($120), I was only expecting 6 months, so I was like thats great! She then asked, "you gonna squeeze anything else out of me today?", I said "You bet!, how about some HBO or Showtime?", cant do HBO but can give you 6 months of Showtime. I told her she was the best CSR I've come across and that once I posted my story people may be asking for her by name.

So, I'm pretty happy, the decision to switch was made that much easier. Looking forward to next weekend to play with it and read up on all the tweaks people are coming up with, only thing pending is the Wife Factor, we really love the tivo but not having to deal with OTA drop outs will be worth the learning curve for the remainder of this TV Season.

Hopefully this will convince more folks to switch like the previous posts convinced me. Glad to be part of this forum now! Adios!

[jpl]

Well after lurking around this forum since the HR20 was released, I finally jumped off the deep end and called CSR today to see what deal I could get. Did the old "Cancel Service" when prompted and got a very nice rep named Valerie (from Idaho). Told her I was looking to make the jump but wanted a good deal, preferably free (just tell them what you want folks, all they can say is no).

Here is what I got:
HR20-700 and 5LNB dish for free, not even a $20 handling fee :)
Of course had to sign up for another 2 years, but was already on the hook when I got my HR10 last August. Install scheduled for next Friday in the AM, better than what I was thinking would happen after hearing people having to wait for over a month.

Then she asked if there was anything else she could do, well I said how about some free HD. She laughed and said most people would be happy with the free upgrade, I said well I'm not most people and I'm an A list customer :), she said yes you are so I can do free HD for a year ($120), I was only expecting 6 months, so I was like thats great! She then asked, "you gonna squeeze anything else out of me today?", I said "You bet!, how about some HBO or Showtime?", cant do HBO but can give you 6 months of Showtime. I told her she was the best CSR I've come across and that once I posted my story people may be asking for her by name.

So, I'm pretty happy, the decision to switch was made that much easier. Looking forward to next weekend to play with it and read up on all the tweaks people are coming up with, only thing pending is the Wife Factor, we really love the tivo but not having to deal with OTA drop outs will be worth the learning curve for the remainder of this TV Season.

Hopefully this will convince more folks to switch like the previous posts convinced me. Glad to be part of this forum now! Adios!

Wow! Now THAT'S a great deal! I posted on one of the other threads that I decided to try the soft approach for now - I sent DirecTV an e-mail explaining the situation to them - I just got an HDTV, I want the HR20, but the $300 is cost-prohibitive right now, and I asked if there were any deals/discounts to be had. I got a response back saying that they are committed to keeping me as a happy customer and that a CSR would call me within 48 hours, which is what I figured they would say. I guess I'll have to see what they have to offer... I'm not expecting anything like this (even though I'm a customer in good standing - never missed a payment - I'm most likely not an A-list customer). I have to believe that DirecTV is going to start offering some pretty steep discounts. The two new satellites will give them an edge, but it will be short-lived as other suppliers come on board and start offering similar service. Given that, their window of opportunity to sign people up, to recoup the cost of launching said satellites, will be pretty short. I think they're going to start offering better and better deals to get people on board. Free would be nice... but I'll take something less expensive.

[OVERKILL]

Well after lurking around this forum since the HR20 was released, I finally jumped off the deep end and called CSR today to see what deal I could get. Did the old "Cancel Service" when prompted and got a very nice rep named Valerie (from Idaho). Told her I was looking to make the jump but wanted a good deal, preferably free (just tell them what you want folks, all they can say is no).

Here is what I got:
HR20-700 and 5LNB dish for free, not even a $20 handling fee :)
Of course had to sign up for another 2 years, but was already on the hook when I got my HR10 last August. Install scheduled for next Friday in the AM, better than what I was thinking would happen after hearing people having to wait for over a month.

Then she asked if there was anything else she could do, well I said how about some free HD. She laughed and said most people would be happy with the free upgrade, I said well I'm not most people and I'm an A list customer :), she said yes you are so I can do free HD for a year ($120), I was only expecting 6 months, so I was like thats great! She then asked, "you gonna squeeze anything else out of me today?", I said "You bet!, how about some HBO or Showtime?", cant do HBO but can give you 6 months of Showtime. I told her she was the best CSR I've come across and that once I posted my story people may be asking for her by name.

So, I'm pretty happy, the decision to switch was made that much easier. Looking forward to next weekend to play with it and read up on all the tweaks people are coming up with, only thing pending is the Wife Factor, we really love the tivo but not having to deal with OTA drop outs will be worth the learning curve for the remainder of this TV Season.

Hopefully this will convince more folks to switch like the previous posts convinced me. Glad to be part of this forum now! Adios!


You received an awesome deal. Way to go. :D

Your deal is pretty much what Im looking for.
My contract expires this April and am looking to go HD, whether it be at Dish or with DTV.

Let us know how the install went and all of that good stuff.

[jimstick]

Called D* last night and said "cancel service" to the auto prompt. When the CSR came on she asked if she could help me and I said I was wanting to upgrade to an HD-DVR, but I couldn't justify paying $300 for something I could get for free from Dish. She took a minute to check my account and said since I have been a customer since 2004 and my account has always been in good standing, she could upgrade me today to the HD-DVR for free. I said great!, and she said It's my lucky day, so it truly is CSR roulette. They pick and choose at random, I think, who gets a deal and who doesn't. So, keep calling until you get "lucky". She also told me that they are starting to catch up on production of the HR20-700's so they would be out to install it next friday. My freind just got his hooked up 2 weeks ago after waiting over a month. I decided not to push my luck, and ask for more, so what I got was the DVR, 5-LNB dish installed, my SD-DVR relocated to the other room, a second cable run from the dish to the SD-DVR, and my bill will only go up $9.99 per month for the HD Package. I also got Plus HD instead of the Total Choice I had (more channels).

[claymanhb]

I called a week ago to "cancel service" I just got my hr20 installed yesterday. My total was $110 with 1 year of free hd programming. ($10/mo credit). So they will end up giving me $10 at the end. ;) ...just too bad the installer was an idiot...hopefully they send a better one next week.


---All thanks to this thread.

[OVERKILL]

I spoke to 2 DTV csr's today.

The best possible deal I was offered but didn't take was.

HR20 - $99

Free HD access for 1 yr

6 months of Showtime

3 months of Starz

6 months of Cinamax or HBO @ $10 off

Up to $150 Installation credit because of semi- custom installation.


What do you guys think of this deal?

I could not get them to budge from charging for the receiver.



I'm going to call Dish and see what they can offer.

[MarkJones]

It's a pretty darned good deal. The credits you're getting are the same as cash, albeit delayed a bit.

[papa_azteca]

I can sue whomever I please--this is America!:eek2:

I may have "agreed" to something like that, but I certainly did not agree to pay for a service (television content) that requires a piece of equipment to consume (a receiver used to view television content) provided - at my cost - from the supplier of the aforementioned content - that does not function.

But hopefully we won't have to go that route...I have high hopes for the HR20 and look forward to seeing how it's been improved.

what was the type of gun that was placed to your head that forced you to get the HR20? you stated it yourself, you requested the unit knowing some of its flaws

[papa_azteca]

I spoke to 2 DTV csr's today.

The best possible deal I was offered but didn't take was.

HR20 - $99

Free HD access for 1 yr

6 months of Showtime

3 months of Starz

6 months of Cinamax or HBO @ $10 off

Up to $150 Installation credit because of semi- custom installation.


What do you guys think of this deal?

I could not get them to budge from charging for the receiver.



I'm going to call Dish and see what they can offer.

I think your screen name is exactly what you are. you were offered over $435 in credits and your whining bc you have to pay $99 for the HR-20? a unit that YOU are requesting that some pay up to $299 for? unbelievable! people like this make me sick. you all think that because you decide to pay a company for a service that you want that it entitles you to negotiate for more than you should receive. i won't be surprised to hear the day that D* states no more credits for certain customers. they will place customers in categories and limit what is offered to customers based off what category they are in. i bet they still come out ahead financially. a company i used to work for did this and granted they lost whining customers in the beginning but they offered services other companies did not. they ended up with better customers - loyal customers. people that haggle for better deals are not loyal customers because they would understand that a company needs to meet financial goals more than adding customers. compare ARPU for D* and E*: which has a higher Average Revenue Per Unit (customer)? so what if E* is adding more customers but what is the ARPU of said customers? D* has even said this about E*, that E* has a niche customer base based on their price plan packages.

Sorry, didn't mean to rant. I think threads like this are a double edge sword as they do provide some helpful information but most of the time they represent how greedy people are.

[pdawg17]

I was just happy getting the HR-20 and install for free...

[pdawg17]

Called D* last night and said "cancel service" to the auto prompt. When the CSR came on she asked if she could help me and I said I was wanting to upgrade to an HD-DVR, but I couldn't justify paying $300 for something I could get for free from Dish. She took a minute to check my account and said since I have been a customer since 2004 and my account has always been in good standing, she could upgrade me today to the HD-DVR for free. I said great!, and she said It's my lucky day, so it truly is CSR roulette. They pick and choose at random, I think, who gets a deal and who doesn't. So, keep calling until you get "lucky". She also told me that they are starting to catch up on production of the HR20-700's so they would be out to install it next friday. My freind just got his hooked up 2 weeks ago after waiting over a month. I decided not to push my luck, and ask for more, so what I got was the DVR, 5-LNB dish installed, my SD-DVR relocated to the other room, a second cable run from the dish to the SD-DVR, and my bill will only go up $9.99 per month for the HD Package. I also got Plus HD instead of the Total Choice I had (more channels).

Wait...you had the vanilla Total Choice and are now on Plus HD for only $9.99 more? I have Total Choice, 1 DVR, and HD package and it comes out to around $64 ($54 without the HD package)....isn't the Plus HD package ~$70?

[OVERKILL]

I think your screen name is exactly what you are. you were offered over $435 in credits and your whining bc you have to pay $99 for the HR-20? a unit that YOU are requesting that some pay up to $299 for? unbelievable! people like this make me sick. you all think that because you decide to pay a company for a service that you want that it entitles you to negotiate for more than you should receive. i won't be surprised to hear the day that D* states no more credits for certain customers. they will place customers in categories and limit what is offered to customers based off what category they are in. i bet they still come out ahead financially. a company i used to work for did this and granted they lost whining customers in the beginning but they offered services other companies did not. they ended up with better customers - loyal customers. people that haggle for better deals are not loyal customers because they would understand that a company needs to meet financial goals more than adding customers. compare ARPU for D* and E*: which has a higher Average Revenue Per Unit (customer)? so what if E* is adding more customers but what is the ARPU of said customers? D* has even said this about E*, that E* has a niche customer base based on their price plan packages.

Sorry, didn't mean to rant. I think threads like this are a double edge sword as they do provide some helpful information but most of the time they represent how greedy people are.




The whole purpose of this thread is to show what people are getting or being told. It clearly states it in the title of the thread.

You don't have to read it, if it upsets you.

[jpl]

The whole purpose of this thread is to show what people are getting or being told. It clearly states it in the title of the thread.

You don't have to read it, if it upsets you.

I agree. I haven't read any posts where people feel they're owed anything. They're just trying to get a better deal. No one is holding a gun to DirecTV's head either. There are two parties to these transactions. By saying "you shouldn't try to negotiate a better price" is to be speaking on behalf of one of the two parties involved in the business deal - you're speaking for DirecTV. And not only that, but you are denying DirecTV the opportunity to secure additional business. It's a mutually-beneficial agreement - a customer gets the HR20 for less, and DirecTV gets additional revenue. If either party feels that the deal isn't beneficial, then the deal doesn't happen.

[rpl47]

Has any1 been able to "swap out" a leased HR10-250 for a HR20-700..even swap? Any1 received a HR20-100? Black?

[papa_azteca]

The whole purpose of this thread is to show what people are getting or being told. It clearly states it in the title of the thread.

You don't have to read it, if it upsets you.

I think it should upset a lot of people bc many don't realize what they cause when people get greedy: it can become difficult for those that really qualify. Take you for example, you are already getting a great deal, better than some, and yet you are still trying to get beyond the $99? What of D* said, "OK, here's a free HR20 but everything else is off the table"? Then what? You got it for free and you'll probably complain that you should be given more bc others got more.

I read this thread to find useful information but it is for the most part greed.

[papa_azteca]

I agree. I haven't read any posts where people feel they're owed anything. They're just trying to get a better deal. No one is holding a gun to DirecTV's head either. There are two parties to these transactions. By saying "you shouldn't try to negotiate a better price" is to be speaking on behalf of one of the two parties involved in the business deal - you're speaking for DirecTV. And not only that, but you are denying DirecTV the opportunity to secure additional business. It's a mutually-beneficial agreement - a customer gets the HR20 for less, and DirecTV gets additional revenue. If either party feels that the deal isn't beneficial, then the deal doesn't happen.

I am not saying that one shouldn't negotiate for a better price: that's the cost of doing business. But at the same time, don't complain when you don't get your way. The guy that I asked about the gun stated that if he had problems with the unit that he would call back and demand more credits bc he might have problems that he already knows about. Again, the consumer made the decision to negotiate and agree to terms with D* when he knows about some issues and then expects more?

And some of them do feel that they are "owed" by making comments like how long they have been customers, how much they pay, how much they have spent on previous equipment, etc. They are not coming out and say it but the feel it. Why else continue to call to get that one agent that would give them what they feel they should get?

I buy my suits from a particular company in town. There are many reasons why I use this particular company: they carry great quality suits for a very reasonable price, they are quite modern, they have an excellent custom order catalog of suits that I can not find elsewhere, they have an in-house tailor and a very customer-service oriented knowledgable staff, just to name a few. Now if one day I come in and tell the sales rep, "You know, I have been buying suits here for about 7 years and have spent a lot of money here. I think you should give me a free suit and throw in some shirts and ties. And don't forget all of the business that I have sent your way. Now if you don't, I am taking my business elsewhere." What do you think they'll say to me? They can negotiate with me, but if I am steadfast on getting what I asked for, what do you think they'll for me?

[Sominex30]

Well. I got my first DirecTV bill today since the install.

Unfortunately they screwed it up.....

They made 2 mistakes on the bill


1. They charged me for the first month of HD service ($9.99). I was told that I would get it FREE for 6 months. I spoke to someone in accounting, she said and I quote "We don't give away HD service and there is no such deal, so you are mistaken"

I gave her the NAME, ID NUMBER, DATE and TIME of the person I spoke with who gave me the deal. She said "You'll have to talk to him... we don't give away free service". Her attitude and ignorance pissed me off so I said "No problem! Cancel my service TODAY, and come take all this equipment. I want to speak to the cancelation/retention department please"


Her response:

"We don't have a cancellation department anymore"

I spoke to her manager who gave me the same grief, but finally decided to get off her lazy ass and LOOK UP the info I gave her about the CSR ID number, date and notes. She then said "ohhh. I do see that in here, I'll fix it for you"

2. They gave me an R-15 to replace an OLD DVR that broke down. Well, it doesn't work, The "Menu" button doesn't work on the remote nor does it work on the console itseld. The tech guy I called last week said it was the remote (even though I KNOW it's not), so he said he was sorry and sent me out a new remote.

They CHARGED me for the remote. I got her to take that off the bill too.

My install was 99% GREAT!! It's a SHAME their Customer Service doesn't match. It REALLY is HIT or MISS with D*.



So the moral is.... WATCH YOUR BILLS CAREFULLY, and always always always write down the name, id #, date and time of EVERYONE you talk to. The treatment and service I received today is UNACCEPTABLE.

I with the rest of you lots of luck. I'll try and just suck this hope, move on, enjoy my great new TV and HD service and hope that my contact with CSR's there will be LIMITED from this point on.


*End Rant*

[OVERKILL]

Well. I got my first DirecTV bill today since the install.

Unfortunately they screwed it up.....

They made 2 mistakes on the bill


1. They charged me for the first month of HD service ($9.99). I was told that I would get it FREE for 6 months. I spoke to someone in accounting, she said and I quote "We don't give away HD service and there is no such deal, so you are mistaken"

I gave her the NAME, ID NUMBER, DATE and TIME of the person I spoke with who gave me the deal. She said "You'll have to talk to him... we don't give away free service". Her attitude and ignorance pissed me off so I said "No problem! Cancel my service TODAY, and come take all this equipment. I want to speak to the cancelation/retention department please"


Her response:

"We don't have a cancellation department anymore"

I spoke to her manager who gave me the same grief, but finally decided to get off her lazy ass and LOOK UP the info I gave her about the CSR ID number, date and notes. She then said "ohhh. I do see that in here, I'll fix it for you"

2. They gave me an R-15 to replace an OLD DVR that broke down. Well, it doesn't work, The "Menu" button doesn't work on the remote nor does it work on the console itseld. The tech guy I called last week said it was the remote (even though I KNOW it's not), so he said he was sorry and sent me out a new remote.

They CHARGED me for the remote. I got her to take that off the bill too.

My install was 99% GREAT!! It's a SHAME their Customer Service doesn't match. It REALLY is HIT or MISS with D*.



So the moral is.... WATCH YOUR BILLS CAREFULLY, and always always always write down the name, id #, date and time of EVERYONE you talk to. The treatment and service I received today is UNACCEPTABLE.

I with the rest of you lots of luck. I'll try and just suck this hope, move on, enjoy my great new TV and HD service and hope that my contact with CSR's there will be LIMITED from this point on.


*End Rant*


Wow, thats crazy. Thank God you had that employee ID # and name, that gave credibility to your story.
So many people received HD credit that her statement really makes you wonder whats going on.
I seriously hope that this is an isolated incident.

[Sominex30]

Wow, thats crazy. Thank God you had that employee ID # and name, that gave credibility to your story.
So many people received HD credit that her statement really makes you wonder whats going on.
I seriously hope that this is an isolated incident.

My thoughts exactly brother!

The lesson of "ALWAYS write down the person's name, date and time" is always reinforced in my head when CRAP like this happens.

It REALLY is hit of miss with D*. You'll get someone who is great, knowledgeable, and HELPFUL, OR... someone who is ignorant, condescending, and worst of all LAZY.

My installed (who was just a sub contractor for D*) was GREAT. Fast, efficient, friendly and KNEW WHAT HE WAS DOING.

The person in retention who sold me the HR-20 and install last month, was GREAT as well. There is NO reason EVERYONE can't be this way. Afterall they are supposed to be!!

But this woman was such a bitter, ignorant lazy piece of garbage that I lost a lot of respect for D*. The fact that her manager was no better really bothered and worried me.

Ahhh. *sigh*

Good night all and good luck!

[jpl]

I am not saying that one shouldn't negotiate for a better price: that's the cost of doing business. But at the same time, don't complain when you don't get your way. The guy that I asked about the gun stated that if he had problems with the unit that he would call back and demand more credits bc he might have problems that he already knows about. Again, the consumer made the decision to negotiate and agree to terms with D* when he knows about some issues and then expects more?

And some of them do feel that they are "owed" by making comments like how long they have been customers, how much they pay, how much they have spent on previous equipment, etc. They are not coming out and say it but the feel it. Why else continue to call to get that one agent that would give them what they feel they should get?

I buy my suits from a particular company in town. There are many reasons why I use this particular company: they carry great quality suits for a very reasonable price, they are quite modern, they have an excellent custom order catalog of suits that I can not find elsewhere, they have an in-house tailor and a very customer-service oriented knowledgable staff, just to name a few. Now if one day I come in and tell the sales rep, "You know, I have been buying suits here for about 7 years and have spent a lot of money here. I think you should give me a free suit and throw in some shirts and ties. And don't forget all of the business that I have sent your way. Now if you don't, I am taking my business elsewhere." What do you think they'll say to me? They can negotiate with me, but if I am steadfast on getting what I asked for, what do you think they'll for me?

Fair enough. To be honest, I missed the post to which you were referring - the one about the gun. In that case, I do agree that that seems very much over the top. And I do have to agree that some appear to be given some really nice deals and the fact that the deals aren't good enough just makes me scratch my head.

I plan on calling DirecTV to try to work out a deal - I believe that the cost of the HR20 is a tad on the high side - especially if what DirecTV is trying to do is to attract HD customers. Right now they're largely attracting folks willing to pay a premium for that service. But, and I posted this in a totally different thread, the new satellites are going to give them an edge in providing HD. That edge, however, will be pretty short-lived, as other providers figure out ways to increase their HD capabilities. In order to recoup the cost, DirecTV is going to need to attract a certain number of HD customers, and in order to take advantage of the edge that they'll have, they'll need to move quickly. Which is why I believe that they're going to start offering some fairly steep discounts.

One quick point on giving DirecTV the opportunity to get new business. I just bought an HDTV - my first. I want HD service. But the $300 lease fee, with 2-year commitment is pretty steep in my book. It's made me seriously consider switching to FiOS. I have in mind a price which I think would be fair, from my perspective, that DirecTV could offer that would make me upgrade to the HR20. At the current price, though, it's not worth it to me, and by not coming down in price, they may end up losing me as a customer. I don't want that to happen - I love their service. But I really would like HD programming. By negotiating with me, DirecTV has the opportunity to keep my business, and by me negotiating with them, I have the opportunity to get HD service for a price I think is fair.

[papa_azteca]

I agree that D* will have to change the way they retain new HD customers. I think that once the new birds are up and the content is there that we will see new D* customers pay a little more up front than what they today. It will be niche that D* has over their competitors, at least for a while and if a consumer wants to take advantage of it they will pay. Existing customers, to show loyality to them, should be made offers that are different from customers coming in the door. But there has to be a balance. And sometimes we as the consumers make it unbalanced and therefore may pay more in the long run.

I know D* is not short visioned on how they will implement HD. But think about it: if they deliver what they are promising for HD content, including sports and regular programming, what would keep them from charging a higher premium rate for the programming but not for equipment? Many say, "I'll go to FiOS" but compare the prices. Verizon charges $12.99/month for their HD DVR. A small comparison if I was to go with Verizon (rounded up to nearest dollar)

D*
Premium: $100
HD Access: $10
DVR Service: $0
Equipment: 3 standard, 2 R15s, 1 HR10-250, 1 HR20: $30 ($4.99 * 6)
Protection Plan: $6
Subtotal: $146 (not including sport subscriptions)

Verizon:
Core Package: $43
Movies and Sports: $16
HBO/Cine: $27
2 Multi-room HD/DVRs: $40 ($20*2)
5 Standard Receivers: $25 ($5*5)
Subtotal: $151, not knowing if they charge for HD programming bc it is not located on their site and this was getting creative with their recievers bc one can use only one MR HD DVR and get DVR functionality to standard boxes but you still have to pay for the additional boxes.

[mrb]

I buy my suits from a particular company in town. There are many reasons why I use this particular company: they carry great quality suits for a very reasonable price, they are quite modern, they have an excellent custom order catalog of suits that I can not find elsewhere, they have an in-house tailor and a very customer-service oriented knowledgable staff, just to name a few. Now if one day I come in and tell the sales rep, "You know, I have been buying suits here for about 7 years and have spent a lot of money here. I think you should give me a free suit and throw in some shirts and ties. And don't forget all of the business that I have sent your way. Now if you don't, I am taking my business elsewhere." What do you think they'll say to me? They can negotiate with me, but if I am steadfast on getting what I asked for, what do you think they'll for me?

Hey papi...your rants miss the point.

1) A gun to my head? Spoken like a true Texan, nice. I didn't have a gun to my head, but I did agree to sign up with D* a year ago, before I knew how utterly useless their R15 unit was. Since that was ALL that this company offered, while promising me television content delivered via satellite and decoded and sent to my tv via THEIR receiver, what choice did I have? I was sold a bill of goods...and the R15s - three of them all sent back - were non-functional for their stated purpose. In the end I had to BUY from my own pocket and in addition to my monthly fees with D* a used R10 tivo receiver that D* would not sell to me. That one worked flawlessly. Then I got a new hdtv and bought an HR10 tivo unit. Also flawless, but it won't pick up local OTA HD well. What to do...

2) I contacted D* and told them you have content which is delivered to my television via your HR20 unit but I am worried about its ability to function properly. Another competing company (this is capitalism, Papi, you know that?) is offering the same content with a MUCH better-reviewed dvr and with an absolutely excellent deal. Can you match it or should I cancel my service? At that point my friend the ball is in the company's court. Sure, like your suit seller they could say see ya, we're not interested in competing enough to retain customers. Instead they said, here's a good deal - and it was a good deal - everything including installation for a hundred bucks. I took it and hope for the best when it's installed this weekend.

That does not mean that I sacrifice my right to expect that the machine for which I PAID and continue to pay a lease fee will PERFORM ITS STATED FUNCTION. All the blathering about how I signed away my right to sue, etc...is ridiculous. Like most competent people I will not pay for something that does not function. That's all I was saying. Based on my experiences with D* receiver products, I am skeptical, but yes, I made the decision to give their product another try and you're d*mn right I got the best deal I could. I can assure you that if D* felt it wasn't getting a good deal out of this it would not have happened. Poor D*...you seem to think all this "greed" may be ruining the company. Well if they are authorizing these great deals to all these demanding customers to their detriment they don't deserve to be in business anyway. The survival of the fittest is how the marketplace works so effectively.

But here it has nothing to do with greed, it has to do with getting the very best possible deal which is why capitalism works so well...and why market bazaars all over the world, no matter what system of government the country has, work so well...people haggle for the best they can get, on both sides. In the end everyone wins. The way you complain you would just roll over and get it from D* no matter how they give it. And that is indeed your right.

Go Skins.

[mrb]

By negotiating with me, DirecTV has the opportunity to keep my business, and by me negotiating with them, I have the opportunity to get HD service for a price I think is fair.


Exactly.
Let's hope the negotiations work out for both of you!:)

[jpl]

I agree that D* will have to change the way they retain new HD customers. I think that once the new birds are up and the content is there that we will see new D* customers pay a little more up front than what they today. It will be niche that D* has over their competitors, at least for a while and if a consumer wants to take advantage of it they will pay. Existing customers, to show loyality to them, should be made offers that are different from customers coming in the door. But there has to be a balance. And sometimes we as the consumers make it unbalanced and therefore may pay more in the long run.

I know D* is not short visioned on how they will implement HD. But think about it: if they deliver what they are promising for HD content, including sports and regular programming, what would keep them from charging a higher premium rate for the programming but not for equipment? Many say, "I'll go to FiOS" but compare the prices. Verizon charges $12.99/month for their HD DVR. A small comparison if I was to go with Verizon (rounded up to nearest dollar)

D*
Premium: $100
HD Access: $10
DVR Service: $0
Equipment: 3 standard, 2 R15s, 1 HR10-250, 1 HR20: $30 ($4.99 * 6)
Protection Plan: $6
Subtotal: $146 (not including sport subscriptions)

Verizon:
Core Package: $43
Movies and Sports: $16
HBO/Cine: $27
2 Multi-room HD/DVRs: $40 ($20*2)
5 Standard Receivers: $25 ($5*5)
Subtotal: $151, not knowing if they charge for HD programming bc it is not located on their site and this was getting creative with their recievers bc one can use only one MR HD DVR and get DVR functionality to standard boxes but you still have to pay for the additional boxes.

I don't disagree with your assessment, but the cost can be very different... all depending on what you're looking for. Based on what I have now, and what I'm looking to move to, here's what I would pay with DirecTV:

HD Plus package - $70
DVR Fee (1 R15 & 1 HR20) - $6
Additional receiver Feed - $5
Total = $81

Under FiOS, for the same set-up:

Programming package (I forget what it's called) - $43
Multiroom DVR - $20
Additional receiver fee (for sd tv) - $5
Total = $68

That's quite a difference in my book. And to get the DVR for free with FiOS, along with no commitment (or less of a commitment, depending on who you talk to) makes it kinda tempting. I have to agree with you, though, I don't know if they charge you the HD receiver fee if you get the DVR. Even assuming that they do, though, that still works out to $78 vs. $81 a month. All that being said, the difference in monthly price would still be worth it to me for several reasons - DirecTV's customer service is far superior to Verizon's, I've read some dreadful things about limitations with the DVR that Verizon is using - many more so than what you have with the R15/HR20, Verizon has a tendency to sneak prices up on you much faster than other carriers (we have their FiOS internet service and phone service, and my bill jumped something like $12 at the beginning of the year - it's not uncommon for Verizon to do that), and FiOS is treated like a cable system, which means that it's subject to all sorts of fun taxes and franchise fees that DBS isn't. So, even if the base charge with FiOS were really $68, at the end of the day the fee would probably be much closer to DirecTV's fee when all things are factored in. I also don't see how Verizon can possibly keep their base package at the current price. Given how the pricing for these channels works, I have to think that Verizon is probably turning next to 0 profit, as currently set up, from their base programming - probably relying more on add-ons to bring in the money. Over time, though, that price has to go up more significantly than it will for other providers.

And then there's the promise of 100 HD channels by end of 2007 with DirecTV. That definitely would entice me to stay.

I do agree with your take that you get what you pay for. Want some extra service or higher quality, you can't nickle and dime it. I personally think that the last price increase was a way for DirecTV to gear up for the HD increase without needing to increase prices too dramatically when all these channels come on line. I'm willing to pay a little extra to stay with DirecTV because I really do love their service. I just think that the company shouldn't be short-sighted about that either. Make me pay $300 to get the equipment I need to go HD... and well, it's probably not going to happen for a while with me... and offers from other providers are going to start looking pretty tempting (except for Comcast - I'd rather go back to rabbit ears on a 19" b&w tv than to give them another dime of my money).

[jpl]

Oops one correction in my post. I forgot that HD Plus includes the DVR fee. So I would be down to $75/month.

[jpl]

Back on topic... I called DirecTV. I sent them an e-mail a couple days ago to see if I can do a soft-sell approach - start with the e-mail requesting a lower price and see what they say. The response I got was that they would call me within 2 days to work out a deal. I started getting anxious, so I called them. I didn't threaten to cancel or anything. I just explained my situation. We just got and HDTV, we wanted to upgrade to the HD DVR, but the price was a little steep... is there a discount or promotional deal for existing customers.

I was surprised by one thing I heard. She said that there IS a promo for existing customers (which is what surprised me), but their system was down for maintenance so she couldn't check in on what the details were. She said that they're taking the names and numbers of folks calling in so that they can get calls back. I'll be interested to hear what the deal is.

[mrb]

Back on topic... I called DirecTV. I sent them an e-mail a couple days ago to see if I can do a soft-sell approach - start with the e-mail requesting a lower price and see what they say. The response I got was that they would call me within 2 days to work out a deal. I started getting anxious, so I called them. I didn't threaten to cancel or anything. I just explained my situation. We just got and HDTV, we wanted to upgrade to the HD DVR, but the price was a little steep... is there a discount or promotional deal for existing customers.

I was surprised by one thing I heard. She said that there IS a promo for existing customers (which is what surprised me), but their system was down for maintenance so she couldn't check in on what the details were. She said that they're taking the names and numbers of folks calling in so that they can get calls back. I'll be interested to hear what the deal is.

I've only been a customer for a year and I managed to get the whole thing for $99 installed. Just said I was going to switch to E* and would pay the termination fee if I had too. That worked, you should be able to get at least that deal.

[jpl]

I've only been a customer for a year and I managed to get the whole thing for $99 installed. Just said I was going to switch to E* and would pay the termination fee if I had too. That worked, you should be able to get at least that deal.

I'm sure I can. What surprised me was the fact that there was a promotion in existence. I'd be more than happy with that deal. BTW, did that include the dish? I'm going to need an upgrade to a 5 LNB dish as well.

[mrb]

I'm sure I can. What surprised me was the fact that there was a promotion in existence. I'd be more than happy with that deal. BTW, did that include the dish? I'm going to need an upgrade to a 5 LNB dish as well.

Well we'll see once it's all actually installed but, yes, included the dish and the installation. I had a wait time for installation of about 9 days. Was told she could not guarentee a "new" dvr, however, which I protested. I'm going to call a day before the installation and request a new box again just for grins.

My total cost was $107.91 and they made me put it on a credit card.

Assuming this HR20 is functional, I will feel like I got an okay deal. I still think it should be free since I'm paying a lease fee monthly, but I can live with it.

[jpl]

Well we'll see once it's all actually installed but, yes, included the dish and the installation. I had a wait time for installation of about 9 days. Was told she could not guarentee a "new" dvr, however, which I protested. I'm going to call a day before the installation and request a new box again just for grins.

My total cost was $107.91 and they made me put it on a credit card.

Assuming this HR20 is functional, I will feel like I got an okay deal. I still think it should be free since I'm paying a lease fee monthly, but I can live with it.

Thanks for the info. Just wanted to make sure. Figured that it did. I'm hoping that they do institute an actual promotion for existing customers (that the CSR I talked to was giving me accurate information). Not only would that make things easier, but it would show to me that my understanding of what DirecTV is doing, and needs to do, are accurate. Although the downside is that they would probably get very over-booked very quickly and install times will probably stretch out for weeks.

[price3]

Since my locals were just activated, I figured it was time to call. The lady at regular CS offered me $99 + 19.99 shipping, so I asked to speak to retention and was offered the whole deal for $66. (new dish, installation). I went ahead and set it up for this Saturday. No begging or bartering involved.

[andbye]

Don't know if this is a rant or a horror story. Made a deal with Retention in Feb for 2nd HR 20= $99 plus shipping offset by 12 $5 credits and 6 $10 credits - just about an even deal but no install till Mar 28. Meanwhile they billed me for it and it lookd like 3 pmts of $99 each. Retention corrected that, then on the 27th I called Irondwood installers to confirm - they put me on hold then said they had the HR20 and would bring next morning They called the next day saying no HR20 and no new date. I called D* again asking to get it shipped to me for self install. They said no I needed new dish - told them already had dish multiswitch and cable in place. They still refused. Next morning a sub contractor for Irondwood said bringing it in one hour. Tech got all thru setup but stalled on activation. My land line phone wouldnt work. He tried to activate on his cell phone but stalled again. Right at that moment he got a call that his daughter broke her arm at school and he needed to take her to the Dr. He left and I called the phone co. on my cell. Turned out the tech had plugged the phone line into the internet socket in back of the HR20 and that knocked out my land line phone. With that corrected I called to activate - turned out the phone line wasn't the cause of non-activation. the CSR said it was because my account had to be reset cause I was a sub to Sunday ticket. ??? Everything works now but need upgrade to Ox13e. Waiting for the Tech to check back Box contained an HDMI cable Model number is HR 20- 100S instead of 700. Strange set of coincidences

[jpl]

Well, that sucks. I just called and got nothing. No discount. No consideration at all. I asked if there were any promotions, and was told that there weren't. I asked if there was anything that could be done about the price, and I got "no, sorry, sir." Guess it really is the luck of the draw. Considering some of the deals some folks here have gotten, I have to say I'm very disappointed. Anyone have a recommendation on what I can try?

Two things disappoint me about this. First, I was very cordial in my e-mail. They sent a nice reply back saying that I'm important as a customer (standard boiler-plate, I'm sure) and that a rep would contact me within 2 days to work something out. Never got a call. Second, I called this morning, and spoke to a CSR. She was nice enough and told me that there was a promo going on, but the system was down and couldn't check the details, or even get to my e-mail. She offered to take my name and number and have someone call me. Never happened. And when I called back, the CSR I talked to first told me that there was no promo and she brought up my e-mail, complete with information from one of their customer reps saying that they would work with me... and I got no accomodation whatsoever. I left it open-ended - as in, I would consider the upgrade at full price if I could break up the payment in installments. The CSR never even persued that. I'm not sure how this would be considered "working with me". I can handle if they just came out and said "sorry, no dice" in the original e-mail. But that's not what I got. I got one thing in the e-mail and something else on the phone. I don't mean to whine, but there's a distinct possibility that DirecTV is going to lose a customer who's been a big fan of their service for 5 years.

Like I said, disappointed. I'm seriously considering making the switch to FiOS. Granted there are some cons to it - starting with the WAF (wife acceptance factor) - she's not real thrilled that she would need to learn yet another new piece of hardware. Second is the commitment period I still have left - 17 months. But still, that comes out to just over $200, to get full HD service with FiOS. I guess I just don't like the notion that different customers get treated differently. I'm not expecting any special treatment, nor do I believe I'm owed anything. But when I hear about some of the deals on here it's really hard to not feel shafted.

[MarkJones]

Call back and say 'cancel service' to the voice-recognition system. This should get you immediately transferred to Customer Retention. They are usually much more inclined to offer deals.

[jpl]

Call back and say 'cancel service' to the voice-recognition system. This should get you immediately transferred to Customer Retention. They are usually much more inclined to offer deals.

Thanks - I'll give that a shot. Like I said, didn't mean to whine about that. I guess my main beef was that I was led to believe that they would work with me, and it appears that the CSR I talked to had no intention of doing that.

[jpl]

Nope... no dice! I got a $10 discount per month for a year. Maybe I'm just going about this the wrong way. I asked how much my early termination fee would be, and I was never asked why I was asking. So I prompted a bit, saying that I've been looking around at other services, because I want the HD DVR but the fee is too high. The best I got was the monthly discount. Truth is, I probably just suck at this. :)

[jpl]

Actually I'm starting to wonder if they're starting to clamp down on this. At first I thought I was the only one having a hard time, and then reread many of the postings on here. Looks like I'm more of the average. Oh, well... I think I'm going to just let this sit for now.

[colo232]

All I can say JPL is “keep trying”…

I called yesterday afternoon and spoke to retention and there wasn’t any room for negotiation just plain $299.00.
Well... I called retention this morning again and after 1 hour and 15 minutes I was able to get the following deal:

$299.00 paid in full (with credit card)
-$100.00 (off my DirecTv account)
- $60.00 ($10.00 off x 6 months of my HBO package)
- $59.94 (HD package free x 6 months)
$ 79.06 TOTAL

It wasn’t the best of the deals posted here but I’m very happy with what I got.

Plus installation confirmed (we both talked to the local contractor) for tomorrow afternoon!!!!

[jcmo34]

jpl,
I too have been unlucky in finding the right retention rep:nono2: ... I have called 3 times and spoken to 3 different people, and they all refer to the original rep's offer which is now noted in their system:
$100 off the price
$10/credit for 6 mos.(which came only after I told her $100 wasn't good enough).

I have tried the approach where both Comast and DishNetwork have offered me free HD DVR's. In fact, I read them the DishN add on the phone, and was told the offer above is the best that I am entitled to based on my account. 1 of the reps tried telling me that Comcast dvr quality is poor, which I laughed at(It certainly isn't the greatest, I know I have had it, but the HD quality to me at least seems as good if not better than D*Tv's).
I would probably bite if they got it down to around $70, but at this point they are about a $100 away from there.

I will orobably try a few more times, but at this point I am thinking about just going to one of the other options.

Good luck to you!
M

[jpl]

jpl,
I too have been unlucky in finding the right retention rep:nono2: ... I have called 3 times and spoken to 3 different people, and they all refer to the original rep's offer which is now noted in their system:
$100 off the price
$10/credit for 6 mos.(which came only after I told her $100 wasn't good enough).

I have tried the approach where both Comast and DishNetwork have offered me free HD DVR's. In fact, I read them the DishN add on the phone, and was told the offer above is the best that I am entitled to based on my account. 1 of the reps tried telling me that Comcast dvr quality is poor, which I laughed at(It certainly isn't the greatest, I know I have had it, but the HD quality to me at least seems as good if not better than D*Tv's).
I would probably bite if they got it down to around $70, but at this point they are about a $100 away from there.

I will orobably try a few more times, but at this point I am thinking about just going to one of the other options.

Good luck to you!
M

I don't want to go off on this... but I just really hate this game of "CSR roulette." I can certainly understand when a company gives a high-paying customer some extra preferential treatment - if someone's an A-plus customer and they want to offer that customer a discount to stay, that's fine. But when you have standard customers in good standing, all getting different deals by different CSRs... that inconsistency is enough to drive away your customer base. I look at my situation - granted I have no real extras aside from my DVR service, but I've been a customer for 5 years and I've never been late on a payment, much less missed one - why am I being treated differently than someone else in the same position?

Like I posted earlier, if DirecTV's stand was "you want the DVR - it's $300, period" I would have no issue with that. But this inconsistency of how they treat different customers just makes no sense to me. And for the first time in 5 years I'm seriously thinking of switching. Although if I were to do that, I'll bet that I would get a great deal to stay when I actually went to pull the plug. A coworker did that - he had Dish for something like 9 years. He got a big run-around with them on upgrading service - and he switched to FiOS. After that Dish wouldn't leave him alone, and they were offering him all sorts of deals to come back.

[jcmo34]

jpl,
I completely agree. I have no problem w/ some people getting better deals than me, but if you go off what people are saying on the forums, there doesn't seem to be any criteria which determines the deal you get. Maybe they are now tightening the "freebies" because it sounds like many people got them.. I just have a hard time believing that they would rather me go someplace over $150 - $200 difference... and lets face it, the HD offerings from D* Tv are not siginifcantly better than any of the other options.
As you said, maybe actually cancelling would cause them to make the deal...
I am just getting tired of trying to find the magic retention rep... in my case there just may not be one.

Hope you are able to get a deal.

[jpl]

jpl,
I completely agree. I have no problem w/ some people getting better deals than me, but if you go off what people are saying on the forums, there doesn't seem to be any criteria which determines the deal you get. Maybe they are now tightening the "freebies" because it sounds like many people got them.. I just have a hard time believing that they would rather me go someplace over $150 - $200 difference... and lets face it, the HD offerings from D* Tv are not siginifcantly better than any of the other options.
As you said, maybe actually cancelling would cause them to make the deal...
I am just getting tired of trying to find the magic retention rep... in my case there just may not be one.

Hope you are able to get a deal.

I agree. This may sound naive, but I'm still trying the 'e-mail route'. Last night, as I mentioned, I called DirecTV, and got a CSR who was able to pull up the e-mail I sent and the response I got. The e-mail response indicated that they would work with me to meet my needs, but the CSR wouldn't even persue that. So, I sent a follow-up e-mail expressing my disappointment (even though I acknowledged that the CSR was very cordial and respectful - and she was) that it appears that the sentiment expressed in the first response was nothing like what I received when talking with the CSR. I indicated my desire to upgrade to HD, and that I would hate to leave DirecTV, but that I'm very seriously considering that, and that it would be unfortunate if I were to have to do that because some agreement couldn't be reached.

Again, if the stance of the e-mail was "this is the price, take it or leave it" I would have been ok with that - it would have told me where I stood. But this inconsistency between the response I got and the phone call last night just leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. At that point I have to balance things out and determine whether the HR20 is worth the cost that they're charging. For me, right now, it's not - not when there are other options out there. If I hear nothing back by tonight then I will call Verizon to get all the details on their service. This isn't sour grapes - for those who may be thinking that - it's a simple question of whether the arrangement is beneficial to me or not. It's getting to the point where it no longer is. And like I've said, I really like their service, and I still think DirecTV's customer service (this experience not withstanding) is still the best going. I would hate to leave, but if it came down to it, I may end up doing just that.

[papa_azteca]

I told many of you this was going to happen. It has happened at just about every customer service call center job I have worked at and to me it was easy to see the patterns, especially with the introduction of their HR20. Read beyond the offers.

JPL: if you are serious about cancelling it might be your opportunity. When I worked as a retention supervisor for a cell phone company some offers were based off of what the customers stated they needed for their usage. Talk to them about what they mean to you as a provider and that you really don't want to leave but you are not giving them a choice because of the price of the receiver you need in order to watch and record the programming you are paying for and what you are willing to pay for. Don't mention how much time you have been with them and how much you pay them each month - they can see that already.

[jpl]

I told many of you this was going to happen. It has happened at just about every customer service call center job I have worked at and to me it was easy to see the patterns, especially with the introduction of their HR20. Read beyond the offers.

JPL: if you are serious about cancelling it might be your opportunity. When I worked as a retention supervisor for a cell phone company some offers were based off of what the customers stated they needed for their usage. Talk to them about what they mean to you as a provider and that you really don't want to leave but you are not giving them a choice because of the price of the receiver you need in order to watch and record the programming you are paying for and what you are willing to pay for. Don't mention how much time you have been with them and how much you pay them each month - they can see that already.

Much appreciated. Very sage advice - and I like getting an insider's opinion. I think my wife will agree to a switch just to shut me up :)

[jcmo34]

I told many of you this was going to happen. It has happened at just about every customer service call center job I have worked at and to me it was easy to see the patterns, especially with the introduction of their HR20. Read beyond the offers.

JPL: if you are serious about cancelling it might be your opportunity. When I worked as a retention supervisor for a cell phone company some offers were based off of what the customers stated they needed for their usage. Talk to them about what they mean to you as a provider and that you really don't want to leave but you are not giving them a choice because of the price of the receiver you need in order to watch and record the programming you are paying for and what you are willing to pay for. Don't mention how much time you have been with them and how much you pay them each month - they can see that already.


I have tried that approach, telling them I want to stay but they are making it very difficult when the other choices don't require the $199-$300 initial outlay for their HD-DVR's... hopefully I just haven't found the "right" rep yet.

[jpl]

I told many of you this was going to happen. It has happened at just about every customer service call center job I have worked at and to me it was easy to see the patterns, especially with the introduction of their HR20. Read beyond the offers.

JPL: if you are serious about cancelling it might be your opportunity. When I worked as a retention supervisor for a cell phone company some offers were based off of what the customers stated they needed for their usage. Talk to them about what they mean to you as a provider and that you really don't want to leave but you are not giving them a choice because of the price of the receiver you need in order to watch and record the programming you are paying for and what you are willing to pay for. Don't mention how much time you have been with them and how much you pay them each month - they can see that already.

Can I ask for a clarification of your first paragraph? I apologize, but I've just recently gotten my first HDTV, so I'm just starting to peruse the HR20 threads. I'm legitimately interested by what you believed was going to happen, given your experience as a CSR - I'd read through all the postings, but, well there are ALOT in this thread, and I ain't that ambitious. Also, what do you mean by "read beyond the offers."

[wscato]

2nd Call to retention worked out today!

1st call to retention I got offered the HR20 for $342.08 including tax and shipping and a $10a month credit for 1 year. This was Monday.

Today I called in and got a way better deal. I was offered the HR20 for$342.08 including tax and shipping paid in full with a credit card. Then I got:

$10 per month service credit for one year
free HD service for a year
6 months of HBO Free
3 months of DVR service free

Seems like other are getting similar, better or worse. All I can say is keep trying until you get the right CSR.

[jpl]

2nd Call to retention worked out today!

1st call to retention I got offered the HR20 for $342.08 including tax and shipping and a $10a month credit for 1 year. This was Monday.

Today I called in and got a way better deal. I was offered the HR20 for$342.08 including tax and shipping paid in full with a credit card. Then I got:

$10 per month service credit for one year
free HD service for a year
6 months of HBO Free
3 months of DVR service free

Seems like other are getting similar, better or worse. All I can say is keep trying until you get the right CSR.

Sounds like a very nice deal. I have to agree with you though, I get the sense that they're starting to clamp down on these deals. Just something in the way that they've been dealing with me. Could be that they think I'm bluffing about switching - and I'm sure that they get alot of that. I may give it another shot. But I have to be honest, they are pushing me toward FiOS. And I got a, albeit reluctant, agreement from my wife! She just doesn't want me to move toward it right now - there have been a decent number of changes, and she's just learning the R15.

There appear to be a number of advantages on either side. My biggest hold-up is the DVR. It appears that the HR20 is a superior product to the multi-room DVR that Verizon uses, and I really do like the functionality of the R15 - and I understand that the HR20 is functionally equivalent. I made an agreement with my wife - I'm going to give it some time - probably until the summer. I want to see what the DirecTV HD offerings are going to be, and whether or not Verizon will match. At the very least it gives me an option, and I know there's an option for HD. I've also long believed that DirecTV will have to start offering steep discounts on their HD service. I still see that coming, but not until mid to late summer at the earliest. I have to believe that once this channels start going HD FiOS will start picking them up. DirecTV may believe that they're going to have a huge advantage - and they will... for a while. But fiber has a boatload of bandwidth to play with, and many advantages that DirecTV can't match. Of course, DirecTV still has a large numerical advantage over Verizon, but I think that'll be short-lived in certain areas of the country.

One final point - I did get an e-mail back from their customer service -- two of them, actually. First apologizing for the delay in responding. And next saying that they could go no lower on the HR20. And they also noted that I was offered a very generous deal ($10/month) that, according to them, is not offered to other customers. I know that last part is not true, but so be it. The point is, I want HD, and I want an HD DVR. What it comes down to for me now is who will provide me with that service. Is it worth the $300 price tag, and two year commitment to stay with DirecTV? I don't think that it is. Now that I've been given a green light to research FiOS from the Mrs., it takes a little of the urgency off of this whole endeavor.

[tramm]

I have been a customer since 7/98. I am A-list and subscribe to the Premier package. I currently have the HR10. When I called to "cancel" I was offered the following:

HR20: $99 (plus tax) paid via credit card
Account credit : $99
Program Credit: $20 for 6 months

I get to keep my HR10

[HDTVFanAtic]

I have been a customer since 7/98. I am A-list and subscribe to the Premier package.

Is there anyone that has actually called and NOT been told they are an A-list customer?

[jpl]

Is there anyone that has actually called and NOT been told they are an A-list customer?

Yep... me. I don't think most average customers are A-list customers. I think you need to be a subscriber to say a couple of premium channels, and probably at least one of the sports subscriptions (e.g. NFL ST), in addition to paying bills on time.

[papa_azteca]

Can I ask for a clarification of your first paragraph? I apologize, but I've just recently gotten my first HDTV, so I'm just starting to peruse the HR20 threads. I'm legitimately interested by what you believed was going to happen, given your experience as a CSR - I'd read through all the postings, but, well there are ALOT in this thread, and I ain't that ambitious. Also, what do you mean by "read beyond the offers."

working in "retention" for 2 different call centers i have seen possible trends here. what many of posters here refer to the "CSR roulette" is not necessarily the different knowledge of the retention individual you get on the phone but how well said individual is performing. what i mean is that companies like d* that have a different retention group from a basic line group (how many have been transferred to "retention"?) have quotas to meet. company a had a close ratio (# of customers saved/# of calls they received) and company b had minimum # of customers saved. what does it mean here? notice the dates, if they are posted in a timely manner, of what offers have been given, and not to mention the validity of such offers. in my experience, some agents are great negotiators and some are not therefore when one can get a "better" deal off an agent really depends on how well that person is performing during the month. there are other factors like how long the call takes, how many hours a day an agent works, etc that i reviewed to measure the success of the agent. if one really wants to play the csr roullette, call at the end of the month but again it depends on how well the agent is performing: exceeding their goal - probably not going to get much; struggling to meet goal - desperate enough to give more than should. is it fair? by all means but that is what both consumers and D* have created. both parties are equally responsible for this debacle. but i can tell this thread didn't help.

what other trends have i seen here? those who own an HR10 seem to be offered $99 for the HR20. i may be wrong but that is one thing that i noticed not only here but in other threads. those here can either tell me i'm right or wrong. i would like to know about the "special" someone mentioned earlier. i know that as an a list customer i receive one free "upgrade" (either a standard or dvr) or $100 off the hd-dvr. i received my 2nd R15 just a couple of months ago. how did i know? i asked a csr what benefits i received as an alist customer since i'm told about it everytime i call in. looks like they are now asking for payment upfront in order to receive discounts - previous posters correct me if i'm wrong.

[jpl]

papa_azteca, thanks much for the information. All that makes alot of sense. As you can tell, I don't like these types of negotiations. That's not the way I generally do these things. Heck, I even usually buy my cars at a no-haggle dealer. I just don't like the games that get played (even though I admitedly took part in this one). I've decided to hold off on asking for any more discounts. If this is the way that I have to try it in order to get a discounted price, then it's just not worth it to me. At this point I'm going to either wait for a genuine promotion on the HR20 (which I still really believe is coming - for a couple reasons - first, they're starting to get caught up on the production to meet the demand and second they're going to need to sign folks up for HD to make the expense of all those new HD channels worth-while), I live with SD for a while, or I make the switch to some other service.

What it's looking like for me, at least at this point, is that I'm going to wait until this summer and see where things stand. Either I'll shell out the full price for the HR20 (whatever it is at that point) or I'll switch over to another service - probably FiOS. Right now the latter seems more likely to me, and the fact that I got my wife agreeing to consider switching, unless there are steep discounts on the HR20, by July/August I'll be fully over to fiber. Again, no sour grapes, nothing personal, but if the deal from DirecTV doesn't work for me, then I'll move on. I AM interested in trying an experiment, though, based on what you said. Make the call to legitimately pull the plug at, say, the end of June, after I've switched over to a new service. See what the retention department says at that point.

One final point - didn't know if you were aware, regarding your second R15 - but there is a promo going on (still active) where you can get an R15 for free. I got my second that way back in August. Just order on line and put in the promo code of DVR4U2. And since I'm not an a-list customer, the fact that I got it tells me that, with the exception of new customers (who are really on a probationary period) or folks who have had issues with payment in the past, its open to everyone. Although I've heard that if you try to use it more than once per account it may limit how many you can get.

Thanks again!

[auribe14@mac.com]

I just got off of the phone with my deal. I never said I was leaving, but mentioned that I was looking to replace my HD-Tivo and that $299 at the stores for the HR20 was a bit high, thus causing me to consider my options.

He first offered the HR20 for just $199, but I said that was still a lot with Dish offering a free HD DVR and my cable company having a pretty good offer.

He then said he could credit my account so that it would be $100 total- after confirming all the hardware included in the deal, I took it:

$210.94 on Credit Card
$110.94 credit on account
HR20 HD DVR
5 LNB dish
new multi-switch as needed (told him I needed as I have 4 Tivos)
Wednesday, April 4 installation (included)

Sure, I'd like to get it for free, but that isn't a bad deal in my situation. I didn't feel like calling back, considering at this moment I have my oldest son playing outside, the youngest is down for a nap and the middle one is rather mellow right now. Don't know I'll have as good a chance again this weekend!

[genearch]

Wait.. there is more! :lol:

Ok.. the saga continues

I pull up my bill and there are all kinds of charges.. it shows the $66.33 will be charged three times for the next couple months. It also has a $99.66 charge? Also, I hadn't heard from anybody to schedule the install.

So.. I call D* again, by no means was I angry with them but I needed it resolved. After going around in circles with two different reps for a little over an hour; mentioning to them, "why don't we skip the whole deal, cancel the account and I'll go to DISH" (That got their attention) a few times, I get an even better deal..

2 x HR20
Complete Install
1 year HD Programming

$0.00

(fingers crossed that it sticks and I don't end up with a messed up bill again)

I tried to work him a bit by explaining that I bill out $250 an hr and he just burned that much of my time. I was angling for free SHO... he wouldn't bite Oh well...

Follow up to my own post :D

Left instructions with D* to have installer call 30 minutes before arrival. I step out of my office for a minute and upon return I see I missed a call, no message and private caller. A few minutes later I get a call from the install company saying the installer cannot reach me. I tell them to call the installer back and tell him I'll be there in 20 minutes. She then tells me that the installer doesn't have a phone... then I ask her "How did he call you to tell you he couldn't reach me?" :nono2:

Anyhoo... I meet him and he has a single HR20, nothing else. I figure what the heck and he installs that one. I then call D* to get the rest of the install scheduled, after 30 minutes we get it sorted out (or so I think) As I'm leaving I see another D* truck coming up the hill, I turn around and he indeed goes to my house. Guess what? He has another HR20 and nothing else. We go ahead and connect this one.

This week the install company calls and says they have the order and would like to schedule install of the Dish and new 5x9 (the installer insists I need a new one??)

The install was scheduled for this morning.. the install company calls and says they have a "Service call" bit no hardware to install :confused: I tell him what was supposed to happen so he cancels the "service call".

I call D* and tell them I've had it... they give me a $100 "missed call credit" and say that they will have someone call me to arrange what I need. Apparently he couldn't input it into the computer right now..

Bottom line:
2 Free HR20's
6 mo HD
$100 credit

Still waiting for 5LNB and multiswitch that I may or may not need.

[resqguy]

[3 months of DVR service free

How much do they charge for the DVR service? I can't find it on the D* website.

[DawgLink]

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPage.jsp?assetId=2980017

Not sure if this helps res but here is the D* site....find your way around and you may find your answer

[AMike]

Someone I know from a different message board who also participates here told me about the HR20 deal back in November. Nearly 5 months later, I decided to pull the trigger on this receiver.

I called initially this morning and the CSR told me that the price would be $299. I asked because of my A List status, could I get a discount. She then said, well for you, we can offer you this DVR at $199. I then said, is that your best offer? She said, I need to transfer you to someone else (apparently in retention). The next CSR said that $199 is the best price, but we might can get you some programming credits. I really didn't ask, so I just told her that I might call back later today. I called back this evening and asked again. The first rep gave me the $199 discount as before. This time I stated that Dish is giving their HD DVR away, and I might consider their offer. She then transferred me to retention again. The retention rep offered me the following deal which I took:

$199 DVR plus tax ($212)
HD programming credit for the next year
$10 credit for the next 12 months.

[Shredfest]

E-mailed D* last week with a question about HD games in the Extra Innings package and also inquired about deals on an HR20 so I could take advantage of the MLBEI interactive features. The called me back earlier this week and left a message with an 800 number and a PIN so I could call their "resolution" department back. Called earlier today and waited on hold for an hour and 45 minutes before having to hang up to take my kids to a birthday party. Called again tonight and got a very helpful woman on the line within five minutes. Probably the nicest and most helpful CSR I've ever dealt with. Here's what I ended up with:

* HR20 & 5 LNB dish installed - $299
* $100 rebate (haven't seen this mentioned before)
* HD Access free for 12 months (12 x $10 = $120)
* Showtime free for 6 months -gave me this on the spot, even if I didn't order the HR20.
* MLBEI Superfan free -gave me this on the spot, even if I didn't order the HR20, to apologize for the long wait on hold earlier in the day.

Because I didn't have Showtime already and wasn't sure if I was going to pay for Superfan, I look at it as $299 - $100 - $120 = $79 for the HR20. I can live with that. The Showtime and Superfan are gravy. Over $100 worth of gravy. ;)

Has anyone else heard about this $100 rebate on the HR20?

[kikkenit2]

Yes, rebate for new customers. $100 instant credit for some existing subcribers.

[HDTVFanAtic]

Yep... me. I don't think most average customers are A-list customers. I think you need to be a subscriber to say a couple of premium channels, and probably at least one of the sports subscriptions (e.g. NFL ST), in addition to paying bills on time.


Wierd....I have never known anyone not to be told they are not an A-List customer once they say the number.

I know of one person who has had service for about 2 years, 1 HD Tivo and 2 SD units - no Sports - HBO/Cinemax and Showtime who is an A List.

Another who is coming up on 2 years - subbed once Voom went under - 1 HD Tivo and 2 SD units - no Sports - HBO/Cinemax/Showtime and Starz who is an A List. I believe they said they had their account suspended once because autopay didn't work.

Thus I am wondering how someone isn't an A List Customer as it seems more are A List than aren't - in fact you might be the first I've heard of that isn't - I'm really wondering if you just happened to miss the announcement on telephone queue.

[Tom Robertson]

I have two accounts, the second being for my daughter. Hers is Choice Plus with no sports subs (had been TC limited) and hers is not an A-lister.

One way to tell is how long you wait for a CSR. if less than 10 minutes on average, you are likely a real A-lister. When I call for my account, never have to wait. When I call for hers, always a wait.

I'm likely going to see if I can merge the account status somehow.

Cheers,
Tom
Wierd....I have never known anyone not to be told they are not an A-List customer once they say the number.

I know of one person who has had service for about 2 years, 1 HD Tivo and 2 SD units - no Sports - HBO/Cinemax and Showtime who is an A List.

Another who is coming up on 2 years - subbed once Voom went under - 1 HD Tivo and 2 SD units - no Sports - HBO/Cinemax/Showtime and Starz who is an A List. I believe they said they had their account suspended once because autopay didn't work.

Thus I am wondering how someone isn't an A List Customer as it seems more are A List than aren't - in fact you might be the first I've heard of that isn't - I'm really wondering if you just happened to miss the announcement on telephone queue.

[Donb01]

I did mine back in January. Went out and bought the HR20 at Best Buy for $299 and then called retention and told them Comcast was giving away DVRs for free to new customers, etc, etc. Got passed around once or twice and during that I was given an offer that included either a year of HD free or a year of DVR service free. Asked them to note it in my account and I would go buy the unit (because I didn't want to wait) and call them back.

Installed the unit and called them back about 2 hours later. Spoke to a different guy and told him I chose the HD free over the DVR service because it was worth more. He told me that offer had expired a week ago and he couldn't give it to me - I had to take the DVR credit. Then I said that really sucked because the other CSR had told me this (had her name), etc. So he said I can't give you the HD credit, but I can give you a $10 programming credit for 12 months... I hemmed and hawed around and accepted the offer...

Here is what I got:

$150 credit on my account
Free DVR (credit) fro 12 months
$10 a month programming credit for 12 months (So I got BOTH!!)
3 mos free showtime
3 mos free starz

So I got somewhere around $415 in credit value over the next year and paid $299 for the DVR. I thought I did ok... 2 year commitment and leasing was required and there was no way out of that, but they credit back the lease charge on the primary receiver.

[Shredfest]

Yes, rebate for new customers. $100 instant credit for some existing subcribers.

OK, but I'm an existing customer and she talked about the rebate like I'd be eligible for it. Hmmm...

[kahleeb]

I have spent quite a bit of time with D* since March 20 trying to work out a deal. In that time, I have had my account canceled and then had D* try to get me back.

First of all, the Free HDDVR Deals should be all gone. This comes from the final conversation I had with a retention rep on Friday night. Apparently corporate is seeing the number of credits given out and if anyone gives a $200 discount off a piece of hardware, they will be flagged and get in trouble. They can give a $100 discount but then have to give you programming discounts.

The agent went on to tell me that there are several "contract centers" out there that are giving insane deals that they are not supposed to be giving. In fact, some Managers will cancel these deals if they catch them. I ran into one of these managers myself. Allow me to briefly explain and I will list the deal I ultimately got below.

I called to help my grandmother change some programming on 3/20/07 and had to go to retention. The CSR sent me there for some reason. When I found out she was retention, I asked for deals on the HR20 for my account. She said the best they could do, to keep me from ending my service, was 199.99. I agreed but still had the option to cancel the deal, and my service, if I wanted to.

I came across this forum and some others and realized I did not get a good deal. I called back on two different days and was told that $199 was the best they could offer me. Thinking I was getting lied to, I called back on 3/27/07 to cancel my order and my service. I got an agent named Bob and he talked to me for an hour and was ready to give me a deal to stay. Unfortunately his system was down but he promised to call me back within 24 hours and his manager gave him permission to do so. He took all my information.

I waited for the callback and he never called. So I called again on 3/28/07 to find out why I wasn't called back and if they could give me a deal or I would cancel my service. I explained what Bob had suggested I could get and she went to her manager. After waiting on hold for a while, she said that she could offer me the HR20 HDDVR for $89 and free HD Programming for 12 months. I agreed and asked that if she would add to the notes that if representative Bob looks in my account, I still would like him to call back. She said ok.

The day of the install, I woke up early and had a bad feeling, I called D* retention to check on the deal I had been given and was told from retention that I hadn't called ANY that week. Nobody had any notes and the only deal was for $199 that I made on 3/20/07. I asked for their manager and gentleman named David started talking to me. He told me that I had not called any this week and if I did and I had an offer in my notes, that I agreed to, as I was indicating, he would delete it or ignore the offer.

This whole time I am sitting shocked and before I could say anything else, he suggested I cancel my account. I agreed and was pretty pissed off all day. Even though I told him to cancel it right now, my service stayed on. Later in the day, the installer came and I told him to check with D* for the install being canceled. He did and left.

Because I have had D* for so long, I decided to give them one more chance to keep me. I called back to retention with the 4 digit code and quikly got another rep. (This is the one from the beginning of my message who told me about "the deals"). Apparently the manager, David, worked in his building and I asked that a supervisor call me and look into how he treated me.

And while he says his hands are tied on giving out deals like what I mentioned and could show him from friends' accounts In the end, I got this deal:

$299 HR20 HDDVR - Broken into 3 Payments. First payment paid for - so $199 total
$10 X 12 ($120) for a free year of HD Programming
$6 X 6 ($36) for 6 months free DVR service
$43 Total paid for HR20

I had to go through a lot of trouble to get this deal and I tried to get NFL Super Fan or a Sunday Ticket discount but he came back and offered the DVR service credit as the only last thing he could do.

My suggestion to you all is if you get a really good deal, D* may not honor it and these reps are not leaving good notes about the deals they are offering--even though they say they are. So be sure to check your bill and confirm before the install before you agree to a 2 year contract. Once it is installed and active, D* says they will not cancel your account, without the penalty, EVEN if you are lied to about the terms.

[jpl]

Wierd....I have never known anyone not to be told they are not an A-List customer once they say the number.

I know of one person who has had service for about 2 years, 1 HD Tivo and 2 SD units - no Sports - HBO/Cinemax and Showtime who is an A List.

Another who is coming up on 2 years - subbed once Voom went under - 1 HD Tivo and 2 SD units - no Sports - HBO/Cinemax/Showtime and Starz who is an A List. I believe they said they had their account suspended once because autopay didn't work.

Thus I am wondering how someone isn't an A List Customer as it seems more are A List than aren't - in fact you might be the first I've heard of that isn't - I'm really wondering if you just happened to miss the announcement on telephone queue.

Well, you pretty much nailed it - Aside from the DVR, I have no extras. No premiums, no sports packages, no HD. Yeah, I have the choice xtra (or whatever they're calling it these days), and yeah I've never missed a payment, but I think it takes more than just being a standard customer to be considered an A-list customer. I have a feeling that when I call to cancel my service, though, that I'll get a different response. I'm pretty much set in my mind that we're switching to FiOS. The question is when. Probably pretty soon.

[jpl]

I have two accounts, the second being for my daughter. Hers is Choice Plus with no sports subs (had been TC limited) and hers is not an A-lister.

One way to tell is how long you wait for a CSR. if less than 10 minutes on average, you are likely a real A-lister. When I call for my account, never have to wait. When I call for hers, always a wait.

I'm likely going to see if I can merge the account status somehow.

Cheers,
Tom

Maybe I am an A-lister then. I've never had to wait to talk with a CSR - the most may have been about 2 minutes. That could explain why some folks on this site have complained about excessive wait times to get through (I never understood that because I always get right through). If that's the case then I've never been told that I'm an A-lister. And if that's the case then it's pretty clear that either (a) DirecTV is clamping down on the freebies, or (b) my timing has been awful (as papa_azteca indicated that the time of the month can make a difference).

Either way, $300 is too high in my book. And when I did the side-by-sides with FiOS I was shocked at the difference in offerings. I would get more SD locals, many more HD locals (5 compared to, I think the number is 15 with FiOS), and if I sign up for their movie package - which includes Starz, Showtime, TMC, Sundance, IFC, and Flix - I would get over 45 channels, plus Starz and Showtime in HD, all for $13/month! My only concern at this point is the fact that DirecTV does seem poised to bring on a boat-load of HD. While I would imagine that Verizon would follow suit, and it's clear that they have the bandwidth to do it, much may depend on the arrangements that DirecTV makes with the content providers. The one area where DirecTV has a very substantial edge - sports programming. But like I said, I don't have any of the sport subscription packs or the sports package.

[jpl]

[QUOTE=kahleeb;893413]I called back on two different days and was told that $199 was the best they could offer me. Thinking I was getting lied to, I called back on 3/27/07 to cancel my order and my service. I got an agent named Bob and he talked to me for an hour and was ready to give me a deal to stay. Unfortunately his system was down but he promised to call me back within 24 hours and his manager gave him permission to do so. He took all my information.
QUOTE]

At least I know I wasn't lied to about their system being down, then. I called around the same time and was told the same thing. The CSR I talked to took my name and number down and promised to call back, which they didn't do. Sounds like you really got a raw deal with all of this running around, though. Every call that I've made has been referenced in e-mails I get back from them, so I know that they're logging them. Your story also confirms what I've took to be the case. The retention CSRs were probably giving the hardware away for ridiculous deals to get folks to stay, and to get folks off the phone quickly. But it's also clear, based on what that the last CSR you talked with said, that they're clamping down on these deals.

[kikkenit2]

OK, but I'm an existing customer and she talked about the rebate like I'd be eligible for it. Hmmm...They promised me that on my first one and then when I signed up for the rebate I was denied. Hopefully you didn't get lied to like me. They heard about it later. Now I ask for instant credits and keep my finger crossed until the next bill comes.

[price3]

The install went great, got the black hr20-100 and the new dish added. Installer did a good job, but didn't know much about the features of the receiver. He did leave the old dish and wire clippings etc out in the yard though... On another topic the deal I was quoted on the phone didn't come through, I was quoted $66, but charged 103.95 (99 + tax). I would have been fine with the 99 if that was what the CSR told me in the first place, but since it wasn't I called back and was offered free HD access for 12 mos to make up for it. A better deal overall, but it still ticked me off he basically lied to me and then overcharged my CC.

Lesson: always write down the employee ID number when given any kind of deal. I will find you one day "Adam"!!

[OVERKILL]

I've been a customer for a little over 2yrs.

I spoke with 5 different CSR's in Retention at DirecTV this past week to upgrade to HD.
All 5 offered totally different packages/deals.
Coincidently, each time I called, the deals kept getting worse.

I then decided to call a 6th and final time to accept the last CSR's offer as I was getting tired of the car sales type negotiating and felt I was finally getting a fair deal.

Of course, the 6th CSR denied that they could even offer me such an unrealistic deal and instead offered me the worst deal by far.

It was then i realized that all the lying and shadiness by DirecTV was just not worth the aggravation anymore.

I officially cancelled my service paying the penalty fee a few days ago with the
6th CSR.

When I told the CSR that I wanted to cancel, he didn't ask why or try to stop me. By then, my mind was made up and felt it was time to move on from the drama and non-sense with DirecTV.

Fwiw, I did find out that i ranked in the middle of the customer ratings scale.




Edit:
Even though I'm a bit annoyed at the situation, I'm still open to going with the provider with the best overall programming for the money.

[moose7]

Hi Everyone,

I though I'd post the deal I received today from DTV for new service. Today was the 3rd time I called and the 3rd CSR I spoke with, the first 2 CSRs were unable to accomidate my requests.

I requested and was "guarenteed" to receive the HR20-100B unit by the 3rd CSR. He placed a "note" in my installation notes to only have the HR20-100B installed.

I ordered the Plus HD package with a 2 year contract which normally costs $69.99 per month. I told the CSR that I would not signup until I received an additional $$ offset to the $199 cost of the HR20-100B unit so heres what I received:

- coupon for $100 credit to my DTV account payable at $10 per month for the 1st 10 months.
- HR20-100B unit for $199.
- additional $120 credit to my DTV account payable at $10 per month for the 1st 12 months.

I did order 3 additional standard receivers at $4.99 per month and this is why the CSR said he could give me the additional $100 off at $10 per month for the 1st 10 months.

I should be paying the following for the HD Plus package (includes the DVR service):

- $49.99 for the 1st 10 months.
- $59.99 for months 11 and 12.
- $69.99 for months 13 to 24.
- additionally I am receiving HBO and Cinemax for the 1st 3 months free, then after the 3rd free month, I'll have to request a cancellation if I do not want to pay for these (HBO and Cinemax).

So I feel pretty good getting an additional $100 off the price even though it is spread out over the 1st 10 months as a credit to my account. One thing I found a little interesting is that I was charged $199 for the HR20-100B instead of the $299 I've seen indicated in earlier posts and also mentioned on DTVs website. It seems the CSR gave me an initial lower cost on the HR20-100B unit.

The installation is scheduled for Weds 4/4/07, so I'll let you know how it goes. Any additional tips from anyone on the installation? I am planning on having the installer mount the 5 lnb antenna on a pole in the front yard where the previous owner had an old DTV dish installed. Thanks!

[gopack]

Best I was able to do as an existing customer after speaking to three retention CSAs:

HR20 for $149 installed/shipped with 6 months free HD service . I currently have TC+/HBO and was told that the only change on my monthly bill would be the $10 HD fee (after the credits expire). Decided to take it -- Install is scheduled for 4/4.

[schley]

K here is a deal I negotiated for a friend 3 weeks ago and he just got it installed a week ago.
New customer

1- HR20 is the only thing he needed and purchased for $299.
The plus hd package which is 69.99 but includes dvr service and hd service.
2 year contract committment
Obviously free installation, 5lbn dish

10 credit for 15 months = $150 (www.directvcashback.com sign up)
10 credit for 12 months = $120 (programming credit)
5 credit for 10 months = $50 (refer a friend)
10 credit for 10 months = $100 (programming credit for hr20)
rebate for hr20 = $100
12 free hd pay per view movies =$60
hbo/cinemax 3 months free = $72
shipping and handling waived $30
Total = $ 682 in credits

I like to average the cost per month over the contract term which would be $70 for 24 months = 1680 for programming, 330 for hr20 and shipping. That total is 2010 over the course of 2 years. That is the baseline to calculate how much someone's sign up deal compares.

So his cost is 1328 for 24 months, which is 55.33 a month for hd plus package. Although it sucks that there is a cost involved for the hr20, you can offset that cost pretty significantly.

[OVERKILL]

K here is a deal I negotiated for a friend 3 weeks ago and he just got it installed a week ago.
New customer

1- HR20 is the only thing he needed and purchased for $299.
The plus hd package which is 69.99 but includes dvr service and hd service.
2 year contract committment
Obviously free installation, 5lbn dish

10 credit for 15 months = $150 (www.directvcashback.com sign up)
10 credit for 12 months = $120 (programming credit)
5 credit for 10 months = $50 (refer a friend)
10 credit for 10 months = $100 (programming credit for hr20)
rebate for hr20 = $100
12 free hd pay per view movies =$60
hbo/cinemax 3 months free = $72
shipping and handling waived $30
Total = $ 682 in credits

I like to average the cost per month over the contract term which would be $70 for 24 months = 1680 for programming, 330 for hr20 and shipping. That total is 2010 over the course of 2 years. That is the baseline to calculate how much someone's sign up deal compares.

So his cost is 1328 for 24 months, which is 55.33 a month for hd plus package. Although it sucks that there is a cost involved for the hr20, you can offset that cost pretty significantly.

Thats a seriously discounted package.
The amount of credits is outrageous.
Great job. :up: for helping out your friend.

[Harve]

Best Deal I could get Thursday afternoon was:

HR20 - Charge $199 +19.95 (shipping) on credit card
Instant $100 credit to account
$20 credit monthly for 6 months
6 months free HD

This was after originally being told $199 was the best deal. One interesting thing the CSR stated, was after checking my area (via zip code I guess), she said that she would not be able to do 3 monthly charges to my account instead of the credit card deal.

[jpl]

Best Deal I could get Thursday afternoon was:

HR20 - Charge $199 +19.95 (shipping) on credit card
Instant $100 credit to account
$20 credit monthly for 6 months
6 months free HD

This was after originally being told $199 was the best deal. One interesting thing the CSR stated, was after checking my area (via zip code I guess), she said that she would not be able to do 3 monthly charges to my account instead of the credit card deal.

Maybe I'm just dense, but why in the world would they tie your location to how they structure the charges?

[mrb]

Maybe I'm just dense, but why in the world would they tie your location to how they structure the charges?

I've wondered this too.

I live in Chicago and have been a cust for only a year. I have HBO but no other add ons. Yet I got a pretty good deal on the HR20...only a hundred bucks installed, no service credits.

Maybe if you live in an urban area where there are far more choices (cable, Fios, Dish, etc...long list) you get a better deal. If they know you don't have that many choices they don't have to be as generous as long as they are just a little better than the others??

Just a thought.

[SG24]

Well I pulled the trigger tonight.

Had my wife call just before dinner. Told her to tell them that we had signed up for SuperFan in addition the MLBEI package we've had for a couple years. However we got the mailing today (true) and noticed that our receiver was not compatible with the "scores and stats" interactive features so we wanted up upgrade to the HR20.

CSR said $199 was best offer. Wife stated that we were paying for this feature with the SuperFan charge and we couldn't even access it without this proper box and that we had just paid $399 for the HR10 6 months ago (also true).

CSR didn't budge. Wife said thanks anyway.


So I called back at 11:00 tonight with a double game plan in mind.

Stated to first CSR that I had an HR10 that hadn't made the daily call since November (true) and I wasn't sure what was wrong with it, but that I wanted to upgrade to a receiver that would allow me access to the interactive MLBEI SuperFan features anyway, so could I just swap the non-working HR10 for the HR20.

He transferred me to tech support or something.

Told next guy the same thing. I listed the receivers that the flier said I'd need (D10, D11, D12, HR20 or R15). He said they'd be able to swap it out for me. I said great. I asked which receiver exactly it was I'd be getting (feigning ignorance as to which was which) and he said the R15. I asked if that was an HD-DVR like what I had now. He said no, just plain DVR. I said I didn't want to lose my HD-DVR. He said $199 for HR20. I said even to replace a box that doesn't work and won't call to update itself?

He transferred me again to a department I honestly don't remember.

This lady was very nice. Explained my HR10 wouldn't make the call, wanted the upgrade anyway so just swap it out. She said they can usually fix the daily call problem from there and get it working, and then we would discuss upgrading. I said great.

She had me change some settings on the Phone settings, but I couldn't test it because the box is shared with the phone line. She said it should work fine after we hang up and I try it, but that she would transfer me to installation to talk about upgrading to the HR20 anyway.

Next lady was also very nice. Again said that I had called due to HR10 not calling in, yadda yadda, wanted an HR20 anyway for the SuperFan features, can I just swap them out.

She said sure, $99 + tax.

I paused said uhhhhhhh a few times, and then light-heartedly asked if there were any more new receivers coming down the pipeline because I just paid $399 for the one I have that doesn't work now just 6 months ago.

She laughed and said no, nothing new for at least a year (I guess that was comforting?) and they were just working on upgrading HD channels and etc etc etc with what they've got.

So I said OK as long as I won't be shelling out another couple hundred bucks in 6 months put me through for the upgrade.

Installation scheduled for 4/27 currently but I'll do the online system and try to get that changed to a Saturday before then if I can.

Charged it to my DirecTV account as well after I asked if I could do that or if I had to pay up front (I asked that before I told her to go ahead with the order). She said she could do that since I was a valued customer (eh whatever I've been late on every payment since my son was born 6 months ago and paid the last bill a day before my service interruption date).

I subscribe to Total Choice + with Sports Pack, HD, NFLST + SF and MLBEI + SF, for what it's worth.

Wife is still gonna kill me cuz I told her only take it if it's free. :lol: That's why I waited til she was sleeping. ;)


Ok sorry for the long-winded post.


Edit: oh yeah, the daily call still didn't work.

[celticpride]

man i'm getting so stressed trying to get a deal, i'm 0 for 2. iv'e been with D* for 12 YEARS with nba league pass every one of those years and usually have 1 of the preminum movie channels, i also have 3 HD-tivos. i called and asked if i could get the HR20 B100,csr said there is no black hd -dvr i told her yes there is, she asked me who the manufacturer was, i told her RCA. she said they only carry directv dvr's. I explained to her it was a directv hd dvr ,I told her i had seen apicture of it on there website, she didn't believe , and said the 100 was silver. best they could do from first csr i talked to was $199.00 and 6 months HD free. i askedwhat if i buy the hr20 100 B and pay the $299.00 at another directv authorized dealer or internet and she said they could only give me the deal if i bought it from directv. all i can say is if verizon ever gets the nba league pass i'll probably leave D* and i really WANT to stay with D*!!!!

[celticpride]

P,S i 've ALWAYS paid my bill on time in those 12 years!!!

[SG24]

Also forgot that CSR #2 told me that the HR20's interactive features were currently not available but should be sometime by midseason.

Not sure if he was FOS but I don't REALLY care that much about them anyway, I was just trying to get a cheaper deal.

[OVERKILL]

I finally caved in and called DirecTV to see what they could offer me. Dish just doesn't seem to give out credits like DTV.

For those of you keeping track, this is my 7th call.
My 6th call ended in me canceling service.


Anyway, The deal I got was this:

HR20 - $299 + $19.95 S&H
1 yr - Free HD Programming
$10 credit for 6 months off of Starz
$113 Credit immediately on account.

It took me about 1hr to get this deal. Crazy huh. DTV is definitely clamping down on the deals.

It's not the greatest deal but it was better than Dish's offer.

[jcmo34]

I finally gave up the CSR roulette and went ahead w/ the HR20. Had tried 3 times previously but wasn't able to get them to budge very much.

Our account had been suspended since we moved in August(and actually been using C*mcast for the past 6 mos.) while we did some remodeling.
And we still have something like 9 months left on our 2 year agreement, so I don't know if that hurt my bargaining position w/ D*Tv or not...

The best deal was able to get was:
$199 for the HR20
$10 off the HD package for 1 year
$5 off for being a DSL customer for 1 year
Installation(movers connection of new dish) is scheduled for Monday... am hoping they screw it up somehow so I can get more deals, since that seems to work every time.

I even had them look up a friends account who did get the receiver free, but the rep didn't do anything better than above. We tried the D*shNetwork angle as well, but he said you often have to pay for installation w/ them.

For me, in the long run, this will be cheaper because my C*mcast bill was close to $110/month, and my D*Tv bill should be $20-30/month cheaper.

I am hoping the new HD channels will come soon and make the $200 down payment for the right to lease their equipment more palatable.

Good luck to all of you in your efforts to score the best deal.

[jwd45244]

I ordered the HD DVR (HR20) with free install for $199. According to my order DirecTV is throwing in a 2nd HR20 free. I am going to print out my order to make sure I get this when the installer shows up.

[MikeR]

I have attempted twice now to get any kind of deal on the HR20 (the H20 sitting in the basement does me no good!). Unfortunately, I have over a year left on my commitment, and didn't get them to move at all. I was so PO'd after the last
(3rd) missed install on a free R15 - I ended up going all the way to cancelling unless I could get a deal on the HR20...."We're sorry to lose you as a customer, you are welcome to come back anytime":hurah: <I swear they know they are better than E*:grin: >

Anyways, I didn't cancel (D* (future) programming is too good compared to the competitors; i.e. no Fios). I did get some credits ($10/month for 6 months) and free programming (showtime & cinemax):rolleyes:

I still want a HR20, just don't believe it is worth $299:( . Crippers, it would be put to such good use!

[BidDaddyM]

I thought I would share my experience with getting the HR20. I was out of contract, been a subscriber for 5 years, total choice+ w/HBO. No sports packages and rarely order movies. I pulled the trigger about 6 weeks ago, and just had it installed last week. I wanted to make sure D** didn't get wind of this before it was installed. First, always go to retention. My first call I did not go there directly, and I was bounced around for 30 minutes with people who did not know what they were doing. When I finally got to retention, the CSR (male) told me how great D** is and how this piece of equipment is awesome. Then he offers me it for $199 w/a 2 year commitment. I tell I’m going to think about it.

The next morning I call back, directly to retention. This time the CSR was really nice (woman). She mentions that I am a long time customer and they would hate to lose me. She gives me the HR20 for $99, plus a credit for $10 for 12 months to offset DVR cost. Free install, 5lnb dish, and multiswitch too. I asked for an OTA too, but she wanted $50 for that. The installer was good, but I had already ran the wires, so he just installed the new dish, took down the old one, and away he went.

[NOLANSKI]

First I was all fat, dumb and happy thinking they would upgrade me for free until I talked to an installer I bumped into the other day. He said um you might want to do some research and think about upgrading now with a good deal and grandfather your HD channels rate.
So this is what they offered me:

HR20 $99.00
Shipping $19.95 to be offset by a $5.00 per month credit on my bill fr 4 months.
Free install of unit and new dish
Showtime free for 6 months.
I'm happy and they will install this Saturday.
The only down side is that I'm going to miss my Tivo based unit I think.
Nolanski

[NOLANSKI]

First I was all fat, dumb and happy thinking they would upgrade me for free intil I talked to an installer I bumped into the other day. He said um you might want to do some research and think about upgrading now with a good deal and granfather your HD channels rate.
So this is what they offered me:

HR20 $99.00
Shipping $19.95 to be offset by a $5.00 per month credit on my bill fr 4 months.
Free install of unit and new dish
Showtime free for 6 months.
I'm happy and they will install this Saturday.
The only down side is that I'm going to miss my Tivo based unit I think.
Nolanski

[resqguy]

I logged on to their website to check the upgrade offers today. The H20 was listed as free, the HR20 was reduced to $199. The HR20 price was $299 last time I checked. I am upgrading from a Hughes HTL-HD and 3 LNB dish.

I called and ordered the $199 upgrade and got 12 months of HD for free. I figured I would take that and save all the games. Installation is scheduled for April 16.

[jpl]

I logged on to their website to check the upgrade offers today. The H20 was listed as free, the HR20 was reduced to $199. The HR20 price was $299 last time I checked. I am upgrading from a Hughes HTL-HD and 3 LNB dish.

I called and ordered the $199 upgrade and got 12 months of HD for free. I figured I would take that and save all the games. Installation is scheduled for April 16.

really? where did you see that? I just logged on and I still see $299.

[cantfish2much]

I ordered the HD DVR (HR20) with free install for $199. According to my order DirecTV is throwing in a 2nd HR20 free. I am going to print out my order to make sure I get this when the installer shows up.

Don't count on getting two HR20s. My invoice back in January said the same thing but you're only going to get one HR20.

[shendley]

I logged on to their website to check the upgrade offers today. The H20 was listed as free, the HR20 was reduced to $199. The HR20 price was $299 last time I checked. I am upgrading from a Hughes HTL-HD and 3 LNB dish.

I called and ordered the $199 upgrade and got 12 months of HD for free. I figured I would take that and save all the games. Installation is scheduled for April 16.

I was curious about the H20 price, but when I clicked through on the upgrade it listed it as $99.

[Lateshowrob]

I logged on to their website to check the upgrade offers today. The H20 was listed as free, the HR20 was reduced to $199. The HR20 price was $299 last time I checked. I am upgrading from a Hughes HTL-HD and 3 LNB dish.

I called and ordered the $199 upgrade and got 12 months of HD for free. I figured I would take that and save all the games. Installation is scheduled for April 16.

That's the same offer I got too. Told them I would think about it but am hoping I can get a better deal when I call back but it doesn't sound like it.

[thecrave]

Well, I'm taking the plunge. I'll miss my HR10-250, but getting sick of not being able to get 24 and other shows in HD because of my antenna/weather/etc. I get CBC-HD just fine in Toronto, but can't get Buffalo locals well. Go figure. Good thing I get CBS just fine, since our local station is owned by LIN and hasn't set a retrans agreement yet w/ D*.

Anyway.....

1st call to D* about an upgrade (they added the Buffalo area MPEG4 locals yesterday).


$99 HR20 -- charge to my Credit Card now
$ 8 Tax
($99) immediate credit to my bill
$ -- FREE installation
-----------
$ 8 TOTAL upgrade w/ 2 year agreement

Installer comes Monday with a new dish and the HR20.

Had her note that there would be no change to my current bill or programming since I currently have a $10/month credit (for 12 months) on my account for calling retention last month about the price increase.

Now I was told this would be a "swap" out for my equip. I didn't say anything because of the deal, but I want to keep my HR10-250.

Anyone have any success with keeping their old equip? I paid quite the dollar amount for this puppy not too long ago and would rather keep it or unload it on eBay.

I figure I'll fight that battle w/ the installer on Monday.

I do have some old SD Tivos sitting around. I don't mind if they take that.

Happy deal hunting...


Cheers...........

[jwd45244]

Don't count on getting two HR20s. My invoice back in January said the same thing but you're only going to get one HR20.

Well, when the installer shows up with only one. I am going to show him the printed order. I'll let the installler and D* work it out.

[Tonedeaf]

Now I was told this would be a "swap" out for my equip. I didn't say anything because of the deal, but I want to keep my HR10-250.



You own the receiver if I am reading your post correctly. In that case, it is yours. Do not give it to the installer.

[mrb]

You own the receiver if I am reading your post correctly. In that case, it is yours. Do not give it to the installer.

Correct. I kept my HR10 and now it's going on eBay to more than pay for the HR20 upgrade fee I paid of $108. I should have requested the damn service credits on my account too...oh well, only complianing minorly.

[jwd45244]

BTW, the latest deal via the website is a HR20 for $99

[jpl]

BTW, the latest deal via the website is a HR20 for $99

Where on the website are you guys seeing that discount? I keep checking - going through the order process - and I still see $299 as the price. Are you guys using a promo code?

[Michael D'Angelo]

BTW, the latest deal via the website is a HR20 for $99

Are you checking the DVR or HD DVR? Someone the other day said the same thing but it was the DVR he was clicking on.

[jpl]

Are you checking the DVR or HD DVR? Someone the other day said the same thing but it was the DVR he was clicking on.

That's my guess as well. Either they're hitting the H20, or the R15 as the selection. I may be missing it, but I'm not seeing the reduced price.

[resqguy]

really? where did you see that? I just logged on and I still see $299.

I logged in like I would if I were checking on my account status or if I wanted to change programming. The prices were located in the upgraded equipment section. The reduced prices seemed to coincide with my area just now getting local channels in HD. It may be some kind of regional promotion. I'd be interested to see if anyone from the other areas that just got their HD locals can see the same deals.

[MikeR]

This is what I'm getting when I sign in:

Congratulations! Because of your excellent account history, you're eligible to receive one of the exclusive offers below!

H20 - free
R15 - free
HR20 - $199 :(

I checked last night, and the original prices were there, so maybe I'm just a day away from getting the HR20 for $99?:D

[GirkMonster]

I have been with D since 1996, ST GamePlan HBO etc. and all I got was $199 with install, slimline dish and multiswitch included...then i got the bill and they raised the price on me to $299. I went straight to retention and threatened to bring all my equipment to the local cable company because I didn't appreciate being crapped on with a loyal track record and stellar payment history. I basically said, what's the best deal you are authorized to give, because I deserve at least that...no games, just the deal

Got a $100 service credit, plus $10/month credit for 12 months. Done.

[satex]

i guess they lowered the starting price to $199 purchasable online, which seems more tempting.

[jpl]

Ok, I'm missing it then. I keep going on line. I go to upgrade equipment, and bring up the order form, and select the HR20... and it's still $299 for me... Maybe based on your account information?

[GirkMonster]

Oh, they kept telling me the price was $299. (AFTER I agreed to buy it at $199). That much was made abundantly clear.

The retention person was very nice (I had calmed myself during the transfer after telling the CSR that this wasn't - as he put it - a "misunderstanding" it was - in my words - a FVCKING!). She told me, and I believe her, that she has never given an HR20 away...I asked for the best deal based on my account history and I believe that is what I got.

Got my Sony SAT-B2 in 1996, have had RCA 303, 505 and others before the two Tivo units I have presently.

[satex]

Ok, I'm missing it then. I keep going on line. I go to upgrade equipment, and bring up the order form, and select the HR20... and it's still $299 for me... Maybe based on your account information?


Yeah im assuming cause i go to the website select upgrade equiment then select HR20 and its $199 with no handling charges just sales tax.

[Drew2k]

Didn't the sales form used to say DirecTV HD DVR+ (or "Plus")? I'd just wonder if this is really the HR20 or an HR10 ...

[satex]

When i chose more info this came up:
DIRECTV® HD DVR and Multi-Satellite Dish
Lease a DIRECTV Plus® HD DVR System!

(Standard professional installation included.)

The DIRECTV Plus® HD DVR is the latest innovation from DIRECTV etc...

[Darkside Devotee]

I don't recall, have you upgraded equipment in the last 6 months?

Mine just dropped from 299 to 199 when 6 months passed and I was elegible for another upgrade.

Ok, I'm missing it then. I keep going on line. I go to upgrade equipment, and bring up the order form, and select the HR20... and it's still $299 for me... Maybe based on your account information?

[jpl]

Yeah im assuming cause i go to the website select upgrade equiment then select HR20 and its $199 with no handling charges just sales tax.

I went through the same forms, and it shows $299 for me. To answer one of the other questions (from a different post), no I didn't upgrade within the last 6 months. The last unit I got was an R15 in August of last year (8 months ago). It's gotta be based off something in your account. One question - do you currently have HD with DirecTV? I wonder if that's the distinguishing factor here. I don't currently have HD through them.

[Drew2k]

When i chose more info this came up: [...DirecTV Plus ...]:up: Well that's good news then!

:)

[satex]

I went through the same forms, and it shows $299 for me. To answer one of the other questions (from a different post), no I didn't upgrade within the last 6 months. The last unit I got was an R15 in August of last year (8 months ago). It's gotta be based off something in your account. One question - do you currently have HD with DirecTV? I wonder if that's the distinguishing factor here. I don't currently have HD through them.

Yeah i have HD i got an H20. But yeah, just two days ago the HR20 was $299 i wonder why the price suddenly dropped, i also hope it stays that price at least if not drop more.

[jpl]

Just went through the ordering system again. Same deal - $299. Actually it doesn't matter anyway - Verizon is coming out on Tuesday to install FiOS TV for me. I was disappointed that DirecTV wouldn't budge on the price, but in a way I'm grateful. I asked myself the question "why am I switching to FiOS now? Is it JUST for a couple HD channel? Is it JUST to save a couple bucks off the DVR?" And the answer is "no". Oh, that's why I STARTED looking at FiOS as an alternative - because of the price for the HR20. But when I started digging I realized that FiOS was better for what I wanted - for a number of reasons:

1) Dish - while I have no issues with my current round dish (it's small and unobtrusive), the idea of putting a 5LNB dish on my roof - even a slimline - was something I wasn't all that thrilled with. It also sounds like the slimline is more sensitive to weather conditions than the round dish is. The idea of just getting a fiber going to my house is pretty darn appealing.

2) Capacity - FiOS has a boat load more capacity that DirecTV does (even after the new satellites go up). As a result there's no compression, and from what I've heard the HD is better than DirecTV's and the SD is ALOT better than DirecTVs. That bigger capacity tells me there's lots of room for them to grow without the need for me to keep upgrading equipment.

3) Locals - When I first had Comcast I kept looking at DirecTV as an alternative, but there was always some objection in the way. The final one was local channels - I just want one source -- I don't like switching between antenna and receiver. When they became available I went for it - and I get more SD locals with DirecTV than I did with Comcast. But now the tables are turned a bit. With DirecTV I would get 5 HD locals without the use of an antenna. With FiOS I get them all - including all the HD subchannels. Along with that, I'll get real local stuff again - like Weatherscan Local (one thing I missed when I moved to DirecTV). I don't ever see DirecTV adding all those HD locals for me - and to get those I would need to add an antenna to my dish - another structure on my roof that would set me back another $50.

4) Price - For SD only DirecTV is the better deal. Verizon has a very different pricing structure than DirecTV, offering only one base tier package (Premier). That package includes the HD channels. But if you have SD only, you're really paying for something that you're not using. But if you get their HD package... well the price advantage moves to FiOS.

5) With the exception of sports programming, FiOS offers more channels. For $13/month I can opt for their movie package which includes 45, yes 45, premium movie channels, including their HD counterparts - it includes Starz, Showtime, TMC, Flix, Sundance, and IFC (granted IFC is currrently a channel I get with DirecTV). As for sports - I just could never justify paying for a dedicated sports pack. So that's not a loss for me.

There are some disadvantages with switching (e.g. I prefer the XM stations vs. MusicChoice), and some of the interactive stuff they're adding to DirecTV's service is pretty cool. Other stuff I could care less about (gameplan, e.g.), so they're not a loss for me either. Will I be back with DirecTV someday? Possibly. If they start to outpace all other competitors with HD content, I'll give them a good hard look again in the future.

It is unfortunate because I really loved my DirecTV service. And all for a $300 receiver fee, they're losing a customer who's loved their service. Oh well... on to fiber!

[kaz]

Just went through the ordering system again. Same deal - $299. Actually it doesn't matter anyway - Verizon is coming out on Tuesday to install FiOS TV for me. I was disappointed that DirecTV wouldn't budge on the price, but in a way I'm grateful. I asked myself the question "why am I switching to FiOS now? Is it JUST for a couple HD channel? Is it JUST to save a couple bucks off the DVR?" And the answer is "no". Oh, that's why I STARTED looking at FiOS as an alternative - because of the price for the HR20. But when I started digging I realized that FiOS was better for what I wanted - for a number of reasons:


Not to rain on your parade, but have you actually played with a Fios DVR? you will not be pleased. the UI is klunky, slow, unresponsive, unintuitive (as of 11/06 in dallas/flowermound). Fios is a great deal for data, but its not really mature enough for a picky a/v fan.

[jpl]

Not to rain on your parade, but have you actually played with a Fios DVR? you will not be pleased. the UI is klunky, slow, unresponsive, unintuitive (as of 11/06 in dallas/flowermound). Fios is a great deal for data, but its not really mature enough for a picky a/v fan.

That's why we're not cancelling our DirecTV service right away. I have 30 days to try out FiOS before deciding if I like it or not. As for the UI, you're right, I haven't played with it, but I've found lots of links out there that show in pretty great detail how to navigate it, and what the screens look like. To be honest, aside from the graphics, it really doesn't look all that different, functionally, than the R15. I may be wrong, but I guess we'll see. In fact, it appears to be slightly more intuitive than the R15 - e.g. they actually have a, drum roll please... series manager. One of my main beefs with the R15 interface is the fact that setting up SLs, and modifying them, can be painful. It got a little bit better with the last release, but it's still clunky as hell. And the fact that I can't modify a SL when there are no upcoming recordings? What's up with that?

But like I said, we'll see. However, according to bobman, the moto dvr is actually very responsive and he likes it better than the R15. And as for performance, the FiOS DVR can't possibly be slower and less responsive than the R15. Don't get me wrong, I like the DirecTV interface. I really do. I really like the R15 (despite some of the clunkiness of it), but I have a real hard time believing that the FiOS DVR is SLOWER and LESS RESPONSIVE than the R15.

As for the picky a/v fan - well, again, we'll see. But from every review I've read, FiOS PQ blows away DirecTV's. And I've picked the brains of folks coming from all over the spectrum. Folks who went to them from Dish, from cable, and from DirecTV. Again, don't get me wrong. I've loved my DirecTV service, and this change isn't what I was hoping to make. I thought I would be a DirecTV customer for a long time yet. Still, when I look at everything - from PQ to price to channel offerings, sorry but FiOS seems to come out on top. Again, we'll see... We'll know after a few days how we feel about the service. If it sucks, or doesn't measure up to DirecTV, we'll cancel and come back to DirecTV.

[BillyT2002]

If I were to move over to FIOS, which I would in a heartbeat if Verizon will ever build here, I wouldn't get the FIOS DVR. I'd get a TIVO series 3 and use that with the FIOS service.

[jpl]

If I were to move over to FIOS, which I would in a heartbeat if Verizon will ever build here, I wouldn't get the FIOS DVR. I'd get a TIVO series 3 and use that with the FIOS service.

That's certainly an option, but that's a pretty hefty price-tag. I didn't realize that my wife hated the R15. She loved our old TiVo, and when I raised the possibility of going with TiVo again, she got intrigued. Although at that price it's really tough to justify. Even so, like I said, to call any other DVR clunky and unresponsive after having the R15... well, that's kinda tough to do. Again, I like the R15, but it's no speed demon. And with inconsistent UI throughout, it's clunky as hell. Add to that all those limitations it has (no dlb, sl limits, et. al.) and it leads me to believe that the moto DVR has to be a step up (and I'll continue to stress, I'm one of the R15's fans). Yeah, I've read some not-so-nice things about the moto DVR, but I've also read some really nice things about it. Only one way to tell - get hooked up and put it through its paces.

Verizon is coming Tuesday morning. I've already written down my SLs from both R15s, as well as upcoming (non series) recordings. I'll start the R15 shut-down tomorrow night - killing all upcoming SLs, removing the second R15, etc. I'm going to suspend my account for quite a while. I want to see what DirecTV does, and if I have to pay an early termination fee, I would rather just do it once (either DirecTV's or FiOS's, but not both).

[Richard Chalk]

I have three HR10-250 units in service, and have the basic Total Choice package, which, up until 2 weeks ago, did not include HD channels (other than OTA). On learning that HD Locals are now available here, I called and spoke to Sales about upgrading to HR20's.

With no request for any special treatment, they offered three HR20's, new dish, and complete installation for $297, plus the $20 "handling fee".

I bought the original machines at $1000 for the first one, $499 for the second, and $0 for the third, for an average of $500 each, and have replaced/added second drives to all of them, so let's say $600. They tell me I get to keep them.

I expect to sell them on eBay. With the added capacity, is it reasonable to expect $350-$400 or so each? If so, that will pay for the new units, as well as some higher-capacity drives, like 750gb or similar, and I will not be out any additional cost.

As for the programming, I get to stay with the same package, and the "HD Access" shows on my bill as Promotion-$0, so I now get the old HD package for free, which is actually better than I had before. I did have to agree to a two-year commitment, but since there is no terrestrial alternative where I live, that doesn't really bother me...

I suppose I could have called Retention and pushed for some freebies, but I did not want to rock the boat before the installation. I might try afterwards.

I still have some shows on the HR10 units we need to watch, so it will be a few weeks before they can all be sold, so if anyone here is interested, please PM me and I will provide details...

[HDTVFanAtic]

Not to rain on your parade, but have you actually played with a Fios DVR? you will not be pleased. the UI is klunky, slow, unresponsive, unintuitive (as of 11/06 in dallas/flowermound). Fios is a great deal for data, but its not really mature enough for a picky a/v fan.

Neither is the HR20


Why people buy a HD Service for the DVR is beyond me. They should buy it for the PQ - which is why you purchased your HDTV.

[jpl]

Neither is the HR20


Why people buy a HD Service for the DVR is beyond me. They should buy it for the PQ - which is why you purchased your HDTV.

Bingo. That's exactly right. There are some other things that went into my decision, but PQ and potential future capacity were the two biggest. I weighed the pros and cons of each (DirecTV vs. FiOS) pretty darn carefully, did the best research I could with FiOS, and made a decision. Will it be the right one? Not sure. But nothing's irreversible. If it sucks, I come back to DirecTV. PQ was one of the biggies for me. It was one of the main reasons I left Comcast for DirecTV in the first place. And like I said, go out there and take a look at the FiOS DVR interface (there are lots of places on line where you can get screen shots - heck go to Verizon's webpage, and they have some on-line tutorials, granted nothing real detailed, but something), and the one thing you get a sense of is - functionally it's darn close to the R15. Yeah things are laid out differently, and I'm sure I'm going to have at least one "well, that sucks" moments when playing with the new DVR, but again I felt the same way when I switched to DirecTV - there were positives with staying with Comcast and when I realized that DirecTV didn't have the same feature as Comcast, it was a ding against DirecTV. No service is going to be perfect. No service is going to be problem-free. I fully expect some issues with FiOS. Especially since it is so new. Verizon's going through some big growing pains of their own.

One thing that may have me coming back to DirecTV is when the new satellites go up. If the mpeg4 compression allows them to have an even better PQ than FiOS, I'll seriously consider DirecTV again. And besides, with FiOS, I do have the option of going back to a TiVo DVR.

[atlantamoi]

DTV member since 2002. I've had the R15 for about a year now (2nd one, first one was a complete dud). So, that puts me right in the middle of a two year contract and not as much leverage for deal making with retention. First call last week was $299 for HR20, $10 off a month for a year and $70 credit. Called back a 2nd time later in the day and got the credit changed to $100. After the credit, monthly discount and adding taxes and shipping, it means I pay $120 for the upgrade (with dish/installation).

Not as good as some people have gotten, but I'm okay with this since I still have over a year on my contract for the R15. My plan originally was to just keep using OTA for free, but I realized after four years you can't go back to DVR-less viewing!

[jimstick]

Wait...you had the vanilla Total Choice and are now on Plus HD for only $9.99 more? I have Total Choice, 1 DVR, and HD package and it comes out to around $64 ($54 without the HD package)....isn't the Plus HD package ~$70?

As it turns out, it looks like I still have the Total Choice with the HD package. Since I just received my bill the day before my install last Friday, the HD package did not show up on it for this month, but they will probably ding me for it next month. However, when the install tech called to activate service for the new box, he said there was a glitch in the system, and as a result, I now have HBO. I asked if I would be charged for it, and he said no. May be a promotion, I don't know.

[GFloyd]

First time customer to D* (E* sub for about 7 years). Over the last couple of weeks, I have been playing around with the D* website building a system. Today I called the phone number that was listed at the bottom of the page (1-888-777-2454) and received this offer ...

HD-DVR & 2 DVRs = $399

HD Plus = 49.99 (59.99 w/ $10 credit for 12 months)
Lease Fee = 9.98
HBO & Cinemax = Free for 3 months
Showtime = Free for 3 months
Free Portable DVD Player
Free Install and S/H

I questioned him on the HD Plus pkg for only 49.99 and he assured me that the CSRs could undercut the online price, which was 59.99 for 12 months.

The online offer also notes 12 free HD/PPV and I did not ask him about that, but the free Showtime offsets that.

I guess the real savings for me as a new sub was the reduced price of the monthly pkg by an additional $10 for 12 months. That's $120, which essentially pays for one the SD DVRs.

[dmr6124]

They are definitely cracking down on the deals. I recently went thru customer retention to upgrade my old SAT-T60 with and HR20-100S and Slim Line 5LNB dish.

I am a D* old-timer having been around since 1994. I am subscribed to the Premier package.

My deal for the HR20 and dish: $199 + tax (no shipping).

Offset by $20 per month discount on Premier package and free HD service ($10 per month) for 12 months = $360 in discounts. Also, I have a promise of a second HR20 for $199 whenever I want it.

I am somewhat disappointed that I didn't get upgraded for free like so many have reported in this thread over the past few months. But then I paid $1000 for my first small dish (and $3000 for my C-band setup before that), so I am not complaining too loud. But I do find it irksome that some much less deserving customers got better deals merely by threatening to leave for E* after being a D* customer for just a couple years. I don't blame them for trying - I blame D* for not being proportionate when it comes to offering rewards for customer loyalty.

Perhaps D* should have a program where they offer $10 of upgrade "credits" for each $100 of revenue.

[RAD]

They are definitely cracking down on the deals. I recently went thru customer retention to upgrade my old SAT-T60 with and HR20-100S and Slim Line 5LNB dish.

I am a D* old-timer having been around since 1994. I am subscribed to the Premier package.

My deal for the HR20 and dish: $199 + tax (no shipping).

Offset by $20 per month discount on Premier package and free HD service ($10 per month) for 12 months = $360 in discounts. Also, I have a promise of a second HR20 for $199 whenever I want it.

I am somewhat disappointed that I didn't get upgraded for free like so many have reported in this thread over the past few months. But then I paid $1000 for my first small dish (and $3000 for my C-band setup before that), so I am not complaining too loud. But I do find it irksome that some much less deserving customers got better deals merely by threatening to leave for E* after being a D* customer for just a couple years. I don't blame them for trying - I blame D* for not being proportionate when it comes to offering rewards for customer loyalty.

Perhaps D* should have a program where they offer $10 of upgrade "credits" for each $100 of revenue.

OK, I'm confused by your post. So they charge you $199 for the HR20 and dish, and they give you $360 in programming, so you're actually making money on the deal, and you're not happy?

[dmr6124]

OK, I'm confused by your post. So they charge you $199 for the HR20 and dish, and they give you $360 in programming, so you're actually making money on the deal, and you're not happy?

My "happiness" is all relative. Rewind back to January and February and you can find users in this thread getting the HD DVR for free AND discounts on future programming. Thats why I say they are "cracking down on deals".

[HDTVFanAtic]

No service is going to be perfect. No service is going to be problem-free. I fully expect some issues with FiOS. Especially since it is so new. Verizon's going through some big growing pains of their own.


Yes, services now are the lesser of 2 evils. Choose what's important to you and then decide what you can trade off.


One thing that may have me coming back to DirecTV is when the new satellites go up. If the mpeg4 compression allows them to have an even better PQ than FiOS, I'll seriously consider DirecTV again. And besides, with FiOS, I do have the option of going back to a TiVo DVR.

That can never happen. If the original source is MPEG2 and FIOS is passing on a full bandwidth as they are now, you will not get better PQ with D* down rezzing the picture and converting it to MPEG4.

It will certainly make it no better than the original and then MPEG4 by its very nature has some trade offs.

[sp1dey]

Just got off the phone... $99 HD DVR (plus new dish). No haggling but I did have to be bounced around to different depts until I finally got retention (only ones who could authorize it). The dude at retention didn't seem pleased at first and had to put me on hold. I got the impression I wasn't suppose to be offered the HR20-700 (plus dish) for $99.... but the notes on the systems (from previous days call didn't lie).

Anywho, could have probably scored a better or worse deal but the wife and I are happy. Install is set for next Monday.

[jpl]

That can never happen. If the original source is MPEG2 and FIOS is passing on a full bandwidth as they are now, you will not get better PQ with D* down rezzing the picture and converting it to MPEG4.

That's true. I guess I mistated it. I'm think more of the delivery mechanism. While fiber should provide pristine delivery, I would guess that it's possible that, somewhere along the line, the FiOS TV signal wouldn't get delivered with the same clarity as DirecTV's satellite signal. I'm considering the receivers used, in addition to the other equipment that they install. I noticed marked improvement over time with my DirecTV PQ as we moved from a standard receiver, to a DirecTivo to an R15, even though the signal itself hasn't gotten better. Of course compression has become markedly more noticeable too. I can see where, due to increased bandwidth allowed because of all that mpeg4, that the DirecTV picture comes in clearer than the Verizon picture. More bandwidth, plus better compression technology, leads to less bit starvation for DirecTV. It's clear that they're now making the bits scream because of how hard they're squeezing them. But if the improvements that DirecTV promises become reality it's possible that, coupled with their equipment, the PQ that they'll deliver will be superior to what Verizon delivers. Although, to be honest, I don't see that happening. I think it's just a matter of time until DirecTV is right back to square one, swapping bits like crazy to meet their programming commitments.

But your point is well taken. All things being equal, there is no way that DirecTV's picture can match Verizon's, based on the current technology.