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

[sotx66]

I've been watching this thread for about 6 or 7 months now, and it seems like in the last month or so the deal have been getting sweeter and above all easier. I wonder if enough people have left for other companies that D* is starting to make better deals. Just my thoughts.

Wedge

I called yesterday afternoon and price to upgrade to HD with an HD DVR on one set was $237 and change. I told woman that the online price was $213 and change and she suggested that I sign up online.
I'm a longtime sub with all programs plus sunday ticket and red zone.
Guess I didn't hold my mouth right or something after seeing the deals others are being offered.

[bakerfall]

I just called and got one for $19.95. First person I spoke with said the only deal was $199, asked for customer retention. She said the same thing, and I just said "I'm not interested in that deal" and "No." until I got it for $19.95.

I paid $199 for my first one last Sept.

[Chuck W]

I cannot get anyone to offer me that $19.99 deal for the HR-20, to replace my HR10. I've called twice now and the best I get is the $99 deal(both offered me this). I have been with Directv since 1999 and am an Premiere sub, along with subbing to the HD pak. I dunno what else to try, at this point.

Retention would be tough for me since my commit on my HR10 isn't up till December of this year.

**EDIT**

Ok, FINALLY I got a CSR, that after telling her that other existing customers have been getting the $19.99, she finally agreed to give it to me. It really shouldn't be this difficult.

[myboyblue]

I cannot get anyone to offer me that $19.99 deal for the HR-20, to replace my HR10. I've called twice now and the best I get is the $99 deal(both offered me this). I have been with Directv since 1999 and am an Premiere sub, along with subbing to the HD pak. I dunno what else to try, at this point.

Retention would be tough for me since my commit on my HR10 isn't up till December of this year.

Keep Trying. I got an HR10 last Sep and a HR20 last Oct. So I was still under contract til Oct '08. I still wanted another HR20 so I called and got offered the HR20 for $299. I said no and then wrote an email telling them that I the price is too high. A few days later I get a phone call and after a few mintues I get the HR20 for $19.95, 6 months of free HD, and $10 off my HBO for 3 months. Persistence usually pays off.

[Chuck W]

Keep Trying. I got an HR10 last Sep and a HR20 last Oct. So I was still under contract til Oct '08. I still wanted another HR20 so I called and got offered the HR20 for $299. I said no and then wrote an email telling them that I the price is too high. A few days later I get a phone call and after a few mintues I get the HR20 for $19.95, 6 months of free HD, and $10 off my HBO for 3 months. Persistence usually pays off.

Yea, that "keep trying" finally worked(see my edit above). But as I said, it really shouldn't be this difficult, especially since I've been with them for 8 yrs and have had the premiere pak for several years, as well. They have a LOT of my money, already. ;)

[HDMike]

Keep Trying. I got an HR10 last Sep and a HR20 last Oct. So I was still under contract til Oct '08. I still wanted another HR20 so I called and got offered the HR20 for $299. I said no and then wrote an email telling them that I the price is too high. A few days later I get a phone call and after a few mintues I get the HR20 for $19.95, 6 months of free HD, and $10 off my HBO for 3 months. Persistence usually pays off.

I hope you're right. I got an HR20 6 months ago as an additional receiver and kept the HR10 I own on a 2nd set for backup while the HR20 got the bugs outs. I decided to try to get the HR10 upgraded for free, and the best deal through both the first CSR and retention was $100. I said no thanks and was pretty ticked off. I just fired off an email and hope I get a better response.

Mike

[Dilerium]

Well, it took only two phone calls, but I got the HR20 for around twenty bucks. No threats, no tears, just a bit of polite persistence.

Installation is set for Wednesday. Wish me luck.

[spoonman]

I called them today and after talking to their "HD Dept". The best offer they could give me to upgrade my HR10 was $99. I told them I would wait...I hope in the fall I can get one for the cost of shipping :rolleyes:

[Rockywwf]

I got my first HR20 back in September for shipping and tax. $22.14 to be exact. I called last week to shut off one of my units and ask what the HR20 is going for now. The CSR told me $299 so I said forget it and she said she would check my account notes to see if I have any offers. She comes back and said I could have the HR20 for shipping and tax!! Again I got one for $22.14 and is being installed tommorow!!

Don't ask me how. I didn't sweet talk, complain, threaten or anything to get this deal and no one was more surprised then me.

:D

[tkrandall]

I've called 3 times in the past week (twice today). I have total choice plus with 3 sets (2 DirecTivos) for 4 years, bills paid on time, etc. Each time the offer that comes up is $199 plus S&H. The last CSR did offer 6 months free HD service ($60 value).

Kind of frustrating - I guess I will try a few more times.

[kaa1954]

Long time customer here (NFL Sunday Ticket,NHL Center Ice,HBO,Showtime,Sports Pack)....no haggling at all & here is my deal.

2 HR20's- ($198(-)$99Credit)=$99

Shipping & handling ($19.98(-)$19.98Credit)=$0

12 Months $10 programing credits=(-$120)

[CessnaDriver]

I posted here on Friday that they would only give me one HR20 for the $19.95 and was frustrated.

Today I called back and the first CSR could only do the same offer as Friday, but I insisted on two units. He then said he would transfer me to a department that might have better offers - retention.

The retention guy was very cordial. He worked awhile and finally said he would give me 2 HR20's but there was a small glitch - the system would only let him do one per order.

He put in my order for the new dish and first HR20, and then put a note in my record that I am entitled to one more HR20 if I call back before the end of the month. He said to let them install the first one, and as soon as they leave, call back and someone will put in the order for the second one.

I've been a customer for about 10 years - back in the Directv / USSB days.

[Melquiades]

I have an R-15 and 6 months left on my DirecTV commitment. I bought an HDTV this week and was initially offered the basic $199 deal for the HD-DVR.

After reading this forum for some excellent tips, I sent DirecTV an e-mail telling them I was hesitant to pay $200 for the leased machine and I had offers for free HD-DVR service from my local cable company as well as the Dish Network (which is true).

They called me back and left a phone number and PIN. I called them and almost immediately was offered the machine for $19.95. I balked a little at the monthly price and was given 3 months of free HD service.

Thanks a lot to everybody here for the advice.

[Alan Gordon]

I called DirecTV... stated "equipment upgrade" at the prompt (like a previous poster mentioned) and then waited on hold (the phone said Monday night was one of their busiest nights).

SEVERAL minutes later, I spoke to a CSR, and asked what kind of deal I could get on a HR20. He then asked if I wanted to add this receiver in addition to or to replace my current one (I told him that I didn't have one, and he specified that he meant HD-DVR... and not necessarily a HR20). I told him I wanted it to replace one of my other receivers. He then proceeded to tell me what came with the HR20(5-LNB dish, remote, etc...) and offered it to me for the price of $199. I stated that was a no-go for me, and that a friend upgraded for $19.95. He said he'd check what he could do and put me on hold.

He came back a minute later and told me that he could do that for me if I added DirecTV's protection plan and asked me if I knew what that was. I know what the DirecTV protection plan is, but for some reason I told him no by accident... so he began to explain it to me... and added that the first month is free. I told him no thanks, so he said that he'd go back and see what he could do.

A minute later, he's back and offering it for me for the $19.95 plus tax. He asks me whether or not I want it on the account (I do) or credit card. He looks up the soonest install which was Wednesday, but I need to get outside a put the pole in the ground first, so I asked him about Friday which he stated was fine. He asked if I had any notes for the installer to which I had him add that I wanted a HR20-700 if possible (and not a 100), I asked him if this order would include a multi-switch to which he replied that the installer will install one if needed.

He then asked if there was anything else he could do, so I asked him if I could get any programming credits to counter the shipping charge, he put me on hold, came back a minute later and offered me $5.00 off a month for six months.... which isn't as good a deal as some people here, but it's good enough for me.

All in all, not bad for my first try to get a good deal on the HR20 since last September/October...

~Alan

[tkrandall]

Called this morning on the way to work - the lady's immediate first offer to me was the $19.95 deal so I jumped on it. Installation, however is a 2 1/2 week wait.

[taz_co]

Thanks for the info guys. Long time subscriber, first time caller. Went the cancel from the voice mail prompt route.


Killer deal :eek2: :
2 HR20 w/ install ($0 w/ free shipping)
12 month free DVR service
12 month free HD service
12 month $10 credit
6 month free HBO/Cinemax/Showtime
$125 Sunday Ticket + free SuperFan

Total cost $125 (1/2 price offer on Sunday Ticket)
Monthly service went from $62/mo to $42/mo

Install scheduled for 7/17.

Talked to Marc, very friendly. Obviously very excited.

[kbohip]

Thanks for the info guys. Long time subscriber, first time caller. Went the cancel from the voice mail prompt route.


Killer deal :eek2: :
2 HR20 w/ install ($0 w/ free shipping)
12 month free DVR service
12 month free HD service
12 month $10 credit
6 month free HBO/Cinemax/Showtime
$125 Sunday Ticket + free SuperFan

Total cost $125 (1/2 price offer on Sunday Ticket)
Monthly service went from $62/mo to $42/mo

Install scheduled for 7/17.

Talked to Marc, very friendly. Obviously very excited.

Wow, just wow! I'm going to be calling soon myself. Any pointers?:)

[CessnaDriver]

Thanks for the info guys. Long time subscriber, first time caller. Went the cancel from the voice mail prompt route.


Killer deal :eek2: :
2 HR20 w/ install ($0 w/ free shipping)
12 month free DVR service
12 month free HD service
12 month $10 credit
6 month free HBO/Cinemax/Showtime
$125 Sunday Ticket + free SuperFan

Total cost $125 (1/2 price offer on Sunday Ticket)
Monthly service went from $62/mo to $42/mo

Install scheduled for 7/17.

Talked to Marc, very friendly. Obviously very excited.

I was told the computer won't let them put in 2 HR20s and that there was a comment in my record to give me a second HR20 after the first one is installed.

Why in the world would someone at Directv say this and make myself, and Directv go through this? It's crazy.

[taz_co]

I would agree with them not being allowed two HR20 on same order. Mark coded them as two separate orders, scheduled for the same day. Looking at my order page I see them both scheduled for delivery/install on morning of 7/17.

Re: any pointers.
I was "amazed" and "quite surprised" at each new thing Mark offered. At one point I happened to mention that I used to have Sunday Ticket ... did they still offer that? Mark assured me that they did and when I asked more about it, he offered for 1/2 price. He then put me on hold to code the whole order. When he came back, I mentioned that I had been perusing their website while on hold and noticed that ST wasn't in HD, but they seemed to offer another level that was HD (Super Fan). He did some checking to see if he could still enter it with $0 cost and offered that as well.

Mark seemed happy to continue to offer me new discounts, etc as my attitude was one of gratefulness and joy, not give me, give me.

The old "you catch more flies w/ honey idea".

[APorter]

Has anyone received a deal for coming back to Directv (better than the one HR20 for $199)? I had Directv from 1997-2002. I have 4 HDTV's and would need atleast 2 HD-DVR"s and 2 HD boxes.

Thanks

[shelland]

I called 4 times last week, each time getting the $199 offer. (no threat to cancel or mention of competitors) I just said I have 2 "old" HD receivers that I'm interested in upgrading for HD locals and the new HD channels.

I called today, and got the same offer. Called a second time an hour later, and was again quoted the same price. Without me saying anything, she said she would look at some things, and found that I qualified for one HD-DVR for the price of shipping. I asked if it was possible to get 2, and she said it is not.

I'll take the one for now - upgrading family room from H10 HD receiver to an HD-DVR. I'll upgrade the HR10-250 (which I got for free last year with the "Sunday Ticket" offer) in a few months. I'm good with that...

I verified that they will install the 5-LNB dish, a second line for the dual tuner, and upgrade the multi-switch if necessary.

I'll be working from home next Monday! :)

[kbohip]

Ok, I'm going to be a new HR20 user now(for better or for worse!). This was probably the easiest phone call I've made to a call center anywhere. I called up and asked about the HR20, telling the CSR that I have an HR10 currently but I want to be able to watch the new MPEG4 channels. At first he started to say that it would cost $299, but then quickly said they had a deal that was $199-a $100 rebate. I then told him that when I bought my HD-Tivo for $199, numerous CSR's told me I'd be eligible for a free upgrade to the new HR20 when it came out. I let him know that they told me they'd enter this info in their notes on my account. This is 100% true btw and many other people on Tivocommunity got in on this deal too back then.

He told me to hold on while he checked. A minute later he came back to tell me that I could get the HR20 for free + $19.95 shipping + tax. I told him to do it. Of course the only thing I really dislike is them locking me into a 2 year agreement, but after phoning Directv's competition last night, I'm not too worried they'll come out with anything better or at the very least as cost effective as Directv.

I have to say guys, after having the craptacular E* for many years before Directv, I'm VERY happy with Directv! It took me 6 months of negotiating with E* just to have the privelage of buying one of their newer DVR's. I had to buy that DVR off of Ebay, and then e-mail a special address their at Dish just to get it activated. What nonsense! They never let their current subs. have anything new back then, and I'd bet that they still make it next to impossible now.

It's SO nice to call up Directv almost 2 years after they gave me their word that they'd upgrade me to the newer HD-DVR for free when it came out and have them honor that. I don't mind in the slightest now being locked into an agreement with this company for the next 2 years. Kudos to you Directv!:righton:

[Steve615]

We had been debating the idea of doing a lease on one of the HD DVRs for awhile.We have 2 H20-600s (owned) and the 5 LNB dish.We have had the same programming since being with D* for a little over a year now (Total Choice Plus with Locals & HD Pack).So,I got home from work tonight and thought what the hey,I'll give it a try.The first CSR I talk to tells me that we are still under a programming commitment.Our original deal with D* was for a 1 year commitment and we own the equipment.I didn't argue with this guy.I asked to be transfered to retention.He asked me to hold while he made some notes to the account before he transfers the call and I said that was fine with me.Approx. 3 minutes later,he's back on the line and says "Please hold while I transfer your call."Then I get to speak with a retention rep.He states that he is looking over some of the notes on the account.He seemed puzzled about the 1 year programming commitment that we originally agreed upon before starting any service with D*.I ask him to look further back into the notes on the account and sure enough,he finds several notes that were made on our account when we became D* customers.He starts apologizing for the previous CSR not looking into all of the info on our account and then asks what can he do to keep a good customer.This is when I asked about the $20 deal for the HD DVR.He puts me on hold for a minute or two and comes back on the line and says that if I want the HD DVR installed for $19.95 plus tax,I could have it if I agreed to a 2 year programming commitment.I told him that I had no intentions of leaving D* at this time and had no problems at all with accepting the 2 year programming deal.Then he begins the work order for the equipment.He placed an order for the following: 1 HD DVR,1 5 LNB Dish,free installation.
Deactivate one of our H20s (replace it with the HD DVR) and we keep it.It is owned,not leased.He also stated that he was making a note on the work order for whoever does the install that if they choose not to replace the dish to leave the other dish with us.
After taxes were added,the total was $21.70.I told him that was fine with me.Then he asked me if I would be interested in free HBO and Showtime for 3 months.Of course,I said yes.Overall,the transaction went pretty smooth.We are satisfied with the deal that we got.Install is this Saturday afternoon. :D

[anubys]

I called to get the $20.95 shipping charge removed (since the CSR told me it was "free").

They said it was already waived.

I asked for the Super Fan for free. after changing CSRs twice, third one said ok...you can either get the SF for free or $10 off for the next 12 months.

I took the $10 off deal...

[dngrant]

It seems like there is no consistency in the offers. Now, here is my story. I have 3 HD receivers, 1 HR10-250 and two Hughes HTL-HD receivers.

I was told two different things. First, I would not need to upgrade my hardware as an adapter that would make my receivers capable of receiving the new signals is supposed to be coming out. I was then given the cost. $299.99 plus S&H for the HR10-250 and $99.99 + S&H for each of the Hughes receivers. Call back closer to the launch and see if there are any deals. There is no way in hell I am going to spend $500+ for receiver upgrades. I will drop D* in a heartbeat.

[tkrandall]

Called this morning on the way to work - the lady's immediate first offer to me was the $19.95 deal so I jumped on it. Installation, however is a 2 1/2 week wait.

Called the installation number this morning and got an install date much closer - next Tuesday.

[Chuck W]

It seems like there is no consistency in the offers. Now, here is my story. I have 3 HD receivers, 1 HR10-250 and two Hughes HTL-HD receivers.

I was told two different things. First, I would not need to upgrade my hardware as an adapter that would make my receivers capable of receiving the new signals is supposed to be coming out. I was then given the cost. $299.99 plus S&H for the HR10-250 and $99.99 + S&H for each of the Hughes receivers. Call back closer to the launch and see if there are any deals. There is no way in hell I am going to spend $500+ for receiver upgrades. I will drop D* in a heartbeat.


There is "some" consistency. The prevailing offers that seem to be made are either a $199 offer or $199 - $100 = $99 offer(this seems to be where they like to stop, unless you force the issue) and then finally the $19.99 offer. Those seem to be the core ones, then some people have been able to get "extra" stuff piled on, like free superfan, $xx off a month, free HBO/SHO.

The best many CSR's will tell they can do is the $99 deal, but that's not really true. If you are a good customer, you can get the $19.99 deal from them. The magic words for me seemed to be that I mentioned other existing customers, at a couple message boards said they were getting the deal, so that's when she agreed to do it.

[anubys]

totally agree...every time I mention that people on my forum got these deals, they cave right away...

they always say that just because someone got a deal doesn't mean that everyone will, but then they give it to me anyway "because I'm such a valued customer"...

I save the forum deal argument to the end...I don't use it right away...I only use it once I'm talking to retention, not to the first CSR...

[jj4518]

After a few minutes I got the $19.95 price. I was initially told $199. I said I had one installed last Fall for $19.99 but was still told I was only eligible for the $199 and that the $19.99 price was not available. Only as a last resort before I hung up I said I had a friend in a neighboring town that just got his installed for $19.99. I was put on hold and after a few minutes was told that they were able to do some research and that i WAS eligible for the $19.95 price! Install is this Friday morning.:)

[hoostw]

I just got off the phone with two csr's...there best offer was 199. I told them about the 19.99 deal and they said it did not exist, but they made a note in my field and asked that I give them someone's account or phone number that also received this deal...

Anyone else encounter this?

[mdh333]

I had no issues receiving the $19.95 offer...and got them to credit me $5/month to offset that cost as well. Went straight to retention, and told them I wanted to replace a HR10-250 with one of their DVRs...but didn't want to pay anything. The whole call took maybe 10 minutes.

I've been with DTV for nearly 10 years though.

[CessnaDriver]

Called the installation number this morning and got an install date much closer - next Tuesday.

Hey tkrandall, do you have that number handy? Is it a national number or a local number for your town? They can't come to my house in Fort Worth, TX until July 23! I'd like to call to see if that can change.

Thanks in advance

[mdh333]

Installation dept is 888-355-7530.

DTV contracts with local installers in the different towns though, so I wouldn't imagine the available date in Texas has anything to do with Atlanta, or Florida (where I just got 7/17 setup....though, that was afternoon. If I wanted morning, I had to wait an extra week.)

[tpayne105]

I called in yesterday and at first they offered me a new HR20 for $99...I asked if he could look in my account for notation and sure enough, he comes back and says he can do it for the $19.95. I went ahead and did it and scheduled an install. Unfortunately, they cannot come out until July 24th. He did say if I wanted to try to call back in a few days, I might could get lucky to see if I can get an earlier date. I will do that in a few days...

I am happy. I didn't try to get any extra stuff.....just hope I can get used to the new HR20.....

[joephoo]

Long time lurker -- figured I'd post my experiences. I am a 5-year customer with a heavy spending level on the sports packages. I have a year left on a movers' package commitment.

First 2 calls, I was given the $199 price and, upon asking if there were other credits, was told that it's already $100 off and there wasn't any other offer. Each time, I mentioned that cable customers I knew were getting these things for free.

The third call went to the same script, but as I was giving up the rep says, "let me see if there's a once-in-the-lifetime-of-the-account offer I can look up for you." And, the $20 deal was suddenly there! Install in 7 days.:D

(This is such a mysterious process. If retention is really so important, they should be offering the high revenue customers this sort of deal proactively. )

Thanks to the other posters... I will now try to prepare as best I can for the arrival! :)

[gashog301]

Didnt even ask for a deal and they gave it to me for 19.95, now I have 2. Who wants a HDTivo?

[Richard L Bray]

First rep said $199 to upgrade my HD Tivo. I insisted there was a $19.95 deal and I wanted it. He put me on hold and around 15 minutes later said he had found someone who could help. New rep (I didn't ask which department) made the $19.95 deal available. I then asked about upgrading my HD receiver in the den (no DVR) and ended up getting a second HR20 instead for $99.00. I felt that was fair.

[chd176]

I called in today to finally check into upgrading to HD after getting my first HDTV a few weeks ago. I was really loving the OTA HD programming and new D* was getting ready to really push HD so I called up D* to check on the HR20 at first I was offered the HR20 for $299 no rebate and the H20 for $99 also no rebate, I told them I would think about it and call back later and the lady said to hold on and she would check the system. She then came back with the HR20 for $199 and the H20 for $19.95 shipping. I told her I really wanted the DVR but wasn't sure I wanted to spend that much so she then told me to hold and she would get me to someone who had more options. I was then transfered to another rep (I started in the installation department I think I chose the option to upgrade to HD equipment) I was then told I could get the H20 or the HR20 for $19.95 so I jumped on it. Turns out she could no longer find the offer for either so instead charged my account for $130 for the HR20 ($99 plus applicable tax) and said she would apply the credits to my account over the following 3 months. I am upgrading from the standard round 18" to the 5 LNB streamline. EDIT: Oh yeah I forgot to add that my install date is for 7/20 next friday!

[DHardmanJr]

First, thanks to all of you who post and provide info on these forums. I have been a lurker for a while - this is my first post.

I called about 45 minutes ago and got the $19.95 + tax deal for an upgrade to HR20. They will give me the 5 LNB dish + install for free. I got ST Superfan for $49 instead of $99. Not a bad deal. I've seen others get even better, but I am happy.

I see some people getting stonewalled with the first CSR. The first CSR said she could only do $199 ($299 - 100 rebate). Her words "This is all I can offer." Here's the question I asked to get to the next level:

"Is there someone else I can speak to that would be able to give me a better offer."

After that, she transfered me to someone else, maybe retention. This next CSR gave me the $19.95+tax deal right away and after a bit of talking gave me a $50 credit to make Superfan effectively $49. :D

Very pleasant all around. I did bring up Dish as a competitor and their free HD DVR. This didn't seem to really make a difference. They just quoted all the differentiating factors DirecTV has. It was just asking if there was someone else I could speak to that could give me a better deal that did the trick.

My install date is 7/22. Can't wait!

Good luck and good HD hunting.

Dave

[kog]

I just wanted to let people know about my experience with DirecTV CSR regarding the HR20. First some background, I am subscribed to what used to be called Total Choice Plus with DVR (Sony T-60) and locals. I have been a subscriber for about 4 years and am NOT in the middle of a subscription commitment.

I was interested in getting a HR20 since I have a new HDTV and I looked on their website and all I could find was the $199 offer. So I decided to give them a call. After finally reaching a human, I just asked if there were any offers for existing customers who is out of commitment for a HD PVR. She said she thought there was an offer and told me to hold while she looked it up. After a moment she came back and offered me the HR20 and new dish with installation for $19.99 plus tax and I would be committed for 2 year. Needless to say I took her offer. :)

My install date is 7/18, so we'll see how that goes. But so far the process has been fairly painless. I guess it's just a matter of which CSR you run into when you call in.

[kendall]

WOW this forum is the GREATEST. thanks to all that posted the deals they got. here is what I was able to get with just one call.

A little about my DirecTV package. have been a sub for over 10 years and now have the Choice Hd DVR package, no sports packages (NFL, MLB, ect.) or premium movie packages (HBO, STARZ, ect). had my first HR-20 100b & 5 LNB dish installed in March of this year (Cost $99.00). so I'm already under a 2 year commitment.

Ok now about my call, the first CSR gave me the standard deal of $199.00 with free install. I said I wanted the deal for the free HR-20 and just pay the $19.95 shipping fee. he said he couldn't make that deal and I asked to speak to someone who could help me. he transferred me to a nice lady who said no problem and set me up for the free HR-20 & install. so I got the HR-20 for a total of $21.70 & I'm very happy with that.

Thanks again to all that posted,
Kendall

[OrangeCounty]

I just placed an oder yesterday. We've been Directv customers since 1993. I initially got the standard $199 offer and eventually ended up with the receiver and istall for the $19.95 shipping and $99 fee with one free year of HD service ($9.99 credit a month for year). Although I haven't seen anyone with this offer, it seemed acceptable. I'm very disappointed that the earliest date for install was 8/11. I can't understand why my area has such a wait.

It will be interesting to see how the install goes. We know ahead of time that we cannot get the 119 signal. It just isn't possible with the trees in our area. The good news is that we get a strong 95+ signal on the 101 and an 85+ signal on the 110 with the trees having all their leaves.

Our zip code is eligable to receive the HD locals, but when it asked for the county, we are denied the locals. How specific is the spot beam? I can't imagine that a couple of miles can make that much of a difference.

When the install is done, will we be able to tell if we get the spot beam for the local HD?

[anubys]

sure...the installer should make sure you're getting all the channels you subscribe for before you sign the papers...

1993! I didn't know D* was even in business back then...

[OrangeCounty]

I found a receipt for our first receiver and dish a while ago when sorting through some old bills . We paid almost $900 for them! I think my husband picked them up at a trade show in the area.

[wedge40]

It wasn't called directv back in 93, but something like DSS. This was original Huges satelite system.

Wedge

[chd176]

Just as an update I called back to check my order because I wasn't 100% sure that it was really the HR20 and not the H20.

I got someone from the installation (I assume) department again and she told me it was what I feared just the H20. So then she told me to hang on and she would check to see what her "system had to offer" much to my delight she came back on and said that I could get the HR20 for free I didn't even have to pay shipping!

She then asked if I wanted to cancel the H20 order and just stick with the HR20 I decided I would just go ahead and keep both installs. One thing was odd I have the HR20 scheduled to be installed on 7/17 and the H20 installed on 7/18 is there anyway I can get those two mergered?

[jennifermcb]

I called Customer Service a few moments ago to ask for the best deal I could get with respect to their HD DVR. I am moving in a couple of weeks and have seriously considered going back to cable and the Series3 HDTivo.

Immediately, I was given 2 free HD DVr's, the installer, under the mover's plan, will put up the new dish and run lines to not only the 2 new DVR's, but my 2 existing HR10. (or so she says - not sure they will run that much cable on the mover's plan.) Also, I was offered $10/month off my bill for the next 12 months.

It was so easy. I've been a D* subscriber since 1995.

Installation could have been as early as next week, but we aren't moving until 8/2 so I scheduled for 8/1

[or270]

One thing was odd I have the HR20 scheduled to be installed on 7/17 and the H20 installed on 7/18 is there anyway I can get those two mergered?
Should be no problem just get a hold of the local installing company, Directv can tell which company it is if you are not sure.

[tgatesp]

1ST call and was offered hr-20 for $21.70, i'm guessing that's the tax included. Basically just asked what deal i could get on upgrading my dvr, after a few minutes on hold this is what she told me.
They said they could install next tues (it's now saturday) but i had to push it back because of work.

[rnp614]

Do these deals apply to those who are starting brand new subscriptions?

[AlbertZeroK]

Do these deals apply to those who are starting brand new subscriptions?

No, but typically a 2 year commitment with DirecTV is required.

[rnp614]

2 years is required for the HD Boxes? Really? Seems like an awful lot. For the normal choice service + plain DVR I'm locked in a 1 year agreement.

[AlbertZeroK]

2 years is required for the HD Boxes? Really? Seems like an awful lot. For the normal choice service + plain DVR I'm locked in a 1 year agreement.

Activating a DVR automatically signs you up for a 2 year commitment.
Activating a Non-DVR Receiver automatically signs you up for a 1 year commitment.

[rnp614]

Ah, so I'm hosed already into 2 years of service once I let them install that DVR

I am SO glad I found these forums.

[AlbertZeroK]

Ah, so I'm hosed already into 2 years of service once I let them install that DVR

I am SO glad I found these forums.

Yes, but the ETF (early termination fee) is prorated, which means if you have fulfilled a year of service, you only pay half the ETF. Which is far better than cell companies.

[rnp614]

Yes, but the ETF (early termination fee) is prorated, which means if you have fulfilled a year of service, you only pay half the ETF. Which is far better than cell companies.

Good to know, Any idea the fee? If my building closes or turns into condos I may end up moving, thats the only reason I have trepidations about a 2 year contract...either way tonight I think I'm going to bite the bullet and get the HD DVR box and service anyways haha....

I hope its worth it over cox cable.

[anubys]

Yes, but the ETF (early termination fee) is prorated, which means if you have fulfilled a year of service, you only pay half the ETF. Which is far better than cell companies.

I don't believe in one-way agreements that you cannot change...ETF is something I never worry about with companies...when their service is not good enough for me anymore (something better comes along), I terminate...I don't pay the fee...they can sue me if they wish...

When they ask me for a verbal agreement to the 2-year deal, I always mention to them that I expect them to fulfill their part of the agreement by providing me with service that I find superior to anyone else...

[rnp614]

I don't believe in one-way agreements that you cannot change...ETF is something I never worry about with companies...when their service is not good enough for me anymore (something better comes along), I terminate...I don't pay the fee...they can sue me if they wish...

When they ask me for a verbal agreement to the 2-year deal, I always mention to them that I expect them to fulfill their part of the agreement by providing me with service that I find superior to anyone else...

Wont this have a negative effect on your credit?!

[personman]

If you have an HR10-250 you are eligible for an discounted offer. HR20 for $99 plus $19.95 + Two Year commitment and you get to keep your HD Tivo and have it relocated to a new room.

I think this may be part of the reason why there were some conflicting offers.

[AlbertZeroK]

Good to know, Any idea the fee? If my building closes or turns into condos I may end up moving, thats the only reason I have trepidations about a 2 year contract...either way tonight I think I'm going to bite the bullet and get the HD DVR box and service anyways haha....

I hope its worth it over cox cable.

The fee is $300. BUT, if you move, you can call DirecTV and do Mover's Connection, they will install a new dish and wiring at your new place for free (1 year commitment required.) So just because you move doesn't mean you have to cancel DirecTV.

[rnp614]

The fee is $300. BUT, if you move, you can call DirecTV and do Mover's Connection, they will install a new dish and wiring at your new place for free (1 year commitment required.) So just because you move doesn't mean you have to cancel DirecTV.

I wouldnt mind keeping DTV but what if I move to another apartment...one that doesnt allow for dishes! EEP!

[raddison1971]

First a little background on my service with D*.

I had D* service for about 5 yrs and was really ticked off with the issues with the HR10-250 a while back and switched to cable. I hated it! I decided to come back to D* and called them up and got two HD recievers for the 19.95 s/h. I asked a supervisor at that time about the HD DVR and the best he could do was $199. This was all about 3 weeks ago. I called in this afternoon and the first CSr I got on the phone with said that he thought that I was able to get a free upgrade to the HD DVR. So I got the $19.95 deal and to top it all off the install date is tomorrow (Monday) from noon to 4pm.

Very Happy indeed!

[aktick]

Well, I guess I'm going to call this week and see what happens. I have 2 HR10-250s that I got for free (after programming credits/discounts), but I still have some credits, including $5 off, $10 off, and free HD package. Plus, I'm still paying $48 for Total Choice.

1. Have you been having any luck getting credits in addition to your free dish/DVR?

2. I'm guessing they'll change my programming package to a "current" package? It seems the most similar package to what I have now is the "Plus HD" for $70?!?

[Dilerium]

Well, it took only two phone calls, but I got the HR20 for around twenty bucks. No threats, no tears, just a bit of polite persistence.

Installation is set for Wednesday. Wish me luck.

Update. Turns out I got luck, of both kinds.

A MasTec installer shows up just as planned on Wednesday. He has an Hr20, but no dish. It's not on the work order. I look, and he's right -- it's not there.

So, the guy goes about setting up the HR20 with what I have. He also gets on the phone with D* to have them create a new work order to get the dish installed. I speak to the lady at D* and she sets up an appointment for Thursday afternoon. Cool. The HR 20 is working (albeit with my triple LNB) and all the other DVR's in the house are cruising along.

Thursday comes and goes with no installer. I call D* and, after being disconnected once, I get a CSR who calls MasTec. Together, we have a conference call. The first MasTec CSR dropped the call, so we call again. We get Eric. All CSR's should be like Eric. Eric gets the info from the D* guy. Turns out that there is no work order. In fact, they can't determine who it is that installed the HR20 on Wednesday. There's no paperwork on that, either.

The D* guy drops out of the call, assured that Eric, the super MasTec guy will take care of everything. Eric tries to call the local office that sent the installer. No luck (they're closed). Eric calls D* and gets someone to create the work order. Eric confirms that it shows up on MasTec's system. The new person at D* apologizes to me for all the trouble and refunds the $21.60 I paid for the HR20. Now, the whole thing is free. My new appointment is set up for Monday (tomorrow) morning. Eric of MasTec assures me that the job has been assigned. I got an automated confirmation phone call yesterday.

So, with luck, we'll be up and running by lunch time tomorrow. If not, I'm calling Eric.

Kudos out to Eric for handling all of this. If y'all have a problem with MasTec, Eric is the guy to talk to. He was knowledgable, clear, patient, and took action. I have new-found confidence that tomorrow's installation will go as planned.

[personman]

2. I'm guessing they'll change my programming package to a "current" package? It seems the most similar package to what I have now is the "Plus HD" for $70?!?

Plus HD DVR includes the $9.99 price for the HD. It also includes the 4.99 (small price break of about $1.00) for the DVR service. Also includes the equivalent to Choice Extra.

[aktick]

Plus HD DVR includes the $9.99 price for the HD. It also includes the 4.99 (small price break of about $1.00) for the DVR service. Also includes the equivalent to Choice Extra.

Aaaah, ok. So I'll end up with the same channels I have now, plus a few.

So if I can get them to keep the HD channels essentially free as I'm getting now, plus $10 off for HBO, and my other $5 credit, my bill would be $7 more. And I'd be getting the few Extra channels for that $7.

Geeze...not that that's a lot of money, but right now, it's only getting me things like DIY and more XM stations. It'd be much easier to justify if it was a bunch of extra HD stations for $7.

Any word yet on possible price increases once all the HD stations start showing up in September?

[ms_nut]

Hi. I'm new on the forum.I will be a new subscriber to D* as well.I tried to use the deals on the site , but the 2 CSRs i talked to wouldn't budge.
CSR1:
Me: Hello, I heard via a referral from another D* customer that you have a special deal going on for the HD-DVR service.The equipment is free ($19.95 for S/H) and i would also get $10 programming credits ,whatever that means.. (like i didn't know :) ).The 1st CSR simply shot me down.

CSR2:
Me: Hello, I heard via a referral from another D* customer that you have a special deal going on for the HD-DVR service.The equipment is free ($19.95 for S/H) and i would also get $10 programming credits ,whatever that means
CSR2:I think i know what that offer is, but you have to pay $199.95 for the HR20.I could give you the entire package for $49.99 for the first 10 months and then at $59.99 for the next 2.
Me: Nah, not good enough... could you give me the service for $44.99 for 12 months? I'll pay the $199.95 equipment cost.
CSR2:Blah..blah blah.. this is our best deal.
Me:Could you throw in the sports pack for free at least..? for like 12 months.
CSR2: Sorry...
Me: Hmm, let me think... may be i should downgrade.. (Here's where i'm hoping he would give me a better deal..) .. Let me think...
CSR2: Yeah, keep thinking... take your time bye...
Me: Hey, this is where you say you'd love to earn my business and would do what it takes... what's that a dial tone.. oh never mind...


What do you think i should do to get the best deal out of them? I would like the HD-DVR pack(Choice Xtra) + Sportspack.And i'm a new customer...

[ahself]

Success! Here's my story:
- D* customer for 4-5 years. I own 3 standard DVRs and have Total Choice Plus. I don't have any premium packages and haven't upgraded any equipment (ever), other than swapping out a defective unit a couple years back. I am ~19 months into a 2-year agreement due to using the movers connection option.

I called the regular D* customer service number, found my way through the prompts to the upgrade to HD equipment option and talked to a CSR. I told her I was thinking of upgrading one of my DVRs to an HD DVR and wanted to see what kind of deal they could offer. After checking some information, she said that she could offer me the HR20 for $299 + s/h and tax. I asked if that's the best deal she could offer and she said it was. I said I knew of several other people who received the HR20 for just the s/h (didn't mention this forum though). She asked me to hold on while she checked something else (my notes maybe?). She came back and said, as a one time offer, she could give me the HR20 for free and I would just have to pay the s/h + tax...came to $21.15...this includes upgrading my dish since I have a dual LNB. Install date is this Thursday.

I'm happy. I didn't push for any extras since I felt like I had to push a little to get this offer...and I'm still under a two year agreement.

I'm glad I found this thread and thanks to all of those who posted their experience.

[chd176]

Hi. I'm new on the forum.I will be a new subscriber to D* as well.I tried to use the deals on the site , but the 2 CSRs i talked to wouldn't budge.
CSR1:
Me: Hello, I heard via a referral from another D* customer that you have a special deal going on for the HD-DVR service.The equipment is free ($19.95 for S/H) and i would also get $10 programming credits ,whatever that means.. (like i didn't know :) ).The 1st CSR simply shot me down.

CSR2:
Me: Hello, I heard via a referral from another D* customer that you have a special deal going on for the HD-DVR service.The equipment is free ($19.95 for S/H) and i would also get $10 programming credits ,whatever that means
CSR2:I think i know what that offer is, but you have to pay $199.95 for the HR20.I could give you the entire package for $49.99 for the first 10 months and then at $59.99 for the next 2.
Me: Nah, not good enough... could you give me the service for $44.99 for 12 months? I'll pay the $199.95 equipment cost.
CSR2:Blah..blah blah.. this is our best deal.
Me:Could you throw in the sports pack for free at least..? for like 12 months.
CSR2: Sorry...
Me: Hmm, let me think... may be i should downgrade.. (Here's where i'm hoping he would give me a better deal..) .. Let me think...
CSR2: Yeah, keep thinking... take your time bye...
Me: Hey, this is where you say you'd love to earn my business and would do what it takes... what's that a dial tone.. oh never mind...


What do you think i should do to get the best deal out of them? I would like the HD-DVR pack(Choice Xtra) + Sportspack.And i'm a new customer...

I think you are asking for a LOT as a new customer. I have been with D* for three years spending $85+ each month just for SD programming and I had to jump through hoops to get the HR20 at $19.95 and I still had to pay $19.95 for the standard H20. I also didn't get any type of monthly discount for the programming If it's a great deal you are looking for you may be better off going with an authorized dealer to get it, I'd be weary though I've heard some horror stories when dealing with them.

[Shad]

I got a HR 20 about 6 weeks ago for 99 bucks. I called last week and got another one for the handling charge.

Install is Wednesday. I would like to split my OTA signal and run a coax into the new TV. What are my chances of getting the installer to do this for me?

[falken]

I got a HR 20 about 6 weeks ago for 99 bucks. I called last week and got another one for the handling charge.

Install is Wednesday. I would like to split my OTA signal and run a coax into the new TV. What are my chances of getting the installer to do this for me?

All you need is a splitter and an extra piece of coax. Chances are the install will not have a splitter with him, but you may be able to get him to make the coax cables you need and hook them up. If you want him to do it I would at least make sure you have purchased a good quality signal splitter before hand.

[braven]

Hi. I'm new on the forum.I will be a new subscriber to D* as well.I tried to use the deals on the site , but the 2 CSRs i talked to wouldn't budge.
CSR1:
Me: Hello, I heard via a referral from another D* customer that you have a special deal going on for the HD-DVR service.The equipment is free ($19.95 for S/H) and i would also get $10 programming credits ,whatever that means.. (like i didn't know :) ).The 1st CSR simply shot me down.

CSR2:
Me: Hello, I heard via a referral from another D* customer that you have a special deal going on for the HD-DVR service.The equipment is free ($19.95 for S/H) and i would also get $10 programming credits ,whatever that means
CSR2:I think i know what that offer is, but you have to pay $199.95 for the HR20.I could give you the entire package for $49.99 for the first 10 months and then at $59.99 for the next 2.
Me: Nah, not good enough... could you give me the service for $44.99 for 12 months? I'll pay the $199.95 equipment cost.
CSR2:Blah..blah blah.. this is our best deal.
Me:Could you throw in the sports pack for free at least..? for like 12 months.
CSR2: Sorry...
Me: Hmm, let me think... may be i should downgrade.. (Here's where i'm hoping he would give me a better deal..) .. Let me think...
CSR2: Yeah, keep thinking... take your time bye...
Me: Hey, this is where you say you'd love to earn my business and would do what it takes... what's that a dial tone.. oh never mind...


What do you think i should do to get the best deal out of them? I would like the HD-DVR pack(Choice Xtra) + Sportspack.And i'm a new customer...


Being a new customer, if you don't like the current offer you can either take your business elsewhere or wait for a better offer. IMHO

I don't think D* bends over backwards for new subscribers. Their quarterly offers are already pretty sweet.

[ms_nut]

I think you are asking for a LOT as a new customer. I have been with D* for three years spending $85+ each month just for SD programming and I had to jump through hoops to get the HR20 at $19.95 and I still had to pay $19.95 for the standard H20. I also didn't get any type of monthly discount for the programming If it's a great deal you are looking for you may be better off going with an authorized dealer to get it, I'd be weary though I've heard some horror stories when dealing with them.

:D :D .You may be right.;) ;) Oh well, at least i tried.I really don't mind paying for the service, it's just that i want the best deal i can possibly get.I assumed that that was the case for new customers as well.I'll try again, but will be less (how should i put it mildly).. greedy.:p

[ms_nut]

I just ordered a new D* service.They gave me a deal of $49.99 for the HD-Plus-DVR service for 12 months.Threw in free insurance for a year as well.I still had to pay $199.99 for the HR20.Better than the online deal for sure...

[amcdan]

I am a "returning" customer as I cancelled service about 2 months ago when I moved into a rental house while waiting for my new place to be finished. I have 1 Tivo receiver and 1 standard receiver, but wanted to upgrade.

Here's what I ended up with. Not spectacular, but as good as I could get after calling a few different times:

1 HD-DVR Receiver @ $199 (after $100 discount, which they offer everybody)
1 DVR Receiver @99
Minus another $100 on the equipment

So the 2 receivers for around $220 with shipping

Also got $10 off for 12 months, which amounts to free HD for a year. So I'll have the "Plus DVR" package with "free" HD.

Again, I don't think this is a deal to brag about. But wanted to share as an fyi.

[kakster]

I have 2 HR10-250s.
A few weeks ago I called in and got the standard offer ($199 for first dvr + $299 for second dvr), then they came down to $99 each, plus HD pkg free for 1 year.
Tried with multiple CSRs, and twice at retention and still that was best deal. I said to note the offer in my account and I would think about it.

Today I called in and the first CSR gave me the free upgrade (19.95 delivery) right away. He was very nice, and actually had a clue. He said the best deal he could find on the second dvr was $99 (plus another 19.95). After entering the first one into the system, he said he could no longer select the $99 price for the 2nd one (it was back up to $199). He did say he could transfer me to the installation department who might be able to get the $99 offer. Transfer failed and I lost the connection.

I called back in and explained the above to the new CSR who said that they couldn't get that offer either and transferred to the installation department. The new person was not as friendly and said the price was $199 and there is no better offer available. I asked for the retention department. The retention CSR came on the line and I explained again my concern about paying $199 because I had paid the full $999 originally for both the HR10s, and that Comcast does not charge for their DVRs. She came back with an offer of $198 total for both, but with an immediate credit of the whole amount, so upgrade of both DVRs came to total of 19.95 + tax (1.30)!

Between the two days, it took about 4 hours and 10 CSRs to finally get the offer I was looking for.

Whew! I hope the installation goes well....

[Dilerium]

Final update on my story:

MasTec installer showed up precisely on time this morning. He came armed with the new Ka/Ku dish and another HR20. He didn't know that a technician had already come out last week and left off an HR20. I told the guy that I already had the DVR and just needed the dish. He asked if I wanted his HR20 anyway. My pulse quickened and I said "Yes," and told him where we would put it.

The technician removed the old dish and set up the new one in short order. The installation looked quite clean and well done. The dish was precisely aimed with little difficulty. All of my DVR's communicated effectively and got real good numbers on all the transponders, in spite of the light rain.

Well, he called in to his supervisor about the extra HR20. After much discussion, the supervisor decided that they should not leave the new HR20, so I lost out there. The technician said he could leave it and I would be charged $300. It wasn't that big a deal, so I let it go. As long as D* doesn't think I have it, I'm okay.

The guy even installed the BBC's and they both are working perfectly (in that they say they don't work at all).

So, it was a bit of a hassle, but the install was done and I now have an HR20 and a Ka/Ku dish for free. I didn't get any programming credits or anything, but overall , I'm pretty happy.

(My brother in law paid $300 plus installation for his about six months ago. I was happy to tell him about my deal!)

[LandShark22]

Sorry for the length. This was a weird one.

Background: I got an HR10 about a year ago, for $399, best I could get at the time. Been with DTV for 10+ years, A list customer, whatever that is :)

Call was a little strange, but I ended with a pretty good deal with no lying or threatening to cancel, which I'm not comfortable with. The CSR was friendly and professional.

Called the Mover's connection hotline last night to have my service moved to my new house I just had built. New house has a media room, so I told the CSR I will be needing an additional HD DVR. She tells me the price is $199 + shipping. I inform her my friend recently upgraded and got a HR20 for $99, which is true.

CSR: Um, no sir, nobody is getting the HR20 for that price, demand is very high.

Me: Well, I'm pretty sure my friend is not lying, so obviously some people are getting it for 99..

CSR: The only way to get that price would be if you had no commitment left and you agreed to a 2 year commitment. But you still have a year left on your commitment (from previous HD upgrade)

Me: I would be willing to extend my commitment.

CSR: (After putting me on hold for about 5 minutes) Ok sir, I am able to offer you the DVR for $99 + shipping. (So much for nobody getting it for that price :rolleyes: )

Me: That's fine.

At this point I'm pretty happy, $99 is a fair price, I'm not looking to shake them down and get it for free or anything. Then it took a surprising turn:

CSR: Sir, you realize the HR10 you have now will not be able to receive the HD locals and the new mpeg 4 programming launching soon, this will need to be upgraded as well at some point.

Me: Yes, I realize that. It's ok for now, I'll upgrade it next year some time.

CSR: If you like we can upgrade that one as well at this time

Me: Well, how much would the second one cost me?

CSR: We can do both for $99 if you agree to an additional 2 year commitment.

Me (surprised and skeptical): Really? Just to be clear, that's 2 HR20s for $99? Not $99 each, but $99 for both.

CSR: Yes, sir. I am able to offer you this due to your being a loyal long time DTV customer. As long as you agree to the 2 year commitment.

Me (after verifying about twice more): Heck yeah, sign me up!

So we set up the appointment, then she says they will send me a box to return my HD Tivo HR10 in, since it's leased. ( I got in RIGHT after they started the leasing junk)

I tell her I'm not too crazy about that, since I paid $399 for the thing not even a year ago. (But I wasn't ready to go to war over it)

She clicks around a little bit and tells me since I paid $399 for it, she can "upgrade" the HR10 to being an owned unit for no charge. Again I'm skeptical and verify several times this unit will now be owned and I am free to keep or sell it. She says I am.

So I put $129 on a CC over the phone. She tells me on my next bill there will be a $199 charge and a $199 credit.

So I'm pretty happy, to say the least. Once I verify the wife can live without the tivo interface I'll sell the HR10 and come out a couple of bills ahead on the deal :D Not as good as some have gotten, but it didn't require CSR roulette or begging or threatening. To me this deal is more than fair.

I'm planning to call in a day or 2 and confirm it all.

[Rixx]

DTV came to do an install on my 2 new HR20-700's 2 weeks ago. Installer had both units, but no new Slimline dish. I ended up calling DTV on the spot, they talked w/installer on the phone. They made arrangements to use the dish slated for the next install...(poor guy!) After briefly talking w/installer and asking the usual question..."How long have you been installing'? 2 months...was his reply.

I knew I was in for some problems.... Sure enough, one after the other. After many hrs......it looks like he has everything going properly, and he leaves. Not a 1/2 hr after he leaves....local channels fade out.....says the old "Searching for Sat 1" I go ahead and try the 499 test channel again...it says "you are NOT connected".

I call back DTV and explain my problems....they said we'll have someone come back out day after tomorrow. AND, we'll give you 6 months of HBO for your problems. OK....what the hell. Can't do anything about it anyway!

Installer comes again.....he checks the cables, ports, and such. He says "1st off....your BBC converters are bad....3 out of 4 of them. BUT, we I don't have anymore of them. They come w/receivers, we don't have any on the truck or at the wharehouse. You need to call or go online and order some. I go online, find the page, and order four of them. Expect in 4-6 weeks..

He states that I need to call DTV for a relocation of the dish, and leaves.

I call an make another appointment for 2 days later. (gives me Showtime too) Another guy shows up WITH the BBC converters. Slaps them on, and they work! Investigates the dish, and finds the last installer didn't put the two scews in the bottom leg of the dish. It was blowing around, the installer said. He fixed the screw problem, and still had the "searching for Sat 1" message. He traces it back to a bad LNB, changes it, and it works fine.

3 days later DTV e mails me and tells me "you don't need BBC converters on HR10 250's....and that I WILL need to upgrade my equipment in order to watch future HD programming." DUH........

I call DTV back, and they give me Starz as well.

Good news is it's working.....and I have an additional 20 something movie channels.

Bad news is 3 days of sitting around waiting.


Rixx

[RexB]

Just talked with a CSR and he offered the $299 and installation package. I'd just checked here, saw that the "real deals" were still happening -- and mentioned to him that I got the HR10-250 a couple of years ago for about $20 and might there be an offer like that from DTV? He said, "I see you've been a customer since 1999" I said yes and it's been great service all that time. He then said how about $19.95 plus tax for the HR20 and get the 5LNB installed on Thursday? I said "that sounds real good, thankyou". Woot!

[burson18]

Longtime lurker, first time poster - called up, was offered the $99 + shipping deal. Mentioned that some folks I knew were getting it for just the shipping charge, and asked if I'd be eligible for that offer. CSR went away for 3 minutes and then said I was approved for the just shipping deal.

I called the 800-directv number and asked for 'equipment upgrade'. Customer since '99, but that never came up.

[wmp]

Just talked with a CSR and he offered the $299 and installation package. I'd just checked here, saw that the "real deals" were still happening -- and mentioned to him that I got the HR10-250 a couple of years ago for about $20 and might there be an offer like that from DTV? He said, "I see you've been a customer since 1999" I said yes and it's been great service all that time. He then said how about $19.95 plus tax for the HR20 and get the 5LNB installed on Thursday? I said "that sounds real good, thankyou". Woot!

I called today, expecting the worst.

I've been w/ DTV 2.5 years. My "commitment" has expired. Currently have HR15 Tivo.

I asked what would be involved in upgrading to HD/DVR. The CSR told me that the HD receiver was $99, plus shipping. But that they would waive the fee. I told her I wanted the DVR, not the HD receiver. She said that would be $299, but hold the line. She came back on after a minute and said they would be happy to waive that fee as well, and only charge me the shipping and handling. Plus they will come out next Monday to install the new 5LNB dish.

I never asked for a deal - this was basically the opening offer from them. The pattern I see in these replies is that those of us with expired commitments are getting the DVR for free, those that still have time on the clock are not getting it, or having to fight/push for it.

In any case, I'm a happy camper. Very polite and pleasant and professional call. DTV scored big points with me today.

[DRoZ]

It worked for me as well...

I have had DirecTV for 3 years with 2 recievers, one of which was an ancient RCA HD reciever. I called the first time this afternoon and the CSR offered me the 199.99 deal and said it was all he could offer, stating that all he gets is a computer screen that tells him what to offer each customer. So I was a bit disappointed, but decided later to try again, I got through to a very nice lady who, after I asked about what deals could be offered for the upgrade she offered me the s/h charge with no cost. Although she did call it a "summer HD deal" or something to that effect and that it may stop in august. Not sure if that was just a line, but I figured I would warn you guys. Also, thanks for all of your help, I would have never have thought it was possible to recieve this equipment for free without all of your answers. Thanks again.

[jjsterner]

Anybody getting special treatment if they are a long time sunday ticket subscriber? I just looked at my next bill and found the ST is now $229 with the HD $100 more! That's with a $120 bill for HD programming already. Now I hear my beloved Tivo HR10-250 won't work for much longer and I'll be forced to "upgrade" (I've already tried out the new receivers at my father's and brother's house and found them much less user friendly than the tivo).

Looks like Cox and Dish Network may be getting a response from me now.

Any suggestions?

[anokaflash]

Tried a different tact. DTV Customer since 2003, Received DTivo and additional standard box on 2003. Bill is just under $100. Commitment free and haven't asked for any program or discounts.

I used the Contact Us form on the website and stated that I was considering upgrading but was receiving pressure from my better half to switch to Cable rather than lock in a commitment. I received an E-Mail response within a couple hours telling me I would get a call within 48 hours. Retention CSR called me this evening. Offered free HR20 installed w/dish and 10.00/month programming credit for 12 months (free HD basically), 2-year commitment. 'Begged' for some programming enticements but she wouldn't budge. Told her I would confer with my wife and call back. She gave me the Retention number and 'PIN' and told me to call back when I was ready.

Flash

[GoBeavs]

I think anybody who has read this thread knows what the deals are and how to get them, but I'll throw in my experience as well. I just installed my own slimline dish and multiswitch (I know I could get these for free, but I wanted to do my own install for several reasons) so I would be ready for the new HD channels coming online soon. I currently have two HR10-250s (one leased and one owned) and two SD DirecTivo receivers. I've been a subscriber since early 2004 and I have the Total Choice Plus w/locals package. I sent an email on Sunday night stating that I want to upgrade my equipment in order to receive the new HD channels and that I would also be willing to sub to the NFL Sunday Ticket if I can get Superfan for no charge. In my email I stated that I would like for them to forward my email to someone who can work with me on my request.

I received a call two days later from DirecTV and first she offered me $199 to upgrade one HR10-250 to an HR20. I asked her if that's the best deal she could offer then she immediately said she could replace my leased HR10-250 for the $19.95 shipping cost. I then explained that I wanted to upgrade both HR10-250s and she said it would be an additional $99 to upgrade the owned HR10-250. I said OK and the total charge was $118.95. I then asked if she could offer any deals on the NFL Sunday Ticket w/Superfan and she offered the Superfan for free with the purchase of NFLST.

Also, I had one year remaining on my commitment due to the HR10-250 that I also got for free last summer.

[iheartroscoe]

Just called DirecTV to order a second HR20. First CSR wouldn't come down from the $199. I called back a few minutes later and the second CSR initially said she wouldn't be able to do anything, but said she would check. She came back and offered the HR20 for shipping plus tax: $21.15. I paid $99 for the first one, so I was very pleased. Installation is set for Friday. Been a customer since 2004 and was currently under contract.

[personman]

If you have an HR10-250 you are eligible for an discounted offer. HR20 for $99 plus $19.95 + Two Year commitment and you get to keep your HD Tivo and have it relocated to a new room.

I think this may be part of the reason why there were some conflicting offers.

Anyone with an HR10-250 is eligible for the $99 + 19.95. Alot of CSRs don't know about this offer. I know this because I am a CSR. After you upgrade to an HR20 you get to keep your HD Tivo, it will be treated as an SD Tivo after the upgrade. The only catch that I can think of is that if you have more than one HR10-250 you must upgrade them all to get this deal. So $99 + $99 + $19.95.

[kniles]

Only 8 months ago I switched from Charter Cable to Dtv, 5 LNB, multi- switch, premium package and receivers in four different rooms. The number one receiver being HR10-250 ($700), but only two out of four locals OTA and a two year commitment.
My wife who can’t till 1080P from 20/20 hated Dtv and her new D-15 DVR. She stopped using it two weeks after it was installed. Within 3 weeks my wife had cable TV (or what she calls regular TV) back in the house again. Always make the ladies Happy!!
After reading this thread for about 3 months, watching the new bird go up on Channel 750, I new it was time to make the move to the HR-20. It turned out to be a lot easier than I thought because of all the great advice within this thread.
So I decided to make the call. The first thing I did correctly was to say Cancel Service (this took me right to Retention). The first thing I discussed with the CSR was my 1) Cable vs. Dtv. It never really an option but retention is for customers who want to cancel service. 2) Lower rates 3) usage changes in the house over the last 8 months had changed. I told her in order to keep Dtv in my house and make my wife happy I needed to reduce my cost, return the D-15. 4) If the price was right possibly upgrade to a HR-20 and relocate the HR10, replacing a basic D-11and add more cable drops.
I had the CSR look over my account and we found that the HR10 was listed as leased. This was changed to Owned. I then asked about an HR-20 upgrade and she came back with $200. We then talked about the $700 cost of HR10 and lowering rated not increasing rates. At this time it was time to say the Magic Words. I told her a friend had been offered a $19.95 HR-20 Upgrade. She put me on hold for a minute while she checked on this. I knew from reading past posts that this would require a Credit Card # and another 2 year commitment. When she came back on the line that is exactly what she asked for and I was ready to make the deal.
I then asked her about credits, she told me with the premium package I already had all the channels so she could not discount programming. Asked about a credit on the HD package and she then told me I had just got a HR-20 for free, this was the only bad news. I end up with $10 less per month because the HR-10 went from leased to owned and the return of the D-15. Per-paid Fed-x boxes would be sent to my house to returned the receivers. The relocation of the HR-10 required one more drop to be run to the back of the house. CSR indicated this was part of the install. When I asked about one more run for OTA she said each additional drop was $40 each. I told her I would run that one myself.
Last two things were the most important. We went over all the details one more time and scheduled for a Thursday 8-12 install. Thanked the CSR, 30min. phone call.

Bottom line HR-20 $19.95 + tax and $120 savings per year!!!

Thursday at 8:30 the installer made his first stop of the day. On his work order was a new 5LNB dish & 6x8 multi-switch that were already installed. This made the installed very happy, plus the fact that I had installed a pull wire through the attic from one end of the house to the other. I asked him about more cable drops, no problem, he ran three extra drops at no charge; then tied the OTA into the HR-10 on both ends. The installer had no attic time on a hot day. He programmed my new HR20-100S which came with a HDMI cable and left at 9:45. Great install.

[bhyde]

Anybody getting special treatment if they are a long time sunday ticket subscriber? I just looked at my next bill and found the ST is now $229 with the HD $100 more! That's with a $120 bill for HD programming already. Now I hear my beloved Tivo HR10-250 won't work for much longer and I'll be forced to "upgrade" (I've already tried out the new receivers at my father's and brother's house and found them much less user friendly than the tivo).

Looks like Cox and Dish Network may be getting a response from me now.

Any suggestions?


All I did was send an email to CS stating that I'm paying my auto-renewal for NFLST and $199 (that's what my online account says) is steep for a HD DVR right now, what can they offer a A-List customer? :D As simple as that, and the next day I get a call telling me that $19.95 and 2 year agreement is what they can offer!!

[hadji]

Called and wanted an upgrade from standard HD in the bedroom to the HR-20(already have a free one in the living room) and was offered the standard $199...bleh. Called back and was offered $199 plus 6 months Showtime and HBO which I acted mildly interested in. Called back the 3rd time and got the right rep. :-) and was offered a free HD DVR upgrade and also because I was offered the 6 months of HBO/SHOW already, the rep. asked if I would like to take advantage of that offer as well(took.0001 sec. to say yes). Total charged to card is $20.95 for the "PRO" installation. I love "D". They have always been very very good to me.

[jjsterner]

All I did was send an email to CS stating that I'm paying my auto-renewal for NFLST and $199 (that's what my online account says) is steep for a HD DVR right now, what can they offer a A-List customer? :D As simple as that, and the next day I get a call telling me that $19.95 and 2 year agreement is what they can offer!!


Just called and said "Cancel Service" at the automated prompt and got what I assume was retention as after asking to cancel the ST because of the price got the free DVR upgrade for shipping offer right away. Asked for a break on the super fan as I'm already paying $120 a year for HD service and got a "no" after he put me on hold (he cited the additional cost of broadcasting the games in HD - I barely suppressed a laugh). :lol:

I guess I'll be calling Cox and *E now. I may call again tomorrow when I have details on the other offers.

[bhyde]

Just called and said "Cancel Service" at the automated prompt and got what I assume was retention as after asking to cancel the ST because of the price got the free DVR upgrade for shipping offer right away. Asked for a break on the super fan as I'm already paying $120 a year for HD service and got a "no" after he put me on hold (he cited the additional cost of broadcasting the games in HD - I barely suppressed a laugh). :lol:

I guess I'll be calling Cox and *E now. I may call again tomorrow when I have details on the other offers.

Well again, for me all I did was send email about a month ago asking about Superfan and got it added for free with no hassels:D So far, I'm two for two going the email route and ZERO calls, cancel's or whatever. With all this HD going up and networks spitting out more games in HD, Superfan is only worth it if it's free!! The moment I have to buy SF, the moment if goes off my account, but I'm sticking with NFLST.

[Araxen]

I sent an email Directv last night and got a call today to call retention and got offered HR20 for $19.95 with 2 year commitment.

[Alfer]

I've been with Direct for almost 10 years....

Now I have two HDTV's in the house with R15 POS's on them...I called tonight to see what deals are out there for HD-DVR's...main customer service quoted me $299 for one HD-DVR and the second one was free...I told her I couldn't justify $300 at this time..she switched me to retention....

I talk a few minutes with a nice guy named Derek who after a few minutes offers me one FREE HD-DVR AND one year FREE HD service...also he waived the fees to ship and will have the installer out here next week to install new dish for free etc...

Just couldn't pass that deal up!!!

[yaddayaddayadda]

I've been with directv about 5 years. I mentioned to the retention rep that I was thinking about canceling my account because my HD DVR could not get the new HD channels Directv was planning on rolling out.

She mentioned that I qualified for a 'free' upgrade. I didn't bother to ask for free programming (I should have).

The installer is coming out the 28th.

I hate to leave the HR10-250, but think the benefits will outweigh any pain I feel switching.

[elixir26]

I've been with D* long enough and have a bill large enough to be an A List customer. I waited to upgrade to Hr20's`until January of 07. I upgraded 4 of my 6 receivers to Hr20's at that time and upgraded the dish to a 5LNB. That was a nightmare. Hours on the phone, botched order info, Installer who just didn't want to do the job. I finally got the name and number of the local installing supervisor from a D* TV employee who is a customer of mine and got the job done by bugging the heck out of the supervisor. I had two more upgrades to do and finally had a great experience. I called D* 7/17/07 in the afternoon, was told the wait time would be long, held on for less than a minute and was connected with Teresa. I told her what I wanted to do, have two Hr20's shipped to me, I'll do the install and set-up. After a minute or two of this and that, I got both shipped at 19.95, two year verbal extension. They both were delivered the NEXT day. Install and set up was a breeze as was activation. After all is said and done I have 6 Hr20's and after the credits, paid near nothing for them. GREAT JOB D*

[directvfreak]

Last Night I called and at first was offered $199. I told them out neighbor got one for $19.95 and he thalked to his supervisor and thats what I got! I now have 2 HR20s.

[timb2112]

HR10250 to HR20700....

Couldn't resist the deal they offered.

19.95 S/H
Free HR20
Free Install
Free Dish

Free HD Package for 1 year
$10 credit each month for 12 months

2 Year Commitment.....I wasn't planning on going anywhere else

Installed....up and running the next day.

:)

[Wood14]

I've been with DirecTV for 10+ years. Called this morning to upgrate my HR10. From reading this forum, I got the 'deal'.

Started off with the $99 + $19.95 shipping. Told her that I just couldn't do it. I was put on hold and told I 'qualify' for the $19.95 + tax deal. I told her I would talk to my wife who was all for switching to cable. I made sure she noted on my account what I was offered.

Called back a little while ago and asked if there was anything else that could be done. She instantly told me should could give me $9.99 off my monthly bill for 12 months. I said great, I'll do it. Then she said I also qualify for the shipping/handling to be waived, which I didn't even ask for. I ended up with the HR-20 for $0, and HD programming free for a year.

Thanks to everyone and this forum. I feel like $100!

[argosy20]

Been a HD D* sub for about 4 years now and had one of the first HD-Tivo's.Like a lot of others here was offerred the $199.00 deal first to upgrade the TIVO. When I told them that i had heard other deals for the S/H he tried to put me through to "another" group. Got disconnected and had to call back. When I was explaining to the CSR that I was trying to upgrade, got disconnected, and etc she got confused and thought I said the first CSR had quoted the $19.95 deal and that she could do that no problem. Didn't feel like I was stealing anything so I agreed. Here in the Dallas area, earliest install is August 9.

2 interesting notes:

1) First CSR said that all I need were the BBC's for my HD TIVO and I could get all of the new HD channels - clearly he was confused.:confused:

2) I already have the H20 and new 5lnb dish, but the CSR either didn't know or didn't check, b/c the last thing she said to me was that the box, dish, and installation would be on 8/9. Figured I would make an installer's day when he shows up and doesn't have to put up a new dish.

Finally, they told me that they would relocate the TIVO as part of the deal. Since I need a new line run to my bedroom for this, I thought this was a pretty fair deal.

[HDTVFanAtic]

For another account on the East Coast, managed this deal earlier this week - done on 3 different work orders.

AU-9 Install
Multiswitch
4 HR20s
2 H20s

$295

It was broken down as follows:

HR20s 2 @ $19
H20 2 @ $99
HR20 2 @ $199

free 5 lnb/multiswitch install N/C

One time credit $339

Bottom line, $295 end cost.

[StarFlare]

I've been with Directv for 3 years. Finally decided to upgrade to HD DVR. When I called, they offered the free equipment right away. I only have to pay $19.95 for shipping. Also got 12 months of free HD programming. Sweet!

[Nubbinsville]

Long time lurker first time poster.

I had a SD DirecTiVo hard drive go TU the other day, so I figured before I spend $40-$50 for a new hard drive I gave D* a call. I got the HR-20 with install, new dish and 12 months of HD service for 19.95! Sweet! Now I can compare the HR-10 & HR-20 differences.

[michelesanders]

First I have to say that I have been a lurker for a long time and I thank you all for your posts on this topic.

I have been with DirecTV since 1999. I got my H20 for 19.95 last autumn with a 2-yr commitment. I just called today to ask what specials they had for me as I want to upgrade to HR20 + 5 LNB dish. The first thing CSR said was "you are going to like this". I was offered 19.95 + tax + another 2 year commitment. Installation will be on Monday! I am very pleased with Directv.

[Skooz]

My HR10 - 250 is dying a slow death. So, I called the CSR this morning who offered a leased HR20+5LNB dish for 19.95 with a 2 year commitment. I have always avoided the 2 year commitment like the plague, but I went ahead and told him to send it on over.

[pinegein]

What number are all of you calling I called 2 times and could not get them to go less than 199 and they said that was a deal. It may be that you need to call in the day time or something because I can't afford 199 plus shiping.

[wedge40]

Just thought I'd let people know that I got the HR20 installed yesterday afternoon. Guy showed up around 9:30 and was gone by 12:30.. Seems like a lot of that time was spent on the phone with the "office". Seem D* has moved support over seas like everyone else and he had a hard time getting them to understand some info.
I got a HR20-100. Is there a big difference between this and HR20-700?
He really didn't have much to do.. I had already installed an AT9 and it was pretty close to aligned. All four lines were wired to two jacks. He did go on the roof and put two mono-poles up and a grounding block. I live in the middle of the woods so with trees 20 feet higher than the dish I figured the odds are pretty slim it'll ever be needed.
All in all I was pretty pleased with the install. Not sure how long he would have been here if he had to run any wire.
So now I have HD and DVR.. I'm living in the modern world again. HD looks sweet on the 50" Panasonic. Guess I'll have to get the NFL Sunday ticket now. :D

Sure wish there was some way to pull the recorded program off the DVR for permanent saving.

Wedge

[Michael D'Angelo]

Just thought I'd let people know that I got the HR20 installed yesterday afternoon. Guy showed up around 9:30 and was gone by 12:30.. Seems like a lot of that time was spent on the phone with the "office". Seem D* has moved support over seas like everyone else and he had a hard time getting them to understand some info.
I got a HR20-100. Is there a big difference between this and HR20-700?
He really didn't have much to do.. I had already installed an AT9 and it was pretty close to aligned. All four lines were wired to two jacks. He did go on the roof and put two mono-poles up and a grounding block. I live in the middle of the woods so with trees 20 feet higher than the dish I figured the odds are pretty slim it'll ever be needed.
All in all I was pretty pleased with the install. Not sure how long he would have been here if he had to run any wire.
So now I have HD and DVR.. I'm living in the modern world again. HD looks sweet on the 50" Panasonic. Guess I'll have to get the NFL Sunday ticket now. :D

Sure wish there was some way to pull the recorded program off the DVR for permanent saving.

Wedge


The -100 has a digital coaxial connection and a 2nd ethernet port that the -700 does not have. The 2nd ethernet port will probably never be used. The -700 has a internal RF antenna and the -100 has a external. As of right now the -700 gets the updates first but that will probably change at some point and they will get them at the same time.

[lwgreen]

I have two HR20-700s that I got when they first came out. Now I'm getting a third HR20, but the CSR could not tell me if I was getting a 700 or a 100. Are they only sending 100s now or is it just a crap shoot?

[chevroletman20042000]

i just ordered my 2nd HR20 and got it for the 19.95 shipping and she told me they will install it tomorrow from 12-4. do they really do installs on a sunday?

[or270]

I have two HR20-700s that I got when they first came out. Now I'm getting a third HR20, but the CSR could not tell me if I was getting a 700 or a 100. Are they only sending 100s now or is it just a crap shoot?

Got a 100 one week and a 700 the next.

[or270]

i just ordered my 2nd HR20 and got it for the 19.95 shipping and she told me they will install it tomorrow from 12-4. do they really do installs on a sunday?

Yes.

[chevroletman20042000]

Yes.

ok thanks didnt know if she was just telling me that or what

[lwgreen]

Got a 100 one week and a 700 the next.

Okay, guess you can't get much more of a toss up than that. I'm not sure which one to hope for. I wouldn't mind giving the 100 a try, although the 700 is getting more CE downloads right now. Thanks.

[HofstraJet]

Does anybody know why we pay shipping when the tech comes and delivers it? You would think the techs would have a stock of units....

[HDMike]

What number are all of you calling I called 2 times and could not get them to go less than 199 and they said that was a deal. It may be that you need to call in the day time or something because I can't afford 199 plus shiping.

After calling several times the last 2 weeks without ever getting any better than the $100 offer, today I finally got it offered for $20 with no arguing at all! I called the 800-DIRECTV number, said "equipment upgrade" and asked for the best offer.
Coming next Saturday to install. I got my first HR20 in January, so I was already committed for another 18 months.

Mike

[GoBeavs]

Does anybody know why we pay shipping when the tech comes and delivers it? You would think the techs would have a stock of units....

Maybe to pay for shipping to the installer?

[pinegein]

Thanks HDMike I emailed them last night and they called today and gave me the 20 dollar deal with 2 year commitment.

[Ciernett]

I've been with D* for 4 years. Earlier this year I tried twice for a free HD-DVR but the best offer I got was $199 so I passed. Inspired by this post and armed with knowledge that my most recent contract expires in 4 months I tried again simply inquiring about any abvailable deals if I were to renew for 2 more years. Initially I got the $199 offer again. I did not threaten but simply asked if they could match Dishnetworks free HD-DVR and 3 movie channels offer which was about the same price that I pay now for 2 movie channels. She came back with a sweet offer:

HD-DVR for free (not even a shippng/handling charge)
$10 discount for 12 months
6 months of free Cinemax and Showtime (I already have HBO/Starz)
Installation in two days
2 year committment

I was tempted to go for the Sunday Ticket but I did not want to push it.

[hd4me]

I have been a customer for 9 years and received an HD DVR for the 19.95 handling charge. I also upgraded from Total Choice Plus to Plus HD DVR but now I am having issues with receivers not working. THe grass isn't always greener on the other side!

[falken]

I also upgraded from Total Choice Plus to Plus HD DVR but now I am having issues with receivers not working. THe grass isn't always greener on the other side!

I'm not sure that was an updrade. :)
TC+ = $51.99+$9.99 HD+$5.99 DVR = $67.97
Plus HD = $69.99, all channels are the same.

[hd4me]

I'm not sure that was an updrade. :)
TC+ = $51.99+$9.99 HD+$5.99 DVR = $67.97
Plus HD = $69.99, all channels are the same.

I was told more HD channels with this package.

[paulman182]

Once again, this website has saved me money on equipment from D*.

It took two calls, but I got my second HR20 for $19.95. I explained that I added an H20 when the HR20s were in short supply and I would like to swap it out. On my first call, I did not mention the H20, and was firmly told the HR20 lease fee would be $199.

I couldn't handle $199 now with ST and SF billing coming along next month. I told the second CSR that, too.

About $22 is added to my next bill and install is Thursday. Thanks again, DBStalk!

[AlbertZeroK]

I called today to activate an additional receiver and asked about getting an HR20. I was told I could have an HR20 for shipping only (about $20). So I took it and said thanks.

Then I checked the order on the internet and it's for an H20, not an HR20. So I called into order entry, they said they couldn't change it out without it costing me is $199. So I hung up, called in and said "cancel service" when I goto retention, I said I didn't know what department the phone system got me too, but I hoped he could help. Yep, they could. Got an HR20 for free. I don't feel bad as that was what I was offered to begin with.

This HR20 will join my other in the living room for recording the new HD SciFi and Food Network shows.

[jtb50]

I'd like to add my 2 cents. Called and asked for a deal for an eight year customer. Got the 20.00 offer and free Superfan. Jumped on it. Thanks all.

[CessnaDriver]

Well I had to wait three weeks and my install is tomorrow... and I can't be here! Fortunately my wife will be here... but it scares me that I am not here to supervise and ask a couple of questions.

They'll be moving our HR10-250 to the bedroom, and hooking up the new HR20 to the main TV. Fortunately the house was pre-wired for DSS with two home runs to each room. I just wish I could be here to make sure they do a good job on the new 5-LNB dish and hooking up our OTA to the multiswitch and then diplexing it back out at the receiver ends.

Sorry for the rant, I guess this is off topic. I got the $19 deal but have been waiting 3 weeks for my turn to be installed. :)

[Michael D'Angelo]

Well I had to wait three weeks and my install is tomorrow... and I can't be here! Fortunately my wife will be here... but it scares me that I am not here to supervise and ask a couple of questions.

They'll be moving our HR10-250 to the bedroom, and hooking up the new HR20 to the main TV. Fortunately the house was pre-wired for DSS with two home runs to each room. I just wish I could be here to make sure they do a good job on the new 5-LNB dish and hooking up our OTA to the multiswitch and then diplexing it back out at the receiver ends.

Sorry for the rant, I guess this is off topic. I got the $19 deal but have been waiting 3 weeks for my turn to be installed. :)

Make sure they upgrade your multi-switch to the Zinwell WB68. You will need that MS to receive the new MPEG4 HD channels.

Also you can not diplexe the OTA into the SAT line. It will not work when the new MPEG4 HD channels launch in September. You will only be able to do it by adding a SWM (single wire multi-switch) when it comes out later this year.

[CessnaDriver]

Make sure they upgrade your multi-switch to the Zinwell WB68. You will need that MS to receive the new MPEG4 HD channels.

Also you can not diplexe the OTA into the SAT line. It will not work when the new MPEG4 HD channels launch in September. You will only be able to do it by adding a SWM (single wire multi-switch) when it comes out later this year.

Oh wow, I didn't know about the OTA not working. So how many runs would be needed to the receiver then? 3? Two for the DSS and one for the OTA? :confused:

Right now I have two, but one is diplexed with DSS and OTA.

Thanks!

[Michael D'Angelo]

Oh wow, I didn't know about the OTA not working. So how many runs would be needed to the receiver then? 3? Two for the DSS and one for the OTA? :confused:

Right now I have two, but one is diplexed with DSS and OTA.

Thanks!

Yes you would need two SAT lines to the HR20 and one OTA line to it.

[CessnaDriver]

Dang, forget that. :nono2:

I thought our builder was being clever by running two home runs from the garage to each room of the house... there's definitely not three in each room.

Thanks! I am glad I found all of this out in advance, before I came home upset with them and my wife for getting it wrong (not knowing that I was misinformed). I guess we'll get the locals in HD over the satellite (Dallas). I hope we get some of the local stations' weather radar which are broadcast on their secondary digital channels.

[crashairlines]

Anyone with an HR10-250 is eligible for the $99 + 19.95. Alot of CSRs don't know about this offer. I know this because I am a CSR.....


I'd like to know why all of the CSRs don't know about thier offers or their products? I tried 3 different times to get a better offer from their standard $299 minus $100 rebate, but decided to give up after the last CSR said my HR10-250 will be able to automatically get all the new HD channels that will soon be coming. :confused: The previous CSR to that one told me I wouldn't need to upgrade my HR10-250 for HD for at least 2 years. :nono2: The lack of knowledge on their part just boggles my mind. I don't blame the CSRs either, but their superiors who seem to take a random approach to informing the CSRs on various deals they offer.

Like I said in a different post last week, since I get all my locals in HD OTA and since I'm tired of trying to find a CSR that will offer me a deal a lot of you guys got for an HR20, I'm going to just wait it out until they have to come me when my HR10-250 will no longer work for HD with their new MPEG4 equipment. My current 2 year commitment will be up, and they'll either have to upgrade my equipment to MPEG4 at my price, or cut off my HD programming that I won't have to pay for if my HR10-250 can't get it. I'm ready for either scenario, as I'm sick of playing Russian Ruolette with CSRs trying to get a deal similar to what others got. At some point in time someone from DirecTV will have to contact me about my outdated HR10-250 when it can't get MPEG4 that's broadcasting. It's going to be an interesting conversation.

[Tadrow]

Well, a couple weeks ago I finally got a HR20 for $20 after calling several times, writing an email, etc. I've been pretty happy with it, and it was nagging me knowing that the HR10 that I still had running was not going to pick up the new HD channels. So I wrote an email saying that I recently got an HR20 for S&H, and I'd like to replace my HR10, etc etc. I didn't threaten to leave or anything, and didn't have any bargaining position since I'd just gotten a deal.

They called yesterday and said they'd ship me out an HR20 for $20. So I guess I must have gotten lucky or something. I didn't expect getting a second one to be so much easier than getting the first one! The CSR told me a couple times that this would reset my 2 year contract... Um, OK. I guess I can deal with the extra few days that puts on my previous 2 year contract :)

[Skooz]

My HR10-250 has been acting wacky the past couple of weeks.
On Friday morning, I couldn't get it to work at all, even after half a dozen reboots.
So, I called the CSR and told him about it. Within a minute he said he would send an HR20 for 19.99 + shipping and scheduled a dish upgrade for no charge.

Of course, I had to bite the bullet on a 2 year commitment.

[fudpucker]

OK, kinda freaking out here. When I called to see if I could get a deal, we're moving and Time Warner is offering a pretty sweet deal on HD Cable +HD DVRs, I said "cancel." I got someone then who said "OK, confirming that you want to cancel your service, is that just for the move or permanently?" I said "permanently." Then she didn't switch me to anyone or anything, just said OK, is this the phone number associated with your account, etc. and I said yes and she said someone will call you within 24 hours to confirm the cancelation. Didn't sound the least worried about why, etc.

So - what's the deal? Why was I not transferred to someone to at least try to get me to stay? We're good customers, been with DTV at least 10 years (more, actually.)

[volleygirl]

I just called DirecTv to get an upgrade for my HR10, hoping to get this 19.95 deal you are all talking about. The CSR I had on the phone told me I don't need to replace my HR10, I just need the B-Band converter. After I questioned him a little he said, "Oh, and a 5-LNB dish." He wouldn't believe me that my HR10 is not going to be able to get the Mpeg4 channels. He said that is what the B-Band converter is for. "I do this for a living, ma'am", he says. Their computer systems apparently aren't up right now, so I'm going to call back in a few hours - hopefully I will get a better CSR. I do need a new receiver, don't I?

[Michael D'Angelo]

I just called DirecTv to get an upgrade for my HR10, hoping to get this 19.95 deal you are all talking about. The CSR I had on the phone told me I don't need to replace my HR10, I just need the B-Band converter. After I questioned him a little he said, "Oh, and a 5-LNB dish." He wouldn't believe me that my HR10 is not going to be able to the Mpeg4 channels. He said that is what the B-Band converter is for. "I do this for a living, ma'am", he says. Their computer systems apparently aren't up right now, so I'm going to call back in a few hours - hopefully I will get a better CSR. I do need a new receiver, don't I?

Yes you need a HR20 (HD DVR) or a H20 (HD receiver) to receive the new MPEG4 HD channels.

[RAD]

OK, kinda freaking out here. When I called to see if I could get a deal, we're moving and Time Warner is offering a pretty sweet deal on HD Cable +HD DVRs, I said "cancel." I got someone then who said "OK, confirming that you want to cancel your service, is that just for the move or permanently?" I said "permanently." Then she didn't switch me to anyone or anything, just said OK, is this the phone number associated with your account, etc. and I said yes and she said someone will call you within 24 hours to confirm the cancelation. Didn't sound the least worried about why, etc.

So - what's the deal? Why was I not transferred to someone to at least try to get me to stay? We're good customers, been with DTV at least 10 years (more, actually.)

Did you tell the CSR a reason for cancelling such as TWC is making me an offer too good to refuse, I really would like to stay with D*, is there anything you can do to help keep me, such as a low cost/free HR20???

[AlbertZeroK]

I just called DirecTv to get an upgrade for my HR10, hoping to get this 19.95 deal you are all talking about. The CSR I had on the phone told me I don't need to replace my HR10, I just need the B-Band converter. After I questioned him a little he said, "Oh, and a 5-LNB dish." He wouldn't believe me that my HR10 is not going to be able to get the Mpeg4 channels. He said that is what the B-Band converter is for. "I do this for a living, ma'am", he says. Their computer systems apparently aren't up right now, so I'm going to call back in a few hours - hopefully I will get a better CSR. I do need a new receiver, don't I?

You may want to send an e-mail to directv. (1) it makes sure your own words get noted on your account and (2) it seems to be more effective way of communicating with DirecTV at times. I know many of us have had call backs from the website contact with good results.

[volleygirl]

You may want to send an e-mail to directv. (1) it makes sure your own words get noted on your account and (2) it seems to be more effective way of communicating with DirecTV at times. I know many of us have had call backs from the website contact with good results.

Thanks, I will give that a try.

[Michael D'Angelo]

Thanks, I will give that a try.

BTW :welcome_s to DBSTalk

[fudpucker]

Did you tell the CSR a reason for cancelling such as TWC is making me an offer too good to refuse, I really would like to stay with D*, is there anything you can do to help keep me, such as a low cost/free HR20???

No, I didn't really get the chance. I waited for the rep to ask why, etc. and she just said "OK" and took my number with no questions. In the back of my mind I'm hoping that someone from CSR will call, I can't believe they'd just automatically say "OK, you want to cancel, no problem, don't even want to ask why."

[paulman182]

You may want to send an e-mail to directv. (1) it makes sure your own words get noted on your account and (2) it seems to be more effective way of communicating with DirecTV at times. I know many of us have had call backs from the website contact with good results.

I second this suggestion. The rep who calls you back will probably be more knowledgeable than the one you randomly got.

[jpl]

OK, kinda freaking out here. When I called to see if I could get a deal, we're moving and Time Warner is offering a pretty sweet deal on HD Cable +HD DVRs, I said "cancel." I got someone then who said "OK, confirming that you want to cancel your service, is that just for the move or permanently?" I said "permanently." Then she didn't switch me to anyone or anything, just said OK, is this the phone number associated with your account, etc. and I said yes and she said someone will call you within 24 hours to confirm the cancelation. Didn't sound the least worried about why, etc.

So - what's the deal? Why was I not transferred to someone to at least try to get me to stay? We're good customers, been with DTV at least 10 years (more, actually.)

Wow... it sounds like they think you're bluffing. When I first got through to call about upgrading to the HR20, I mentioned that I was looking at other services. The CSR never blinked. I was serious about it, but he never said a word - I even prodded saying that I would like to stay with DirecTV, but I thought the upfront fee was too high. The CSR just gave me the same speech that he couldn't reduce the price for me. I thanked him, and hung up.

Later on, I suspended my DirecTV account (after getting hooked up with fios), and about 24 hours after that I got a call from them, making me an offer (really not much of an offer). I turned it down. Then a couple weeks later, when I finally called to cancel my DirecTV service for real, the only thing the CSR asked was "I don't suppose there's anything we can do to make you stay, huh?" I guess I could have pushed for a deal on the HR20, but by that point I was sold on fios.

I guess they get their share of folks threatening to leave, so they probably don't take them seriously. Still, I would think they would ask you WHY you're leaving. If for anything just as feedback on where they could improve their service for other customers.

[fudpucker]

Yeah, I was baffled that they didn't at least ask why are you cancelling, etc. When I tried to cancel my NFL package a couple of years ago, they made me jump through hoops and talk to three people.

I will call back before we jump in the car tomorrow to drive to our new city, and see what happens.

[Colonel Badger]

Yes you would need two SAT lines to the HR20 and one OTA line to it.

I was under the impression that you needed at least 4 sat lines to the HR20 receiver for HD and the ability to record 2 channels at once? Is that not the case?

I already have an R15 with 2 sat lines to it, can i just substitute the receiver then and have a new dish/LNB's installed?

Mark.

[Michael D'Angelo]

I was under the impression that you needed at least 4 sat lines to the HR20 receiver for HD and the ability to record 2 channels at once? Is that not the case?

I already have an R15 with 2 sat lines to it, can i just substitute the receiver then and have a new dish/LNB's installed?

Mark.

Yes. You only need two SAT lines to use both tuners just like you do with the R15. If you had a OTA you would run a 3rd line to the HR20 and that would control both OTA tuners.

[fudpucker]

OK, so for the purpose of contributing to the thread on what people are getting:

After calling, saying "cancel", and getting a rep who simply said "you want to disconnect your service permanently?" - "Yes" - "OK, someone will call you within 24 hours for the details of the disconnect. Click." I waited and called again later this afternoon. Same thing, said "cancel" and got someone who seemed cheerful, asked how she could help me, I said we were about to move and Time Warner was offering a great deal, so I was going to discontinue and switch. All true. She asked what I liked about the Time Warner deal, I told her they were giving me two HD DVRs for free and a deal on the HD service. She said, well, you've been with us for a long time, let me see what I can do. After a minute, she said she could give me to HR20 HD DVRS for free, it would show 12.95 shipping for each but she would also credit me for that so it was 100% free. Asked when I was moving, told her truthfully tomorrow, said she could have the install done this Saturday morning. I asked if the HD service was extra, she said yes, 9.95 a month, but she'd go ahead and give a year of that for free. I told her that if they were willing to do all of that, I'd certainly stay with them. Took a while to get the order set up, she said she had to put the second HR20 on a second order form, but she'd connect the two orders. She also said the dish they would give me with this was "a bit bigger than the one you have, it's our bigger dish, but it gets everything so you need it."

She was helpful, cheerful, and she volunteered everything without me doing anything but telling the truth - long term DTV customer (since 95) and only switching to TW because they offered a great deal on the free HD DVRs.

So - 2 HR20s for free ($12.95 S&H, but credited on the same bill)
1 year free HD service.

2 year commitment, which I'm cool with. She also said hang on to my current DirectTivos, I could keep using those in the rooms in which I wasn't using the HD DVRs if I liked. I didn't realize you could mix like that.

Thanks to those here for knowing what a good deal can be had!

[eric84blair]

Last Friday I called Customer Service and was told that even though I had been a Directv subscriber since 1995, always paid on time, and had a large subscription package, an HD-DVR would cost me $199, and "we don't give them away for nothing."

So I wrote an email, got a reply by Saturday, and today called the number they sent me.

Upshot--got the DVR for "NOTHING," and also was told I qualified for a couple of other deals.

I'd recommend the email route--it worked for me.

[fudpucker]

Yeah, it sounds like it is really up to the service rep you get. I went from a rep who, when I said I wanted to cancel, said "OK. What day do you want to disconnect?" - not even a "why?" to a subscriber since 1995 - to, 4 hours later, a friendly voice who asked if I was unhappy with DTV, said that she really didn't want to lose a loyal subscriber since 1995, told me that what Time Warner was offering was a really good deal but she'd find a way to give me two HR-20s and a year of HD programming for free, went out of her way to get us a fact install date, etc. No difference at all in what I said or the route I took, just two different people.

[Nachosgrande]

19.99 for new HR20 setup, installer comes in 5 days! However the order on my bill mentions swapping out the HR-10...I thought most deals you could keep it? I'd like to keep the HR10 for football season - multiple tv's!

[Michael D'Angelo]

19.99 for new HR20 setup, installer comes in 5 days! However the order on my bill mentions swapping out the HR-10...I thought most deals you could keep it? I'd like to keep the HR10 for football season - multiple tv's!

Call back and ask. But you should be able to keep it.

[Wisegoat]

After watching my HR10-250 reboot for the umpteenth time, I picked up the phone and called D*. At the voice prompts I said "Retention" and I reached a nice guy in Boise, ID. I told him that I wanted to swap out my 2 TiVo's to the HR20. I was supposed to have notes in my account to get a free HR20, since I had 3 HR10 swap outs and had paid $1000 for the unit. Of course, the notes were not there. That didn't slow this Customer Service Rep down! He said not to worry and he would make sure that I got both for free! He ended up doing it on 2 orders, but he was able to give me:

2 HR20's
New Dish
New Zinwell 6x8

$600 worth of receivers, all for the $20 shipping fee that he charged to my account. No credit card! And I do not have to give up either of my existing TiVo's!

He even noticed that I was paying for Sunday Ticket and tried to get some credits for that, but was not able to. He was extremely nice and did everything he could to make me a happy and continuing customer. It is very rare to get this kind of service these days. They are installing a week from today (7/31) and I will be all set for the new channels!

[rahlquist]

5 year customer here with two DTivo's. Called today to get HR20 to replace one unit. Getting the $19.95 deal for the HR20 and new dish install. Cant argue with that. No squabbling at all just called and asked to upgrade my DVR to HD DVR.

[jrh]

I've been a D* customer since Oct 1994. I have DIRECTV DVR Service, TOTAL CHOICE PREMIER, and the HD Package.

I have an HR10-250, as well as an old RCA DRD420RE (receiver only) that I have connected to a Series 1 TiVo. I'd like to get 2 HR20s to take their place (but still keep the HR10-250 and old TiVo). I bought the 10-250 in late Jan 2006 (with 2-year commitment), and it was supposedly noted on my account that I'd get a free upgrade to an MPEG4 unit when they came out.

When you guys have ordered the HR20, are you getting it to own/keep, or as a leased unit that you'll have to turn back in later? Do you specifically ask to be buying a unit?

What do you think my chances would be of getting 2 HR20 units at the $19.95 price (or less)?

What phone no. do you call and what prompt do you listen for before saying "Retention?" If calling fails to get me a decent deal, what email address should I email them at?

Thanks. :)

[directvfreak]

Just keep pressing zero.... if you have been with them for so long you should get a good deal. Just tell them you know a customer that has gotten 3 free hd dvrs and only been with them for 3 years. (That is true about myself)

[jagrim]

Finally decided to add an HR-20 to supplement my HR10-250. Called my A-list number and 1st CSR wanted $199 plus shipping and handling. Immediately asked for Retention and got for shipping and handling only. Didn't ask for any free credits but could probably had some. Retention CSR was much better.

(1) HR10-250
(1) standard def. DVR
(1) H-20
(1) old Phillips receiver
Total Choice
Sports
HBO
Showtime
ESPN Gameplan
NFL Sunday ticket
SuperFan
Customer since 97

Cudo's to the forum

[booradly]

Ok I am getting ready to call to upgrade to the hr20. What should I say to the first cust svc rep I get? Also what is the difference of the hr20-100 and the hr20-700?

Thanks michele

[Michael D'Angelo]

Ok I am getting ready to call to upgrade to the hr20. What should I say to the first cust svc rep I get? Also what is the difference of the hr20-100 and the hr20-700?

Thanks michele

:welcome_s to DBStalk

You will not be able to pick what unit you get. But the only difference is the -100 has a digital coaxial and a second ethernet connection that will probably never be used. The -700 RF antenna is internal and the the -100 is external. That is about it.

[booradly]

Thanks for the welcome!!! I have gotten so much great information about the hr20. I appreciate everything!!!

Thanks for the information about the receiver.

[booradly]

When I call them what should I say to the cust svc rep? Do I just get the first rep I get on the phone? Do I just tell them I want to upgrade or tell them that I got something in the mail from dish and comcast and that I wanted to see what they can offer me?

Last week when I called they wanted to charge me over 200 for the dish, receiver and installation plus shipping. If I can get it for free or just for shipping that would be much better.

Thanks for your help
Michele

[Michael D'Angelo]

When I call them what should I say to the cust svc rep? Do I just get the first rep I get on the phone? Do I just tell them I want to upgrade or tell them that I got something in the mail from dish and comcast and that I wanted to see what they can offer me?

Last week when I called they wanted to charge me over 200 for the dish, receiver and installation plus shipping. If I can get it for free or just for shipping that would be much better.

Thanks for your help
Michele

Being nice is the key. Tell them that you want to upgrade to a HD DVR HR20 and you are able to get one from dish and your cable company for free and you want to know if you could get a deal.

[DawgLink]

Agreed. Anyone who gets an attitude has a much less chance of getting a good deal.

Everytime I am persistent yet plesent, I get places.

:)

[booradly]

Thank you for your help. So I got the 19.99 deal. We are so stoked!!! and it will be installed on saturday which is cool cuz my hubby will be here.

Now my question is can I call the customer installation support now to verify we are getting everything the guy on the phone said I am getting or do I have to wait until tomorrow?

thanks again for all your help!!!

:hurah: :hurah: :hurah: :D :D :D :D

[drakejb]

Here's my upgrade story:

I upgraded my HR10 about 7 months ago to a HR 20 for free. I asked if I could keep the HR 10 and use it in place of an H20 and they said OK. Since I can get my HD locals OTA, I figure no big deal until the new MPEG-4 channels come on line this fall.

Then I called this week to see if I could do it again - replace the HR10 with an HR20. Well the system showed I had already done that upgrade once and they quoted me
$300. I had them tranfer me to customer retention and he was coming up with the same deal, $300.

Then he asked me if I had another phone number that I use. I told him the account is stored under my home phone but gave him my cell phone number (for work, no less.) After a few minutes he said OK, you can get it for the $20 shipping charge! I figured that was more than fair. I wasn't sure if other CSRs had used that trick, to use an alternate phone number, but it's worth trying if nothing else works!b

[Michael D'Angelo]

Thank you for your help. So I got the 19.99 deal. We are so stoked!!! and it will be installed on saturday which is cool cuz my hubby will be here.

Now my question is can I call the customer installation support now to verify we are getting everything the guy on the phone said I am getting or do I have to wait until tomorrow?

thanks again for all your help!!!

:hurah: :hurah: :hurah: :D :D :D :D

You can call and check. Also you can login into your online account and click on orders and pull up your new order for it. It should tell you everthing that is on the order. But I would still call and check.

[wilmot3]

I have the big dish 5 LNB, H20-100 and a SIR-54080R DVR. I would like to combine the 2 and get a HR20. I called several times and always told $299 to do it. I have been a customer for 5 years. Needless to say I am not happy how they treat there existing customers.

[Marvin]

I was completely hosed yesterday. I was supposed to get 2 HD DVRs installed yesterday for $99 each. The guy I talked to on the phone last week after I asked what was the best deal I could get on HD-DVRs seeing as I was replacing HD-Tivo, he went away for 5 minutes and came back and specifically stated that he could set it up for me to get 2 HD-DVRs for $99 each and the 5 LNB dish plus tax and s&h which came out to $220 and change. The installer got here with one HD-DVR and one standard HD reciever. Told him it was wrong, there should be 2 HD-DVRs. After installer made several calls informed me I needed to call Directv back, cancel the wrong order and get them to make the correct order.

I called Directv about 5 minutes after the installer left and was told about 20 times that the offer I was given was erroneous and if the CSR I had talked to had left any comments on my account as to the order (im assuming that would include his name, which I couldnt remember), he would have been repremanded because there is no way Directv would be giving away $300 recievers for $100 a piece, the best offer that they can do is $199 and thats probably why I was sent a "Free" standard HD reciever and billed $199 for the one HD-DVR, even though I never requested a standard HD reciever at any point in the conversation last week. And there was no way that she nor anyone else at directv was going to honor a fraudulent order. I held back a laugh, knowing people have been getting them for free and told them to cancel the order. She also stated that since I had canceled an order, I might have a hard time re-ordering the HD-DVRs in the future getting the $199 price because the canceled order "might not clear the system" and that I might have to wait 6 months or some crap..

Im calling retention at some point and basically laying it down that If they cant do the $99 deal per receiver than Im definitely canceling the HD package when they decide to add the extra HD Channels in September since it makes no sense to pay the same price for 8 HD channels as other people are paying for 20+. I will also strongly consider moving to Dishnetwork which is offering a free HD-DVR and I can get a 2nd one for $199 and 10 months of free HD service for new customers. I think since Dish's HD package is $20 a month, 10 months x $20 pretty much covers the 2nd HD DVR so essentially they'll both be free (Im assuming..) I really dont care who my provider is, and at this point all of Directvs HD is still a huge question mark. Im going to have to have an installation/new dish and recievers regardless so it doesn't really bother me changing providers if its going to save me over $500.

[bigjayboogie]

Ok...my deal...

I replaced my 2 10-250s and 2H10s with

2 HR20s and 2H20s for $114.84 and 5LNB satelite

Had to make a 2 year commitment but I am stoked!!! Gotta love replacing 4 hd boxes for roughly $25 a box!!! I love this site!!! :)

[wilmot3]

Ok...my deal...

I replaced my 2 10-250s and 2H10s with

2 HR20s and 2H20s for $114.84 and 5LNB satelite

Had to make a 2 year commitment but I am stoked!!! Gotta love replacing 4 hd boxes for roughly $25 a box!!! I love this site!!! :)

How did u get them to give u that deal?

[bigjayboogie]

How did u get them to give u that deal?

I was very nice eventhough I went from overseas...to technical support (since the guy thought that b-converters magically changed mpeg2 to mpeg4)..I then NICELY told my dilemna to tech support and asked her to stay on the phone and explain it to overseas tech support. She complied and then handed the call off and the woman first offered me 2 HR20s for $99 and shipping...I reminded her that I had FOUR HD receivers to replace she came back with all for for $$234...and then she offered to give me $10 off monthly fee for 2years and I NICE-LY asked her to give me my discount now and mentioned that I have been a nfl sunday ticket subrscriber for 5+ years adn she went away and said $114....now let me mention that this is my 3rd call and I also sent an email yesterday.

[M3 Pete]

Sent an email to DirecTV asking them to do better on the $199 deal. They called me and left a message, from an overseas rep. I called back the next day, and got an obviously US rep. She offered me the $199, I asked for the $20 deal and after being on hold for five minutes, she offered me the $99 + $20 deal, and would not offer any more. So I asked for retention, and she said "this is retention." So I apparently got retention on the first call. I confirmed that I'm no longer under any contract, so I can drop them without penalty.

I currently have the Choice channel package, so I asked if I upgraded to the Plus HD DVR channel package could she knock any more off the equipment, she said no. So I said I'd have to think about it and call back.

Any words of advice as to how to get them down to $20? I didn't threaten to leave, maybe I should say I'm thinking about cable or Dish.

[paulman182]

Sent an email to DirecTV asking them to do better on the $199 deal. They called me and left a message, from an overseas rep. I called back the next day, and got an obviously US rep. She offered me the $199, I asked for the $20 deal and after being on hold for five minutes, she offered me the $99 + $20 deal, and would not offer any more. So I asked for retention, and she said "this is retention." So I apparently got retention on the first call. I confirmed that I'm no longer under any contract, so I can drop them without penalty.I currently have the Choice channel package, so I asked if I upgraded to the Plus HD DVR channel package could she knock any more off the equipment, she said no. So I said I'd have to think about it and call back. Any words of advice as to how to get them down to $20? I didn't threaten to leave, maybe I should say I'm thinking about cable or Dish.

You might call back and ask for programming credits, if you would accept the discount in that form.

[cartrivision]

After scanning through this thread it seems that most people are talking about upgrading existing HD DirecTV Tivos or DVRs to the HR20, but I'm going to be upgrading to HD for the first time (current installation is 3 SD Tivo's and a single sat dual LNB dish). Are people like me (who are not trying to swap out old non-MPEG4 HD equipment) being offered better deals than the $199 for an HR20 and new 5LNB dish installation?

[bigjayboogie]

After scanning through this thread it seems that most people are talking about upgrading existing HD DirecTV Tivos or DVRs to the HR20, but I'm going to be upgrading to HD for the first time (current installation is 3 SD Tivo's and a single sat dual LNB dish). Are people like me (who are not trying to swap out old non-MPEG4 HD equipment) being offered better deals than the $199 for an HR20 and new 5LNB dish installation?

I believe similar deals would be available...you just might have to go through retention and mention that charter wouldn't make you buy new equipment or something...it's possible. I have friends who went from regular receivers to hd dvrs for $199 when they were $999 just be nice and persistent....

also..the first offer they give you is never the best.

[Rimline]

Sent an email to DirecTV asking them to do better on the $199 deal. They called me and left a message, from an overseas rep. I called back the next day, and got an obviously US rep. She offered me the $199, I asked for the $20 deal and after being on hold for five minutes, she offered me the $99 + $20 deal, and would not offer any more. So I asked for retention, and she said "this is retention." So I apparently got retention on the first call. I confirmed that I'm no longer under any contract, so I can drop them without penalty.

I currently have the Choice channel package, so I asked if I upgraded to the Plus HD DVR channel package could she knock any more off the equipment, she said no. So I said I'd have to think about it and call back.

Any words of advice as to how to get them down to $20? I didn't threaten to leave, maybe I should say I'm thinking about cable or Dish.


First off: Thanks to this group for making me aware of the great offers being made on the HR20, I was also able to get the $19.95 deal.

I went thru EXACTLY the same scenario as above. Except...I called back the same evening and stated "Cancel Service" at the voice prompt. I got kicked into Customer Retention immediately.

I explained to the very friendly rep that the best offer I had received from another Customer Retention rep was the $99+$20 offer and was there ANY other offer which could be extend to me since I've been a customer since 1998? The rep did some "checking" (probably reading thru the notes in my file). Apologized for taking so long. Did some more checking. Apologized again. Then explained that she was able to find a very "obscure" offer & "that's why it took so long" but ....."because" I've been such a "loyal customer", she was able to offer me an HR20 for $19.95 plus tax and a 2-yr commitment. BINGO!

Here are my thoughts: Be nice but also be persistent. Call back until you get the offer you want. It may be the luck-of-the-draw regarding the right rep but eventually you should be able to get THE DEAL.

[fudpucker]

After scanning through this thread it seems that most people are talking about upgrading existing HD DirecTV Tivos or DVRs to the HR20, but I'm going to be upgrading to HD for the first time (current installation is 3 SD Tivo's and a single sat dual LNB dish). Are people like me (who are not trying to swap out old non-MPEG4 HD equipment) being offered better deals than the $199 for an HR20 and new 5LNB dish installation?

I really think it's like playing the lottery. My situation was that I had standard DirectTivos, 2 of those, and a regular receiver. I was moving, so I had to decide whether to keep DirectTV or just go to digital cable, which I'd been considering anyway. So the first time I called, I said that I was going to cancel due to the move, and the person just said "OK, what day do you want to disconnect?" I've had DTV since 1995. No questions as to why, etc.

I called back that same afternoon, went to the "cancel" option, this time got a rep who asked why I wanted to cancel, I explained that Time Warner was making a great deal and giving me a couple of HD DVRs for free, etc. She agreed that was a good deal, said they didn't want to lose a long time customer like me, without any prodding on my part said she thought she could get me two HR-20s for free, including credits for the handling fee, and said she'd throw in a year of the HD service for free. I was nice, honest, and she volunteered everything. We even talked about where she lived, etc.

I think it's just a matter of who you get, and also not sounding like you're trying to "work" them. After all, they have no requirement to give away a $300 receiver for free, so anything we get for free or a heavy discount is certainly at their discretion, IMO.

[booradly]

Ok I confused. I looked at the order on my account online. It said

DIRECTV 5-LNB Multi-Satellite Dish
$0.00 1 $0.00
Handling
$19.95 1 $19.95
Standard Professional Install
$0.00 1 $0.00
Swap ReplaceImplied DVR IRD
$0.00 1 $0.00
DIRECTV HD DVR (Expanded HD Prog. Capable)
$0.00 1 $0.00


I am concerned that they think I am swapping my current receiver cuz I am not and it does not list the multi switch. Should my order include the switch? I called last night to verify everything and the person on the phone said yes I will receive the multi switch for free but it is not on my order. I don't understand.

what do you think?
Michele

[or270]

Swap means they are changing out a receiver for another, does not mean they will take the old one with them.

Multiswitches usually do not show up when you view a workorder online.

[booradly]

Thank you so much. I guess we should see what happens on Saturday.

Michele

[ycrazyy]

I apparently got lucky with my CSR roulette. On my first call I asked about upgrading my 2 HR10's to the HR20's since I was upset I was not getting any new HD channels. The first deal they offered me was $99 for both. I explained that I was unhappy with that since I had my 2 HR10's for less than 2 years and had paid quite a bit of money for them and now they are out of date and I wanted a better deal. He came back and offered me $19.95 for each but with no guarantee that they would be installed on the same day since they had to be put in as 2 different orders (weird because online they are the same order). I asked if there was anything else they could do and they gave me $10/mo off for a year. My net cost was -$80 or so and I get to keep my HR10's which I can sell.

[bigjayboogie]

let me add something else...this is MANDATORY...do not call them and say..."well I was on the internet and so and so posted.." I shouldn't have to say that but I just had a co-worker try that and he promptly got absolutely nothing....

In fact his upgrade was $199 for his HR20....he better hope they didn't note his account for when he came back....not smart at all

[Jungle Jim]

Sure wish there was some way to pull the recorded program off the DVR for permanent saving.

Wedge

Can't you just feed the signal to a DVD recorder?

[volleygirl]

Well, I finally got my deal. I had emailed DirecTv mentioning the lame CSR I got telling me I didn't need the HR20, I just needed the B-Band converter. Instead of calling me like I had asked, they just emailed back and said - yes, you need the HR20, please check the website for the latest deals.

So, I finally decided to call DirecTv again today. The CSR said the best deal she had was $199 + 19.95. I told her I was going to have to think about it, I wasn't ready to spend $200 and I would call back. She made some comment that sounded like she was going to note this offer on my account and that's the best I would get. I kept whining and finally said "We've been with you for 12 years, we get the Sunday Ticket every year, we get Center Ice every year, can't you do something for me?" After lots of checking and "please wait, I'm still checking", I was able to get the HR20 for free. The installer will be here on July 31st.

I'm so glad I read about this offer here, I would never have persisted had I not known other people had gotten theirs for free. I was so tempted to mention that I knew other people had gotten theirs for free, but I bit my tongue because of bigjayboogie's warning. Thanks dbstalk!!

[DawgLink]

Ugh, I am trying to order a 2nd HR20-700 for my new upstairs HDTV....but I keep getting people who are telling me $299 and a 2-year committment.

No way....I can't get anyone to go lower

[M3 Pete]

Sent an email to DirecTV asking them to do better on the $199 deal. They called me and left a message, from an overseas rep. I called back the next day, and got an obviously US rep. She offered me the $199, I asked for the $20 deal and after being on hold for five minutes, she offered me the $99 + $20 deal, and would not offer any more. So I asked for retention, and she said "this is retention." So I apparently got retention on the first call. I confirmed that I'm no longer under any contract, so I can drop them without penalty.

I currently have the Choice channel package, so I asked if I upgraded to the Plus HD DVR channel package could she knock any more off the equipment, she said no. So I said I'd have to think about it and call back.

Any words of advice as to how to get them down to $20? I didn't threaten to leave, maybe I should say I'm thinking about cable or Dish.Called back again today, just asked for an upgrade, and he offered me the free DVR and new dish without hesitation. In fact, he was telling me that since I've been with them over 5 years, I'm a "preferred" customer, or something like that, so that's why they are giving me the free HD DVR. He saw in the notes that I had been previously refused the free HD DVR.

I presently have an SD Tivo and an HD receiver (RCA), so he was apologetic that he could not get me two HD DVRs, assuming that I have two TVs. But since all of my stuff is hooked up to a single TV, I said no problem! So it's $19.95 plus tax, 2-year commitment, install is next Saturday.

I then asked about programming credits if I upgraded to Plus HD DVR programming. He gave me $10 per month credit for 12 months! I'm currently paying $64 for the Choice package plus the Tivo fee plus the HD fee, so the $10 credit is actually going to save me money! (69.99 - $10 = 59.99). :D

One last question. He said the installer would give me a new multiswitch if I needed it, but if I only have one TV and I'm going to ditch the SD Tivo and go solo with the HD DVR (only two lines in), will I need a multiswitch? If it matters, I have three full cable runs from my dish to my TV (2 to the SD Tivo and 1 to the RCA HD box, but I'm getting rid of both).

[Pralix]

To everyone who is getting the great deals on the upgrade, what was your contract status before you called? Out of contract, In Contract, End of Contract?

My 2 years for my DirecTivos will be up in January. I have not managed to convince anyone that I should get the $19.95 deal or better. I did get one that offered the upgrade for $79. The last CSR I talked to said $199 was all they could offer me.

Any clues on how to get them to give me the offer? I don't think retention can do much of anything since I am still under contract for 2 R10s.

[volleygirl]

To everyone who is getting the great deals on the upgrade, what was your contract status before you called? Out of contract, In Contract, End of Contract?


From what I can tell, my current 2-year commitment was set to expire on 9/3/07.

[Melquiades]

My contract was set to expire in January '08. I got the $19.95 deal plus three free months of HD service.

Installer came yesterday and did a great job. He even replaced a non-Tivo machine upstiars with my old R-15 and ran a second line to it through my attic. All for free. This guy was a saint.

[Pralix]

My contract was set to expire in January '08. I got the $19.95 deal plus three free months of HD service.

Installer came yesterday and did a great job. He even replaced a non-Tivo machine upstiars with my old R-15 and ran a second line to it through my attic. All for free. This guy was a saint.


Did you talk to random CSR or retention?

[Melquiades]

Talked to retention. I first sent an email claiming I was thinking of switching to DISH Network when my contract was up because they had free installation. They called me back with a PIN# and I used that to reach somebody in retention. He gave me the $19.95 deal almost immediately.

[DawgLink]

I have had no luck getting any D* rep to lower the $299 price for my 2nd HR20-700 so I emailed them today hoping someone responds.

I just said I couldn't afford that price with all the money I am spending on DirecTV (went through what I have bought, ext...)

[Araxen]

Well I told Directv that since I just got a new HDTV that my wife was pressuring me to goto cable since their gear is free and was given the $19.95 for a HR20. Beware....they don't try to offer you the non-dvr receiver. I had a retention rep put that on my installers work order. I don't remember if the retention rep offered me the dvr or non-dvr model. I was too happy to get the $19.95 offer and just assumed it was the HR20.

Luckily my installer installed the HR20 for me. He said it would be a $299 charge, but I sent an email to directv afterwards and they credited me for the receiver.

[DawgLink]

It's funny you say that because the D* first told me I could get the HR20-700 for $99 and confirmed it with me ext...

Then 10 minutes later she was like "Sorry, I had the wrong model"

AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH

DAMMIT!

[drakejb]

To everyone who is getting the great deals on the upgrade, what was your contract status before you called? Out of contract, In Contract, End of Contract?

My 2 years for my DirecTivos will be up in January. I have not managed to convince anyone that I should get the $19.95 deal or better. I did get one that offered the upgrade for $79. The last CSR I talked to said $199 was all they could offer me.

Any clues on how to get them to give me the offer? I don't think retention can do much of anything since I am still under contract for 2 R10s.

I received my first free HR20 upgrade 6 months ago and committed to 2 years at that time. I had tried getting a second HR20 a few months back but was told they won't do it again for 6 months so I waited until last week to try again. So I got a $20 upgrade with 18 months left on my commitment.

I got my second HR20 installed today for $20 shipping (see my post a few days ago.) I also agree that being nice but persistent is the key. Last week when I called and talked to the CSR, he absolutely insisted that $300 was the best offer I could get and transferring me to customer retention was a waste of time. I politely asked if he would do it anyway and he really didn't want to but I said "you're probably right but I really don't have anything to lose do I?" He did the transfer and the new CSR gave me deal. I've been with them since '99 but I do not get Sunday ticket or any of the other packages, just HBO.

They seem to also like if you direct bill to a credit card or otherwise pay your bill on time. So if you've been a good customer, remind them.

[TechExplorer]

I called Customer retention and the deal is I can get HR20 $99 + 20 deal for 6 months with me owning equip. w/ year war. on box this comes with slimline dish new SWM connection, no charge for shipping or handling fee. NO lease fee ,NO commitment for two yrs. and free install.to include all b-band connections as needed.

This pretty good deal ! with No 2 yr. com' @ all and owning box ( Sweet )

[AlbertZeroK]

This pretty good deal ! with No 2 yr. com' @ all and owning box ( Sweet )

You will have a 2 year commitment when you activate that DVR, reguardless of what they said to you.

[wallyj]

I ordered one unit on line, best deal was $199 due to my account status.

Called to ask for a better deal. CSR didn't know anything and kept putting me on hold to ask someone else what to do. About 35 minutes later, I got frustrated and just told the rep to cancel the order.

Wrote an email explaining what I wanted. Got a call that evening from a very nice woman who offered me 2 HR20's for a total of $19.95 handling charge. I've only been with them a little less 4 years and a commitment from one of my HR10-250's expires next month. Now I have a new 2 year commitment starting next month.

Since I already had 2 owned HR10-250's and I spend about $140 per month, she said I got the best deal. She new my existing equipment was owned and commented that it was mine to keep or use as I wanted.

Now if I can just get installed...

[herkulease]

Nice that you guys are able to get the deals. I struck out twice on the phone.

2nd attempt I got 199 plus tax, was told wait let them, check came back with 198.99.

Gonna try the email route and see what they can give me. I still have to try to get the superfan for free too.

[HDTVFanAtic]

You will have a 2 year commitment when you activate that DVR, reguardless of what they said to you.


I would have posted that prior to you posting it 6 months ago - until I was involved with an upgrade 6 months ago - and much to my surprise as they were reading the disclaimer they noted that there was no comittment - I asked them to repeat it which they did - and then I recorded it as they repeated it a 3rd time - along with another party I conferenced in just to hear and witness it.

So for whatever reason (and I admit I cannot tell you what the specifics are) that on some upgrade packages there is NOT a 2 year commitment (I suspect it is for high dollar customers who already had a long history with D* as well as HD and no issues with their account).

[HDTVFanAtic]

FWIW, on another account that I was dealing with the mover's connection with last week, after several aborted transfers by the queue system - I called back for customer retention to complain - and they knocked $80 off the ST price which was in auto-renew - without me asking for anything but to get the move straightened out.

[TigerDriver]

I currently have a HR10-200, two SD DirecTivo units, and a 3-LNB dish.want to upgrade to the HR20 and the 5-LNB dish sooner rather than later. I figure that once the new HD service actually starts working, D* will be overwhelmed with upgrade orders. I guess upgrade is not the right term, as I want to keep my HR10-200 as well--at least until the MPEG2 content is switched off.

I moved cross-country in September of 2006, and did the mover's connection AND got the HR10-200 at the same time, so my commitment still has a bit more than one year to go. On the positive side, I've been a D* customer for 5 years, and pay them about $120/month (I also get ESPN Game Plan every fall). In addition, I autopay my bill directly from my checking account, so I'm a essentially a high-value, no-risk customer.

Is there any hope of my getting a decent deal on the HR20 and dish?

[candler8]

I just wanted to thank you guys for this post. I e-mailed directv and they called back with a number and pin. I have been with them since 2000 and have a pretty high monthly bill. I told them I was exploring my options and asked what they would do to upgrade me.

I received two hr-20 receivers
5 lnb dish
install

Only cost 19.95 total. I could have kept at them trying to get credits and such but was happy with their deal. I had a year left on my original contract.

Thanks again for this very informative topic.

Andrew

[bnick007]

I am returning to dtv (cancelled 2ish yrs ago)and called and got this deal. CSR said I would normally not qualify for new cst deals but...

Got the sunday ticket deal. HDDVR for 199.99 free dvd free shipping and $10 access credit for 12 months. So to me it made it easier to swallow.

[pix335i]

I took the email route and just got off the phone with a very nice representative who offered me the hr-20 for $19.95 and was also able to give me superfan for free again this year.

I have only been a customer since June 2007 so I am happy with the deal they offered. I probably could have asked for more but I was happy since I would have paid the $99 for superfan anyway!

[DawgLink]

What am I doing wrong?

I just got a call from DirecTV and told them I was thinking of canceling D* and that I couldn't afford a 2nd DVR....and she continued talking about how I would need to pay $299 for a DVR, etc....

I can't find a damn person to give me any sort of deal.

[DawgLink]

Wow, what a turnaround

I call up DirecTV today and tell her I want to get a 2nd HR20-700

She asks me if I am aware of the $299 costs and I say I am

She asks me if I plan on keeping the Sunday Ticket on my account and I said I think I would....she then offers me a HR20 for FREE with no costs.

They are coming out on the 6th to install

WOW

[twgiles]

First call on Friday afternoon I was told $99 for receiver with $10 credits for 12 months was best they could do but the credits were being discontinued that day. He didn't want to notate the account but he did. Next call was to retentions. I barely got my spiel out (long time customer, ST sub, & cable no charge for HD DVR receiver) before she said how about free. Paid $19 on account. Credits of $10 for 12 months on basic plus $10 for 6 months on HD service. Best part - installation in 2 days - Sunday afternoon.

Thanks for all the good info here.

Then the bad part. Know that I have done every installation and upgrade myself over 12 years. It's not rocket science. And predictably, they don't send rocket scientists to do install. They showed up late. They took two hours to simply install the dish. He insisted I needed the new multiswitch, even though it is the same one I already have. I took care of the multiswitch and receiver set-up. I could have (and would have preferred to) set up the dish myself in a fraction of the time. Oh well, can't have everything. Should have known better than to have an appointment an hour after they were supposed to have done the install. DTV needs to let customers have option of self install.

[GaryAZ]

Hello - My first post and my 1st call to CSR today to ask about upgrading from HR-250 to HR-20. My 2 year commitment ends in Apr. '08. She told me $299 + 19.99 is what "all of our customers pay". I told her that deal was not interesting to me and I'd be considering other options. She asked me twice if I had "heard anything". I said I'd heard that if I want the new HD channels I'd have to upgrade my box. And she said "I understand why you wouldn't want to pay that much". I went silent and she asked if she'd answered all my questions. I said yes thank you and she said if I heard anything to give them a call. Whaaaat?

Anyway thanks for all the info - I'll keep on truckin'

[captenblack]

I used the email method and was able to get a free upgrade for my HR10-250. They called the day after I sent the email.

Got the new dish with installation, free HR20, $10 off for a year, and free Showtime trial for a month.

I wanted to get a second HR20, but he said there was nothing he can do at this time to get a special price. He did say I can try back in 6 months as there is likely to be another offer.

The rep was very helpful, I asked him a ton of questions and he pretty much had an answer for everything.

Thanks for all the info in this thread, it definitely helped.

[nhlfan79]

I'm looking for a second HR20 (got the first one last August, right when they first came out). I sent an email through their website yesterday in which I played dumb about whether my "owned" HD TiVo would receive the new channels and asking what my options were. However, all I got was a canned email response saying that I was a long-time customer, that I should check the D* website to confirm that I have the HD equipment needed for the new channels, and that I could place an equipment upgrade order through the site.

Is that typical? Will I still get a phone call? Based on the criteria most people mention, I'm confident I'd qualify for the $19.95 discount: subscriber for 4+ years, NHL Center Ice, TC+ with locals, HD pack, three receivers, DVR service, protection plan, excellent payment history.

[ToddD]

Hello - My first post and my 1st call to CSR today to ask about upgrading from HR-250 to HR-20. My 2 year commitment ends in Apr. '08. She told me $299 + 19.99 is what "all of our customers pay". I told her that deal was not interesting to me and I'd be considering other options. She asked me twice if I had "heard anything". I said I'd heard that if I want the new HD channels I'd have to upgrade my box. And she said "I understand why you wouldn't want to pay that much". I went silent and she asked if she'd answered all my questions. I said yes thank you and she said if I heard anything to give them a call. Whaaaat?

Anyway thanks for all the info - I'll keep on truckin'

Gary : I think she was looking for you to say "Yes, I have heard that a lot of people are getting them for free and that's what I want." That way she is not making the offer but responding to a customers request.

[Charlutz]

I called cust retention a couple weeks ago and said I was interested in switching my tivos to the directv dvrs. She gave me two Hr20s and an R15 to replace the tivos all free, as well as free install, 5 lnb dish, 6x8 multiswitch. She said she had to use mover's connection to get the pricing even though I told her we weren't moving. She also said there would be a $100 credit on my bill to offset a $100 charge, but neither is there. There is the $20 delivery fee which she didn't tell me about, but I expected from previous deals.

The installer came on Sunday, was very knowledgeable and even used white cable to minimize the install against my white siding. I asked to keep the 3 lnb dish to use for tailgates and he gave me a single lnb dish (or a dish with the one "knob") as he said it was much easier to aim and get set up.

[robbeck67]

Thought I'd share my experience today with CSR. I called this morning and inquired about getting an HR20. I currently have a TIVO HD DVR and a standard DVR. I already have lifetime service on all DVR's. I have been with D* since 1999 and have gotten Sunday Ticket every year. I also pay 95 bucks a month. I was told this morning that the HR20 would be 199 bucks and that it was a 100 dollar discount to what they normally run. So I said no thanks. Called back this afternoon and said I wanted to cancel my service. Bingo. Now I'm getting an HR20 for no cost. That's more like it.

[Sirshagg]

To anyone who has had to call in multiple times before getting the right deal: do you just hang up and call right back or do you wait a any amount of time before trying again?

[drizzleray]

Thanks to everyone for posting on this forum, I've been lurking for a while and learned a lot. I called today and wanted to upgrade my old HD receiver that I owned to a HR20. At first the very friendly rep said it was normally $299 but she could give it to me for $199. I said that I also wanted to order ST and didn't want to plunk over $500 right now. She went looking for a better deal and said she could give me $100 off the HR20. I didn't want to start giving empty threats about leaving so I said I'd do it if she would give me Superfan for free, to which she accepted.

I know if I asked for Retention I might've saved a bit more but she worked hard for me by calling the install company to get a date this week rather than the late August date the system gave her.

Hopefully the install goes well, I had to get an afternoon appointment which I know sets me up for possible trouble.

[ThatJones]

I am planning on signing up for DirecTV service this fall to get ST. I would like an HR20 and a slimline dish. I was wondering if most new installs these days automatically get a slimline dish? Will the installer let you install the dish yourself when they come out to your house?

I live in a split-level home with a spanish tile roof. Due to the position of my house, the only place to put the dish is on the side of the house, between the two roofs at the split level. Thus, to do the install, you would be on the lower roof, installing it on the side of the house that extends up to the higher roof.

I am worried about the installer breaking the spanish tiles while walking on the roof, as I have heard that these tiles can be slightly fragile if not stepped on properly. I have thought about buying a dish on ebay and doing the dish install pre-ordering, but I don't want to pay $70 for something I can get for free by signing up. Does anyone have experience with spanish tile roofs? Am I being overly cautious????

[or270]

To anyone who has had to call in multiple times before getting the right deal: do you just hang up and call right back or do you wait a any amount of time before trying again?

Don't hang up, just say you want to think about it. I usually wait several hours before calling again.

When calling say cancel service at the voice prompt, then I ask if there are any deals I qualify for, Last deal I got was a HR20 for $19.95 plus tax but I had to pay with a credit card right then and free slimline dish and a 6x16 multiswitch and free HD access for a year. 2 year commitment required but that is not a problem.

[dfk70]

I've called twice and can't seem to get any deal better than $199 for the HD DVR. Should I try the email route? What should I say in the email?

[Pralix]

I've called twice and can't seem to get any deal better than $199 for the HD DVR. Should I try the email route? What should I say in the email?

I just tried the email thing. got a response saying to call a number which was no help. I guess I am destined not to get HD from DirecTV. I am wondering if the !9.95 offer is only through retentions.

[paulman182]

I wait a few days between calls. I usually call a few days after electronically paying my bill early. My best results have come at about six AM on Suday when they are not very busy.

[ElectronJunky]

I've been a D* sub for about 10 years and I called on 7/25 and asked about upgrading my existing DTiVo to a HD DVR. The CSR looked into the available options and immediately told me that I could have the unit for $19.99 + tax and a 2 year commitment. This included free installation of a new 5 LNB dish and a new multiswitch. GREAT!

I tried to push my luck and asked what other incentives she could offer, and she said that she wasn't authorized to offer anything unless I said I was going to cancell my service. I then asked to speak to someone in "Customer Retention".

Once I was tranferred to "Retention", an extremely helpful CSR offered a credit of $10 off for 6 months. He also said there was no reason to upgrade to the HD Plus package as it was $3 more than my current package + HD + DVR fee. This I knew but the other CSRs I had spoke too had told me that this was not an option.

All this and they were able to schedule the install for 7/26. Two days later!

The install went reasonably well. The installer was kinda competent. Everything is working. I haven't had much time to get comfortable with the new setup yet. I have got to reprogram my Harmony 680 remote to work with the HR20.

Cheers!

[seanb61]

Came Back to DTV August of last year. After being away for only 1 yr. Prior to that I was only with them for 1 yr. Aug 2006 install with HR10 (FREE) and H20 (FREE) new customer NFL offer... Jan 17th 2007 HR20 (FREE)... March called and got super fan free again for 2007, never have paid for it (3 seasons total, cause it is bull that they charge extra for HD games anyhow. The first yr I had DTV HD was free and every Giants game was in HD). This week called about moving 2nd DVR from HR10 to a HR20 best customer service could do was $99 "upgrade"... Retention, same story.. E-mailed, got call today to call express line back... Said well, we'll give you it for $49, wave shipping fees... Install on Friday... So in total 2 HR20's a H20 and a HR10 all for $49 in the last year... Plus multiple 6 month credits and free movie channels and what not. Oh and I only have a $70 monthly bill plus Sunday ticket. Good luck everyone. Persistence is key. They know that that shouldn't charge for this stuff in the first place which is why these deals are out there if you really want (push) for them.:D

[MLock]

Long time lurker. I'm buying an HD tv today and called DirecTV (customer since 2000) about replacing my R15 with an HR20... "$299". I told her my bill was already over $100/mo and I didn't want to pay that much on top of it. She said there were no offers available. So I told her I wasn't interested enough to pay $300 and ended the call... I then emailed them from the website. I'll keep everyone informed, since it's a new month and all, I'll likely get the shaft.

[paulfife]

Long time lurker. I'm buying an HD tv today and called DirecTV (customer since 2000) about replacing my R15 with an HR20... "$299". I told her my bill was already over $100/mo and I didn't want to pay that much on top of it. She said there were no offers available. So I told her I wasn't interested enough to pay $300 and ended the call... I then emailed them from the website. I'll keep everyone informed, since it's a new month and all, I'll likely get the shaft.

Hmm. I got offered $199 and they weren't budging at first, but I had also been a long time customer like you. A second call a week later and I explained that I had been shopping around and found my cable company had a comparable monthly price, but no commitment or upfront fees (this is actually true in my area surprisingly), and I was offered the $20 deal. It sounds like I don't have anywhere near as high a bill as you do though so I'd think they'd be quicker to offer you a deal. There doesn't seem to be a huge connection based on what I've read here though - it seems like being patient and persistent are most important.

[DawgLink]

Long time lurker. I'm buying an HD tv today and called DirecTV (customer since 2000) about replacing my R15 with an HR20... "$299". I told her my bill was already over $100/mo and I didn't want to pay that much on top of it. She said there were no offers available. So I told her I wasn't interested enough to pay $300 and ended the call... I then emailed them from the website. I'll keep everyone informed, since it's a new month and all, I'll likely get the shaft.

Good move. When I did what you were doing, the email telephone person did not offer me any better of a deal.

I tried a 3rd time on the phone and finally got a better deal but I used the Sunday Ticket as leverage.

If you already ordered Sunday Ticket OR are considering it, use that ;)

[MikeR]

If you already ordered Sunday Ticket OR are considering it, use that ;)

Did that for my 2nd HR20 two weeks ago.

Now I just need to tell the wife. :listenup:

[Wisegoat]

The installers I had were from Connect Televison, which I guess does all of SoCal (Orange County/LA County at least).

My install was a simple setup:

Remove old dish, install new.
Remove old switch, install new.
Replace 2 receivers.

Issue 1 - Tech only had 1 order, not 2. Due to my order being on 2 orders (that's how I was able to get 2 boxes for free) he did not have the second receiver. I even called the installer connection from DirecTV the day before and they assured me everything was correct and they saw both orders. The installer called the office, found out they scheduled another tech to install the second box and switched it over to himself.

He put up the dish, while I swapped out the switch and receivers. Both receivers were working normally, took the latest upgrade and everything is working correctly now.

Issue 2 - the installer didn't know about including OTA. He thought the SAT-HD Locals were from the OTA. When I explained to him that OTA had the .1, .2, etc. at the end and that I was missing KCAL9.1 (which is not in SAT-HD yet) I finally showed him how to go in to the setup and run the OTA setup.

Other than that, everything appears to be working correctly. Hooked up my old boxes via Component to finish watching what is left on them.

Now comes the fun of setting up all of those season passes again. . .

[RonH]

Long time lurker. I'm buying an HD tv today and called DirecTV (customer since 2000) about replacing my R15 with an HR20... "$299". I told her my bill was already over $100/mo and I didn't want to pay that much on top of it. She said there were no offers available. So I told her I wasn't interested enough to pay $300 and ended the call... I then emailed them from the website. I'll keep everyone informed, since it's a new month and all, I'll likely get the shaft.


I emailed about keeping my HR10-250(which I own) but replacing my Philips Tivo unit with the HR20-100, their reply was $299. I'll just call them and see what they say that way.

[paulman182]

Being nice is very important.

I know some people get things when they demand, but "asking" if they can "help" me has been pretty successful so far.

[DawgLink]

Being nice is very important.

I know some people get things when they demand, but "asking" if they can "help" me has been pretty successful so far.

Agreed. I always offer them water, coke, ext....and am as pleasent as possible.

I am 2 for 2 on good installations and on August 6th, am hoping I go 3 for 3 with my 2nd DVR

[tgater]

Called this morning to add another HR20 to my 7 receiver setup $99 plus CT sales tax. I have a HR 20 in my home office, HR 10 in the MBR 2 DVR 80's and 3 RCA435's. My plan is to move my HR 10 to my son's room (the only boy of 4) and put the new HR 20 in the MBR. The legacy RCA435 will go in the upper familyroom where we used to have cable. I have been with D* since Nov 1999.

[Melquiades]

What should I say in the email?

In my e-mail, I said I wasn't prepared to pay hundreds of dollars to switch to DTV and Dish Network when my local cable provider could give me the same ability for free.

I also made it clear that I liked DirecTV and very much wanted to stay a customer of theirs, but just not if I had to pay $200.

[cforrest]

I am happy to report I will be joining the HR20 crowd on 8/16! Called up and said cancel at voice prompt, got a nice rep and I told her I was considering cancelling my NFLST package, since I didn't have an interactive receiver. Her system was down, but luckily her ordering system was up. So, she said I qualified for the receiver for free with a cost to me of only S&H ($19.95). I hesitated for a few seconds and then said ok, that would be great. So earliest date they had was 8/16, which I took. So now the countdown begins! Thanks to all who posted and gave their own experiences, many thanks.

[jebber]

I have three 10-250's in my family room and with the near end of the summer, my recording are at an all time low on each machine. I figured what a better time to switch.

Called yesterday and asked for retention. Spoke with a nice young woman and explained that I felt I needed to make a decision soon on whether to stay with DTV or consider cable because of the future switch to the new birds leaving my current equipment unable to recieve locals.

First offer was to sell me one for $199 - I told her I was planning on spending nothing. Oh, well, at least I tried.

But wait, she asks me if I have ever heard of best buy or CC - I tell her no - just kidding and we laugh. I could go and buy one there - I inturrupt and tell her I don't have any money to do any purchases.

Then she tells me I can have one for free but only one and then in six months I fcan get another one for free. I think she is going through some sort of book looking for offers to give me.

I tell her that if I can't get the locals what would be the point in waiting 6 months and then another 6 months??

She puts me on hold and then comes back and tells me I'm all set. I am getting three new 20-700's w/ a new dish for $19.99 (shipping). I can keep two of the 10-250's that I own and they want back the one that was leased.

Total time on the phone was approximately 35 minutes. I flirted shamelessly with her the entire time. ;)

[Mike Huss]

Just heard from a buddy that he called yesterday to replace his HR10 with an HR20. He got it for $99 but also got $10 off/month for a year, so he's actually making money on the upgrade. I told him he was pretty lucky based on what I've seen here. FWIW he's had the HR10 for a long time and hasn't called looking for anything in a long time so I think they were just happy to basically give it to him so they could lock him in to another 2 years. Not like he was going anywhere anyway.

[RonH]

Just got off phone with DirecTV. I mentioned that Dish Network had sent me some mail about changing to Dish(which is true) with Free HD-DVR and setup. CSR told me that normally it is $299 but as I "good" customer she could get it for me for $199. I told her I needed to talk to my wife because I wasn't sure we wanted to pay $199 for a Service that Dish was offering for "Free". She told me she could transfer me to someone for possible more options(I assume it was retention dept). The new CSR came on the phone and I told him the situation and how I loved DirecTV and didn't want to leave,he told me he could get me upgrade with the New HR20-100,Slimline dish and Zinwell WB68 multiswitch for FREE and set me up for Install date of 8-11-07. I made it clear that I "own" my present HR10-250 and want to keep it active in my bedroom as a "Std. receiver/Tivo(I don't have HD TV there) and he said that was no problem. I did have to agree to new 2yr deal but I wasn't going anywhere to begin with....:D

[JGL]

Hi all...I finally registered on this site, but have been lurking for awhile now. Have learned a lot of info and and knowing what deals are out there is very helpful.

I just got off the phone with DirecTV, looking to use the mover's connection, but the CSR there wasn't much help. I was looking to get 2 HR20's, and the best he offered was $199 for the first one, and then suggested to go buy the 2nd one at Best Buy since he couldn't put 2 on one order. So much for that route.

Ending up at retention, where I was offered one for free, and the 2nd for $99 + $19.95 for shipping. I've been with them for 10+ years, and for most of that I've had the Premier package, no sports packages. This will be my first HD setup...I currently have 2 HDVR2's and an R10.

I was hoping to get 2 for free, since I've seen others getting that, but the CSR wasn't budging, even when I mentioned comparable offers I've gotten from Dish and cable.
I could probably live with the deal they offered...was just wondering if you think there was a chance I could do better?

JGL

[JLR]

I am new here, but have lurked to research how to go about this. Thanks to all for the information. It worked for me. Here is what happened.

1) I called DTV and asked about upgrading to a HD DVR. Got the standard $299 + $20. I asked if there was anyway they could do better because that was so much money. No, I was told, that is the only price we have.

2) I immediately emailed, saying that the price was a real problem for me, especially since my cable company has no up front charge and about the same per month for HD DVR service. Got an email back, saying they would call.

30 Next day DTV did call. Nice guy. Said all he could do was give me one year free on the $9.99/month HD service, which works out to a $120 concession. I said I'd think it over.

4) Next day, I called DTV. At the voice prompt, I said "Cancel Service." That got me through to another nice guy. I explained the problem with the cost compared to my cable provider. I also complained about them giving aay units to new customers and here I am a five plus year customer who always pays on time. I really did not have to fight very hard. He IMMEDIATELY came back with the offer of a replacement unit for only the $19.99 shipping plus free installation. Also threw in a free month of HD service. I was too pleased with that to try to wring any more out of it.

CONCLUSIONS:

I do not know if the email route got me any further down the road. For me, the thing that seemed to work was saying "cancel" at the voice menu.

By the way, I have only a basic subscription, ESPN+ for about three years, and about five years of being a customer.

Again, thanks to all for the tips. I'd never have got this deal without you.

[ToddD]

Just to add mine to the list....I called and the CSR told me that $199 was the standard offer for my customer type and after I said that was too much she offered to lower it to $98. I said no, that I wanted it for free (i've been a customer for 14 years and always bought all of my equipment (around $2000) and have done all of my own installs, so I have never cost DTV a penny in setup costs) , she went off to talk to someone about how she could do that and in the process she hung up on me! I called back and made sure to let them know about the first call and how it had turned out.

Ended up with a rentions rep who: Set up my upgrade of 1 HR20 and 1 H20 for $198 less a instant credit of $150 and 6 monthly credits of $10 each (I did have to pay the shipping charge). So in the end, after all credits, I'll be paying a total of $7.22 for all of the equipment, the instalation, shipping and Tax.

[xuniman]

You can add me to the list of people saying thanks for the info. I tried the standard CSR route and the best she would do is $198 for 2 HR20s and the Slimline dish install free. I called back and used the "cancel service" voice prompt to get to retention. I not only got both HR20s and slimline dish install for free (no shipping charge) but I also asked for 6 months of free HD pack and got 6 months of HBO free instead (we already subscribe to HBO so it is a real savings).

Thanks everyone!!

[lyonsjl]

I have a dumb question: If you're being stiffed on the HR20 as an existing customer, is it possible to simply cancel service and then sign back up? The current deal is really good..

Thanks

[MLock]

First, I sent the email, got a nice response email saying someone would call me within 24 hours. The call never came.

So tonight, I called and told them (quite truthfully) that I was upset that they quoted me $300 when a co-worker got his for only shipping. The guy said "I see... do you happen to like football?"

I said, "Why yes, I do enjoy a spot of football."

He offered the following: NFLST for $249, free HR20, free 5lnb dish, $10 off per month for six months, and no HD fees for 12 months. I told him he had to add Superfan or no deal -- he added it.

So I suppose I'm paying for NFLST when others didn't have to, but all in all I'm pretty happy with the deal.

What do you think?

[jsbaker]

I am new here but I have to tell my tale of how I am getting my HR20. I just got my H20 in March when I got my new TV. It all started out with a new R15 on a free upgrade offer. We've been with Direct TV since the begining, so long I can't even remember how long it has been but it's back from when there was still USSB for the premium channels. Was checking out the account online one day and checked out the upgrade page and saw R15 or H20 for free. Fast forward to R15 #3 before we get one that works. #1 could not be contorolled by a remote. #2 would not even power on out of the box. So #3 comes with a twin that mistakenly sent. #3 works and they say keep #4 if you want whcih worked out cause my nephew moved in and needed one for his room. two weeks later the other half surprises me with an HDTV so I call up customer service. Explained that I had just gotten the R15 but was given the choice of the R15 or H20 for free and I hated the R15 compared to my Directivo which was now in the Master bedroom and just got HDTV and wanted to change. No problem, setup installer for H20 and new dish. Really wanted HD DVR but was not paying $199. Fast Foward again to the wonderful H20 upgrde in early July. Called in after the stupid sound effects would not stop sounding no matter what you did and I got tired of seeing scrambled pictures, green screens and shows with red tints. Rep asked if I had considered DVR I said yep but not for $299. She got quiet for a minute and then says I'll give you free HD DVR for shipping cost and 2 year agreement and you can keep the H20 if you want. Needless to say the installer comes tomorrow and the H20 has a box waiting to send it back to them.

[paulman182]

I have a dumb question: If you're being stiffed on the HR20 as an existing customer, is it possible to simply cancel service and then sign back up? The current deal is really good.. Thanks

You can do that, but you won't get the current deal, because you must wait several years before being considered a new customer again.

I'm not sure how long it is, but it does take years for you to be removed from their system.

[kaunala]

Great help everyone.

Twice I called and got the $299 runaround, even after years of problems with them. I was really going to cancel my service. After talking to them I got the HD-DVR and 12 months of HD programming for free (they even credited the 19.99). The only thing I have to put up with is an "installation" crew and I need to send my old HD tuner back (free for me).

[goosecat]

Thanks for all the contributions. Here's mine.
1)Called yesterday using the "cancel" prompt -
Cost: $199+shipping
$5 off for 6mo
CSR had a grouchy tone from the beginning. Said there were no other offers.

2)Called today also using "cancel" - CSR was noticeably friendlier.
Cost: $199+ $20 shipping
Discounts: $10 off/mo for 12 mo = $120
HD free for 12mo = $120
Sunday Ticket $15 off/mo = $60
DVR free for 6mo = $36
Also was told that my Superfan was already free because I subscribed last year.

I've been a customer since 2001, basic package, sunday ticket every year, autopay. Currently out of contract since I got the HDTivo 2yrs ago.

It's stunning how random it is.

[DaBearsfan]

Hi Everyone, new here.

I called D* on Friday and started to discuss the upgrade of my 2 HR10-250's. I actually had to call and fix a problem with my account. After we were done with that I mentioned to the CSR that I wanted to see about upgrading my equipment. She transferred me to the access card group. I questioned why she did that the gentleman i was transferred to said he would be glad to help me.

1) they offered me 1 HR20 at $199 and the other at $299 and of course a free slimline dish upgrade. Of course I said no and reminded him I had paid well over $4K in equipment over the last 12 years (I still own all my equipment) and my monthly $140 bill. I told him I felt with Cable and Dish have better offers and that I really did not expect to keep investing in new equipment. I asked him to check for a better deal and he put me on hold.

2) When he came back he said he would do both for $199 each. Of course I said no again. We kept talking and he put me on hold 3 more times as we kept negotiating.

3) So where we ended up was he would do 2 HR20's for $213 with shipping and he would credit the account $198. But I would have to pay the $213 upfront. I said I would need to talk with my wife as she used the OTA sub channels a lot and please note the account.

4) So I had the HR20's and the dish The final discussion was about replacing my MS with a Zinwell WB68. He said I did not need one and that my Eagle Aspen MS was fine. I questioned him for a while but he held his ground as he said he was a member of the ATS group and he could assure me that my MS would work with the MPEG4 channels. As we talking about the MS I asked him about SWM's he mentioned they got a 1 page update on that this week but he did not know when it would be available but assumed it would be this year. Hopefully soon as they are beginning to make the CSR's aware of them.

So for now I just left it as it is. I plan on calling D* tomorrow and speak to retention to explain I would really prefer not to have to pay $213 up front and get the Zinwell added (and whatever else I can get :lol: ).

From everything I have read here. I do need to replace my eagle Aspen MS with the Zinwell? Don't I?

[AlbertZeroK]

From everything I have read here. I do need to replace my eagle Aspen MS with the Zinwell? Don't I?

Yes. You will need a 6x8 Multiswitch, just make sure it's on the work order when they create it.

[DaBearsfan]

Yes. You will need a 6x8 Multiswitch, just make sure it's on the work order when they create it.

Thanks, Thats what I thought, but he was so adamant. I have to admit for someone who worked in "Advanced Tech Support" some things he told me were just inaccurate and pretty surprising