Stupid to subscribe now?

[911medic]

Hi, everyone. A little background before my question: I'm currently a E* subscriber (~4-5 years) and have been much happier with satellite than with "digital" cable. Went w/E* as they were cheaper than D* for similar content at the time. I have fallen in love with my DVR (got one of the last fee-free models) and gotten used to some compression artifacts that come with satellite TV. A couple of years ago I got a HD-ready TV, and have been only able to use the S-video input to it from my E* 508.

Anyway, I'm a huge NFL fan, and as a Cowboys fan living in MN, I get to see a handful of their games each year. I'm finally in a position where I can afford NFL ST, so I'm considering the switch to D*. I'd also like to make the switch to an HD receiver to finally utilize the capabilities of my TV, and since both companies really only offer discounts on HD receivers to new subscribers, I want to do it now, if I switch.

My concerns:
1) Right now, I'm sure I'd get a HR10 if I subscribe, and I'd like the HR20 since I'm going to be locked in to 2 years of the HD pack (see #2) at $10/month and any new HD content will be Mpeg-4.
2) Although I can drop down from the top programming package after 4 months free (their current offer for new ST subscribers), I apparently can't drop the HD pack. It's apparently locked in as part of my 2-year commitment. Can anyone here confirm this? I'd like to just drop it after 4 months and I'd be happy getting my HD via OTA. I've had several amusing conversations with CSRs regarding this, and have gotten a couple of conflicting responses, but my on my last call spoke with a supervisor (who really put the hard-sell on) and was told the HD pack was for 2 years.

So what do I do? Order now and enjoy my football, but probably get the Mpeg-2 HD-DVR and be forced to subscribe to the HD pack for 2 years? Order a SD-DVR and hope I can upgrade later, but probably at a higher price? Wait until later this fall and try for the HR20 then (with the 2 years of HD pack)? Hmmmm....decisions....

[boba]

Order now and get the HR10-250 you are not committed to a HD programming package but you will get 4 months of HD free as a new customer. NFL ST will cost you an extra $99 for the Super Fan HD package. Your 2 yr. commitment is for the minimum qualifying programming package currently $29.99.

[Minds_At_Play]

You will not be locked into a commitment on the hd package. The commitment only specifies that you carry atleast the base package for the 2 years.

[911medic]

Thanks for the replies, guys. That's what I thought, regarding the commitment to the HD package, but 3 CSRs (and one supervisor CSR) as well as a local installer I spoke with have all told me that it is locked in. The first CSR I spoke with stated it was locked in for 2 years, then the local installer told me it was locked in for a year, then I called back and spoke with another CSR and then a supervisor who both stated you could drop to a lower programming package after the introductory 4 mos, but you had to keep the HD package for your full commitment period if you got a HD receiver.

I asked to speak with a supervisor after the CSR I was speaking to seemed dumbfounded that I wouldn't want the HD package since I was getting the HD receiver. CSR: "But you won't be able to see anything in HD if you don't have the HD package." Me: "But I can get my locals in HD over the air with an antenna for free." CSR: "But there's no point in getting an HD receiver if you don't get the HD package." Repeat several more times....

Here's what the info regarding the HD rebate says:
"Upgrade your lease to a DIRECTV® HD DVR for just $299 after $100 instant rebate when you order online at DIRECTV.com.
Two-year programming commitment and activation of DVR service ($5.99/mo.) required. Rebate offer ends 10/01/06 and is for new lease customers only. Activation of the DIRECTV® HD Package ($9.99/mo.) also required to qualify for rebate."

So, I just have to activate it, I don't have to keep it? Or is "activation" equivalent to committing to it in D*'s eyes? Sorry to be repetative here, it's just that you guys are the first ones to tell me that I don't have to keep it for the full commitment.

Thanks again...

BTW, I find it interesting that the link to the User's Manual at the bottom of this page (directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPage.jsp?assetId=900025) now opens the HR20's user manual, not the HR10's.

EDIT: I see in this thread (dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=62757) that they threatened to force this guy to return his HR10 if he cancelled his HD package (they later backed off, as his lease agreement doesn't state this). Maybe they're going to change their terms? But they haven't yet.

[NurseDave]

It would make sense to me they would want you to keep paying for HD if you are getting an HD box.

[wraunch]

any deals on the HD-DVR for new subscribers? I dont understand the sales method if I am going from a free Digital cable HD-DVR to pay $299 after a rebate for Satellite. I want to get an HD-DVR and the NFL ST.

[Zeos]

any deals on the HD-DVR for new subscribers? I dont understand the sales method if I am going from a free Digital cable HD-DVR to pay $299 after a rebate for Satellite. I want to get an HD-DVR and the NFL ST.

Good luck with that ...I've been going back and forth with them for about 2 weeks now about just that ......now that I've decided to bite the bullet and just get the thing I find out I can't get my locals with the current model (I get zero OTA reception) and they won't let me buy the new one yet......

[paulman182]

I am waiting on the HD uprgrade because I believe after the "early adopters" are supplied, the HD DVR will end up being free, or nearly so. Some people are already getting it that way, which leads me to believe that the corporate policy is either not yet firm, or not yet fully communicated to all CSRs.

Just conjecture.

[911medic]

any deals on the HD-DVR for new subscribers? I dont understand the sales method if I am going from a free Digital cable HD-DVR to pay $299 after a rebate for Satellite. I want to get an HD-DVR and the NFL ST.The only "deal" seems to be the $100 rebate. I decided to bite the bullet and ordered today, thru a local reseller/installer. Got the HD-DVR (HR10), ST, HD pack free for 4 months, & Total Choice Premiere free for 4 months. Will be trying to get my HD locals OTA.

[911medic]

I am waiting on the HD uprgrade because I believe after the "early adopters" are supplied, the HD DVR will end up being free, or nearly so. Some people are already getting it that way, which leads me to believe that the corporate policy is either not yet firm, or not yet fully communicated to all CSRs.

Just conjecture.I hope you're right, but I'll believe it when I see it.

[paulman182]

I'm just judging from the way other pieces of equipment have gone.

Yes, we will have to add 2 years to our committment, but at some point I think they will be free, or maybe $99.

[911medic]

I'm just thinking back to when the HR10 was introduced, and people were paying ~$1000 for it. Granted, that was to own, but good Lord, that was a lot of money. I'm sure leased equipment will be far cheaper, but I'd be surprised if D*s policy ends up being free. Hopefully, though!