This Ordering - Installation Tracking Subforum

[Earl Bonovich]

This forum is a temporary forum.... we will only have this sub-forum around for a little while... to get past these first few months of ordering and installation.

Please refrane from adding any "I got it", "get it from here", "installer brought an hr10"
In the base forum... let's keep them here (or they will be moved for you)

[hjones4841]

With all the bad experiences with the 5LNB dish installation, I am happy to report a success story. This only addresses the dish installation - I had already installed and activated the HR20 and already had the coax run. In fact, it was a take down a Phase 3 dish and replace with the 5LNB dish situation.

I was told that the installers would arrive between 4 and 6 yesterday afternoon. They were here a few minutes after 4. A quick check with the inclinometer (SP?) and one of the two installers told me that the 5LNB could not be mounted on the side of the house where the Phase 3 was (mounted into brick with Tapcons). The dish was too big to aim - the side of the dish would hit the brick wall before the proper aiming was reached. So, he suggested a pole mount. We picked an acceptable location, they dug about a 2 foot deep hole, used Quickrete and had the dish up and aimed in less than an hour. He even buried the coax runs under a chain link fence gate. The aiming was spot-on with the HR20 signal strength reporting a low of 93 and several 100's. The installers were well prepared - they had everything they needed on the truck.

I had already purchased and installed a Zinwell multiswitch, but the installers gave me another one since it was allowed by the install order.

Anyway, there are good guys out there. I was so pleased with their service that I handed each one a 20.

[hdtvfan0001]

I think its fair to say that D* installers are suffering from installation appointment overload. Since about 7 out of 10 installs includes an AT-9 dish install, it takes about 3-4 hours to do just 1 install.

Those (like mine) where an AT-9 is in place, take an hour or so.

That said, the install delays and postponements are as much a factor of the HR20's obvious popularlity and huge demand, as it is anything else. I'm not defending any delays, per sae, rather, just pointing out that installers are obviously working 12 hour days at a frantic pace to attempt to keep up, and in many cases, not managing to do so.

Actually, this kinda makes me feel good, as the more boxes out there, and the high demand itself, leads to a higher attention profile at D* for users of this great new box - not to mention a brighter future of features.

Sorry to all those who are in hurry up and wait mode for installs - its kinda like gas pains - this too shall pass.

[15_Off]

Called last wednesday, came out today! Tech came early, took about 2 hours to mount new dish, etc

[ITrot]

Wow, decided to call again today to see what kind of deal I could get for the HR20. I went through 3 CSR's (kept getting disconnected). Get this, the 2nd CSR said the HD unit and DVR were separate, not one unit. Thank God I was disconnected somehow. I called retention back and he FIRST asked how I got the number...I told him I saw it on the internet... played dumb. I told him the story of being disconnected twice... why I was calling... that I really wanted the HR20 but was not willing to pay $299 for it. Long story short (I know, too late) he was all over it. I have a free, yes FREE HR20 on the way! NO charges at all.

Thanks for posting the retention #... not sure I would have been able to get this done w/o it!

[Scribo-san]

Ordered D* several weeks ago via the web to get HR20 for $199, mainly to get HD and NFLST (and to get out from under the thumb of Mediascam).

Installer called today promptly at 1 (the scheduled install time), and said he'd be here around 2. Showed up at 2:30.

Very patient and willing to explain. Very tidy installation, good worksmanship.

HR20 HDMI didn't work first time, restarted with components connected and then hooked up HDMI, works GREAT! (for three hours anyway).

Old Series 2 Tivo standalone moved from main TV to kids' TV - this was the worst part of the install. Had to go through the guided setup twice to get any picture, and because I don't have the "IR blaster", I can' tuse it yet. But the installer was very patient and helpful, and I fully expect evrything to work well.

Best part for me: he used the in-house RG6 wiring already in, so the multiswitch simply replaced the existing crappy cable splitters.

PQ is VASTLY improved over Mediacom - even SD through the HR20.

[karnac]

Ordered the HR 20 on October 10th through Directv. Got the unit for $99.00 with $10.00 off bill for one year.
Installation scheduled for 18 Oct betwwen 1 and 5 PM. At about 4pm the installer called and said he was 3 hours away. I told him it would be dark and that the Dish had to go on the roof to replace the 3 LNB dish that was already in place. He said no problem I have flood lights etc. He showed up at 7PM and I asked him where he was when he called at 4PM gave me the name of a town about 15 minutes away. Took him 3 hours to go 12 miles. Anyway he said he would put the dish on the ground, when he saw how many tall trees were in the way, he quickly gave up on that idea.
So he set up the receiver and left to come back on the 19th to put up the dish. Said he would be here around noon. Called after five and said he would be there by 630PM . Dark again and he got up on the roof and froze. I mean I had to coax him down. Another installer arrived and finally around 930PM they got it done.
BTW: he had at least 4 more HR 20's in the truck. So maybe shortage is just in certain areas.

[jdeaton]

I've had D since the first day it was available in Minneapolis, Sept 1994 if I remember correctly. All in all I would have to say I've been very pleased with DirecTV.

Anyway knowing the AT9 was much bigger and heavier than my 3 LNB dish, I spent the previous weekend in the attic reinforcing my roof by installing 2 X 12 blocks between the roof rafters where the existing dish was installed and where the new dish would be as well.

I was surprised when not one but two DirecTV vans showed up in my driveway. Both the installers were very pleasant to work with and did a great job.

The first thing I saw was the new Slim Line dish. (COOL!) I asked the installer how many Slim Lines he had installed and he said this is his second.

I tried to make their job as easy as possible by having my own ladders in place for them and unbolted and removed the old dish prior to their arrival.

In about an hour and a half, the dish was securely bolted into the blocked roof rafter and aligned. The installer asked if I wanted him to use the secondary mast supports and I said yes. I don't think this thing is ever going anywhere.

They also installed the new 6X8 multi switch and we began the boot up process.

First came the down load of the new software, some fiddling with HDMI, and I was good to go.

My media room has a Panasonic AE 700 front projector with a 118" diag. screen. The HR 20 replaces the HR10-250, and I think I'm going to like the HR 20 better. It just seems to have a more modern feel to it. I love that it out puts component and HDMI at the same time, and maybe I'm just imagining it but I think the picture quality may be better as well. It seems to look a bit sharper, perhaps less video noise, and I think I'm seeing a touch more contrast.

I'm looking forward to them activating the OTH tuners so I can compare HD locals.

[jzr28]

HI - I ordered on Sept 30 and got my install Nov 6. They re-set my install 3 times but all went well. I was not in a hurry so really did not matter when it happened. They told me I would get an AT9 but I got a Slimline instead. Installer was great!!! He ran some new cable as my old setup was not the best. All went well and I am up and running and a happy camper today. :)

[Live4Soccer]

Received my HR20-700 yesterday but was really sweating the install up until 11:45 of a 8-12 installer appointment. It was raining about as hard as it has in 10 years yesterday and I thought they might call with a re-schedule because of the weather but I was pleasantly surprised when I had TWO installers at my door! Off to a great start...

One of them worked on installing the new dish while the other took care of the inside. Dish replacement went off without a hitch, all 6 lines back on line with a new multi-switch. Everything went fine inside and they were done in an hour. 80-90 on all most of the signals. Seamless install....spent the rest of the day playing with settings and setting up my recordings.

According to the installer, the 600's were a pain in the rear end. Returns and calls all over the place from those that got that series of HR20's. He said they had a HUGE pallet of returns for the 600's. So MAYBE they worked out a few bugs in the 700 series...here's hoping! Only 2 local HD channels here in SEA but the rest should come by the end of the year. OTA would be nice but I can wait it out if I need to...

See you on the forums! :)

[MikeKV]

Just received my HR20 this past Saturday. I had called D* back in mid-October and told them that I had purchased the HR10 with the understanding that it would have HD locals with tivo. I was wrong but since I told D* that they sent me an HR20 for FREE, well, in the long run. They charged me $99 for the HR20 but took off $99 from my bill.

[cybrsurfer]

Halsted in Springfield MA has them still in stock for the Western Mass area installs.;)

[redfiver]

I was just sent a new HR10-250 about 2 weeks ago because my HDMI port was bad. The new unit I received started having hard drive problems. So, I called D* again and they said they'd send me a new HR10-250, to arrive today.

Today, a HR20 showed up at my doorstep. So I called D* and said they sent me the wrong one and I wanted a replacement HR10-250 (recording OTA is a big deal for me, I get tons of local HD OTA, way more than D* provides). They were quite confused (all 3 CSRs) and told me that the HR20 should work just fine, even if I don't have a 5LNB dish installed, but they'd come out on Monday to install a 5LNB dish for free. So, I said sure, send the installer to install it for free. And, let me keep the HR10-250 and the HR20 with no charge for either unit and I'll be okay with that (I'll just replace the HD in the HR10-250, that's a pretty easy upgrade, just didn't want to pay for it since it was so new).

Long and short: it appears the lack of HR20's is getting better since they quickly sent me one (maybe the first CSR thought I had a HR20.. who knows. Every CSR seemed to have started at D* about 2 minutes before I called).

[racermd]

I've been an on-and-off DirecTV customer in the Minneapolis area since about 1998. The only boxes I've ever had are the RCA UltimateTV units. Since my last cable-to-DirecTV switch in late '05, I've been waiting patiently for the HR20 to hit the streets. I've been worried about the quality of the box after reading all the negative reviews, but things appear to be getting better with each passing week. So, as of last week, I've decided to take the plunge.

I called D* and asked for the HR20. "Sold Out" they said. I was put on the waiting list knowing that I'll get $100 off when I finally get my call. In the meantime, I needed to get two more boxes to fill out the rest of the house.

All the local electronics retailers have been sold out for a quite some time (I've been keeping track by internet for months). As I geared up to actually buy, I asked the blue-shirts at Best Buy if/when they plan to get more in stock. I got a line about how they're so backed up that ones they do get in never hit the sales floor. I notice, however, that if I order online, they should ship in "1 to 2 weeks" Sweet! I place my order online and commit to waiting.

Imagine my surprise when I get an e-mail confirmation just two days later that my order has shipped! Not only that, but my shipping was bumped from the free ground-only option to 2nd-day (still apparently free)! I'm pretty jaded when it comes to retail hell, especially during the holidays. But this is definitely a bonus. Supply is apparently getting better.

The delivery is on schedule for a 12/18 drop at my front door. As soon as the boxes come through my door, they're going to get dropped right into place of my existing UltimateTV units.

As for the dish itself, I'll be scheduling that while I'm on the phone getting the new HR20s activated. I've run all my own cabling through the house (good RG6Q and Cat5e bundles), so all they'll need to do is mount the dish and connect the new multiswitch. I'll post an update once the new dish is up.

[bobnielsen]

Now that Directv is taking orders instead of having a waiting list, I finally placed my order online yesterday. The earliest I could schedule an installation was Jan 8. However, I already have an AT-9 installed (from when I got my H20, which I will probably return as soon as the new box arrives) with two cables to the location where I will be using the HR20, so don't need to have an installer deliver it to me. It seems that it would be cost-effective for Directv to ship it directly to me, but there was no option to choose that (I would get the receiver sooner that way, as well).

I have done all my own installations with the exception of the AT-9 and figure that with the current backlog, the installers have better things to do than to just deliver the receivers when no other work is required.

1/8/2007 update: The Ironwood installer brought my HR20 today (45 minutes into the 4 hour window Directv gave me). After he installed it, the software was automatically upgraded. Everything went smoothly and it probably took less time than reprogramming my Harmony 880 remote for the new box.

[Ama_John]

:mad: So is there an actual mailing address for D?

I had DirecTV for years at my previous address - including HD Tivo (which I still own but haven't used in 18 months).

When I moved, the install people wanted to put my dish in an obscene location so I refused and switched to cable. I called to switch back and everything seemed cool - free install, $199 for the new HD DVR, special pricing on the packages for the first six months, etc. They put me on the wait list.

They called me back last week but when I returned the call, they try to charge me $299 and I have to remind them, etc. I'm trying not to get too winded here. Unfortunately, the systems were down and they couldn't complete my order last week. They said they would place the order that evening.

They didn't. I called back today and started all over. To make a long story short, after a 45 minute phone call, they agreed to the price on the DVR and everything but then wanted to charge for the extra room receiver. They agreed to drop that charge but wanted to charge me $19.99 for shipping. I had an install date, had given them the CC for the HD DVR but they refused to skip the shipping charge.

I cancelled my order. If I hadn't been on the phone so long and had to explain the deal the retention group offered me (which by the way NEVER mentioned shipping fees) and hadn't constantly been switched from one department to another (waiting on hold each time), then I probably would have just given in and given them the $20. But I was sick of the nickel and diming so I refused.

So, now that I've vented - does anyone have a real address and has everyone else paid for shipping? I'm paying $200 for the DVR - should I really pay extra for the extra room and shipping?

[bobnielsen]

DIRECTV Inc
2230 E Imperial Hwy
El Segundo, CA 90245-3531

[Lightsluvr]

:mad: So is there an actual mailing address for D?

I had DirecTV for years at my previous address - including HD Tivo (which I still own but haven't used in 18 months).

When I moved, the install people wanted to put my dish in an obscene location so I refused and switched to cable. I called to switch back and everything seemed cool - free install, $199 for the new HD DVR, special pricing on the packages for the first six months, etc. They put me on the wait list.

They called me back last week but when I returned the call, they try to charge me $299 and I have to remind them, etc. I'm trying not to get too winded here. Unfortunately, the systems were down and they couldn't complete my order last week. They said they would place the order that evening.

They didn't. I called back today and started all over. To make a long story short, after a 45 minute phone call, they agreed to the price on the DVR and everything but then wanted to charge for the extra room receiver. They agreed to drop that charge but wanted to charge me $19.99 for shipping. I had an install date, had given them the CC for the HD DVR but they refused to skip the shipping charge.

I cancelled my order. If I hadn't been on the phone so long and had to explain the deal the retention group offered me (which by the way NEVER mentioned shipping fees) and hadn't constantly been switched from one department to another (waiting on hold each time), then I probably would have just given in and given them the $20. But I was sick of the nickel and diming so I refused.

So, now that I've vented - does anyone have a real address and has everyone else paid for shipping? I'm paying $200 for the DVR - should I really pay extra for the extra room and shipping?

That's the standard rate - first receiver is free. Each additional carries an extra fee.

LL

[FireCapt]

I had the HR20-700 with the Slim line dish installed on 1/9/07. I placed my order back in Nov. and after no one called to schedule an install date , I called D*on Dec 22nd. They claim someone tried to contact me to set up a date during this period. They set me up for install date on Jan. 9th between 1-5pm. The installer showed up at 2:30 and was done at 4:30.

The Installer did a great job mounting the new Slim-line dish on the side of my house. He secured all the cables and made it look nice and neat. He used the Stabilizer bars without me asking.

Once inside he setup my amp, TV and DVD player with the remote. He checked to make sure all my OTA channels worked as well as the HD Local channels through the Satellite. He then called my house to make sure Caller ID was working.

No problems so far.

I gave the guy a tip and I am one happy customer.:)

[mrhoads]

I have been waiting since November to get my installation. They charged me for the two boxes a few weeks ago. Now they say that they can not install mine since they are out of boxes. After spending over an hour on the phone and getting transfered 7 times, I was told by a person in Installation that since they have so many new installations in my area that they have put a hold on all upgrades. Can anyone give me the phone number to retension? :(

[fancydancy]

My strategy is to always buy the gear at Best Buy so my installer won't cancel citing "lack of equipment." Of course, if you are an A-list customer you can probably get a better deal than what you pay at Best Buy.

I have been waiting since November to get my installation. They charged me for the two boxes a few weeks ago. Now they say that they can not install mine since they are out of boxes. After spending over an hour on the phone and getting transfered 7 times, I was told by a person in Installation that since they have so many new installations in my area that they have put a hold on all upgrades. Can anyone give me the phone number to retension? :(

[mrhoads]

Yeah, they finally offered me my money back and said I could buy it from BB. I said thanks but no thanks, why can't they just ship them to me. I paid $199 for the new box and $99 for the replacement for the 10-250. I did manage to get into the reschedule site yesterday for the first time and scheduled an installation for Jan 31. My daughter finally got her box free and $20 off her bill for 6 months after they missed their 3rd appointment. BTW I can no longer get into the Directv web site. It wants me to reregister and they says I am already registered. I have called but they are no help and just tell me there is no problem with their web site. :(

[paja]

Just bought a Mits 46231 so I called D to get upgraded. The first person I spoke to told me it would cost me 99 + 19.50 for two HR20's. She told I would be contacted with 48 hrs. Of course, I wasn't.

I called back on Thurs. and spoke to another person who told me there was no order in my name, He said he would place the order. When I told him that another A customer I know got the upgraded boxes for zip he said he would talk to a supervisor. He came back and said I would pay only the 19.50. He said a local company would be contacting me within a week.

On Friday I get a recorded message from D telling me I needed to call them to schedule an installation. After several calls, I was told the next available date was 22 Mar.(I live in the Chicago suburbs). I asked to speak to a supervisor because I wasn't happy with the long wait and why was I told that a local company would be contacting me. She was a bunch of sorries,etc., but no satisfaction.

Right now I'm waiting for a manager above her to call me on Monday. I probably be waiting for that until 2008.

[Lightsluvr]

The short version: We are new with D* as of December 8, 2006. Requested HR20 for our theater room. It was backordered and we signed up for wait list. Our initial install included (2) H20s ($99 each with a $100 rebate) and (2) D10s with HD OTA antenna provided by D*.
On 1/6/2007, we received call from D* advising that HR20s were now available. We called and ordered one for $199 with install date of 1/15.
I started reading the threads here that indicated OTA was not possible with the HR20. I panicked and called D* and the CSR (and his supervisor) confirmed that HR20 would not support OTA. Since OTA is the only way I can currently received local HD stations in my market, D* cancelled my install.
Then I read further on this site and learned that info was false, and in fact OTA had been activated on the HR20! So I immediately called back and tried to get my 1/15 install date reinstated. D* said no can do - the first available date was 2/14! Last weekend I was checking the D* website and noted that my 2/14 install was "unscheduled". Ah, me.
Once again I called D* and after an hour of labor pains, I was able to sweet talk a very nice CSR into a 1/22/07 appointment...
I have been incredulous all week, but just received a call from installer Premier Communications confirming my appointment for my upgrade. Sounds like all is well...
Will report on the other HR20 thread when the installer shows up...

LL

[paja]

After moaning and complaining to a manager, I got my installation moved up from the original 22 Mar date I was given to 6 Feb. I addition, I will pay only 19.50 for two HR20's and get 4 months of the HD package free.:)

[cb7214]

I live in Saginaw MI and purchased a HR20-700 back at the begining of December under the impression locals were coming, big joke, anyways shortly after i tried to order an upgrade for my dish to a 5LNB as i knew i would need that for my locals and for the new HD coming this year, at first i was given the run around D* told me to call my local installer and my local installer told me to call directv and this went on for a few weeks about early january till finally i said unless i get a straight answer im canceling, and come to find out they haven't been setting new installations since early december because corporate has locked their calanders until the backlog of installs is cleared and im now at the end of January and still nothing

[cb7214]

I live in Saginaw MI and purchased a HR20-700 back at the begining of December under the impression locals were coming, big joke, anyways shortly after i tried to order an upgrade for my dish to a 5LNB as i knew i would need that for my locals and for the new HD coming this year, at first i was given the run around D* told me to call my local installer and my local installer told me to call directv and this went on for a few weeks about early january till finally i said unless i get a straight answer im canceling, and come to find out they haven't been setting new installations since early december because corporate has locked their calanders until the backlog of installs is cleared and im now at the end of January and still nothing

Update I called D* today on HR20 problems and at the same time inquired about if i could schedule an upgrade yet and after being transfered around 9 times at least that is what they told me and being disconnected 4 times I was about to cancel and they finally got me set up for this saturday feb 3, I was also going to have them install an OTA because mine only works intermitently but a supervisor had to do that and said I would get called back in 72 hours, "i don't believe that"

[paja]

I recently had my installation moved up after complaining from 22 Mar to 6 Feb. Just for the heck of it, I went to the DTV website to see if I could change my installation date on-line like some posters have suggested. I really don't want to change because I have everything set for next Tuesday anyaway. Just wanted to see what would happen. When I got to the change installation section, it showed open dates for 1 & 2 Feb both morning and afternoon.That was yesterday. I tried it again today and now a message is coming up to contact customer service.

[gjgman]

After moaning and complaining to a manager, I got my installation moved up from the original 22 Mar date I was given to 6 Feb. I addition, I will pay only 19.50 for two HR20's and get 4 months of the HD package free.:)

What did you tell them to get that price???
I got 2 installed and had to pay pay $299 a piece

[paja]

What did you tell them to get that price???
I got 2 installed and had to pay pay $299 a piece


I first spoke to a customer sevice rep and said I was angry because I'm an A customer(according to THEM-" one of our best customers") and I found out that a friend of mine got upgraded for no charge(true). I went on to say that I contacted a local service offering DTV HD service for new customers with a weeks wait(not true). After not getting satisfaction from her, I asked to speak to a supervisor and that is where I got satisfaction. I'm paying 19.50 for two boxes and four months of free HD package.

[agentss]

I had the HR20-700 with the Slim line dish installed on 1/9/07.

The Installer did a great job mounting the new Slim-line dish on the side of my house. He secured all the cables and made it look nice and neat. He used the Stabilizer bars without me asking.

)

One question? Do the installers have to/need to use the added stabilizers bars when mountering on a shingled roof? I get some people that say no and then the training material I found online for DirecTV says yes. Of course it is more work/time and money so why would they if they can avoid it. BUT it is really needed.
Thanks,
-Dana

[rahchgo]

I live in the city just west of downtown. Ordered HR20 upgrade with 5LNB dish for $199 on Jan 8. Scheduling system was down and I was told that I would be called back in 72 hours. No call. Waited a week and called installation company and left a message. No return call. Meanwhile, I checked daily online to see if I could schedule there. Finally about the 23rd the online scheduling system came back. I quickly grabbed Monday Jan 29th 8am slot. Never really expected them to show on time, but they showed up at 9am. I replaced a HR10 w/OTA so all the cables were already in place.

Installer tried to talk me out of keeping OTA since local HD is available here. I pointed out that during thunderstorms, I could often get OTA stations when sat was out. Here in Chicago, there are several second and third sub-channels on the OTA that are not on the satellite, too.

First box would not get signal on tuner 2. Second box would not get signal on tuner 2. Third box worked perfect. Installer shared that many boxes have been bad right out to the box in his experience. MMMM.... wonder who had their appointment canceled later that day?:(

Everything went fine after that. However, in the confusion of unpacking three boxes, the installer "forgot" to enable the OTA. The required waiting for a software upgrade, and I suspect he "forgot" on purpose, because he was behing schedule at that point. I was able to get the upgrade and enable the OTA with no problem, however.

Reading in this forum today, I realized that he didn't attach the B-Band Converters. I'm glad I read that before I lost track of where they went.
That will avoid a service call when they will be needed in the future.
No problems with HDMI connecting or anything else. Noticed it upgraded the software again last night to 0x120. No apparent issues.

One of my primary reasons for the upgrade was to get local RSN Comcast Sports Net in HD. That works fine. Thanks to Earl for the tip that 640 HD is listed second in the guide. Other way around for the locals.

I will enjoy many more White Sox games in HD this year! :D

Go Bears! I predict they win by a field goal.

[paja]

Just got the automated call from D reminding me that my installation upgrade is on for 6 Feb 07 between 1 and 5. It told me that any home entertainment system needs to be pulled at least 3 feet from the wall. Now-Let us see if the installer shows.:rolleyes:

[paja]

I live in the city just west of downtown. Ordered HR20 upgrade with 5LNB dish for $199 on Jan 8. Scheduling system was down and I was told that I would be called back in 72 hours. No call. Waited a week and called installation company and left a message. No return call. Meanwhile, I checked daily online to see if I could schedule there. Finally about the 23rd the online scheduling system came back. I quickly grabbed Monday Jan 29th 8am slot. Never really expected them to show on time, but they showed up at 9am. I replaced a HR10 w/OTA so all the cables were already in place.

Installer tried to talk me out of keeping OTA since local HD is available here. I pointed out that during thunderstorms, I could often get OTA stations when sat was out. Here in Chicago, there are several second and third sub-channels on the OTA that are not on the satellite, too.

First box would not get signal on tuner 2. Second box would not get signal on tuner 2. Third box worked perfect. Installer shared that many boxes have been bad right out to the box in his experience. MMMM.... wonder who had their appointment canceled later that day?:(

Everything went fine after that. However, in the confusion of unpacking three boxes, the installer "forgot" to enable the OTA. The required waiting for a software upgrade, and I suspect he "forgot" on purpose, because he was behing schedule at that point. I was able to get the upgrade and enable the OTA with no problem, however.

Reading in this forum today, I realized that he didn't attach the B-Band Converters. I'm glad I read that before I lost track of where they went.
That will avoid a service call when they will be needed in the future.
No problems with HDMI connecting or anything else. Noticed it upgraded the software again last night to 0x120. No apparent issues.

One of my primary reasons for the upgrade was to get local RSN Comcast Sports Net in HD. That works fine. Thanks to Earl for the tip that 640 HD is listed second in the guide. Other way around for the locals.

I will enjoy many more White Sox games in HD this year! :D

Go Bears! I predict they win by a field goal.


Getting(I hope) my upgrade tomorrow. I live in the Chicago suburbs(Orland) and I wonder if my installer will try and talk me out of my OTA. NO WAY. I get great signals from downtown along with the extra channels they broadcast.

[CTJon]

been a d* customer for 8 years. Told i'm a A customer. Ordered on 2/4 best installation date they could give me is 3/16. Gives me plenty of time to look into cable. I'm a little tired of this waiting and bad installation. The last upgrade I did to put in 3 sat. dish the first installed tried three times to get a good signal and moved the dish 3 times. Then is sort of worked. I called and complained and they sent someone out who moved the dish back to where it was orginally and it has worked great since.
I have NO expectation that they will show up on the scheduled data, have the correct equipment or even know what they are doing. It is a great product (or was with TIVO dvr) but the service will kill it.
Guy I work with is doing Dish network and they are up to the 4th try to install sucessfully. Probably the same lousy subcontractors.
if they had to really pay (>$100) for a missed appointment or showing up without the right equipment they would probably improve signficantly.
Glad to know some get it done on time and correctly the first time.

[rahchgo]

Getting(I hope) my upgrade tomorrow. I live in the Chicago suburbs(Orland) and I wonder if my installer will try and talk me out of my OTA. NO WAY. I get great signals from downtown along with the extra channels they broadcast.

Well? How'd it go? :)

[paja]

Well? How'd it go? :)


About as bad as could possibly be. The whole thing ended up with me dumpimg DIRECT and going over tom DISH.

I was supposed to get upgraded on the 6th between 1- 5pm. At 4:45, the installer calls me up and tells me he is not going to make it. That started a series of calls with DIRECT in which I spoke to 8 different ppl , two of whom were supervisors. By the end of the last call, I was being told that the installer never had the HD DVR I was supposed to get, with him anyway. They told me it would be a month or more. And I was supposed to be an A customer-HA. I hung up the last call and called DISH. The rep had me signed up within 15 minutes amd two days later I had a complete install with HD service and their HD DVR, which has worked flawlessly so far. I am completely satisfied.

I wrote a letter to the President of DIRECT and on Sat(17th) I got a call from someone in their upper management. He wanted to know the whole story and I was on the phone with him for close to 40 minutes. He was extremely sorry for the way I was treated and wanted to know what he could do to fix it. When I told him I had went to DISH, he seemed pretty upset, not at me , but at his employees. He said he hoped I would be back after my 18 month commitment to DISH. If DISH continues to perform like it has in the few weeks I've had them , I probabbly will never be back.

Bottom line is, don't let companies treat you(especially if you are a good customer)like you don't matter. There are alternatives. Don't give ppl that don't treat you right your hard earned money!

[fjcastro]

I had an appointment today to have my 5 lnb dish and my HR 20 box installed. Appointment time was between 12:00 pm and 5:00 pm. At 1:30 pm I called D* and asked where the installer was. I was told after being on hold for 20 minutes that "their [Connect TV's] local office said that they called you on 2/14 and you decided to cancel D* so the order installation order was canceled" What the f**k?!! I then asked to be transferred to a supervisor who apologized for the screw up, got me a new installation date for this Friday 2/23 and gave me $160 credit for a missed installation. All told it took an hour and 7 minutes, and I'm still not sure whether they are going to show up on Friday. :mad: We'll see...

[patmacdaddie]

I called DTV a week ago Sunday 2-18, Ordered an upgrade to an HR-20 and also ordered NASCAR Hotpass. I talked to CSR in retention, after I told him I'd been reading the forums such as DBS talk and I knew current subscribers were getting deals on the HR-2O. I got the HR-20 for $150, Hotpass for one payment of $49 and $10 off my subscription for 12 months. He set me up with an install 3 days later on Wednesday 2-21. The installer came exactly at 1:00pm as promised and the installation went pretty well, some confusion
with getting the OTA's to show up but WE put our heads together and figured it out. I maybe didn't get the best deal, but I'm satisfied. Everything works great, I've never had a bad experience with D, this is my 4th install,
I've been a happy customer for 4 years.

[Steve Robertson]

I had an appointment today to have my 5 lnb dish and my HR 20 box installed. Appointment time was between 12:00 pm and 5:00 pm. At 1:30 pm I called D* and asked where the installer was. I was told after being on hold for 20 minutes that "their [Connect TV's] local office said that they called you on 2/14 and you decided to cancel D* so the order installation order was canceled" What the f**k?!! I then asked to be transferred to a supervisor who apologized for the screw up, got me a new installation date for this Friday 2/23 and gave me $160 credit for a missed installation. All told it took an hour and 7 minutes, and I'm still not sure whether they are going to show up on Friday. :mad: We'll see...

I always schedul AM appointments because they get backed up on jobs so I figure if I am one of the 1st then I have better chance of them showing up

[kblgy]

not the change anything here but i gotta know.

can i go on the site and click the reschedule button and pick another day??? i always thought if i click it i would cancel my appointment and have to call? what happnes when i click it ??

[amm0dawg]

I did it this week. It will only change after you verify the change.

[ntd19]

My experience with the installation was excellant. I did have to talk to 3 CSR's and told the last one I would cancel my service and go to cable before they offerd a deal on the cost of the DVR. Service was within 5 days, arrived on time. Tech was polite and efficient. I had already run the coaix from my TV location to the wiring panel. They ran one more wire from the dish and were out of here. The did bring the HR20-100 unit.

[Newshawk]

I had my install on 5/5/07, after two "rain delay" postponements. The tech was excellent, left the mast for the 3 LNB dish on the roof so I can install an OTA antenna, and relocated the cable runs into my son's bedroom for the DVR I relocatd into there. I moved my HR10 into the room I wanted it to go into and hooked up the HR20 while the tech did the outside work.

[wilmot3]

I have the big dish, HD and a sd dvr I would like to get a HR20 dvr. With all the new HD program comeing would be nice to have one. I get told it will cost $299 for one. One would think an existing customer for 5 yrs. would get a better deal than that.

[AJ500]

I ordered an HR20 to replace one of my HR10-250s on 7/20. Installation was scheduled for today (7/26) between 8-12AM. The installer from Bluegrass Satellite arrived at 10:15 (I was the 2nd install of his day).

My previous dish was a 3LNB Phase III mounted with straps on a brick chimney. I was concerned that he would have to mount the new Slimline dish on the roof. The rafters are 24" o.c. with 1/2" plywood decking and I didn't think that would be stable and was prepared to go up into the attic and reinforce the decking.

Instead, the installer attached the dish to the chimney with Tapcon screws in the mortar. He attached the two monopoles (one horizonal & one vertical) also to the chimney. The dish appears to be rock solid. He removed the old dish and connected the Slimline to the existing cables.

While the installer was on the roof, I replaced my Eagle Aspen 5x8 switch with the Zinwell WB8 he provided. I also hooked up the HR20-100S in place of the HR10-250 to the two satellite cables and the OTA cable. The B-Band Converters were also provided.

Everything about the install went smoothly and the installer left at 11:30.

[FHSPSU67]

I had a successful installation from Ironwood for my HR20-100s this past Fri 07-27-07. I had had my 5-LNB dish installed previously with one H20-100 and 3 SD's, but thanks to becoming an active CE'r and watching this forum, I just had to get a HR20!
:goodjob:

[Milominderbinder2]

Welcome aboard!

- Craig

[FHSPSU67]

Welcome aboard!

- Craig

Thanks, I just read your (and Lamont's and Brott's) article on the HR-20 and have to say "well done"!
I always figured "what's the big deal, I have a standalone DVDR" - until I joined this forum. The most fun I've had since I belonged to an old HP calculator user's club back in the '80's.
:goodjob:

[Milominderbinder2]

Thanks, I just read your (and Lamont's and Brott's) article on the HR-20 and have to say "well done"!
I always figured "what's the big deal, I have a standalone DVDR" - until I joined this forum. The most fun I've had since I belonged to an old HP calculator user's club back in the '80's.
:goodjob:
I loved my HP11 and HP41C. HP published a number of my programs that you could buy in the card packs. Hey wait a minute...they were probably making money off of those!

OK, I will flag myself:

:backtotop

- Craig

[Billzebub]

I've had Direct TV since 1998. I currectly have 2 r15-100's and a Hughes Tivo unit. I finally decide dto upgrade to high def. When I checked on the website the price for an HR20 was $299. I called and explaind that I wasn't interested in that price. Of course they couldn't do anything for me. I went to the Direct TV website and emailed. Basically I said, that as much as I like Direct TV I would be forced to shop around at that price. To make a long story short, Customer Service contacted me and after a couple of phone calls they are installing my new dish and delivering an HR 20 on September 6th for $19.95 shipping and no other charges.

I also got my Samsung 50 inch DLP on sale for $889 dollars so I'm pretty happy today.

Unlike a lot of others I've been pretty happy with the R15 so I'm looking forward to the HR 20.

This will be my 6th DVR from Directtv and I haven't paid for any. With all the churn in this business I think they may see the value in long term customers. I don't think I'd have gotten the same response from comcast.

[mattvan1]

I have read and searched as many posts as possible, but have not seen a definitive answer. My house was built in '94, I moved in in 1999 and have had D* since. Used the existing runs for the 99 install and upgrades. All receivers are antiques, but never (knock wood) had a lot of problems. Original owner was TW subscriber.

I will be upgrading soon (next week)

Do I need new R6 copper core runs? Multiswitch to furthest receiver probably75 feet.
I garher that all updates are now pushed via sat. Do I still need each unit plugged into a land line?

Do anyone know if there are still (or ever were) issues with the HDMI connection from HR-20's to Samsung LCDs?

Thanks in advance Great board with knowledgeable posters and excellent content.

[hells_bells]

Aweful. Install team failed to show up 3 times. All I'm trying to do is replace an older D* Tivo unit with an HR20. Should be a 5 minute job. Spent over 5 hours on the phone with D* and their various install call centers. Worst experience I can ever remember. They won't even give me a rebate for the time I took off work to sit around and wait for someone not to show up.

[justanotherguy]

I had a great install experience today.

Steve with ImpactDirect arrived at about 8:30am. I have a flat roof with a small platform that is built up for installation of a sat dish. That is where the existing Phase III is installed. He told me that the platform was not big enough for the Slimline + monopoles. He and I surveyed the roof and determined that the dish could be mounted on one of the parapet walls near the platform. The previous installer didn't install grounding blocks even though the ground wire was there and I never got around to doing it. I pointed it out and Steve said he would take care of it.

I came down off the roof and Steve got to work. A little bit later he came down and said the provided lag bolts weren't long enough and he had to go get some. I told him that while he was gone I would be happy to hookup the HR20. We went to his truck and discovered that he had grabbed a R15 off the rack. Uh-oh. He called somebody and they met him at the hardware store with the HR20. He was back in 30 minutes.

He went back up to mount and aim the dish while I did the hookup. He came down, installed the WB68, turned on the HR20 and activated it. He checked the signal strength, checked that all the channels worked and he was done.

There was one anomally though with the HR20. I could only record from one sat tuner. I rebooted and it was fine. While I was playing with it, a message popped up that there was new software. I approved the download. It took <30 minutes to download, install and reboot a couple times.

I would like to thanks the crew here for all the info here including the HR20 Installation Tips. Big help.

Todd

[hells_bells]

Aweful. Install team failed to show up 3 times. All I'm trying to do is replace an older D* Tivo unit with an HR20. Should be a 5 minute job. Spent over 5 hours on the phone with D* and their various install call centers. Worst experience I can ever remember. They won't even give me a rebate for the time I took off work to sit around and wait for someone not to show up.

Well, let me update this story!! On day 3 the D* install team (1 guy) showed up at 1015PM (apt was 8-12). He did "install" the HR20 in about 15 minutes and now its fully functioning. I called D* and explained what happend and got $160 rebate off services. All and all, it's working and they realized what a mess it was for me. I'll stick with D*. Guess I just had bad luck on this install. Other ones went fine.

[Jnetty99]

I had a bad installation on 9/5/07.

Installer was schedule to arrive between 12-5pm. He arrived around 2pm. He was to replace my current 3 LNB dish with a new 5 LNB dish. Replace my current Tivo R10 with a HR20 HD-DVR. Move current Tivo R10 to one of the bedrooms and replace an old Hughes receiver in another room for just a new receiver.

New Dish got installed. Installed HR20-700 and started the on screen setup. Installed the new regular receiver in other room and I moved the Tivo R10 to my room and set it up.

Both bedrooms are working correctly. The problem right away was with the certain HD channels on the HR20-700. HBO, SHO, ESPNHD, TNTHD, Discovery don't work. Local HD's work. Installer did a quick check up of signals on Sat 101 and 119. He said they looked fine. He ruled that the box was defective. Called his central office, told them the problem and then advised me that he doesn't have another box on hand and to call DirecTV and have them send me a replacement out. Packed up his stuff and left. It all took about 45 minutes.

To update: A tech is coming out this Saturday 15th to try and fix the problem. The box is not the problem but no signal on Satellite 110. Also no Multiswitch was installed, will request that.

[w3syt]

So far I am very happy. I still have two 10-250s and I think I am going to try selling one that I own first, and then negotiate for a second HR-20 leased. My 10-250 is actually 410 gb.
I do have a remote problem with two different OS's. Unless I am able to memorize the buttons, the old eyes can't really see the Harmony 680 info.
Regards, Bob,
Pittsburgh

[jparry]

I ordered an HR20 to replace one of my HR10-250s on 7/20. Installation was scheduled for today (7/26) between 8-12AM. The installer from Bluegrass Satellite arrived at 10:15 (I was the 2nd install of his day).

My previous dish was a 3LNB Phase III mounted with straps on a brick chimney. I was concerned that he would have to mount the new Slimline dish on the roof. The rafters are 24" o.c. with 1/2" plywood decking and I didn't think that would be stable and was prepared to go up into the attic and reinforce the decking.

Instead, the installer attached the dish to the chimney with Tapcon screws in the mortar. He attached the two monopoles (one horizonal & one vertical) also to the chimney. The dish appears to be rock solid. He removed the old dish and connected the Slimline to the existing cables.

While the installer was on the roof, I replaced my Eagle Aspen 5x8 switch with the Zinwell WB8 he provided. I also hooked up the HR20-100S in place of the HR10-250 to the two satellite cables and the OTA cable. The B-Band Converters were also provided.

Everything about the install went smoothly and the installer left at 11:30.

I have a very similar situation. Phase III istalled on a stucco chimney with a strap. I have an install scheduled for this Saturday morning (9/29). I am hoping that I can convince the installer to install the dish with Tapcons directly into the stucco. Any words of wisdom?

[Mr. Furious]

Install of HR20 (replacing an RCA DVR80) happened yesterday. Installers mounted dish on back corner of the roof, as I requested. They did a nice job of running the cables down the downspout and across the siding to hide it. They also grounded the dish properly. They activated the receiver, downloaded the latest software, and it works swimmingly thusfar.

I looked at my account this morning, though, and discovered that the RCA DVR was never deactivated. Also, though I'd asked to have the fact that we don't yet have our HDTV noted, and that we didn't want to activate the HD Access package until we did. The retentions rep had told me that wouldn't be a problem, and that I'd just need to call in when we got the HDTV to activate it.

So I called CS, and explained that when the HR20 was installed, it was intended to replace the DVR80. The rep couldn't wrap her mind around that, and kept asking if it was defective; I calmly explained that we had an upgrade install, and were simply no longer using it.

When she removed the HD Access package, she also removed my base package, so I didn't have any programming. She corrected that, adding back in Total Choice Plus w/Locals but not the HD pack. I verified that I had access to my SD channels, but not the HD ones.

All in all, a little more complicated than it probably needed to be, but it's working fine now. As the "lease fee" replaces the "mirroring fee," and I already had the DVR service, I should be paying the same monthly rate as I was with the DVR80.

[40yearfan]

Had an HR20 installed in the Family Room last month and my wife liked it so well, she wanted one in our bedroom. Called and was told $299, asked to talk to retention and was told no. She refused to pass me through even after I asked her how many hearts I had (4).

Changed tactics and emailed DTV asking why a loyal customer like myself would have to pay full bore when a newbie could get it for pratically nothing. Got an email in response saying someone would call.

They called today and offered $199 with $120 rebate over 6 months ($20 month). I accepted and they will be installing the new unit day after tomorrow (Thursday). Total cost with tax and shipping will be about $120.00 after the rebate.

I probably could have balked at the offer and asked for more, but I feel it's a fair price considering they have to add an additional cable to the bedroom to make this unit work.

[sanfoja]

Okay, out of necessity I finally called D..to upgrade my HD-DVR, lightning hit my house last month and took out a lot of stuff, including my HR10-250, Denon 5800 (ouch), computer, etc.

But called D just to see what I could get. I have two houses (one being a vacation home) and have always had service at the second home, but installed another dish at my primary home (legal since I don't occupy both at the same time) and this is where the damage occurred. So what I wanted...1 HD-DVR for primary home and 2 SD-DVRs for the lake home, no HD there. First call got me the okay that will cost you $399. Second call got me $399 with $10 off per month for a year with a 2 yr committment. So logged into my account and complained for a couple of emails about how this did not seem fair that I bought a $1000 Tivo a couple of years ago which will now be worthless because D decides to require new hardware....etc,etc. got an email back and a call was promised from a CSR. Finally after we got in touch the CSR I got was great. Basically, they will bring me the following 1 HD-DVR for free, 2 SD-DVRs 2 for 1 deal so I pay $99 +$19.95 delivery/install. They will install new 5lnb dish at primary residence, I keep the 3lnb at the lake and two new SD DVRs will be plug and play.

Basically I got three DVRs for $120 including install. Not bad I didn't think since my insurance gave me $889 for my HR10-250 :)

Let's hope the install goes well on 10/23.

[mv945]

I just called and went through the customer retention dance. Got a good deal on a new HD DVR. Get this - the gal I talked to said I could have an HR21-200? I said sure, sounds good. What should I expect? Is this thing going to be full of bugs? She said it is the same as the HR20 but with slightly different menus. I find that a little hard to believe.

[GreatPig]

Upgraded an HR10 to HR20 - also had 5LNB dish installed (pole mount). The installers were great.

They showed up on time. One of the guys was a trainee, so he fully described everything he did and why. They hooked up the HR20 and let it download and install latest updates while they put the new dish together. They put a new pole in next to the old pole and cleaned up their mess.

From arrival to departure, they only needed about 1-1/2 hours to do my install.

I gave the guys a $20 tip.

They said their next (and only other install today) was at a new install with 6 receivers with an international dish.