HR20 in Charlotte?

[blacker]

Anyone in the charlotte area been able to order one of these yet? ive called 4 times now and they all still say its not available.. I would think with with our locals in mpeg4 it would be here before others places.

thanks
Dustin

[The_Geyser]

Anyone in the charlotte area been able to order one of these yet? ive called 4 times now and they all still say its not available.. I would think with with our locals in mpeg4 it would be here before others places.

thanks
Dustin

I'm in Hickory...no luck.

[sprdbstr]

Just got mine installed this morning. They just came in and this was his first install. Traded in a H20 and got the HR20 free with 19.95 shipping.

[rtstephn]

How did you order it? Through DTV?

I have called several times and I was told that it was still in a L.A. 'test market'! Said by the end of the month. Do tell, how'd you do it!:confused:
'
Just got mine installed this morning. They just came in and this was his first install. Traded in a H20 and got the HR20 free with 19.95 shipping.

[sprdbstr]

yep ordered it from directv last wednesday. was told the hr20 wasn't available yet so i went ahead and placed an order for hr10. installer came this morning with a little surprise under his arm.

[chuckf1]

yep ordered it from directv last wednesday. was told the hr20 wasn't available yet so i went ahead and placed an order for hr10. installer came this morning with a little surprise under his arm.

I live in Charlotte too and am now with TWC and am seriously considering going with either D* or E*. I'd be interested in your opinion on the picture quality both in Hi-Def and SD channels.

Happy Labor Day!

[Bighead]

I'm in Weddington (in the Charlotte market). I got an email from DirecTv on Friday telling me that the HR20s were available. I called DirecTv on Saturday morning and the CSR said that they weren't available. After appealing to her sense of logic ("why would they send me an email telling me they were available if they were not"), she transfered me to someone else who confirmed they were coming out and set up my install for 9/23. I'll let you know what happens when I speak to the installer (who has to swap out the dish on a very high/steep roof and replace a pair of multi-switches in my somewhat complicated setup).

[sprdbstr]

I had TWC here and switched to directv last december. I couldn't really tell any difference on the hd channels but the sd channels were much sharper on directv.

[chuckf1]

I had TWC here and switched to directv last december. I couldn't really tell any difference on the hd channels but the sd channels were much sharper on directv.

Thank you for the input, something for me to think about.

[weagle]

My install is scheduled for Sept 21. I called this past Saturday morning after receiving the Best Buy availability email. The retention CSR set me up for the install though he could not tell whether it was the HR10 or HR20 that I would be getting. I figured by 9/21 it would be the HR20. I was able to get the $19.95 deal.

[weagle]

Thank you for the input, something for me to think about.

With Time Warner, channels 2 - 70 look horrible if you have a HDTV as they are analog. Directv picture is much better. Parents switched to Directv last year after having time warner for 23 years. They were amazed by the improvement in picture quality on their standard tv.

[chuckf1]

With Time Warner, channels 2 - 70 look horrible if you have a HDTV as they are analog. Directv picture is much better. Parents switched to Directv last year after having time warner for 23 years. They were amazed by the improvement in picture quality on their standard tv.

You are certainly correct about the analog channels on TWC. Thank you for the input!

[plinko]

My H10 blew up about a month ago (crazy elec storm) and been living off old Samsung non-HD box. Wanted to just get an H20. Went thru D* to get free upgrade and noticed my online order had a DVR listed. Called the other night to find out what was going on and the CSR pretty much told me that the system only allows him to see DVR and non-DVR, not specific model numbers. So, presumably I was set to receive a H10-250, which is not what I want b/c I really want the MPEG4 locals. So, my order invoice shows a free upgrade (plus $19.95 s/h) to a DVR, but not necessarily an HR20. He quick conferenced his super and was told there's no way to tell. The only way he could change the order would be to cancel the existing order and reschedule, but that I'd lose the free DVR in the process.

So I asked the CSR what I should do b/c I'd rather the H20 over the H10-250. He said that b/c my install is scheduled for Sept 13 and the nationwide rollout is on the 11th, that it's very possible I'll get a free HR20 out of the deal. He recommended that I call the installer on the morning of the 12th to find out what's in the warehouse. If all they've got is the H10-250 then I can request they bring a H20 instead and they can do that.

Needless to say, I'm very curious to see how this play out. 1 week to go.

[blacker]

My H10 blew up about a month ago (crazy elec storm) and been living off old Samsung non-HD box. Wanted to just get an H20. Went thru D* to get free upgrade and noticed my online order had a DVR listed. Called the other night to find out what was going on and the CSR pretty much told me that the system only allows him to see DVR and non-DVR, not specific model numbers. So, presumably I was set to receive a H10-250, which is not what I want b/c I really want the MPEG4 locals. So, my order invoice shows a free upgrade (plus $19.95 s/h) to a DVR, but not necessarily an HR20. He quick conferenced his super and was told there's no way to tell. The only way he could change the order would be to cancel the existing order and reschedule, but that I'd lose the free DVR in the process.

So I asked the CSR what I should do b/c I'd rather the H20 over the H10-250. He said that b/c my install is scheduled for Sept 13 and the nationwide rollout is on the 11th, that it's very possible I'll get a free HR20 out of the deal. He recommended that I call the installer on the morning of the 12th to find out what's in the warehouse. If all they've got is the H10-250 then I can request they bring a H20 instead and they can do that.

Needless to say, I'm very curious to see how this play out. 1 week to go.

I just got off the phone with retention and got the 19.95 deal + free HD package for 6 months + free superfan.. install date is sept 13th.. he was pretty sure that the HR20 would be what they will bring but i will call and make sure next week..

[plinko]

I just got off the phone with retention and got the 19.95 deal + free HD package for 6 months + free superfan.. install date is sept 13th.. she was pretty sure that the HR20 would be what they will bring but i will call and make sure next week..

sounds like a good deal. i didn't talk to retention, just a regular CSR. Any idea who your installer is? CSR said mine is MasTec. Not sure if there are multiple install companies in charlotte. I'll be calling Tuesday morning and try to "convince them" to bring a HR20 if they weren't going to anyway. Good luck to you!

[blacker]

sounds like a good deal. i didn't talk to retention, just a regular CSR. Any idea who your installer is? CSR said mine is MasTec. Not sure if there are multiple install companies in charlotte. I'll be calling Tuesday morning and try to "convince them" to bring a HR20 if they weren't going to anyway. Good luck to you!

im not sure who the install company is but ill find out monday or tuesday and report back. it was my 5th call to them and i was on the phone for 90 minutes.... overall im happy wth the deal i got but it shouldent be this hard to to get a deal for someone like me that has had directv and the NFL sunday ticket for 7 years...

by the way plinko what time is you install scheduled for on sept 13th? mine is between 1-5.

[plinko]

same. 1-5pm on the 13th. I'm up on the NE side of Charlotte, few minutes away from UNCC. There's a Directv installer over toward Northlake Mall, but don't know if that's MasTec or not. I've driven past there a few mornings and seen a convoy of Directv trucks leaving the area.

[plinko]

same. 1-5pm on the 13th. I'm up on the NE side of Charlotte, few minutes away from UNCC. There's a Directv installer over toward Northlake Mall, but don't know if that's MasTec or not. I've driven past there a few mornings and seen a convoy of Directv trucks leaving the area.


Blacker... I just called Mastec (1-877-889-7880) regarding my install tomorrow. That number went to an office in SC and I was redirected to Mastec Advanced Technology in Charlotte (1-704-464-5900). Spoke with a nice woman there and explained the situation. She told me that as far as she knew, they had received the HR20s yesterday. I asked if I was going to get one with my install tomorrow. She called someone (in the warehouse maybe?) to check and confirmed that an HR20 would be coming. I asked if it would be okay to call back if the installer didn't show up with one and she said that would be fine but the right one should come.

So, 24h ahead of my install, it looks like I was able to get the $19.95 "free upgrade" from a H10 to a H10-250 and b/c my install wasn't happening till the 13th, I'll ultimately go from an H10 to a HR20 for no additional cost. Sweet!

I'll let you know how it goes. It may be worthwhile for you to call and check to be sure....as long as you don't get the last one and leave me high and dry!!

[blacker]

Blacker... I just called Mastec (1-877-889-7880) regarding my install tomorrow. That number went to an office in SC and I was redirected to Mastec Advanced Technology in Charlotte (1-704-464-5900). Spoke with a nice woman there and explained the situation. She told me that as far as she knew, they had received the HR20s yesterday. I asked if I was going to get one with my install tomorrow. She called someone (in the warehouse maybe?) to check and confirmed that an HR20 would be coming. I asked if it would be okay to call back if the installer didn't show up with one and she said that would be fine but the right one should come.

So, 24h ahead of my install, it looks like I was able to get the $19.95 "free upgrade" from a H10 to a H10-250 and b/c my install wasn't happening till the 13th, I'll ultimately go from an H10 to a HR20 for no additional cost. Sweet!

I'll let you know how it goes. It may be worthwhile for you to call and check to be sure....as long as you don't get the last one and leave me high and dry!!

hey i was so busy today i didnt get a chance to call... the csr made a note to mastec that if it wasetn the hr20 then i needed to rechedule.. im going to call them first thing in the morning.. they called and left a voice mail yesterday confirming they will be here tomorrow between 1-5.. hope everything goes perfect for both of us tomorrow :)

[blacker]

hey i was so busy today i didnt get a chance to call... the csr made a note to mastec that if it wasetn the hr20 then i needed to rechedule.. im going to call them first thing in the morning.. they called and left a voice mail yesterday confirming they will be here tomorrow between 1-5.. hope everything goes perfect for both of us tomorrow :)

just a update plinko they just called and said they will be here between 12-12:30..
they wanted to make sure it was not a roof install because its pooring down rain.. so i guess they are going to install in the rain we will see...

[blacker]

just a update plinko they just called and said they will be here between 12-12:30..
they wanted to make sure it was not a roof install because its pooring down rain.. so i guess they are going to install in the rain we will see...


another update they did bring the hr20.. they said that is the only dvr they are installing now..

[plinko]

another update they did bring the hr20.. they said that is the only dvr they are installing now..

Interesting. I actually got a call (well, the wife did technically) wanting to reschedule b/c of the rain. Said they like to use concrete with the masts b/c of the added weight of the dish. My wife called Directv to reschedule and was put in for the 21st. However, the installer my wife spoke to said he'd try to squeeze us in between now and Sunday once better weather returns. The installer will call us later today or tomorrow morning when he sees the next round of work orders.

[blacker]

Interesting. I actually got a call (well, the wife did technically) wanting to reschedule b/c of the rain. Said they like to use concrete with the masts b/c of the added weight of the dish. My wife called Directv to reschedule and was put in for the 21st. However, the installer my wife spoke to said he'd try to squeeze us in between now and Sunday once better weather returns. The installer will call us later today or tomorrow morning when he sees the next round of work orders.

yeah they attached mine to the brick on the side of my house..
i hope you get the same guys i got today.. they knew what they were doing..
the hr20 is working perfectly so far.. let me know how it goes..

Dustin

[AppAlum2003]

I'm in Hickory...no luck.


I would like to start by thanking everyone on this forum, as ALL of you have been extremely helpful. I called DirecTV this morning and on Sept. 27th, I'm getting a brand new HR-20 installed at my home for FREE (well, except for the $19.95 del. charge.) I'm so excited that my co-workers are about to see a grown-man giggle.

The_Geyser: I live in the Hickory area as well and received my email last night from DirecTV that the new unit was available. It took some convincing of the CSR at Customer Retention, but she was eventually able to find the new box.

[plinko]

I got my HR20 installed today. Was supposed to be last Thursday, but was rained out. So, today instead. My wife was home for the install and it sounds like everything went smoothly except for the activation, which took a little bit of patience on the installer's part when calling the D* folks. This was our installer's first HR20 install. Guy actually came from Pineville to our house, which is up near Harrisburg.

Everything is great this evening. Never had tivo/dvr, so playing around with that. Features are mostly the same as the H10, though a few very minor differences. No complaints!

[The_Geyser]

The_Geyser: I live in the Hickory area as well and received my email last night from DirecTV that the new unit was available. It took some convincing of the CSR at Customer Retention, but she was eventually able to find the new box.
The best they would do for me was $150. I'll try again.

[FredN]

I live in Cary near Raleigh and had a HR20 installed last Sunday (9/17), it took a while for activation. Also, did not realize the OTA was not activated yet. Found that info out be reading other posts in this forum.

Fred

[AppAlum2003]

Slightly OT: I'm upgrading to HD from a standard R15. I live in Hickory, so I'm assuming I'm included in the "Charlotte" grouping (my locals now are Charlotte locals.) Can anyone tell me about the availability of HD locals?

[yaddayaddayadda]

Slightly OT: I'm upgrading to HD from a standard R15. I live in Hickory, so I'm assuming I'm included in the "Charlotte" grouping (my locals now are Charlotte locals.) Can anyone tell me about the availability of HD locals?

IIRC, The big 4 Charlotte Locals are available in HD (WSOC, WCNC, WBTV, WCCB)

[Bighead]

I'm in Weddington (in the Charlotte market). I got an email from DirecTv on Friday telling me that the HR20s were available. I called DirecTv on Saturday morning and the CSR said that they weren't available. After appealing to her sense of logic ("why would they send me an email telling me they were available if they were not"), she transfered me to someone else who confirmed they were coming out and set up my install for 9/23. I'll let you know what happens when I speak to the installer (who has to swap out the dish on a very high/steep roof and replace a pair of multi-switches in my somewhat complicated setup).


OK - MasTec showed up Saturday (at 6PM for an "afternoon, 1-5PM appointment"). As I feared, they showed up without ever calling to ask about the setup and, lo and behold, could not complete the swap. They didn't have the right equipment to get up on my roof and the technician wasn't even sure how to support all of my DVRs (the HR20 will be my 7th) with the WB68 multi-switches. He didn't know if they could be cascaded or split or what (all he had to do was read DbsTalk to figure it out!). I suggested they install a WB516 (or whatever they call it) and he deferred, telling me how expensive it is.

So, they needed me to re-schedule so they could call in their senior installer. Hopefully, he'll know how to fulfil the committment made by DirecTv when they scheduled the installation. We'll see how well it goes on October 4.

[y2khardtop]

Any updates to this thread? I have an HR10-250 now with OTA Charlotte HD, and it looks great. I'm thinking of adding an HR20 to another room, and just want to make sure the MPG4 stations LOOK GOOD at the reduce quality levels DirecTV is using.

Thanks for any updates.