My Installation Experience

[kram]

Saturday, 11:05 AM MDT.

Two installers from Ironwood arrived at 8:30 this morning. Since I really didn't expect to be the first install of the day, I wasn't even dressed! The dish went up without a hitch. It needed to be relocated because of its size, but that didn't cause any problems. Extra supports were used. They told me I didn't need a 6x8 multiswitch because I only had four (4) lines going in. They used the switch that already was there. (This doesn't seem to have any affect on anything.)

Then it was time to rev up the HR20. The setup process went smoothly and the latest software release was downloaded automatically. When it was time to activate, however, there was a problem. The D* CSR asked to speak with me and then proceeded to read me the riot act and tell me that the "special pricing" I received was only for a leased receiver!!!!! I said NO WAY, and asked to speak to a supervisor. So, she put me on hold.

While on hold, I called the "office of the President" and spoke to Shannon. I told her the story and she also repeated that the offer was for a leased unit. I said that at no time was I ever told that I would be getting a leased HR20, and also mentioned that I owned my HR10-250. So she put me on hold for a few minutes and then came back to the phone to tell me that "because of my history" (I am a A-LIST customer) she was going to change the status of the HR20 from leased to purchased. She also took care of the activation and completed the setup with the installer. Also, my HR10-250 was moved to another TV.

I only have had about 40 minutes with the box so far, but all seems to be working as I think it should be -- including HDMI, DD 5.1, and Caller ID. The menus and options will take some getting used to and I haven't played with MyVOD yet, either.

But I just wanted to post this to let you all know that "so far, so good.":)

[pappys]

because all receivers are leased, based on the fine print of your agreement. You may have gotten very lucky.

[indysatelliteguy]

I sincerely doubt you actually "own" that HR20-250. I'd have them verify that in writing.

[kram]

I confirmed with D* that, in fact, I do own both the HR10-250 and the HR20.

[HDTVsportsfan]

When I was offerd my two HR20's (onr for 99.00, one free) I was told since I already had one "owned" HR10 and one "leased" HR10 that that same policy would carry over to the two new HR20's.

I asked him to read the policy twice because I had a question about the the terminology on the work order stating "Replace/Swap. He clearly said since I owned one of the two HR10's already on my account, I would then own one of the two HR20's.
I mentioned this in a new thread (It was a long post) hoping someone could add to it.

Didn't mean to hijack this thread. I'm glad it worked out for the OP, but there appears to be some flexibilty in this whole lease thing depending on circumstances i guess.

[litzdog911]

.... They told me I didn't need a 6x8 multiswitch because I only had four (4) lines going in. They used the switch that already was there. (This doesn't seem to have any affect on anything.)



You should verify that you have the Zinwell WB68 multiswitch. If they left you with an older multiswitch you will not receive your local HDTV channels from the new MPEG4 Ka-band satellites.

[kram]

You should verify that you have the Zinwell WB68 multiswitch. If they left you with an older multiswitch you will not receive your local HDTV channels from the new MPEG4 Ka-band satellites.

How can I tell if I'm receiving MPEG4? On the Guide right now I have duplicates of the local channels, one has an HD next to a program and the other doesn't. One channel is indicated by its call letters; the other by the channel number. Are all programs on the local channels supposed to be in HD? Only some are now. The installers did bring the Zinwell, but didn't use it because they said I didn't need it.

Also, do you have any idea why "My VOD" isn't listed in my Quick Menu? According to the User Guide, it's supposed to be there.

[surfbird]

I would inquire that even if the status was changed to "owned" whether or not u still have that 2 yr commitment.. owned status is nice but if commitment tacked on still then GEEZ, it could have stayed leased because it pretty much means the same thing.. at least if it was leased then it is replacable. "for the receivers life"

[litzdog911]

How can I tell if I'm receiving MPEG4? On the Guide right now I have duplicates of the local channels, one has an HD next to a program and the other doesn't. One channel is indicated by its call letters; the other by the channel number. Are all programs on the local channels supposed to be in HD? Only some are now. ....

The stations listed with the call letters are your Local HD channels beamed from the MPEG4 Ka-band satellites (either 99-deg or 103-degW). Of course, they only provide HDTV programs if that station happens to be broadcasting an HD show at that time. Non-network programs are usually still standard definition, although many local HD channels will upconvert the 480i standard definition video to HiDef 720p or 1080i and add black bars on the left/right side of the video to convert the 4:3 format to 16:9.

[kram]

The stations listed with the call letters are your Local HD channels beamed from the MPEG4 Ka-band satellites (either 99-deg or 103-degW). Of course, they only provide HDTV programs if that station happens to be broadcasting an HD show at that time. Non-network programs are usually still standard definition, although many local HD channels will upconvert the 480i standard definition video to HiDef 720p or 1080i and add black bars on the left/right side of the video to convert the 4:3 format to 16:9.

Thanks for your help!:)