View Full Version : Wednesday, and no updated software?
ProfLonghair
10-25-06, 06:57 AM
Seriously, I will hunt down and put all D* employees through some diabolical evil device. I've had this receiver for 20 minutes now, and it doesn't receive OTA, attract women, or even julianne fries! I need this to make my flux capicator work to further my plans for world domination! And, on top of all that, yes, I have the gall to spend my life complaining about a machine that I paid a whopping $22 for shipping for and otherwise got for free! I want everything, I want it now, and I want it for free! I wannawannawannawanna!
Enjoy your days, people!
Boy, I only payed 19.00 for shipping.
Seriously, I will hunt down and put all D* employees through some diabolical evil device. I've had this receiver for 20 minutes now, and it doesn't receive OTA, attract women, or even julianne fries! I need this to make my flux capicator work to further my plans for world domination! And, on top of all that, yes, I have the gall to spend my life complaining about a machine that I paid a whopping $22 for shipping for and otherwise got for free! I want everything, I want it now, and I want it for free! I wannawannawannawanna!
Enjoy your days, people!
Wow, that's really funny. You must be a professional comedy writer, huh? Excuse me while I go "julianne" some fries. Or go play with my flux "capicator"?
LameLefty
10-25-06, 07:10 AM
I didn't pay a cent for mine, including a new dish and installation. And mine DOES have the Julienne fries option enabled. ;)
lbostons
10-25-06, 07:13 AM
I wish that mine could change dirty diapers!
I didn't pay a cent for mine, including a new dish and installation. And mine DOES have the Julienne fries option enabled. ;)
Well spelled.
I didn't pay a cent for mine, including a new dish and installation. And mine DOES have the Julienne fries option enabled. ;)
Mine didn't come with that enabled.... Hmmmmm I wonder if they'll knock off some cash for that!
Seriously, I will hunt down and put all D* employees through some diabolical evil device. I've had this receiver for 20 minutes now, and it doesn't receive OTA, attract women, or even julianne fries! I need this to make my flux capicator work to further my plans for world domination! And, on top of all that, yes, I have the gall to spend my life complaining about a machine that I paid a whopping $22 for shipping for and otherwise got for free! I want everything, I want it now, and I want it for free! I wannawannawannawanna!
Enjoy your days, people!
One other thing. Most of us who got a great deal on the HR20 also agreed to a two-year commitment, which has penalties if you decide to leave D*. So while the gear is free (give D* some credit for smart business acumen here, but they really had no choice but to give away the box to long-time customers or risk losing same), they will be collecting a couple thousand dollars from anyone who has a decent sub package within those two years. There is no such thing as a free lunch, in other words. I just feel especially sorry for anyone who paid the full freight on this.
LameLefty
10-25-06, 07:19 AM
they will be collecting a couple thousand dollars from anyone who has a decent sub package within those two years.
All I agreed to was the HD package at $10 a month for two years. That's only $240 over what I was spending anyway. ;)
All I agreed to was the HD package at $10 a month for two years. That's only $240 over what I was spending anyway. ;)
So you think D*'s motivation to give away the HR20 was altruistic?
All I agreed to was the HD package at $10 a month for two years. That's only $240 over what I was spending anyway. ;)
So they gave you a new dish and the HR20 without a two-year commitment? Good for you. I'd double check though, just to be sure.
LameLefty
10-25-06, 07:23 AM
So they gave you a new dish and the HR20 without a two-year commitment? Good for you. I'd double check though, just to be sure.
Did you actually READ my comment? :rolleyes:
Did you actually READ my comment? :rolleyes:
Yeah, you said no commitment. I said good for you. The problem?
Did you actually READ my comment? :rolleyes:
Of course, I meant commitment to be a subscriber, not to just the HD package. When I got my dish/receiver, they clearly said two-year programming commitment, not HD package.
So you think D*'s motivation to give away the HR20 was altruistic?
I'm not sure that is the salient point. We are consumers, we got (many of us) units free or near free. I was going to continue my sub with or without a free receiver, so in practical terms, the receiver was free. I already was an HD subscriber and I paid good money for my Sammy T360. Getting the HR20 for twenty bucks made my day.
The issue isn't altruism, it's having a good business model. As you have noted, they know what they are doing and it's SMART. When the HR20 gets the big bugs out and the big features in, it will sell itself...and they will SELL plenty of them. Then, as you noted, they will collect sub fees for years and make even more money.
I don't see anything wrong or "tainted" in what they are doing. They certainly took care of me.
The one thing I see to object to is how you are treated is, to some extent, determined by what you know. If you know enough to call CR and put the screws to them, you get great deals and considerations. If you don't, you pay, and sometimes pay way too much. Something about that approach doesn't sit well with me. I knew who to call and what to say (which, I might add was completely true, I did not lie to them), so I did really well and am extremely happy with their service and the HR20 in its early stages. Lots of work to be done, to be sure, but I have every reason to believe D* will get there.
As to those who paid good money for the HR20, or got it thinking "mission critical" performance, I have great empathy for them. It's been a tough ride, and it ain't over yet.
So you think D*'s motivation to give away the HR20 was altruistic?
Of course not! But I do think it was a smart business move by D*. I believe if they take care of me I will show my loyalty to them, and any cancellation fee really doesn't scare me.
I'm not sure that is the salient point. We are consumers, we got (many of us) units free or near free. I was going to continue my sub with or without a free receiver, so in practical terms, the receiver was free. I already was an HD subscriber and I paid good money for my Sammy T360. Getting the HR20 for twenty bucks made my day.
The issue isn't altruism, it's having a good business model. As you have noted, they know what they are doing and it's SMART. When the HR20 gets the big bugs out and the big features in, it will sell itself...and they will SELL plenty of them. Then, as you noted, they will collect sub fees for years and make even more money.
I don't see anything wrong or "tainted" in what they are doing. They certainly took care of me.
The one thing I see to object to is how you are treated is, to some extent, determined by what you know. If you know enough to call CR and put the screws to them, you get great deals and considerations. If you don't, you pay, and sometimes pay way too much. Something about that approach doesn't sit well with me. I knew who to call and what to say (which, I might add was completely true, I did not lie to them), so I did really well and am extremely happy with their service and the HR20 in its early stages. Lots of work to be done, to be sure, but I have every reason to believe D* will get there.
As to those who paid good money for the HR20, or got it thinking "mission critical" performance, I have great empathy for them. It's been a tough ride, and it ain't over yet.
I agree, smart business was the motivator for free HR20. But there are some people who might have gone searching for an alternative if they had to fork over $299 for the box, no?
And I also agree it's weird how they discount things based on someone getting the right CSR, in the right mood. Very loose, and sure to leave a bad taste in someone's mouth.
I guess the idea that someone getting the box "free" negates their right to complain when it doesn't work properly rubs me the wrong way. But you and I have been over that. We agree on most issues.
Of course not! But I do think it was a smart business move by D*. I believe if they take care of me I will show my loyalty to them, and any cancellation fee really doesn't scare me.
Smart, maybe. Based on the owner's comments of how the company is performing (Murdoch calling D* a "turd"), maybe not so smart. But in my view, they had no real choice in many cases (late to the playing field, etc.). Just an opinion, guess we can agree to disagree.
I agree, smart business was the motivator for free HR20. But there are some people who might have gone searching for an alternative if they had to fork over $299 for the box, no?
And I also agree it's weird how they discount things based on someone getting the right CSR, in the right mood. Very loose, and sure to leave a bad taste in someone's mouth.
I guess the idea that someone getting the box "free" negates their right to complain when it doesn't work properly rubs me the wrong way. But you and I have been over that. We agree on most issues.
I actually think we agree, even on this one. I don't think getting it free negates their right to complain. Perhaps the degree and manner of the complaining should be ameliorated...but even that is dependent on what assumptions they made going in. Early adopters "should" know what they are in for. Those that don't are bound to be VERY disappointed if they have a significant number of issues, any of which might be severe.
On one side we have "consumer cluelessness", on the other side we have a "not ready for prime time box". The only remaining question is how we respond to our relative level of disappointment.
You are being kind calling the CR business "weird", where your deal is dependent on how well you "play" the system. I think it's borderline unethical, taking advantage of the uninformed. Obviously, I'm being a bit hypocritical here, because I was one who did use the system (and my knowledge of it), to my advantage.
Mea Culpa...
I actually think we agree, even on this one. I don't think getting it free negates their right to complain. Perhaps the degree and manner of the complaining should be ameliorated...but even that is dependent on what assumptions they made going in. Early adopters "should" know what they are in for. Those that don't are bound to be VERY disappointed if they have a significant number of issues, any of which might be severe.
On one side we have "consumer cluelessness", on the other side we have a "not ready for prime time box". The only remaining question is how we respond to our relative level of disappointment.
You are being kind calling the CR business "weird", where your deal is dependent on how well you "play" the system. I think it's borderline unethical, taking advantage of the uninformed. Obviously, I'm being a bit hypocritical here, because I was one who did use the system (and my knowledge of it), to my advantage.
Mea Culpa...
Your assessment of D*'s "the smart ones get the payoff" is on target. As a consumer, I've never had that experience with any other company. I've gotten credits/refunds, but usually only after there is a problem, and it causes hassle/stress. Their business model allows for a lot of giveaways, no doubt. Similar to cell phone providers (they subsidize the cost of the gear), I guess. But most of those customers get the same deal.
It pays to be informed. D* business model seems to secure and reward the more stable higher end clients. I haven't seen any information on these threads that verifies the fact that just because you know they're giving away these boxes they'll give it to you for free. It would be interesting to see who has a base service and received the box for free, I would guess not many... just my opinion.
It pays to be informed. D* business model seems to secure and reward the more stable higher end clients. I haven't seen any information on these threads that verifies the fact that just because you know they're giving away these boxes they'll give it to you for free. It would be interesting to see who has a base service and received the box for free, I would guess not many... just my opinion.
Think every stable, higher end customer got the free deal? Or no base level customer did? No way of knowing, but I agree, it would be interesting to find out how they dole out the freebies.
So far, being an "A" list customer may be the difference for me, and certainly being a 7-year sub and having every possible pay channel, etc, can't hurt. But it does seem a loose policy.
Still, free or not, you are entitled to let D* know if your HR20 is causing headaches. My main gripe is you get more constructive feedback here, on the forum, than you do if you call D*. Shouldn't they be handling the issues more directly, not via Earl (or any other moderator) as a conduit?
Seems to me that many people who call D* to discuss problems/complain, and it was my experience, get a "head in the sand" response. I mean, the very nice Level 2 guy I talked to didn't even admit there were ongoing software downloads. He told me to reset and if that didn't work, he'd send a replacement (this was before the shortage) box.
It's just all so strange to me that a company giving away/selling a piece of hardware wouldn't be more honest with its customers who are having legitimate issues. Granted, the number of HR20 owners on this forum is tiny (but knowledgeable), so in one way, our opinions/posts mean little to D* in the grand scheme. I guess I could be wrong, but I don't believe that they keep downloading fixes soley based on the chatter on this site. If that were the case, they wouldn't bother. It wouldn't make economic sense. No, the issues posted here must be affecting a larger number of users, and D* is hearing about it via tech suppport calls, etc.. It's impossible to extrapolate how many people are affected negatively, but D* isn't going to keep spending time and money on software downloads if these issues are restricted to the people on this forum who bother to complain.
Most of the end user/customer population (not early adopters, etc.) just want their HR20 to work, and if it doesn't, and they call D*, they get either a "we'll replace it" promise or a "We haven't heard about that before" response.
Anyway, back to work.
ProfLonghair
10-25-06, 08:43 AM
Wow, that's really funny. You must be a professional comedy writer, huh? Excuse me while I go "julianne" some fries. Or go play with my flux "capicator"?
Sorry for the bad spelling, I wrote this sober since I'm at work.
I agree there was a big rush to get out an inferior product, but I feel D* could have hung on to this product and would have had a problem playing catch up with Tivo Series 3. This is strictly a business move and as you say we are a small fraction of the subcribers so there isn't much pressure to fix everything at once. It's interesting that I'm also considered an "A" customer, this feels like what they do at casinos... the more you spend the more you get. This will be short term anyways as the telcos will crush them when they decide to get into it.
I agree there was a big rush to get out an inferior product, but I feel D* could have hung on to this product and would have had a problem playing catch up with Tivo Series 3. This is strictly a business move and as you say we are a small fraction of the subcribers so there isn't much pressure to fix everything at once. It's interesting that I'm also considered an "A" customer, this feels like what they do at casinos... the more you spend the more you get. This will be short term anyways as the telcos will crush them when they decide to get into it.
Yeah, I'm up to about $100 on my Borgata card. Buys lunch when I go down to play poker once a month.
Agree on the latter. I am already very curious/interested about Verizon FIOS as an alternative. I know it's available in a few places, and the results haven't been perfect. But I like the idea of a mega data pipe flowing into the house, and my experience with Verizon DSL and cell has been really great after some early issues. At least they represent an alternative, even if it's a year or more away.
Radio Enginerd
10-25-06, 09:11 AM
Yeah, I'm up to about $100 on my Borgata card. Buys lunch when I go down to play poker once a month.
Agree on the latter. I am already very curious/interested about Verizon FIOS as an alternative. I know it's available in a few places, and the results haven't been perfect. But I like the idea of a mega data pipe flowing into the house, and my experience with Verizon DSL and cell has been really great after some early issues. At least they represent an alternative, even if it's a year or more away.
Surewest is doing this in parts of Sacramento, CA.
I have a friend that currently gets TV through a fiber pipe to his home. Picture looks DAMN good. It will be awhile before it’s available to me but I will certainly look forward to it. THAT will give DTV and Dish Network a run for their money, that’s for sure!
1Indy79
10-25-06, 09:15 AM
Guys, let me get this straight. Earlier I posted a question as to how some folks got their HR20 for free and was told that they swapped a previously leased unit for it. Are there instances where there was no swap and folks still got them free? I didn't swap anything and paid $299 for mine. Could I have gotten mine free if I just told them I was looking at DISH?
tstarn, as you say that is years away and I feel will be much better than our current solutions. I like getting the latest and greatest and this about the best I can get for right now. Now if D* would like to call me and ask me what I think of the HR20... I may not be an "A" customer when I'm done. Now that's a thought how about an email survey by D* on the HR20...Naaa they don't want to hear it.
dan8379
10-25-06, 09:24 AM
Guys, let me get this straight. Earlier I posted a question as to how some folks got their HR20 for free and was told that they swapped a previously leased unit for it. Are there instances where there was no swap and folks still got them free? I didn't swap anything and paid $299 for mine. Could I have gotten mine free if I just told them I was looking at DISH?
I got mine for $19.00 (shipping) without having to swap out a receiver. I didn't threaten to leave or anything, I just asked what deals they had.
Guys, let me get this straight. Earlier I posted a question as to how some folks got their HR20 for free and was told that they swapped a previously leased unit for it. Are there instances where there was no swap and folks still got them free? I didn't swap anything and paid $299 for mine. Could I have gotten mine free if I just told them I was looking at DISH?
Won't go that far, but depending on your standing/status, they might credit your account for the cost of the box and dish without a swap. They may also require you re-up for a two-year commitment as a customer, not just for HD package (though someone on here says that's all he had to agree to). Two words of advice: Ask nicely.
But no, I didn't swap a thing. Only my peace of mind regarding my first HD DVR, that is.
tstarn, as you say that is years away and I feel will be much better than our current solutions. I like getting the latest and greatest and this about the best I can get for right now. Now if D* would like to call me and ask me what I think of the HR20... I may not be an "A" customer when I'm done. Now that's a thought how about an email survey by D* on the HR20...Naaa they don't want to hear it.
Guess not.
Guys, let me get this straight. Earlier I posted a question as to how some folks got their HR20 for free and was told that they swapped a previously leased unit for it. Are there instances where there was no swap and folks still got them free? I didn't swap anything and paid $299 for mine. Could I have gotten mine free if I just told them I was looking at DISH?
Everyone is different. I owned my Hughes Tivo but had the Premium package for 6 years with 5 boxes, so I'm paying some money for this service. Also the 2 year commitment and $5 extra for HD service. Now I don't know if that's a great deal but I wouldn't have done it without them throwing in an HR20. I think some people here really don't tell it like it is.
LameLefty
10-25-06, 09:44 AM
Guys, let me get this straight. Earlier I posted a question as to how some folks got their HR20 for free and was told that they swapped a previously leased unit for it. Are there instances where there was no swap and folks still got them free? I didn't swap anything and paid $299 for mine. Could I have gotten mine free if I just told them I was looking at DISH?
I had no leased equipment to swap out and I didn't threaten to leave. I told them the truth: Comcrap is pushing local HD and please give me a reason to tell them to stuff it. And those were the words I used. The Retention specialist said, well the upgrade price is usually $299 but how does free sound? I said it sounds great, sign me up. He explained the 2-year commitment, etc., then scheduled an install (which was canceled and bumped two weeks but that's okay) and that was that.
In terms of net equipment, I had two old Series 1 DirecTivos and three D11 receivers for my kids' rooms. One DTivo was moved to the oldest child's room and the HR20 went into its place in the living room, that D11 (which I paid for at the time it was installed 9 months ago) was deactivated. That was it.
LameLefty, what type package do you subcribe to? I said the same thing and didn't force anybody to do it either.
LameLefty
10-25-06, 10:43 AM
Over the years it's been lots of different packages. I've been with them since '97 and had the separate USSB subscription for premiums at the time. I've had Total Choice Gold and Platinum at various times when those were the top-end, but I've settled down with Total Choice+Locals since 2001 or so. For awhile I added HBO and Showtime, then dropped those maybe two years ago. I've had NFLST every year however, if that makes any difference. I order MAYBE one PPV movie every six months or so and a couple PPV events per year maybe (the only thing I got this year so far was the UT-Air Force game). Just a regular customer.
Surewest is doing this in parts of Sacramento, CA.
I have a friend that currently gets TV through a fiber pipe to his home. Picture looks DAMN good. It will be awhile before it’s available to me but I will certainly look forward to it. THAT will give DTV and Dish Network a run for their money, that’s for sure!
No doubt, it will open up the competition a bit more. In Philadelphia, we're right on the Comcast/Verizon home field (CC has its HQ here, and they are building the tallest building yet in the city as I type to prove they are staying), so it's gonna be interesting when FIOS is available in the city. The major issue is disruption. I mean, who wants to get all new boxes, etc., unless the alternative is a clear-cut winner? But having 10-20 mbps and higher data speeds for Internet and video via fiber will be cool, and opens up all sorts of possibilities. We'll see...
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