speedcouch
05-11-07, 07:25 AM
We've had so much wind in our area lately, my husband and I were sick of trying to get the networks over our rooftop antenna, so I broke down and got an HR20. Took two calls to supposed Customer Retention to get a deal. First week, they wanted $99 no matter how much I argued that I was a 12-year customer and could get FIOS without paying for equipment. Called this Monday and they apparently had a note that I had "turned down" the $99 offer and were now trying to charge me $199. I argued that I'd paid about $2500 in equipment over the years (which is true) and didn't think someone with Premier service should have to pay for a receiver I didn't even own. Finally got a "deal" of paying $208.99 up front and receiving an immediate $200 credit on my bill. Before the guy could put it in the computer, I got cut off. After an hour of arguing with people that they couldn't give me the box for "free", I finally got to a supervisor who was very accommodating. The "deal" ended up being $229.99 on a credit card for the $200 credit on my bill, but I decided that wasn't too bad, so I took it.
Installer was scheduled for between 5-8 p.m. last night. Got home from work at 4 and found a message that he'd called at 8:45 a.m. wondering when I'd be home. Panicked a bit that I'd missed him, but he showed up exactly at 5. Really articulate and very knowledgeable (unlike the last two idiots we had out earlier this year to replace an LNB). He actually told me he didn't have any other jobs that day and that's why he called earlier, hoping I'd be home. Also said that this time of the year the techs at his place are literally fighting over install jobs because there's nothing going on (because of nice weather in Maryland). I found this quite interesting since I've read all the stories on here and Tivo Community that it took 30 days or more to get an HR20 installed. So if you want one and are on the east coast, I suggest you get it now (before the new sats go up and they get backlogged again).
Anyway, I still am using my HR10-250 as my primary receiver/recorder since we only have one 1080i output from our 6-year old Mitsubishi TV. So, for now, the HR20 is relegated to a component output at only 420P. Picture on HD locals looks better than the overcompressed SD locals, but we'll still probably only use it as a back-up. I mostly wanted to get the MPEG box so I was ready for the "100s" of new HD channels later this year. BTW, I did get a new unit; not refurbished.
Went through the manual a bit and tips from here, but really haven't done anything except a quick record of Scrubs last night. Did use the tip to get the massive blue light turned off, so that's great. Will report more as I explore it's options this weekend. I like that it has three choices of view, rather than just panel or full that the HR10-250 has.
I planned to get the new Samsung 50 inch DLP in July (since we have severe screen burn and reddish tint on our current TV). Now, I think even the husband is more open to getting a new TV after realizing we can't really take advantage of two HD recorders with only one 1080i output on the old TV. I might have to bite the bullet and order the Samsung from Crutchfield sooner than I planned. :D
BTW, customer service didn't really push me to replace my Tivo; just asked if this was a replacement or addition and when I said addition, I got no pressure to turn in my Tivo. Lucky for them as they'll still have to pry it from my cold dead hands.
:lol:
Cheryl
Installer was scheduled for between 5-8 p.m. last night. Got home from work at 4 and found a message that he'd called at 8:45 a.m. wondering when I'd be home. Panicked a bit that I'd missed him, but he showed up exactly at 5. Really articulate and very knowledgeable (unlike the last two idiots we had out earlier this year to replace an LNB). He actually told me he didn't have any other jobs that day and that's why he called earlier, hoping I'd be home. Also said that this time of the year the techs at his place are literally fighting over install jobs because there's nothing going on (because of nice weather in Maryland). I found this quite interesting since I've read all the stories on here and Tivo Community that it took 30 days or more to get an HR20 installed. So if you want one and are on the east coast, I suggest you get it now (before the new sats go up and they get backlogged again).
Anyway, I still am using my HR10-250 as my primary receiver/recorder since we only have one 1080i output from our 6-year old Mitsubishi TV. So, for now, the HR20 is relegated to a component output at only 420P. Picture on HD locals looks better than the overcompressed SD locals, but we'll still probably only use it as a back-up. I mostly wanted to get the MPEG box so I was ready for the "100s" of new HD channels later this year. BTW, I did get a new unit; not refurbished.
Went through the manual a bit and tips from here, but really haven't done anything except a quick record of Scrubs last night. Did use the tip to get the massive blue light turned off, so that's great. Will report more as I explore it's options this weekend. I like that it has three choices of view, rather than just panel or full that the HR10-250 has.
I planned to get the new Samsung 50 inch DLP in July (since we have severe screen burn and reddish tint on our current TV). Now, I think even the husband is more open to getting a new TV after realizing we can't really take advantage of two HD recorders with only one 1080i output on the old TV. I might have to bite the bullet and order the Samsung from Crutchfield sooner than I planned. :D
BTW, customer service didn't really push me to replace my Tivo; just asked if this was a replacement or addition and when I said addition, I got no pressure to turn in my Tivo. Lucky for them as they'll still have to pry it from my cold dead hands.
:lol:
Cheryl