Whats the best way to buy a second HR-20?

[oenophile]

I currently have 1 HR-20 (and, obv. the 5LNB dish). I also have a Standard Def DirectTivo. I'd like to buy a second HR-20 and ditch the Tivo. (I'm all HD all the time now and I never use the old SD TiVo.)

QUESTION: What's the "best" way to go about getting D* to sell me a second HR-20?

I put quotes around "best" because here's how I define it:
1) would like to get one quickly
2) would like to get one without a truck-roll/install if possible (I already have all the cables there from my SD TiVo)--do I need a truck-roll for this?
3) would like a fair price. (When I called D* they quoted me $299. This doesn't seem right to me, as I am a platinum subscriber, plus NFL, plus superfan, plus pay electronically, plus have done so for a very long time.) (I'm not looking for a steal of a deal, just something fair, like $99 with or $200 with a discount.)
4) would like the least hassle possible

I'd welcome your thoughts. Thank you.

[Milominderbinder2]

Dial for dollars. It helps a lot if you have sports packages. The better your package and the longer time client the better you might do.

You may need to call several times.

At the first automated prompt say "Cancel Service".

When the human comes on, tell them of the competitive offers that you have from cable, phone companies, FIOS, etc. Be prepared. Look them up ahead of time.

Ask what they can do. Be very nice.

They may not be able to negotiate on the price. That is a hard currency issue.

They may be able to negotiate more for you on free HBO, Showtime, and other soft currency items.

Good luck, Jim.

- Craig

[dave29]

you should get one for free with the subs. to nfl st, i have and i know about 10 other people that have also.

[oenophile]

Well, I'm definitely *not* a D* fanboy...but...I gotta say.....

I just called customer service, was transferred to retention and they gave me a *free* HR20 as my second DVR. [edit: literally free, just had to pay s&h. no credits, just free] FWIW, my suspicion is that YMMV, based primarily on how long you have been a subscriber and what your packages are. I *did* have to pay for my first HR20 (with about $100 in credits). This one, though, I did not.

Don't be surprised if they don't give you this deal. The rep basically said I'd been a customer for 8 years, had already paid for 1 DVR and had a great package, so they were happy to do it.

Happy camper.

[EaglePC]

Yep been with D for 10 years
I bought a HR20-700 at my local store 299 + tax
D gave me
HBO, Showtime,Cinamax,Strarz pak for 1yr FREEEEEEEEEEEEEE