Short story - I'd like a Genie but I can't use an HR34 because my installation is on an inside wall so I can't get a hardwired internet connection to my rcvr. As it stands, I had to run the coaxes up through the floor to feed my HR 22. Yes, I know about the Cinema Bridge but that's not what I want. I'm the customer, I want an HR 44.
A few weeks ago, a CSR told me that right after Memorial Day, I could call in and specifically order an HR 44 and I could get one. I called today. A very nice CSR told me, no, there was no guarantee I'd get an HR 44. Place an order and I might get a 44 but it might be a 34. We chatted for a bit and he told me that thanks to my account status, there'd be no upcharge to go to a Genie but, again, no guarantees. Well, I said, I can wait until the 34s run out and then order a 44. He pointed out that it might be a while - they sent out 22s for a long time after the 24s became available and I know for a fact that's true. In fact, I got a replacement 22 two days before the Super Bowl this year. 34s will be coming back to DTV and getting refurbed and then shipped out for years. Then the CSR very politely pointed out that Solid Signal have the 44s in stock. I thanked him and hung up and an hour later I got an email from Weaknees; they have 44s, too. Ready to ship.
DirecTV will sell HR44s to Solid Signal and to Weaknees but not to me. I'm not sure what I'm going to do but I do know this sucks out loud.
I get enough 'hate' mail... A search on 'leased' and 'owned' will give you plenty - not that it matters.
If I want to pay for an HR44 I don't see the problem... Why is it so difficult to allow me to pay DirecTV money? And why should I have to worry about getting my new SS HR44 replaced with an HR34 weeks after I buy (lease) it? This isn't rocket science and could be much easier.
I get enough 'hate' mail... A search on 'leased' and 'owned' will give you plenty - not that it matters.
If I want to pay for an HR44 I don't see the problem... Why is it so difficult to allow me to pay DirecTV money? And why should I have to worry about getting my new SS HR44 replaced with an HR34 weeks after I buy (lease) it? This isn't rocket science and could be much easier.
I also see at least three people. If I name the names this thread will probably get closed. Also not so much that as "the lease is a deal, that box costs a lot of money." I used to manufacture cell phones and other customer electronics, and I can tell you the lease is a huge cash cow for D*. Not that there's anything wrong with that.
You've hit upon a key psychological component of this thread. The "buy (lease)" slip. If people pay ANY money UP FRONT, they assume they're buying it. They have to constantly remind themselves that they're NOT buying it. But even then in the back of their mind they always FEEL like they're buying it. And when people buy things, they are usually brand new. Especially if they're paying $200-$300 for it.
And when a slow, six-year old, low capacity, banged up DVR shows up instead, they will feel disappointed and ripped off. Some people know this about themselves, which is why they will pay extra money to get (buy or lease) the latest box. But when the price for a new box and an old box are identical, and they receive the OLD box, and there's no guaranteed way to get a new box, that's yet another way people will feel ripped off.
Many cable companies do not have an upfront lease fee, but simply increase the monthly rate and charge $20/month per DVR or $10 per box. This method could cost customers MORE in the long run, but they don't FEEL like they're being ripped off because they know they're leasing it.
I've crunched the numbers, and from a monetary point of view the D* model costs less for the customer in the long run. But people aren't always logical, especially when it comes to money.
Amazon has the HR 44 for $199.00 through My Directv Store. Does anyone have any experience with this company or any thoughts on this potential purchase?
I'd avoid it. I have no experience with them, but I personally see several red flags.
1. Only 27 reviews, nothing before late April.
2. HR44 is too cheap
3. They don't sell other major items, like HR24s
4. One review claimed he got a box 35% cheaper than from DirecTV and didn't extend the contract. Unless they bought an AM21 or other non-leased equipment, I'm dubious about this review.
Many cable companies do not have an upfront lease fee, but simply increase the monthly rate and charge $20/month per DVR or $10 per box. This method could cost customers MORE in the long run, but they don't FEEL like they're being ripped off because they know they're leasing it.
I'd avoid it. I have no experience with them, but I personally see several red flags.
1. Only 27 reviews, nothing before late April.
2. HR44 is too cheap
3. They don't sell other major items, like HR24s
4. One review claimed he got a box 35% cheaper than from DirecTV and didn't extend the contract. Unless they bought an AM21 or other non-leased equipment, I'm dubious about this review.
Let's see. Your bedroom DVR failed in January. Had you contacted DirecTV then they would have replaced it for you. Instead, "you" chose to wait all this time for the HR44's release. On top of that you're complaining you now have to decide whether to purchase a HR44 from Solid Signal or gamble on getting one from DirecTV. I fail to see how you are the injured party.
Not to mention that both would be a lease so why wait? Guess he wants it for free. If he wanted the HR44 that bad he would of just sucked it up and went with Solid Signal. Since he didnt do that, I dont think he wanted it as bad as he wanted to complain about it.
No, I just defended PART of it. The rental scheme of paying a chunk of money up front for a lower monthly rental fee saves money in the long term, with the amounts they're currently charging.
However, the fact they charge the same exact amount (both up front and monthly) for a brand new DVR vs. a six-year old DVR, combined with the fact there is no way to request a specific DVR, is what I have an issue with. The up front fee simply draws more attention to how unfair that is.
I also have an issue with D* replacing a broken DVR with an *earlier* model when others are getting it replaced with a *later* model.
You would pay those fees even if you owned the receiver. The lease fee will be labeled as an "additional receiver" and the DVR is required for DVRs. However, there is only one DVR fee per account so if you already have a DVR you'll only have the additional receiver fee. So yes, it will be a leased receiver and you will pay the fees.
Yes, although in most cases the installer will call you before they show up. Ask if the hardware you want will be included in the install. If the answer is no, cancel the install over the phone.
It's pretty hypocritical of DirecTV to advertise that cable companies install refurbished equipment, in one of those "real people complaint" commercials when DirecTV does the exact same thing.
Okay folks, here is a simple question that I cannot seem to get an answer to. If I buy the new DTV H44 unit, will Directv still bill me $25 monthly receiver rental fee? I know that I will pay a monthly DVR fee of $10.00 no matter what receiver unit I have. Thanks in advance.
Okay folks, here is a simple question that I cannot seem to get an answer to. If I buy the new DTV H44 unit, will Directv still bill me $25 monthly receiver rental fee? I know that I will pay a monthly DVR fee of $10.00 no matter what receiver unit I have. Thanks in advance.
You will pay:
1. Basic fee for whatever programming package you have.
2. Advanced receiver fee, which includes HD, DVR and Whole-Home. That's the $25 fee. It applies once per account (not per DVR or receiver).
3. $6 per month for the second and subsequent receivers/DVRs/clients you have.
Okay folks, here is a simple question that I cannot seem to get an answer to. If I buy the new DTV H44 unit, will Directv still bill me $25 monthly receiver rental fee? I know that I will pay a monthly DVR fee of $10.00 no matter what receiver unit I have. Thanks in advance.
There is no such thing as a $25 monthly receiver rental fee. Receivers cost $6 per month, regardless of what receiver you have. The $6 for the first receiver on your account is credited back on your bill. For existing customers there are fees for HD, DVR Service and Whole Home DVR service ($10, $10 and $3 respectively). For new customers, there is a $25 Advanced Receiver fee, which includes HD, DVR and Whole Home.
Aside from all of that, when you acquire a new HR44 from a dealer, you are not purchasing it. You do not own it. You are paying the up-front acquisition fee. This is the same fee that DirecTV charges. However, DirecTV may charge more or less than a retailer does. DirecTV may even waive that fee entirely. The only thing that you are "buying" when you acquire an HR44 from a dealer is the guarantee that you will receive an HR44. When you get a Genie from DirecTV, you are taking the chance that you will be given an HR34 and may have to delay installations until a tech shows up with an HR44.
It's pretty hypocritical of DirecTV to advertise that cable companies install refurbished equipment, in one of those "real people complaint" commercials when DirecTV does the exact same thing.
I agree, although I don't see that often, and when I did see that kind of ad, their point was the age of the hardware, and they are right. Most the cable companies hardware is 3 times older than an HR20 im my neighborhood. its really patheitc
I agree, although I don't see that often, and when I did see that kind of ad, their point was the age of the hardware, and they are right. Most the cable companies hardware is 3 times older than an HR20 im my neighborhood. its really patheitc
I think here a TWC customer might still get an 8300HD, which is what I had when I moved to DirecTV over 7 years ago.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Status
Not open for further replies.
You have insufficient privileges to reply here.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
DBSTalk Forum
3.6M posts
111.9K members
Since 2001
A forum community dedicated to digital bit streaming enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about programming, content, and reception, home theaters, displays, models, styles, satellites, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!