My guess would be this will vary just like the HR34. New customers free and existing based on account history will vary from free to $399. Most of the CSR's that place the order for a Genie will not even know which markets are in the beta zone. A Genie is a Genie no matter the model even if the CSR knows the beta markets this would not make it cost more to them.
Called on Monday, had one installed next day (yesterday). Wasn't expecting an HR44 even, just happened to notice the name of the device on my wireless network as it connected and said to the guy, "Whoa, that's an HR44", and he replied yeah we are one of only 10 test markets in the country to be getting them.
Had to do a two year extension (expected that; I was a few months from finishing the old one), but the only thing I paid was $49 for a truck roll. And at that I needed upgrade to SWM16 (10 total tuners and 5 rooms on the system now), and the original D* installer in 2009 had re-used Comcast wiring, which had the new D* installer muttering and swearing under his breath. So he basically had to pull new wire everywhere, including up to the dish.
So other than not having to mount a new dish, it was pretty close to a new install as to level of work required.
Supposedly getting one for free after HR21 disk croaked this weekend (during the Masters Golf Tournament - argh), symptom was entire picture jumping up and down 1 or 2 pixel lines every second or two, tried a reset that resulted in 500+ errors that the machine could not correct. Free means $49 install fee, plus $100 internet connection/integration install (which I do not want), was told I could waive (and get refund) for 2nd part if I wanted, but had to pay prior to making install appointment. I am a 10 yr customer, so free also means leased equipment with 2yr contract extension, penalty for early withdrawal. I also would have preferred they fed ex me the unit, as I can install. This request was denied completely.
Also intend to keep older HR20 active as is, since not yet interested in whole house integration. Need more DVR recording space than that.
HR-44 with client to replace an old HR-20 and H-24. Free with no install fee. Paid nothing. I called in when I got an e-mail saying that the protection plan now lets you upgrade your equipment every 2 years.
Is that leased? Unless you meant the HR34 there's no way it would be available and for that price, Unless it didnt get activated and been bought from a retailer.
I just checked it out on eBay and there's a price for $315 plus shipping for the 44, doesn't seem legit as there's no actual picture other than the display we've all seen (which doesn't mean anything sometimes). Only way to sell leased receivers would be to buy outright from retailers like SolidSignal without activating.
I still had 8 months left on my protection plan, and could not get a free Genie. However, the DIRECTV rep was fantastic to work with.
I received a new HR44-500, and a SWIM 16 switch for $249. Free installation. She ordered the HR44 not the HR34. When the installer arrived, he only had a HR34 on this truck, but
since the HR44 was in the comments section of the order, he went back to the warehouse and got me the HR44.
He did not have the new remote on the truck, and DIRECTV is sending me one.
I had the old Slimeline 5 dish (NON SWIM) with a SWIM 8 switch. The installer replaced my 5-LMB head with a new one since the signal was not optimal. He also updated the power supply,
So for $249 I got a new HR44, a SWIM 16 switch, a new 5 LMB head and a new power supply. A great deal!
The new HR44 works like a dream, and replaced an HR24-500.
The guide scrolling is super fast, and the 30 Second SKIP is so much faster and better than the HR24.
I am also using the AM21 OTA on the HR44, and so far, the local OTA has been working better on the HR44 than the HR24 with less audio dropouts.
I am waiting for the new C41 Genie client to become available to see if I can get a deal on those.
I am very anxious to get OTA locals on all my Genie clients in the house live. In rainy South Florida, that is a big bonus!
So shoresguy, are you in a test market? Curious that the CSR specifically said you can get a HR44, they've never told me that before re:specific model of anything.
No, I am in South Florida which is not a test market. I think I was just lucky and the HR44 and the new model was finally in stock and they could order it. This week, I ordered the C41 from Directv, the first one was $49, and the second one was $99.
Got those delivered and set up yesterday. The DirecTV rep put the C41 on my order. When the tech came to my house, he did not have a C41 on the truck, and went back to the ware house to get me them.
As an aside, the C41 are crazy small. They are fine for a secondary room, like my kitchen and office, but I don't think I would like it for a main viewing room. There is an input lag in the guide mode and in acquiring channels that would drive me crazy for major watching. I am keeping a HR24-500 as a client for the HR44 in my other main viewing room.
Another update: It looks like the AM21 has the same audio drop out issue for me on the HR 44. My local FOX OTA stations have audio dropout every 10 secs or so when recording. Bummer.
What is the name of the place that has the 44's for $215 ? It was posted in another thread, but I cannot find it right now.
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