[glennb]

I'm sure they will give him new upgrade for free with free HD package for 6 months or so.

Why are you so sure of that ?

I've been a DIRECTV customer for over 10 years and when I called to inquire about HDTV services they said - Sure, no problem for $300 you can have an HR20 and a new AT9 dish.

 

[glennb]

It seem the educated consumer does much better with the deals and the longer term customers seem to get preference. Let the rep know that you are unwilling to invest in the receiver because it's so buggy and you have done much research to confirm it. It's reasonable for all not to want to pay for something that is not working up to specifications. You don't want to go with the HR10 because next year it will be obsolete. All HD is going to Ka/MPEG4 satellites 99 & 103. So the HR10 can only get OTA HD next year. You may have to pay something for the HR20 maybe $99.00, but many have been able to convince the rep to forgo the fee, or give you $10.00 credits per month for a year to offset it ($120).

Sorry but I'm not authorized to guarantee that you will get it absolutely free.

I've had one since the end of September or so and I haven't found it to be so buggy. I've had a few glitches I guess. Other peoples results may vary. OTA isn't enabled yet, but other than that it seems to be working up to specifications.

If this forum is where you've done your research to confirm the HR20 is buggy you are only looking at a small percentage of people that actually have an HR20 and post messages here. This forum doesn't confirm that every HR20 owner on the planet thinks the HR20 is buggy.