[Lynskyn]

I was offered a free upgrade of one of my HR24 DVRs to the HR34, including installation, if I do a 24 month commitment. I am only interested in doing this if my package doesn't change as I have Premier with the DVR service included in the base package.
I am not interested in the MRV or any of the tuner sharing - I just want the receiver for the 5 tuners. I have spoken to the Customer Advocacy folks as well as the regular CSRs and nobody seems to be able to verify what would happen if I do the upgrade. The Customer Advocacy said we could just try it and "see what happens". The supervisor of one of the CSRs said my price would go up "at least $5 a month". I am amazed nobody can give me a definitive answer.
Has anyone here who has one of these grandfathered packages been able to upgrade to an HR34 without their package/price being changed? Any suggestions as to who I would contact to get this answered?
Thanks.

 

[Laxguy]

Mr. Skynyrd! (?)

By what means were you given this offer? I'd be inclined to take it; my previous upgrade kept a grandfathered package.

 

[Lynskyn]

Mr. Skynyrd! (?)

By what means were you given this offer? I'd be inclined to take it; my previous upgrade kept a grandfathered package.

I got an email entitled "Limited time exclusive offer for you" with no specifics about the offer. I called and they said it was for a DVR upgrade but they couldn't couldn't tell me if it was an HR34. So I sent an email to the Customer Advocacy folks and they said they could do the HR34 upgrade.
I would pull the trigger if I knew I wouldn't lose the DVR fee included in package deal.

 

[Lynskyn]

I just called back in to the regular number to see if somehow I could get a straight answer. The CSR went to his supervisor and she said that if I added any equipment, even if it was just an upgrade replacement for one of my current HD-DVRs, I would lose the DVR fee deal where it is included in the base package. As GHWB would say, "Not gonna doit. Wouldn't be prudent at this juncture."

 

[joshjr]

I just called back in to the regular number to see if somehow I could get a straight answer. The CSR went to his supervisor and she said that if I added any equipment, even if it was just an upgrade replacement for one of my current HD-DVRs, I would lose the DVR fee deal where it is included in the base package. As GHWB would say, "Not gonna doit. Wouldn't be prudent at this juncture."

That does not sound right at all. They should not have to change your package to add or remove receivers.

 

[Xsabresx]

That does not sound right at all. They should not have to change your package to add or remove receivers.

Doesnt sound right to me either. I have had "Premier" (unde its various iterations) since 2001 and have added and changed equipment several times along the way. I have never lost my grandfather status with the DVR fee.

 

[joed32]

I have too and have had lots of equipment replacements and upgrades and still have the DVR fee waived.

 

[Lynskyn]

I have too and have had lots of equipment replacements and upgrades and still have the DVR fee waived.

Were any of those upgrades to the HR34?

 

[Lynskyn]

Doesnt sound right to me either. I have had "Premier" (unde its various iterations) since 2001 and have added and changed equipment several times along the way. I have never lost my grandfather status with the DVR fee.

I did lose it once after a receiver was replaced even though I told them not to change the package. It was a royal pain to get it reinstated. I really would like to get the HR34. If someone here has been able to get the HR34 without their grandfathered package changing, I might roll the dice and give it a try.

 

[Lynskyn]

I went ahead and got the HR34 after a Directv tech support guy assured me I could keep my grandfathered package if I was replacing my HR24 or adding it as a third receiver. Everything went smoothly and nothing on my package changed. I'm not using Whole Home so they didn't add the $3 MRV charge either.
So far all seems good - the guide is fast and no issues yet. Seems to work very well with the AM21 too. Thanks for all your replies.

 

[ThomasM]

One of DirecTV's famous "gotcha"s is to suddenly discontinue discounts, offers, or grandfathered service if anything at all is done to an account. I've seen people on this system complain that their grandfathered package disappeared when they simply added a premium channel!!

Of course, in your case if you go ahead and this happens, you are STUCK with DirecTV (at the new price) for two years. As you have learned, you get a different answer from every CSR (or supervisor) you talk to. That should tell you something right there!

Good luck!