HD and DVR fees? What is the real cost?

2445 Views 21 Replies 11 Participants Last post by Steveknj, Nov 28, 2006

daytoday

Discussion Starter · Nov 16, 2006

If I decide to add another HD or DVR unit to a room in my home, will I have to pay an additional ($10 for HD) and ($6 for DVR) each month. Is there any advantage to buying the HD/DVR unit and not leasing it from D*?

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1 - 20 of 22 Posts

bobnielsen

· #2 · Nov 16, 2006

If you add an additional receiver (any type) there will be a $4.99 per month fee (often referred to as a "additional receiver fee", a lease fee or a mirroring fee. The HD package and DVR fees are only charged once per account (the DVR fee is waived with Total Choice Premier.

Opinions vary, but most people feel there is no advantage to buying the unit. You will pay more and if it goes bad after the warrantee expires, you are on you own unless you pay extra for the protection plan. If you discontinue service, it may have some residual value on ebay, but that would probably be less than the premium you would pay to own the unit.

captain_video

· #3 · Nov 16, 2006

The fee for the HD package is just like buying HBO or Showtime. The HD channels are mirrored to all HD receivers in your household. There is a basic DVR fee for $4.99/month that covers an unlimited number of DVRs on your account. Each additional DVR is treated like any other receiver and is charged a $4.99 mirroring fee. So the total cost is:

Total = basic package cost (Total Choice and whatever else you have) + $9.99 (HD pkg) + $4.99 (DVR fee) + $4.99 (times the number of DVRs or extra receivers you own)

daytoday

Discussion Starter · #4 · Nov 16, 2006

Sounds good! Thanks for clearing that up for me.

When I did my research on the DVR service. The D* site stated, "including every DVR in your home, for a low monthly fee of $5.99. And if you subscribe to TOTAL CHOICE® PREMIER, the monthly fee is included, no matter how many DVRs you have."

When I researched the HD package it only stated "Add the HD Package to your base package for $9.99/month."

Thanks again!!!

captain_video

· #5 · Nov 17, 2006

Oooops, I forgot that the DVR fee went up to $5.99 per month and not $4.99 as I stated in my previous post. Sorry for the error.

cybrsurfer

· #6 · Nov 17, 2006

captain_video said:
Oooops, I forgot that the DVR fee went up to $5.99 per month and not $4.99 as I stated in my previous post. Sorry for the error.

Actually it was almost $13 for DVR service when first rolled out, and now has been reduced to $6.

dtv757

· #7 · Nov 17, 2006

if your interested in adding a SD DVR you can get one for free online.

you probably already know this by looking in the R15 forum but here it is again.

sign into directv.com
go to upgrade equipment and enter this promo code
DVR4U2 and follow the next steps.

and you will receive a free R15 (100 hour SD DVR)
FREE SHIPPING
FREE INSTALLATION
FREE RECEIVER

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captain_video

· #8 · Nov 17, 2006

Actually it was almost $13 for DVR service when first rolled out, and now has been reduced to $6.

I believe you've got the DTV DVR fee confused with the Tivo service fee. The DVR service fee started out at $4.99 and was increased to $5.99 within the last year. The Tivo monthly service fee for standalone models was $12.95 per month for each SA Tivo and then they changed it to $6.95 for the 2nd Tivo and any additional SA Tivos. I'm not sure what the charge is for the current basic monthly fee for the Tivo service.

cybrsurfer

· #9 · Nov 17, 2006

captain_video said:
I believe you've got the DTV DVR fee confused with the Tivo service fee. The DVR service fee started out at $4.99 and was increased to $5.99 within the last year. The Tivo monthly service fee for standalone models was $12.95 per month for each SA Tivo and then they changed it to $6.95 for the 2nd Tivo and any additional SA Tivos. I'm not sure what the charge is for the current basic monthly fee for the Tivo service.

:lol:

Rraspy

· #10 · Nov 18, 2006

He said if I bought 3 HD receivers,( I have 3 hd tv's and one would be free under their new customer promotion) that they would be $106.00 each ( I guess $99 plus tax), and that with the 9.99 HD pack, the additional receiver fee did not exist on any of the receivers.

From what you were saying that there is still a $4.99 fee per additonal receiver, was I lied too?

Also, what HD receiver are they giving away for free to new customers?

cybrsurfer

· #11 · Nov 18, 2006

Depending on your status...

The HR20 may cost if you order from retention:
$99 up front fee... minus $10.00 month for 12 months fee for most (-$120.00), results in a net gain for customer of $21.00 after a year.

The HD package is free for the first 4 months, after that it's $9.99 per month.

If you buy it online or at Best Buy/Circuitcity it will cost you:
$299. for retail, once activated retention may give you a credit of $200.00 immediately, and also $10.00 credit per month for 12 months (-$120.00) for a net gain for the customer of $21.00 after a year.

So whether you buy the HR20 from DirecTV retention or at a retail store it winds up costing you the same, you end up with a credit of $21.00 in your wallet either way.
:lol:

Keep in mind with the above examples, you still are leasing the equipment, and it must be returned if not activated or you close your account. You don't own the equipment, and cannot sell it.

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Rraspy

· #12 · Nov 18, 2006

Ohh. I thiought I owned it. Thanks for clearing that up.

But, as far as paying the 4.99 X 2 for the 2 extra HD receivers , you still have to pay that per month?

Was does it cost to simply lease 2 extra HD receivers or does it require you to pay $99 per receiver

I appreciate your help. I want to jump ship from Dish because they have their 211 model and want a lot more money to have three HD receivers

cybrsurfer

· #13 · Nov 18, 2006

Rraspy said:
Ohh. I thiought I owned it. Thanks for clearing that up.

But, as far as paying the 4.99 X 2 for the 2 extra HD receivers , you still have to pay that per month?

Was does it cost to simply lease 2 extra HD receivers or does it require you to pay $99 per receiver

I appreciate your help. I want to jump ship from Dish because they have their 211 model and want a lot more money to have three HD receivers

All satellite providers charge a mirroring fee for units past the primary (no cost for primary per month). Regardless of the model.

You only own a receiver if you buy it from DirecTV directly: $749. for HR20.

The $299 cost is leasing price, you don't own it.

Rraspy

· #14 · Nov 18, 2006

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!

Steveknj

· #15 · Nov 21, 2006

cybrsurfer said:
Depending on your status...

The HR20 may cost if you order from retention:
$99 up front fee... minus $10.00 month for 12 months fee for most (-$120.00), results in a net gain for customer of $21.00 after a year.

The HD package is free for the first 4 months, after that it's $9.99 per month.

If you buy it online or at Best Buy/Circuitcity it will cost you:
$299. for retail, once activated retention may give you a credit of $200.00 immediately, and also $10.00 credit per month for 12 months (-$120.00) for a net gain for the customer of $21.00 after a year.

So whether you buy the HR20 from DirecTV retention or at a retail store it winds up costing you the same, you end up with a credit of $21.00 in your wallet either way.
:lol:

Keep in mind with the above examples, you still are leasing the equipment, and it must be returned if not activated or you close your account. You don't own the equipment, and cannot sell it.

So, if I go to retention and want to order the HR20, what do I tell them? Do I say I'm thinking of jumping ship (which is a false threat since I believe I'm still under a contract agreement)? I really want to get onboard with HD, but at a cost of $299, it's dificult to really justify right now.

Other questions. I have an existing SD Tivo that this would be replacing. Would I have to turn that in? If not, and I decide I want it to replace one of my non DVR STB would I be charged anything additional for a 3rd DVR (sounds like the answer is no), and, would the installer move it to another room (which would mean drawing in another line)?

Lastly, what is the D* Retention phone number?

john18

· #16 · Nov 21, 2006

cybrsurfer said:
Depending on your status...

The HR20 may cost if you order from retention:
$99 up front fee... minus $10.00 month for 12 months fee for most (-$120.00), results in a net gain for customer of $21.00 after a year.

First post here. "A" list customer, 9 years. I ordered the HR20 thru Retention and did not get the $10.00 per month break. I guess I need to call them. I do have the HD Premier package.

Also, my delivery was supposed to be between 8-12 today and it's now 1PM..... (just venting on that)

p.s. - Steve, they are letting me keep the HR10-250 and it is going into the bedroom......

Meklos

· #17 · Nov 21, 2006

john18 said:
p.s. - Steve, they are letting me keep the HR10-250 and it is going into the bedroom......

Since you bought the HR10-250, I would hope you wouldn't let *anyone* have it.

JLucPicard

· #18 · Nov 22, 2006

Steveknj said:
Other questions. I have an existing SD Tivo that this would be replacing. Would I have to turn that in? If not, and I decide I want it to replace one of my non DVR STB would I be charged anything additional for a 3rd DVR (sounds like the answer is no), and, would the installer move it to another room (which would mean drawing in another line)?

I'm sure they would allow you to replace the non-DVR receiver and keep your SD DVR. If the non-DVR receiver is leased, you should expect to have to return that (and they should send you the materials to ship it free of charge, unless the installer takes it with him - and if he does, I would note that on the work order when they have you sign it). Unless there is wall-fishing or anything complicated about running the second line, they would most likely allow for that as well.

Steveknj

· #19 · Nov 27, 2006

Steveknj said:
So, if I go to retention and want to order the HR20, what do I tell them? Do I say I'm thinking of jumping ship (which is a false threat since I believe I'm still under a contract agreement)? I really want to get onboard with HD, but at a cost of $299, it's dificult to really justify right now.

Other questions. I have an existing SD Tivo that this would be replacing. Would I have to turn that in? If not, and I decide I want it to replace one of my non DVR STB would I be charged anything additional for a 3rd DVR (sounds like the answer is no), and, would the installer move it to another room (which would mean drawing in another line)?

Lastly, what is the D* Retention phone number?

I'm getting ready to order my HD DVR in the next few days. What do I say to Cust Retention to get the best deal? See what I typed in the quote above, which is my situation. What's the Cust Retention phone #?

cariera

· #20 · Nov 27, 2006

Steveknj said:
I'm getting ready to order my HD DVR in the next few days. What do I say to Cust Retention to get the best deal? See what I typed in the quote above, which is my situation. What's the Cust Retention phone #?

As of last week these units were still backordered. They are working off a priority list. Your best best would be to put your name on that list, www.directv.com/hddvr, wait for your call. Of course if you can find that unit at a store you always have that option.

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