[Doom878]

I am in the process of switching from Comcast to D*. The deal I got through Costco was a free HD-DVR and 2 free standard boxes. I wanted 2 SD-DVR's but the rep said I had to pay for them about $85 per. I told him to just put the order for standard and I'll upgrade later. Now I'm starting to hear about having to pay for the DVR+install fee+upgrade fee!?!?!? Can a D* vet enlighten me. I'm used to cable where you just lease the box and swap it out if it breaks or if you want to upgrade.

I was checking to see about buying a D* box outside of D* but I haven't seen a lot available. I want to avoid Tivo because I'll pay service for both D* and Tivo for DVR use. I was thinking about a DVD Recorder but the DVD blanks will add up as well (need recording for daily soap opera for wife) unless the DVD's can be recorded over.

I'm trying to keep costs down as money is a little tight at this moment. An HTPC is not an option at this time. Thanks for your help.

 

[jdspencer]

To find out the latest "deals" you should really give DirecTV a call.

As for the DVD recorder, they do make them with hard drives. Then you can do some rudimentary editing before burning to a DVD or just keep it on the hard drive.

 

[SDizzle]

If you are new to D*, there is no install fee, no upgrade fee, and the current ST offer includes the HDDVR and standard boxes at no cost.

If you feel more comfortable, call D* directly to setup the new service.

 

[dhkinil]

To find out the latest "deals" you should really give DirecTV a call.

As for the DVD recorder, they do make them with hard drives. Then you can do some rudimentary editing before burning to a DVD or just keep it on the hard drive.

Yes, but the ones with hard drives are getting pretty hard to find, there used to be a pioneer (which I have and spent the money to replace the crashed hard drive as the machine is no longer available) and a panasonic. I think the only one available now is a Phillips. There are forums on this at AVS forum

 

[harsh]

If the near-term plan is to get DVRs all around, do it while you're still a virgin. If you wait, you may have to pay to have additional switchgear and lines run at your expense.

 

[Doom878]

If the near-term plan is to get DVRs all around, do it while you're still a virgin. If you wait, you may have to pay to have additional switchgear and lines run at your expense.

Thanks for the info guys. I can't do it direct because the last time I tried to get D*, they asked for a $200 deposit. This guy was able to rig it where I don't have to and I my credit is F'ed up thanks to the market the last year. I was afraid of ^ because I won't have the cash for 2 DVR's for at least a month. Is it possible to just postpone the install until then?

FYI, I already have an account # and ID # so I don't think I'm "new" anymore anyways.

 

[Doom878]

What are the model numbers of those hard drive based DVD recorders?