[allenman]

15+ year D customer, never ask for anything, I think I have received one upgrade in the 15 years. Three recievers, but only one with a problem. It's an Hr21-100. LOTS of problems--pixellattion, stuttering, freezing (up to 9 minutes per episode), over 10 minutes to re-boot, which is daily now. I don't care anythng about whole house etc, but do want the very best receiver for my "good" room...no issues with my other units.
So--how should I proceed with the phone call? Do I ask for anything specific, or just play dumb? I can install/replace cables, so should they send me a box, or send out a tech (in my experience, about a two week wait). Can you guys give me some insight before I wind up with the wrong stuff or go sideways or backwards? THANKS for any help you can give...BTW, if this is the wrong forum, please re-direct me....

 

[RollsRoyce]

So two ways you can go about this, one is talking to tec to see if you need a replacement receiver, or two you can see about getting an upgrade, now if you go with the second option you will most likely want to get the hr34, since its the "newest" receiver out there currently, either way you go about it, let them know what your looking for. but in my opinion the biggest thing you can do is be polite and dont "demand" it, just be adament about what your looking for, i cant guarentee anything though

 

[CCarncross]

You call and tell them you have a bad receiver. They will send you a replacement for S&H only. They may ask you to check a few things like signal strength etc. before they will agree that it may be a bad receiver.

 

[trh]

First, Welcome!

I think your chances of getting a new unit is higher by having a tech come to your house. Unless you upgrade to a new 34, you most likely will get a refurbished unit if shipped from DirecTV. But no guarantees with a tech either. It depends on what they have on their truck.

But when you call, ask them if you are eligible for any upgrades.

The whole house is a great upgrade. Best thing since the DVR IMHO. $3/month charge. Of course it depends on your viewing habits and other equipment.

Last -- I'd hurry up and watch any saved shows on your DVR. And make a list of your Series Links on that box if you don't have one already. It's days maybe numbered.

Post back with what happens.

 

[allenman]

they are going to put me through some cursory tests...I agree that the 34 is cool, but both "good" rooms are only about 15-20 feet from each other, and I assume that a 34, even without the whole house thingy, is going to require a different switch setup. Maybe they'll just send me a refurbed 21 (which I assume will have the latest firmware and software) and I'll stand pat until I redo my downstairs room.
I'm wondering if I'm without a contract or not. I did get the 10/mo referral discount for a few months, so that probably put me back under contract. Who knows. Anyway, this is good info, so keep it coming. I agree, no need in being anything but nice, they have the gear and switches and I don't.

 

[RollsRoyce]

Getting a referral credit doesn't put you under an agreement, but that doesn't mean you don't have one, you will need to ask them to find out, and you would be surprised at how many people don't understand that if they are nicer things will be alot easier, for everyone.