[shoelessjoe]

I've been paying for my father's DirectTV for years now and his HR20 receiver died. I had it replaced with another one tht died within two weeks (kept resetting itself like the old one).

So, when talking with customer service, they are telling me that if I buy another receiver that I would start a new two-year commitment when I activate it. They told me to throw away the other one.

My father is having some issues and may not be in his home in the two years that the contract would cover and I really don't think the two-year commitment is a viable option at this point.

I have read many threads and have not found the solution to my dilemma. Is there anyway I can add a purchased receiver without adding the two years? I'd prefer to get him HD, since the TV in the living room is HD, but would settle for SD if it meant there was no two-year commitment.

 

[shedberg]

I believe if the receiver is replaced by D*, no two year commitment is required. Why not call them back and have them come out and troubleshoot your issue?

 

[dpeters11]

You certainly can. You would need to order a new access card from DirecTV for $20. Before you buy, ask for the Receiver ID. Call DirecTV and get transferred to the Access Card Department and verify it's owned status and that it has no issues being activated on his account. Do not let a regular CSR answer. If you buy one, go back to the access card department for activation.

Keep n mind, if there ever is an issue with the owned box, and needs replaced, he needs to have the Protection Plan for the replacement to be owned.

 

[dpeters11]

I believe if the receiver is replaced by D*, no two year commitment is required. Why not call them back and have them come out and troubleshoot your issue?

I'm thinking he wants to make sure he gets a different model since two died.

 

[shoelessjoe]

I'm thinking he wants to make sure he gets a different model since two died.

That is correct. I'm sorry I didn't make that clear. I guess I will look on Ebay/craigslist, etc. to find one. I just want a low-cost solution. If I thought my dad would be there for the two years, I'd just get a receiver from Directv.

Also, having them come out to find a solution is not necessary. I tested the dish and it has strong signals throughout. The problem was the receivers.

 

[shoelessjoe]

Another question...if I were to buy a receiver from directv and extend a two-year contract, how much would it cost to break it? would it be pro-rated?

 

[dpeters11]

The ETF starts at $480, and is reduced by $20 per completed month. He would then need to send back the equipment. If it's owned, he'd be able to keep it, give it away or sell it.

One other thing to keep in mind with Craigslist and eBay (other than people thinking they have an owned box when they don't), DirecTV is cracking down on employees selling their boxes which are marked as owned.

 

[carl6]

If you find a used, owned, box to buy, before paying (or bidding) get the receiver ID (RID) number and call DirecTV to confirm you will be able to activate it if you buy it. You need to talk to the Access Card department to do that.

ETF is pro-rated as dpeters11 stated. If there is a reasonable expectation your father will be where he is now for one year, then your risk is $240 as opposed to $480. Also, subtract from that whatever you would pay for a used DVR.

Also, if you buy a DVR someplace and it subsequently fails, you are now facing the entire cost to replace (if you do not have the protection plan). If you get one leased from DirecTV, it will be replaced and your only cost would be shipping if you don't have the protection plan, or nothing if you do.

 

[shoelessjoe]

Thanks everyone for all your help. It certainly gives me options. If I can find an inexpensive owned receiver, I will do that...can you get a protection plan with an owned receiver?

 

[Jacob Braun]

Thanks everyone for all your help. It certainly gives me options. If I can find an inexpensive owned receiver, I will do that...can you get a protection plan with an owned receiver?

Yes you can get the Protection Plan with an owned receiver. It's highly recommended, because if you don't have the plan and an owned receiver dies, they'll replace it with a leased receiver for the price of shipping.

 

[Rich]

If you find a used, owned, box to buy, before paying (or bidding) get the receiver ID (RID) number and call DirecTV to confirm you will be able to activate it if you buy it. You need to talk to the Access Card department to do that.

ETF is pro-rated as dpeters11 stated. If there is a reasonable expectation your father will be where he is now for one year, then your risk is $240 as opposed to $480. Also, subtract from that whatever you would pay for a used DVR.

Also, if you buy a DVR someplace and it subsequently fails, you are now facing the entire cost to replace (if you do not have the protection plan). If you get one leased from DirecTV, it will be replaced and your only cost would be shipping if you don't have the protection plan, or nothing if you do.

That brings up a question: Without the PP, the replacement becomes leased when activated. Doesn't that trigger a new two year commitment?

Rich

 

[Shades228]

That brings up a question: Without the PP, the replacement becomes leased when activated. Doesn't that trigger a new two year commitment?

Rich

No it won't have an agreement as long as it's done as an ERP even if it's an owned receiver being replaced with a leased receiver.

 

[Rich]

No it won't have an agreement as long as it's done as an ERP even if it's an owned receiver being replaced with a leased receiver.

Thanx, always wondered about that, never had it happen to me.

Rich

 

[Shades228]

Thanx, always wondered about that, never had it happen to me.

Rich

It really shouldn't happen to anyone but unfortunately sometimes people use wrong terminology, or the agent does, and the wrong thing happens . The good news is that there are some things coming soon which will help stop situations like this. The first step was part of the automated system changes where now when you ask about equipment it asks if you're having a technical problem or if you're wanting to add new equipment. This helps route calls to the right place. There are internal things coming out soon for the agents that will also clarify some things which can stop this from occuring.

You can always check your order online and if it's an ERP it will say so in the details of what was ordered.