hd tivo MAJOR price drop today

[Charlutz]

I dropped NFL Sunday Ticket and all the premium movie channels when I was told the deal was "Internet misinformation."

Customer since 1995; last bill $167.

And when we get our fiberoptic connection, I'll probably drop the whole service.


That doesn't make sense to me. Is NFL or the movie channels worth less because they told you something wrong? You must not really have wanted it if you could drop it so easily. Take a deep breath and read some of this thread. For whatever reason, not all of the CSR's either know about the deal or can offer it. You can get the deal just by asking, without threats. If you get turned down, just call back. I called 4 times and got 4 different deals. Yeah, it's a hassle, but when I was first told $649 on my first two calls, I just said no thanks and called back a day later. I don't know why the system works that way, but because I know it does, I don't take it personally. I just call back and get what I want later.

[cmeinck]

I'm curious what others would do in my situation. I just bought HD Tivo last week from BB for $599. I received a $250 Activation credit from D*, $2/$2 HBO/Showtime, $5 off HD for 6 months, plus the $100 MIR. Now, I called up after the huge price drop. I was able to schedule a delivery the first week in September and was charged $324 for another HD Tivo. Now, I don't think I'd be able to get both $100 MIR's. I have two HD sets - one has a D* HD receiver and a TIVO box. The other has the HD Tivo.

Should I just return the current box to BB and wait for the new D* box -- or should I keep both. I'm a bit concerned that it's a decent chunk of change for a product that might be outdated in a few months or at a minimum will not be able to record local's in HD (which is huge for me).

I'm also thinking about going to the darkside and getting a Cablevision HD-DVR for $15 a month.

Any thoughts?

[fredfa]

djchronic sounds (at the very best) like a disgruntled cable or E* employee.

I called DirecTV Customer Retention directly-- and the CSR picked up on the second ring.

The retention rep I spoke to couldn't have been nicer nor thrown much more in the pot as I purchased my second Hd TiVo. It was a most pleasant experience.

(And since the CSR I spoke with said he's been with D* for almost four years, and seemed very baware of all the possible givebacks available (even some I hadn't heard of here) I somehow doubt he missed an secret "screw-the-customer" meetings that djchronic claims DirecTV conducted.)

The fact is that calling Retention and knowing what has been possible for others allows you to gently lead your Retention CSR to where you need to be financially.

But even if you only get the $100 MIR with the $299 HD TiVo, it is a heck of a deal.

[ericblair84]

That doesn't make sense to me. Is NFL or the movie channels worth less because they told you something wrong? You must not really have wanted it if you could drop it so easily. Take a deep breath and read some of this thread..

This isn't personal--it's business. I voted with my wallet. I let them know, via their Feedback page, that I'm willing to let at least part of my package go because of CSR roulette. Sunday Ticket is not a necessity to me, true, and I will miss it and the movies. I can assuage that pain by spending the $680 a year on DVDs. D* is going to make less money from me, lose the two-year commitment I would have agreed to, and perhaps lose me altogether. Why? Because now they have competition in my area in a meaningful way. I thought that was what "retention" was supposed to be about.

BL

[jmoak]

I smell troll.Or maybe the competition....

;)

[andbye]

When I called on Monday and said I wanted to be considered for the $299 deal and that I no longer had a commitment; I got a very nice retention CSR who said she could not help me and told me all the bad things about Comcast and Dish. Then said the best she could do was $336.76 for the HD Tivo with a $200 account credit and the $100 rebate. I told her I would agree to that and asked what programming credit I could get. She gave me Starz for 3 months. I don't know where she came up with the odd $36.76. She seemed surprised that she could give me such good a deal She did not know anything about the mpeg 2 to 4 conversion. I thanked her politely. I had previously gotten the $99 deal for a non-recording HD rerceiver from D*which I sold; and then got a HD Tivo from Best Buy back before the big price drops and got only nominal programming credits at that time.
Installer came Wednesday morn with new HR 10-250, not re-furbished. During activation I asked for HD credit and got 3 months. Account shows HD/DVR $299 plus $14.95 for shipping and $1.08 tax. If my math is right, I ended up plus $47.94. I sub to Total Choice, NFL Sunday Ticket and HBO

[Kevin L]

I'm curious what others would do in my situation. I just bought HD Tivo last week from BB for $599. I received a $250 Activation credit from D*, $2/$2 HBO/Showtime, $5 off HD for 6 months, plus the $100 MIR. Now, I called up after the huge price drop. I was able to schedule a delivery the first week in September and was charged $324 for another HD Tivo. Now, I don't think I'd be able to get both $100 MIR's. I have two HD sets - one has a D* HD receiver and a TIVO box. The other has the HD Tivo.

Should I just return the current box to BB and wait for the new D* box -- or should I keep both. I'm a bit concerned that it's a decent chunk of change for a product that might be outdated in a few months or at a minimum will not be able to record local's in HD (which is huge for me).

I'm also thinking about going to the darkside and getting a Cablevision HD-DVR for $15 a month.

Any thoughts?I'd keep both. I just ordered my third HR10 and I only have one HDTV. Why would you want to watch SD on your TiVo on one of the sets when you could do HD. Plus you can sell your HD receiver and recoup some money. If you disconnect the SD TiVo, too, you'll save $5 a month.

Now if you're talking Cablevision, are you on Long Island? If so, you may be able to pick up your HD locals OTA. I'm 37 miles from the ESB, and I pick up the locals just fine using a SquareShooter antenna. The HD OTA is much better than the sat HD locals, and the HR10 will continue to work for many years OTA.

[fredfa]

Does anyone else notice how the vast majority of the people who seem the most upset with DirecTV also have by far the fewest posts in this forum (and in at least two cases seemd to just joined?)

[reybie]

It's Charlie.

[intense321]

I just called DTV to get this deal and here's my story:

I only made one call. After the rep at retention "checked my account" for about 5 minutes, he said, "Yes, there is a deal for $299+$100 rebate." I then inquired about the $100-$150 credit. He said, "There is no such thing. That is a story that was concocted on the internet. Nobody has and ever will get such a deal/price."

I elected not to roll the dice again and go for the $199 total package. Oh well, maybe I lost out but it's still better than the $750 that I was going to pay!

-intense321

[rickmccamy]

A page or so back I recounted my first two calls to retention, the first no real deal, the second =, $299 - $100 MiR, credit card or bill.
The third csr same $299 - $100 mir, but must be credit card.
Then came Glenda... "We've got a great deal", the new pricing came up on Aug. 1st???
$299 - $100,mir -$14.95,shipping credit - $36,six months 50% off HD - $66, six months free showtime. All on two payments on the bill. No $150 activation credit, but last week they gave me NFL-ST for $54.75, so I'm a happy subscriber.
I believe that D* is poised for a major breakout, of course, I'm an optomistic happy person, and I find no reason to inflict the misery of my own life on innocent bystanders.

edit: at one point Glenda said, let me see what you've got. I started to reach for my zipper, but realized she couldn't see over the phone, and must have been talking about the package I have with D*. It isn't so much about how long You have been there, but how much you spend lately.

[packerfan]

I just called DTV to get this deal and here's my story:

I only made one call. After the rep at retention "checked my account" for about 5 minutes, he said, "Yes, there is a deal for $299+$100 rebate." I then inquired about the $100-$150 credit. He said, "There is no such thing. That is a story that was concocted on the internet. Nobody has and ever will get such a deal/price."

I elected not to roll the dice again and go for the $199 total package. Oh well, maybe I lost out but it's still better than the $750 that I was going to pay!

-intense321
I was also told that I could not get the $100 credit to my account, but I was offered the programming discounts that many have been getting and that is almost a $200 value.

[Richard Chalk]

Well Well finally i get on here to see what the hell is driving our call volume at work... and i found it. well just so everyone knows all the blah blah on the new hd dvr offer, yes it is for 299 with a 100$ MIR. But good luck on gettin much straight credit CRG has been having meetings because of you people, i for one know that the only way your gettin anything other than just the 299+100 off is if you have been with dtv for 10+ years, other than thatyour not gettin anything other than 299+100 and hopefully none of you get me on the phone cuz i note the account to not offer anything other than the 299+100 MIR. Everysingle call i take that they say anything about that offer i note the account because i know they they are forum readers. so good luck to everyone, and i don't member who it was that said they got 20$ off total choice, unless is premier you aren't gonna get it 20 is for premier only. anyways if anyone has one questions and wants real answer let me know.
Well!!! Glad I didn't get YOU on the phone today.....
I will not list the details of my specific deal here, but I will say that I got a SUBSTANTIAL credit to my account, along with a variety of special program offers.

What was explained to me was that the customer's "score" is based on a bunch of factors, like promptness of payment, total bill, length of service, number of PPV items, etc. I do think, however, that they would be better off saying that you don't qualify for a particular offer, instead of saying that it doesn't exist!!

I may have also benefitted by explaining that my first HR10-250 cost me $1000, and since I was a new customer at that time, I was not eligible for any special consideration. On my second, I got $200 from Best Buy (net $499) and $200 from DirecTV, and when considering the deal on this (3rd) unit, my average cost for all 3 is very reasonable, and I have enjoyed HD-TiVo for over a year.

As for the upgrade to MPEG4, I asked the CSR whether DirecTV would be replacing the systems at no charge, and her response was "we have always done that" and said that they would continue to do so, but it will be a slow process, especially for the HD-DVR users.

[evilklown]

Beat this:
Just got mine for free, plus made money....Installer came out and forgot HD DVR( i called and complianed) ,after delaying my install already, they gave me the Unit for $299 - $250 customer rentention- $100 Tivo rebate, plus free Starz,plus free Showtime, plus 1/2 HD for a year.Sold my Ts 360 for $100 more than i paid for it and I'm ahead +$125 cash plus all the free programming.

[Looper]

Called twice tonight and didn't get the deal ... but I just spoke to the regular customer service types. Do I need to speak with the retention dept.? If so, stupid question, but do I just ask to be transferred to retention?

[jlib]

Beat this:
Just got mine for free, plus made money....Installer came out and forgot HD DVR( i called and complianed) ,after delaying my install already, they gave me the Unit for $299 - $250 customer rentention- $100 Tivo rebate, plus free Starz,plus free Showtime, plus 1/2 HD for a year.Sold my Ts 360 for $100 more than i paid for it and I'm ahead +$125 cash plus all the free programming.Yes, I'd miss 4 hours of work for that one!

[evilklown]

heres what u do,,, u call reg number and say u want to stop service THEY will switch u to cust retention, squeeky wheel gets the grease. If you call the retention number out of the blue i dont know what would happen.

[StuartK]

Thanks guys for the info,

Well I just called DirecTV at the retention number posted on this thread and told the CSR that I saw on the internet that some people were getting the HD Tivo for $299 with two year commitment. I ordered it and it is coming Saturday. It will be $332.79 with a $100 credit that I think I have to mail in. I was honest with the CSR I even told him I had no intention of cancelling. I am a very good customer that pays over $100 a month since I get sports packages. I don't think I have ever missed a payment. This is exciting since I didn't pull the trigger on the $1000 TIVO when I got my Samsung unit last October. I held back knowing that new technology was down the road and it still is. I think the new HD DVR is six months off.

[GadgetFreak]

I called earlier today and the agent said they could offer $299 with $100 rebate. When I asked about other programming incentives she asked for my account id and then said that the internet forum that I was reading was innacurate. I had not mentioned anything about this forum!

She said that because there was such a big spike in calls they had a meeting and were not going to offer any more incentives. She said that if I had called yesterday things may have been different, but that going forward they would not offer any more incentives. I said I would think about it. I had decided going in that if I could at least get free Showtime (which I already subscribe to) for 6 months I would bite.

I then hopped on the web and cancelled Showtime, thinking they may possibly throw that in. I called back this evening and the agent asked for my account number first and then said the price was $649. I told her that I thought it was $299 -- she asked if I read about that on the internet and said she knew nothing about any $299 offer. I told her that I had spoken to them earlier and she looked it up and the first agent had noted it on my account. She said that I could get $299 but nothing else. I said that I thought free Showtime might be thrown in and she said without hesitation that she could do that no problem. I'm content.

She said that it would appear on my account as $649 with a credit to bring it down to $299. Are they all being processed that way, or are will some appear as just $299. In other words, in the future if I have a legitimate retention issue, will they think they already gave me a huge credit?

[sda3]

Mine showed up on my bill as $299, not $649 with a discount

[jaobrien6]

Just got one for $299 - $100 MIR, he wouldn't give me anything else, but I think $200 is a great price, so I didn't feel like trying repeatedly. At first all he offered was $649 - $100 until I asked about the $299. He did say that this price is not a standard price, it's for "Special Accounts" but since someone posted it on the internet they've been getting a lot of calls about it. He then offered me that price instead.

I'm happy, I've been dying for HD Tivo, but hadn't wanted to pony up the dough, yet.

John

[jamoke]

Mine showed up on my bill as $299, not $649 with a discount


Ditto...

also a $14.96 + $1.17 ($16.12) Delivery and Handling Charge.
and a 1 year annual commitment line item.

You gotta love this ;)

It's about time the price of this box came down to earth.

[suncom3]

Looks like you guys made good use of my thread,Wonder how many deals we all got collectivly? $1000s im sure.

[madpad]

Here is what I got
299
$150 credit
No shipping charge
6 months HBO
6 months Showtime
6 months -$5 on HD package
Billed to my account, nothing out of pocket. Delivered in 2 days.

Was told this was suppose to be a deal for customers that had been with them for over 8 years.? Somehow it got out to the net a day early from inside and they made decision to honor deal. Like previous poster said they had a meeting and were not going to be giving any more service credits with deal? Was told that when the coversion to 4 kicked in that an upgrade would happen?

[rickmccamy]

The retention # works just fine, and you do not even need to threaten to cancel. It did take four different calls with a different deal on each one to get the deal I was looking for.

[rickmccamy]

Well Well finally i get on here to see what the hell is driving our call volume at work... and i found it. well just so everyone knows all the blah blah on the new hd dvr offer, yes it is for 299 with a 100$ MIR. But good luck on gettin much straight credit CRG has been having meetings because of you people, i for one know that the only way your gettin anything other than just the 299+100 off is if you have been with dtv for 10+ years, other than thatyour not gettin anything other than 299+100 and hopefully none of you get me on the phone cuz i note the account to not offer anything other than the 299+100 MIR. Everysingle call i take that they say anything about that offer i note the account because i know they they are forum readers. so good luck to everyone, and i don't member who it was that said they got 20$ off total choice, unless is premier you aren't gonna get it 20 is for premier only. anyways if anyone has one questions and wants real answer let me know.

This kind of customer service attitude makes me want to contact Julie Park, National Customer Service Manager, DirecTV! :cool:

[fredfa]

I can't imagine Julie would tolerate that kind of employee, Rick!

[willbhome]

Had my $299 HDDVR installed today by a couple of GREAT guys! D* is the BEST! The pic is BEAUtiful!

[TyroneShoes]

I can't imagine Julie would tolerate that kind of employee, Rick!
Hmmm. I find myself in the rare position of wanting to defend a CSR's statement. I would have more trouble tolerating an employee that had that much trouble expressing themself in a business-like fashion and gave the perception of having that attitude, but if you really look at what he's saying, he is simply following the recommendation of the CRG group management, post-meeting...offer 299 plus the MIR, nothing more for subs with less than 10 years. We might not like it, but that's a reasonable position for CRG to take under the circumstances, and a reasonable behavior (following orders to the letter like a good soldier) for the CSR. It's difficult to see how anyone, customer or CRG supervisor, could have a problem with that.

[catfish john]

Help:
Installation of my HD Tivo is tomorrow.
I will have 2 TIVO's in my entertainment center.
Will the remotes need to be reprogramed so they will not intefere with the other?
If so, will the installer do this, or do I have to?
If I have to, can any one give me instructions?
Thanks

[sjberra]

Well Well finally i get on here to see what the hell is driving our call volume at work... and i found it. well just so everyone knows all the blah blah on the new hd dvr offer, yes it is for 299 with a 100$ MIR. But good luck on gettin much straight credit CRG has been having meetings because of you people, i for one know that the only way your gettin anything other than just the 299+100 off is if you have been with dtv for 10+ years, other than thatyour not gettin anything other than 299+100 and hopefully none of you get me on the phone cuz i note the account to not offer anything other than the 299+100 MIR. Everysingle call i take that they say anything about that offer i note the account because i know they they are forum readers. so good luck to everyone, and i don't member who it was that said they got 20$ off total choice, unless is premier you aren't gonna get it 20 is for premier only. anyways if anyone has one questions and wants real answer let me know.

very good thing that you where not the csr that I spoke to at retention ot D* would have been minus a subscriber of 10 years right at that moment. I called because I had a quote in my hand from the local cable company that substantially saved money, then end deal I got from the CSR in retention was the only reason I stayed with D*. I can give a rats rear if the recorder is Tivo or not, if it does the job, then it is fine.

although I do suspect I have spoken with either you or someone that uses your theology of CSR because all the harped on was that the cable companies equipment was probably used and in poor condition

[TyroneShoes]

Beat this:
Just got mine for free, plus made money....Installer came out and forgot HD DVR( i called and complianed) ,after delaying my install already, they gave me the Unit for $299 - $250 customer rentention- $100 Tivo rebate, plus free Starz,plus free Showtime, plus 1/2 HD for a year.Sold my Ts 360 for $100 more than i paid for it and I'm ahead +$125 cash plus all the free programming.
Easy.

They gave me a $699 rebate against my $299 HR10, plus all the sports packages and pay channels for life, for free. They waived shipping, waived the 4.99 Tivo fee, and threw in $1000 of PPV credits. Then they gave me a secret code for the Weaknees website for two free 500GB drives with free install. When the DTV installer came, he erected a 60 ft. mast with a $250 Winegard, helped me build a deck, cooked dinner, walked the dog, serviced the wife, then gave me a reacharound.

[Kevin L]

Hmmm. I find myself in the rare position of wanting to defend a CSR's statement. I would have more trouble tolerating an employee that had that much trouble expressing themself in a business-like fashion and gave the perception of having that attitude, but if you really look at what he's saying, he is simply following the recommendation of the CRG group management, post-meeting...offer 299 plus the MIR, nothing more for subs with less than 10 years. We might not like it, but that's a reasonable position for CRG to take under the circumstances, and a reasonable behavior (following orders to the letter like a good soldier) for the CSR. It's difficult to see how anyone, customer or CRG supervisor, could have a problem with that.Hi, Tyrone.

What you say is fine. I suggest you read the message again, though. There's a definite personal attitude in the message that basically says "all you forum people are con artists and just looking for handouts and I'm going to make it my mission in life that nobody gets more than they deserve." As on employer, that's not the attitude I'd want for one of my CSRs.

[willbhome]

Catfish John,
Coding the remote will need to be done, but some installers may not be really familiar with how to do that. But, there are some instructions in the manual that are pretty easy to follow; easier, even than some written instructions I received from somebody on this forum.

[evilklown]

Easy.

They gave me a $699 rebate against my $299 HR10, plus all the sports packages and pay channels for life, for free. They waived shipping, waived the 4.99 Tivo fee, and threw in $1000 of PPV credits. Then they gave me a secret code for the Weaknees website for two free 500GB drives with free install. When the DTV installer came, he erected a 60 ft. mast with a $250 Winegard, helped me build a deck, cooked dinner, walked the dog, serviced the wife, then gave me a reacharound.

Laugh away, its true.

[rynotheman]

Thanks for this heads up - I did ok after talking to 3 different people and just asking them to take care of a good customer and keep me from switching at the end of my contract.

$349 HD Tivo ($50 more for the OTA antenna)
$100 M.I.R.
$100 Credit to account

2 premium for $2 for 1st 6 months, HBO and Showtime

$5.99 HD package for first year

Free shipping, install, etc.

Good enough for only being with them for a year and still being under a current contract. I did volunteer to be under another year contract in order to swing the 2 for $2 on HBO/Showtime. I don't plan on leaving DirecTV any time soon, so all's well.

[Tonedeaf]

I did volunteer to be under another year contract in order to swing the 2 for $2 on HBO/Showtime. I don't plan on leaving DirecTV any time soon, so all's well.

Whether you know it or not, when activated, it will be a 2 year contract.

[rynotheman]

Whether you know it or not, when activated, it will be a 2 year contract.

Negative on that, when they said two-year, I said no go to the deal, but that I was willing to do a one-year. He gave in with a one-year and I just called back to confirm it was definitely put through as a one-year. It can be done!

[ManOfSteele]

Locals off the air aren't a kludge at all. I get NBC and ABC in HD from DirecTV right now, but they look better OTA from my local affiliates! DirecTV is compressing everything. If you want the best quality, the UHF antenna is crucial and may always be so.

Quality is actually less important to me than aspect ratio. I have a widescreen DLP but watch most of my programs in 4:3 format, with black bars down the side. Some programs broadcast in a wide screen format that lets me expand the picture to my full screen size (Smallville e.g). Getting full screen broadcasts without having to adjust the aspect ratio manually would be great...

[reybie]

Lemme guess, you got TFC thru directv? :)
Less clutter in the entertainment rack and you only need one dish! I've been debating for 2 days if I want to try and get this deal. I'll miss INHD and Starz HD if I drop cable :confused:

They only used one dish at my sisters. A little bigger than the regular oval used for HD reception.

[Philly Bill]

Uh... the $ goes BEFORE the number, not after.

Well Well finally i get on here to see what the hell is driving our call volume at work... and i found it. well just so everyone knows all the blah blah on the new hd dvr offer, yes it is for 299 with a 100$ MIR. But good luck on gettin much straight credit CRG has been having meetings because of you people, i for one know that the only way your gettin anything other than just the 299+100 off is if you have been with dtv for 10+ years, other than thatyour not gettin anything other than 299+100 and hopefully none of you get me on the phone cuz i note the account to not offer anything other than the 299+100 MIR. Everysingle call i take that they say anything about that offer i note the account because i know they they are forum readers. so good luck to everyone, and i don't member who it was that said they got 20$ off total choice, unless is premier you aren't gonna get it 20 is for premier only. anyways if anyone has one questions and wants real answer let me know.

[BillyT2002]

Keep call to get your deal on the HD DVR with TIVO. If your family and friends are in the market for DirecTV service and want an HD DVR, have them call 800-600-8977 and play CSR roulette until they are satisfied with their deal too. While your at it, it cannot hurt to request "The Horror Channel" as well. ;)

[FullOGas]

What are these $100 and $150 credits called? I've asked 4 reps regarding this credit and none of them know what I'm talking about. I've mention hardware credits, activation credits, even just a basic credit towards my account and none have a clue.

[gfoulks]

Maybe you don't meet the requirement to receive the credit?

[evilklown]

fullof gas, dude you have to talk to retention dept.

[Rob Dawn]

0 for 2 yesterday for me.
2nd rep basically told me you have to have been with DirecTV for 5 years to get the $299 deal. Best I got was $449 after MIR and credit.

Has anyone with less than 5 years and doesn't have >$100/month bill gotten the $299 with MIR deal?!?

Back to the CSR Roulette Wheel today! :-)

Rob

[Charlutz]

0 for 2 yesterday for me.
2nd rep basically told me you have to have been with DirecTV for 5 years to get the $299 deal. Best I got was $449 after MIR and credit.

Has anyone with less than 5 years and doesn't have >$100/month bill gotten the $299 with MIR deal?!?

I signed up less than a year ago (just before last football season) and got it. From 3 different reps til I got the right combination of credits to make me pull the trigger. I have total choice plus, 2 movie channels, HD service, NFL, 2 extra receivers, 2 tivos and I have my monthly payment automatically charged to my credit card. I was 0-2, then the next three times I called got the $299 offer. Just be nice. Ignore whatever they give you as the reason they can't offer it and call again after waiting a few hours.

[MikeJW]

Here's what I got just now:

HDTivo - $299
-$100 MIR
-$5 for 6 months HD programing
-$99 NFL Superfan HD

I talked to 4 CSR's this morning and noone would budge on a $100 instant credit. Finally got the last lady to give me the NFL SupanFan package for free. I also confirmed with her that when Directv rolls out the new tech equipment that we'll have to upgrade too in order to get and record all the new HD channels, that my equipment will be upgraded at no charge.

[rlii]

I've talked to 4 or 5 different CSR's in the last few days and they're all sticking to their guns. They have given me $15 off for the next 6 months but all they are doing on the dvr is $299.00 + the MIR, which as I have told them I think is a great deal and would love to do it but it's just a little bit out of my reach right now. I told them i'd do it right now if they could split the $299 into 3 months, but they just can't do it. I'll keep trying.

[catfish john]

Willbhome thank you for your response to my question. I feel real stupid, after the post, I reread the owners manual, and there are complete instructions.
I really do appreciate you answering my post.

[AbMagFab]

I've talked to 4 or 5 different CSR's in the last few days and they're all sticking to their guns. They have given me $15 off for the next 6 months but all they are doing on the dvr is $299.00 + the MIR, which as I have told them I think is a great deal and would love to do it but it's just a little bit out of my reach right now. I told them i'd do it right now if they could split the $299 into 3 months, but they just can't do it. I'll keep trying.

Good god, what more do you want? You're just being greedy. $199 for an HD Tivo is an amazing deal.

[lynesjc]

Good god, what more do you want? You're just being greedy. $199 for an HD Tivo is an amazing deal.

Agreed.

[lynesjc]

Easy.

They gave me a $699 rebate against my $299 HR10, plus all the sports packages and pay channels for life, for free. They waived shipping, waived the 4.99 Tivo fee, and threw in $1000 of PPV credits. Then they gave me a secret code for the Weaknees website for two free 500GB drives with free install. When the DTV installer came, he erected a 60 ft. mast with a $250 Winegard, helped me build a deck, cooked dinner, walked the dog, serviced the wife, then gave me a reacharound.

Post of the Day! :p

[ericblair84]

What does number of posts have to do with the validity of my points? I've been with D* for 10 years, have two TIVOs and an HD receiver, and have read this forum ever since I learned about it. I only registered on it and wrote when I had something to say--that CSR roulette is a bad way to do business. For $150 they could have had me locked into spending over $100 a month for the next two years. With NFL Ticket and Superfan, they're going to be out at least three grand.

In my case, I've learned that DirecTV is a luxury, not a necessity, and I can easily spend my entertainment money elsewhere and receive comparable enjoyment. So maybe I should thank Sylvia and order that complete set of A Touch of Frost on dvd from Amazon.uk. I've been eyeing.

BL

[rlii]

Good god, what more do you want? You're just being greedy. $199 for an HD Tivo is an amazing deal.

Greed has nothing to do with it. If you read my post closely you would see that I indicated that I thought there offer was a great deal and that I'd love to do it but it is just out of my price range right now, and it really is. If someone walked up to me right now with the keys to a new Ferrari and said "it's all yours for $10,000" I coulnd't argue that it was not a great deal, but I still wouldn't be able to do it, cause I don't have $10,000 cash in my back pocket. I even told all the CSR's I spoke to that I appreciated all their help and that I did feal it was a very good deal, and one that I'll most deffinately take advantage of if it's still available when I can financially afford it. However, in the meantime I don't see anything wrong with me simply inquiring with them about current deals that other subscribers are getting. I've never been rude or demanding with any of the CSR's I've talked with. I would just love to be able to get this unit sooner rather than having to wait and when I see people getting deals that put this within financial reach, I think what can it hurt to politely call and ask what I can do to get such a deal. All they can say is no and I have no problem with that it just means that I have to wait longer. I'm a nut for technology and when I can afford it I'll blow money on the latest and greatest gadgets in a heart beat, heck I'd have paid the $999.00 for the thing if I could have afforded it. I'm not rich like many others on this board (I don't even have a HD tv yet) but I still have rich taste and like to be able to take advantage of as many offers I can.

[andreo]

Just have them note it in your account. I don't know how long it will be good for but you can ask them. Also I think the notes will be permanent so if you do miss out on it, you can mention it in the future when another deal comes up.

[rickmccamy]

D* customer since December, don't buy any PPV's, do subscribe to Playboy, STw/SF, and got a deal that brought my cost to $82, in two payments on the bill.

[willbhome]

You're welcome, Catfish. For once, I was able to help someone!

[willbhome]

Rob Dawn,
Actually, I've been with D* for about 3½ years, and have spent about $78 a month; though, it's going to $89 with the HD programming. I may have very little to do with my old SD Tivos, now, though. The pic is awesome!

[lmurphy]

I had mine installed yesterday. Great looking picture. The only thing I was a little curious about is if your installer kept all the extra cables. Mine uses the HDMI to DIVI and audio/video cable for audio. So I should have a Svideo,Component,HDMI, and phone cord left over going by the box if its correct. Does the box actually countian all of the cables listed. My installer said he only took the Svideo and there were no other cables.

[Tydaking]

Here's what I got last night..

$299.00 HD Directivo
-$100.00 credit on account
-$100.00 Rebate
-$30.00 ($-5.00 credit for 6 months on TC+)
-$15.00 ($-5.00 credit for 3 months on HD Package)
-$99.00 SuperFan(2nd call)
-$14.95 Shipping and Handling(2nd call)


Spoke to retention rep and it took all of 10 minutes to get everything set up. Not sure if I got shipping waived, but if I didn't, might have to call back about that too.

I read some folks got the Super Fan thrown in, so for poops and giggles I called back tonight and got my S&H taken off along with the Super Fan package added for free.

[BadlyDrawnBoy]

simple to get.

called retention asked how much

649 with a 100 dollar rebate.

I said my friend got it for 299 and a 100 dollar rebate, and she said no problem we can do that with teh 2 yr commitment

I was very pleased with this price and said thanks very much. Great deal/.

[kndust]

I have news for you all there is a 2yr commitment for any advanced unit and there is no way around it, you must agree to it or you will not get it, we will honor the price but nothing else that is all you will get from now on. you are thieves and you all know it ,not one have any ethics and I will do my best to stop you all I take account #'s down and will put them in account managment hands the standard price is 649.00 and that is what you will get from me and nothing more I really hope you make it to my line and we shall see happy hunting

[arholmes]

I also was able to get the HD DVR yesterday. I just called them up and told them that I had been interested in getting the HD DVR and had seen alot of people were getting it for the price of 299.00. He first asked me if I had seen an ad on the internet and I told him I had seen about it on this forum. I asked him if I qualify and he put me on hold and came back and said that I sure did. I also got the 100.00 dollar rebate. I think it all depends on who you get when you call the retention number. This guy was very helpful and knew exactly the deal I was talking about.

[PixelFreak]

I have news for you all there is a 2yr commitment for any advanced unit and there is no way around it, you must agree to it or you will not get it, we will honor the price but nothing else that is all you will get from now on. you are thieves and you all know it ,not one have any ethics and I will do my best to stop you all I take account #'s down and will put them in account managment hands the standard price is 649.00 and that is what you will get from me and nothing more I really hope you make it to my line and we shall see happy hunting
Wow, the great thing about getting you on the line is the disconnect button. *click* Then, the second best button gets a tap - Redial.

Ugh - seriously, that's why you're not in charge. DTV makes their money back with subscription revenue and gets us on the hook for 24 months - it's a win-win or else they wouldn't do it willingly. Good to know you're not in charge of their strategic planning...

Remember, that next *click* you get is probably me giving you what you deserve...

Enjoy.

[kndust]

all accounts are notated and if i had you on my line it would be notated that you are not eligible for the offer so keep trying go on

[kndust]

make my day

[Dssturbo1]

I had mine installed yesterday. Great looking picture. The only thing I was a little curious about is if your installer kept all the extra cables. Mine uses the HDMI to DIVI and audio/video cable for audio. So I should have a Svideo,Component,HDMI, and phone cord left over going by the box if its correct. Does the box actually countian all of the cables listed. My installer said he only took the Svideo and there were no other cables.

yes, the box contains all cables and parts listed.
the hr10-250 dtv hd dvr unit
tivo remote
dtv access card
hdmi cable
hdmi to dvi cable
component cable r g b
a/v cable y w r
svideo cable
phone cord
phone splitter
batteries
hd dvr manual
(Does not contain optical audio cable)
pretty nice complete package for hooking up the unit. if he shorted you call him back and ask for ithe items or call dtv and tell them.

[daviddoran]

I have news for you all there is a 2yr commitment for any advanced unit and there is no way around it, you must agree to it or you will not get it, we will honor the price but nothing else that is all you will get from now on. you are thieves and you all know it ,not one have any ethics and I will do my best to stop you all I take account #'s down and will put them in account managment hands the standard price is 649.00 and that is what you will get from me and nothing more I really hope you make it to my line and we shall see happy hunting

I am offended by being called a thief! I only called once, and asked if they had any deals on the HD DVR, and was offered the $299 price with $100 mail in rebate. Being offered something is not stealing! I am glad you didn't take my call. I did ask for a programming credit, and was told and I quote "You can always get programming credits" Like back when I first joined, they had a special $ value off for the first 6 months. It would be stealing if I broke into wherever the call center is, and put all sort of credits on my account myself.

My deal was

$299 HD Tivo
-$100 mail in rebate
-$120 ($20 off premier package for 6 months)
-$30 ($5 off HD package for 6 months (I didn't even ask for that one)

$50 total. I will be paying an extra $5 for another box, i'm just moving the one it's replacing to another room, but HD for the upcoming primetime season will be well worth it. That's probably one reason for the timing of this deal, TV has been kinda dead over the summer.

[FullOGas]

Maybe you don't meet the requirement to receive the credit?
I've been w/ D* for 5 years

fullof gas, dude you have to talk to retention dept.
...I have. All calls I've made have been to retention.

Does anyone know what the name of the $100/$150 discount? Like discounts for packages are labeled "To Our Valued Customers" or "We Appreciate Your Business".

[evilklown]

did you make late payments?

[rlii]

I have news for you all there is a 2yr commitment for any advanced unit and there is no way around it, you must agree to it or you will not get it, we will honor the price but nothing else that is all you will get from now on. you are thieves and you all know it ,not one have any ethics and I will do my best to stop you all I take account #'s down and will put them in account managment hands the standard price is 649.00 and that is what you will get from me and nothing more I really hope you make it to my line and we shall see happy hunting

Why all the hostility? Are these discounts comming out of your pocket or something? Nobody on this board is stealing anything or "getting over on anyone" if D* is saying yes to req people are making then what's the big deal? D* has been steadily raising their prices on their service and apparently the company is doing just fine financially (it can't be cheap to launch all the satellites they plan launching soon).

[rickmccamy]

The retention rep I dealt with could not have been more pleasant and she offered up the deals.
About a week earlier I had called to confirm my ST and order SF, I had only signed up for D* in December of last year. I had ST for the last 2 weeks of the season and had been charged $168. When the supervisor saw that she gave me ST this season for $54.75, couple that with my DVR deal, I am very pleased.
kndust, the term is CUSTOMER SERVICE, not customer agitation, I am not a thief, but you appear to be small minded!

I have news for you all there is a 2yr commitment for any advanced unit and there is no way around it, you must agree to it or you will not get it, we will honor the price but nothing else that is all you will get from now on. you are thieves and you all know it ,not one have any ethics and I will do my best to stop you all I take account #'s down and will put them in account managment hands the standard price is 649.00 and that is what you will get from me and nothing more I really hope you make it to my line and we shall see happy hunting

[adrud]

Very disappointed here.

Installer came today to install my HD-DVR, or so I thought. He came with a regular HD receiver because the retention rep placed my order incorrectly, ordering the aforementioned regular receiver. I called D* and told them what happened. Unfortunately I have to wait until the middle of next week to get the HD-DVR installed! I'm very pissed off.

[joekarglo]

got hd250 yesterday--works fine, but a couple of things--there is apparently no way to connect it to a second tv. Adv. tech says the manual is wrong claiming to block only S video when using HDMI. They say all other outputs are disabled but even if they were not, u could'nt get audio out? They are sending a "free" second receiver and free install but, of course, adding the $5.99 modeling charge. Also, all output must go into my hdtv digital input, which means some normal tv functions (certain picture movements, etc.) are no longer possible. I am planning to connect the second nonHD receiver to the main tv to get around all this but it is a major pain.

[tulip088]

Question. I'm looking to replace a plain HD receiver. If I don't need any cables run or anything, will I still need to scheule an "installation"? I know how to set up the receiver if they just send it to me...

[Rob Dawn]

0 for 2 yesterday for me.
2nd rep basically told me you have to have been with DirecTV for 5 years to get the $299 deal. Best I got was $449 after MIR and credit.

Has anyone with less than 5 years and doesn't have >$100/month bill gotten the $299 with MIR deal?!?

Back to the CSR Roulette Wheel today! :-)

Well, I guess third time was the charm!! Talked to a very nice lady. Said "Wanted to see about the HD DVR since the price had dropped to $299." She said "Well that price is for certain customers . . . and I see that you have been with us for 4 years so I can give it to you at that price no problem." She said she didn't know anything about giving people the SuperFan for free so I just went with the deal as is - I'll call back later and try to get that comped.

Weird way to do customer service where some CSRs say one thing and other CSRs say something completely different. But it has all worked out for me: got a regular HD receiver last year for $99 and now the HD TiVo for $200 this year so all is good!! :)

Rob

[Kevin L]

Question. I'm looking to replace a plain HD receiver. If I don't need any cables run or anything, will I still need to scheule an "installation"? I know how to set up the receiver if they just send it to me...No, you have to schedule an installation. You'd want to, anyway. Here's why: Your current HD receiver has one SAT line and possibly an OTA line. The HR10 needs to have two SAT lines and one OTA line to be fully functional. One of the great features of the DirecTV DVRs is the ability to record two shows at the same time, or watch one live show (though you'll learn there's no reason to watch live TV anymore) while recording another, or best of all, record two shows while watching a third recorded show.

The DirecTV installation covers the cabling, switches, and most anything else you need to get the full functionality of the HR10.

Enjoy!

[FullOGas]

did you make late payments?
Nope, automatically deducted from my checking every month.

[FullOGas]

Very disappointed here.

Installer came today to install my HD-DVR, or so I thought. He came with a regular HD receiver because the retention rep placed my order incorrectly, ordering the aforementioned regular receiver. I called D* and told them what happened. Unfortunately I have to wait until the middle of next week to get the HD-DVR installed! I'm very pissed off.
That's nothing. The next available install in my area is Sept. 17.

[Charlutz]

got hd250 yesterday--works fine, but a couple of things--there is apparently no way to connect it to a second tv. Adv. tech says the manual is wrong claiming to block only S video when using HDMI. They say all other outputs are disabled but even if they were not, u could'nt get audio out? They are sending a "free" second receiver and free install but, of course, adding the $5.99 modeling charge. Also, all output must go into my hdtv digital input, which means some normal tv functions (certain picture movements, etc.) are no longer possible. I am planning to connect the second nonHD receiver to the main tv to get around all this but it is a major pain.

If you skip HDMI, and use component and S-video connections, you can't connect it to two tvs that way? It would make sense that you couldn't since it would be sending an HD signal over the component connection and a 480i signal over the S-vid. I believe the reason you can't send both an HDMI signal and a second video signal might be tied up in the HDCP copy protection. It acts to prevent hd signals from being copied.

[Griffin21]

I have news for you all there is a 2yr commitment for any advanced unit and there is no way around it, you must agree to it or you will not get it, we will honor the price but nothing else that is all you will get from now on. you are thieves and you all know it ,not one have any ethics and I will do my best to stop you all I take account #'s down and will put them in account managment hands the standard price is 649.00 and that is what you will get from me and nothing more I really hope you make it to my line and we shall see happy hunting
This is really a pretty incredible response (unless it's just a troll). Either moral is very low at the call center (other positive reports make this seem unlikely), your direct supervisor has given you a very poorly inspired talk about this (thieves!), or you have one hell of a crappy attitude and are past due for a talk with HR.

I have run and taken calls in an emergency call center for many years. My people deal with folks who are far more upset and stressed than you will ever hear. Being spiteful, small minded, or just plain mean does not help anyone - least of all you. If I ever were to hear of one of my reports treating the caller with your (boasted) callous manner that person would be seeking employment elsewhere. Phone service is a tough and stressful job - a bad attitude will only guarantee your failure.

Please do take note: while you are noting my account number I am noting your information. If I do end up talking to you and you treat me like you purport, your supervisor will hear about it.

(btw, first time posting - long time reader - this one finally motivated me to register!)

[Bosjoe]

Pulled the Trigger.

$299 plus $100 rebate.
plus 6 Months of Priemier with $20 off each month.

Hell this just also saves me $60 a year because I have a Direct-Tivo and and HD-box in the living room already.

[Philly Bill]

This is really a pretty incredible response (unless it's just a troll). Either moral is very low at the call center (other positive reports make this seem unlikely), your direct supervisor has given you a very poorly inspired talk about this (thieves!), or you have one hell of a crappy attitude and are past due for a talk with HR.


They're just pissed cause the phones are so busy they actually have to do some work where before they probably were sluffing off 1/2 the day. LOL.

[Griffin21]

They're just pissed cause the phones are so busy they actually have to do some work where before they probably were sluffing off 1/2 the day. LOL.
Like the old joke, when someone asks me how many people work in my building, and I respond, "about half" :D

[E PAUL]

They're just pissed cause the phones are so busy they actually have to do some work where before they probably were sluffing off 1/2 the day. LOL.
i called csr several days ago inquiring of a billing error[missing retention credits promised via a previous csr person]this csr lady was a real animal!rude is not the word!she would not even listen to what issues i was having with my billing errors.she even suggested that she was going to revoke the credits issued by the prev. csr person.her rotten,stinking attitude really made me think about my future options for utilizing my neighborhoods recently installed Verizon fiber optic system.Direct Tv is not the only kid on the block!

[beelzabuck]

Hi all, long time lurker, but had to post after got the deal. I just got this deal today about 15 minutes ago. 299.00 hdtivo plus 100, rebate, 5 dollars off the hd pack for six months, 10 dollars off hbo for six months and free showtime for six months. The girl I spoke too was very nice, was thanking me for being a longtime customer (since 1997) and said she was very glad she could give me the deal. I was expecting to have to fight for the deal, but it was one of the easiest calls I have ever had to make to DirecTV. So, it is still possible to get programming credits. I also asked her about what would happen with the MPEG4, and she said they didn't have anything official that "she" knew of, but that she was sure directv would swap equipment for high end customers, with maybe only an extended service commitment. Also, they would not let me install myself even though I am just swapping with an sd tivo. My only concern is I don't have a phone line, and I know I need it for the activation. Hopefully the installer will just let me do it myself so I can take to a friends house. Oh, and one more thing, they are installing on Sunday the 21st. Now that is quick service! (Seattle, WA area)

[jaobrien6]

beelzabuck,

When I ordered mine the other day, the CSR said that I didn't have to have the installer activate it if I didn't want to, and if I did that, I just had to make sure to activate it myself within 30 days. So you should be okay taking it to a friend's house to activate.

John

[Eunos]

I just called, and despite having been a customer since 1998, they quoted me $649.
I said "Thank you, but I'll just wait for the Verizon FiOS video service since I already have FiOS installed."

After putting me on hold, I got the $299 price. But they didn't offer any programming credits.

[beelzabuck]

John,
Thanks. I hope I can do that too then. If he tries to just walk out the door saying he can't do it, I might have to release the hounds! I'm looking forward to some HD programming now. I have a T360 that I got for a 100 last year, but disconnected it because I could not watch regular tv. I kept trying to fast forward, and then I'd remember I couldn't do it on this one. It's funny how you get used to the tivo feature. When I got my first one, it was only because of a good deal. I kept telling the saleman, "I don't need that feature, I would never use it." Well, how wrong I was.

[dennishp]

New HR10-250 @ $299.00 w/$100.00 rebate
3 mo free HD package
6 mo free Showtime
6 mo HBO @ $2.00/mo
$14.94 shipping w/new 18" dish and install

Not too bad for the first time calling customer retention.

[Popvideo]

Just want to let people know about some extra charges that might show up on your bill. Anyone in the state of Florida that takes this deal is subject to a "cable tax" of 13.17%. Normally this is a few dollars BUT on an equipment purchase of $349 ($299+$50 OTA) that adds up to $45.96. This is an outrageous fee that was not explained to me before it was charged.

Now i have had 4 good calls with the retention center people and I got a good deal with the HD DVR but the customer service people need to let us know about these charges BEFORE they are added. I understand it's coming from my state government but I should have been made aware of it. Some states don't have these high taxes (figures fla would) but I should have been told more information than "the total will be $349 plus tax" if it was going to be more than a reasonable sales tax (6.5% in my county). I surely should have been told it was 13.17% in my state!

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE CSR admins that frequent this forum, change your procedures and be up front with us. I don't appreciate being blind sided. thanks goodness i saw it on my internet account bill before my wife saw it and freaked out. if i would not checked and seen it when the mail was delivered, I would REALLY be screaming!!

Rant over.

Here is how I did:

$299.00 HD Directivo
$50.00 OTA Antennae
-$100.00 rebate on account
-$60.00 ($-10.00 credit for 6 months on STARS)
-$30.00 ($-5.00 credit per month on HD Package)


overall a good deal before tax

KellyA in Florida (the other Bush's state)

[NathanJr]

I love this forum!

I've been a D* customer since 2000 (w/ tivo), never late, $75+/mo.

1st call: She offered me the $649-100 deal. I very politely mentioned that I had heard about a $299-100(MIR) deal. She agreed, and threw in $5/mo x 6 off the HD package, but I would have to purchase the OTA antenna for $50. I thanked her and told her I would call back if I could afford it.

2nd call: He was very nice, gave me the same deal that the first lady offered (I am sure she noted it in my account), and after some hemming and hawing (I would rather have a little incentive up front, to defray the $50 antenna cost), he threw in 12 months of $5 off HD. I said I would call back.

3rd call: $299-100(MIR), 6 months of $5 off HD. When I mentioned that the last guy offered me 12 months, he very curtly told me that I had twice been offered 6 months (it was noted in my account), and that was all he would give me. He said "I'm not one of the reps that gives service discounts at all. If I fielded your call first, you would get NOTHING. We are fully aware of the Community Forum, and we are offering you an amazing price. We are losing TONS of money on these units!"

I figure this was a little rash. I have spent over $4500 on service with these guys, with no marginal cost to them (the spot beam is on my house, and I paid for all of my equipment and installation, so far). I know I sound greedy trying to bilk an extra hundred bucks out of the deal, but why not? I even offered to sign up for a multiple-year commitment! I really don't think they are losing money on this deal. Why make a happy customer unhappy?

At this point, I am at a crossroads. I am sure this hard-line CSR made a note in my account. If I get the same attitude the next time, should I ask for a supervisor? I know it's a trivial amount of money, but I'm starting to feel that it's a matter of principle.

I'd love to hear what you all think, good or bad...

[Kevin L]

NathanJr,

I think you should take the last offer you got:

HR10-250: $299
Rebate: -$100
HD disc: $-60
Cost: $139

Great deal for an item that was a $1,000 earlier this year. Not as good as some, but better than others.

Plus, I've usually found that when someone says it's the principal of the thing, it's really the money. After all, what principal are you trying to protect? :)

[Squeak]

with no marginal cost to them (the spot beam is on my house, and I paid for all of my equipment and installation, so far).

Not true -- most of the bigger stations charge DirecTv a per-subscriber fee. It isn't free for them to carry the networks.

[rmassey]

After all, what principal are you trying to protect? :)

The principal and interest I earn on my money when I keep it in the bank.... :)

[rmassey]

Hell this just also saves me $60 a year because I have a Direct-Tivo and and HD-box in the living room already.

yup, same as me. I was running a SD Tivo and a seperate HD Box, deact both of these and added the HDTivo, saves me $5/mo.

I figure $199 - $30 (HD cr for 6 mo) - $60(mirror fee for 1 yr) = $109. Heck the 250GB HD in the box is worth that much. :)

If I get 12-14 months of use from this box before mp4 upgrades, I figure I break even. Most likely I won't see mp4 locals in DMA 94 until 2007.

[NathanJr]

Kevin,

I freely admit that it's a good deal, I just don't like that the 3rd guy wouldn't acknowledge the 2nd guy's deal (he cut the 12 month discount to 6), and treated me like a turd, to boot.

At this point, the "principle" is that they aren't honoring the 2nd guy's offer, and that the dialogue went from friendly to accusatory, even backhandedly slurring the readers of this forum because we happen to be informed.

I understand that some CSR's are frustrated by the wheeling and dealing that has come as a result of our sharing information, but we aren't really asking for much. Cable companies are offering similar monthly deals with no up-front charges (I've heard).

Squeak,

Fair enough... I stand corrected. I'll ammend my statement to "relatively little marginal cost".

Thanks!

[NathanJr]

HR10-250: $299
Rebate: -$100
HD disc: $-60
Cost: $139

Actually would look like this after the 3rd call:
HR10-250: $299
Rebate: -$100
HD disc: $-30
Antenna: $50
Cost: $219

Still a good deal, though. I am a bit torn.

Another question: can I get a similar antenna to the one they offer for $50 from another vendor for less? Would D*'s installers set it up as part of the free installation?

Thanks for the responses, folks!

[Charlutz]

Kevin,

I freely admit that it's a good deal, I just don't like that the 3rd guy wouldn't acknowledge the 2nd guy's deal (he cut the 12 month discount to 6), and treated me like a turd, to boot.

At this point, the "principle" is that they aren't honoring the 2nd guy's offer, and that the dialogue went from friendly to accusatory, even backhandedly slurring the readers of this forum because we happen to be informed.

I understand that some CSR's are frustrated by the wheeling and dealing that has come as a result of our sharing information, but we aren't really asking for much. Cable companies are offering similar monthly deals with no up-front charges (I've heard).

Squeak,

Fair enough... I stand corrected. I'll ammend my statement to "relatively little marginal cost".

Thanks!

Nate, take a deep breath. You should know from reading this thread that different CSR's offer different deals. Don't take what any of the more abrasive CRS's say personally. It isn't personal. Some people just are "that way." Call again til you get a deal you like and do it. It's a great price regardless, even if you can't get the last fifty bucks of credit. If you get offered a deal you don't like, politely decline, wait a day and call again. It's a free phone call. :up:

[jblankenship]

I've been reading this thread since it started and decided to bite the bullet. I've been a DTV subscriber since January 2005. So the deal is not necessarily restricted to long time subscribers. 1st call got me this:

$299 HDTivo
$100 Mail-in rebate
$50 OTA antenna
$30 HD credit
$30 TC+ credit
2/2 HBO program for 6 months

The CSR was very courteous and pleasant to deal with. Some have gotten better deals and some have gotten worse, but this seemed good to me. Now I'll probably sell my ReplayTV units on eBay.

As an aside, has anybody had any luck enabling HMO (or just plain ethernet) on this unit and pulling programs, converting them, and sharing them on a Replay via DVArchive or something similar?

[FourFourSeven]

Tried calling three times over the last four days. Was as friendly and polite as could be. Note I had a service call about two months ago when I lost my signal (corroded cables outside). They wanted to charge me $70, but agreed to waive the cost. So I've already gotten "free" stuff recently...

Call 1: $299, $100 rebate
Call 2: $299, $100 rebate, $5 off HD for six months
Call 3: The guy (very nice) had a record of the offer from call 2. Couldn't help me any more. Decided it was time to accept (frankly, it's a great deal).

Also, I was assured they would either switch out the boxes when going to MPEG-4, or do a software upgrade to make the box MPEG-4 compatable. I'm under the impression that a software upgrade is impossible, but wasn't going to press the issue...

[cfarm]

Also, I was assured they would either switch out the boxes when going to MPEG-4, or do a software upgrade to make the box MPEG-4 compatable. I'm under the impression that a software upgrade is impossible, but wasn't going to press the issue...

Here's where I run into problems with these CSR promises. He tells you two possibilities, one of which is impossible(software upgrade). But the other must be valid?

Be nice if someone above the CSR dept would step forward and clear the air. These promises are worth nothing until you either get it in writing or it actually happens.

[Kevin L]

The principal and interest I earn on my money when I keep it in the bank.... :)Oops, I meant principle! One of the problems of trying to do work while surfing the web.

I've corrected my typo. Thanks!

[Kevin L]

Kevin,

I freely admit that it's a good deal, I just don't like that the 3rd guy wouldn't acknowledge the 2nd guy's deal (he cut the 12 month discount to 6), and treated me like a turd, to boot.

At this point, the "principle" is that they aren't honoring the 2nd guy's offer, and that the dialogue went from friendly to accusatory, even backhandedly slurring the readers of this forum because we happen to be informed.

I understand that some CSR's are frustrated by the wheeling and dealing that has come as a result of our sharing information, but we aren't really asking for much. Cable companies are offering similar monthly deals with no up-front charges (I've heard).

Squeak,

Fair enough... I stand corrected. I'll ammend my statement to "relatively little marginal cost".

Thanks!No doubt it's frustrating, Nathan. This game of CSR roulette is irritating, though I'm not sure if it benefits us sometimes. For example, if there was a uniform policy for these credits and deals, which one would it be. I think it would be middle of the road, since most of us already made the decision to purchase the item, and the extra credits are just gravy. Sometimes you get more; sometimes less.

You're right, they should honor the second guy's deal, but he may have said one thing and inadvertantly entered something else in the computer, just like my "principal", I typed something other than intended. :)

[Kevin L]

Actually would look like this after the 3rd call:
HR10-250: $299
Rebate: -$100
HD disc: $-30
Antenna: $50
Cost: $219

Still a good deal, though. I am a bit torn.

Another question: can I get a similar antenna to the one they offer for $50 from another vendor for less? Would D*'s installers set it up as part of the free installation?

Thanks for the responses, folks!Hmmm, that's right, the HD credit was only $30, not the $60.

As far as the antenna, I don't know what they send. Remember the $50 includes the install on the OTA antenna. I doubt if you bought the antenna yourself they'd install it for free. These installers don't get paid a lot by DirecTV, and look for reasons to increase their revenue.

You might want to check antennaweb.org to see what you need for OTA.

[Kevin L]

Here's where I run into problems with these CSR promises. He tells you two possibilities, one of which is impossible(software upgrade). But the other must be valid?

Be nice if someone above the CSR dept would step forward and clear the air. These promises are worth nothing until you either get it in writing or it actually happens.DirecTV has a history of doing free product swaps if changes in their system requires new equipment.

[Family]

I paid $500 for the HD10-250 at the end of July and called twice to squawk and they finally gave me a $300 credit in programming. I didn't get the rebates and some of the programming discounts, but this wasn't bad. Here's a hint if it hasn't been mentioned before (I can't read this whole thread)... different customer retention reps have different limits. They guy I spoke with last nite only had a $150 limit and the person today had $250. Maybe reps during the day have larger limits.

[rickmccamy]

You're right, they should honor the second guy's deal, but he may have said one thing and inadvertantly entered something else in the computer, just like my "principal", I typed something other than intended. :)

No, I think the take it or lose it aspect, saves me a trip to Reno for a couple months.

[skirjonen]

Quick call and I got the $299 (- MIR $100) deal with free installation without any issues.

2nd HDTivo for me just in time for the new season with more than two shows running at the same time :D :up:

[bellbm]

What software version does this HD Tivo run? Does it have folders?

[Krookut]

I like DirecTV, but I think it's unbelievable that a company this size lets it's employees play "CSR roulette". Just in this thread someone posts that a CSR tells him "the deal" is only for customers who have been with DirecTV for 5 years or more and won't offer the discount, then just a few posts above jblankenship says he's been with them only since January and got "the deal" with one call. This is just no way to run a business.

[inaka]

Thanks to all who posted about this deal. All I said was that I was an existing customer (I have TC with locals and HBO, auto-pay with credit card, and used to have the Sunday Ticket) and "I wanted to know more about the HD Tivo that you have that I heard about that is almost free with credits and rebates."

CSR #1: "Well, it's only for some special customers. Let me see if you qualify. Yes, you do qualify, and the cost is $199, but there are no programming or hardware credits."

Me: "Ok thanks, I'll think about it. Goodbye."

CSR #2: "There are no programming or hardware credits, we're aready knocking $300 or so off the price of the HD DVR."

Me: "Ok thanks, I'll think about it. Goodbye."

CSR #3: "No, everything you heard was false. There's a lot of misinformation out there. There are no programming credits I can offer you."

Me: "Ok thanks, I'll think about it. Goodbye."

CSR #4: "Yes. The HD DVR will cost you $199 after rebate, and I can offer you the HD package free for 3 months and 6 months of your HBO for just $2 a month."

Me: "Are there any HD deals on the Sunday Ticket?"

Same CSR #4: "Yes. If you want the Sunday Ticket, I can't get you the early brid pricing anymore, but I can give you the SuperFan add-on package for free"

Me: "Ok cool, let's do it." :up: :D


Cheers, my 2nd HD TiVo should be here in a bit! :up:

[DTVslave]

OK. First off I wanted to say that I have spent the last 1-2 hours reading through this thread. I have seen some great things that were said and some not so great things as well. There is no excuse for a CSR to post such a message as djchronic posted. I understand where he is coming from for I have been a CSR for 4 years, many of that time in Retention. For any business, what is the purpose of the Retention dept? To retain a customer by balancing the needs of the customer and the needs of the business. If a customer (who is without influence from sources such as this forum) is looking for a great deal, from a business perspective I want to make this cust happy with the minimum amount of financial loss for the company right? So as a retention csr (who by the way is trained to think of both business needs as well as customer needs) I am going to try to make you happy with smaller offers at first then if appropriate step those offers up to try to meet the cust in the middle. The $299 HD DVR offer is meant as a last resort offer and to balance the business needs should not be offered up front. I think what djchronic is stating is that if retention is getting the callers dialing directly to them and stating, "I want a HD DVR for $299!" the csr is not able to perform the "retention job." When you call, do you hear the IVR say "Calls may be monitored for Quality"? Retention CSR's are required to follow the Quality guidelines set. We are trying to do a job that demands constant customer satisfaction within a short amount of time, while trying to do this within Quality requirements. Please just keep in mind that every offer is based off of a case by case basis. And with every caller asking for the $299 deal it makes it hard for the CSR to balance the customer AND business needs.

[packerfan]

I love this forum!

I've been a D* customer since 2000 (w/ tivo), never late, $75+/mo.

1st call: She offered me the $649-100 deal. I very politely mentioned that I had heard about a $299-100(MIR) deal. She agreed, and threw in $5/mo x 6 off the HD package, but I would have to purchase the OTA antenna for $50. I thanked her and told her I would call back if I could afford it.

2nd call: He was very nice, gave me the same deal that the first lady offered (I am sure she noted it in my account), and after some hemming and hawing (I would rather have a little incentive up front, to defray the $50 antenna cost), he threw in 12 months of $5 off HD. I said I would call back.

3rd call: $299-100(MIR), 6 months of $5 off HD. When I mentioned that the last guy offered me 12 months, he very curtly told me that I had twice been offered 6 months (it was noted in my account), and that was all he would give me. He said "I'm not one of the reps that gives service discounts at all. If I fielded your call first, you would get NOTHING. We are fully aware of the Community Forum, and we are offering you an amazing price. We are losing TONS of money on these units!"

I figure this was a little rash. I have spent over $4500 on service with these guys, with no marginal cost to them (the spot beam is on my house, and I paid for all of my equipment and installation, so far). I know I sound greedy trying to bilk an extra hundred bucks out of the deal, but why not? I even offered to sign up for a multiple-year commitment! I really don't think they are losing money on this deal. Why make a happy customer unhappy?

At this point, I am at a crossroads. I am sure this hard-line CSR made a note in my account. If I get the same attitude the next time, should I ask for a supervisor? I know it's a trivial amount of money, but I'm starting to feel that it's a matter of principle.

I'd love to hear what you all think, good or bad...

It can't hurt to try again. It took me three calls before I got the deal that I wanted.

[tavarua88]

i just got in on this deal today. i'm actually a new sub and had them install a HD receiver and 3 regular sets. called a few hours later and asked about the HD Tivo deal was offered it after on hold for about 5 mins. i didnt want to push for anything else considering that i am a new customer and didnt want to push my luck. any suggestions on what to do with the extra HD receiver or regular receiver now?

[Griffin21]

DTVSlave....*giving you an electronic handshake* :up:

Very well put, very well put and exactly correct. We (us customer service folk) must always strike that difficult balance. The funny thing is that even the ones who need our services and want something and know it too. It's a give and take game. Good for you properly representing and explaining it intelligently and fairly. People can understand and relate. I too have found that a wee bit of honesty goes a very long way towards satisfied customers and satisfied CSR folk, and ..... incidently, satisfied corporation.

As to the buisness needs, when it gets to be too much the company will let you know.

Now, I just need to get busy and call DTV also. I've actually been waiting to give the CRS folk a chance to get a breather and calm down a little. Does any one know what kind of deal I might get with a HDtivo AND a SDtivo - could I still get the SD free (like it says on the DTV website) as well as the discount on the HDtivo?

[taj2]

Yesterday my SD Tivo died. I called DTV (twice) and was getting no deals on SD Tivo so I had them transfer me to Retention. I received the $299 less the $100 plus some programming. I came to this site and found all this information and so I called back this morning. The guy I spoke to was completely unwilling to deal with me. I even ordered the Superfan from him hoping he would give it to me for free. Although I didn't get the same deal as others I am still pretty happy as I got a HD Tivo for the same price as a HD Receiver. Does anyone know if there are parameters for which deal is offered to you (ie length you have been customer, average monthly bill, etc?). I have only been with DTV for two years but am a NFL ST subscriber and pay about $85 per month. Just curious to see what others "demographics" are who got better deals.

[Krookut]

I just tried for "the deal", $649 is the only offer, CSR adamantly states that DirectTV has never offered the HD Tivo for $299, says everyone here must have bought theirs through a local retailer. Gotta love it.

[shalverson]

Hi,
Looking for a little help. I just talked with DirecTV and they offered me the $299 HD DVR upgrade with an additional $100 rebate. Here's the problem. My service address is differant than my billing address. I would like them to ship it to my billing address, but they are not willing to do this. They said that a technician has to install it. Any options for a self install?

What will happen if I move my service address back to my billing address? Will I lose my distant networks?

Thanks

[BillyT2002]

"Move" back to billing address.
Have equipment installed.
"Move" back to service address.

[shalverson]

Thanks Billy! Can this all be done in one phone call with the same CSR?

[BillyT2002]

Of course not. Call once and "move" to the billing address. Wait for the installer to come out and do the install (could take days). Call to activate the new receiver. Then call back to "move" back to the service address. If any CSRs give you any trouble at any point in the process, call back and play CSR roulette.

That is how I'd do it.

[shalverson]

Thanks again. Will I loose the distants until I change back

[bellbm]

DAmn! I want it now, but they said they can't install until September 10th (Chicago)! I tried to get the $250 activation credit if I go and pick one up at Best Buy, but apparently that isn't a deal anymore.

[rickmccamy]

Don't believe I have heard of anyone getting $250 activation credit. $100 Mail-in -rebate, $150 activation for some, plus various programming credits. The programming credits really don't cost D* anything, so that;'s what you really need to work on.

[shalverson]

Thanks again for the tips. Just talked with a CSR. Changed my service address and ordered the $299 DVR. install scheduled for Tuesday. My distants are still running.

Scott

[rickmccamy]

I was just thinking, the knowledge we gain through these forums makes dealing with large corporations more like collective bargaining.
National Oganization of Digital Users with Hd (NO DUH). Join NO DUH now.

[Rcam10]

Thanks again for the tips. Just talked with a CSR. Changed my service address and ordered the $299 DVR. install scheduled for Tuesday. My distants are still running.

Scott


If you don't mind telling, I would be interested in knowing if the distant networks continue to come in until you change the address back. It seems to me that there might be a different dept. that handles the actual address they keep, regarding the distant networks.

The reason I say this is because I had to move (really) about 2 years ago, and the area had locals. So when I changed the address they came right in. Then about a 3 months later I moved to a white area. The distant networks did not come in and I had to call.

They connected me to another dept. and I ask shouldn't I be able to get them, and she told me I only had a wavier for one. That kind of confused me because it was over 2 years in the past at another address I had that. So I ask what address she had, and it was the orginal address, over 2 years old, that wasn't on my bill or the website, but they still had that one on file there.

Then I told her that was a old addresss , and she entered the new one, it was ok, everything came in. Ever since then I've wondered if to get the actual address changed that the controls the distants, you have to call the right dept. not just a normal CSR.

I was getting locals for over two years, yet they had a address on file that didn't offer locals, at that dept. I talked too. The new service address was on my bill all that time, but it still hadn't been changed in that dept. Also it didn't change of course when I move to a white area.

[shalverson]

I will make sure to update everyone on this.

Scott

[kbohip]

Pay no attention to djchronic. My guess is he bought his HD-Tivo last year for a cool grand and is now PO'd that everyone is getting the same thing for $800 less. I should know, as I work for Directv too, the names Rupert Murdoch;). Isn't internet forum anonymousness fun?

BTW, I have been a customer with Directv for only about 4 months. I called the retention number and asked if I could get the $299-100 deal. The csr almost immediately said yes. I passed because even at that price Directv's HD lineup doesn't make it worth it to me.

[Happyfeet]

Many Thanks to this Post

I got the 299 with the 100 rebate for a 2 year commitment
5 dollars off 6 months of HD
Free Months of Showtime

I think DirectV is still a little weak on the Hd Lineup, but I don't see a better price than this in the near future and I am really hoping Directv will expand the lineup soon.

[bustergonad]

Got mine ordered yesterday. It took 2 calls to retention, the first gave me the $299 -$100 deal but would only give me $5 off programming for 3 months. The 2nd call netted me the...
$299 - $100 deal
$5.00 off the HD package for 6 mts
Free Showtime for 6 mts
Free install
Superfan for $24

Being delivered/setup on monday 8/22

Roy

[mike1977]

Many Thanks to this Post

I got the 299 with the 100 rebate for a 2 year commitment
5 dollars off 6 months of HD
Free Months of Showtime

I think DirectV is still a little weak on the Hd Lineup, but I don't see a better price than this in the near future and I am really hoping Directv will expand the lineup soon.

Yeah, I can just see it happen for current customers...once they come out with their own hd dvr I can see the price going back up to get hd, instead of getting it now and having a free or low cost upgrade to the new hardware in the future.

[judal98]

Just did the deal:

Background
- been with D* for just over 1 year
- Total Choice + Tivo (pretty basic)

Deal
$349 plus local tax (OTA/HDTIVO package)
- 100 Rebate
====
$249 plus local tax

Misc Discounts/Credits
- Free, Showtime @ 6months
- Waived, $14.95, Handling and Delivery
- Credit, $5/month @ 6 months HD package
- Credit, $10/month @ 6 months for Sports Pack

Did not really push too hard, asked nicely twice if more could be done...Not as good as many have received, but you gotta pretty happy when you look at the big picture.

Thanks to all for the good info and tips.

[cktb2793]

Thanks again for the tips. Just talked with a CSR. Changed my service address and ordered the $299 DVR. install scheduled for Tuesday. My distants are still running.

Scott

Man, I hope you didn't screw yourself on this. If they do end up turning off your distants before you change back.......I don't think you will be able to get them again with the new SHIVA laws that went into effect.

I'm in your situation...I "live" in Key West but am somewhere else in FL. I'd like to get in on the HD Tivo deal....but will NOT risk losing my Distants........they are way more important to me that the HDTivo.

Good Luck......hope you didn't screw yourself doing that.

[hodag17]

I purchased my HDTivo a few weeks ago, at $649 - rebate - 250 credit, I called last night to try and get more credit, but this morning, spoke to Yvonne who was able to get me an additional $150 credit. It seems to just depend who you talk to, as the others have said.

[MI_SAT]

BTW, I have been a customer with Directv for only about 4 months. I called the retention number and asked if I could get the $299-100 deal. The csr almost immediately said yes. I passed because even at that price Directv's HD lineup doesn't make it worth it to me.


Okay, so the majority of the people posting their deals received roughly the $199 after rebate, perhaps plus some programming discounts. So, it is only reasonable for you (or anyone else) to assume that's roughly what it'll cost. They offered you the deal.

So, knowing what the HD lineup was, and that it would still not be worth it to you with equipment at $199, you called anyway? How stupid are you? Did you think you could bargain for your own incremental HD lineup?

I think you have way too much time on your hands. Tell your parents they should move your bedtime back to 8:00 pm from 8:30.

[theratpatrol]

I wish BB and CC had this deal. I could just walk in, buy it, bring it home and hook it up all in the same day without having to go thru D* and having to wait for the unit. :D

[kndust]

sorry to say you would still have to go thru dtv to get them active and you would have take 2yr commiment

[jimcummings]

I made one call, mentioned I heard of a great deal and was a good, long time (since 96) Directv customer. Got another HD-250 and OTA for $349, $100 rebate, Showtime free for 6 months. HBO (which I already have) for $2 a month for 6 months and $10 off my programming package for 10 months. I'm satisfied!
Jim Cummings

[skillznbonez]

Hi. I have spent hours reading these threads. I wanted to take this time and try to address some of the posts and issues and questions all of you have brought up. Some background: I work for DirecTV and have been with them for quite some time. I, therefore, am very intimate with the happenings within retention. They are only located within the call center I work in. There are almost 1800 CSRs in the center.


I want to post some responses by name.

Kturcotte: Only two channels are on the 110 sat right now.
Blueman2: Yes, you can setup new acct with standard irds and then after activation cb to get the 299$ hd-dvr.

Tomthumb: No, retailers will not be offering that price soon.

ctlesq & jaro: Refer to crickets comments

BillyT2002: No one should be scaring anyone.

Mr. Roboto: Yes, please call back. You are eligible to receive the hd-dvr price as well.

jwg: the 150$ credit offer was presented prior to the 299$ offer to help drop the 649$ cost for you. I am glad you got it but try not to take too much.

gfoulks: Anyone has the right to do install themselves. If you will pursue that route, just let the tech know and sign all forms. DirecTV would be released of liability if anything goes wrong at that point.

nodeal: Your situation should not have happened. Please callback.

lazymannow: Mentioning leaving or "better deal" with cable usually does not work.

Arbys-Night: You never get exactly the same with cable.



I am done with individual responses.
I really appreciate everyone's feedback and experiences. What I want to relate is pretty simple. DirecTV consistently has the best customer service. There will always be bad apples that rock the boat for everyone else. Do not let it go. If you have a bad experience, politely note the csr's name and employee number. You may also request a supervisor and they will always have that information if you would like to provide feedback on the csr. Please do the same if you have a positive experience.
Many deals are based upon certain criteria. Everyone is trained on this and it is also a judgement call in providing these deals. That being said, the 299$ offer is only available once per account. At that price there is no other credit to the account allowed unless it is a special circumstance. We provided that offer as a way to allow a dealseeker to obtain one for 350$ less than normal price because not everyone can afford the normal price. The two year commitment is there as a way for us to try to recuperate our cost/investment in the customer. These hd-dvrs still cost the company (with install) over 999$.
If anyone has lifetime dvr from DirecTV, this will stay on account. The only situation where it will not is when the dvr you have is disco and then you get the hd-dvr later.
In regards to programming, espn2 and tnt hd was mentioned as coming next month. There is no information given to us that states that. I apologize for anyone being provided with that information in error. We will be launching HD locals beginning in November. Which markets they will be has not been communicated yet. Which national channels have not been communicated yet as well but you can more than likely look forward to those two stations and more. We will also still support existing tivos.
Customer's pay my paycheck and that of my coworkers and most of us realize this. Thank you for being with us.
For anyone that also keeps stating cable is a better value, I say this. DirecTV does not claim to be the cheapest. We claim to be the best. Best quality programming, best products, best value. There is alot of empirical evidence to support that. In addition, yes, cable does offer the boxes "free". Reason: renting. It seems like many people do not realize this but you are renting the boxes for 9$ to 18$ per month per box depending on the company. DirecTV is an ownership company. You are buying a brand new box and get to keep it. We have this business model because many studies show people prefer to own than rent. Make you sure you also look at what you would lose when you go to the so called free offers with other companies. You decide what you term the best deal in the end and we will respect that.
To end: keep the feedback and business coming. Because of you we are able to grow and launch cool programming, services, and products. We have a tough job balancing business needs with customer needs. The fast paced growth we are having is obviously overwhelming us with calls and we would appreciate not sympathy, but respect and patience.
Thank you for being with DirecTV.

[skillznbonez]

I forgot one last topic. Regarding the LA/NY stations. By law now, dns is only offered to markets where no locals are broadcast by your provider. In addition, if you cancel account, changed address, or disconnected the dns channels, you legally have to resubmit the waivers again. If you were denied one or more dns channels, then you legally have to wait six months before being able to reapply for it. I hope this helps everyone that had questions about it.

[Smthkd]

I tried to get another HDTivo for $299, the Rep said "sure you can get another for $299 but w/o the $100 rebate or programming incentives", which I had no problem with since I got a really good deal the first time, however, when she tried to enter the info for my 2nd HDTivo, the system would not allow it! I was told I have to wait another 6 months to get it! She told me to call back in a couple of days because the problem was really that the installer didn't close out the service ticket from my install Thur. So hopefully I can get this resolved soon and get another!:D

[BillyT2002]

BillyT2002: No one should be scaring anyone.

Boo!

[skillznbonez]

Oh, you are soo funny Billy. How old are you?

[MLWagner79]

Has anyone who already owns one of these succeeded in negotiating with a CSR for some sort of programming deal? My brother-in-law was offered a $400 programming credit maybe 3 months ago or so when the price dropped to $600, and I'm wondering if they'd do the same this time around...

[daviddoran]

sorry to say you would still have to go thru dtv to get them active and you would have take 2yr commiment

I think he knows you still have to activate the box and commit, I think he was just trying to bypass waiting for an "installer" that he only wants to drop off the equipment, many people here would rather not have a stranger messing with their expensive AV equipment. I don't know why you are so hostile.

[pjenkins]

Wow, just caught this thread, will be calling tomorrow to see if I can get it as well. Has anyone ordered 2 at the same time? I just bought a new 55" HD Sony LCD and that makes 2 HDTVs in the house now, so I'd like 2 HD Tivos, and this will allow me to get them if they offer both at the $299...

[sjberra]

For anyone that also keeps stating cable is a better value, I say this. DirecTV does not claim to be the cheapest. We claim to be the best. Best quality programming, best products, best value. There is alot of empirical evidence to support that. In addition, yes, cable does offer the boxes "free". Reason: renting. It seems like many people do not realize this but you are renting the boxes for 9$ to 18$ per month per box depending on the company. DirecTV is an ownership company. You are buying a brand new box and get to keep it. We have this business model because many studies show people prefer to own than rent. Make you sure you also look at what you would lose when you go to the so called free offers with other companies. You decide what you term the best deal in the end and we will respect that.


One thing you miss mentioning on the "rent" for the cable High Definition recievers and dvrs, if they break after the first 90 days, cable companies repair or replace them, same with the wiring. DirectTv just calls the rent something else - IE: Directv Protection Plan for 7.99 a month, so where is the difference?

Yes I am with directv, yes I got the deal, if fact it appears I got one of the better deals. If the deal that I recieved was not offered, I would have left in A new york minute, for my tv viewing habits cable or directv work equally well for about the same cost.

[jamieh1]

I called and told them I just bought mine for $699 and now they are offering it for $299 with rebates also. Asked if there was any thing they could do for me, the only thing I could get out of them was $5 off TC plus for 6 months, HD pack free for 3 months (was already getting) and $10 off Starz for 6 months (already getting).
Called back this morning tried again and same thing Ill give you $ 5off TCPlus, Im applying it right now, well I then I hung up and checked my acct and it didnt show any activity since I got the credit Sunday night. She got me! nothing added today. Well Ill go with what I got.
4 months ago they gave me $250 credit for HDand others like showtime for 6mos and $10 off starz and $$150 credit towards equipment to purchase because installer screwed up my dish and wiring setup. When I called back then the rep was angry with me saying your acct says " DO NOT GIVE THIS CUSTOMER ANYMORE DISCOUNTS" I could see them putting this in there notes but GEEZ dont just come out and tell me.
Its not like I gave myself the deals they gafe them to me, I just call and ask if they have any deals. I do not threaten them to leave.


So frequent deal lookers beware!!!

[pjenkins]

Wow, just caught this thread, will be calling tomorrow to see if I can get it as well. Has anyone ordered 2 at the same time? I just bought a new 55" HD Sony LCD and that makes 2 HDTVs in the house now, so I'd like 2 HD Tivos, and this will allow me to get them if they offer both at the $299...

Just got the $299 deal + rebate + $5 off HD for 6 months + SuperFan for $49 (not sure if that is a discount or not, but the wife needs her Packers in HDTV). The CSR I talked to was great and funny, said she reads the boards here and cracks up at all the various postings and occasional misinformation :)

She told me I couldn't get a 2nd one at the $299 deal, I'd have to buy that at a retailer, so just one HDTV :(

[Griffin21]

Hi. I have spent hours reading these threads. I wanted to take this time and try to address some of the posts and issues and questions all of you have brought up....etc
Thanks for the response. I think that we can take your input with a little more credence than that of djchronic and other.

Does anyone know with the OTA antenna for $50 deal if the installer can upgrade the antenna on site for a additional fee? What I mean is that I'm not really sure that one of these wing antennas is going to cut it where I am. Neighbors who relate stories of good reception all have the slightly more "wire" type (sorry, don't know antenna terminology).

[BillyT2002]

Oh, you are soo funny Billy. How old are you?

Hey, age and humor have no real correlation to each other other than you have to have a sense of humor in the first place in order to appreciate good humor. You must be lacking in that prerequisite. ;) Anyway, if you must know, I'm 42.

[jello25944]

WHAT

THE


F!!

Box was dropped off last week Wednesday. I was told it would be $299.00, plus 100 bucks back as a rebate.

I just got a charge on my credit card for over $700.00 from DirecTV for the unit. How nice.

[gfoulks]

WHAT

THE


F!!

Box was dropped off last week Wednesday. I was told it would be $299.00, plus 100 bucks back as a rebate.

I just got a charge on my credit card for over $700.00 from DirecTV for the unit. How nice.

A couple of days after I placed my order for this "special" deal I called back to verify the order and to ask why the charges were not showing my account activity. The rep said yes I can verify that you purchased a HR10-250 for $549... . and I stopped her right there. I told her I was quoted $299... she paused and said please hold. Apparently the order had to be switched over to some other screen that had the $299 price. It was originally written up on the standard screen.

Advice for those getting this deal... Call back, verify the prices and get the reps name and ID.

[mbarloewen]

Hello all,

This is my first post.

I want to say thank you so very much for sharing this deal, I was able to call on Saturday and order the deal.

$299 -$100 MIR + free new dish and installation.

I was satisfied with that even if others have gotten much more.

I have a few questions about HD programming because it is quite new to me and I was hoping that some of you would be willing to answer my questions.

1) I did not get an OTA antenna because I was under the impression, and was pretty sure that the retention rep (Tony) confirmed, that in Los Angeles (90035) I could get my local hogh def channels with just the dish. Is this the case or do I need the OTA antenna?

2) The thought occured to me that perhaps if I got the OTA antenna, I could get more local high def channels) PBS, KTLA (independent channel), etc... then just the major networks. Is this true?

3) I am not tech savy, when it comes to High Def, if I have the OTA antenna, does it still input into the HDTivo so that programs can be recorded off of it?

4) Is the quality of the signal on the OTA antenna's better then the directv signal of the local channels?


Thanks so much in advance for answering any of the above questions. I really appreciate the help of this forum in allowing me to understand all the issues related to HD programming and directv hardware.

Mike

[DavidS]

Got $299 - $100 rebate on first call. Second call added $5 credit for 6 months on the HD package, which I would rather have skipped but was told I had to have for at least a year. Installation is in two days; pretty good service. I skipped the OTA antenna because I imagine I can get one cheaper than $50. I'm in high signal "yellow" area, only 10 miles from the towers.

On a side note - I get Cincinnati locals from DTV, but I live closer to Dayton. I'll be picking up the Dayton OTA HD locals with my new HD DTivo and the Cinci locals with my SD DTivo.

Just got the Panasonic 42" EDTV this weekend from Circuit City with a $300 rebate. Very happy with the picture and that's only with SD DTivo and DVD. Can't wait to see an HD signal. I'm going to try to pick up an OTA antenna today and tune them in live.

Oh, yeah: :D :D :D

[gfoulks]

DavidS - It's not likely that you will find a antenna with installation cheaper than $50 unless you do the installation yourself.

[JWG]

DavidS - It's not likely that you will find a antenna with installation cheaper than $50 unless you do the installation yourself.

The antenna I was looking at (red zone) was $149. Really says I need blue, but with an indoor HDTVi I get "rain fade" versions of all but a couple stations so I think the medium directional without pre-amp will be fine even though it says I need a pre-amp.

[DavidS]

DavidS - It's not likely that you will find a antenna with installation cheaper than $50 unless you do the installation yourself.

I'll do it myself easily. I moved my current dish to my roof (a flat Mansard style roof) a few weeks ago. (I also dropped extra cable for the HD dish and OTA antenna at the same time.)

[tulip088]

I came up with a great CSR.
Called retention and said I had been checking into my cable company's latest offerings, but they couldn't offer a HD DVR here yet - what could DirecTV do for me. He offered that the HD TiVo's were now $399 -$100 rebate and that the price offered might even be better once he got into the order entry process.
I figured I could still back out, so I said OK. Pretty soon he says they can sell it to me for $299 (-100) - just what I was fishing for. Next he's saying "I see you have the Sports Pack - I can set that up for $10 off for six months", and then, "the system's telling me to give you Showtime for 3 months free also". I never even asked about service credits - $199 for the HDTiVo was enough for me.

I can't imagine being a CSR is a particularly fun job, but I hope that helping out and ending up with a genuinely happy customer once in a while makes it a little more tolerable.
Installation Saturday - I can hardly wait. :)

[Philbarr2001]

Here are the details...

I've been a DirecTV customer for 3+ years. I have the Hughes HD Receiver. However, because of tree coverage, I can only receive channels from Satellite 101. Hence, the only HD channels I receive are OTA and I do not subscribe to the DirecTV HD Package. I do, however, want the HR10-250 since most of my tv habits are the network variety. So I guess the question is whether it is possible to get the $299 deal without committing to the HD Package? Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Phil

[sjberra]

Here are the details...

I've been a DirecTV customer for 3+ years. I have the Hughes HD Receiver. However, because of tree coverage, I can only receive channels from Satellite 101. Hence, the only HD channels I receive are OTA and I do not subscribe to the DirecTV HD Package. I do, however, want the HR10-250 since most of my tv habits are the network variety. So I guess the question is whether it is possible to get the $299 deal without committing to the HD Package? Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Phil

Don't remember if the HD package is required, was just told 2 year commitment to D* with no package specifications.

[pjenkins]

Here are the details...

I've been a DirecTV customer for 3+ years. I have the Hughes HD Receiver. However, because of tree coverage, I can only receive channels from Satellite 101. Hence, the only HD channels I receive are OTA and I do not subscribe to the DirecTV HD Package. I do, however, want the HR10-250 since most of my tv habits are the network variety. So I guess the question is whether it is possible to get the $299 deal without committing to the HD Package? Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Phil
Yes, I had to add the HD Package since I used to subscribe to it, but ended it a while back (no Tivo, no DirecTV, so the SA HD tuner and $5/month charge was eliminated). The CSR got all the way through my order before *I* asked about the HD package and she said "I can add that if you want". So, the deal was already done before we even talked about turning the HD Package on.

My question would be, why get the HD Tivo if you aren't getting HD? Just for the recording time? Future HDTV purchase perhaps and you don't have one now?

[kbellve]

My question would be, why get the HD Tivo if you aren't getting HD? Just for the recording time? Future HDTV purchase perhaps and you don't have one now?

I just cancelled my HD package. I don't have a HD Tivo, but a normal HD reciever. The only thing that I used on the HD package was ESPN HD, but I am paying attention to this thread.

I still get the HD CBS (NY) and HD FOX (NY) since I subscribe to local channels. I assume when my locals actually go HD, then I would get those through the local package and not the HD package. I am thinking of adding ESPN HD al carte.

[Rob Dawn]

My question would be, why get the HD Tivo if you aren't getting HD? Just for the recording time? Future HDTV purchase perhaps and you don't have one now?

Because you can still use an antenna to get the networks in HD...


Local channels AND NFL Sunday Ticket!! :p

Rob

[Philbarr2001]

pjenkins...I do have HD. However, because of tree coverage I don't have sight of 110 or 119, so all my HD is OTA. So the HD Package is useless for me.

Thanks to those who took the time to reply. I just called and got the $299 -$100 MIR. No additional perks but I was pleased as pie that I did not have to commit to the HD Package. Now I just have that long wait until Saturday.

[MrBigglesworth]

My mom is getting tired of Dish Network and was liking what I was showing her with my HR10-250 unit and she is interested in switching to DirecTV epecially since the monthly price for what I pay is cheaper than what she gets with Dish now and she has an HDTV.

My question though, for installation as a new DirecTV customer, will they drop 2 lines so she can use the HD unit to its fullest extent?

[pjenkins]

pjenkins...I do have HD. However, because of tree coverage I don't have sight of 110 or 119, so all my HD is OTA. So the HD Package is useless for me.

Thanks to those who took the time to reply. I just called and got the $299 -$100 MIR. No additional perks but I was pleased as pie that I did not have to commit to the HD Package. Now I just have that long wait until Saturday.

ah, I see. With the football in HD this year, I can't imagine not getting that myself LOL :)

[dwynne]

Superfan for $24


It is pretty funny seeing folks getting "SuperFan" for free or cheap. I got the early bird renewal on my ST and refuesed to pay $99 more for the games in HD (included last year). They they dropped the price to $49 "this year", but I still refused.

I called retension and told them either they included the HD games with my $200 (or so) ST or I would just drop the Sunday Ticket. They said they could not, so I dropped the ST after several years. I am in no commitment, so I don't know why D* would rather LOSE my $200 to see if I would pay them another $50 for ST in HD. But they did. Then I see where they are giving away the "SuperFan" left and right for free or at a discount. Blows my mind.

I would not mind having another HD Tivo to place an aging SD Tivo, so I may call to see about the $299 - $100 price as well. It would be really funny if they offer me a discount on the SuperFan and ST now as well.......

Dennis

[skillznbonez]

The extra cost is absolutely worth it. There is more to the package than just HD games (which is expensive). You also get the RedZone channel, ShortCuts, and the GameMix channels. Look into it.

[pudgey7]

I am sorry if this question has been answered.........but I am trying to get a yes or no. The only thing holding me back is this one small factor----
Can the hdtivo record the 4 major networks in hd, I understand that the locals are coming soon but if the only thing I can record is hbo..st..ext, then I think I am gonna need to hold off!! The answer to that question has a HUGE effect on whether or not the wife gives the go-ahead. :confused:

[Montana Man]

I tried this today and they did offer me the $299 deal but she said that is as cheap as it will get. She said they will charge my CC $649 and give me $250 off and the $100 rebate. She did offer me the Superfan for $49 and offered the HD package at half price for 6/months.

I had read about people getting them to charge this to their account before. I dont have CC and my bank will only let me debit up to $400 per day. So this is not an option for me......Just wondering if others have gotten them to add it to their bill or if you all had to provide them with a CC.

[alexcue]

...I had read about people getting them to charge this to their account before. I dont have CC and my bank will only let me debit up to $400 per day. So this is not an option for me......Just wondering if others have gotten them to add it to their bill or if you all had to provide them with a CC.

They added it to my bill without a peep. I've been with them for 11 years and have a good credit history with them tho.

[Griffin21]

I am sorry if this question has been answered.........but I am trying to get a yes or no. The only thing holding me back is this one small factor----
Can the hdtivo record the 4 major networks in hd, I understand that the locals are coming soon but if the only thing I can record is hbo..st..ext, then I think I am gonna need to hold off!! The answer to that question has a HUGE effect on whether or not the wife gives the go-ahead. :confused:
While I don't have this tivo system yet I do have the DirectTV HD Tuner (Samsung). The local HD channels (actually digital) come in OTA through the tuner so I would believe (and am counting on) them being handled by the tivo system. I'm not in a large market at all.

I think that the locals in HD that everyone is on about is over the satellite - no antenna needed.

[Montana Man]

Well i called them back and now i got them to charge it to my account for $299 and i got the $100 rebate ended up having to pay the $14.95 s&h charge but i wasnt gonna push too much.

So will end up with:

HR10-250 for $199 after rebate
HD package for $5.99 a month for 6 months.
Superfan for $49

Not to shabby if i can only get the wife to approve it :eek:

[skittlebrau]

The information you all have provided was GOLD! I was about to drop $599 at BestBuy for the HD TiVo until I found an auction on eBay indicating you could get a HR10-250 for $199. After some investigating, I ended up here!

I called DirecTV Mover's Connection (our account was suspended until now, since we just moved into our new home and need DirecTV service installed/transferred), and the rep wasn't all that friendly. He quoted be 2 times on the HD DVR as being $649 with a $100 MIR. I asked to speak with the retention department and I got a very friendly rep on the phone who gave me the following deals:

HD DVR $299 and $100 MIR (2 year commitment)
Free HD package for 3 months
$5 credit/month for 9 months
HBO/Showtime 2 for 2 special ($2 a month for HBO/Showtime for 6 months (I think that's right), then HBO is $12/month and Showtime drops)

I also got the Sunday Ticket for $250 (no discounts there) and opted not to get the Superfan for $49 (no discounts there either). Does anyone recommend I should call back and see if I can get any additional discounts for the Sunday Ticket/Superfan thing? Otherwise I'm pretty happy here, especially considering I almost paid $599 at BestBuy this afternoon!

[fredfa]

I think you did very well.
The new ST price is $279 and SuperFan is $99.
Just enjoy the good deal you got!

[chuckbernard]

Tomthumb I am in the exact same position as you are. I tried everything I could to get them to just send it but it requires installation. I am not going to change my address because I (moved) to a white spot and I get locals and nationals and if I move to my real address and then back I would just get locals then. I am hoping value electronics or some other outlet will start selling them at that price and just buy it outright.

I had the same problem once. I had to "move" by calling and giving them my new address. Then, ordered the equipment after about an hour. After the professional install I was happy. Unfortunately, only 2 weeks later I had to move again but then I did my own move and re-install at the new location :-)

[toneman]

I've been reading this thread since it started and decided to bite the bullet. I've been a DTV subscriber since January 2005. So the deal is not necessarily restricted to long time subscribers. 1st call got me this:

$299 HDTivo
$100 Mail-in rebate
$50 OTA antenna
$30 HD credit
$30 TC+ credit
2/2 HBO program for 6 months

The CSR was very courteous and pleasant to deal with. Some have gotten better deals and some have gotten worse...
I'd love to see how much better a deal than yours can be had by someone who's been a DTV customer for less than a year...especially considering that apparently, you didn't even have to talk to retention in order to get the deal you got. I mean, yeah, there are some folks who've gotten better...but that's almost always because they either already subscribe to additional packages (HBO, NFL, TC Premier) and/or have been with DTV almost from the very beginning. I'm not knocking you on getting such a great deal, but am wondering how someone like myself who's been with DTV for almost four years could only get the HD DVR deal, $5 off HD for 6 months, and 1 free month of HBO (which the CS rep offered only after I kept pestering her about what else I could get)...whereas you, with less than a year can get the same deal plus $30 TC+ credit (is that a one-time credit or is it spread across six months?) and 2/2 HBO for six months...without having to talk to retention?

I think someone else asked (either in this thread or one of the other related ones) if the $299 HD DVR offer still kept your $4.99 DVR monthly fee grandfathered in, or will it increase to $5.99? Well if you commit to the deal, your DVR monthly fee will indeed increase to $5.99/month...no way around that, apparently.

[DavidS]

I am sorry if this question has been answered.........but I am trying to get a yes or no. The only thing holding me back is this one small factor----
Can the hdtivo record the 4 major networks in hd, I understand that the locals are coming soon but if the only thing I can record is hbo..st..ext, then I think I am gonna need to hold off!! The answer to that question has a HUGE effect on whether or not the wife gives the go-ahead. :confused:

It will record the your local broadcast "over the air" (OTA) HD channels, assuming you can receive them. You will probably need an OTA antenna, which DTC will add to the package for $50. If you don't know about your availability, go to antennaweb.org.

It will also record all of the standard definition DTV channels, of course.

[DavidS]

Here are the details...

I've been a DirecTV customer for 3+ years. I have the Hughes HD Receiver. However, because of tree coverage, I can only receive channels from Satellite 101. Hence, the only HD channels I receive are OTA and I do not subscribe to the DirecTV HD Package. I do, however, want the HR10-250 since most of my tv habits are the network variety. So I guess the question is whether it is possible to get the $299 deal without committing to the HD Package? Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Phil

I asked this specifically of two CSRs and was told I had to subscribe to the HD package for 1 year. They gave me $5 off per month for 6 months, though.

[BayAreaThumper]

OK, I'll chime in here, lurker in other forum, but this topic caught my eye. I have been Directv customer for, ~ 5 years - previously w/ dish network.

Saw the thread about 649.00 with 250.00 retention & 100.00 rebate, making the dvr 299.00 - low enough for me.

CSR Call #1:

Math worked out to:

649.00 - 250.00 - 100.00 = 299.00 (though billing terms and rebate was unknown at this point)

This was OK, and I surfed the web some more, and called back.

CSR Call #2:

After reviewing some posts here, I decided that I should try for some monthly credits..ended up getting the following on top of the deal from call #1:

10 USD off of monthly HBO package/6 months

5 USD off of HD content package/6 months(normally 10.95/month)

another 90 bucks, I felt OK at that point.

The CSR ensured I would a call back in the next 24 hours, to schedule an install of the free elliptical dish.

CSR Call #3:

No installation call ever occurred. I called back to the 1-800 retention number. Spoke with a nice gentleman, Jacob.

There was no order for a HD DVR on file, or HBO credit..BUT, there was 5/month credit for the HD monthly package.

I explained to him the situation, and that my Samsung HLR5067 will be here soon, and if I need to call Comcast for their DVR..

Here is my deal, paid with credit card an hour ago:

Installation scheduled on Friday September, 9th, between 8am-noon.

299.00 - 100.00 DirecTV rebate = 199.00 for 250GB DVR

49.00 OTA Antenna Installation(elliptical dish installation is free)

Showtime and HBO free for six months

5.00 off of HD service for six months.

No shipping or handling charges.

199.00
49.00
---------
299.00
(60) HBO Credit?
(60) Showtime credit?
(30) HD credit
---------
149.00, plus CA tax, net cost for HD DVR installed w/ OTA antenna. Normal customer I think, ~ 80/month. Prepaid a 2 year deal for our inlaws(with free directivo installed) - maybe that helped.

I feel great after getting through all the CSR's.

Thought I would share - this is in Morgan Hill, CA.

Dave

[vernsh]

Don't want to rain on anyones parade but are these units brand new or are they rebuilts from all the early models (like mine) that crashed and had to be replaced?
I know the new ones have 2-250gb drives for the same original price as the old ones so if they are just fire selling the old models, that's ok.

[jlib]

...I know the new ones have 2-250gb drives for the same original price as the old ones...How do you know that?

[ex007]

Here's the best I could do:

$299 - HD DVR
$ 15 - shipping/handling
-$100 - Mail in Rebate
-$120 - $20x6 mos TP credit
-$ 30 - $5x6 mos HD pkg credit
$ 64 - TOTAL Price for HD DVR

Anyone get a better deal?

The only downside is that D*has no plans to add any additional HD channels. I couldn't care less about local HDs; I have an OTA. But I find it absolutely insane that D* has no plans to add TNT-HD, StarzHD or, apparently, ESPN2HD. But the thought of not having TiVo is probably worse than having an extra HD channel.

[austinsho]

Has anyone under committment gotten the $299/$100 rebate deal?

[Charlutz]

Has anyone under committment gotten the $299/$100 rebate deal?

Yeah, I had just re-upped for a 2 year commitment last week when I got an R10 before the HD deal was made public. I got $299/$100 rebate, free install and $60 in programming credits.

[skillznbonez]

D* does plan on adding TNT HD, ESPN HD, National Geographic HD, FOX HD ( not the local network), and many more.

[Outlaw Z]

D* does plan on adding TNT HD, ESPN HD, National Geographic HD, FOX HD ( not the local network), and many more.

The big question is will these be added as MPEG 2 or MPEG 4 streams. If they are MPEG 4 streams then these HD TiVo's will be unusable.

[skillznbonez]

I agree. I have asked that question but have not got an answer yet. We should definately know by November though.

[Griffin21]

The big question is will these be added as MPEG 2 or MPEG 4 streams. If they are MPEG 4 streams then these HD TiVo's will be unusable.
I think that it's pretty safe to assume that once DTV makes a decision (or shortly before) the parameters will be posted all over this forum. We can then jump for joy/piss and moan as appropriate. Until then we and the reps for DTV here are just not going to know or be able to say.

[scottara]

Ok just called into DTV Customer retention here is what i got:

$299 - $100 MIR - $60 (SHO free 6 mos) + $50 OTA = $189 installed, set for 8/27, who hoo.

I think i might call back and see if i cant get some more discounts.

[Robdec]

OK I called this morning and Ordered mine. The tech is scheduled for an install tomorrow morning. ( less then 24 hours from ordering)

$299 - $100 MIR -$5 a month for 6 months on HD package. Didn't need an OTA I already have one installed. It was there when I bought the house. I hope it works. Prev owner had Dish and received all the HD OTA.

[ex007]

D* does plan on adding TNT HD, ESPN HD, National Geographic HD, FOX HD ( not the local network), and many more.

D* already has ESPN-HD, so I assume that mean ESPN2HD. If so, when? When are the other channels being added?

Frankly, I'm pissed at D* for its crappy HD lineup. There are cable companies with over 30 HD channels right now. Heck, Dish has 15+ HD channels. Why in the world should we put up with D*'s paltry offering. The ONLY reason why I have stuck with D* is TiVo. Yet D* is abandoning TiVo, so I'm not so sure it's worth sticking around.

So, if you work for D*, then tell us when these new HD channels are going to be added.

[fredfa]

ESPN2 HD is scheduled for addition to D* on Sept. 8

[skillznbonez]

All I can say is soon. Most of my information is not public yet and I can not say anything. NDAs.
D* has played a waiting game to make sure we get our HD expansion right and become the leader in HD. I do not care much about cable companies. I have been with my share of them and D* is by far the best (in my opinion). As for DishNet, they have the same lineup as D* right now. The only extras are the VOOM channels they got cheap during the breakup. Again, in my opinion, not much of an advantage with those channels other than originality.

[remlle]

I got the same deal
HD Tivo.
Triple LNB Dish
Free install,
299 up front
100 mail in rebate.
6 months free HD
5$ montly credit to my bill
thanks guys for the info.

[photokev]

So do you have to sell them on the idea that you are going to cancel your service to get these deals? What exactly are you guys telling them and asking for?

[mikestanley]

Do I have any chance to get this deal if I've only been with DirecTV since January of this year and still have 4 months to go on my initial 1 yr agreement?

I'd jump on it in a heartbeat, but it isn't like I can call and say I'm thinking of leaving - and doubt I would if I weren't under contract, since I'm still happy with the service.

But I'd go HD Tivo for $299 without a rebate, just to get my locals onto Tivo in HD.

[MrBigglesworth]

When I called retention earlier they stated that a new install for my mom if done on the regular end would be $599 -$100 rebate.

She suggested to have her sign up for regular, non DVR DTV, then call their number for the upgrade in new equipment.

[MCOfozcin1]

Called the retention number, talked to a very pleasant gentleman who agreed immediately to the deal, and offered the $100 rebate without even being asked. It will be charged on my monthly bill, and I only have to wait 36 hours for install!!

Best part is.... I have a standing notation on my account that when I activate an HR10-250, I will receive a $300 bill credit. (Don't know if I will get this one, but still a great deal at $299).

If it all works out HR10-250 299.00
Shipping 14.95
Rebate -100.00
Bill Credit -300.00
________________
Total cost to me -67.21 (including sales tax)

If all works out, they will be paying me $67.21 to take one of these off their hands, and will install it for free!

Man, I LOVE this forum!!!!

Oh yeah, almost forgot, when he asked which credit card I would like to charge this too, I asked him if he could just put it on my bill, and he said "no problem, we'll add it to your next monthly bill".
Am I lucky or what?

[skillznbonez]

To MikeStanley: Just call and tell them you have seen many deals for 299$. Mention you would not mind a two year commitment and would like to take advantage of them. As I stated in one of my earlier posts, it is one per account.

[cdieren]

I called the retention number and was offered about what others have gotten and would have been happy with that. However, CSR was a stickler and would not ship this unit out to me at my billing address and instead insisted on having an installer deliver/install. I have different billing and service addresses to get DNS and do not want to risk losing DNS by changing service address temporarily to get this deal.

Is there any other way to get them to ship to my billing (or other) address?

[quiddich]

My HR10-250's disk died last night -- called customer service who offered me a refurb for $300 in exchange for my old one. So I called retention, and now I'm waiting (till 12 September, *sigh*) for a new unit.

$299 - 100 MIR + $15 for handling
Free Showtime for 6 months (then it goes away automatically)
HBO at $2 for 6 months (then it goes up to full price unless I cancel)
New dish/multiswitch/install if needed

I declined the HD package, but I can still get it at $5/off for the next few months.

Now, the real question is whether I can get Citibank to pay for this under their extended warranty...

[theratpatrol]

I called the retention number and was offered about what others have gotten and would have been happy with that. However, CSR was a stickler and would not ship this unit out to me at my billing address and instead insisted on having an installer deliver/install. I have different billing and service addresses to get DNS and do not want to risk losing DNS by changing service address temporarily to get this deal.

Is there any other way to get them to ship to my billing (or other) address?

This is exactly what I've been trying to find out too. I want it shipped to my house so I can install it myself.

[johnzonie]

So, you purchased a product from a Company other than DirecTV. DirecTV told you to refuse delivery of the product. And you did so? I hope you are at least calling up the company that shipped you the product and volunteering to cover their shipping costs.

No need to volunteer - the company graciously helped themselves to a 15% restocking fee, which more than covered the ground shipping charge ;)

[ex007]

All I can say is soon. Most of my information is not public yet and I can not say anything. NDAs.
D* has played a waiting game to make sure we get our HD expansion right and become the leader in HD. I do not care much about cable companies. I have been with my share of them and D* is by far the best (in my opinion). As for DishNet, they have the same lineup as D* right now. The only extras are the VOOM channels they got cheap during the breakup. Again, in my opinion, not much of an advantage with those channels other than originality.

No offense, buy your response is typical D* arrogance. Wait, it's coming. Can't tell you when, but trust me. I'm tired of waiting.

Currently, there are cable companies offering 4-5x the number of HD channels while D* plays a waiting game. Yeah, D* is really the leader in HD. And Dish does NOT have the same lineup - it has TNT-HD, which D* doesn't offer and, apparently, won't be offering for at least another six months. D* is really screwing up HD. There is absolutely ZERO excuse for not having TNT, ESPN2, Starz, and other HD channels.

Again, I've stayed loyal to D* because of TiVo. Today I read in USAToday that D* has stopped purchasing TiVo equipment and will start shipping its own model. Major, major mistake IMO. Without TiVo there is no reason for me and a significant number of other subscribers to remain with D*. So it's off to Dish I go. Best of luck with that HD leader thing...

[Hersheytx]

Got to love people like this. I guess you could pay and launch 4 Sats with in 30 days? Cable has been promising so much crap for over a decade. They just barely got into DVR's. Only after Directv started to pound them with it.
Dish? I know that they are ahead right now, but they will fall behind very soon. They have no more Sat space. They have no Sats in the pipe to put into orbit.
I really hope you run over to Dish and get their DVR. Enjoy the HD and watch Directv make the leap into HD that will dwarf anything Dish could ever hope to meet.
See ya later
Jeff
Dallas, Tx

[ex007]

Got to love people like this. I guess you could pay and launch 4 Sats with in 30 days? Cable has been promising so much crap for over a decade. They just barely got into DVR's. Only after Directv started to pound them with it.
Dish? I know that they are ahead right now, but they will fall behind very soon. They have no more Sat space. They have no Sats in the pipe to put into orbit.
I really hope you run over to Dish and get their DVR. Enjoy the HD and watch Directv make the leap into HD that will dwarf anything Dish could ever hope to meet.
See ya later
Jeff
Dallas, Tx

Jeff - You want to make personal attacks? Fine. You ignorant idiot. You're the reason why D* hasn't added any new HD channels over the past two years. Because you just keep taking it while blindly believing D* is still the leader in HD. Here's the HD lineup of just one cable company:

Discovery HD
Universal HD
TNT HD
ESPN HD
ESPN2 HD
NFL Network HD
The Outdoor Channel 2 HD
HDNet
HDNet Movies
HBO HD - West
HBO HD - East
Showtime HD - West
Showtime HD - East
Cinemax HD - West
Cinemax HD - East
Starz! HD - West
Starz! HD - East
TMC HD

Now, just when do you think D* is going to offer even half of those channels? Again, I've been with D* since 1998. I don't want to leave. But if D* is going to abandon TiVo and remain in the dark ages re HD content, I will leave. D* will only add new HD content when it has to.

[Kevin L]

No offense, buy your response is typical D* arrogance. Wait, it's coming. Can't tell you when, but trust me. I'm tired of waiting.

Currently, there are cable companies offering 4-5x the number of HD channels while D* plays a waiting game. Yeah, D* is really the leader in HD. And Dish does NOT have the same lineup - it has TNT-HD, which D* doesn't offer and, apparently, won't be offering for at least another six months. D* is really screwing up HD. There is absolutely ZERO excuse for not having TNT, ESPN2, Starz, and other HD channels.

Again, I've stayed loyal to D* because of TiVo. Today I read in USAToday that D* has stopped purchasing TiVo equipment and will start shipping its own model. Major, major mistake IMO. Without TiVo there is no reason for me and a significant number of other subscribers to remain with D*. So it's off to Dish I go. Best of luck with that HD leader thing...No offense, but your response is typical TiVo fanaticism. You are not loyal to DirecTV, you are loyal to TiVo. If you were loyal to DirecTV, you wouldn't be stating you're out of here once they drop TiVo.

Many posters here throw around the terms "loyal" and "loyalty" when it's just not the case. Right now, you're with DirecTV because it suits your needs and will leave when it doesn't. That's not loyalty. It's taking care of yourself.

In the words of Seinfeld: "Not that there's anything wrong with that." :) It's just not loyalty.

[ex007]

No offense, but your response is typical TiVo fanaticism. You are not loyal to DirecTV, you are loyal to TiVo. If you were loyal to DirecTV, you wouldn't be stating you're out of here once they drop TiVo.

Many posters here throw around the terms "loyal" and "loyalty" when it's just not the case. Right now, you're with DirecTV because it suits your needs and will leave when it doesn't. That's not loyalty. It's taking care of yourself.

In the words of Seinfeld: "Not that there's anything wrong with that." :) It's just not loyalty.

Well, we'll just agree to disagree. I am loyal, but I'm not stupid.

What I want is HD content at the best possible resolution. If D* isn't going to provide that, then I will leave. Right now D* - and all of its "loyal" customers - remind me of car buyers in the 70s. Don't buy Honda, buy a GM. Buying a Honda is unAmerican. GM was the best and it will be the best again. Trust GM they will do the right thing.

Well, I'm not going to blindly follow. Frankly, that blind loyalty is what sunk GM, and it's what will sink D* if it doesn't get its act together.

[kbellve]

Well, I'm not going to blindly follow. Frankly, that blind loyalty is what sunk GM, and it's what will sink D* if it doesn't get its act together.

GM is still the number 1 auto company in the world. I wouldn't call them sunk.

But, I do agree that I am also looking for more HD content. Directv is lacking.

[Kevin L]

Well, we'll just agree to disagree. I am loyal, but I'm not stupid.

What I want is HD content at the best possible resolution. If D* isn't going to provide that, then I will leave. Right now D* - and all of its "loyal" customers - remind me of car buyers in the 70s. Don't buy Honda, buy a GM. Buying a Honda is unAmerican. GM was the best and it will be the best again. Trust GM they will do the right thing.

Well, I'm not going to blindly follow. Frankly, that blind loyalty is what sunk GM, and it's what will sink D* if it doesn't get its act together.You're agreeing with me by your argument. The GM buyers you mention were/are loyal, as they bought/buy GM no matter what the competition offers. Those that say they're with DirecTV because of TiVo and are out of here when they drop TiVo are loyal to TiVo, not DirecTV. Again, nothing wrong with that.

The term blind loyalty you used is exactly what I'd use to describe many of the DirecTV TiVo users. There have been a lot of posts here about leaving DirecTV as soon as they drop TiVo, without even seeing what its replacement offers. That's blind loyalty.

I may be naïve, but I believe DirecTV would love to offer more HD, and will as soon as the new sats are ready. Most of the HD I watch is the OTA networks. I wish they offered more premium channels in HD, but I'm not starved for it yet.

I've been with Cablevision from January 1986 until November 1999, switched to Dish then until January 2002 when I switched to DirecTV. I've had issues with all of them, but DirecTV has by far been the most satisfying of the three. I'm moving in two years and expect that I'll move my DirecTV equipment with me.

[gfoulks]

ESPN2 HD is scheduled for addition to D* on Sept. 8

Just in time for college football! I'll have my fingers crossed..

[Goeers]

I'm about to call D* retention to see about getting in on this deal as well.

I've got a new Samsung HL-R6178 on order, but it will not be here for at least 3-4 weeks. Does anyone recall if we make this 'deal' that we can push-out install time by that much? Maybe I should just wait until the Samsung arrives, but I'm a bit impatient. :)

[BoomerangThree]

1) I have read through much of the HD DVR threads, just want to make sure I understand things

2) I can call DTV and order the HD DVR for a net price of $299?

3) The HD DVR is a dual tuner?

4) The HD DVR will be upgraded for free when MPEG4 is rolled out?

5) If I have an existing HD Receiver, will that receiver be upgraded for free when MPEG4 rolls out?

6) Are there any other things I should be aware of in my eval to upgrade to a dual tuner HD DVR?

Thanks for the paitence...

[skillznbonez]

To quiddich: sorry for the wait. D* is transitioning to new service provider and the original one had a mass defection. That is main reason why install date is soo far out for you.

To ex007: It is sad to see you this way. Your choice though.

To cdieren: They can still place an order for you. D* just needs to put the install address in the order system. No changes need to be made the your account at all.

Thank everyone for listening. All I am trying to do is help some of ya. Take care.

[jes218]

I currently have Comcast HD with their PVR (which sux). I miss my TiVos, which are gathering dust.

Should I switch? How many HD channels does D offer? How long for TiVo's stand alone HD unit?

You think I can use that retention phone number to get the deal(s)?

I'm So CONFUSED>>>>>

Thanks

[quiddich]

To quiddich: sorry for the wait. D* is transitioning to new service provider and the original one had a mass defection. That is main reason why install date is soo far out for you.


The delay gives me time to see if I can somehow recover the disk in the HDTiVo (Fry's has a WD 250GB in today's paper for $65 after rebates) -- if I can, I'll cancel the install and save my "retention credit" for another opportunity. :)

[Sakboy]

I'm new to this, so please bare with me. I am going to call the retention # today to hopefully get the same deal. I know there giving dishes with this deal but I already have a hi def dish and I really don't want two on my roof. I will have 1 hi def tivo box in living room and one tivo box in bedroom ( so all 4 inputs on dish are taking ). If I want to put 1 more regular box in spare bedroom can I do this by splitting off one of the other lines (it should also save me $5 a month)? Also what kind of connections are they sending out with the hi def tivo? Do I need to get the DVI cable or does it come with it and if it does should I still go out and get a good quality cable instead of the one supplied? I will also get the antenna for local hi def channels with this deal for $50 through D** is this something I should do or get one at radio shack? Lastly, how is the signal through DVI?
Thank you very much

[newsposter]

I feel obligated to share my DTV joy.

Last night called and offered 649-100. Said, that's a tad high. He paused to look some more. then i asked if i could get the 20/6 month off deal. He then came back and said because i'm a super special customer with great history, he can offer 299-100. He noted my account and I said i'd think about it.

Today called back and said i was offered it but can they do more? Gave me the 20/6 month off TCP in less than a second, and 5 off a month if i get the HD package for 6 months.

So after tax, without ordering HD programming, i'm net about $100 bucks for the install.

I'm a very happy camper. Just can't wait to see if he actually crawls under the house or if I wind up doing it. :) I really dont care as long as long as he gets the dish up and running ok.

[newsposter]

1) I have read through much of the HD DVR threads, just want to make sure I understand things

2) I can call DTV and order the HD DVR for a net price of $299?

3) The HD DVR is a dual tuner?

4) The HD DVR will be upgraded for free when MPEG4 is rolled out?

5) If I have an existing HD Receiver, will that receiver be upgraded for free when MPEG4 rolls out?

6) Are there any other things I should be aware of in my eval to upgrade to a dual tuner HD DVR?

Thanks for the paitence...

I'm not expert but know a bit

2. 299-100 is the no haggle price...you can get more if you call back a few times and are nice and also lucky

3. yes, also can get OTA locals with an antenna if you are near the source

4. I'm betting, based on what I read, the answer is yes. Or at least low cost.

5. no idea sorry

6. can't answer that as i'm newbie to hd myself. I just know it needs 2 wires like every other tivo.

[cdieren]

To quiddich: sorry for the wait. D* is transitioning to new service provider and the original one had a mass defection. That is main reason why install date is soo far out for you.

To ex007: It is sad to see you this way. Your choice though.

To cdieren: They can still place an order for you. D* just needs to put the install address in the order system. No changes need to be made the your account at all.

Thank everyone for listening. All I am trying to do is help some of ya. Take care.

I tried again tonight with different CSR and was also insistent that the installer deliver and install the unit at my service address. Doesn't seem to be an "order system" with a differing address as mentioned above by skillznbonez.

Any special tricks to getting this accomplished?

Any others had success at this?

[SteveTrek]

I called the customer retension number given here in this thread on Monday August 22. The person I talked to, Joel, was very helpfull and polite; a pleasure to talk to this person. I told him that I would like to take advantage of the $299 with $100 rebate offer on the HR10-250. Without hesitation, he said he could take care of that for me and explained the process and the and set up an appointment for me for this Sunday. I asked to have my existing DirecTivo moved to my bedroom (to replace an older non-Tivo receiver) and to put the HR10-250 back into my living room. He even offered to add whatever additional cabling was necessary including a new dish! I already have the 3 LNB dish with two feeds for the new HR10-250, but I will need an extra feed for my bedroom. No problem! I then asked about the 50% discount on the HD programming package for 6 months. He agreed to do that too. This DirecTV representative bent over backwards to help me! This was the best service related call I've ever had!

Thanks Joel.

And thanks to you folks for this information. As I told this representative, at $1000, there was no way I would purchase this product. At $199 (after rebate), you betcha!

[Remington]

What's the best a new subscriber can expect on this deal?

[SpankyInChicago]

GM is still the number 1 auto company in the world. I wouldn't call them sunk.


Their financials are in terrible shape. The auto division is bleeding money. The only thing saving them is GMAC which is making money hand over fist.

[reubenray]

Does anyone know how long this deal will last? I want to take advantage of it when I move into a new house in about 2 months.

I have never had a TIVO so think this is a good time to jump on board. I have been recording the OTA-HD via my HTPC.

[SpaceBass]

Good for all of you that get a good deal (I am not ranting that I paid $1,000 as I have been LOVING my unit for 18 months now), but when is enough... enough...

...
Makes me think of cell phones... my first mobile phone cost close to $800 (including car install, etc) and was something like $60/month and then they charged per minute on top of that... Now I can walk into a sprint store and get a free color phone wiht a freaking camera and discounted service... So having them offer it free with free service isn't far fetched. They aren't losing money anymore than a phone company does when they give away a phone.

On that note, I'm just waiting for the OK from my wife to order ours... over the top! Who needs HD in the kitchen? I do I guess.....

[jap3]

Just Called and spoke with Rhi****n, (not sure if I should give her name)

$299.00 - $100.00 rebate
$2 HBO 6 months
$2 Showtime 6 months
$5.99 HD package 6 months
$5.99 charge covers all TIVO's
and she offered superfan for $49, but I didn't take it.
Free HD dish and install.

I haven't done as well as others, but not bad for just asking what they had to offer. It does require a 2yr commitment or $300 pro-rate charge. Should be installed on Saturday. She said that they couldn't ship it and that it HAD to be installed.

[reubenray]

Am seriously thinking about making the jump to this HD-TIVO, but have a few more questions.
What brand is it and will it work with the programmable remotes? My remote is the type that you put in 3 numbers.

[Waldorf]

It's a Hughes HR10-250 and comes with its own programmable remote. Could you be more specific with your remote? I know it works with the Harmony remotes, Theater Masters, Prontos, etc...

[theratpatrol]

Hey how does the picture look if you use the componet output? I don't have DVI/HDMI connection. Will this be bad in the future, or will componet connections always be around? Thanks.

[reubenray]

It's a Hughes HR10-250 and comes with its own programmable remote. Could you be more specific with your remote? I know it works with the Harmony remotes, Theater Masters, Prontos, etc...

It is the Theater Master SL9000.

[alexcue]

Well since most current DVD players use the component output i would expect them to be around for quite awhile, as the step up from S-Video. At least i hope so. Can't speak to the quality difference between HDMI and Component since that is an argued point.

[sandbagger]

She said that they couldn't ship it and that it HAD to be installed.

They told me that I had to have it installed ...said not in my life are they touching my 40K theater setup! was told they cant ship direct to customer. If I wanted to do my install I had to buy it some other place. Asked to talk to supervisor. Was told that they would refund the difference down to the 299 price if I faxed over a recipt and that the rebate would still work too.

So do I trust the supervisor ?? I do have the name and also employe #......

I was also told by the initial rep that all the discounted packages did not apply to the deal anymore..... :down:

Thanks

[reubenray]

Hey how does the picture look if you use the componet output? I don't have DVI/HDMI connection. Will this be bad in the future, or will componet connections always be around? Thanks.

I would like to know this answer also. Right now I have DVI from my HD receiver to the HD TV which does not have DVI/HDMI. Is the picture quality just as good? Another question is what is the use of this type connection if the audio is being sent to a receiver?

[Griffin21]

I finally pulled the trigger on this.

I called four times over four days and I must say, everyone I spoke to was very very nice and pleasant to talk to. That earlier djchonic was almost certainly a troll. The folks I spoke to were professional and friendly, I actually had a good bit of fun with them (last night the late shift was having an HBO sponsored "Rome" party - I failed to ask about the togas but it sure sounded like they were having fun).

I give the Retention Service group a big thumbs up. :up:

Anyway, I too was told that the programming deals were either no longer available or only for those who have been with them for several years (I'm just at one year). The $299 - $100 seems to be general knowledge - but you should ask. I wanted a second non-HD Tivo for the $99 - $100 rebate, which they eventually threw in.

So 1 HD and 1 SD Tivo for $200 - not the best deal posted but I am very happy - and it gets installed Monday!

[JeffGrimes]

They told me that I had to have it installed ...said not in my life are they touching my 40K theater setup! was told they cant ship direct to customer. If I wanted to do my install I had to buy it some other place. Asked to talk to supervisor. Was told that they would refund the difference down to the 299 price if I faxed over a recipt and that the rebate would still work too.

So do I trust the supervisor ?? I do have the name and also employe #......

I was also told by the initial rep that all the discounted packages did not apply to the deal anymore..... :down:

Thanks


Sandbagger, the same from AV123??? Anyway...Just have the installer come out. When he/she arrives...take the box, tell THEM you'll sign the install paperwork...and "See ya later" I've done that wit the last two "free" installers...They love it.

Most get paid on comission, so the less work they do at your house, the more jos they get done!

[BillyT2002]

For 480i SD, I sent the video and audio to an A/V selector using an s-video cable and a composite audio cable.

From the A/V selector I sent the video and audio to the television using an s-video cable and a composite audio cable into video in 1 on my TV.

For all HD I sent the video to the television using a component video cable into video in 4 on my TV.

I purchased a composite audio splitter from Rat Shack and was able to split the composite audio coming from the A/V selector and plug it into both video in 1 and video in 4 on my television.

I don't have a home theater system yet. (I just got the HDTV - Sony KD34XBR960), so this setup works for now for my needs. Early next year, I will be purchasing a Denon AVR-5805 home theater receiver, a Denon DVD 5910B DVD Player, 4 Polk Audio LSi/9 speakers, 1 Polk Audio LSi/C center speaker and a Polk Audio PSW505 subwoofer. Currently my contractor is building me a custom entertainment center amoire in my expanded living room and has wired all speaker boxes in order to prepare for the addition of the home theater components. I can't wait until it is all done. ;)

[sandbagger]

Sandbagger, the same from AV123??? Anyway...Just have the installer come out. When he/she arrives...take the box, tell THEM you'll sign the install paperwork...and "See ya later" I've done that wit the last two "free" installers...They love it.

Most get paid on comission, so the less work they do at your house, the more jos they get done!

yep That is me

I might try and call again after I get home before I go buy one..... dont matter to me..... but if the guy will just leave it and I sign and he gets payed cool.

[tmdlkwd]

Have a quick question on this.

Finally a great deal to finally get HD Tivo and an HD TV in my case !!!

I currently do not have an HD TV yet ( Will get one within the month ).

In addition, I will be moving in about a 3-4 weeks, possibly less.

Should I...

1) Get this deal now. Get everyhing installed OTA and Dish ( I do not have the C-kit )etc..Call back in a month have them move and install everything again at my new residence? I do not have an HD TV right now and I will not have one until I move. Movers Program is FREE so I should have no worries there. I know I will not be able to get any idea if the OTA works since I do not have HD TV yet. No worries really, once I move, I can then see if everything is dialed up correctly.

2) OR...Move ( use Movers Program ) and then call up and hope I can this or something similar?

I have been a cust for 4 yrs, I get TC and, HBO + SHOW, and I get the NFL Sunday Ticket as well.

I would be interested ( if possible ) to get HD Tivo for $299.99, rebate, and the OTA + Dish install for $50.00..Any type of service credits they offer or I get would just be a bonus for me. Not wanting to be too greedy..

I really have no intention of leaving DTV..got to luv the NFL Ticket. That is a must.. That is the main thing that keeps me there.

Thanks

[agileterv]

After months of lurking, this deal has finally persuaded me to register....
It seems this deal relies on threatening to move to cable, right? My problem is that I am still under contract. I've actually been a Directv/tivo user for ages (I converted from Primestar and used ultimate TV when they first started the DVR thing), but had to start over after a divorce... Also, I live in an area where the only cable company (still) doesn't offer a hd-dvr option. So, do you guys think I will be able to pull this off?

[smak]

I think most people aren't threatening to go to cable.

I think they are either saying,

"I'm interested in the Hd-Tivo and was wondering if there are any deals"

or

"My friend/coworker, whoever said she got a deal on the HD-Tivo for $299, and I wanted to get the same deal"

It seems like more CSR's there have knowledge of this deal, so it seems easier to get without much hassle now.

-smak-

[newsposter]

After months of lurking, this deal has finally persuaded me to register....
It seems this deal relies on threatening to move to cable, right? My problem is that I am still under contract. I've actually been a Directv/tivo user for ages (I converted from Primestar and used ultimate TV when they first started the DVR thing), but had to start over after a divorce... Also, I live in an area where the only cable company (still) doesn't offer a hd-dvr option. So, do you guys think I will be able to pull this off?

Well I'd be sincere no matter how you try it. I personally would not threaten to leave and you can't anyway i guess lol. I'd say hey, i need a new tivo and what do you have going on? they will offer you the standard 100 free tivo.

Then call retention later and ask about the HD tivo for 299-100. after they give it to you, say you need to think about it. Then call back tomorrow. Then say last night you talked to someone for 199 but can they do better? I believe that's totally fair, moral and all that stuff. you aren't lying and you aren't scamming or anything. you just politely are asking for better deals.

That's how i'd do it! (and did it)

[newsposter]

I'm sure it's been mentioned in the previous 16 pages but don't be surprised by a 14.95 s/h charge on this deal. They never told me about it but did give me the final correct total on the phone. it was my fault for not realizing during the call the extra bucks.

[agileterv]

Well I'd be sincere no matter how you try it. I personally would not threaten to leave and you can't anyway i guess lol. I'd say hey, i need a new tivo and what do you have going on? they will offer you the standard 100 free tivo.

Then call retention later and ask about the HD tivo for 299-100. after they give it to you, say you need to think about it. Then call back tomorrow. Then say last night you talked to someone for 199 but can they do better? I believe that's totally fair, moral and all that stuff. you aren't lying and you aren't scamming or anything. you just politely are asking for better deals.

That's how i'd do it! (and did it)

Sounds good: thanks for the advice. I'll let you know how it goes.

[wirwin]

When you have to commit to (say) 2 years service to get these deals, do you have to commit to the HD package for 2 yrs, or just continue your existing subscription?

I would use the HD tivo only for OTA HD and D* SD.

[newsposter]

When you have to commit to (say) 2 years service to get these deals, do you have to commit to the HD package for 2 yrs, or just continue your existing subscription?

I would use the HD tivo only for OTA HD and D* SD.

I'd assume since I didn't even order the HD package at this time, that it's no requirement. Likely just the lowest package.