Best DirecTV HDTivo deal

[WaarrEagle]

What is the best deal anyone has gotten on a HD Tivo from DirecTV? I am upgrading to an HDTV and want an HD Tivo. I am out of contract so I know I can get some kind of deal by calling retentions. Thanks!

[broken back]

Call CSR and see what you might get. I have been with *D* for over 10 years, some for less time get deals. It took me some time and a lot of call before I got a Credit

[WaarrEagle]

Do you call threatening to cancel or more just to see if you can get a deal? Unlike most of you, I will cancel if I get a much better deal somewhere else since I am not under contract. I love DTV but its not worth $500 to buy a HD Tivo and not get a deal on programming for some months when I can get it elsewhere for much less.

[golf4dj]

Just yesterday I called. This is what I got.

$499 HD Tivo
$100 Instant Credit
$100 Mail In Rebate
3 Months HD Package Free.

I am paying roughly $15 shipping and the unit will be here tomorrow morning.

I called about 6 weeks ago and got nothing better than $499 with $100 rebate and 1/2 off HD Package for 6 months.

I know that this is not quite as good as others but I guess it is not so bad. I recently purchased another HD Tivo on ebay for roughly $375 and installed and activated it last night. I don't think that I will get the rebate on both units though.

Pretty cool having 2 HD Tivo's my OTA is awsome.

DJ

[Billy66]

I would just simply tell them that your cable company is offering more channels in HD, is offering your local channels in HD and is offering you free use of a dual tuner HD DVR and ask them what they are prepared to do to compete with that.

[Kevin L]

That's what I did. Told them exactly what was available elsewhere and what would DirecTV do to match. Never threatened to cancel.

[tommy_morris]

I called yesterday and told DirecTV that Comast was offering HD DVR + HBO/Showtime/OnDemand/etc. for 34.95+9.95 to rent the box for one year.

I told them I was cancelling DirecTV because I didn't need to buy the HD DVR at Comcast. They messed around a while and then eventually offered me the following:

$499 for HDTIVO
-$200 credit on my DirecTV bill
-$100 mail in rebate
$14.95 for installation

They even offered to install as soon as today, although I put it off until the weekend.

I have been a customer for about 10 years. I am not sure if that helped, it certainly can't hurt.

[Waldorf]

If you really want to be sneaky, tell them you called customer service to cancel and they forwarded you to customer retention to see if there was anything they could offer since that's the way it's really supposed to work. ;)

[Paperboy2003]

Not 'sneaky' as much as shrewd although they might have notations as to whom you spoke with previously etc.

[WaarrEagle]

Wow - I will call retentions tomorrow but I am really impressed by the offers from Charter and Dish. I don't want to switch but listen to this:

Charter: All movie channels, HD-DVR, a second digital box, HD package including locals for 68.93 for 3 months and then 71.93 for the next 17 months. They are heavily discounting service for 20 months. There is no contract and no one time equipment fees and just a $30 installation fee. I think they are losing their shirt to satellite customers where I am. I know they lost me a long time ago b/c of horrible picture quality.

Dish: Top 120 package with locals, HD-DVR, and a second box for 57.96/mo. There is a discount for 6 mo but its not significant. An 18 mo contract is required but installation is free. Also, there is a $250 one time charge for the DVR (what I am hoping to get from DTV).

I am very suprised as both of these seam a lot better than the deals DirecTV is advertising, especially when customers want a HD-DVR. I will probably call DTV retentions tomorrow and see what they can do. Wish me luck!

[someToast]

I just got off the phone with them and was offered the outstanding deal of $559 (after $100 rebate) and a doubling of my current $5.99 monthly Tivo charge to $10.99. They were more than willing to transfer me to the extension to cancel my service when the subject came up.

I've had DirecTV for five years because of Tivo. If I'm just going to be transitioned to some Generic Newscorp Recorder Box™ in the next year or so anyway, I'm not seeing much reason to stay with them (especially at these prices).

[WaarrEagle]

I just got off the phone with them and was offered the outstanding deal of $559 (after $100 rebate) and a doubling of my current $5.99 monthly Tivo charge to $10.99. They were more than willing to transfer me to the extension to cancel my service when the subject came up.

I've had DirecTV for five years because of Tivo. If I'm just going to be transitioned to some Generic Newscorp Recorder Box™ in the next year or so anyway, I'm not seeing much reason to stay with them (especially at these prices).
Is that the deal retentions gave you or is that what the CSR said? I would hope retentions could do better than that!

[someToast]

Is that the deal retentions gave you or is that what the CSR said? I would hope retentions could do better than that!
My first call was to retentions, which said "this number's been disconnected..." (I had written it down over a month ago, so the direct line may have changed.)

[marh10]

I posted this in another forum, but wanted to spread the word.

Just wanted to fill in with the latest deals for a HR10-250 HD-DVR. I called the customer retention number on Friday, arranged a $200 credit and $5 off per month for 9 months with a price of $599 and a $100 MIR. Called back Monday, Nov 7 and they said their price to long term subscribers (2 years with D*TV) means a $499 starting price + $100 MIR + $200 service credit and $5/month credit. I went to BestBuy, told them the deal, they matched D*TV's price + 10% of the difference. The MIR didn't print out, so they credited me a further 110% on the spot which is $110. The final price at BestBuy is $379 + all the other discounts from D*TV.

I called back today to get the credits and got a sweeter deal.
Receiver - $379 from BB
$200 service credit
$5 off for 12 months
6 months of Showtime for free and automatically cancels after 6 months
and D*TV said I can still send in the $100 MIR
which makes the final price...
$79
if you count service credits per month that is only $19 for my HR10-250 HD DVR.

Plus, when MPEG-4 rolls out in Chicago, I will get a new HD receiver to replace my existing standard HD box and a new dish with only the cost of shipping and handling and when the MPEG-4 HD DVR comes out, shipping and handling will get me one of those with no extra charges according to the CSR.

Happy shopping, I think I got a great deal.

[Sir_winealot]

That's unusual....BB normally won't match something unles they can see it print and/or verify it. Nice deal.

[1999cobra]

I posted this in another forum, but wanted to spread the word.

Just wanted to fill in with the latest deals for a HR10-250 HD-DVR. I called the customer retention number on Friday, arranged a $200 credit and $5 off per month for 9 months with a price of $599 and a $100 MIR. Called back Monday, Nov 7 and they said their price to long term subscribers (2 years with D*TV) means a $499 starting price + $100 MIR + $200 service credit and $5/month credit. I went to BestBuy, told them the deal, they matched D*TV's price + 10% of the difference. The MIR didn't print out, so they credited me a further 110% on the spot which is $110. The final price at BestBuy is $379 + all the other discounts from D*TV.

I called back today to get the credits and got a sweeter deal.
Receiver - $379 from BB
$200 service credit
$5 off for 12 months
6 months of Showtime for free and automatically cancels after 6 months
and D*TV said I can still send in the $100 MIR
which makes the final price...
$79
if you count service credits per month that is only $19 for my HR10-250 HD DVR.

Plus, when MPEG-4 rolls out in Chicago, I will get a new HD receiver to replace my existing standard HD box and a new dish with only the cost of shipping and handling and when the MPEG-4 HD DVR comes out, shipping and handling will get me one of those with no extra charges according to the CSR.

Happy shopping, I think I got a great deal.

No offense but "I SERIOUSLY DOUBT ALL THE ABOVE" - you have a safe day now...

[Guindalf]

No offense but "I SERIOUSLY DOUBT ALL THE ABOVE" - you have a safe day now...

Try reading some of the threads on this forum before doubting something of which you have no knowledge.

BTW, welcome to the boards!

Oh, and by the way, if you count programming credits as part of the cost, D* actually effectively paid ME about $150 to get an HD TiVo!!!

[kablooie]

That's unusual....BB normally won't match something unles they can see it print and/or verify it. Nice deal.

I concur. :confused: A BB sales rep told me it had to be an ad (when I tried to get a cordless phone a couple weeks back).

[nichols_eric]

I have spent (way too much of) the last week agonizing on HD options. I am switching back to cable tomorrow until DirecTV gets their HD DVR stuff straightened out. Why pay so much money for the Tivo if it will need to be replaced (outdated) in the not too distant future anyways. I think the r20 will bring me back. I have been back and forth with them too much on the price of that unit (a stupid game I shouldn't have to play). Cox is far from heaven, but at least I can get an HDDVR without paying such a high premium. I crunched the numbers and the disparity between the monthly costs is neglible.

[1999cobra]

Try reading some of the threads on this forum before doubting something of which you have no knowledge.

BTW, welcome to the boards!

Oh, and by the way, if you count programming credits as part of the cost, D* actually effectively paid ME about $150 to get an HD TiVo!!!

I have been a Directv customer since 1995 - I called last night and spoke to a rep about pulling the plug on Directv for a number of issues I have had in the recent past.

It had nothing to do with wanting to procur a cheaper price on a HDTivo unit - but I thought I could use this as an advantage for them to give me something conciliatory for all the bulls$it I have put up with of late.

Believe me I have had issues that would take up far to much of my time to type here. Basically - I should be given a FREE HDTivo unit for all the trouble I have had.

Now to the story, the rep looked up my record in the computer and saw all the issues listed felt bad and did the ole' I apologize routine - After getting past that I told him I was tired of Directv and am considering dumping the service (which I am).

I told him I was also tired of picking up the newspaper and seeing all these wonderful deals of free equipment blah, blah, blah - being offered to new signups while the veterans get nothing for their years of loyalty. (He agreed) ...

After all the whining and indirect threats the bottom line was - a new HDTivo unit disounted down to $499.00 with a MIR of $100 bringing the bottom line to $399.00 period - no free service no free nothing and this dork put a line item in the computer making it virtually impossible for me to call back and try to schmooze another rep for a better deal.

As a matter of fact he told me CSR agents have been recently schooled in whats taking place on this forum and others like it and have been instructed to place notes as computer line items in your record if you call with this type of request so you can't call back in and try the CSR roulette game ...

In closing he did say that in effect - if I bought this unit I would get a FREE upgrade to the new mpeg4 unit when they come out and that unit is projected to be over $700 with no chance of any rebates for at least 8 months to a year...

I may be new to this forum - but I AM NOT NEW TO TIVO OR DIRECTV...!!!!

Addendum: (update)

According to Directv reps the Xtra $199 discount some of you folks were lucky enough to get will no longer be given in part because of this and other forums like it - Apparently some idiots on these forums mentioned they heard about a $199 discount from reading "The Forums" a bit to often thereby prompting Directv to suspend all discretionary discounts ...

[golf4dj]

I had also talked to a previous CSR rep about 5 weeks just after the unofficial $299 deal ended. When I talked to that CSR she noted in my record what she had offered me ($499 w/$100 rebate and 1/2 off HD package for 6 months).

Just called back earlier this week the CSR immediately referred to my initial request and offered to match it.

Long story short, I got $499 + shipping $15 and + taxes less $100 credit and the $100 rebate. Also got HD free for 3 months. I did not push hard but was certainly friendly. Considering the hit and miss others are also experiencing I though that this deal was OK, not great but OK.

I spent around $400 for one on ebay recently as well. I am spending way too much but HD is pretty cool.

Now I just have to get rid of my regular DTivo units.

DJ
ago when all

[1999cobra]

Long story short, I got $499 + shipping $15 and + taxes less $100 credit and the $100 rebate. Also got HD free for 3 months.

I'm curious - according to what you just posted in looks like your bottom line was $299.00 - correct???

What was the $100 credit for ???

Thanks,

[marh10]

No offense but "I SERIOUSLY DOUBT ALL THE ABOVE" - you have a safe day now...
You can doubt it all you want, but I can scan the receipt and send it to you. There is no advantage to me not posting information that is totally correct. As far as the price match, I was at BB last week to buy a HD DVR and asked them to discount the price 10% as I have done in the past at CC and BB. They said they would meet half way and do 5%. I bought it and am returning it after the great deal I got the other day.

As for the price matching, whenever they price match, they simply call another store to confirm the price, it doesn't have to be in print, just verified. I have done this many times. They decided to call D*TV on their own and did price match to my amazement, but even if they didnt' I would have ordered the equipment from D*TV for $20 more. So if you read other posts, getting the unit from D*TV for $399 after rebate is easy. BB however due to the price match decided to just credit the $100 rebate to my card since it wasn't printing out and the price match receipt said "not eligible for rebate", however I have the BB rebate from the other HD DVR I bought last week and D*TV will send me the other half of the rebate form, so I can still get the $100 MIR on top of the $379.

Also, each time I called and worked out a deal, I had them note it on my account and took their name and date I called as that is how they reference calls. And even though they noted some things, I was still able to negotiate more the last time I called when I got the $5/month discount for 9 months extended to 12 months just by asking even though my account was noted for only 9 months.

Maybe I am just nicer to them on the phone than you.

[prosperodgc]

I see some folks doubting marh10's deal that he got through Best Buy. Here's my story, which may help confirm marh10's experience.

I called DirecTV and told them what my situation was (research your local competition, folks!) and after some discussion they were delighted to give me this deal:

$499 for HR10-250
- $199 instant discount because I'm a nice guy ;-)
- $100 mail-in rebate
- $90 programming discounts
$0 for installation
(The programming discounts are: $60 off TotalChoice ($5 per month for 12 months) and $30 off the HD package ($5 per month for 6 months))

So $109 is my final price for the unit. It may not be the best deal possible but it took one phone call and no trips back-and-forth to BestBuy. (My hat's off to you, marh10, for your diligence!) If you take marh10's starting price of $379 from BestBuy and apply the same discounts above, you end up with D* paying him $10 to take the unit.

The person I spoke to also assured me that when the MPEG-4 streams come online, D* will replace the HR10-250 at no cost. No idea what they'll replace it with but it's an assurance that I'm happy with in the meantime.

For those considering switching to a cable provider's HD DVR, you may be interested in my experience with Cox Cable's Scientific Atlanta 8300HD DVR. I can't post the URL here because I'm new to the forum and the rules say I have to post 5 times before posting URLs. Email me if you'd like the link.) Summary: avoid!

[psu90]

Best Buy is offering a free HD Receiver after rebate as well as a $200 mail in rebate for the HD Tivo Receiver. I believe that starts on Black Friday.

[summerall]

When will the HDtivo cease to work becuase of the new mpeg4 stuff? I need to know how long the life on this thing is before I plop down some $$$.

[1999cobra]

Persistance pays off-

HDTivo $499.00 - MIR $100, down to $399, Customer loyalty account credit $100, down to $299.00, free installation, six months free showtime...

I apologize with my hat in hand to "marh10" forgive me for doubting you as I see a little persistance pays off big ...

It can be done - :up:

[1999cobra]

When will the HDtivo cease to work becuase of the new mpeg4 stuff? I need to know how long the life on this thing is before I plop down some $$$.

Doesn't matter as D*TV says they will upgrade everyone for Zippo ...

[Waldorf]

The HDTiVo (to me) is still easily worth the $900 most of us paid for our first one. I have a friend trying to build one... hard drive, dual HD tuner cards, motherboard, processor, memory, sagetv software... you can easily spend over $1k and it still doesn't accept satellite feeds, not to mention the TiVo features we all know and love.

[w4rsk]

I have been with D for 2 years on 10/19. I called on 11/4 and explained Charter's HD offering. I got an HD TiVo for $499 - $100 credit - $100 rebate. I also got a $10/mo credit for 12 months, an additonal $10/mo credit for 6 months for my Sports pack subscription, and Showtime for free for 3 months. That netted my HDTiVO to less than $100. When the installer showed up on the following Monday, he only had to plug it up and activate it since I already had a triple LNB dish, a mutiswitch with double runs to all of my rooms, and an OTA antenna. I got him to leave me a new triple LNB dish and 50 feet or so of double RG6 to use for my football tailgating setup :)

FYI - the CSR explained to me that the $10/mo credit for a year was because I used Charter for my ISP - she called it an 'Internet service credit'.

[WaarrEagle]

I have been a customer since 2000 and called to try and get HD-DVR. The best offer they gave me was $499 - 100 rebate minus 10 off my account per month for a year ($120). I really want another hundred off but I am not sure I can get it. Is this as good as I can get?

[1999cobra]

I have been a customer since 2000 and called to try and get HD-DVR. The best offer they gave me was $499 - 100 rebate minus 10 off my account per month for a year ($120). I really want another hundred off but I am not sure I can get it. Is this as good as I can get?

NO - hold out for the other $100 customer credit and it's instantaneous she credited it to my account while I was on the phone with her...

Stay away from MEN CSR's they tend to be on the harder side to deal with if you get a man hang-up and call back. Based upon my conversation with one last night - when I called again today and got a man I hung up and called back till I got a woman and I got the deal listed above - good luck brother... BTW - I am a man in case your wondering - LOL...

[WaarrEagle]

NO - hold out for the other $100 customer credit and it's instantaneous she credited it to my account while I was on the phone with her...

Stay away from MEN CSR's they tend to be on the harder side to deal with if you get a man hang-up and call back. Based upon my conversation with one last night - when I called again today and got a man I hung up and called back till I got a woman and I got the deal listed above - good luck brother... BTW - I am a man in case your wondering - LOL...
Thats it! I am a man and talked to a man today. BTW, what did you do about OTA? Did they give you an antenna?

[1999cobra]

No anntena I have a three lnb dish with multiswitch already set up Xtra dish for my locals won't be able to receive HD on locals no matter what I did in this location and the bastards at ABC, NBC and CBS won't cut me a waiver, I think it's a Rupport Murdoch hate fest or something LOL....

Good luck and keep us posted :up: :D

[willie]

Is CSR the Retention Dept at DirectTV? Do they have a seperate number?
Thanks for your help.

[willie]

I just got basically the same deal that others are talking about from Dtv.

$499 HD Tivo
$150 Instant Credit
$100 Mail In Rebate
$210 Credits of HBO, Total Choice, HD
No installation or Delivery Charge

$ 39 Net Cost

I called back a second time to verify the credits and some were not there. The second Sales Rep added them to my account. I'll have to wait and see the final invoice.

[summerall]

Doesn't matter as D*TV says they will upgrade everyone for Zippo ...

Yes, I understand DTV will upgrade everyone to another generic brand HD DVR for free but my family is quite fond of the Tivo (wife) ;) . I also will hack this unit enabling things that likely won't be on this generic replacement dvr. So can anyone tell me the estimated date our beloved HD Tivo's will stop working???

Thanks

[summerall]

Hey guys I just found out that Best Buy is offering a $200 rebate on the HD Tivo. Is there anyway we can price match DTV to Best Buy to sweeten the pot??? Or get DTV to honor the $200 rebate from BB???

Linky
http://ads.bfads.net/BF2005-BestBuy.pdf

Look on page 11

[micheled5]

I called direct tv today and was not given any sort of deal that you guys are talking about. Then we decided to go to best buy and see what we could get and again nothing. Where are some of you people located that you are able to get these deals? We are in Northern CA. I just don't get it.

Thanks
Michele

[crwmlw]

Im In Chicago and Im looking at Page 2 of the Best Buy flyer and the rebate is still only $100.00, not sure what state that flyer is from, Not Illinois. Here is my deal, I called customer retention several times before getting this deal Saturday. I kept calling in hopes to get someone to do it. I've been with them 3 years and they offered me the DVR for $499.00 minus $150.00 instant credit then the $100 mail in rebate, 6 monthe free Showtime, 6 months HBO for $2.00 a month and $10.00 credit per month for 12 months. They said that had to charge a debit or credit card for the $499 plus shipping and tax, I lied and said I dont have a credit card, put it on my bill and they said they couldnt do that with the HD dvr's, also if you get it thru them they charge you $15.00 shipping and tax to have it shipped to the installer who in turn installs it. I personally dont like that idea from a previous incident, Im well capable enough to do it myself. ANYhow I told them since you cant bill it to my account and I dont have a credit card can I buy it from best buy and you still offer me those perks, at first she said they cannot honor that with a 3rd party retailer, I in turn said thats Bullsh--, she put me on hold and said ok, I then went to Best Buy and told them i could get the HD DVR from Directv Customer retention for $499, they did the routine asking me for proof and I told them honestly I have no written proof of that offer on paper, it was done over the phone (which it was) with customer retention, he went and got a manager who said he's heard of that offer and said no problem I can give it to you for $499, I said great so I purchased it with my Best Buy card to get Reward zone points. So here is the final deal.

DVR from Best buy $499 plus tax = $539

$150 Instant credit from Directv

$100 MIR

$10 a month credit for 12 months= $120

Total cost $169 with free Showtime for 6 months and HBO for $2.00 a month for 6 months..

It can be done you just have to call Directv everyday till they do it.

[WaarrEagle]

I called last Friday but didn't get quite as good a deal as I think I can. What is everyone saying when they call back? I know they guy put a note on my account so I don't want to look stupid if I play dumb.

[Mr Pieces]

The $200 Best Buy rebate he is referring to is from the Black Friday ad (Day after Thanksgiving)

Link to Black Friday ads (http://www.bfads.net/)

[dhowse]

The new HD Tivo comming next week will take me to three Tivo recievers. Since each receiver needs two lines to the switch and the switch only has outputs for four what kind of additional switch will the installer have to bring?

[Jeffrey Thomas]

When you total everything up I will break even on my purchase of the HD tivo.

[WaarrEagle]

I just called and talked to a very nice woman who hooked me up:
$550 HD-DVR (this includes Terk outdoor OTA antenna @$50)
-200 instant credit
-100 rebate
+15 shipping fees
+ relocation of my other DVR receiver
For a grand total of $265. I also got $10 off TC for 1 year and HBO/SHO for $2 for 6 months. I should also get $5 off HD for 6 months but the installer has to do it. I am very happy and it is coming on Friday!!! Thanks for the help everyone!

[MRTRIPOD]

what is the retention number?

[SteveWallace]

I've called 4 times now and nothing each time. The best they will do is 499 - 100 rebate - 90 in programming. 299 ain't gonna cut it! I'm getting ticked now!

[g-man]

My first call was to retentions, which said "this number's been disconnected..." (I had written it down over a month ago, so the direct line may have changed.)

Try this one. It just worked for me.
800.824.9081

[WaarrEagle]

I've called 4 times now and nothing each time. The best they will do is 499 - 100 rebate - 90 in programming. 299 ain't gonna cut it! I'm getting ticked now!
What is your situation with DTV? Are you under contract, how long have you been a customer, do you ever pay your bill late, etc? Have you ever talked to a woman? I thought it was crazy but the first woman I talked to gave me the deal.

[superfro]

Hello all! Brand new around these parts, but as of tomorrow, I'll have the need for it for the first time in my life. :D

I've only been with DirecTV since Jan, with a 1 year commitment, and received the following deal in regards to the HR10-250.

$499
-$100 Rebate
-$10 month for HBO (6 months)
-$5 month for HD (6 months)
-$5 month for channel package (12 months)
Free Shotime for 6 months

Ended up costing me about $177. The rep also waived the shipping fee without me even making a stink. ;)

Everything should be up and running tomorrow. I'm sure I'll need this forum in the days ahead.

[midas]

Just got done with retention.

$499 base price
$100 rebate
$100 instant account credit
$15 a month account credit for 6 months ($90)
Free 5x8 multiswitch

Bottom line, $209 plus tax and shipping. Unfortunately, tax is calculated on the original price.

The only real downside is that they insist on "professional" installation. This also means I have to wait until Dec. 10th before they can get someone out here. Good thing this one is for my wife and I already have mine :D

[christoc]

I got $499 base price, $100 rebate, 3 month credit, free 3lnb dish.
Not bad, better than I was expecting as I'm a brand new customer as of two weeks ago.

[SteveWallace]

What is your situation with DTV? Are you under contract, how long have you been a customer, do you ever pay your bill late, etc? Have you ever talked to a woman? I thought it was crazy but the first woman I talked to gave me the deal.

I've been a customer since Oct of 2001, so not since the dawn of time, but a strong 4 year customer. My bill is automatically withdrawn from my bank account so it's always on time. My bill isn't huge though and I think that is the problem. It's like 60 bucks a month with no movie packages or HD package. I haven't talked to a woman yet. With my luck though, when I do I'll get a man hater who will end up raising my bill :) I'll just keep trying....

[LDLemu4U]

I just saw this in AVS:

quote
No, thank goodness. DIRECTV is now honoring existing customers as much as new activations since News Corp took over from GM.

Beginning November 25th anyone who activate a HD receiver and HD DVR will get a $200 mail-in rebate certificate in their next statement. The $200 HD rebate is limited to one per account.
end quote

Just to update this thread

[DTV TiVo Dealer]

I just saw this in AVS:

quote
No, thank goodness. DIRECTV is now honoring existing customers as much as new activations since News Corp took over from GM.

Beginning November 25th anyone who activate a HD receiver and HD DVR will get a $200 mail-in rebate certificate in their next statement. The $200 HD rebate is limited to one per account.
end quote

Just to update this thread

That's my quote and I stand by it 100%.

-Robert

[andbye]

It appears that some are getting two new receivers; usually two R10s, or two R15s, or an HR 10-250 and an R10 or R15. Is it possible to get two mail-in rebates?

[endeitz]

Beginning November 25th anyone who activate a HD receiver and HD DVR will get a $200 mail-in rebate certificate in their next statement. The $200 HD rebate is limited to one per account.


I just called retention and got this offer:
499 HD-DVR
-100 Rebate
-100 Credit
-30 Three free months HD

Do you think if I wait until the 25th that they might boost the rebate to $200? I'm not one of those people that try to squeeze every last drop out, but I would like to get maybe $50 more off.

Also, is the antenna that Directv sells decent (i.e. worth $50)? I might try to get them to throw that in for free and then pull the trigger. I already have the Triple LNB dish so I figure all the installer has to do is put up the OTA antenna for me and plug in the DVR.

Anyone have advice?

Cheers,

Ed.

[DTV TiVo Dealer]

You could get a one time, $100 DVR rebate on a SD DVR and a $200 HD rebate on a HR10-250. And that's through any dealer, not just by purchasing through DIRECTV. Going through a on-line dealer would save you the tax and shipping.

-Robert

[WaarrEagle]

DTV Dealer, the new rebate is done by time of activation, not time of purchase, correct? I bought a HD-DVR last Monday and it was supposed to be installed on Friday but the installer cancelled. The next time I am available for installation is Dec 1 - will I get the $200 rebate or the $100 rebate?

[lorick]

You could get a one time, $100 DVR rebate on a SD DVR and a $200 HD rebate on a HR10-250. And that's through any dealer, not just by purchasing through DIRECTV. Going through a on-line dealer would save you the tax and shipping.

-Robert

I was wondering the same thing. DirecTV is bringing my HR10-250 on 11/21. If they will hold off on activation until Friday will I get the $200 rebate instead of the $100 rebate?

[DeDondeEs]

Called customer service the other day. Got $549 for the HD-Tivo plus an antenna installed to get the locals -$100 rebate. I guess I didn't whine enough to get the $100 credit or free HD-Programing for 3 months, but I am satisfied with the deal I got. However I am wondering about eligibility for the $200 rebate....

[Saabster]

Just got off with retention This is the deal I got, I could not get the rep to budge on the account credit:

HD DVR $499 + $100 rebate for a total of $399
Sho 6 months free
HD package free for 3 months

As I live in So. Cal I decided not to get the OTA for HD since I get the big 4 (CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX) in HD over the DTV antenna

[S2K]

Just got off with retention This is the deal I got, I could not get the rep to budge on the account credit:

HD DVR $499 + $100 rebate for a total of $399
Sho 6 months free
HD package free for 3 months

As I live in So. Cal I decided not to get the OTA for HD since I get the big 4 (CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX) in HD over the DTV antenna

If you wait until 11/26 you will get the HD DVR for $299.

[acourvil]

I was wondering the same thing. DirecTV is bringing my HR10-250 on 11/21. If they will hold off on activation until Friday will I get the $200 rebate instead of the $100 rebate?

I hope it works that way. The installer dropped mine off today. Of course, instead of showing up at the scheduled time, he showed up an hour early. I wasn't home, and my wife was there but had to leave for a meeting. I gave the installer instructions over the phone. He hooked it up, but couldn't activate it. The room is still being finished, so I have no real desire to activate it in the next few days. An extra $100 rebate would be fine with me.

Also, even though I asked that it be hooked up with an HDMI connector, the installer said that those don't come in the box, so he hooked it up with component cables. He also plugged the phone line into a not-yet-connected CAT 5 network connection, even though there were two functional phone lines in the same place. Oh, and he hooked up the sat lines with cables that must be 20' long. Just what I wanted behind the TV.

[jcthomas]

Quote; "Also, even though I asked that it be hooked up with an HDMI connector, the installer said that those don't come in the box, so he hooked it up with component cables." end quote

The HR10-250 (HD TiVO) is shipped with both a DVI to HDMI and a HDMI to HDMI cable. Your installer owes you a couple of cables.

Regards,

[ffrllc]

If you wait until 11/26 you will get the HD DVR for $299.


care to explain? I'm trying to get one, but wanted to see about getting the "deal" everyone has been talking about.

Will the price be dropping on 11/26?

I called and spoke with retention, but the best they were willing to offer me (a 6 year customer in perfect standing) was $499 with a $100 rebate and no additional credits.

What have the people who have been able to get the special pricing/credits been saying?

[Guindalf]

Quote; "Also, even though I asked that it be hooked up with an HDMI connector, the installer said that those don't come in the box, so he hooked it up with component cables." end quote

The HR10-250 (HD TiVO) is shipped with both a DVI to HDMI and a HDMI to HDMI cable. Your installer owes you a couple of cables.

Regards,


Unfortunately, this is no longer true. I have seen several posts from people who are not getting the HDMI cable with their HR10s. I did get one, but I think they realized that people who want one will pay for it so they dropped them from the package.

:rolleyes:

[acourvil]

Well, as I was cleaning up after my friendly installer, I picked up the box, manuals, etc. and guess what? In fact, there WAS an HDMI cable in the box. He either didn't see it, or (more likely) didn't know what it was. So he actually left me an extra cable, because he used component cables that were not the ones that came in the box.

[S2K]

care to explain? I'm trying to get one, but wanted to see about getting the "deal" everyone has been talking about.

Will the price be dropping on 11/26?

I called and spoke with retention, but the best they were willing to offer me (a 6 year customer in perfect standing) was $499 with a $100 rebate and no additional credits.

What have the people who have been able to get the special pricing/credits been saying?

I was also speaking with a retention person today. Everyone else gave me the same deal as what you are getting. The retention person gave me that deal as well, however, he did tell me that they will be offering a $200 rebate on the 26th. I believe this to be true based on what I have heard elsewhere. Regardless, it is worth waiting a few days to find out.

I will also add that the $100 rebate is expiring in a few days which also makes me believe the new $200 rebate scenario.

[endeitz]

I just wanted to verify that the $200 rebate will be available to people who *activate* after 11/25.

So I can make my order now, and still get the $200 rebate?

Cheers,

Ed.

[Barmat]

Dudes and Dudettes..... THANK YOU :) :) :)

Got a sweet deal.

189.00 HD Tivo after credits and rebate(100.00)
Free SHO for 6mo
Free OTA antenna
10.00 off TC for 6mo
Free HD package for 3mo

[ffrllc]

How did you get this deal? What did you tell them? What was the price they gave you and what were the discounts that brought it down so low?

Thanks in advance...



Dudes and Dudettes..... THANK YOU :) :) :)

Got a sweet deal.

189.00 HD Tivo after credits and rebate(100.00)
Free SHO for 6mo
Free OTA antenna
10.00 off TC for 6mo
Free HD package for 3mo

[Barmat]

She asked me what deal I had been offered. She just added credits on top of credits until she said this was all she could give me. I've been a sub since '99. I'm also out of contract.

She just kepped giving me credits and discounts until I agreed to the cost. I paid under 50.00 when all the credits are applied.

Only prob is I'm getting my new plasma on sunday and the earliest I can get the new Tivo in the 15th of december.

[summerall]

Can anyone tell me the estimated date our HD Tivo's will stop working???

[Guindalf]

Can anyone tell me the estimated date our HD Tivo's will stop working???

Assuming this is a serious question, the answer is never. D* will not cause the HR10-250s to "stop working". You will still be able to use them for OTA, some D* delivered HD programming and SD programming, probably until long after one would usually die if you didn't upgrade the hard drive. Just like D* still supports the UltimateTV boxes that are still out there.

However, you will have the option to upgrade to an MPEG4 box when it becomes necessary for receiving your HD locals through the satellite rather than OTA (which is a blessing for me as I'm too far away to get OTA locals).

[andbye]

You could get a one time, $100 DVR rebate on a SD DVR and a $200 HD rebate on a HR10-250. And that's through any dealer, not just by purchasing through DIRECTV. Going through a on-line dealer would save you the tax and shipping.

-Robert

I still don't comp;etely understand. Does the post mean you can get two rebates?

[Harrisment]

Well, I just called customer retention and they wouldn't give me a very good deal.

$499 HD Tivo
- $100 rebate
3 months of free HD programming

I asked her about the $200 credit if activating after 11/25, and she said she had never heard anything about that. I told her no thanks.

[ffrllc]

I haven't been able to tell if the rebate is dependant on whether or not you buy directly from Direct TV. Some have said it doesn't matter and some have said it does so I wanted to check one more time and see what you guys think.

If I buy a HD Tivo unit from a retailer, can I then call Direct TV and get the rebate and/or credits to my account?


Thanks in advance...

[lorick]

I haven't been able to tell if the rebate is dependant on whether or not you buy directly from Direct TV. Some have said it doesn't matter and some have said it does so I wanted to check one more time and see what you guys think.

If I buy a HD Tivo unit from a retailer, can I then call Direct TV and get the rebate and/or credits to my account?


Thanks in advance...


Best Buy has the $200 rebate in their Black Friday Ad.

[ffrllc]

Can I get the rebate of I buy from a different retailer than Best Buy?

[TheBigDogs]

Can't seem to find the $200 rebate at http://www.bf2005.com/bestbuy.html do you have a copy of the actual add?

[Harrisment]

Can't seem to find the $200 rebate at do you have a copy of the actual add?


Click on the adscans link at that site and view the PDF of Best Buy's ad. It's on page 10.

[Dssturbo1]

Can I get the rebate of I buy from a different retailer than Best Buy?
yes, the rebates come from dtv not the retailers. so you can get it from CC BB Value Electronics Solid signal weaknees or newegg who has them for like $480 shipped then if the rebate does go to $200 on nov 26th you got a great deal. dtv will probably even give you more credits like free hd or other program credits . As long as your activating a dvr new receiver on your account you are eligible for one rebate per household for that rebate period, whetehr you buy it from dtv or other retailers..

[weaknees]

FYI, the rebate form is here:

http://www.weaknees.com/pdf/dvrrebate.pdf

[Smuuth]

The $200 rebate requires BOTH the activation of the HD DVR AND subscription to the HD programming package from D*

[Sir_winealot]

So would it apply if you're adding a 2nd HR10-250??

[Barmat]

Yes, it would apply to a second HD-receiver. Call retention as the above post suggests they will give you even more credits.

[earl]

Here is the deal I just got on the HR10-250. Note I'm an original DIRECTV subscriber since the second month or so of operation, and I've not done the Customer Retention approach before. I just called, explained I wanted to upgrade to a HD DVR and was looking at my options.

$499 hardware sale price
-$200 instant discount
-$200 Rebate
Free shipping ($14.95 normally)
$99 for Equipment (not counting $60 off TC package I already have, shown below)

-$10 month for HBO (6 months)
-$5 month for HD (6 months)
-$5 month for Total Choice package (12 months)
Free Showtime for 6 months
$210 of programming discounts

Also will include a free 4x8 switch (darn I already bought one!) and installation of the new unit and moving one unit. Pretty good deal!

[flmgrip]

yeah, i got my HR10-250 for free, plus $200.- in cash and the nice woman on the phone offered to come over too...





well not really, i have no idea how anyone gets any discounts with these directTV people, it never worked for me in the past and not now. i'm nice and friendly on the phone and end up notgetting any discounts and end up not buying it either... so i wounder if some of you are just full of it... why would one get the HR10-250 for $99.- and $210.- programming discounts and switchen and install and the next one $449.- for hardware and $30.-programming discounts and no free switch, ship etc... ???

[mkpd]

It is possible and I did get a deal. I just purchased a HDTV and was looking at my HD DVR options.

Comcast was trying to get me over with a $25/month credit for 16 months. My bill with the DVR from Comcast would still be lower than my monthly cost from DirecTV. Even if DirecTV gave me the HD-DVR. I explained this nicely and got nowhere with a MALE CSR. I asked for a supervisor and got a pretty good deal but still not to my liking. So I refused and called Comcast to sign up but they were out of HD DVR's, I told them to call me back when they get the HD DVR in stock. Once my wife heard that we were going to change to Comcast she called DirecTV and got the DVR for the shipping cost after programming credits were factored in.

I am still not sure if I made the right decision since Comcast has more HD channels than DirecTV but my wife is now happy and that means a lot...

[derossi]

For what it's worth, I got a similar deal to others:

$499 HR10-250
$50 off-air antenna
-100 instant discount
-200 rebate
free shipping

6 months free showtime
-$10 on HBO for 6 months

Not the best deal I've seen, and not the worst either.

From some of her remarks, it sounds like they have limits that come up automatically based on the account history. She commented on both my longevity as a subscriber and the fact that my payment history is good. I'm not sure how much discretion the CSRs have to override the deal that comes up.

Interestingly, in my case, I got the $100 & $200 discounts right away. The free shipping and programming discounts didn't get offered until I said I was going to think about their offer and compare it to my local cable company.

[turbo92awd]

just got

$499 hd dvr
$200 credit
$100 rebate
2 mos showtime
3 mos HD

not as good as what i was supposed to get in august - they lost my reciever that i had sent in defective and i couldn't get a deal until the $400 was taken care of. basically i lost $100 in the swing - i'll just have to make it up later...

[joeblough]

one question about the $200 rebate... the "fine print" says:

"REBATE DETAILS: Both $100 and $200 Rebate offers valid nationally through 02/28/06 for customers who purchase 24 consecutive months (without interruption) of any TOTAL CHOICE programming package ($41.99/mo. or above), DIRECTV PARA TODOS programming package ($29.99/mo. or above) or qualifying international services bundle within 30 days of equipment purchase."

if i understand this correctly, it means that i have to commit to 2 more years of D*? i'm out of contract and have been with D* for 4+ years now... i dont really want to get back in to 2 years with them with tivo going to comcast.

[EMoMoney]

if i understand this correctly, it means that i have to commit to 2 more years of D*? i'm out of contract and have been with D* for 4+ years now... i dont really want to get back in to 2 years with them with tivo going to comcast.
Yes, that's what the lady told me when I ordered mine recently. But ask yourself the question, do you really see yourself dumping DTV within the next 2 years after having them for 4 already?

[earl]

just got

$499 hd dvr
$200 credit
$100 rebate
2 mos showtime
3 mos HD

not as good as what i was supposed to get in august - they lost my reciever that i had sent in defective and i couldn't get a deal until the $400 was taken care of. basically i lost $100 in the swing - i'll just have to make it up later...

The regular MIR was increased to $200 for the HDDVR starting 11/25 or 11/26. So, you should be able to get the $200 MIR when you activate. Just be sure and ask for it!!

[edouble]

Ok, so a dumb question: everyone is listing $499 as a base price. Well, I called DTV (before reading this thread) yesterday inquiring about the HD DVR. They said the base price was $649, and that the rebate would take it down to $449 (ridiculously expensive). Anyways, are you guys getting the $499 base price from CS or from retention?

I want a good deal, I'm out of a contract, but my stupid installer only gave me a dual LNB dish when we moved because his truck was "out" of triple LNBs, which means I have to grovel and convince CS to give me a new dish, which will probably lessen my deal. :(

[Deezul]

Probably won't see an answer to this for a month or so, but I'd like to find out if anyone who purchased the HDTiVo back when it was a $100 rebate was able to purchase another one and get the $200 rebate. I'd certainly consider picking a second one up for $300. I know D* probably wouldn't give me any credits or discounts, as I'm still receiving some from the one I got in August.

Deezul

[BeanMeScot]

Ok, so a dumb question: everyone is listing $499 as a base price. Well, I called DTV (before reading this thread) yesterday inquiring about the HD DVR. They said the base price was $649, and that the rebate would take it down to $449 (ridiculously expensive). Anyways, are you guys getting the $499 base price from CS or from retention?

I want a good deal, I'm out of a contract, but my stupid installer only gave me a dual LNB dish when we moved because his truck was "out" of triple LNBs, which means I have to grovel and convince CS to give me a new dish, which will probably lessen my deal. :(

That's the original quote I got. But because I was such a good customer, they gratiously lowered the price to $549.

[joeblough]

yep. i dont want some mickey mouse broken DVR, i want a tivo. and when mpeg4 is in full swing, the HDTivo won't be looking so good. we'll see how the tivo software looks when its ported to comcast's DVRs. and i hate rupert murdoch with a passion.

Yes, that's what the lady told me when I ordered mine recently. But ask yourself the question, do you really see yourself dumping DTV within the next 2 years after having them for 4 already?

[dmoney]

I am an existing Directv customer (9 years). I called today and got the following:
$549 Tivo DVR and OAT
$250 Instant Credit
$200 MIR
3 free months HD package
$10/month credit for 1 year
free shipping and install

Thanks to everyone's posting of the deals that they got. I knew what to ask for!

[swizzlest]

Gaaaah...

I am personally shocked at how little they wanted to keep me as a customer.

Talked to a lot of people. Very nice. Expressed how much I wanted to say with DirecTV.

Best I got was 499-$200 MIR, $100 credit over 1 year.

Since TW is offering me 2 HD-DVRs for $15 cheaper PER MONTH, I gotta go.

That sucks. I liked DirecTV.

Plus when I asked about the MPEG4 upgrade, he said the HD-DVR I got would be capable of dealing with that. Heh.

Edit: Called back:
549
+30.20 (OTA)
+14.95 (S&H)
+1.01 (Tax -- stupid OH)
-211.00 (Instant Credit & Some other random credit...I think for tax)
-52.75 (Credit for a miscommunication in our conversation)
=331.41
-$100 Rebate
=231.41

I'm happier now. Plus, I think that $100 could easily turn into $200?
Also got 6 mos free HD
6 mos free SHO (big whoop)

[newsshooterderek]

Two questions. I already have one HR10-250 and want a second one, but for now, I plan on using it only as an SD unit in place of a DVR80. Will it work that way and do you think D will give me the discounts and rebates?

[earl]

Ok, so a dumb question: everyone is listing $499 as a base price. Well, I called DTV (before reading this thread) yesterday inquiring about the HD DVR. They said the base price was $649, and that the rebate would take it down to $449 (ridiculously expensive). Anyways, are you guys getting the $499 base price from CS or from retention?

I want a good deal, I'm out of a contract, but my stupid installer only gave me a dual LNB dish when we moved because his truck was "out" of triple LNBs, which means I have to grovel and convince CS to give me a new dish, which will probably lessen my deal. :(

I only talked with Retention. If you can't get a deal with DIRECTV, you can still go to Newegg and get one for $479ish and then get the $200 MIR. That was the best deal going that I could find previously.

[Harrisment]

Ok, I just took the plunge. I called retention and got a much better deal than they offered me only a few days ago.

$549 HR10-250
$50 off-air antenna
$14.95 shipping
-100 instant discount
-200 rebate


- 6 months free showtime
-$5 off HD package for 6 months
-$10 off HBO for 6 months

I think that's pretty good, considering I'm still under contract for 6 more months. I've been with DirecTV for about 4 years. They're coming to install on Saturday!

[vabrave]

:mad: I have been a DirectTV subscriber for 6 years:

Talked to 2 different agents:

$549 (dish, receiver, antenna)
-$200 Rebate
+$14.95 shipping
3 months free HD programming

Im not sure how others are able to get the additional discounts.


Rep did mention that if I wait until a week or two before Christmas, prices typically drop then.

[Harrisment]

:mad: I have been a DirectTV subscriber for 6 years:

Talked to 2 different agents:

$549 (dish, receiver, antenna)
-$200 Rebate
+$14.95 shipping
3 months free HD programming

Im not sure how others are able to get the additional discounts.


Rep did mention that if I wait until a week or two before Christmas, prices typically drop then.

Call them back. That was similar to the deal they offered me a few days ago, except it was 499 with a 100 rebate. Less than a week later they gave me the deal I posted above.

[genenaples]

Just off the phone and got the following deal from retention:

$549 ($597 w tax) for the HR10250
Free off air antenna with install
164.95 Account credit
3 months of the HD package free
$100 mail in rebate

so using the $597 # the unit ends up costing me $332.73

It will be installed on 12/5 in the AM no less, not to

[ffrllc]

I’m one of the many looking to get the HD Tivo and trying to get the “deal” people here have been discussing. Before today, I tried 4 different times and was unsuccessful each time. The only thing I was offered was the DVR for $499 with a $100 rebate (no extra credits, no programming discounts). When I asked for more than what I was offered I was told each time that that was the best they could offer.

I tried one last time today, almost hung up when a guy answered the phone (as people here have mentioned on several occasions you’ll have better luck with a woman). I went with it and the CSR was very helpful and to my surprise, offered me a GREAT deal.

So this post is to verify two things. 1.) these deals are real 2.) keep trying if you are unsuccessful the first few times

For the record, my deal:
$499 HD Tivo
$200 Rebate
$100 Instant Credit
$5 off HD Programming package for 1 year ($60 value)
$10 off HBO for 6 months ($60 value)
Free Showtime for 6 months ($60 value)

[WaarrEagle]

For everyone comparing these current deals, the rebate is now $200 regardless of what the person at DTV tells you.

[gordont64]

I called D today to "switch to Comcast"...been with D for 10yrs and spend 65/month. Here is what I got...

$399 HD Tivo
-$200 Mail in Rebate

$5 off HD Programming Package for 1 year
$2 per month combined cost for HBO and Showtime packages for 6 months...

Free install is tomorrow afternoon...

[EMoMoney]

Ok, so a dumb question: everyone is listing $499 as a base price. Well, I called DTV (before reading this thread) yesterday inquiring about the HD DVR. They said the base price was $649, and that the rebate would take it down to $449 (ridiculously expensive). Anyways, are you guys getting the $499 base price from CS or from retention?

I want a good deal, I'm out of a contract, but my stupid installer only gave me a dual LNB dish when we moved because his truck was "out" of triple LNBs, which means I have to grovel and convince CS to give me a new dish, which will probably lessen my deal. :(
I got my deal from just a CSR. She originally said $649. I simply asked if that was the best she could do, sha said she would check. Typed a few things on her computer and gave me the $499.

[treznor]

Just called Customer Retention 10 minutes ago...

$500 base price
-$200 mail-in rebate
-$100 instant rebate (the rep made it sound like it was because I've been a subscriber for over a year and paid my bill on time)
= $200 total price

She also threw in free Showtime for 6 months, $10 off HBO for 6 months, and free HDTV package for 3 months. Also, the cost of the satelite is free (which sounds silly, but the cost on the DirecTV website is $50). $14.95 shipping and handling fee not included.

Installation is Sunday... can't wait :-)

[vabrave]

OK, I posted earlier about my trouble getting a decent deal on the HD DVR, well finally tonight I had some luck.

Deal:

$549 for receiver and antenna
-$100 savings
-$200 rebate
---------
$249 total

Maybe not the cheapest possible, but I'm pretty happy with this deal.

Installation is Monday :)

[willardcpa]

....Also, the cost of the satelite is free .... :eek: HFC, they gave you a satellite for free? :D

[avoiceoreason]

Probably won't see an answer to this for a month or so, but I'd like to find out if anyone who purchased the HDTiVo back when it was a $100 rebate was able to purchase another one and get the $200 rebate. I'd certainly consider picking a second one up for $300. I know D* probably wouldn't give me any credits or discounts, as I'm still receiving some from the one I got in August.


I got a great deal back in August ($299-$100 rebate+$10 off HBO for 6months+free HD pack for 3 months+$5 off total bill for 12 months+free Starz for 3 months+free OTA antenna). I didn't have to beg or threaten or anything, the very nice and knowledgeable (yes you read that correctly) CSR just kept adding stuff on and I certainly didn't stop her.

Since then I have acquired a second HDTV and of course need (some may say want, but I think we all know that need is the proper term) another HDTivo.

So I called back today, again didn't threaten to leave, didn't use the C word, didn't say I was disappointed with service, but simply told the CSR that I got a new TV and needed another Tivo. I even told her that I had gotten a good deal on one back in August.

She was very polite and honest, and this is what she told me. She said she understood that given what I paid a few months ago I probably wouldn't be happy with what she could offer ($649-$200 rebate). But she very openly told me that the deal I got in August and those that many of you all are getting today are referred to as "Shopper offers," or deals that they are able to offer existing customers in good standing.

She went on to say that they are only able to offer those types of deals once every 6 months. She even walked me through the current "shopper offer" which is the $499 that all of you have been stating, and various potential credits, and apologized that she could not offer me that today. She even took the time to verify with a supervisor that she couldn't make an exception. She went even further and calculated the exact day my 6 months would be up and made a notation on my account to offer me the deal should I decide to call back at that time.

And in reference to the quote above, she did double check and said that yes I am eligible to receive the $200 rebate even though I previously received the $100 rebate, even if I were to buy the Tivo at retail.

I was honestly shocked at how honest this CSR was, particularly since all I did was say I got a new TV and needed another Tivo. But even though I came away empty handed, I came away pleased.

[treznor]

:eek: HFC, they gave you a satellite for free? :D

Well, the satellite dish anyway :-)

[edouble]

How big is the OTA D* is bundling with the HD DVR?

[zitrom27]

Here's the deal I got last night. About the same as everyone has been getting.

$549 HR10-250 w/ OTA includes new HD dish
-$200 MIR
-$150 Instant Credit on my bill
6 months free Showtime
$5 off Total Choice Plus for 6 months

They also offered $10 off HBO for 6 months but I didn't take it.


By the way I talked to a woman.

[jwhee0615]

The deal I got last night was:

$499.00 HR10-250 plus $14.95 S&H + Tax
$50.00 credit to my account
$200 MIR +
$100 MIR
3 months free HD pkg
6 mo Free showtime
had to agree to two year commitment with D*

I wonder if I call back I can get a bit more off since others are. I also wonder if I should call Best Buy and see if they will swing the price match thing.

[Harrisment]

The deal I got last night was:

$499.00 HR10-250 plus $14.95 S&H + Tax
$50.00 credit to my account
$200 MIR +
$100 MIR
3 months free HD pkg
6 mo Free showtime
had to agree to two year commitment with D*

I wonder if I call back I can get a bit more off since others are. I also wonder if I should call Best Buy and see if they will swing the price match thing.


How do you plan on getting both the $200 and $100 rebates? You can only use 1 rebate per receiver.

[jwhee0615]

That is not what the CSR said at customer retention. He said that there was a 200 MIR for the HD DVR plus a 100 MIR for a DVR. I asked him if he was sure about this and he said yes. If anyone thinks this is not right let me know and I will definitly call a pitch a fit.

[Harrisment]

That is not what the CSR said at customer retention. He said that there was a 200 MIR for the HD DVR plus a 100 MIR for a DVR. I asked him if he was sure about this and he said yes. If anyone thinks this is not right let me know and I will definitly call a pitch a fit.

I'm pretty sure that is the case, check this post from Robert in another thread. He's a DirecTV reseller.

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=3514679&&#post3514679

[Guindalf]

That is not what the CSR said at customer retention. He said that there was a 200 MIR for the HD DVR plus a 100 MIR for a DVR. I asked him if he was sure about this and he said yes. If anyone thinks this is not right let me know and I will definitly call a pitch a fit.

What he said is right. There IS a $200 MIR for the HD DVR and there IS a $100 MIR for the SD DVR. This means that you have to buy both to get the total of $300. You are entitled to one of each in any 12 month period.

Bottom line, you will only get one rebate per box.

[jwhee0615]

Well you would think that a CSR at their retention dept would know WTF he is talking about. This is starting to be way more of a hassle than it may be worth. I guess I will get on the horn now and triple check.

[Harrisment]

Well you would think that a CSR at their retention dept would know WTF he is talking about. This is starting to be way more of a hassle than it may be worth. I guess I will get on the horn now and triple check.

Yeah, let us know. If we could get both rebates that'd be awesome, but I dont think so.

[Guindalf]

Well you would think that a CSR at their retention dept would know WTF he is talking about.


HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA


You're new to this forum, right?

[jwhee0615]

Uh...thanks for laughing at me Guindalf and that would be affirmative on the newbie status here but I have news! I have just hung up the phone with the most delightful and accommodating CSR in the Boise Idaho D* customer retention department. After speaking with Lisa for over an hour I have confirmed and received the following deal. First of all it is true that you cannot receive both MIR's at the same time on one unit. As she was reading the notes from the "supervisor" customer retention CSR that I spoke with last night she actually said "how did he do that" and indicated that he was in fact incorrect. As an amends she said she would give me a $100.00 credit on top of my $50.00 credit from last night. I also told her that others here were getting even better programming deals and she gave me the following:

$499 HR10-250 + S&H $14.95 + tax
$100.00 instant credit
$50.00 instant credit
$200.00 MIR

total equip= $150.00 + S&H and tax

Programming:
$10 off per mo for 1 year on my Total choice plus pkg
6 mo free Showtime
$5.00 off HD programming for 6 mo
$10.00 off my HBO sub for 6 months.

total programing discount is $282.00

On top of this I mentioned that I was still using the old receiver in my bedroom from 98' and she arranged for a free swap out to a new one on the same day as the HD tivo install.

I think that I received about the best deal I could and I am very happy at this point. What do you guys think?

Forgot to mention that she indicated that D* will be going the instant rebate route in the near future because they have a tremendous back log of rebates to process. I say bout time! I hate mail in rebates!

[buffan]

I'm sure that I didn't push as hard as I could have...but:

$499 DVR
$50 Antenna
-$200 Rebate
-$150 Credit

Net equipment $199 + $14.95 s/h

I also got a credit of $5/mo on HD package.

I'm not sure if I talked to Customer Retention or not. I called the normal customer service number. The first quote I got was $649 - $200. I pushed a little, and when they quoted me a net of about $300, I asked if there was any additional credit that they could give me, they then transferred me to another number.

Regardless, installation is Monday, and I'm ready for Monday Night Football!

Didn't lie; didn't threaten to cancel; just asked for any possible credits.

[jwhee0615]

You should not have to pay for an antenna. The deal comes with a dish as well as the OTA antenna that attaches to the dish but as I would have to think that the OTA antenna would be marginal at best. I would call back and ask for the cust ret department and quote the deals you have seen on these forums. You should be able to get programing deals too.

[DTV TiVo Dealer]

What he said is right. There IS a $200 MIR for the HD DVR and there IS a $100 MIR for the SD DVR. This means that you have to buy both to get the total of $300. You are entitled to one of each in any 12 month period.

Bottom line, you will only get one rebate per box.

You are 100% correct.

-Robert

[Guindalf]

You are 100% correct.

-Robert

Wow, thanks, Robert! Never been 100% correct before!! I may have made 90%, but 100 is a first :D

Jwhee0615, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to laugh at you. It's just that if you read the board, as I'm sure you will, you'll see that CSRs have a reputation for not exactly being "in the know" around here. As you've already discovered, you need to play CSR roulette to get the deal you want and the same is true of getting ANY information from D*.

As an aside, it's not considered good form to continue the same conversation in multiple threads. You may also end up with conflicting information.


Oh, and welcome to the boards!! :p

[WaarrEagle]

You should not have to pay for an antenna. The deal comes with a dish as well as the OTA antenna that attaches to the dish but as I would have to think that the OTA antenna would be marginal at best. I would call back and ask for the cust ret department and quote the deals you have seen on these forums. You should be able to get programing deals too.
I got the same deal as jwhee but I paid $50 more for the antenna and got a $50 extra credit for it (hope that makes sense). The installed convinced me not to install the antenna and said he would call his supervisor and have the $50 credited to my account - as of this morning it is not credited but it is not a big loss if it never is considering the deal I got. I will be installing a ChannelMaster antenna this weekend so hopefully it will be up in time for football in HD this Sunday!

[Sir_winealot]

Call D* for the $50 credit....they'll do it immediately w/no argument....don't wait or depend on the installer for that.

[JohnDG]

Anybody getting a deal without installation? That is, with just the HD-Tivo shipped direct?

I'd be interested in the box alone. I have sufficient coax, I have DirecTivos, and I'd be swapping out any older HDTV box.

jdg

[acourvil]

I had everything set up as well, but they wanted an installer to deliver it.

[buffan]

Call D* for the $50 credit....they'll do it immediately w/no argument....don't wait or depend on the installer for that.

For me, the original credit offer was only $100. They then tried to charge me $50 for the antenna (and I definitely need some kind of antenna), so I asked for an additional $50 to offset it.

I really only need the antenna for one network (a $20 set-top antenna gets me everything except ABC already).

Should I cancel the antenna order from D* and get one myself elsewhere? Not sure of the quality of the D* antennas compared to others.

Waarreagle, did your installer tell you that the antenna was junk and that's why he recommended against it?

[willardcpa]

.....Waarreagle, did your installer tell you that the antenna was junk and that's why he recommended against it?My guess is that the installer knew he could sell it to his next customer for a fast $50 cash. :cool:

[mdv]

Just wanted to thank all of you for this great info! As a result, I just got the following deal from DirecTV:

$499 HR10-250
$200 MIR
$250 Instant Credit

Total HR10-250: $49 + tax/SH

Programming:
6 mos free Showtime
$5 off HD package for 6 mos
$5 off Total Choice Plus for 12 mos

FYI, I have been with DirecTV since 1999. I also got one of the new DirecTV DVR's for free ($99-$100MIR). Now I can throw my Ultimate TV receivers out the window!

Thanks again to all of you!

Mark

[willardcpa]

The rebate form says "Customers receiving instant rebate(s) from DIRECTV not eligible." I wonder how this will interact with the "$250 Instant Credit" that mdv just got???

[edouble]

How big is the OTA D* is bundling with the HD DVR?

Anyone? My wife is hesitant if the OTA is huge.

[mdv]

The rebate form says "Customers receiving instant rebate(s) from DIRECTV not eligible." I wonder how this will interact with the "$250 Instant Credit" that mdv just got???


Not sure, but the credit I'm receiving is off of my actual DirecTV bill, not off the cost of the DVR. So they actually charge me the full $499, then in January they credit the $250 and I send in the rebate independently. It's even getting installed today! Finally....

[WaarrEagle]

For me, the original credit offer was only $100. They then tried to charge me $50 for the antenna (and I definitely need some kind of antenna), so I asked for an additional $50 to offset it.

I really only need the antenna for one network (a $20 set-top antenna gets me everything except ABC already).

Should I cancel the antenna order from D* and get one myself elsewhere? Not sure of the quality of the D* antennas compared to others.

Waarreagle, did your installer tell you that the antenna was junk and that's why he recommended against it?
I live in a very hilly area and he said he had installed 8 OTA antennas in my area and only 1 had worked well. He may have been pulling something on me but he sounded very honest. I am really glad to told me that too because I bought a ChannelMaster 4221 for under $25 today - hopefully it will work.

[mikeny]

Good luck with your 4221. I'm extremely happy with mine. It's even more reliable than the SAT signals and that's also true in storms.

[redbudga]

Just wanted to let you guys know what I got today, which sounds close to what others got.
HD TIVO 499
instant credit on bill -200
mail in rebate -100
3 months free Hd programming 10.99 x 3 = -32.97
6 months $20 credit, each month -120
-----------------
total = 46.03

plus i told her that i wanted the Antenna (=50.00), so she said she would credit me 250 instead of 200 so the antenna is free.

THANKS FOR ALL THE POSTS!! GREAT DEAL!!!!!! :) :) :) :up: :up:

[jeffloby]

Got tired of dealing with D*. Bought one in local store

395.00 cash no tax price
-200.00 rebate from D*
-150.00 sold h10 to friend
_______
45.00 total cost(195.00 including 2 month old H10.)

After I get my billing credits on programming I will be very satisfied.
I figure I will get at least 100.00-150.00 in programming credits.
I have been with D* since 1995 and have 6 additional receivers, my bill averages 225.00 per month and the best they would do is 599.00-200.00rebate.

[94SupraTT]

I just called retention and the offered me a $499 HD-Tivo - $200 instant credit and $100 mail in rebate ($199 for HD-TIVO). They also offered $5 off for 6 months of HD package. This is very tempting.

[rich_in_houston]

What is the number for customer retention?

[WaarrEagle]

plus i told her that i wanted the Antenna (=50.00), so she said she would credit me 250 instead of 200 so the antenna is free.

THANKS FOR ALL THE POSTS!! GREAT DEAL!!!!!! :) :) :) :up: :up:
Depending on where you live and what you antenna needs are, you may want to forget about the DTV provided antenna and have them credit the $50 back to your account. Thats what I did and I got a much better antenna for $25. So in reality, I saved another $25 on my deal and got a much better antenna that will actually work.

[94SupraTT]

Called back and pushed a little.

I was offered

$499 HD-Tivo
$200 Mail in Rebate
$200 Instant Rebate

__________________
$99 total for HD-Tivo and of course shipping & tax

also offered me $5 off HD package for 6months


I am about 99% sure I am going to take this deal. :D :D :D

My OTA HD Receiver is going back to the store.

[Mikey Palmice]

Hello everybody, I haven't been on these forums in a long time. Well anyway, I have been a VERY happy DirecTV DVR customer for the last year. This is the deal I was given......

499 for the unit, with a 200 dollar rebate making the price 299. This includes free upgrade of my dish to the HD one. They also gave me 6 free months of HDTV service.

I simply told them that the local cable company gives their units without having to pay a boatlaod for them. I didn't threaten to leave, just said I wanted a better deal, and that I have been shopping around.

I was told that when the mpeg4 stuff hits, and they make the new HD DVR, I would be upgraded for free.

I have a couple of questions though..........

1. I live in Carmel, NY (an hour outside the city), do I need the extra antenna added to the dish? What exactly is this antenna for?

2. When is NY going to be upgraded? And when is the new HD DVR coming out?

3. What can I get on the new mpeg4 service that I can't get on the mpeg2 service in NY?

4. Does anybody know if they will just give me the mpeg4 dish, knowing that I will be getting the mpeg4 box when it is ready?

thanks for the help guys, let me know if it is a problem asking these questions in this thread.

[Bribo]

Just got off the phone with Jess at retention, my deal:

549 receiver (he said it was more because i needed the ota, ???)
200 MIR
150 Instant Credit (To offset the more costly receiver)

Progamming:

$5.00 off HD Package
$5.00 off Total Choice
6 mo free Showtime.

Has anyone heard about the receivers being a different price because of the need for OTA? I think it's becuase they have to change the dish, any thoughts?

Brian

[Guindalf]

Has anyone heard about the receivers being a different price because of the need for OTA? I think it's becuase they have to change the dish, any thoughts?

Brian

The extra $50 is for an OTA antenna. The dish is upgraded to a triple LNB whether you have OTA locals or not.

[Bribo]

I guess that's why I'm confused, I already have a triple LNB, get locals from D*. Am I getting charged for something I don't need? I know it's only $50, but hey, if I don't need to pay it, why pay it! ;)

Thanks for the reply, I'm new here, but this is a great forum.

Brian

[Mikey Palmice]

Just got off with retention This is the deal I got, I could not get the rep to budge on the account credit:

HD DVR $499 + $100 rebate for a total of $399
Sho 6 months free
HD package free for 3 months

As I live in So. Cal I decided not to get the OTA for HD since I get the big 4 (CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX) in HD over the DTV antenna

I live in NY, and was under the impression that the same holds true for me. Is the only reason to get the antenna to get the big 4 networks? I didn't order the antenna. But they said they couldn't commit to telling me if I would get the networks or not?

why is this?

[Mikey Palmice]

Unfortunately, this is no longer true. I have seen several posts from people who are not getting the HDMI cable with their HR10s. I did get one, but I think they realized that people who want one will pay for it so they dropped them from the package.

:rolleyes:

I will have to confirm this, the rep told me it includes all those cables. HDMI, DVI, Component. I hope he wasn't just telling me what I wanted to hear

[Mikey Palmice]

yeah, i got my HR10-250 for free, plus $200.- in cash and the nice woman on the phone offered to come over too...





well not really, i have no idea how anyone gets any discounts with these directTV people, it never worked for me in the past and not now. i'm nice and friendly on the phone and end up notgetting any discounts and end up not buying it either... so i wounder if some of you are just full of it... why would one get the HR10-250 for $99.- and $210.- programming discounts and switchen and install and the next one $449.- for hardware and $30.-programming discounts and no free switch, ship etc... ???

One word, competition. They want your business, and will hook you up to keep it.

[Dirac]

I will have to confirm this, the rep told me it includes all those cables. HDMI, DVI, Component. I hope he wasn't just telling me what I wanted to hear

You should get all those cables in the original white box. In their new dark blue/black box, maybe they aren't including it (haven't seen it myself). If you don't get the HDMI cable, you can get one from Weaknees for less than 20 bucks. It's the same cable that comes with the HR10-250, or used to, anyway.

[Mikey Palmice]

Ok, I just called again and got a better deal after reading what some of you guys were getting. Here is the deal. And remember, I don't even have DirecTV for a year yet. January will make one year for me........

499 for HD DVR
-200 dollar rebate= 299

They gave me free HD for 6 months
free showtime and movie channel for 6 months
free HBO for 6 months

The hbo I already get, so there is another 60 bucks
The HD I would be getting, so there is another 60 bucks

Final cost 180, and I get to enjoy showtime and movie channel as well as my regular programming.

Not bad, I think I will stop there.

He also told me that the HDMI cable would come with the DVR, and if it didn't to call, and they would work something out. He had to check with somebody.

Thanks for posting your deals here, it helped me ask with more confidence. I asked for the credit, but he couldn't give it to me, but I am very happy now

[Schuyler]

Long-time Lurker, first time poster.

I've been with directv for 7+ years. Just called about the HT TiVo and the best price they would give me is $249:

$649 list
-$200 MIR
-$200 instant

She also offered 3 months Showtime HD for free and 3 months HD service for free.

Am I missing something? She said that was the absolute lowest she could go. Spoke with someone in retention @ 1-800-824-9081.

[Mikey Palmice]

Long-time Lurker, first time poster.

I've been with directv for 7+ years. Just called about the HT TiVo and the best price they would give me is $249:

$649 list
-$200 MIR
-$200 instant

She also offered 3 months Showtime HD for free and 3 months HD service for free.

Am I missing something? She said that was the absolute lowest she could go. Spoke with someone in retention @ 1-800-824-9081.

I think they should have started the negotiations at 499, but you got 400 off, so it sounds good to me. you should be able to fight for 6 months free of services though. i have one year with them, and they hooked me up like that

[GhostDog69]

You should get all those cables in the original white box. In their new dark blue/black box, maybe they aren't including it (haven't seen it myself). If you don't get the HDMI cable, you can get one from Weaknees for less than 20 bucks. It's the same cable that comes with the HR10-250, or used to, anyway.

I just bought my 2nd HDTivo the other day and can report the dark box does indeed come with an HDMI and an HDMI-DVI cable.

[Mikey Palmice]

thankyou my friend

[swizzlest]

The contracted installer called me today (after calling me 3 times this week to verify my installation scheduled for 12/4) and told me they were out of HD-DVRs.

They're not getting them in until 12/15. So, that sucks. Is anyone else running into shortages?

[Guindalf]

The contracted installer called me today (after calling me 3 times this week to verify my installation scheduled for 12/4) and told me they were out of HD-DVRs.

They're not getting them in until 12/15. So, that sucks. Is anyone else running into shortages?

Yup - it's an ongoing problem. My installer called me two hours into the scheduled appointment to tell me he wasn't coming. A call to retention netted me a further $200 account credit for my trouble and, as I was one of the lucky ones to get the $299-100 deal, I got it for free (plus some programming credits too!).

Most of the installers will probably look at the box and say something like "Oh, I've never even seen one of these, let alone installed one!"

[brittu]

Well we'd sure like to go HD but I'm not getting anywhere near the deals you guys are. In fact, I'm thinking at this point it makes sense to switch to Dish. They have a new HD DVR that runs two tvs and you can do PIP plus other features that seem a lot better than what Directv is offering. And it's only $249 to get it set up including the HD DVR + a regular DVR. And the price of programming is better too. I'd have to give up east coast channels which sucks and pbs sprout, ditto. But the best DTV is offering me is $499 - $100mir and no deals on the programming. When I told them it sounds like Dish has a better deal that was it, they told me to have a nice night. We've had DTV for nearly 10 years.

Britt

[Mr Pieces]

Just got off the phone with a nice lady from retention. 5+ Year D* Customer.

Got my second HD DVR (First was over a year ago)

Here is the deal I got:

$499 HD TiVo
-$200 Mail In Rebate
-$100 "Programming Credit"
6 Months of HBO for $2.00
6 Months Showtime FREE
6 Months HD Package FREE

She insisted that there is no way to get a $200 instant credit and if someone did it would screw up there rebate.

Some did a little better but I was happy overall and got it done on my first call. I just didn't want to call over and over when this was close enough for me. Didn't have to threaten to leave or anything, just asked what kind of a deal I could get on a second HR10-250.

Hope this helps.

They will be here Monday morning to install. Hope they have them in stock in my area (Scottsdale, AZ)

[94SupraTT]

She insisted that there is no way to get a $200 instant credit and if someone did it would screw up there rebate.


I can show you a print screen of my bill. It clearly shows a $200 rebate. Also I verified that I could still get the $200 mail in rebate. I have the rebate saved to my PC. Its possible to get the HDTIVO for $99. Most reps aren't trying to go under $199 with both rebates though if they don't have to. I had to call twice to get it down to $99.

[Mikey Palmice]

Well we'd sure like to go HD but I'm not getting anywhere near the deals you guys are. In fact, I'm thinking at this point it makes sense to switch to Dish. They have a new HD DVR that runs two tvs and you can do PIP plus other features that seem a lot better than what Directv is offering. And it's only $249 to get it set up including the HD DVR + a regular DVR. And the price of programming is better too. I'd have to give up east coast channels which sucks and pbs sprout, ditto. But the best DTV is offering me is $499 - $100mir and no deals on the programming. When I told them it sounds like Dish has a better deal that was it, they told me to have a nice night. We've had DTV for nearly 10 years.

Britt


correct me if I am wrong, but isn't the 200 dollar rebate standard?

[LlamaLarry]

Well, I am about to join your HDTiVo army. I'll be calling either today or tomorrow. I guess I need a new 3LNB dish and install of the third line to my MS. Is this included for "free" with all the deals you have been getting? Is the "good deal" baseline $499 STB-$200 rebate-($100->$200) instant credit?

[Mikey Palmice]

make sure you get 6 months free of the HD service, HBO, and showtime. The hardest thing to get would probably be the extra 100 dollar credit.

[cmeinck]

A good friend of mine and DirecTV user is about to get a new HDTV. He recently got a standard Tivo, but hasn't sent in his rebate ($100). Is it possible to get the new $200 rebate if you've taken advantage of the $100 rebate?

Thanks
Chris

[94SupraTT]

make sure you get 6 months free of the HD service, HBO, and showtime. The hardest thing to get would probably be the extra 100 dollar credit.

I already got HBO free for 6months with my free Tivo and Showtime for $2. They gave me the HD package for $5 off for 6months. I can't complain.

[Lathe Dog]

I am getting ready to call DTV about this deal and I had one question. When they come to install the additional dish, OTA, etc. do the installers provide the multiswitch or do I need to buy one seperately?

[Mikey Palmice]

I am getting ready to call DTV about this deal and I had one question. When they come to install the additional dish, OTA, etc. do the installers provide the multiswitch or do I need to buy one seperately?

whatever they need to do the insallation is provided by them I believe

[TonysDesigns]

Anyone know where to download the rebate form they are talking about for this deal here: http://www.directv.com/see/landing/hdrebate_cust.html ?

[94SupraTT]

Anyone know where to download the rebate form they are talking about for this deal here: http://www.directv.com/see/landing/hdrebate_cust.html ?


http://www.directv.com/imagine/pdf/dvr_rebate_form.pdf

[treznor]

Just got my unit installed yesterday, so if there's a shortage it's not completely nationwide (or I just got lucky...). Neither of the guys that came over to install mentioned anything about a shortage and I feel like they probably would have as we were talking a bit about the installation procedure, what they were up to the rest of the day, etc.

[LlamaLarry]

Is the "good deal" baseline $499 STB-$200 rebate-($100->$200) instant credit?Yeesh, first call yielded $649+$14.95 S/H-$200MIB and that's it. I did get an "offer" for 12 month commitment to the $10.95 HD package but no break on the price for any amount of time. Yikes, I guess I'll try calling again. I called the main DirecTV line.

[edit]Also she said the monthly DVR fee would be going up a dollar; is this moving me from the old fee to the new one or is there an *additional* fee for the HD DVR?

[Trak101]

Thanks to this Forum I was able to fanagle this:
H10-250 @ $499,
$200 Rebate
$200 Retention Credit
3 months Free HD programming
2 months Free Total Choice Premier

And yes, I double checked with 2 Retention CSRs and they both agreed that the Retention Credit does not effect the Rebate. I do in fact get both.

(I've been with DirecTV since 1995 and I'm in Northern N.J.)

Thanks people!

It pays to read...

[tivoKlr]

So I called and asked about an upgrade and I got the 649 minus 100 rebate and 200 rebate.

No offer for free programming or anything else.

Should I wait to call back or what?

J

[Mikey Palmice]

So I called and asked about an upgrade and I got the 649 minus 100 rebate and 200 rebate.

No offer for free programming or anything else.

Should I wait to call back or what?

J

tell them to start at 499 for the unit

[edouble]

$499
- 200 MIR
- 100 Instant Credit

$2 HBO for 6 months
$6.99 HD for 6 months

My deal wasn't as good as others because I'm still under contract. Still, I'm pretty happy. I'm in ATL, which means I get MPEG-4 and don't need an OTA antenna. Woohoo!

[LlamaLarry]

$499
- 200 MIR
- 100 Instant Credit

$2 HBO for 6 months
$6.99 HD for 6 months

My deal wasn't as good as othersUmm, I will be stoked for that deal, mine was MUCH worse and no break on the unit. Which number did you call?

[94SupraTT]

Thanks to this Forum I was able to fanagle this:
H10-250 @ $499,
$200 Rebate
$200 Retention Credit
3 months Free HD programming
2 months Free Total Choice Premier

And yes, I double checked with 2 Retention CSRs and they both agreed that the Retention Credit does not effect the Rebate. I do in fact get both.

(I've been with DirecTV since 1995 and I'm in Northern N.J.)

Thanks people!

It pays to read...

Sounds like what got the $200 "retention credit" & the $200 mail in rebate.

[Harrisment]

$499
- 200 MIR
- 100 Instant Credit

$2 HBO for 6 months
$6.99 HD for 6 months

My deal wasn't as good as others because I'm still under contract. Still, I'm pretty happy. I'm in ATL, which means I get MPEG-4 and don't need an OTA antenna. Woohoo!


You can't view the MPEG4 locals with the HR10-250 though.....you'll still need an OTA.

[dbix1]

Just got off the phone with retention --

I'm a relative newbie to DirecTV, just coming up on my 1-year anniversary in about 3 weeks...but that also means my contract is just about up, so I could jump ship if I wanted to. Not as good a deal as some of the folks have posted about...but I'm really happy :)

$549 HD-DirecTiVo +$27 tax/shipping
-$200 rebate
-$100 acct credit
Free HD package for 5 (why 5?!?) months
Free Showtime for 6 months
Free HBO for 6 months

They're also moving my R10 to the bedroom, and running another cable for that (only one line from dish run to the bedroom currently). I can finally get rid of my standalone tivo that I've been paying 12.95 for and give it to my neighbor :)

So, for $275 out-of-pocket AR, I'm really REALLY happy. :)

[TonysDesigns]

http://www.directv.com/imagine/pdf/dvr_rebate_form.pdf
Thanks!!! I downloaded it

[fliptheflop]

This is the first deal I got, which the guy told me he would have to call me back to confirm due to computer problems or something

499 base price
-100 instant
-200mir
- 5 off bill for 1 year
- HD channels free for 6 months

Well he never called back so I called again, this person told me I couldn't have this deal even though it was noted on my account after fighting about it I got this deal

499 base price
-250 instant credit
- 5 bucks off my bill for a year
- free HD for 6 months
- 14.95 for shipping and handling
I had to fight to get that. She wasn't going to give me anything more then 100 instant credit which wasn't even close to the deal I was promised.

[edouble]

You can't view the MPEG4 locals with the HR10-250 though.....you'll still need an OTA.

Hmmm. Can someone clarify? Most everything I've read on this board says otherwise, and the two retention reps I spoke with (not wholly trustworthy, I understand) also said I didn't need an antenna to view local channels in HD (they even gave me the rundown of the four channels (the big networks) that would be available to me. Hmm....

[edouble]

Umm, I will be stoked for that deal, mine was MUCH worse and no break on the unit. Which number did you call?

I called CSR, then basically asked for retention to cancel (which I was truthfully going to do), told the retention rep that I wanted to cancel, HD DVR too expensive, blah blah. Was very nice and explained everything. THen came the 499-200 MIR. After saying it was still too expensive (which it was), then came the instant credit and the discount off the HD programming. At that point I was in. THEN, as she was finalizing my order, I just asked "Can I get a discount on HBO?" kind of as a joke, then she gave me the $2 for six months. YMMV, defninitely.

[Harrisment]

Hmmm. Can someone clarify? Most everything I've read on this board says otherwise, and the two retention reps I spoke with (not wholly trustworthy, I understand) also said I didn't need an antenna to view local channels in HD (they even gave me the rundown of the four channels (the big networks) that would be available to me. Hmm....

I asked about it earlier in this thread and that's what I was told:

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=273805

[jwhee0615]

Hmmm. Can someone clarify? Most everything I've read on this board says otherwise, and the two retention reps I spoke with (not wholly trustworthy, I understand) also said I didn't need an antenna to view local channels in HD (they even gave me the rundown of the four channels (the big networks) that would be available to me. Hmm....


There is a difference between the four network channels,east or west coast feeds, that you will be able to receive and view HD content on (when they show it) and your local channels which will be SD via D* on the current MPEG 2 receivers. You will only be able to receive the new locals w/HD capability via the new MPEG 4 receiver and 5LNB dish when it is available in your area.

Provided that your digital locals are available OTA in your area, you would need an OTA antenna to receive them which you could then hook up to your D* box for easy viewing.

[edouble]

I asked about it earlier in this thread and that's what I was told:

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=273805


Color me confused. Stop me if I'm wrong, but it looked like you asked if you could watch HD on your locals through your 5lnb dish if you had an MPEG-2 receiver.

Anyways, all I care about is watching Lost and Law & Order in HD without using an OTA antenna (not wife nor apt. complex friendly) :)

Is there even such a thing as an MPEG-4 HD DVR? Does MPEG-4 only apply to standard HD boxes? Maybe that's the issue.

[Harrisment]

Color me confused. Stop me if I'm wrong, but it looked like you asked if you could watch HD on your locals through your 5lnb dish if you had an MPEG-2 receiver.

Anyways, all I care about is watching Lost and Law & Order in HD without using an OTA antenna (not wife nor apt. complex friendly) :)

Is there even such a thing as an MPEG-4 HD DVR? Does MPEG-4 only apply to standard HD boxes? Maybe that's the issue.

Yeah, right now there is not an MPEG4 HD DVR, there is only the H20, which is not a dvr. To be able to watch Lost without an OTA, you would either need to get waivers for the east/west coast feeds, or get an H20 receiver.

[jwhee0615]

Color me confused. Stop me if I'm wrong, but it looked like you asked if you could watch HD on your locals through your 5lnb dish if you had an MPEG-2 receiver.

Anyways, all I care about is watching Lost and Law & Order in HD without using an OTA antenna (not wife nor apt. complex friendly) :)

Is there even such a thing as an MPEG-4 HD DVR? Does MPEG-4 only apply to standard HD boxes? Maybe that's the issue.

You will be able to watch Lost and Law&Order in HD without an OTA antenna if; you have an HDTV, have an HD Directv receiver or HR10-250 tivo unit, subscribe to the HD package and live in an area that you are allowed (through waivers from the local affiliates) to receive the network feeds from either the east or west coast. It will not be local to you unless you live in NY or LA.

There is no MPEG4 HD DVR out as of yet but some say by summer. D* says they will swap the HR10-250 for the new MPEG4 DVR when it comes out.

[Mikey Palmice]

Update here.....
I found out that DirecTV may pull the plug on my HD locals in NY, once the mpeg4 stuff starts at the end of december. So, I called retention back and told them that I was mislead with bad information by the other reps, which I was. The best this rep was able to do, was tell me that the mpeg2 HD locals will continue for an unsure amount of time.

Being he couldn't guarantee that I would continue to get my local HD channels on the mpeg2 system up to the point that the new HD DVR is ready in mid 2006, I told him I was not happy, not knowing for sure. I told him that I will not spend 300 dollars on an item that may or may not allow me to get my HD locals. I pushed for the additional 200 dollar credit, and he gave it to me. So, this is my updated deal.....

499
-200 dollar mail in rebate
-200 dollar credit to my bill
=99 dollars HD DVR

6 free months of HD
6 free months of HBO
6 free months of Showtime/Movie Channel

I think I can not do better than that, and I am very happy.

As long as I can get my HD locals on my DVR until the new mpeg4 one comes out, I am totally satisfied.

I will be a direcTV customer for a full year at the end of the month.

[Mikey Palmice]

oh yeah, He also said that he coded it in a way that it will not mess with my rebate by giving me that credit, so it's all good

[flick]

I'll jump in as another that had a pleasant experience. I called the retention number listed in the other thread. Hold time was about 2 minutes, lady answered the phone.

I told her that I was interested in going HD but that I couldn't give up Tivo (I've got four on my account) and wanted to see what they could offer me. She determined I was a long time customer (coming up on five years) that had only made one call to DirecTV and that was my initial activiation. I said that sounded about right and that I'd even installed my own dish and stuff back then as well.

More pleasant conversation on both sides, which is always nice, and here's what I got at first pass:

$499 base price
$100 mail in rebate
$200 instant credit

Some leading questions and comments then got me:

Free installation of triple LNB dish
Free OTA HD antenna
Free moving of one existing Tivo to a different oom
$5 off monthly bill for six months
Free Showtime for six months

At end when she was confirming I said "so that's $299 to my card right now and then $100 back when I mail in the rebate" and she said yes, so no tax or shipping. Also never any mention of being locked into a new contract.

It was perhaps the most pleasant transaction I've ever had with a CSR type person, so I'm very satisfied with how it turned out. Now I'm off to check into upgrading the hard drive...

Peter

[LlamaLarry]

Are you guys all calling the retention line directly to get these deals?

[Mikey Palmice]

Are you guys all calling the retention line directly to get these deals?

I called regular rep, and asked to be transferred to retention

[flick]

Per my post:I called the retention number listed in the other thread.

[LlamaLarry]

Yeesh, first call yielded $649+$14.95 S/H-$200MIB and that's itI called the number from the other thread and this time I got: $599 STB+$14.95 S/H-$200 instant credit-$200 MIB for $213.95 AR. $5 off for 6 months on the HD package, Superfan for the rest of the season, $5 credit/month for 12 months and my install is TOMORROW!!

I know to keep an eye on the credits and that they actually bill be for the HD package at the stated rate, but MUCH better results this time.

Thanks everyone! I'll be in HD tomorrow night, but am off to go run my inside wires now before they show up and try to monkey with my setup. ;)

[JSFord]

Isnt the mail in rebate $200 now?

[WaarrEagle]

Yes the rebate is now $200 for the HR10-250.

[beaster]

I received a decent deal - $499 minus $200 instant credit plus the rebate. However, when I read the details of the rebate offer at:

http://www.directv.com/see/landing/hdrebate_cust.html

it says "Customers receiving instant rebate(s) from DIRECTV not eligible." Is an "instant rebate" the same as my $200 credit? Here's how my credit shows up on my bill:

Fees

11/22/05 HD-DVR -200.00
11/22/05 $14.95 Delivery and Handling 14.95
11/22/05 HD-DVR 499.00


I'll be really unhappy if they try to reject my rebate when that was part of the deal I was promised on the phone.

Thanks,
Sean

[davetroup]

Is it DirecTV's plan that the HR10-250 DirecTiVo will stop working at some point after DTV comes out with their MPEG-4 box? I specifically bought a few months ago because I don't want their stinkin' non-TiVo DVR. I bought my first TiVo when they first came out, and only started with DirecTV a few years back because the DirecTiVo was the only way to get dual tuners (I wish TiVo would figure out what an important feature that is and make it a standard part of all of their units!)

Although it's not perfect, the overall TiVo experience is superior (IMHO) to any other DVR out there, and I expect this will be true of DirecTV's new box too. So if they force me to switch (even with a free new DVR) I will likely jump ship. Seems like a stupid move on their part to me.

I feel far more "brand loyalty" to TiVo than I do to DirecTV... although it was disappointing when TiVo stopped supporting DirecTV units directly (no pun intended) a few years ago. We DirecTV users don't even have the most basic of software upgrades that TiVo has come out with since then.

[tl2000]

I just got off the phone with D* and here is my deal for a HR10-250:

$399 starting price
-150 instant credit
-50 random credit (??)

Free Showtime for 6 mo
$10 off HD for 6 mo
$5 HBO for 12 mo
$5 off something else for 6 mo

For a total of $49. They said this deal just started today, but does anyone know if I will still be able to do a mail-in rebate on this unit? Another $200 off would be great...:)

Thanks for all the info

[jwhee0615]

Well the local company Mastec that installs for D* in my area called today to reschedule the install originally scheduled this Thursday because they have not received their shipment of HR10-250's. I was afraid this would happen. Ticks me off because I know the local Best Buy has them in stock. Think I might have to get back on the phone to D* and see if there is anything they can or will do like maybe FedEx one or something.

[Mikey Palmice]

I received a decent deal - $499 minus $200 instant credit plus the rebate. However, when I read the details of the rebate offer at:

http://www.directv.com/see/landing/hdrebate_cust.html

it says "Customers receiving instant rebate(s) from DIRECTV not eligible." Is an "instant rebate" the same as my $200 credit? Here's how my credit shows up on my bill:

Fees

11/22/05 HD-DVR -200.00
11/22/05 $14.95 Delivery and Handling 14.95
11/22/05 HD-DVR 499.00


I'll be really unhappy if they try to reject my rebate when that was part of the deal I was promised on the phone.

Thanks,
Sean

The retention rep I spoke with told me he coded it in a way not to interfere with the rebate. They better not try to screw me.

[Mikey Palmice]

Is it DirecTV's plan that the HR10-250 DirecTiVo will stop working at some point after DTV comes out with their MPEG-4 box? I specifically bought a few months ago because I don't want their stinkin' non-TiVo DVR. I bought my first TiVo when they first came out, and only started with DirecTV a few years back because the DirecTiVo was the only way to get dual tuners (I wish TiVo would figure out what an important feature that is and make it a standard part of all of their units!)

Although it's not perfect, the overall TiVo experience is superior (IMHO) to any other DVR out there, and I expect this will be true of DirecTV's new box too. So if they force me to switch (even with a free new DVR) I will likely jump ship. Seems like a stupid move on their part to me.

I feel far more "brand loyalty" to TiVo than I do to DirecTV... although it was disappointing when TiVo stopped supporting DirecTV units directly (no pun intended) a few years ago. We DirecTV users don't even have the most basic of software upgrades that TiVo has come out with since then.

You will be able to keep using your mpeg2 HD DVR, but eventually, once mpeg4 is very widespread, you will not be able to get your HD locals. No word on when this is, I would assume some time next year. You also won't be able to get any new HD material with the mpeg2 HD DVR once that starts up

[94SupraTT]

The retention rep I spoke with told me he coded it in a way not to interfere with the rebate. They better not try to screw me.
Thats what the retention rep told me as well. He said a normal credit would make us unable to get the mail in rebate however since I was given a "retention credit" I could still get the mail in rebate.

[pmaggan]

Thats what the retention rep told me as well. He said a normal credit would make us unable to get the mail in rebate however since I was given a "retention credit" I could still get the mail in rebate.

Ditto that for me.

[ewessner]

I have read a lot of good discussion but cannot figure out how to call this so called retention number. What is the number? I find no such number on the Direct tv web site.


I currently have a HD receiver for DTV and a regular Tivo unit. I want to get rid of both and buy the HD Tivo unit for DTV.

[tivoKlr]

1-800-824-9081

just picked up the hdtivo for 246 including delivery and tax. Free installation, which will come in handy since something went wonkers with my dish when we got 3ft of snow a few days ago. I've been at work for the last 2 days, (firefighter, so not at home at all) so it hasn't been an issue.

The installer will be out Thursday morning which frees up tomorrow for some big powder snowboarding :D

Just called retentions this morning and arranged this. I think the pricing has changed, as my hdtivo started at 399 and then they gave me the 200 instant credit getting it down to 199. Additionally, without asking they gave me the 6 mos of free HD programming and 12 months of 5 bucks off total choice.

I'm happy. I've been rolling with the DTV HD receiver AND an old directivo both connected to my TV for the last 9-10 months, and besides the waste of 5 bucks a month for an additional receiver, it's not the most wife friendly setup.

Super excited here!

[bamafan315]

Since everyone else is telling their story, here's mine. I currently have two SD DTV's and two standard converter boxes. I called re upgrading to HD. The first girl I talked to had never heard of customer retention. When it got through to her I wanted new hardware she transferred me to someone else (Thank God). The second girl fiddled and fumbled around and finally quoted a price of $599.00 for the HR10-250!!!! Fortunately, she HAD heard of customer retention and transferred me (Double Thank God). Finally, I talked to a guy named Joel who actually knew what he was talking about. He offered me the HR10-250 for $399.00 less an "instant rebate" of $200.00. He then offered an H20 for free (actually the instant rebate was the same as the price of the unit) as well as 6 months of the HD package for free. Included, of course, the HD dish, converter, installation, etc. So, the entire package of HR10-250, the H20, 6 months HD package et. al. for $199.00 plus $14.95 to ship the HD units to the installer who will bring them with him. I'm sure some out there got better deals but I thought this one was ok. It was just a hassle to get through to someone who knew his a** from third base.

p.s. He confirmed the current plan is to swap out all MPEG2 units with the MPEG4 when they eventually roll out (whenever that is).

[Sluggonics]

Since everyone else is telling their story, here's mine. I currently have two SD DTV's and two standard converter boxes. I called re upgrading to HD. The first girl I talked two had never heard of customer retention. When it got through to her I wanted new hardware she transferred me to someone else (Thank God). The second girl fiddled and fumbled around and finally quoted a price of $599.00 for the HR10-250!!!! Fortunately, she HAD heard of customer retention and transferred me (Double Thank God). Finally, I talked to a guy named Joel who actually knew what he was talking about. He offered me the HR10-250 for $399.00 less an "instant rebate" of $200.00. He then offered an H20 for free (actually the instant rebate was the same as the price of the unit) as well as 6 months of the HD package for free. Included, of course, the HD dish, converter, installation, etc. So, the entire package of HR10-250, the H20, 6 months HD package et. al. for $199.00 plus $14.95 to ship the HD units to the installer who will bring them with him. I'm sure some out there got better deals but I thought this one was ok. It was just a hassle to get through to someone who knew his a** from third base.

p.s. He confirmed the current plan is to swap out all MPEG2 units with the MPEG4 when they eventually roll out (whenever that is).

The best I could get from them was $319-- $649 starting price-$250 "instant" rebate, plus some not-quite-fully-explained $80 discount off the rebated price, plus $10 off my bill for a year, my sports package knocked down to $2 a month for six months, and free HD channels for 3 months. He said that the MIR would not work in conjunction with the "instant rebate" of $250 he already quoted. Not very impressive.

This is terrible, that a company would force its customers to wheedle and scrape for benefits that the company seems to ultimately have no issue with granting, as evidenced here. They're willing to part with HD-DVR's for nothing. A sad state of affairs.

Nonetheless, I told them I'll look into my cable options and then likely call back to cancel my service.

[reybie]

No go for me either, they said they discontinued the MIR yesterday when I called and the best they can do for me is the 200 instant rebate.

[JSFord]

Discontiued the mail in rebate? It says it runs through 2/28/06.


Sounds like you got bad info.

[sjividen]

Here's my "deal"...


$599 starting price
$200 instant credit/rebate
free OTA antenna
free install
$5 off the HD tier for 6 months.


Not great, I know, but I had just paid $250 for a Samsung OTA receiver and $25 for an indoor antenna, so it wasn't much more to get considerably better package. Also, I just checked the activity on the web site, and it's listed as "HD-DVR - Charge $399.00," with no mention of the $200 rebate or credit. So I'm still gonna submit the rebate and keep my fingers crossed.

[Mikey Palmice]

The best I could get from them was $319-- $649 starting price-$250 "instant" rebate, plus some not-quite-fully-explained $80 discount off the rebated price, plus $10 off my bill for a year, my sports package knocked down to $2 a month for six months, and free HD channels for 3 months. He said that the MIR would not work in conjunction with the "instant rebate" of $250 he already quoted. Not very impressive.

This is terrible, that a company would force its customers to wheedle and scrape for benefits that the company seems to ultimately have no issue with granting, as evidenced here. They're willing to part with HD-DVR's for nothing. A sad state of affairs.

Nonetheless, I told them I'll look into my cable options and then likely call back to cancel my service.

I hear you man, it is pretty sad. I would be lieing if I told you I wasn't worried that the deal I was given would have some problem with it. I have a feeling that I will have some problems getting everything I was promised. Time will tell, since it takes like 10 weeks to get the rebate. Im sure I will have to fight for it at that time. I have the reps names and employee codes though, but I do see some hurdles ahead.

DirecTV really needs to get all their people on the same page.

[Mikey Palmice]

Discontiued the mail in rebate? It says it runs through 2/28/06.


Sounds like you got bad info.

yup, sounds that way to me too

[rich404]

I have four Dircect TV receivers with Tivo and I want to get one high definition HR10-250. Yesterday I called and they offerred me the unit for $199 plus tax and shipping. It included instalation, the OTA antenna plus $15 per month in credits for 6 months plus $5 off of the HDTV package for 6 months. I will have to sign a two year commitment. The price is good enough that I wnat to do it but I have a few concerns.

My loyalty has always been to Tivo and not DirectTV. I don't mind making a two year commitment if I can get the locals in HD from an OTA. By the time two years is up there might be more Tivo choices available. The guy I spoke with said that their antenna is basic and they do not guarantee that I will receive the locals. He suggested that I go to antennaweb and look. I did and it said that I need an antenna that has a red mark on the box and that I need a Medium Directional Antenna. I live in Atlanta on a heavily wooded lot. It was very difficult to place the original round satellite and I hadd to pay to have them come out six months later to get a good signal.

Is it a risk that I won't get the locals in HD and will have to wait two years to get out of my DirectTV contract?

Thanks.

[milliepuppy]

the $200 instant rebate is when directly dealing with D* ??? .. i.e. mail in rebate still applies if you get the box anywhere else other than D* ??

[sriggins]

Well I ordered yesterday the OTA package at $643 - $200 MIR and 3 mos HD. So I called today and they changed it to $462 w/ 6 mos service. Not the best deal but at least I don't need to deal with the MIR and got 3 more months of HD :) Also, I was scheduled for monday install but they had to cancel that. Now I am set for Saturday! So two days earlier. Thanks!

Oh they made NO mention of a commitment nor taking back my directivo (like they once wanted to) or anything.

[cartb]

Well I ordered yesterday the OTA package at $643 - $200 MIR and 3 mos HD. So I called today and they changed it to $462 w/ 6 mos service. Not the best deal but at least I don't need to deal with the MIR and got 3 more months of HD Also, I was scheduled for monday install but they had to cancel that. Now I am set for Saturday! So two days earlier. Thanks!

Oh they made NO mention of a commitment nor taking back my directivo (like they once wanted to) or anything.


I basically got the same deal, its amazing the longer you keep them on the more they are willing to work with you
HD 250 $599
$200 MR
$200 instant credit
6 mth discount on total pkg
2 H-20 receivers (live in DC area)
2 standard receivers
new satellite dish for mpeg-4
2 yr committment
total $496

[boody]

called 1-800-824-9081 just now and they didn't offer A THING, set my shutdown date. I've been a customer since 2000. Out of contract. I did have a moving date set before I called. Said I thought cable had more to offer.
Best he gave me was $499 with $100 rebate
Damn.

[Mikey Palmice]

Well I ordered yesterday the OTA package at $643 - $200 MIR and 3 mos HD. So I called today and they changed it to $462 w/ 6 mos service. Not the best deal but at least I don't need to deal with the MIR and got 3 more months of HD Also, I was scheduled for monday install but they had to cancel that. Now I am set for Saturday! So two days earlier. Thanks!

Oh they made NO mention of a commitment nor taking back my directivo (like they once wanted to) or anything.


I basically got the same deal, its amazing the longer you keep them on the more they are willing to work with you
HD 250 $599
$200 MR
$200 instant credit
6 mth discount on total pkg
2 H-20 receivers (live in DC area)
2 standard receivers
new satellite dish for mpeg-4
2 yr committment
total $496

nice deal, how long have you been a customer?

[reubenray]

Just called today and was quoted the HD-DVR was $599 with a $200 MIR. Directv will install the AT9 dish and also furnish an SD receiver for free.

May have to check with retention for a better deal.

[jwhee0615]

I believe retension is the only way to get the good deals.

[SecureTalk]

I tried my luck with getting a HD-DVR today

$549 for the receiver
$200 MIR
No OTA unless I want to pay an extra $50

A few discounts of $5 per HD package for 6 months

When I asked about my investment and the future, I was told that everyone was given a memo Today to tell customers that that the official word on the swap-out to the new HD-DVR in May/June is $99 cost per receiver to upgrade...no if and or buts...

Nobody gets a free upgrade and if that is what they were told the CSR was mistaken.
I have not called to confirm this with another CSR, I will wait until the morning to be sure I don't hit the same CSR.

:mad: :confused:

[reubenray]

I believe retension is the only way to get the good deals.

Just have to find the correct phone number.

[jwhee0615]

Just have to find the correct phone number.


Just talk to the regular CSR and when you can't get the deal you want ask to speak with the retention dept.

[boody]

I called back later and talked to someone else in retention, tried to play it straight saying "I'll stay if you can give me a good deal" and told him what "others" were getting. He said nobody should be getting that and my deal was not limited due to my lack of packages or time with D*. So what gives, do I just have a mark on my account that says "no offers" or am I just unlucky, or saying the wrong things? I believe they believe that I <i>will</i> leave if I'm not happy with the deal.

[davetroup]

I'm not really sure it's such a good idea to talk about what "others" have been getting. I don't think they like it when you try to play them off against other customers or give the feeling that you've been trolling the internet for info on the latest deals. I have had better luck saying, "I'd really like the stay with DirecTV, but these other offers are pretty compelling... what can you do to make the decision easy for me?" They are not going to respond well if they feel like you're bashing their company or just trying to take them for whatever you can get (not implying that you did that, it's just a general comment.)

Having said that, it's still probably very dependent on the individual CSR you talk to, what kind of a day they are having, etc. I don't know if their compensation depends on how many customers they manage to retain or how much they have to give away to do it, but that might be a factor too.

[WaarrEagle]

For those that keep getting rejected, keep trying! I got rejected the first time I called and then ended up with one of the sweetest deals on here. I read somewhere to wait until a woman picks up - the guy that rejected me was a man and the person who game me my deal was a woman. It might be worth trying anyway... Good luck!

[mnylen]

Any of you that are getting deals, is D* including the NFL package in HD if you have subscribe to their NFL package? Or is it automatically included?

[Fahtrim]

snip..- the guy that rejected me was a man ....snip
O'Rly?

:p

[Sluggonics]

Well, after my initial conversation with them (see above) I called Bright House Cable, my local provider (Time Warner, basically, and not well-liked in these parts anyway) and told them I had DirecTV but that they wanted to charge me $400 to upgrade my service with a HD-DVR, and was interested in what kind of deal I could get for a DVR service through cable.

Telling them I was coming from DirecTV was like the magic words or something, because they're setting me up with free intall of an HD-DVR (it's not TiVo, obviously, but then DirecTV is parting ways with TiVo anyway), a standard digital box for my old TV (now upstairs), first month free, and all their premium and HD channel packages for $79.00 a month for a year, with the first month free. After a year it will then resume its normal pricing of $110 a month. But then I can just drop all the premium packages that I never get anyway, except for the HD package.

So, free HD-DVR plus all the premium and HD channels, for no initial cost and only $17 per month more than my basic, no premium channels D* subscription. I just don't know how D*TV can compete with that.

So I called back D* and asked them what the latest date for me to call and cancel would be before I get billed for another month. He saw the deal in my account info that I had been offered previously, and suddenly said "Oh, I can get you a better deal than that!" When I pointed out that the previous rep said the MIR wouldn't apply in conjunction with the instant credit he'd already given me, this guy said the MIR WOULD apply, making my ultimate cost $99. I told him that's still $300 out-of-pocket up front, and then the byzantine process of trying to secure a mail-in rebate from some service company that may or may not even honor it. With the cable switch, I don't need to mess with any of that nonsense, at which point all he could really offer was that cable HAD to give their stuff away because their picture is so terrible. But, since there's no way he can prove that to me, I, as a consumer, simply have to take the more valuable deal, which is the one that provides me the maximum service at the lowest cost. Capitalism at work, baby!

So I told him I'd call back on the 14th to switch off my account. The cable installer comes out on Monday, the 12th. And hey, if the picture is terrible on cable, I can tell the cable guy to take a hike, cancel the install, and take up D* on their offer!

[Sluggonics]

Any of you that are getting deals, is D* including the NFL package in HD if you have subscribe to their NFL package? Or is it automatically included?

I think they give you the HD NFL package for $49. I haven't heard of it being comped to anyone. And remember, in order to get NFL games in HD (the ones that aren't broadcast OTA, anyway), you have to upgrade your Sunday Ticket to the Super Fan package.

[mnylen]

Yes, and the NFL package is already overpriced as it is... I just do not know if the Superfan package is worth $100 bucks more...

[Sluggonics]

Yes, and the NFL package is already overpriced as it is... I just do not know if the Superfan package is worth $100 bucks more...

Sorry, I meant the NFL Superfan package is discounted to $49. The Superfan package includes the HD games.

[cartb]

nice deal, how long have you been a customer?




old fart, since '95

[lew3046]

I've been a D* customer for about 18 months. After a remodel, I am about to move back into my house and will be getting 3 HD monitors. I would like to upgrade from my 2 existing non-HD Tivo units to 2 HR10-250 units plus a non-Tivo HD receiver. I understand that the $200 mail-in rebate is one per customer, but has anyone else gotten an attractive deal from D* for multiple units on an upgrade? I'd appreciate the details of any such deals and any guidance you can offer on how best to raise the issue with D*.

[toneman]

...this guy said the MIR WOULD apply, making my ultimate cost $99. I told him that's still $300 out-of-pocket up front, and then the byzantine process of trying to secure a mail-in rebate from some service company that may or may not even honor it...
Man I thought I was getting a great deal on an HD Tivo for a net cost of $199 after $100 MIR, and yet here you are balking at an offer for the same hardware that will cost you a net of $99...apparently because of the OOP expense--which BTW is about the same OOP amount I had to shell out ($299 initial offer before MIR)? Heck, I wouldn't mind paying $300 OOP at all if D* was gonna offer me a $250 instant credit plus allow me to get a $200 (back when I ordered mine it was just $100) MIR. Speaking of rebate, other folks have posted that D* will make it right if you have an issue about it.

I guess some folks are harder to placate than others; maybe you were expecting that D* should perhaps give you an HD Tivo at no OOP expense on your part? Sheesh... :rolleyes:

[Sluggonics]

Man I thought I was getting a great deal on an HD Tivo for a net cost of $199 after $100 MIR, and yet here you are balking at an offer for the same hardware that will cost you a net of $99...apparently because of the OOP expense--which BTW is about the same OOP amount I had to shell out ($299 initial offer before MIR)? Heck, I wouldn't mind paying $300 OOP at all if D* was gonna offer me a $250 instant credit plus allow me to get a $200 (back when I ordered mine it was just $100) MIR. Speaking of rebate, other folks have posted that D* will make it right if you have an issue about it.

I guess some folks are harder to placate than others; maybe you were expecting that D* should perhaps give you an HD Tivo at no OOP expense on your part? Sheesh... :rolleyes:

Ah, but you have to understand that this is now in comparison to a cable offer which costs $0 OOP, AND still gets me an HD-DVR, AND gets me ALL of their premium channel packages + HD channels for a YEAR for $63/month. I'm paying $62 a month for D* for just the basic package plus sports.

Initially, yes, I probably would have agreed to the $300 OOP expense, and gone through the waiting game/red tape of a mail-in rebate to ultimately try and net a $99 total investment on the HD-DVR. But then there's the issue of the MPEG-4 upgrade-- the D* rep said he couldn't tell me whether that upgrade, for HD-DVR's, would be free or not. So, $300 OOP, a MIR that may or may not be honored (remember, it's not D* that will be handling that paperwork, it's whatever service company they farm out the rebate process to), with the possibility that I'll have to shell out more money in the next 6-12 months just to be able to make use of my equipment.

Comparing that to the cable offer, there isn't much comparison-- I get tons more for much, much less. And the bonus is that if, when the cable guy comes out to hook up the HD boxes, if I don't like the picture quality, I can tell him to get lost and take D*'s offer. So we'll have to see-- I may end up staying with D* yet!

[BeanMeScot]

Apparently, D* is not interested in keeping me as a customer. The best I could get is $399 with some programming concessions.

[Jotas]

Didn't receive anything special with my deal basically the standard with only one additional benefit after complaining about not being grandfathered in at the $4.99 DVR price.

$599
$200 rebate
$5 credit for 6 months for the DVR fee
3 months of HD pack for free

[jesteva]

Retention is the only way to go. Forget that "special" customer number that's on the card that you may have received in the mail

$199 net cost + $14.95 S&H (after the special credits etc.) to me for HR10-250 billed to my DTV account. No credit cards / no mail in rebates etc.. Tech coming to drop it off next Saturday and I'm assuming, he or she will watch me hook it up (I'm replacing a defective Toshiba DST-3000 DTV HD receiver) and then he can call DTV and activate it.

I was satisfied with that deal.

The retention rep also indicated that the HR10-250 will be replaced for $99 in '06 (along with my 3 LNB dish) when the new DTV HD DVR is available and we get rolled out for mpeg-4 / local HD channels. She also indicated that the currrent $5.99 / month DVR service would continue but coundn't commit for how long. My guess it will last as long as my new 2 year commitment!

[reubenray]

Will the HR10-250 pick up the HD Locals that are being broadcast via Directv if you are in the top ten markets?

The CSR at Directv said these signals are being sent MPEG 4 and the H20 is the only receiver that will be pick up these. He also only offered the HD-DVR for a cost of $399 + 14.95. Another thing that confused me was he said that he could not tell me what HD-DVR I would get.

I thought the HR10-250 was the only HD-DVR out.

[swannie]

:) I just got of the phone with customer retention and here is my deal...5 year customer who she called one of there best...6 receivers, premium package, hd package, sport package and NFL ticket,superfan, protection plan and "sometimes" playboy............

$599 HD Receiver
-$200 Instant Credit
$-200 Special Credit
14.95 s/h
-$5 off HD package for 6 months
-$20 off Premium Package for 6 months

I get installed early next week.....I told them I do not need OTA, as I am all ready set up there, or did I need the dish or multiswitch, she said that I get them any way and have the installer leave them with me..... she said that this unit will not get the mp4 signal and that the a mp4hd-tivo will be available June 06, we will see

Good Luck!