PDA

View Full Version : Free install questions

Vesper
03-05-2006, 01:22 PM
I posted this in the big DVR4ME thread, but I think it's going to get lost in there...



Got an HDVR2 yesterday.. it's in phenomenal shape.. looks like new.

I put a new drive in it and got it Zippered and ready to go. Now I'm wondering if should activate it? I'm planning on putting this in our bedroom (replacing a S1 SA Tivo) but there's only 1 coax line up there. Is it OK to activate it now and then have the installer (scheduled for next week) run another coax line? I'd need a bigger multiswitch to handle that as well, so I wasn't sure if installers are doing that type of work for free or will try the "well.. I could.. but it'll cost $100" routine.

As far as running coax, I'm in a trilevel so the line goes from the basement up to the attic and back down to the bedroom. There's already one line doing this, so I don't think it'd be that hard to pull 2 new strings of coax with the existing cable.

Right now I'm torn between trying to get the installer to do this (and hopefully get a new multiswitch for free) or just cancelling the appointment and doing everything on my own. My last install experience (back when I first got a S1 DTivo) wasn't all that great. They charged me $50 just for a second line to the DTivo downstairs, which was trivial to run... So I'm wondering what I'm SUPPOSED to get for free.

Any advice?
JimSpence
03-05-2006, 04:45 PM
If you want the job done right, do as much as you can yourself. If the install means you need more than four outputs from the dish, then a new multiswitch should be included.
ComradeX
03-05-2006, 11:00 PM
I would recommend activating it. If you read the terms of the DVR4ME offer, they state you can be charged $150 if you don't activate the receiver within 30 days.

I told my installer I had heard varying reports about whether the multi-switch was included with the standard install. He replied that his company usually charged $110. However, when all was said and done, he replaced my dish (it was 3 yrs old 3-sat dish with only 2LNBs), installed a 4x8 powered multi-switch, and charged me nothing.

The free multiswitch may have been due to the fact I already had 2 DTivo's running off 3 inputs (couldn't get my fourth input cable to work without spending money, and didn't need both tuners on the one box that bad)
Boston Fan
03-05-2006, 11:27 PM
I told my installer I had heard varying reports about whether the multi-switch was included with the standard install. He replied that his company usually charged $110. However, when all was said and done, he replaced my dish (it was 3 yrs old 3-sat dish with only 2LNBs), installed a 4x8 powered multi-switch, and charged me nothing.

The free multiswitch may have been due to the fact I already had 2 DTivo's running off 3 inputs (couldn't get my fourth input cable to work without spending money, and didn't need both tuners on the one box that bad)
The install should include a multiswitch at no additional charge if one is required to make the unit being installed fully functional. If an installer tries to charge you for it, report it to D*.

Glad it worked out for you in the end.
Vesper
03-06-2006, 12:14 AM
How about a 2nd line? I already have one going to that room (for a standard DTV receiver), but want/need a 2nd for the Tivo.

I'm leaning towards running the cables myself and just asking for a multiswitch when they show up. Should be a 30 second appointment that way.
n8.
03-06-2006, 12:23 AM
How about a 2nd line? I already have one going to that room (for a standard DTV receiver), but want/need a 2nd for the Tivo.

I'm leaning towards running the cables myself and just asking for a multiswitch when they show up. Should be a 30 second appointment that way.

I had an install done last week, they ran a second line and installed a multiswitch, went under the house as well. I didnt have to pay anthing out of pocket. They WILL charge extra for going in an attic.

Let him get dirty, you can watch tv while he's working.