Is this normal, or did I get lucky?

[EJ]

I own 2 10-250's that I have had for about 2 years. I had the hard drive fail on 1, checked weaknees for a replacement. Just to check, i called directv to make sure there was not a replacement plan, which i knew these were not under. they said there would be just a $20 shipping fee and they would send me a refurbished unit. i was upfront to them about everything, but they called this an advanced piece of equipment, and that this is normal. Well, $20 to my cc later, everything is working well. unusual? or par for the course?


ej

[wmschultz]

Yep, that is normal. I have had 2 replaced like that.

[phil-pham]

If you purchased your HR10-250 and they replace it for $20 shipping, please read the fine print as you are now "renting" their unit and making a 2 year commitment. I had mine die in May and was at first happy to get a replacement until a conscientious rep told me I had to ship them my old unit.

Trading in my $1k purchase for a rented unit just doesn't seem fair. Maybe I made a mistake buying it too soon, but I will not give it away for a refurbished unit. I can replace the Hard Drive cheap now a days, and I own the unit and I am not tied in for two years.

If you retain owner ship, or got the first unit for free, then I would say you are real lucky.

[T1V0]

Phil-Pham is correct. D* charges only $20 to replace any kind of receiver with a refurbished "leased" receiver, and an additional 2 year commitment. If you want to own the receiver, you'll be paying damn near the same price you originally did if not more, and it will still be refurbed.