How much can I expect to pay for HR20?

[packerfan]

I know that there is currently a waiting list for these units with directv. I was wondering what the best price is that I can expect to pay, including the install of the 5 lnb dish. I know that Best Buy sells these for $299, but you can usually get a better deal through directv by calling retention.

[Sir_winealot]

http://www.dbstalk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=112

Currently, I wouldn't take one if they gave it to me.

[bigpuma]

I would guess it all depends on how long you have been a customer etc. I called them and got everything for free when I moved. 5 LNB dish, new multiswitch and HR20 for nothing.

[bidger]

but you can usually get a better deal through directv by calling retention.
I take it that you haven't tried calling Retention in awhile. There is no longer a direct # for Retention.

[jud1]

I recently spoke with DTV sales and the tech department regarding the new HD DVR HR20 MPEG 4 receiver. I asked to be placed on the waiting list. Based on everything I've read, I'm not in any hurry to upgrade. As far as cost to existing customers, they told me with a trade-in or swap of my HR10-250 Tivo, the cost would be $99.00. This includes everything (new UMAX HR20 HD DVR, along with installation and hookup of new 5 LNB satellite dish). I bought my Tivo HR10 from Circuit City, along with warranty. I think with rebate and a few coupons I ended up paying $450.00. The other option is to keep my TIVO HR10-250 and do a lease for the new HR20. Cost for this option is $299.00 plus a $100.00 rebate or discount. I asked the tech if the new UMAX was faster with the programming and recording and he answered "NO". The MPEG 4 will give you a better quality picture and color. I asked him if I would receive MPEG 4 on all HD stations, and he said only ABC and CBS. My TIVO HR10 is only 15 months old and I'm not about to give it to DTV. I don't know if others have inquired and received this exact info I have just shared. Would appreciate hearing from all that have spoken to DTV about this new upgrade.

[leesweet]

This may have been beaten to death elsewhere; my bad if so, but... what happened to all the promises from D* passed along by many folks (including Robert of VE, not that I'm holding Robert responsible for D* flip-flops! :) ) that "you [us HR10 MPEG2 purchasers back when] will be upgraded at NO cost" to MPEG4 technology when such was available from D*.

I knew it was too good to be true. (Of course, also too good to be true was an MPEG4 DVR that actually <coff> works.... :) ) Now, this could be twisted to mean that the free upgrade is available only when certain HD stations (not locals) are available only in MPEG4, but they aren't saying that, and I doubt anyone can get them to do so.

(And, of course, there was also some mumbling about us getting the video server gizmo free or at a real good price; too bad that doesn't exist yet, either!)

[Gweeto]

If you purchased the HD Tivo with the promise of the HR20 at a later date keep and can't get a free swap then keep calling. Eventually you will get it.

[bigpuma]

This may have been beaten to death elsewhere; my bad if so, but... what happened to all the promises from D* passed along by many folks (including Robert of VE, not that I'm holding Robert responsible for D* flip-flops! :) ) that "you [us HR10 MPEG2 purchasers back when] will be upgraded at NO cost" to MPEG4 technology when such was available from D*.

I knew it was too good to be true. (Of course, also too good to be true was an MPEG4 DVR that actually <coff> works.... :) ) Now, this could be twisted to mean that the free upgrade is available only when certain HD stations (not locals) are available only in MPEG4, but they aren't saying that, and I doubt anyone can get them to do so.

(And, of course, there was also some mumbling about us getting the video server gizmo free or at a real good price; too bad that doesn't exist yet, either!)

I agree that anyone who paid for an HR10 should be offered a free upgrade if they are willing to give back their HR10. It seems like this is hit or miss. I called and was given a free HR20 with no hassle and I even kept my HR10. I think this should be standard and shouldn't require playing CSR roulette.

[leesweet]

To address a couple of responses: Well, we weren't individually promised anything by D*, but I'll bet I can find dozens of posts here from back when where the discussion of the MPEG4 birds started, that it was stated 'free upgrades for everyone with MPEG2 HD DVRs'. (Mostly because we had just paid $900+ for them... :) ). For those that are getting free HR20s: are you getting free antennas and multiswitches? If you need to upgrade your system, all those pieces should be included.

My point is that I've not seen anyone get all that free, and that's what being obsoleted. Now, if it's $99 for the dish, $99 for the DVR (I know it varies), and $99 or so (?) for the multiswitch, it's not gonna kill most of us, but, sheesh, can't anyone keep to a promise they made to a lot of people? Probably too much to expect these days... :)

And, yeah, especially without whining to retention, or CSR roulette, or waiting gawd knows how long until the HR20 is 'acceptable' (and, yes, I know that may be never to many of us). I may just keep my HR10s 'forever' for OTA recording, since 90% of my (HD) recording is network primetime OTA.

[bigpuma]

For those that are getting free HR20s: are you getting free antennas and multiswitches? If you need to upgrade your system, all those pieces should be included.

My point is that I've not seen anyone get all that free, and that's what being obsoleted. Now, if it's $99 for the dish, $99 for the DVR (I know it varies), and $99 or so (?) for the multiswitch, it's not gonna kill most of us, but, sheesh, can't anyone keep to a promise they made to a lot of people? Probably too much to expect these days... :)

Just to make this easier I will quote myself from earlier in this thread.

I called them and got everything for free when I moved. 5 LNB dish, new multiswitch, and the HR20 for nothing.

That includes installation of everything as well. Of course mine was through Mover's connection so YMMV.

[packerfan]

I agree that anyone who paid for an HR10 should be offered a free upgrade if they are willing to give back their HR10. It seems like this is hit or miss. I called and was given a free HR20 with no hassle and I even kept my HR10. I think this should be standard and shouldn't require playing CSR roulette.

Do you happen to know what 800 number you called. This is the type of deal that I'm looking for b/c there is no way I'm going to give up my HR10. I'm looking to put the HR20 in our bedroom and keep the HR10 in the family room.