AccessFee

[Bitz69]

I was browsing Directv's website and went to upgrade my equipment, this is listed under the H20 recievers:
Lease upgrade only $299 including standard
professional installation if selected
Add an off-air antenna for only $49 (in certain
markets)
A single HD Access service fee ($9.99/Month) will
appear on your bill once your HD receiver(s) is
activated


So I have the hr10-250 now, am I to understand that if I get a HR20 that I will be billed this access fee or am I grand Fathered?

[beartrap]

I believe that the "HD access service fee" is the new way to describe what used to be called the "HD package" (or something like that), which you probably already pay if you have an HR10-250.

[Bitz69]

I believe that the "HD access service fee" is the new way to describe what used to be called the "HD package" (or something like that), which you probably already pay if you have an HR10-250.


nah, the 3 channels on it I watch aint worth it for me... the new HD package is like $69/month,there charging a additional 10$ on top of that?

[ycrazyy]

I believe that there is no more HD package per se. I think it's that if you have an HD capable receiver, they automatically charge you the $9.99/mo for access to all of the HD programming (locals, nationals, etc.). Basically you don't have a choice and they are forcing their customers into it.

[captain_video]

If you have an HD receiver or HD DVR you will be charged the $9.99 HD access fee whether you watch the DTV HD channels or not. If you currently have the HD package it will probably now show up on your bill as HD access.

[Bugkillah]

Does that $9.99 also include the dvr fee, so that $9.99 includes HD access and dvr? If so, maybe not a bad deal for the hr-20 folks...

[amallon]

nah, the 3 channels on it I watch aint worth it for me... the new HD package is like $69/month,there charging a additional 10$ on top of that?

No. The $69 HD package includes both the DVR fee and the HD Access fee.

[dagap]

So I have the hr10-250 now, am I to understand that if I get a HR20 that I will be billed this access fee or am I grand Fathered?That's a good question. You're grandfathered now with your existing equipment. But if you activate a new HD receiver then I'm guessing you'd have to start paying the HD access fee.

The rate change wording was something like "customers activating an HD receiver after Feb 5, 2007 [...]"

And no, the mirror fee is not part of that ten bucks. Nor is the DVR fee.

[dagap]

I believe that there is no more HD package per se. I think it's that if you have an HD capable receiver, they automatically charge you the $9.99/mo for access to all of the HD programming (locals, nationals, etc.). Basically you don't have a choice and they are forcing their customers into it.Exactly right. For $10/mo you get the HD versions (if available) of the stuff you're buying in SD.

So if your package includes locals then you'll get HD locals (if available in your market). If it includes HBO then you'll get HBO HD. etc.

[gworkman]

The HD Fee does not include the DVR fee.