upgrade, DVR fee and lifetime

[OaklandRobb]

I just called in for my upgrade of 2 10-250's and 2 SD Tivos, all to HD DVRs.

2 free, 2 for $99 each. One free am21. 3 months HBO, starz free and $5.99 additional monthly dvr service fee. I have lifetime on all tivos. she claims that was for tivo not generic dvr. Anyone get out of paying that recently? I saw some old posts on it, but nothing recent.

Thanks,

Robb

[stevel]

Call back - the lifetime service applies to any DirecTV DVR, whether TiVo-powered or not. This is a frequent error made by DirecTV CSRs. As long as you maintain your account, you do not need to pay the DVR fee.

[OaklandRobb]

Thanks, Steve. I called back and this new CSR knew I should not be charged. She claimed I wouldn't have been charged anyway as it would have been caught by the back end system. So all is good. She said she would even copy the relevant section of the policy into my order. Only problem on the order was that she couldn't include the AM-21, since it won't work with my current receivers. She claimed I would have to wait until after the install and then I could call in and order and I would still get the credit. Didn't sound right but she claimed she talked to her supervisor, and since everything else was good I just went along with it. She also threw in 6 months of free HD service.

Thanks again for steering me right.

Robb

[RS4]

Thanks, Steve. I called back and this new CSR knew I should not be charged. She claimed I wouldn't have been charged anyway as it would have been caught by the back end system. So all is good. She said she would even copy the relevant section of the policy into my order. Only problem on the order was that she couldn't include the AM-21, since it won't work with my current receivers. She claimed I would have to wait until after the install and then I could call in and order and I would still get the credit. Didn't sound right but she claimed she talked to her supervisor, and since everything else was good I just went along with it. She also threw in 6 months of free HD service.

Thanks again for steering me right.

Robb

The AM21 seems so typical of Direct doing things in a half-baked way. You are replacing an HR10-250 which I assume you used to get OTA channels, but they can't possibly replace that for some time.:down: These guys seem incapable of doing anything in a common sense way.

[OaklandRobb]

Yes, I was very surprised by how she handled the AM-21. As you say, I am getting OTA HD stations right now with my 10-250's and because of that, was able to convince her to include one AM-21 for free. But when it came to ordering it, she couldn't do it. Somehow, according to her, the order for the AM-21 could only be tied in the system to my current equipement, and not to the new equipment. Since there wasn't a match, it wouldn't go through. She said she checked with her supervisor who agreed it couldn't be done.

It doesn't make sense to me, and I expect there is a way, but since I was satisfied with the overall deal, I just wanted to get that into the system. I figured I could call back another time, since my install is 4 weeks away, and try someone else.

I was hoping to have the AM21 here so the installer can deal with it. Another cable will need to be run to the receiver since it can't be diplexed the way I have it now, so I would rather the installer do that. I am assuming I won't get the Single Wire multiswitch, and don't want to pay extra. All I need is one additional cable to one receiver. They now have all but one of my HD locals on the satellite in my area. I am still waiting for PBS, but figure I can just watch HD PBS on the main TV until they move that to the satellite, as well. Who knows, maybe that will be done by the time of the install. People keep thinking it will be soon in the SF Bay Area.

By the way, does anyone know if the AM-21 goes near the receiver or near the multiswitch? My multiswitch is in the basement.

Robb

[DeathRider]

Looks like the AM-21 goes on the rack:

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=115134

http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/17/a-first-look-at-the-directv-am21/

[stevel]

The AM21 goes close to the receiver - typically stacked on top. It connects directly to the HR21 with captive USB and power cables.

[OaklandRobb]

Thanks again, Steve. I agree, you are awesome.:)


Robb