Best DirecTV HDTivo deal - Page 12

kimsan · 01-06-2006, 05:54 PM

No big prize winner here, but I'm quite happy.

$499 starting price
$14.99 install/shipping fee
-$200 instant rebate
-$200 MIR (we'll see if it's accepted)

I got a working unit (haven't checked HDMI yet) and a 4x8 multiswitch (it'll get installed during a cable reroute in warmer weather). Install kid was local and said he'd drop off a 5x8 multiswitch next time he's in the neighborhood. I really don't care as diplexing will go away with the mpeg4 dish.

Oh yeah, this leaves a series 1 Phillips DSR6000 in need of a good home. Anyone in need for shipping plus a reasonable fee?

Shadco · 01-09-2006, 11:32 AM

Latest maybe not the best but I'm ok with it.

HR10-250 599 - 200 IR - 250 acct credit net 149.
3LNB Dish with OTA 49
S&H 14.95

$213 out of pocket

Showtime free 6 months auto cancel

HD prog package 5.99 for 1st 6 months then full price 10.99

50/50 Split Mpeg 4 upgrade cost if not free when available in my Area.

So If I'm happy with the OTA reception in my area long term (20 miles from most channels) I'd be good to go with TIVO long term.

maynard900 · 01-09-2006, 12:21 PM

I just got off the phone with D. This is what they "finally" offered.
$599 HD DVR
-$200 Instant Rebate
-$250 Customer credit
-$20 for 6 months on programming
-$10.99 for 3 months for HD programing
free shipping and installation.
Total cost = they owe me $9.91 LOL

It took 3 calls to get this deal. I called this number each time 1-800-824-9081.
The first time I called and said I just got a HD TV and was wanting to switch to HD and asked what they offered. They said $599 less $200 instant rebate. That was the best they could do. I told them I was going to call around and see if I could get a better deal through cable and hung up.

The second time I called I told them I was thinking of switching to cable because they offer a HDDVR and HD service for $12.99 month. (rent the receiver)
They then offered a $100 credit and 3 months free HD ($10.99) and -$20 per month for 6 months.
I said that was a good offer but still I could not justify paying $299 for a receiver I could get for free somewhere else. She then raised the customer credit to $150 and said that was the best she could do. I told her to enter this deal in my file and that I would call back later after I called and checked again with my local cable company.

The third time I called I told the operator to cancel my account. She asked if there was a problem. I told her about the deal they offered and I could do alot better with cable. She said she might be able to get me a better deal and put me on hold. When she came back on she was able to give me a $250 customer credit. She said that was the maximum allowed and I agreed. It will be installed on 1-24-06. I can't wait!!

hlaustin · 01-09-2006, 01:03 PM

I have not been a DTV customer for about 5 years and am wanting to go back to DTV and am wondering what kind of deal I should expect to get for a HR-10250 and a second non-HD tivo box. What they are offering me now is.
HR-10250 599.00
Instant 200.00
credit 100.00
six months free of certain channels.
2nd non-hd box free.

I have no need for installation or the dish as I have installers that work for me to take care of this. When I talk to the guys at DTV I can't seem to get a straight answer. After talking to a supervisor just now he says that I am not even able to get the instant 200.00 that it would be a mail in rebate and I would not qualify for anything else. Any help or recommendations would be great.

fredflint · 01-09-2006, 04:57 PM

I was able to negotiate a new h10-250 dvr for a net cost to me of $199, and some incidental programming concessions, but their customer service process leaves a lot to be desired. First of all, it chaps my arse that you have to jump through hoops to get a "special price". Then they tell me that the credits ($200 IR and $200 credit on my account) can't be posted immediately. Apparently, I exceeded the max. amount of credit that a first-line CSR can approve. They offer some "back office" excuse and that it will take about a week for these credits to post to my account. In the meantime, the installer will be here to do his thing.

My problem is that I basically accepted their promise that the credits would post, but if they don't, then I am stuck. I can't exactly return the dish and dvr. On a wing and a prayer, I guess I will just wait and see what happens.

vdubuclet · 01-09-2006, 05:01 PM

Charges
HR10-250 +599
OTA antenna +50
Shipping and Handling +15
Total= 664

Rebates
200 Instant Rebate
200 Customer rebate - said I did not qualify for 250 rebate as my base package was only 45/mo (she started at $100 and I finally got $200)
Total=-400

Programming
HD package free for 6 mo=-60
Showtime and HBO $2 for 6 mo (currently paid $12 for HBO only)=-60
Starz and Encore free for 6 mo (who cares)= nada
$5 off base package for 6 mo (this was when I argued about the OTA antenna)=-30
Total=-150

Total out of pocket = $114

mnylen · 01-09-2006, 05:59 PM

Just got off with Retention (my commitment ended today)

HD-DVR $599
OTA 50
Shipping 15
Total cost $664 + tax

Credits & programming
$200 instant rebate on DVR
$200 account credit on programming
Free HD package for 6 months
6 months of HBO for $2 a month

Installation next week.

I am pretty happy with this deal.

flmgrip · 01-09-2006, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maynard900

I just got off the phone with D. This is what they "finally" offered.
$599 HD DVR
-$200 Instant Rebate
-$250 Customer credit
-$20 for 6 months on programming
-$10.99 for 3 months for HD programing
free shipping and installation.
Total cost = they owe me $9.91 LOL

It took 3 calls to get this deal. I called this number each time 1-800-824-9081.
The first time I called and said I just got a HD TV and was wanting to switch to HD and asked what they offered. They said $599 less $200 instant rebate. That was the best they could do. I told them I was going to call around and see if I could get a better deal through cable and hung up.

The second time I called I told them I was thinking of switching to cable because they offer a HDDVR and HD service for $12.99 month. (rent the receiver)
They then offered a $100 credit and 3 months free HD ($10.99) and -$20 per month for 6 months.
I said that was a good offer but still I could not justify paying $299 for a receiver I could get for free somewhere else. She then raised the customer credit to $150 and said that was the best she could do. I told her to enter this deal in my file and that I would call back later after I called and checked again with my local cable company.

The third time I called I told the operator to cancel my account. She asked if there was a problem. I told her about the deal they offered and I could do alot better with cable. She said she might be able to get me a better deal and put me on hold. When she came back on she was able to give me a $250 customer credit. She said that was the maximum allowed and I agreed. It will be installed on 1-24-06. I can't wait!!

oh boy... tripple poster....

Vinnman · 01-10-2006, 03:00 PM

I have been a subscriber since 1998. Last April my regular DirecTivo broke and DirecTV gave me a $100 credit to go and buy one at a retailer of my choice. I have never gotten (nor asked) anything else from them other than 6 months of HBO for $2/month in 2002 (that they offered).

Today I spoke with three different agents and all held the same line that since I was still under a one , all I can get is a HD DirecTivo for $599 with $200 mail-in-rebate. This is all they would offer even as I explained to the agent that my account is currently suspended at my request as I have been trying HD cable for the last 3 months.

rick31621 · 01-14-2006, 01:11 PM

HR10-250
5LNB Dish
3 monthd free HD programming

$250 installed

dcslowman · 01-14-2006, 04:47 PM

I've been with DTV for about 5 years, on Autopay, and have Total Choice w/HBO & Showtime, NFL Package, Lifetime Tivo, & 3 SD DirecTivo receivers. I'm located in Washington DC.

I reviewed the offers here from the last month or so (a total of 19), and put together a spreadsheet summarizing everything. For anyone who's interested, the average final cost (after factoring in both equipment & programming concessions) was $134.

I called Customer Retention directly (800-824-9081) and got a very nice CSR who was immediately solicitous and appreciative of my DTV business history. I explained that I had recently gotten an HDTV and was investigating my options for HD/PVR service, both with DTV and alternatives. I told him I had upgrade cost information from 19 recent customers so I already had a good feel for the range of what to expect, and that I'd commit to upgrade on the call if he came in at the low end of my research range. After a modest amount of negotiating and a couple of supervisor consultations, we agreed on the following:

Box - $599
S&H - $15
Instant Rebate - ($200)
Immediate Credit on Bill - ($250)
Basic & Premium Programming Credit - $10 x 6 mos - ($60)
HD Programming Credit - $5 x 6 mos - ($30)
Dish, OTA Antenna & Installation - No Charge
2 Year Renewal Commitment

Net Upgrade Cost - $74

I tried unsuccessfully to get a firm commitment for a free upgrade to the new technology later this year, but did get an account record notation that I would receive the best upgrade offer given to any other DTV customer. I recognize that's not a contract but it's something.

Thanks to everyone here for the valuable information and guidance.

mnylen · 01-18-2006, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mnylen

Just got off with Retention (my commitment ended today)

HD-DVR $599
OTA 50
Shipping 15
Total cost $664 + tax

Credits & programming
$200 instant rebate on DVR
$200 account credit on programming
Free HD package for 6 months
6 months of HBO for $2 a month

Installation next week.

I am pretty happy with this deal.

Well, I ended cancelling the install and thus not take the "good" deal. Upon researching I would not be able to get OTA HD with one antenna in my specific location (chatted with othe folks here and in the AVS forum living in my area) and it just would not happen. I had a hard time dishing out money for realistically only be able to watch D* HD package. Hartford will roll out their locals in April of this year, but I still will be SOL to record MPG4 since the DVR will not be out until this summer... Did anyone suspend their account with D* and tried Comcast, and if so, what reason did D* accept for the account suspention?

NatasNJ · 01-19-2006, 08:43 AM

Well. After a few phone calls and me losing it on one guy I got a solid deal which got even better by their screw up. This will be a HUGE post so I will wrap up the final offer.

Free 12 months of Showtime ($144)
Free 12 months of HD package ($122)
Free 3 months of Starz ($36)
$200 instant credit on HD-DVR ($200)
$200 account credit on HD-DVR ($200)
Free OTA ($50)
Shipping $15
Free 12 months HBO ($144)
$10 credit every month for 12 months. ($120)

This wasn't offered all at once but ended up being my final deal.
-$1016 in credit.
$599 DVR
$15 Shipping

Overall up around $400 bucks. Not bad. Just hope I can keep it and not cancel. All depends on receiving OTA channels. Should know in 10 days..

Nick19711 · 01-19-2006, 09:30 PM

Okay, here's my story.

In November i got an HR10-250 with the $299 deal, -$100 rebate. Love it. However, 2 1/2 months later, the rebate still hasn't shown up. Meanwhile, I got another rebate form in the mail for $200 (instead of the original $100). I haven't sent that one back yet.

I call Customer Retention for two reasons. 1) I want to buy another HR10-250, and 2) Where's my rebate?

First, the deal she offers: $599, -$200 rebate..........PLUS $99 for installation!! She says its mandatory and can't be waived. I tell her I can put it in myself in 5 minutes and I already have 2 lines, etc. "Nope, sorry sir, it can't be waived". She says its a brand new policy that started yesterday.

She also says that even if i don't buy a new one, I'm eligible to get BOTH rebates ($100 and $200) on the original box I bought in November. The form clearly says 1 rebate per receiver. She obviously doesn't know what she's talking about.

I guess it could be worse.........at least the CSR's aren't in India.

n6idf · 01-20-2006, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick19711

I guess it could be worse.........at least the CSR's aren't in India.

YET!

Deezul · 01-20-2006, 05:28 PM

I have yet to see anyone say that 4-5 months ago they got a great deal on it, then called back and got better or the same. I'm still receiving $20 a month in programming credits from my last deal, so I didn't bother calling. I did get on for $370 new off eBay, so with the $200 rebate, I'd say $170 isn't bad. The first one was net cost $40. All and all, a little over $200 net cost for two of them is a GREAT deal.

Deezul

someToast · 01-23-2006, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcslowman

Net Upgrade Cost - $74

After my third call to DirecTV, where the customer retention rep said that there was no way that customers were receiving heavy discounts on the HD Tivo (and that giving such discounts would result in a rep's termination), the one I talked to was more than happy to let me bring my account current (which fortunately, for five months of non-use since the move, amounted to $110) and then to let a six-year subscriber cancel his account.

So it's off the satellite (no way I'm going to Dish) and on to Comcast's Motorola box until the Series 3 comes out.

ronpp · 01-23-2006, 09:01 PM

4 calls later.....

$399 HR10-250
$200 instant credit
$15 shipping
$99 install (wouldn't budge on self install)
Total $319. Not great, not bad, their happy, I am happy

3 mos HD
6 months free HBO

"How about free showtime to appease my wife who is pissed I am replacing a perfectly good TV with a plasma" when the money could go to more shoes for her?"

.. a chuckle and 12 months free showtime

... oh yea, and a new dish.

nclou · 01-24-2006, 09:19 AM

I have a question. I've been with Directv for about 2.5 years, with TC+ and HBO and just added Showtime last month. I've never received any free equipment (since initial signup). I did get $10 off show time for six months a while back.

I've called 3 times to get the HR10-250. I always just ask them what kind of deals they have on it, and then if they could do any better. I don't get angry or threaten to leave, and I won't do that.

1st call - $599 - $200 mail in rebate + $99 installation
2nd call - $599 - $200 instant rebate + $99 installation
3rd call - $599 - $200 instant rebate + $0 installation - $10 a month off Showtime

I'm still a long way away from where I need to be to do this, which is $199 after rebates/instant credit + 12 months free of either HBO or Showtime. It's a very good deal to shoot for, but many people have gotten better, so it would seem realistic.

So any way, short of me throwing a fit and threatening and being a jerk, is this pretty much the best I'm likely to do at this point? I mean if I've called three times and this is the best they could do, is there any reason to think that on some subsequent call they are just going to offer the world to me just for asking? Or should I just leave it be. I'm not angry with them, but it would be nice to get my hands on this now if I could, before everything changes at DTV.

Deezul · 01-24-2006, 10:59 AM

I've gotten what I thought were pretty good deals twice. Not great, but still acceptable. If you've already got the Triple LNB dish, then you're in good shape already to shave probably at least $100-$200 off the cost. I have one, and I was able to get my HD-Tivos off eBay. One back in August for about $510 - $100 rebate - $250 instant credt - $120 in programming credits spread over 6 months. One thing is the credits were given to me on things I already had. To me, I'm not saving money if they through in 12 months of free Showtime if I didn't already have. When I got this deal, I told retention, straight up, that I've read some folks on the Internet were gettting the instand and programming credits. The specialist clicked away, and said I would get them too. I have only been a subscriber for about 2 years, but about a month after originally signing up with D*, I got $150 credit to buy the HTL-HD. I got that from a BB where it had just had the price drop to $300 and D* was still selling them for $400 or so.

Deezul

cheer · 01-24-2006, 03:44 PM

Called the retention line. All I had to do was say that I had just gotten an HDTV and was exploring my options, and wondered what good deals were available.

I got offered the HR10-250 for $249 including the oval dish, install, etc. This was after a couple of credits but does NOT include the $200 MIR, which I also qualify for. Plus three months of the HD pack for free.

I can live with that.

nclou · 01-24-2006, 04:32 PM

cheer-

I should have mentioned I was calling retention. I took pretty much the same approach, I guess I'm just not tagged with whatever combination of account flags to warrant the best deals.

Anyone know how many times you can call before they get tired of you
(even when you're being polite) and dig in their heels and decide you've called so many times they aren't going to offer you anything any more?

And on a somewhat related note, if I buy a HR10-250 off of Ebay, am I still eligible for the $200 mail in rebate? And if I did buy it on Ebay is there any limitations as far as who I bought it from or how much I paid for it?

Deezul · 01-24-2006, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nclou

And on a somewhat related note, if I buy a HR10-250 off of Ebay, am I still eligible for the $200 mail in rebate? And if I did buy it on Ebay is there any limitations as far as who I bought it from or how much I paid for it?

I got $100 rebate from one I bought off eBay. I'd just recommend buying a NEW one so that the access card and receiver have never been activated. I just didn't want to take the chance with a used one. D* asks for a copy of the bill, so as long as you can print it or get them mailed to you, you're good.

Deezul

cheer · 01-25-2006, 05:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nclou

I should have mentioned I was calling retention. I took pretty much the same approach, I guess I'm just not tagged with whatever combination of account flags to warrant the best deals.

I'm not sure about that...I think it's more a question of CSR roulette. I can't imagine what flags my account would have...I've only been a customer a little over a year, and I don't have TCP or Sunday Ticket or anything like that, just Total Choice Plus w/locals and HBO on five receivers.

jlmza2350 · 01-25-2006, 10:35 AM

I ordered my second HR10-250 yesterday. The first one I paid $799 for about a year and a half ago.

I have been a DirecTv customer for over 11 years. I had no commitment on my account.

They offered: $599 minus the $200 instant rebate. She added a $100 waiver (her term) and free installation.

Final was $299.00 plus shipping.

Customer retention was very polite and professional.

Although I had problems with the HDMI with the first one, I have been very happy with it.

Stephen M. Smith · 01-25-2006, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheer

I'm not sure about that...I think it's more a question of CSR roulette. I can't imagine what flags my account would have...I've only been a customer a little over a year, and I don't have TCP or Sunday Ticket or anything like that, just Total Choice Plus w/locals and HBO on five receivers.

Well, I'm just about to try my luck at getting a sweet deal too. When I called them a couple weeks ago just to find out what exactly I would need to add a HR10-250 w/HD to my exisitng HDVR2, I got passed around to a couple different people who both greeted me w/the exact same phrase:

"Hello Mr Smith, I see that you are one of our best customers!"

Obviously, something on their screen is telling them to say this. I'm hoping that this means I get the good deal...

jacqueusi · 01-25-2006, 05:31 PM

Just reporting the results from my call (1-25-06 @ 6:00 EST):

$599 for a HR10-250 + $99 installation charge (5-LNB). $299 instant rebate. Informed that Detroit locals can receive HD locals. To 5-LNB.

Offer includes $10.99/month HD credit for 3 months & 3 months Showtime.

I've been a customer since '98 and my typical bill has been under $70/month.

On the fence on this one. Question though, since I get the Instant rebate, do I no longer qualify for the mail-in?

starlinx · 01-25-2006, 06:09 PM

I'm a little confused. Can I ask some questions or can someone point me to the right place?

I have a HDTV and am considering my options for programming. I have a TIVO now with D* but I was under the impression Tivo is out, and I could only get this new D* branded unit, which I understand stinks (no 30 second skip, etc)

Am I wrong? Can I still get a TIVO HD DVR or no? And should I? Or is the D* version better now?

Also, what is this MPEG4 thing about? Should I wait? THANK YOU EVERYONE!!

jib2 · 01-26-2006, 07:00 PM

Well, I'm less than impressed with DirecTV's retention staff. I called a week ago and then again today, and the best they would offer is $599 minus $200 instant rebate; they still wanted $99 for installation (including new 5 LNP dish), plus $49 for an OTA antenna, plus $15 shipping. I've been a customer for about about 3 1/2 years. (They're willing to discount subscriptions a bit, but not hardware nor install.)

They also told me that the hardware cost them over $2,000 for DVR and new Dish, and they couldn't afford to lower price. (I don't believe that cost, and they have discounted for others.) Told me that Cable HiDef isn't true hiDef. (Actually Cablevision, my local cable, offers better quality HD locals, and more of them for free, than DirecTV.)

I like my new HDTV, but I am not willing to pay over $500 for an HDTiVo (considering some of the deals they have offered others). I have no current committment, and I have other options. (I can get all NYC HD locals from cable for $15 mo with basic service.) And Verizon FIOS is coming into the area as well.

If it weren't for the fact that I like TiVo (I have 3 SD DirecTiVos) much better than the PVRs offered by Cable, I'd probably be switching. As it is, I may stay with SD for 6 months and see what develops... (Stand-alone TiVo series 3, FIOS, better DVR from Cablevision?)

I will try calling again, but I won't buy for the current offers. Any suggestions?

NatasNJ · 01-26-2006, 07:19 PM

If I wasn't able to get such a good deal myself I would have left Directv when Verizon becomes available in my area. Not sure when that will be but they are the one company that is tempting enough to leave for down the road. (Assuming they have a HD DVR available)

Quote:

Originally Posted by jib2

Well, I'm less than impressed with DirecTV's retention staff. I called a week ago and then again today, and the best they would offer is $599 minus $200 instant rebate; they still wanted $99 for installation (including new 5 LNP dish), plus $49 for an OTA antenna, plus $15 shipping. I've been a customer for about about 3 1/2 years. (They're willing to discount subscriptions a bit, but not hardware nor install.)

They also told me that the hardware cost them over $2,000 for DVR and new Dish, and they couldn't afford to lower price. (I don't believe that cost, and they have discounted for others.) Told me that Cable HiDef isn't true hiDef. (Actually Cablevision, my local cable, offers better quality HD locals, and more of them for free, than DirecTV.)

I like my new HDTV, but I am not willing to pay over $500 for an HDTiVo (considering some of the deals they have offered others). I have no current committment, and I have other options. (I can get all NYC HD locals from cable for $15 mo with basic service.) And Verizon FIOS is coming into the area as well.

If it weren't for the fact that I like TiVo (I have 3 SD DirecTiVos) much better than the PVRs offered by Cable, I'd probably be switching. As it is, I may stay with SD for 6 months and see what develops... (Stand-alone TiVo series 3, FIOS, better DVR from Cablevision?)

I will try calling again, but I won't buy for the current offers. Any suggestions?