Having a hard time subscribing to Directv w/Tivo

[tibo]

Might not be the right forum: but I need help with my Directv Tivo

This is NUTS... ok, so I own my own equipment, I opted to buy some used receivers and an RCA DVR with Tivo instead of leasing, I took the time to wire my own house so it was all neat and the way I want it and like it, running the cables through the walls and all, I even ran a specific phone line behind the TV for my Tivo, and ohhh so professional. So I think I am set, only thing I would change is probably a nice flat lcd screen in the bathroom!!

Now all the work is done and I OWN my equipment, I am having a hell of a time subscribing, call directv, they want to send new leased receivers, as the previous receivers I bought were disconnected (probably why people sold them as not in use).... ohhh, and we will send out an installer to hook them up and run additional phone lines for additional cost..... my response is not a problem, forget the phone lines, but if he wants to come and inspect my connections no problem... but dont bring any leased receivers!!!

Directv customer rep gives various excuses of why they wont connect my old receivers and an installer will not come out to hook up old ones. So I go to the net and start calling authorized dealers, local, state, out of state... I dont care, here is my CC, this is the package I want... NO LUCK...

So much for the vent.... now I just want to know, is it possible to Subscribe to Tivo or not... and if so, why the reluctance or resistance to subscribe old receivers?? is there any authrorized dealers that will actually set up an account ??

[Gunnyman]

solution:
ask if you can buy new cards for your equipment at 20 bucks a pop.

[OrlandoJoe]

I have been a DTV subscriber for about 8 years and have recently added 3 additional Tivos to my account. Only one of these is new, the other two were used. When I activated the first used tivo, the CSR told me I had to spend $20 for a new access card and wait until I received it to activate the unit. When I activated the other, the CSR asked me if I needed a new access card or if I would be reusing one of my old ones. The point of the story is that DTV CSRs have way more automony than training. They will tell you things that they believe to be true, whether they are or not, and will not be convinced by the actual facts. DirecTV makes no more money leasing you the new receivers than they do mirroring the old ones (much less, in fact, if you assume the receiver is worth something.) Your best bet may be to get the best deal you can on a single receiver install and then add your receivers/Tivos once you have an account. The current dish has four outputs, which can be run through a multiswitch to increase the number of receivers in use.

[tibo]

thanks guys... what a bunch of crap... it seems like you need to just keep calling back till you get a CSR that is not anal

[rock_doctor]

Call back and ask for the TiVo group. The first teer CSR are able to handle the basic problems and are there to sell you as much as they can. The TiVo or PVR reps are higher up on the hierarchy and should be able to handle your activation. They are going to get you for new access cards at $20 a pop for each unit but otherwise it should not be a problem. If push comes to shove you can call back and demand retention. Since you are not (yet) a customer they will be a little confused but can also help you. Keep fighting. Ignore the rest of the junk about them needing to install the hardware. Most on this forum did all of their own instillation.

Good luck,
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