Is this a good plan? HDTV/HDTivo/Own vs Lease

1800 Views 10 Replies 6 Participants Last post by michad, Jan 22, 2006

michad

Discussion Starter · Jan 17, 2006

So if I gather correctly I cant begin my HDTV project (thanks for the inspiration Indy) until I get my entertainment center built and accquire an HDTivo. I can of course buy the TV tomorrow (Sony KDFE55A20) and have a crappy picture from my analog R10.

So he had 12 steps So my 6 step plan (not that I'm opposed to 12 steps):

1) Buy an HDTivo
2) Have the entertainment center built.
3) Order the TV
4) Install and rewire everything with new stereo bought after Denon AVC3000 and POA2400 sell.
5) Wait for MPEG4 update.
6) Enjoy.

So I buy an HDTivo, activate and get it set up, before Mar 1 and I own it. When the MPEG4 upgrade happens I pay a nominal fee and I'm good to go.

Also, if DTV is going to a lease system wouldnt my three non-hd tivos have a better resale on ebay after March or April?

Any glaring problems with my plan?

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FrankMad

· #2 · Jan 17, 2006

I called D* customer retention today
to try and get a good discount on a HR10-250 HDtivo
bottom line ~$662 up front and ~$302 after rebates (including new ant and install)

when the switch to Mpeg4 happens, a new receiver will run ~$99
BUT a new HD DVR will be ANOTHER $300 or more, *IF* they even offer one

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ebonovic

· #3 · Jan 17, 2006

The HR20 is scheduled for release approx mid year 2006...

The HR20 is the next HD DVR model.

Other reports have the upgrade to the newer MPEG4 models to range from free to a few hundred (could be $300), but until a formal announcement is made... everything is just speculation... Even those from the CSRs.

Call them back, and you could get the unit possible for $399 or even less.
And you will probably get a different story about the upgrade plans.

It is something we call... CSR Roulette... For what ever reason, the first line people don't seem to all be on the same page.

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jalasr

· #4 · Jan 18, 2006

I just got off the phone with D* Retention Department and have received the following quote:
HD DVR ($199), OTA Antenna ($49), $14.95 handling with installation included for a total of $262.95 with the assurance of a free Mpeg4 HD DVR upgrade once it is available (Lady gave me her name and employee ID confirming that this free upgrade was in my file.)

I pushed for a better deal but she refused to budge. Have I gotten the best deal for this arrangement??? Is the OTA antenna worth $49?

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michad

Discussion Starter · #5 · Jan 18, 2006

I budgeted $300 for the HDTivo, what are my chances of getting it shipped as a self-install...I've got a moving issue I really hate trying to work out with CSRs.

The plans for the entertainment center are done and the wood is on order

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HogarthNH

· #6 · Jan 18, 2006

michad said:
I budgeted $300 for the HDTivo, what are my chances of getting it shipped as a self-install...I've got a moving issue I really hate trying to work out with CSRs.

Near zero. DirecTV, as a rule, no longer permits self-installs on "advanced" (HD or DVR) products.
Resellers like value electronics usually do, but they can't give you the price break. (e.g. I paid $549 for mine.. but there's a $200 rebate now)
So if you can budget more than $300, you're all set.
You'll need a decent OTA antenna, too.

H

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michad

Discussion Starter · #7 · Jan 20, 2006

Okay the HD DVR is being installed tomorrow. Great deal. I'm not happy with the entertainment center layout, so step 2 is probably going to morph into pick out a nice chrome tv stand. If there's a price drop 1/22 then Step 3 could be as early as Monday

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NatasNJ

· #8 · Jan 20, 2006

Damn. That was a quick install date.. I ordred mine a few days ago and I have to wait till the 30th to get mine installed.

I assume when you order a DirectivoHD they ship it to you and then you have to wait for the installer to come? Or do they ship to installer?

You should be able to get a HD-DVR Tivo for around $200 plus some free programming. But it is a crap shot. The best approach in my opinion is to call your local cable company and ask about their dish buyback or best intro offer to HD. Then call Direct CR and tell them you just got offered that and what they can do to compete with it. That is when i was offered a much better deal than previous calls.

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michad

Discussion Starter · #9 · Jan 20, 2006

Apparently there was one with the installer and an available install of 8-12 or 1-5 tomorrow. I figured I should take it, why wait.

I think I got a great deal on the HDTivo, I budgeted $300 and after all the discounts and rebates I'm looking at being out $49 and the tax on a $249 purchase.

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HogarthNH

· #10 · Jan 20, 2006

NatasNJ said:
I assume when you order a DirectivoHD they ship it to you and then you have to wait for the installer to come? Or do they ship to installer?

Sometimes installers have them in stock; sometimes not.

H

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michad

Discussion Starter · #11 · Jan 22, 2006

Okay so the project changed a little and is now down to selling off the Denon gear (pm me

), picking a new surround receiver (probably a sony 7100es) and the coming mpg4 upgrade.

Love HDTV and need to figure out how the Harmony 880 can be set up to switch the screen width based on what I'm watching.

I bought a 32" Sony a10 LCD. Saved me from the hell that was the ent center changes. With the savings of 32" LCD vs 60" rear screen and no custom ent center I'll have another $2800 for the baby-project.

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