Can I activate a used directv receiver ?

My friend has an hd receiver that he ended up buying a new one because it wouldn't get 1 channel. Was curious if I could get it activated on my account.

Does he own it, or did he lease it? I think it mainly depends on how old it is, since they went to lease only at some point.

Also depends on the kind of dish you have and if it's compatible (I have a new dish, and it's apparently incompatible with my old DirecTIVO). Otherwise, there should be no problem calling them up and activating it.

I think they have to send you a new card, since it was originally not assigned to you. I'm not 100% on that. But you can use the receiver itself for sure.

it's actually an hr-21 the hd-dvr, I have the exact same receiver in my living room. It's a lease as i know they all are leased now.

hmmm i just called them, and they asked for receiver id, then said its a leased unit that was previously activated on someone elses account and they cant do it and i should send it back in.

Thats stupid, someone already paid the fee, i realize i will still pay a lease fee, why should i pay 100 bucks for something i already have. Maybe i just talked to a stupid CSR.

How did your friend get his new unit? Usually, when you lease the unit, they ask for it back when you replace it, especially if it was gotten for "free" due to an installation deal.

he just bought an additional unit.

I've been reading a lot of complaints on DirecTV lately.

Yes, when you buy a DirecTV receiver from Best Buy or wherever, DirecTV claims that it is still their property and if you don't return it to them when you are done they will bill you $250 or so per receiver.

Are you sure you really want DirecTV? I've been very happy with Dish Network and their dual-DVR.

Ive never had to return any of my DVR's to them when I upgraded to HD ones...

You will find complaints with every system... I like Dtv and have been a happy customer for 9 years, their HD service is great

I've bought new receivers from Best Buy, upgraded several times over the years, moved receivers to new parts of the house, and have never had to pay anything.