Anyone here in the know about the ins-and-outs of DirecTV receivers?

I am looking to change out one of our SD-DVR receivers to an HD-DVR receiver (we already have 1 HD, looking to replace on of our SD ones).

3 Questions:
-Can I buy the box anywhere (that sells them)?
-Do I have to call DirecTV or anything to activate it?
-Any additional monthy charge on the account?

Are you in or out of contact with DirecTV? Usually you can get an HD box from them for free just by calling and telling them you want to upgrade. Try that first.

You can buy the box anywhere that sells them. If you go that route, you have to call to activate it. You just give the card # and they'll send signal to activate. You might even be able to do that online now. Not sure about that.

Each additional box that you have on your account costs $5 per month. If you deactivate the SD, your net difference will be zero to your account (+$5 - $5 = $0). If you keep the SD active, it'll add another $5 to your account.

Cool, thanks for the info man!

I'm still in contract, so I'll go that route first. Other info is exactly what I was looking for, appreciate it

I tried doing this a few months ago and they would not let me swap out an SD receiver for an HD receiver (even paying for it) without extending my contract 12 months. Make sure you ask, they didn't let me know until I brought it up. All my bitching and moaning wouldn't get them to change the policy, hopefully you have more luck.

yeah, i guess i should've mentioned that. they always extend your contract when you get new hardware, sort of like with cell phone companies. if you don't care about that, then it's a good deal. if not, maybe not a good deal.

I don't think they let you "own" equipment anymore. The price you pay for a new receiver is essentially a "lease" and they retain ownership of the equipment.

SOMETIMES they will even let you upgrade to an HD-DVR at no cost. Just gotta play the game...usually suggesting that you are looking at just buying yourself out of the contract and moving on to cable/Dish will get you one. The best deals are available by saying "cancel service" at the voice prompt. That will get you on the line with retention who have just about every possible credit at their disposal.

My 'first attempt' came today came down to waiving installation fees, and a $30 discount, but still pay for the new box. Also she said it requires a 2 year contract extension.

So out the door it would be $95 (box upgrade) and a 2 year extension.

I'll try again tomorrow going with the canceling one or more of my other boxes (they would lose the ongoing revenue from those) so that I can keep costs down angle and see if I can get any different deal going from them. Fun times.

Costco sells them.

Yes, there's a $10/mo 'HD access fee' that allows you to receive the HD versions of available channels.

No matter what they will lock you into a 2 year committment with an HD box. SOMETIMES they will screwup and not re-up you but I've only had that happen once in 4-5 times.

Thanks for all the info...

I'm questioning that $5 per box now. I pay that now and it shows up on the bill as a 'lease' fee. But I paid the 99 or 199 for the boxes initially.

So... they charge that 'lease fee' regardless of where you get the box?

Call and say you're an NHL fan and pissed that they aren't carrying VS. Ask for a free HD-DVR upgrade for them to keep your business.

The $5 'lease' fee is basically for each active receiver/DVR (regardless of whether it is leased or owned) after the first one. The DVR charge is constant regardless of how many DVRs you have.

Thanks, and I'll give the NHL route a shot.