So, downstairs on the big TV I have one of their black HR-21 HD DVR's. Upstairs, in the bedroom, I have their standard-def DVR. We finally got around to upgrading the television in the bedroom to HD, and called to upgrade the box. So, to upgrade, it's evidently usually $200 for the box, but they were having some "deal" for $100 (although still cost me $126 for some reason). They said they'd mail me the new box out right away, which they did and that it'd be pretty easy to just swap out the standard def box for the high-def box, which I am sure it is.

A couple days later, the HD DVR arrived. When I finally got around to opening it, it's another HR-21, and it's dusty, dinged on the top, with multiple scratches on the sides and back. They also did not ship the needed bband converters so that I could actually use the thing. When I call to complain that they had some nerve to send me an obvious refurb, missing parts, and in such appallng condition no less, especially since I paid $100, they said that the only way you are guaranteed one of their new boxes (HR-24 I think), which supposedly is faster, with a larger hard drive capacity, was to have a tech come out to your house and set everything up (an additional $50 fee), and that if they ever just drop-ship you an upgraded receiver, 90% of the time it will be the older HR-21 and almost certain will be a refurb.

Now, I could see if they were offering the DVR's for free that you'd get a refurb and/or an older model, but damn, if you are going to upgrade your service, AND pay $100-200 for the luxury of a new DVR, AND be on the hook for any repairs if something were to go wrong with the unit, you'd think they'd give you a new unit, AND one featuring their latest technology.

Anyhoo, the tech is now due at my home any moment (yeah right), to come (for free because of my "inconvenience") to collect this disgusting refurb, and set me up with the latest version of their DVR.

So, the take home lesson? if you are dealing with an upgrade with DirecTV, and want their latest tech, don't just have them dropship you an upgraded box, because you'll get stuck with their second-hand, obsolete shit.

they offered me a free HD DVR ($200) value and SD box ($49.99) both with free installation, then free HD service for 2 years when i called, spoke to retention dept., and said i was gonna cancel. box hasn't arrived yet so i will let you know how it looks.

And don't be surprised if they lock you into a new 2 year lease for getting a new box.

while i don't agree with them shipping a refurb unit, i enjoy how you think you are entitled to the latest technology for a price that is less than retail.

You should call them up, say cancel service at the prompt. They'll bend over backwards to keep you.

why is that? it's not like I'm asking to simply replace my HR21 with the latest and greatest just because I feel like it, I'm upgrading the service and a standard box, and IMO should be offered the top-of-the-line, snazziest, latest and greatest tech they have at that time.

Just tell them you are going to cancel and switch to E*. If they balk at that, just go ahead and switch. You'll get more HD channels.

My Ex just did this and got $20 permanently knocked off her monthly bill.

ummm, no. you should get something that is in line with what you need for what you paying. You shouldn't get the HR24 just because you think you should.

says who? you? if some new customer can call up, order the exact same service I am ordering, pay they exact same amount, then why should they get the latest tech, when I, a loyal customer of 5 years, should get stuck with the older models when I add HD in another part of my home?

DirecTV doesn't reward loyalty. They screw you over for being a sucker for staying with them.

You need to quit every two years or at least threaten to quit to get anything out them.

So do you get to keep the dvr when you cancel the service? Or are you paying for the right to use it? I'm kinda lost here.

Congrats for your loyalty. If you aren't paying for the latest tech you don't get it for free or cheap. It is a bad business model. No different than cell phone business. I can't go in and demand newest phone even though I still have a year on my contract. New customers get goodies because it's all about gaining new subs.

bad analogy, I've been out of contract for 3 years now. what else ya got, pal?

Even kids know that's bullshit...

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I always call in and get the best deal (the one that they say is only for 'new' customers). I may have to talk to a couple of people or even threaten to cancel, but the bottom line is I can continue to be company A's loyal customer or I can be company B's new customer.


And that strategy will lose the company business. And rightfully so. They would certainly lose mine.

That attitude is a big part of the reason why this country is in so much trouble now.

You may be out of contract "technically", but you've not been smart enough to cancel... so you're still under contract in their eyes.

I had no idea so many DirecTV apologists frequented this website.

im leaving directv after having them for 10 years.... it sucks but they are tooo expensive for what they provide.

I have no idea what the purpose of this thread is. You post a bitch and then are shocked and overly antagonistic when people reply with their opinions? Yeesh...

I've been w/ D* for 7 years now, and I do find it disturbing that the only way to receive good service from them is to threaten to cancel. It's true: They don't really reward loyalty, which is just bad business. I'd like to get a new HD-DVR too for my upstairs TV, but I certainly don't want some HR-20 refurb. I can't begin to tell you how much trouble I've had with the one I've got...

so quit bitching, and go to dish. still doesn't mean you should get something for nothing.

not apologists. just people that aren't looking to get something for free and then throwing a hissy fit when they don't get it.

well, the purpose of the thread was to inform those interested, that if you simply get a unit dropshipped, then you'll likely get stuck with the old tech, and if you schedule the guy to come out, you'll likely get the new tech. So difficult to comprehend, huh? Oh, and I'm the one being overly antagnostic? are we reading the same thread?

since when is $100 up front, and roughly $100/mos free? oh well...

One of the many reasons why, even though I hate cable companies, I will NEVER have satellite. I know that location plays a big factor; if you are on 300 acres in the boonies, you might need a dish.

But the whole "paying to upgrade" a box that isn't/is yours is always weird to me. It's the reason why I'll never get the new Tivo box. I have to pay for it, AND pay a monthly fee for it on TOP of my Fios subscription? And if the Tivo burns out, I have to pay for another one? NO THANKS! If my Fios box burns up I call and get another one, no questions asked.

Thanks, Verizon!

Sure they do! Why only last week I received a letter from them rewarding me with a free PPV movie. Whoopie...