Notes: You should be able to keep your old receiver and get an HR20 for no more than $199. Many are getting their new HR20's for just the shipping cost of $19.
The deal you will get depends on your your "Hearts" rating that factors in payment history, automatic payments, protection plan, tenure, current hardware, when your commitment renews, sports packages, etc. There is no such thing as an "A List," just 1, 3, or 5 Hearts. If you are 5 Hearts, you have the winning hand.
Upgrading to the HR20: 1. Check out the competition. Print out the offers from Comcast, DISH, etc. 2. Call DIRECTV at 800-531-5000. At the voice prompt say "Cancel" to go directly to Retention. 3. Be polite. Tell them you want to stay with DIRECTV. Repeat their name & write it down. Ask them how many "Hearts" you are. 4. Ask if you can upgrade to the HR20 for the $19 shipping? Tell the competing offers if needed. 5. See if you can get any months of free HD and Showtime. You may have to call more than once. 6. Make sure you get a morning installation for timeliness and to have extra equipment on hand. 7. Before you hang up, confirm that your work order is for: DIRECTV HD DVR (Expanded HD Prog. Capable) Standard Professional Install that will include: - New RG6 cabling and connectors (up to 125' x 4 as needed) - Zinwell 6x8 Multiswitch (if needed) DIRECTV 5-LNB Multi-Satellite Dish (if dish upgrade needed) Your date and price - Craig
I called and got: - 2 HR20s to replace my current HR10-250s for free + shipping - Free Dish - Free Installation - 6 months of HBO and Showtime for free - 1 year of HD channels for free - No extension of my current contract
Awesome.
I told a co-worker about this and he got the following deal. He's been with DirecTV for a while but he only has one non-DVR old receiver and subscribes to the base package only.
- 1 HR20 HD DVR for free - 6 Months of HD channels for free - 6 Months of HBO & Showtime for free - Free dish upgrade - Free installation
Here is a list of some of the upcoming HD channels for DirecTV. Everyone is anticipating for them to be turned on sometime around the 15th of September or soon thereafter. Found at the Satellite Guys.
Current HD Channels: ESPN HD ESPN2 HD HB HD Showtime HD Discovery HD Theater TNT HD Universal HD HDNet HDNet Movie + HD Locals
Upcoming Regular HD Channels: A&E HD ABC Family HD Animal Planet HD Bravo HD ESPNews HD Food Network HD Fuel TV HD FX HD HGTV-HD Cartoon Network Chiller HD CNBC HD CNN HD History Channel HD MHD USA HD National Geographic HD Discovery Channel HD Disney Channel HD TBS HD The 101 HD TLC HD Toon Disney HD Weather Channel HD Big Ten Network HD NFL Network HD Versus HD/Golf Channel HD Sci-Fi Network HD Science Channel HD Speed Channel HD Tennis Channel HD
Upcoming HD Premium Channels: HBO HD West HBO2 HD East HBO2 HD West HBO Family HBO Family West HBO Latino HBO Signature Showtime HD West Cinemax HD East Cinemax HD West MoreMax The Movie Channel HD East Starz HD East Starz HD West Starz Edge HD Starz Comedy HD Starz Kids & Family HD
DirecTV should be starting out with most if not all of these with 100 total HD channels by the end of the year.
Users like you can add images, links and other relevant information about this topic.
posted: Sep. 5, 2007 @ 9:10a
kamic
Senior Member
posted: Sep. 5, 2007 @ 9:17a
Ask them how many "Hearts" you are? Whats that? scoring system on how loyal customer?
Queasy
Tired Member
posted: Sep. 5, 2007 @ 9:22a
kamic said: Ask them how many "Hearts" you are? Whats that? scoring system on how loyal customer?
Basically. I'm not even sure that matters right now. I didn't even ask how many Hearts I have. Just said I understand that there are new HD channels coming out that aren't compatible with my receivers and asked for a free upgrade.
I'm pretty sure that my co-worker is ranked as a 1 Heart. He has only one non-HD receiver and subscribes to the base package. You get hearts for subscribing to sports packages, premium movie packages, etc.
greenlaser
Senior Member
posted: Sep. 5, 2007 @ 9:49a
DirecTV is dropping all the stereo off there SD channels and music. Is this to make more room for the HD channels... Are we to say "Wow, this sounds so much better than the service I used to have." This just because they resumed stereo broadcasting with HD. The games afoot.
This is bad news for me. The sound quality on any satellite service is getting so bad I'm going back to CD's and DVD's.
I'm doubtful that when they roll out the 100+ HD channels, that their HD package will stay at 9.99/month. Don't forget everyone, DVR service is 5.99/month/home.
Seems like a good deal to get a free HD/DVR, but these retention things never work for us MDU subscribers.
Queasy
Tired Member
posted: Sep. 5, 2007 @ 10:15a
greenlaser said: DirecTV is dropping all the stereo off there SD channels and music. Is this to make more room for the HD channels... Are we to say "Wow, this sounds so much better than the service I used to have." This just because they resumed stereo broadcasting with HD. The games afoot.
This is bad news for me. The sound quality on any satellite service is getting so bad I'm going back to CD's and DVD's.
Link? I haven't heard of this and it sounds doubtful to me. The new HD channels are going on the two new satellites that they launched this year. I don't see why they would need to drop stereo on existing channels on different satellites.
I told Direct TV after 4 years I had an appointment with Dish to switch to HD...(I really did have an appointment on the following saturday)...and they decided to give me the HD receiver/DVR instead of losing me.
Plus Direct HD is only 10 per month- Dish is 20 AND Direct will have a hugely larger number of HD channels.
greenlaser
Senior Member
posted: Sep. 5, 2007 @ 10:20a
My case is that the XM radio channels that DTV is using has lost almost all of it's stereo seperation. Other SD channels have lost this too. I have no link, just my ear since the start of the year.
Queasy
Tired Member
posted: Sep. 5, 2007 @ 10:21a
aus said: And you'll only get this deal via Retentions. So just keep saying you want to cancel when you call until you get to retentions.
That is mentioned in the instructions that I quoted from DBSTalk.com.
lemme ask you this.. i currently piggyback on a directv account that is not located at my house...i dont even know if this is against their rules or not, but it works just fine. whenever ive gotten a new receiver before, ive had them come and install it in the other house, then ive moved it to my place afterwards.
my issue is that the other house already has an HD dish, but i need one at my place. So if I have them install it there, they won't put the dish in because theres one already there.
My question is, can I just have them deliver it and not install it? I have no problem installing it myself. Will the Directv CSR see that I have a dish already and refuse? Im not experienced in these matters but I'd really like a HD box and dish for $17
Queasy
Tired Member
posted: Sep. 5, 2007 @ 10:26a
greenlaser said: My case is that the XM radio channels that DTV is using has lost almost all of it's stereo seperation. Other SD channels have lost this too. I have no link, just my ear since the start of the year.
Well, then you don't have much to prove you assertion that this is done for the new HD channels. As I mentioned, the new HD channels are going on new satellites which won't affect existing channels.
Now, they may have removed stereo on channels because of the existing HD channels. It wasn't uncommon last year for some HD channels like TNT HD to be turned off during the football season to make room for NFL Sunday Ticket in HD.
Again, this shouldn't be an issue going forward as they have new satellites up to handle the extra bandwidth and at least one more coming.
Queasy
Tired Member
posted: Sep. 5, 2007 @ 10:28a
Greygooser said: lemme ask you this.. i currently piggyback on a directv account that is not located at my house...i dont even know if this is against their rules or not, but it works just fine. whenever ive gotten a new receiver before, ive had them come and install it in the other house, then ive moved it to my place afterwards.
my issue is that the other house already has an HD dish, but i need one at my place. So if I have them install it there, they won't put the dish in because theres one already there.
My question is, can I just have them deliver it and not install it? I have no problem installing it myself. Will the Directv CSR see that I have a dish already and refuse? Im not experienced in these matters but I'd really like a HD box and dish for $17
I really couldn't answer that. You may be better off getting the 5-LNB dish from elsewhere.
I've been with DTV for 1yr and 3mo. I have an HR10-250, I got the free upgrade with an install 9/12. I didn't get a free year of HD but I don't know if I necessarily 'deserve' it yet! That's OK though. I'm happy to have the new HR20 coming next week!
lintballll
Ancient Member
posted: Sep. 5, 2007 @ 10:42a
7 year customer, I called up retenetion and got the free HR20, dish, 6 mos free HD upon first request...$20 delivery fee. The install was yesterday and it went very smooth. I'm a long-time TiVo user and was reluctant to change, but I gotta say my first impression of the HR20 is very positive!!
Positives... +HD looks GREAT! +The basic scheduling functions are similar to TiVo, and resorting priorities is instant (no "please wait") +You get a live PIP when on DVR screens +You can add an esata drive for expanded storage (have not tried) +You can apparently (per dbstalk) browse/play your windows media via the HR20 when ethernet is enabled +still has the 30 second skip button (no remote hack required like TiVo) +RF remote
Negative... -Though it has dual tuners, it only has one live buffer. On my dtivos, you can flip between live buffered channels. Not on the HR20. Probably not a huge deal, as most ppl don't even seem to know what this is.
I would call and re-confirm this as this is unheard of, you obligated yourself for 2 more years as they won't do this without a new commitment. I am a TOP Rated customer and spend $130 a month with them plus subscribe to Sunday Ticket and NHL Center Ice and had o do a new 2-year so you got an extension of your current contract you just don't know it.
Queasy
Tired Member
posted: Sep. 5, 2007 @ 10:49a
longshot94 said: - No extension of my current contract
I would call and re-confirm this as this is unheard of, you obligated yourself for 2 more years as they won't do this without a new commitment. I am a TOP Rated customer and spend $130 a month with them plus subscribe to Sunday Ticket and NHL Center Ice and had o do a new 2-year so you got an extension of your current contract you just don't know it.
The CSR said that since this is an equipment swap due to a technology upgrade, my contract would not be extended. I am already under a 2-year contract for my HD Tivos.
I didn't hear from my co-worker on whether or not he had to agree to an extended contract.
greenlaser said: My case is that the XM radio channels that DTV is using has lost almost all of it's stereo seperation. Other SD channels have lost this too. I have no link, just my ear since the start of the year.
That is the XM sound. They compress the hell out of the channels so they can have about 50 stupid talk radio channels. I'm sure they don't generate a separate feed for Dtv.
Airjrdn
Member
posted: Sep. 5, 2007 @ 11:05a
lintballll said: 7 year customer, I called up retenetion and got the free HR20, dish, 6 mos free HD upon first request...$20 delivery fee. The install was yesterday and it went very smooth. I'm a long-time TiVo user and was reluctant to change, but I gotta say my first impression of the HR20 is very positive!!
Positives... +HD looks GREAT! +The basic scheduling functions are similar to TiVo, and resorting priorities is instant (no "please wait") +You get a live PIP when on DVR screens +You can add an esata drive for expanded storage (have not tried) +You can apparently (per dbstalk) browse/play your windows media via the HR20 when ethernet is enabled +still has the 30 second skip button (no remote hack required like TiVo) +RF remote
Negative... -Though it has dual tuners, it only has one live buffer. On my dtivos, you can flip between live buffered channels. Not on the HR20. Probably not a huge deal, as most ppl don't even seem to know what this is.
All in all, I think I will love the HR20.
Thanks for posting that. With my hacked DTivo, I have two 2hr buffers (one per input), and only having a single (30m?) buffer is probably a deal breaker for me.
Thanks for posting that. With my hacked DTivo, I have two 2hr buffers (one per input), and only having a single (30m?) buffer is probably a deal breaker for me.
If you record both shows at once, you can buffer between the two feeds. That is a known work-around.
We had the TiVo before and loved the buffer, but this method works fine.
hellyea81 said: I'm doubtful that when they roll out the 100+ HD channels, that their HD package will stay at 9.99/month. Don't forget everyone, DVR service is 5.99/month/home.
Seems like a good deal to get a free HD/DVR, but these retention things never work for us MDU subscribers. Can you get just the $9.99 HD subscription or do you have to add that to another base package?
EDIT: I am currently not subscribed to HD Access. Do I have to upgrade my current package to get in on this? I'm already looking for a second DVR (regardless of HD or not) so this sounds great.
vgachi57 said: hellyea81 said: I'm doubtful that when they roll out the 100+ HD channels, that their HD package will stay at 9.99/month. Don't forget everyone, DVR service is 5.99/month/home.
Seems like a good deal to get a free HD/DVR, but these retention things never work for us MDU subscribers. Can you get just the $9.99 HD subscription or do you have to add that to another base package?
Choice $50 plus HD $9.99 ---> so $60 month for your basic HD package with all the new non-premium channels
FatSack
Senior Member
posted: Sep. 5, 2007 @ 11:45a
They won't drop MPEG-2 streams for a few years.I've been hearing it's just a few years off...for a few years.
lintballll
Ancient Member
posted: Sep. 5, 2007 @ 12:05p
dbstalk also mentions that the HR20s are in pretty short supply now. My installer confirmed this. The discussion is that once the new HD channels launch, the wait to get the HR20 may be very long. That is one reason I went ahead and upgraded, besides the fact that my old dtivo only had one working tuner...
lintballll
Ancient Member
posted: Sep. 5, 2007 @ 12:08p
germanpope said: Choice $50 plus HD $9.99 ---> so $60 month for your basic HD package with all the new non-premium channels
Yes, price is the main reason I use DTV. Plus ATT gives a $5 DTV discount if you have their landline. My total bill is $75/mo with 2 DVRs and HD. A similar Comc@st setup would be almost double...
I have about 5 months left on my contract and they told me it would cost another $90 / month to upgrade to HD.
backfliprabbit
New Member
posted: Sep. 5, 2007 @ 12:24p
That's a great deal. I have DIRECTV for a year now and I have to say they have really good customer services. So far I have no problem with my HR20 DVR box. It works great for me. DIRECTV is great if you want quality service with the best sports package.
Cant wait till Football Season starts this weekend!!!
Queasy
Tired Member
posted: Sep. 5, 2007 @ 12:25p
Tacoma99 said: I have about 5 months left on my contract and they told me it would cost another $90 / month to upgrade to HD.
It may take a couple of tries until you get a cooperative CSR. When I upgraded to the HR10-250 (HD TiVo) last year it took five calls. This time though, my CSR agreed to it right away.
A replacement offer is not available today because we have not yet started to convert any of our MPEG-2 programming to the new MPEG-4 transmission standard. As we get closer to converting channels, we will notify customers who may lose DIRECTV HD programming to contact us to schedule an upgrade. We hope to begin converting some channels this summer, but do not yet have a definite timeline. Until then, your current DIRECTV HD equipment will continue to deliver the great DIRECTV HD programming you receive today.
The current leased price to replace your primary HD (non-DVR) receiver and dish is $99, then $99 for each additional HD receiver replacement. You live in an area where we have launched local channels in HD and if you would like to replace your equipment now, you can order now by calling 1-888-355-7530
lintballll said: dbstalk also mentions that the HR20s are in pretty short supply now. My installer confirmed this. The discussion is that once the new HD channels launch, the wait to get the HR20 may be very long. That is one reason I went ahead and upgraded, besides the fact that my old dtivo only had one working tuner...
Probably clearing out inventory before they bring out the HR-21.
From what I've heard the HR-21 is basically the HR-20 without having the integrated functionality where you can plug in an OTA antenna and have the receiver seamlessly manage all of the DirectTV channels AND all the local OTA channels, even those that DTV doesn't themselves retransmit; the receiver automatically switches to use either the dish or the OTA antenna as appropriate to pick up the channel.
Same as the difference between the H-20 and the upcoming H-21.
get the free hd dvr and you can network your mp3's from your computer via the ethernet port. sounds great on my surround sound
99percent
Member
posted: Sep. 5, 2007 @ 12:33p
I have the HR10.
Called retention, told them to cancel. They ask why. They ALWAYS ask why. I told them Cox cable was doing promotion for free HD upgrade with low monthly costs. In addition, the HR10 sucks, freezes up all the time, then I have to reboot, then wait for 10 minutes (totally true), so I'm sick and tired of it. As far as I know Cox HD equipment does not do that (not sure).
Retention replied, "well, that's because you got old HD equipment, I'll upgrade you to HR20 for free."
I didn't exactly get it for free. Free lease, but I don't intend to sell these equipment anyhow. Free installation, $10 credit per month for 12 months plus free HD for 12 months ($10). Free HBO, showtime and star for 3 months.
To help out the nice clerk, I also got NFL Ticket ($260). To help me out, he added Superfan ($99) for free.
If you don't have the HD programming already, say you want HD from your local cable provider, and your friend has the HR 10-250 and it sucks big time.
Queasy
Tired Member
posted: Sep. 5, 2007 @ 12:36p
99percent said: I have the HR10.
Called retention, told them to cancel. They ask why. They ALWAYS ask why. I told them Cox cable was doing promotion for free HD upgrade with low monthly costs.
Yep, when you call in for this deal, BE SURE TO MENTION COMPETITOR'S OFFERS!! I mentioned that I could get a free HD DVR from DISH and Comcast and they didn't have any problems upgrading.
conrua
Member
posted: Sep. 5, 2007 @ 12:44p
Queasy said: 99percent said: I have the HR10.
Called retention, told them to cancel. They ask why. They ALWAYS ask why. I told them Cox cable was doing promotion for free HD upgrade with low monthly costs.
Yep, when you call in for this deal, BE SURE TO MENTION COMPETITOR'S OFFERS!! I mentioned that I could get a free HD DVR from DISH and Comcast and they didn't have any problems upgrading.
I got a free HD/DVR last year so they would not give me another one. However, I was able to get one for 99 + tax.
lintballll
Ancient Member
posted: Sep. 5, 2007 @ 1:23p
Tacoma99 said: I have about 5 months left on my contract and they told me it would cost another $90 / month to upgrade to HD.
Did they itemize this for you? HD is $10/mo. DVR fee (for all boxes in your house) is $5. Each box is another $5 each. No way it would be +$90/mo unless you have 16 receivers!!!
rodge
Member
posted: Sep. 5, 2007 @ 1:28p
One of the DirecTV guys who came home for troubleshooting some pic issues, he told me he would get me a HD DVR for about $250. If I get that, do I still need to subscribe every month or can I download the TV Guide data for free?
conrua said: Queasy said: 99percent said: I have the HR10.
Called retention, told them to cancel. They ask why. They ALWAYS ask why. I told them Cox cable was doing promotion for free HD upgrade with low monthly costs.
Yep, when you call in for this deal, BE SURE TO MENTION COMPETITOR'S OFFERS!! I mentioned that I could get a free HD DVR from DISH and Comcast and they didn't have any problems upgrading.
I got a free HD/DVR last year so they would not give me another one. However, I was able to get one for 99 + tax.
existing customers can generally get one new HD receiver (for free, just pay shipping) every 6 months. i got the hd/dvr with new antenna installation last year and then upgraded one receiver to HD earlier this year. have to wait a few more months to get the last HD receiver i need for free.
you will need to commit for 1 or 2 years (I forget) to a minimum package (I think its 100 or 150 channels, whaich is fine for most people). I get directv for NHL Center Ice so I ain't switching anyway.
JennaG
Tired Member
posted: Sep. 5, 2007 @ 1:49p
Their "offer" when I called was $99 for the box plus $20 to set it up plus the standard $10/mo charge. Translation: no discount at all. Not even a token free Showtime offer. How disappointing - I might actually cancel since even Comcast is cheaper than that with their 12-month promos.
If I get that, do I still need to subscribe every month or can I download the TV Guide data for free?
I think if you have an HD box you have to get the extra HD subscription.
Lip said: Just spoke with CSR. I wanted upgrade to HD. He offered me $50 off on $300 of equipment.
I asked for cancellation. Rententions offered me 2 HDR and 1 HD-DVR for $99. Nothing else. I asked to proceed with cancel, we went through formalities, then he asked me for cancellation dates. I told him I will call back. He then gave me tel# and pin.
I just ordered Dish, delivery tomorrow am. I will cancel DTV when Dish is installed.
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