Contributor
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2 Messages
Can I buy an HD DVR rather than leasing?
We just got set up with DirecTV. We got one HD DVR and one HD receiver with no up-front charge as part of our package, but have decided we'd like to have another HD DVR instead of the non-DVR receiver. The idea of coughing up another $200 for the privilege of leasing a second HD DVR for $6 a month is unappealing. I see HD DVR's out there for sale on eBay, but don't want to buy one only to find out it can't be activated. The ones I see "without an access card..." Are those useless? A DirecTV rep told me I can buy an access card for $20 for a legitimate, previously-owned unit. What I don't know is how to determine whether DVR's being sold by dealers (e.g., http://www.ebay.com/itm/DIRECTV-HR22-PLUS-HD-DVR-RECEIVER-HR22-100-/110712855385?pt=Receivers_Tuners&hash=item19c7001b59) are able to be activated. Thanks!
litzdog911
ACE - Sage
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46.4K Messages
14 years ago
Be very careful buying DirecTV equipment from eBay or Craigslist. Too many sellers misrepresent stolen or leased equipment as "for sale", and you're correct that DirecTV will NOT let you activate that equipment. Always request the "Receiver ID Number" and check its status by calling DirecTV's Access Card department yourself. They can tell you if the equipment can be purchased as "owned" or not. Buyer beware.
And note that regardless of whether the DVR is "leased" or "owned", you'll still pay $6/mo. About the only benefit to owning the equipment outright is that you can deactivate and reactivate as you like without having to return it. Otherwise there's really very little benefit compared with DirecTV's lease.
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litzdog911
ACE - Sage
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46.4K Messages
14 years ago
See the eBay Buyer's Guide here ....
http://reviews.ebay.com/Directv-quot-leased-quot-equipment-DVR-apos-s-amp-standard-receivers_W0QQugidZ10000000004230191
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dcd
Expert
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20.7K Messages
14 years ago
Many new users do not give their equipment selection enough thought. Had you decided on a HD DVR in lieu of the free HD receiver at the outset, the standard add on price would have been $99. If you're brand new and call and act really pathetic, maybe the CSR will cut you a break.
Note that the $6 fee is for mirroring your programming package onto another box, it isn't a lease fee. If the fee applies to a leased receiver it's marked leased receiver fee. If it's on an owned box, it's marked an additional receiver fee.
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peds48
Expert
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32K Messages
14 years ago
the fact that this specific listing do not list the RID number and ships outside the USA, where is illegal to receiver DTV USA, makes very suspicious. smells like fraud to me.
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shawnhannan
Contributor
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2 Messages
14 years ago
Thanks to all of you for your input. A special thanks to you, dcd, as your idea of calling and acting "really pathetic" (honestly, I didn't have to act particularly pathetic... 🙂 did the trick. They're upgrading us from the HD receiver to the HD DVR for $99. I'm not thrilled, but it's better than $199!
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litzdog911
ACE - Sage
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46.4K Messages
14 years ago
Good to hear. Enjoy!
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dcd
Expert
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20.7K Messages
14 years ago
Heheheh, good for you. My 'Really Pathetic" suggestion was so you wouldn't try to bluster your way through and irritate the CSR. Personally I've never made a single request of Directv that they didn't satisfy. If you consider all the stuff they installed in your house for a total cost of $99 it ain't a bad deal as I see it.
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