Had defective HR54-200, keep getting REfurbished HR54-700's?

Hello @switchtoglide. We apologize for the inconvenience caused by receiving a refurbished receiver instead of a brand-new one. Yes, we do have new HR54s available. Please note that refurbished devices are previously opened receivers that undergo a series of rigorous tests and inspections before they are deemed fit for reuse. Also, the model numbers 200 and 700 are just variations of the same device. We'll send you a DM to discuss your box further. Christy, DIRECTV Community Specialist

Most HR54 receivers sent to customers are refurbished. The odds of you getting a new HR54 from DIRECTV are slim to none. If you really desire a brand new Genie HR54 then you should buy it outright on Solid Signal for the full price.

The model number -200 or -700, as stated by Christy, is simply a variation of the HR54 that does not dictate any major difference.

@switchtoglide 

Unfortunately there is never a guarantee to get brand new. Refurbished is what they have as boxes are not jumping off an assembly line. Even the new line Genie-2 (HS17) that is heavily being pushed is mostly refurbished as well.

The second number (-200, -700, etc.) is the manufacturer code. Just means what company made it for DirecTV, but they are still to the same specs as same model number before the dash. To clarify HR54R1 is a revised model so specs are a little different (cheaper outside and removal of eSATA port).

Boxes are leased so they go back to DirecTV to refurbish. They are not going to trash every box when you're done, they'll reuse what they can.

The problem here is the person on the phone promising what they cannot promise.

I seem to remember that forever a replacement could include a refurbished unit, like forever (been a customer since the 90's).

I think if you even went over the original agreement fine print you would find this stated.

The agents gave you lip service both times. There is absolutely NO way to specify "new" when ordering any receiver wether a replacement or an upgrade or new install, the ordering system doesn't give that option at all 

As long it's working it doesn't matter if it's "new" or "refurbished". The vast majority now are indeed refurbished. 

Refurbished means that they cleaned it, tested it, and sometimes replaced the hard drive.

and reloaded the firmware...

Thanks everyone! Who is this Christy, DIRECTV Community Specialist that was the first to answer? A Bot? Says she'll DM me, right, and how does all  that work out...? lol,  I still want a FREE Brand NEW HR54  ( and I do not want a REconditioned or REmanufactured old unit (very used hard drive..., etc.) (and No I do not want to pay $299 on Solid Signal.) DTV can shurely replace this with a Brand NEW one, if they still have them, as that Christy states they do...

Also, first I was instructed to send the 2 I have back to DTV. Now I get a letter in the mail that says: Do NOT return them, just recycle them yourself... Which is it??? Really?

They will not be able to guarantee you a new unit. 

@switchtoglide 

You're NOT going to get a free NEW HR54. You get the next one off the shelf. As explained most, if not all, are refurbished. They moved on to their next equipment line which has been out long enough that most of it is refurbished as well.

That first post is from the forum "help" team. They are just supplemental to customer support. And like them have no way to guarantee you an actual new unit.

In theory, the HR54 should still be returnable being the last generation of regular Genie made. You can't do anything with it once deactivated, so just take to a participating shipping FedEx or The UPS Store location for your free return. Make sure to keep receipt showing they took possession. Many agents, or general notices that don't specific model number, just go by returning as the default answer (since you don't own the boxes) without checking against the returnable list. Returning is the safe option as you don't risk a non-return fee (NRF).

Pretty much the only way to get brand new is to invent a new box and make it yourself.

Take them to a UPS/FedEx store to return them and keep the receipt.  If they will not take them you have your answer.  DTV receivers refurbished or not come with a 90 day warranty so you will not pay for shipping if it goes bad and then only 19.95 after that.

We understand you'd like to get a brand new HR54, and we're here to help. Let's work together to improve your experience. Please check your inbox, so we can continue assisting you. - Carissa, DIRECTV Community Specialist

A little work... paid off.

bets? not being negative, but let's wait for the OP to confirm.