New Member
•
4 Messages
Upgrade to same model receiver?
I received an email with details about a "self installation" to replace my existing receiver. A few days later the new box arrived and I installed it. What struck me as odd is it was the same model as the replacement and 5 years old. What's that all about?
The annoying activation process:
After connecting the "new" receiver, the instructions on the TV indicated to go to www.directv.com/activate. Very annoying to discover it's not a valid web page. It could at least tell you to call.
So I used option 2 and called 800 388-6597. The automated activation process was working well until it got to a point where the remote was needed and didn't work. I had to abandon the call.
Before making the next call I pressed and held MUTE/ENTER in hopes of configuring the remote. The receiver rebooted and performed a SW update. It finally ended up back on the set up menu indicating I had to call directv. <sigh>
So on to option 3 calling support to talk to a rep. They called back in about 20 minutes and we worked through the same activation process. This time the remote worked and we successfully completed the activation.
All that to get the same model receiver that's 5 years old.
shannon02
ACE - Expert
•
21.3K Messages
3 years ago
Why would DTV replace Genies that where made in the last 5 or more years with 1 or 2 TB hard drives with HD receivers made 10 to 15 years ago with only 500GB hard drives?
0
0
Good4u
Contributor
•
190 Messages
3 years ago
They're not. They're replacing HR 24s or older DVRs with Genies or Genie clients on service calls as HR 24s are no longer widely available. Since it a service swap there is no impact as to contract or monthly charges.
(edited)
0
0
detuch254
ACE - New Member
•
5.2K Messages
3 years ago
Oh because in your previous post you said they swapped Genies FOR HD DVRs. I was completely confused.
0
0
Good4u
Contributor
•
190 Messages
3 years ago
Sorry for the confusion, I guess the word swap can go either way. My fault for not more clearly stating my comment.
0
0
Queenjaci
1 Message
2 years ago
They told me I could no longer get that receiver because it was discontinued. Then told me would cost $99 for installation. Even though I had insurance. But it would cover if I got the new mini Genie. And started charging us $7 per receiver. I got my bill and noticed they were still charging me for the one I returned. That’s a year and 10 months now. Now the other DVR went out. I’ve called so many times trying to get the first one fixed I’m afraid what to do with this one. I have been a customer with Directv since they were Primestar. I love Directv. I despise AT&T. Not to mention it is the most expensive bill I have. They lie and don’t take proper record keeping. So it makes the customer look wrong
0
0
shannon02
ACE - Expert
•
21.3K Messages
2 years ago
You only have 60 days to report a billing problem so you may not get any money back, you can try filing a BBB complaint to send it to corporate . AT&T sold off 30% of DTV and the new partner is running the day to day operations. You can't have just a mini client as they all need a Genie to run them. DTV has always charged $7.00 for additional TVs.
0
0
Juniper
ACE - Expert
•
23.4K Messages
2 years ago
@Queenjaci
The protection plan covers the $99 for service calls (for repair). It does not cover sending a tech out for an optional upgrade.
DirecTV has always charged a $7 fee for each additional TV. That is not something that just started. The only change is that grandfathered accounts don't pay that for the Primary (1st) TV, though newer customers have different costs for receiver services, making that essentially the same.
They have a 60 day billing dispute policy. In practice that often covers the last 2 bills and the current cycle to date. At almost 2 years that is now on you. Practically any company needs a bill issue brought up in reasonable time. In the future read your bills more often. I personally suggest any time you make a change, or have started a provider, review the next two bills. That way you verify any proration and can double check regular bill going forward.
Clarification, you cannot have been DirecTV since they were Primestar. This is because DirecTV bought Primestar, it wasn't a name change. So you were a Primestar customer before DirecTV bought them.
I can respect loving DirecTV but hating AT&T. It was certainly not a smooth acquisition. However, AT&T has sold off part of DirecTV to a new co-owner who has taken over operations. Waiting to see what changes or hopefully improvements will happen down the line.
Best to get some guidance before ordering equipment, regardless if warranty replacement or upgrade. Many agents seem to not understand anything except the latest setup. Want to be sure you get the option that best suits you personally.
What are the models of each box you have now?
What technical problems are you having and on which boxes?
0
0