Activate new owned HR54-500

Odds are that it is a refurbished HR54 that you could have gotten from DTV for $20 that is ready to be activated and is leased not owned as Genies have never had an owned option. Calling DTV may get it activated.

hi @shannon02 if I call DTV they will want to send a tech out because that’s the only option they give. What do you recommend I say to them when I call?

Doubt DTV will send a tech to install it since you didn't get it though them and they don't send techs to install replacement receivers for defective ones, they are shipped for that $20.

Thanks for the information. I’ll give them a call tomorrow and report back for other readers. 

Warranty replacement is $19.95 shipping (or covered if you are paying for the monthly equipment protection plan). No reason to get a tech unless problem is beyond box.

HR54 is NOT owned. It is lease-only, as that is DirecTV's model since the 1st Genie (and shortly after launch of the HR34 all owend options for earlier models were discontinued).

Those dealers (which are 3rd party) can only offer boxes for their one-time lease cost. They cannot do warranty replacements or free (if you qualify) upgrades. So that 'dealer' got free money from you for what should have been a warranty replacement from DirecTV itself.

Since it is not activated, try to return and get your money back. Call DirecTV and let them know the HR54 died and you need a warranty replacement. If agent says tech needed, request supervisor as that is absolutely wrong. Tech is only needed if problem is more than box itself.

Just to be sure, is the box not even trying to turn on or is it doing something else? Just to be sure you get the correct resolution.

@Juniper the box was fried due to a power surge. The rest of the equipment and lines are good. I will see what I can do about a replacement from dtv. I wasn’t paying for the protection plan. I was under the impression I would need to sign another two year lease if they replaced the HR54. 

If you do an "upgrade" than it is a 24 month service agreement (not the lease itself as upgrade or warranty replacement the box is always leased, meaning you return back to DirecTV when done with it).

A warranty replacement does not affect the service agreement. So just call and let them know it doesn't power on, no error message or anything (keep it simple) and request replacement. Check any order confirmation received to verify it wasn't ordered as an upgrade.

Thanks for all of the help. They are shipping me out a replacement overnight. They said it should auto activate if not I can call them. They also said it wasn’t an upgrade just a warranty replacement. 

The box shouldn't auto activate. It should direct you to activate online or to call in. That way it is certain the right person received the right equipment.

DirecTV's replacements are susually 3-5 shipping days. If you get it faster great, but wanted to mention the normal time just in case.