Get a free upgrade to DirecTVs new HD DVR (HR20) + more

[CPA]

Are most of you guys using a blackmail technique: "I've got this offer from XXXXX, can you give me the HR20 and free HD to stay?" or are you just asking for the free upgrade and other freebies?

 

[Queasy]

Originally posted by: CPA
Are most of you guys using a blackmail technique: "I've got this offer from XXXXX, can you give me the HR20 and free HD to stay?" or are you just asking for the free upgrade and other freebies?

I brought up the fact that I can get a HD DVR from DISH or Comcast for free in addition to the fact that the HD channels they have coming out will not work with my current HR10s.

 

[BDawg]

How are you getting out of a contract extension? I've never been able to get out of that. It doesn't really bother me though. I have no intention of leaving.

 

[Queasy]

Originally posted by: BDawg
How are you getting out of a contract extension? I've never been able to get out of that. It doesn't really bother me though. I have no intention of leaving.

I have no idea honestly. The CSR just said that since they are swapping my HR10s out for the HR20s they are considering it a technology upgrade and won't do an extension. <shrug>

I think I just got really lucky with my CSR on the first shot. When I called last year to get the HR10, it took 5 calls before I was able to get a CSR willing to upgrade me for free.

 

[Queasy]

FYI - After the NFL season starts tonight at 8PM EST, you can not cancel the NFL Sunday Ticket. So, you can't use that as a bargaining chip when talking to a CSR beyond the "I'm a loyal customer" argument.

 

[kki000]

Originally posted by: kinev

Originally posted by: vghc
Is the HR20's software as good as Tivo's? I really want it but not willing to sacrifice my Tivo. Any advice??

I don't think so. I had the old DirecTivo boxes and really liked them. The HR20 has a totally different interface that I don't like as much. My main problem is with the old Tivo units, they had a live buffer of 30 minutes on both tuners. If you switched tuners, there was a 30 minutes that you could go back. On the HR20, you can record 2 different shows, but there is only 1 buffer of live tv (granted it's 90 minutes, but only on 1 channel).

When I first got it, I was trying to push the down arrow to switch tuners for 10 minutes before I RTFM.

All this is solely my opinion, but I prefer the DirecTivo's interface to the HR20's.

I have had 2 hd direct tivos, i had one of them replaced last year with a hr20 when it blew up.
I have similar observations, dual streaming tuners is the feature i miss most from the tivo. With it I felt like a tv god, watching 2 footbal games at once, not missing any of the action.

That said, there is alot to like about the hr20 interface. It responds a helluva lot faster than tivo. Has some neat tricks of its own, previous channel button switches from live or recorded programs. Instant recording, without answering all those questions and waiting for tivo to respond again. One button and hr20 is recording.
Hr20 also gives you access to the guide wherever, even when watching a recorded program.

Gun to my head I would still take the tivo, simply because of the dual streaming feeds. hr20 though isnt a total piece of crap like some ppl make it out to be. The esata port is active on it as well.

 

[Queasy]

Originally posted by: kki000

Originally posted by: kinev

Originally posted by: vghc
Is the HR20's software as good as Tivo's? I really want it but not willing to sacrifice my Tivo. Any advice??

I don't think so. I had the old DirecTivo boxes and really liked them. The HR20 has a totally different interface that I don't like as much. My main problem is with the old Tivo units, they had a live buffer of 30 minutes on both tuners. If you switched tuners, there was a 30 minutes that you could go back. On the HR20, you can record 2 different shows, but there is only 1 buffer of live tv (granted it's 90 minutes, but only on 1 channel).

When I first got it, I was trying to push the down arrow to switch tuners for 10 minutes before I RTFM.

All this is solely my opinion, but I prefer the DirecTivo's interface to the HR20's.

I have had 2 hd direct tivos, i had one of them replaced last year with a hr20 when it blew up.
I have similar observations, dual streaming tuners is the feature i miss most from the tivo. With it I felt like a tv god, watching 2 footbal games at once, not missing any of the action.

That said, there is alot to like about the hr20 interface. It responds a helluva lot faster than tivo. Has some neat tricks of its own, previous channel button switches from live or recorded programs. Instant recording, without answering all those questions and waiting for tivo to respond again. One button and hr20 is recording.
Hr20 also gives you access to the guide wherever, even when watching a recorded program.

Gun to my head I would still take the tivo, simply because of the dual streaming feeds. hr20 though isnt a total piece of crap like some ppl make it out to be. The esata port is active on it as well.

Yep, check out the links I posted above. The Tivo to HR20 Survival Guide and HR20 Tips & Tricks are especially good. There is also a link in the HR20 FAQ that compares the HR10, HR20, and DISH's VIP HD DVRs.

 

[jimbofoxman]

I've have my HR20 for several months now and like it. Never had a TIVO so I can't compare. Before getting hooked up on DirectTV, I looked at TIVO's online and thought they were too expensive. But in the end I have no way to compare products. Would it be nice to have 2 tuner buffers? Maybe, I don't know.l Haven't had it, so can't compare. But the HR20 is quick to respond, easy to navigate, etc. I have it set on my Logitec Harmony Remote, and it works great.

 

[Linflas]

Originally posted by: Queasy

Originally posted by: vghc
Is the HR20's software as good as Tivo's? I really want it but not willing to sacrifice my Tivo. Any advice??

Ripped from FW:

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.

My personal thought from using my friend's HR20 - the UI isn't as nice and friendly as the DirecTiVo but it isn't a huge step down like it is if you used one of the Cable DVRs (IMHO).

It does some things better and some things worse. But it is worth it to get all the new HD channels (IMHO). With DirecTV going to a new owner, there is talk about TiVo creating a new DirecTiVo.....but, I'm not willing to wait around for however long that takes.

Unfortunately (because I get to see the differences on a daily basis) I still use the DirecTIVO box for daily recording and viewing of anything that is not HD and for the most part the TIVO interface blows away the DirecTV. The lack of dual live buffers is particularly annoying. If the fast forward and reverse functions worked properly I would not really care so much but they are downright balky and non-responsive in comparison to the TIVO box. I originally thought this was because of the HD but I have the same problem on a DirecTV standard def DVR we hooked to our bedroom TV.

There are a few good things with the box though, one particularly nice feature is that you can go back in the 90 minute buffer and hit record on a program that has ended and save it. With the TIVO doing that just starts recording the current program, there is no way to save one that is in the buffer but past its end time that I have found. The networking feature is pretty nice, you can use WMP 11 to share your MP3's and play them on your home entertainment system. You can also browse through images on your computer through it as well. There is a video selection as well but it does nothing ATM.

 

[Linflas]

Originally posted by: CPA
Are most of you guys using a blackmail technique: "I've got this offer from XXXXX, can you give me the HR20 and free HD to stay?" or are you just asking for the free upgrade and other freebies?

For the HR20 all I did was email them, they responded with a phone # and PIN code. I called the number and used the code and told the CSR what I wanted. He offered up the HR20 at no charge without any threats to leave or mention of deals from competitors.

Anyone that has been with them for a few years may want to check their accounts online. Back in June they were offering up the standard def DVR's free which is a good deal if you have some standard def non-DVR boxes hooked up to other TVs in your house.

 

[Cstefan]

My experience has not been positive at all. Three calls, all saying ok cancel your service.

So I am. Time warner is offering a much better deal and even with the $225 fee I will make out in the green in 4 months anyway.

 

[austin316]

anyone able to get this deal for new customers?

 

[kindest]

called today got one free h20r and a h20 for 99 dollars with free new dish upgrade guy coming out this thursday to install.

 

[MX2]

Not a new customer and took me two weeks and 10 phone calls to different crs's but I finally was upgraded to a HR20 free of charge, other than the $5.99 monthly DVR fee. Was told by so many csr's so many different stories that I wonder wtf they teach them in training. Oh well,I finally got it free of charge Was all installed this morning.

Pays to harass them

 

[mazeroth]

We're moving into our house very soon and currently don't have any kind of pay for television service. What do you think is the absolute cheapest setup I can get from DirecTV that includes HD broadcasting with this deal?

 

[sao123]

Originally posted by: austin316
anyone able to get this deal for new customers?

I tried 3 times... no go for me.

 

[ouzome]

I've got one of the earlier 42" Panasonic ED plasmas . . . will the DirecTv HD make my TV look better? Or would it be a waste of time until I get a true HD TV? (will only do that when the panny dies as I love it and it looks great with standard definition) I have three of the older DirecTv Tivos. Thanks!

 

[Jtruck]

Just tried to get the hd dvr for my upstairs bedroom. No go.
Last year I paid full price for it.

All they offered me was 150 off the price of the dvr, leaving me to pay another 150$.

Sux.

Maybe i'll try again later.

 

[kki000]

Just got off the phone, best i could get was 95 dollars for new hr20 and dish + install. Also threw in 6 months of free hd when i asked.
Couldnt get out of the contract extension. I have 4 hearts evidently, she claimed there is no such thing as 5 hearts... sounds like bs.

She claimed that since the sat launch, they could no longer do the 19.95 deal.

the new hr20 replaces a remaining hr10-250, i have one hr20 already from a defective hr10 earlier this year.

 

[Jtruck]

Wonder if they just wouldn't give it to us because we already have the H20?? I sent in an email like a previous poster did. They said in the reply email that they would be calling me. Probably with the same BS as they gave me when I called them.

 

[stultus]

Originally posted by: ouzome
I've got one of the earlier 42" Panasonic ED plasmas . . . will the DirecTv HD make my TV look better? Or would it be a waste of time until I get a true HD TV? (will only do that when the panny dies as I love it and it looks great with standard definition) I have three of the older DirecTv Tivos. Thanks!

Yes, it would look better as you'd be viewing in 480p instead of your current 480i. A real HD TV will look even better. You won't be able to record HD content with your old Tivos.

 

[CPA]

Bump for this thread. This deal is still good.

I got:
H20 for free
HR20 for $199
$10 off my bill for a year
DVR service fee waived for a year
Free installation
HBO for three months

Had to get a two year contract, but that's okay, I wasn't planning on going anywhere anyway.

 

[ghart999]

Why one earth doesn't DirecTV give away their HD/DVR box for free like Dish Network?

I just joined Dish because I was not interested in paying for two HD/DVR boxes. It was all free via Dish Network.

Not to mention many more HD channels than DirecTV has.

 

[kki000]

Originally posted by: ghart999
Not to mention many more HD channels than DirecTV has.

I used to have both dish and dtv just so I could get as many hd channels as I could.

As of last month, dtv destroys dish.

Here is a list of just some of the channels you are missing on dish.

ccnhd
cnbchd
fxhd
mgmhd
nbahd
WeatherHD
3 starz channels in hd
bravohd
tmchd
SCIFIHD

Not to mention your local channels in HD.

Complete dtv list -
avsthread

Pre-existing MPEG2 Channels

1. ESPN HD (206/73)
2. ESPN2 HD (209/72)
3. (Discovery) HD Theater (76)
4. HDNet (79)
5. HDNet Movies (78)
6. TNT HD (245/75)
7. Universal HD (74)
8. CD USA (101)
9. HBO HD East (70/501/509)
10. Showtime HD (71/537/543)

MPEG4 RECENT ADDITIONS
Wave I Added 9/26
11. A&E HD (265)
12. Animal Planet HD (282)
13. Big Ten HD (220)
14. CNN HD (202)
15. Discovery HD (278)
16. History Channel HD (269)
17. TLC HD (280)
18. NFL Network HD (212)
19. Science Channel HD (284)
20. Smithsonian HD (267)
21. TBS HD (247)
22. Versus HD / Golf Channel HD (604)
23. Weather Channel HD (362)
24. The Movie Channel HD (544)
25. SHO Too HD (538)
26. Showtime HD West (540)
27. Starz Comedy HD (519)
28. Starz HD East (520)
29. Starz HD West (521)
30. Starz Edge HD (522)
31. Starz Kids and Family (518)
Wave II Added 10/3 & 10/4
32. Bravo (273)
33. MHD (332)
34. SCI FI (244)
35. USA Network (242)
36. Cinemax-E (512)
37. Cinemax-W (514)
38. HBO-W (504)
Wave III Added 10/10
39. CNBC (355)
40. Food HD* (231-1)
41. MGM (255)
42. National Geographic (276)
Wave IV Added on 10/15
43. Fox Business Network (359)
44. HGTV HD* (229-1)
45. FX HD (248)
46. Speed Network HD (607)
47. Fuel HD (612)
48. The Cartoon Network (296)
Added on 10/29
49. NBA HD (601)
Added on 10/31
50. NHL Network HD (215)

Regional Sports Networks
Available nationally, but local blackout rules still apply.

1. Comcast SportsNet Chicago (640)
2. Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic (629)
3. FSN Detroit (636) added 10/15
4. FSN Prime Ticket (653) added 10/15
5. FSN Southwest (643) added 10/15
6. FSN West (652) added 10/15
7. New England Sports Network (623)
8. SportsNet New York (625)
9. YES (622)

Part time RSNs and other specialty sports feeds

1. Big Ten Network Alternate feed (218-1) added 10/29
2. Big Ten Network Alternate feed (219-1) added 10/29
3. FSN Detroit Alternate (669-1) added 10/29
4. FSN Houston(648-1) added 10/29
5. FSN Midwest (647-1) added 10/17
6. FSN Midwest Alternate (648-1) added 10/29
7. FSN Pittsburgh (628-1) added 10/17

Distant Network Service (MPEG2)
Available nationally, but must meet qualifications

1. CBS East (80) - WCBS New York, NY
2. NBC East (82) - WNBC New York, NY
3. ABC East (86) - WABC New York, NY
4. FOX East (88) - WNYW New York, NY
5. CBS West (81) - KCBS Los Angeles, CA
6. NBC West (83) - KNBC Los Angeles, CA
7. ABC West (87) - KABC Los Angeles, CA
8. FOX West (89) - KTTV Los Angeles, CA

 

[ghart999]

Actually Dish has my locals in HD as well as FX in HD.

Most of the others that DTV has I don't care about. Regardless of the channel lineup, why does DTV think they can justify $200 per HD/DVR box when their competition is free?