adding used Directv DVR cost

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I wanted to replace a hughes receive with a used Directv DVR I bought
that did not have an access card. I also have a Hugher DirecTV DVR.

when I called Directv I was told I would have to pay $20 to get a new
access card, but that I also would have to comment to a new 24 month
agreement just to add the used unit.

I do not like the concept of having to commit to 24 months just to add
a second dvr.

was I given wrong info for the tech support person I called?

They also told me that my current charge of $4.99 for DVR service
would go up to $5.99 a month?
 
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<xgp@rr.com> wrote in message
news:1124302821.39d0100c73cdaee370e8bbcf0ff7140f@ultrafeed...
>I wanted to replace a hughes receive with a used Directv DVR I bought
> that did not have an access card. I also have a Hugher DirecTV DVR.
>
> when I called Directv I was told I would have to pay $20 to get a new
> access card, but that I also would have to comment to a new 24 month
> agreement just to add the used unit.
>
> I do not like the concept of having to commit to 24 months just to add
> a second dvr.
>
> was I given wrong info for the tech support person I called?
>
> They also told me that my current charge of $4.99 for DVR service
> would go up to $5.99 a month?

The DTV website does state monthly service is now $5.99
 
G

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<xgp@rr.com> wrote in message
news:1124302821.39d0100c73cdaee370e8bbcf0ff7140f@ultrafeed...
> I wanted to replace a hughes receive with a used Directv DVR I bought
> that did not have an access card. I also have a Hugher DirecTV DVR.
>
> when I called Directv I was told I would have to pay $20 to get a new
> access card, but that I also would have to comment to a new 24 month
> agreement just to add the used unit.
>
> I do not like the concept of having to commit to 24 months just to add
> a second dvr.
>
> was I given wrong info for the tech support person I called?
>
> They also told me that my current charge of $4.99 for DVR service
> would go up to $5.99 a month?

I've found the words 'Never mind, just cancel my account' tend to go a long
ways in situations like that. Only caveat is that you have to be prepared
for them to say 'okay'. I don't pay for DVR service, since I have the full
package, so not sure what the current fee is.

I think the issue with the new cards is that people are using them to steal
services. Get a new cheap receiver, and just have the card programmed to
get all channels without paying. That is why you have to agree to activate
it within a given time, or you get billed up the wazoo. The $20 fee seems
reasonable enough. 24 months seems tough, but I understand why they are
doing that.

These comments are by no way, law. Just my perception why things are the
way that they are.

Jim
 

seth

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<xgp@rr.com> wrote in message
news:1124302821.39d0100c73cdaee370e8bbcf0ff7140f@ultrafeed...
>I wanted to replace a hughes receive with a used Directv DVR I bought
> that did not have an access card. I also have a Hugher DirecTV DVR.
>
> when I called Directv I was told I would have to pay $20 to get a new
> access card, but that I also would have to comment to a new 24 month
> agreement just to add the used unit.

$20 sounds right. They do cost something you know.

> I do not like the concept of having to commit to 24 months just to add
> a second dvr.

Doesn't sound right seeing as they are giving brand new DVRs for free for
the same 24 committment.

> was I given wrong info for the tech support person I called?
>
> They also told me that my current charge of $4.99 for DVR service
> would go up to $5.99 a month?

I pay $4.99 a month for 4 DVRs, so no, that doesn't sound right.
 

Gman

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In article <4303991d$0$63468$892e7fe2@authen.white.readfreenews.net>, "Jude H.Cormier" <jhc86@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
><xgp@rr.com> wrote in message
>news:1124302821.39d0100c73cdaee370e8bbcf0ff7140f@ultrafeed...
>>I wanted to replace a hughes receive with a used Directv DVR I bought
>> that did not have an access card. I also have a Hugher DirecTV DVR.
>>
>> when I called Directv I was told I would have to pay $20 to get a new
>> access card, but that I also would have to comment to a new 24 month
>> agreement just to add the used unit.
>>
>> I do not like the concept of having to commit to 24 months just to add
>> a second dvr.
>>
>> was I given wrong info for the tech support person I called?
>>
>> They also told me that my current charge of $4.99 for DVR service
>> would go up to $5.99 a month?
>
>The DTV website does state monthly service is now $5.99
>
>
And i bet a million bucks, their new DVR will be at $4.99
 
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Archived from groups: alt.video.ptv.tivo (More info?)

In article <de2e0n$2ud$2@news.xmission.com>,
whodothere@whocares.com (GMAN) wrote:

> In article <4303991d$0$63468$892e7fe2@authen.white.readfreenews.net>, "Jude
> H.Cormier" <jhc86@hotmail.com> wrote:
> >
> ><xgp@rr.com> wrote in message
> >news:1124302821.39d0100c73cdaee370e8bbcf0ff7140f@ultrafeed...
> >>I wanted to replace a hughes receive with a used Directv DVR I bought
> >> that did not have an access card. I also have a Hugher DirecTV DVR.
> >>
> >> when I called Directv I was told I would have to pay $20 to get a new
> >> access card, but that I also would have to comment to a new 24 month
> >> agreement just to add the used unit.
> >>
> >> I do not like the concept of having to commit to 24 months just to add
> >> a second dvr.
> >>
> >> was I given wrong info for the tech support person I called?
> >>
> >> They also told me that my current charge of $4.99 for DVR service
> >> would go up to $5.99 a month?
> >
> >The DTV website does state monthly service is now $5.99
> >
> >
> And i bet a million bucks, their new DVR will be at $4.99

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/imagine/TIVO.dsp

Says its $5.99
 
G

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On 2005-08-18, Jack Zwick <jackzwick@yahoo.com> wrote:
> In article <de2e0n$2ud$2@news.xmission.com>,
> whodothere@whocares.com (GMAN) wrote:
>
>> In article <4303991d$0$63468$892e7fe2@authen.white.readfreenews.net>, "Jude
>> H.Cormier" <jhc86@hotmail.com> wrote:
>> >
>> ><xgp@rr.com> wrote in message
>> >news:1124302821.39d0100c73cdaee370e8bbcf0ff7140f@ultrafeed...
>> >>I wanted to replace a hughes receive with a used Directv DVR I bought
>> >> that did not have an access card. I also have a Hugher DirecTV DVR.
>> >>
>> >> when I called Directv I was told I would have to pay $20 to get a new
>> >> access card, but that I also would have to comment to a new 24 month
>> >> agreement just to add the used unit.
>> >>
>> >> I do not like the concept of having to commit to 24 months just to add
>> >> a second dvr.
>> >>
>> >> was I given wrong info for the tech support person I called?
>> >>
>> >> They also told me that my current charge of $4.99 for DVR service
>> >> would go up to $5.99 a month?
>> >
>> >The DTV website does state monthly service is now $5.99
>> >
>> >
>> And i bet a million bucks, their new DVR will be at $4.99
>
> http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/imagine/TIVO.dsp
>
> Says its $5.99

Jack, that web page is talking about TiVo. I believe GMAN was referring
to the NDS deal - the non-TiVo DirecTV DVR we've heard about but never
seen hide nor hair of (and likely won't any time in the forseable future).

--
This is my .sig
 
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Archived from groups: alt.video.ptv.tivo (More info?)

In article <11ga6k1m1d4n065@corp.supernews.com>,
Mike Hunt <in2sheep@yahoo.com> wrote:

> On 2005-08-18, Jack Zwick <jackzwick@yahoo.com> wrote:
> > In article <de2e0n$2ud$2@news.xmission.com>,
> > whodothere@whocares.com (GMAN) wrote:
> >
> >> In article <4303991d$0$63468$892e7fe2@authen.white.readfreenews.net>,
> >> "Jude
> >> H.Cormier" <jhc86@hotmail.com> wrote:
> >> >
> >> ><xgp@rr.com> wrote in message
> >> >news:1124302821.39d0100c73cdaee370e8bbcf0ff7140f@ultrafeed...
> >> >>I wanted to replace a hughes receive with a used Directv DVR I bought
> >> >> that did not have an access card. I also have a Hugher DirecTV DVR.
> >> >>
> >> >> when I called Directv I was told I would have to pay $20 to get a new
> >> >> access card, but that I also would have to comment to a new 24 month
> >> >> agreement just to add the used unit.
> >> >>
> >> >> I do not like the concept of having to commit to 24 months just to add
> >> >> a second dvr.
> >> >>
> >> >> was I given wrong info for the tech support person I called?
> >> >>
> >> >> They also told me that my current charge of $4.99 for DVR service
> >> >> would go up to $5.99 a month?
> >> >
> >> >The DTV website does state monthly service is now $5.99
> >> >
> >> >
> >> And i bet a million bucks, their new DVR will be at $4.99
> >
> > http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/imagine/TIVO.dsp
> >
> > Says its $5.99
>
> Jack, that web page is talking about TiVo. I believe GMAN was referring
> to the NDS deal - the non-TiVo DirecTV DVR we've heard about but never
> seen hide nor hair of (and likely won't any time in the forseable future).

Did you actually read the OP message?

" I wanted to replace a hughes receive with a used Directv DVR I bought
that did not have an access card. I also have a Hugher DirecTV DVR."

If he bought it already it is a TiVo.
 
G

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Archived from groups: alt.video.ptv.tivo (More info?)

> Did you actually read the OP message?
>
> " I wanted to replace a hughes receive with a used Directv DVR I bought
> that did not have an access card. I also have a Hugher DirecTV DVR."
>
> If he bought it already it is a TiVo.

Jack, relax, GMAN was responding to the announced price with a sarcastic
comment about the cost of the upcoming NDS unit. He's betting that they
undercut the Tivo unit by a $1. It had absolutely nothing to do with
the OP message.

Randy S.
 
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Archived from groups: alt.video.ptv.tivo (More info?)

On 2005-08-19, Jack Zwick <jackzwick@yahoo.com> wrote:
> In article <11ga6k1m1d4n065@corp.supernews.com>,
> Mike Hunt <in2sheep@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>> On 2005-08-18, Jack Zwick <jackzwick@yahoo.com> wrote:
>> > In article <de2e0n$2ud$2@news.xmission.com>,
>> > whodothere@whocares.com (GMAN) wrote:
>> >
>> >> In article <4303991d$0$63468$892e7fe2@authen.white.readfreenews.net>,
>> >> "Jude
>> >> H.Cormier" <jhc86@hotmail.com> wrote:
>> >> >
>> >> ><xgp@rr.com> wrote in message
>> >> >news:1124302821.39d0100c73cdaee370e8bbcf0ff7140f@ultrafeed...
>> >> >>I wanted to replace a hughes receive with a used Directv DVR I bought
>> >> >> that did not have an access card. I also have a Hugher DirecTV DVR.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> when I called Directv I was told I would have to pay $20 to get a new
>> >> >> access card, but that I also would have to comment to a new 24 month
>> >> >> agreement just to add the used unit.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> I do not like the concept of having to commit to 24 months just to add
>> >> >> a second dvr.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> was I given wrong info for the tech support person I called?
>> >> >>
>> >> >> They also told me that my current charge of $4.99 for DVR service
>> >> >> would go up to $5.99 a month?
>> >> >
>> >> >The DTV website does state monthly service is now $5.99
>> >> >
>> >> >
>> >> And i bet a million bucks, their new DVR will be at $4.99
>> >
>> > http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/imagine/TIVO.dsp
>> >
>> > Says its $5.99
>>
>> Jack, that web page is talking about TiVo. I believe GMAN was referring
>> to the NDS deal - the non-TiVo DirecTV DVR we've heard about but never
>> seen hide nor hair of (and likely won't any time in the forseable future).
>
> Did you actually read the OP message?
>
> " I wanted to replace a hughes receive with a used Directv DVR I bought
> that did not have an access card. I also have a Hugher DirecTV DVR."
>
> If he bought it already it is a TiVo.

Yes, but in the quote "And i bet a million bucks, their new DVR will be at
$4.99", who do you think "their" refers to? The OP already said the price
is going to $5.99 for their new DVR so the "their" can't refer to the OP,
leaving only DirecTV as a possibility. This is a valid guess since the
non-TiVo DirecTV DVR has been rumored for awhile.

The one way the "their" could refer to the OP is if the OP currently is
paying $4.99 and even though DirecTV now charges $5.99, that DirecTV will
continue to charge the OP $4.99 for the OP's new receiver. DirecTV told
the OP the $4.99 was going to $5.99 so I didn't believe this was the route
GMAN was going.

--
This is my .sig
 
G

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Archived from groups: alt.video.ptv.tivo (More info?)

In article <11gaj77tlgjqm39@corp.supernews.com>,
Mike Hunt <in2sheep@yahoo.com> wrote:

> On 2005-08-19, Jack Zwick <jackzwick@yahoo.com> wrote:
> > In article <11ga6k1m1d4n065@corp.supernews.com>,
> > Mike Hunt <in2sheep@yahoo.com> wrote:
> >
> >> On 2005-08-18, Jack Zwick <jackzwick@yahoo.com> wrote:
> >> > In article <de2e0n$2ud$2@news.xmission.com>,
> >> > whodothere@whocares.com (GMAN) wrote:
> >> >
> >> >> In article <4303991d$0$63468$892e7fe2@authen.white.readfreenews.net>,
> >> >> "Jude
> >> >> H.Cormier" <jhc86@hotmail.com> wrote:
> >> >> >
> >> >> ><xgp@rr.com> wrote in message
> >> >> >news:1124302821.39d0100c73cdaee370e8bbcf0ff7140f@ultrafeed...
> >> >> >>I wanted to replace a hughes receive with a used Directv DVR I bought
> >> >> >> that did not have an access card. I also have a Hugher DirecTV DVR.
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> when I called Directv I was told I would have to pay $20 to get a
> >> >> >> new
> >> >> >> access card, but that I also would have to comment to a new 24 month
> >> >> >> agreement just to add the used unit.
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> I do not like the concept of having to commit to 24 months just to
> >> >> >> add
> >> >> >> a second dvr.
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> was I given wrong info for the tech support person I called?
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> They also told me that my current charge of $4.99 for DVR service
> >> >> >> would go up to $5.99 a month?
> >> >> >
> >> >> >The DTV website does state monthly service is now $5.99
> >> >> >
> >> >> >
> >> >> And i bet a million bucks, their new DVR will be at $4.99
> >> >
> >> >
> >> >
> >> > Says its $5.99
> >>
> >> Jack, that web page is talking about TiVo. I believe GMAN was referring
> >> to the NDS deal - the non-TiVo DirecTV DVR we've heard about but never
> >> seen hide nor hair of (and likely won't any time in the forseable future).
> >
> > Did you actually read the OP message?
> >
> > " I wanted to replace a hughes receive with a used Directv DVR I bought
> > that did not have an access card. I also have a Hugher DirecTV DVR."
> >
> > If he bought it already it is a TiVo.
>
> Yes, but in the quote "And i bet a million bucks, their new DVR will be at
> $4.99", who do you think "their" refers to? The OP already said the price
> is going to $5.99 for their new DVR so the "their" can't refer to the OP,
> leaving only DirecTV as a possibility. This is a valid guess since the
> non-TiVo DirecTV DVR has been rumored for awhile.
>
> The one way the "their" could refer to the OP is if the OP currently is
> paying $4.99 and even though DirecTV now charges $5.99, that DirecTV will
> continue to charge the OP $4.99 for the OP's new receiver. DirecTV told
> the OP the $4.99 was going to $5.99 so I didn't believe this was the route
> GMAN was going.

You trying to pretend to be a mind reader? The web site clearly says
$5.99

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/imagine/TIVO.dsp
 
G

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Archived from groups: alt.video.ptv.tivo (More info?)

>>Yes, but in the quote "And i bet a million bucks, their new DVR will be at
>>$4.99", who do you think "their" refers to? The OP already said the price
>>is going to $5.99 for their new DVR so the "their" can't refer to the OP,
>>leaving only DirecTV as a possibility. This is a valid guess since the
>>non-TiVo DirecTV DVR has been rumored for awhile.
>>
>>The one way the "their" could refer to the OP is if the OP currently is
>>paying $4.99 and even though DirecTV now charges $5.99, that DirecTV will
>>continue to charge the OP $4.99 for the OP's new receiver. DirecTV told
>>the OP the $4.99 was going to $5.99 so I didn't believe this was the route
>>GMAN was going.
>
>
> You trying to pretend to be a mind reader? The web site clearly says
> $5.99
>
> http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/imagine/TIVO.dsp

Jack, he's not referring to what the OP already bought! He was
referring to the, as yet mythical, NDS box. GMAN is just speculating on
what they might charge for that box.

Randy S.
 

Gman

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In article <de3c37$ns4$1@spnode25.nerdc.ufl.edu>, "Randy S." <rswitt@NOSPAM.com> wrote:
>
>> Did you actually read the OP message?
>>
>> " I wanted to replace a hughes receive with a used Directv DVR I bought
>> that did not have an access card. I also have a Hugher DirecTV DVR."
>>
>> If he bought it already it is a TiVo.
>
>Jack, relax, GMAN was responding to the announced price with a sarcastic
>comment about the cost of the upcoming NDS unit. He's betting that they
>undercut the Tivo unit by a $1. It had absolutely nothing to do with
>the OP message.
>
>Randy S.
Yup, thats all i meant. DirecTV just keeps dollaring us to death here and
there the last few years. They have been taking lessons from the cable
companies i guess? This is what happens when there is not enough competition.
 
G

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Archived from groups: alt.video.ptv.tivo (More info?)

On Fri, 19 Aug 2005 03:07:19 -0000, Mike Hunt <in2sheep@yahoo.com>
wrote:

>On 2005-08-19, Jack Zwick <jackzwick@yahoo.com> wrote:
>> In article <11ga6k1m1d4n065@corp.supernews.com>,
>> Mike Hunt <in2sheep@yahoo.com> wrote:
>>
>>> On 2005-08-18, Jack Zwick <jackzwick@yahoo.com> wrote:
>>> > In article <de2e0n$2ud$2@news.xmission.com>,
>>> > whodothere@whocares.com (GMAN) wrote:
>>> >
>>> >> In article <4303991d$0$63468$892e7fe2@authen.white.readfreenews.net>,
>>> >> "Jude
>>> >> H.Cormier" <jhc86@hotmail.com> wrote:
>>> >> >
>>> >> ><xgp@rr.com> wrote in message
>>> >> >news:1124302821.39d0100c73cdaee370e8bbcf0ff7140f@ultrafeed...
>>> >> >>I wanted to replace a hughes receive with a used Directv DVR I bought
>>> >> >> that did not have an access card. I also have a Hugher DirecTV DVR.
>>> >> >>
>>> >> >> when I called Directv I was told I would have to pay $20 to get a new
>>> >> >> access card, but that I also would have to comment to a new 24 month
>>> >> >> agreement just to add the used unit.
>>> >> >>
>>> >> >> I do not like the concept of having to commit to 24 months just to add
>>> >> >> a second dvr.
>>> >> >>
>>> >> >> was I given wrong info for the tech support person I called?
>>> >> >>
>>> >> >> They also told me that my current charge of $4.99 for DVR service
>>> >> >> would go up to $5.99 a month?
>>> >> >
>>> >> >The DTV website does state monthly service is now $5.99
>>> >> >
>>> >> >
>>> >> And i bet a million bucks, their new DVR will be at $4.99
>>> >
>>> > http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/imagine/TIVO.dsp
>>> >
>>> > Says its $5.99
>>>
>>> Jack, that web page is talking about TiVo. I believe GMAN was referring
>>> to the NDS deal - the non-TiVo DirecTV DVR we've heard about but never
>>> seen hide nor hair of (and likely won't any time in the forseable future).
>>
>> Did you actually read the OP message?
>>
>> " I wanted to replace a hughes receive with a used Directv DVR I bought
>> that did not have an access card. I also have a Hugher DirecTV DVR."
>>
>> If he bought it already it is a TiVo.
>
>Yes, but in the quote "And i bet a million bucks, their new DVR will be at
>$4.99", who do you think "their" refers to? The OP already said the price
>is going to $5.99 for their new DVR so the "their" can't refer to the OP,
>leaving only DirecTV as a possibility. This is a valid guess since the
>non-TiVo DirecTV DVR has been rumored for awhile.
>
>The one way the "their" could refer to the OP is if the OP currently is
>paying $4.99 and even though DirecTV now charges $5.99, that DirecTV will
>continue to charge the OP $4.99 for the OP's new receiver. DirecTV told
>the OP the $4.99 was going to $5.99 so I didn't believe this was the route
>GMAN was going.

this is the official reply I got back from DirecTV when I posted my
question.

------------
Thanks for writing. You can add a used receiver to your account, but
there are certain guidelines that we ask you to follow:

1. The person who gives you the DIRECTV System should call DIRECTV to
de-activate the DIRECTV System access card. This is for the original
owner's protection.

2. You, the new owner, should call 1-800-DIRECTV to order a new access
card. We will charge you $20 for the new access card, which we send
out via Federal Express, along with a postage-paid envelope to make
returning the old card easy.

3. You can install the equipment personally or call a professional
installer for help. The installation manual and owner's manual — and
any other information that came with the equipment — can be especially
helpful in this process. If you don't have the manual for the new
receiver, we have copies of most owners’ manuals on our web site at
DIRECTV.com/manuals or you can call the equipment manufacturer and ask
if they can send you a replacement manual.

Since you had your DVR service active before August 1, 2005 you will
keep the same rate of $4.99 a month. Since we are activating an
advanced product, we ask you to keep your programming for 2 years for
your DVR. Once you get your new access card, you can activate your new
receiver by calling 1-800-531-5000 and also discuss the details about
your options in adding the used DVR to your account. Make sure you
tell the Customer Service Representative that you have pre-owned
equipment and want to start programming.

Thanks again for writing and stay tuned to DIRECTV.com for the latest
news and information about our services.

Sincerely,
DIRECTV Customer Service
---------------

Now my question is what does the term
"we ask you to keep your programming for 2 years" really mean. It
sure sounds different than the person on the phone who told me the
only option was to commit to 2 yrs. I know I have been reading in the
tivocommunity form that people are getting the new HD Directv DVR for
$399 less $100 rebate. One person said he refused the deal when they
stated a 2 yr contract, so they gave him a 1 yr contract which he
claims he verified on a call back.

sounds like I made a mistake buying the used unit for the price I
paid. I may still call to see if I can get the HD deal since I do have
a HD TV. I just don't like the idea that the local channels are only
HD using another antenna and the local airwave. The local stations in
Memphis are doing a poor job with HD. Their signal varies a lot even
in the same broadcast based on a friends setup wtih an external
antenna on a roter.
 
G

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Archived from groups: alt.video.ptv.tivo (More info?)

xgp@rr.com wrote:

> 2. You, the new owner, should call 1-800-DIRECTV to order a new access
> card. We will charge you $20 for the new access card, which we send
> out via Federal Express, along with a postage-paid envelope to make
> returning the old card easy.

That notice indicates that they expect to get the old card back. What is
the penalty for not returning the old card?

> Now my question is what does the term
> "we ask you to keep your programming for 2 years" really mean. It

Every commitment that I have ever found on the DTV web site includes the
caveat that there is no early termination charge if you return the
equipment. Since the only thing they are supplying is the card, I don't
know if they would lay claim to the receiver or not.

> sounds like I made a mistake buying the used unit for the price I
> paid.

--
---
Clarence A Dold - Hidden Valley (Lake County) CA USA 38.8,-122.5
 
G

Guest

Guest
Archived from groups: alt.video.ptv.tivo (More info?)

In article <decq3s$kpv$4@blue.rahul.net>,
<dold@XReXXaddin.usenet.us.com> wrote:

> xgp@rr.com wrote:
>
> > 2. You, the new owner, should call 1-800-DIRECTV to order a new access
> > card. We will charge you $20 for the new access card, which we send
> > out via Federal Express, along with a postage-paid envelope to make
> > returning the old card easy.
>
> That notice indicates that they expect to get the old card back. What is
> the penalty for not returning the old card?
>
> > Now my question is what does the term
> > "we ask you to keep your programming for 2 years" really mean. It
>
> Every commitment that I have ever found on the DTV web site includes the
> caveat that there is no early termination charge if you return the
> equipment. Since the only thing they are supplying is the card, I don't
> know if they would lay claim to the receiver or not.
>
> > sounds like I made a mistake buying the used unit for the price I
> > paid.


I don't see the rationale for DTV asking the customer for a two-year
committment. I didn't see anything about them supplying new equipment
or discounted service in exchange. All they're sending is a card you
have to pay for so you can use equipment you've already bought.
 

seth

Distinguished
Apr 6, 2004
348
0
18,930
Archived from groups: alt.video.ptv.tivo (More info?)

"Dr. Personality" <affable@no.com.invalid> wrote in message
news:220820051241056186%affable@no.com.invalid...
> In article <decq3s$kpv$4@blue.rahul.net>,
> <dold@XReXXaddin.usenet.us.com> wrote:
>
>> xgp@rr.com wrote:
>>
>> > 2. You, the new owner, should call 1-800-DIRECTV to order a new access
>> > card. We will charge you $20 for the new access card, which we send
>> > out via Federal Express, along with a postage-paid envelope to make
>> > returning the old card easy.
>>
>> That notice indicates that they expect to get the old card back. What is
>> the penalty for not returning the old card?
>>
>> > Now my question is what does the term
>> > "we ask you to keep your programming for 2 years" really mean. It
>>
>> Every commitment that I have ever found on the DTV web site includes the
>> caveat that there is no early termination charge if you return the
>> equipment. Since the only thing they are supplying is the card, I don't
>> know if they would lay claim to the receiver or not.
>>
>> > sounds like I made a mistake buying the used unit for the price I
>> > paid.
>
>
> I don't see the rationale for DTV asking the customer for a two-year
> committment. I didn't see anything about them supplying new equipment
> or discounted service in exchange. All they're sending is a card you
> have to pay for so you can use equipment you've already bought.

The rationale is them getting a 2 year commitment for minimal outlay (not
sure what the current cost to DirecTV is, but a few years back when I was in
the biz it was reported to be about $48).

Now the rationale that should be questioned is agreeing to a 2 year
commitment when all you are getting is a discounted card while others are
getting whole receivers for free.