501 Died, Replaced for $14.95

[21st Hermit]

My 5+ YO DVR 501 died on Sunday, 3-30-08, and Dish TS replaced it for $14.95 S&H. Bit surprised at the cost.

The failure mode is that it kept rebooting when turned on. It has an inline power switch disconnecting it from the wall. It would start the acquiring satellites: 1 of 5, 2 of 5, and at 3 of 5 it would reboot and start over, did this for 2 hours.

When I called TS, I was initially offered a refurb for $60 + 14.95 S&H, when I hesitated, the rep quickly offered the refurb for S&H only. Works for me.

Arrived Wed, installed Thur, about 2 hours to install and program. Now good as new, if it lives.

 

[navychop]

Nice for you, but I can't help but wonder why they keep these old ones out in the field. I'd expect them to offer an incentive to upgrade to a ViP receiver. Maybe they'll start that in a couple of months.

 

[harshness]

I'd expect them to offer an incentive to upgrade to a ViP receiver.

Not much point in offering an SD subscriber an HD receiver if they've got servicable SD receivers kicking around.

I sure wouldn't want to be upgraded to a DVR fee receiver.