With all that is going on in the D* world right now (Lease program, MPEG-4, HR20 Release looming), I was not surprised to find that their CSR's weren't entirely knowledgeable on everything. Having said that, after getting passed up 2 levels, I got someone on the phone who, although wasn't privvy to all the new info, was very helpful and hooked me up with a great deal!
I currently have an R15 and an R10. I just bought a new HD TV, so I wanted to upgrade one of those to the HR10-250. Since I have been reading on this forum about the 3/1/06 lease program and the impending release of the HR20-250, I was unsure as to whether or not I should drop the $399 now or wait to see what the lease program would bring. I voiced my concern with the rep and here is how it went.
-The HR20-250 is not slated to be released until June
-He was aware of the switchover to leasing, but had not yet had his training (said only 5% of the call center had). He put me on hold several times to try and find out what the upfront cost of the HR10 would be after 3/1, but had no luck.
-Since he didn't know, he hooked me up with the HR10 for $299 ($599 - $200 MIR - $100 he knocked off) PLUS free installation (normally $99 for existing customers), PLUS free Showtime for 6 mos.
-He assured me that, when the HR20 comes out, I would be able to upgrade for $99 (incl the new 5LNB dish) at the most.
-OTA Antenna cost $50
Also, it seems as if they are working west to east across the country on getting the HD locals over sat. He told me Los Angeles and surrounding would be the first market and that it may be some time before we see it on the east coast (I'm in FL). I forgot to ask if the new HR20 will have OTA support, guess I'll go read that CES review of it again and find out.
Anyways, I know a lot of you are in the situation I was in (on the fence about dropping the cash) so I wanted to give you my story.
Installation is in 2 days... can't wait!!!
I currently have an R15 and an R10. I just bought a new HD TV, so I wanted to upgrade one of those to the HR10-250. Since I have been reading on this forum about the 3/1/06 lease program and the impending release of the HR20-250, I was unsure as to whether or not I should drop the $399 now or wait to see what the lease program would bring. I voiced my concern with the rep and here is how it went.
-The HR20-250 is not slated to be released until June
-He was aware of the switchover to leasing, but had not yet had his training (said only 5% of the call center had). He put me on hold several times to try and find out what the upfront cost of the HR10 would be after 3/1, but had no luck.
-Since he didn't know, he hooked me up with the HR10 for $299 ($599 - $200 MIR - $100 he knocked off) PLUS free installation (normally $99 for existing customers), PLUS free Showtime for 6 mos.
-He assured me that, when the HR20 comes out, I would be able to upgrade for $99 (incl the new 5LNB dish) at the most.
-OTA Antenna cost $50
Also, it seems as if they are working west to east across the country on getting the HD locals over sat. He told me Los Angeles and surrounding would be the first market and that it may be some time before we see it on the east coast (I'm in FL). I forgot to ask if the new HR20 will have OTA support, guess I'll go read that CES review of it again and find out.
Anyways, I know a lot of you are in the situation I was in (on the fence about dropping the cash) so I wanted to give you my story.
Installation is in 2 days... can't wait!!!
