something to keep in mind:
i dont have dtv. i cancelled after two days... however cox cable here in vegas charges somewhere around $15 for HDDVR service... You get the box leased, IPG, all that...
But you actually end up paying more in the long run. How much more? Depends on the length of your time with the provider. 12 months with that $15 fee comes to $180. If you buy leased equipment from directv for $200, and keep a 24 month contract, you end up saving $160 right?
24 mo @ $15/mo = $360
or
one time fee $200
So that is what they pitch to consumers. I personally like the idea of my cable co having a new box THAT DAY if i need one, and that they will always have new stuff as it comes out. DTV said that they will not offer upgraded equipment even though your box is leased unless your box breaks, and they no longer have any of the current model to replace it with.
Thats my two cents.