This may already be a known issue but i haven't been around here for a while. I called D* tech support because our HD Tivo has been really pixelated and it locks up. Anyway after getting the steps to format the hard drive I asked about the new HD DVR. The Tech said the current status she had was Summer or Fall release. I asked her how that was going to work with customers who currently own their HD Tivo. She told me there would be a $99 charge for the dish and receiver, installation included, because my HD Tivo installation was past the 90 day warranty. Another $99 to get upgraded to new equipment that won't be outdated for at least 5 years doesn't sound bad to me. I then proceeded to ask her if i would own said equipment since I currently own my HD Tivo equipment. She wasn't sure and wanted to get the correct answer so she put me on hold and asked her supervisor. When she came back she informed me that after the switch to the new equipment I would then be a lease only customer like everyone else. This is where I get angry. Not only will my HD Tivo that I paid $1000 for be a door stop but I now will have the opportunity to shell out $9.99 extra a month to lease new equipment. She told me to think of it as paying a monthly warranty fee. I'll always be covered under warranty should anything go wrong. I'm sorry but this really pisses me off. Customer Retention better have something better to tell me when i eventually do make the switch. What do the rest of you think?
