The vast majority have the same experience that I've had. 2 original Hoppers when first available, then Hopper3 as soon as available. All have been super reliable DVRs with occasional very minor issues with a couple of the firmware updates.
I will give DIRT a try. Forgot about them. JSheridan I tried a local retailer but they said they couldn't sign me up because I used to be a customer. They said I had to call in and that they could only do brand new customers. Didn't sound right to me but I wasn't going to argue with them.
Conversely, I've had zero issues with the HWS I got almost two years ago. I suspect my experience is more the norm.I've had a lot of trouble with every Hopper I've ever had, including my H3. It seems to be a fantastic concept but not done very well, technologically speaking. I could give a whole list of problems I've had with the H3.
Well tried again today. This time I supposedly passed the identification verification. But they still said based on my credit that I didn't qualify for anything. Still wanted to charge me 600 dollars for equipment, and full price for AT200. Told them that was BS as I have excellent credit (780 credit score) and Directv had no problem qualifying me for free equipment and promo price. Plus Dish gave me free equipment too the last time I signed up for them. I guess they don't want my business to badly.