How did I do?

[deltadave]

Hey all….

Very long time lurker, first time poster. This is such a great forum to learn about issues folks have with Directv equipment, channels, etc. Thanks to all who make it a great forum.

Okay, so after reading boards a long time, I decided it was time to call retention because I was interested in an HD-DVR and ST.

I've been with DT for 4 years and signed up in fall of '02 and had the Sunday Ticket deal (4 installments of $79 and 4 months of Total Choice premier). I downgraded to Total Choice plus at the end of that period and haven't had ST since.. Also, in July of '04 I got a TIVO and 3 LNB dish for $99 (I think it was supposed to only be for new subscribers).

So, I called retention yesterday and here's what I got after 35 minutes on the phone with a very nice rep:
HD-DVR….$299
Sunday tkt 249
Super Fan- free
HBO/Showtime - $2 a month for six months
4 months free HD package
$10 bill credit monthly for a year
Free OTA HD antenna
Another 3 LNB if I need it
Of course the install included and that on 8/29.

In addition I was told I'd get a new HD-DVR when the upgrades were complete. All this in return to re-up for two more years.

The DVR started at $399. I tried to get him to go lower than $299 but it didn't work. Superfan seems like a good deal and I didn’t ask for the HBO/Showtime but I am glad to have it.

What do you all think? How'd I do? Could I/Should I have done better? I am kind of concerned I paid (not yet) for the HD-DVR…opinions?

I know earlier in the summer last years ST subs got the HD-DVR for free. I kind of hoped that would work for me but I didn't get it.

Also, what model number is the standard HD-DVR? I read about all of the different model number but I have no idea what you guys are talking about.

Thanks for you input and insight! Take care all…..
-dave

 

[dfergie]

Official to SatelliteGuys... looks like you did good ...

 

[rkr0923]

anyone, everyone can get that deal.......4 years or 4 hours
so IMHO you got squat

 

[boba]

You are leasing the HDDVR so you paid $299 for the right to lease the old model DVR(HR10-250) do you have it in writing that the upgrade to the MPEG4 DVR will be FREE? If they are going to upgrade you to MPEG4 they should be installing an AT9 5 LNB dish not a phase 3. The reduction on your bill any existing customer could probably negotiate so you have some gains but you need to get some changes made.

 

[DanWard]

call back and get the HD DVR for free -- it is just a matter of finding the right CSR -- but do it before it is installed -- and tell them about the great deal Comcast/Dish/FIOS/whatever is running in your area. Above all be very nice.

 

[deltadave]

So, I called retention yesterday and here's what I got after 35 minutes on the phone with a very nice rep:
HD-DVR….$299
Sunday tkt 249
Super Fan- free
HBO/Showtime - $2 a month for six months
4 months free HD package
$10 bill credit monthly for a year
Free OTA HD antenna
Another 3 LNB if I need it
Of course the install included and that on 8/29.

Hey all....thanks for the feedback.

Had some TIVO issues yesterday after thunderstorms so I called 1-800-DIRECTV. After getting disconnected twice, I called the retention number and just asked if I could be transferred to technical assistance. The rep said she could just help me. At one point during the conversation I had to reset TIVO. Since we had a few minutes waiting for the TIVO unit to reset, I asked the rep to take a look at my recent order and what I was given. I was very nice as always and told her that too many people have told me I should not be paying for the HD-DVR. Ten minutes later TIVO was fixed and I am getting all of the stuff I said I'd get in the first post and now I am not paying for the HD-DVR. In addition, I am getting a 5 LNB dish to be ready for the upgrade.

I've read a lot of places about horrible D* customer service and perhaps that's true with 1-800-directv but the agents I have dealt with at retention were very nice, not rushing me and appreciated my business. Donna was great!

Another tidbit: So I am pretty excited to see what my TV looks like in HD so I've been doing searches with the HD-DVR model numbers just to see screen shots of the program guide, menus, etc. I decided to check Ebay to see if I could find some pics there. I could not believe what I saw: One of my search results returned some guys auction, who, for $14.99, sells you an Ebook that tell current customers how to get a discounted HD-DVR and the known programming discounts. I am sure the Ebook follows the same line of thinking about calling retention that is discussed here and other message boards.

I just can't believe someone is making a ton of money off that. This dude had 730+ feedbacks from selling this thing!! Amazing.....