Programming Changes - any consequences?

[BiebsTV]

I just ordered the Choice Extra Plus DVR with the latest promotion (through DirectStarTV). With this package, I will receive 12 months of this programming package for $39.99. Because of the package including the DVR, I will enter a 24 month contract.

I asked these questions of the rep over the phone, and after reading many negative threads, I want to make sure I have accurate info. before signing on.

I was told that I could upgrade or downgrade at any time without any cost to me. (I asked if after the one year, I could downgrade to a lower package. My concern is that in a year, I plan to move and depending on my mortgage costs, I may not be able to afford the regular price for the Plus DVR package. If I can't, I will just go to the Choice package.)

While I was told I could downgrade for free, I am wondering: When I downgrade, will that start up a whole new 2-year contract or can I downgrade and still be within my 2 year contract that will start next week. Also, if I downgrade, but would still like to continue DVR service, can I just add that for $6.00 per month in addition to my Choice programming. (Do I have to forfeit my DVR if I downgrade?)

Also, at this time, I just want one TV activated, but in the future may want a second one. I was told to get the second (or even third if I thought I might want that later on) now while it's included in the offer. Then, whenever I decide to add another tv, just have the additional receiver activated then. (Am I going to be charged a lease fee even if I don't activate that additional receiver?)

While placing the order, it seemed the rep didn't want to answer my questions in full. I felt I was just being given the information that would continue my order and no warnings of additional fees or contract terms.

I'm hoping the very knowledgable guys here can help me out!

Thanks in advance!!

 

[iwc5893]

I just ordered the Choice Extra Plus DVR with the latest promotion (through DirectStarTV). With this package, I will receive 12 months of this programming package for $39.99. Because of the package including the DVR, I will enter a 24 month contract.

I asked these questions of the rep over the phone, and after reading many negative threads, I want to make sure I have accurate info. before signing on.

I was told that I could upgrade or downgrade at any time without any cost to me. (I asked if after the one year, I could downgrade to a lower package. My concern is that in a year, I plan to move and depending on my mortgage costs, I may not be able to afford the regular price for the Plus DVR package. If I can't, I will just go to the regular Choice package.)

You can change packages without charges, as long as it's been more than 30 days since your last programming change.

While I was told I could downgrade for free, I am wondering: When I downgrade, will that start up a whole new 2-year contract or can I downgrade and still be within my 2 year contract that will start next week.

Equipment additions (such as adding a new receiver) trip the contract extensions, not programming changes.

Also, if I downgrade, but would still like to continue DVR service, can I just add that for $6.00 per month in addition to my Choice programming. (Do I have to forfeit my DVR if I downgrade?)

Yes, you can have DVR service with any programming package for the additional DVR fee.

Also, at this time, I just want one TV activated, but in the future may want a second one. I was told to get the second (or even third if I thought I might want that later on) now while it's included in the offer. Then, whenever I decide to add another tv, just have the additional receiver activated then. (Am I going to be charged a lease fee even if I don't activate that additional receiver?)

Wait until you get the TV's unless you plan on getting them in the next month or so. With D*, you're elgible for discounted upgrades about every six months or so. If you get the receivers now, you will be charged the lease fee for them because you're required by contract to activate the receivers within 30 days of receiving them.

While placing the order was very simple, it seemed the rep didn't want to answer my questions in full. I felt I was just being given the information that would continue my order and no warnings of additiona fees or contract terms.

I'm hoping the very knowledgable guys here can help me out!

Thanks in advance!!

That's probably because most CSR's are reading from a script and have no clue how the system works.