I'm almost certain the 2 year agreement is only if you get a "deal" on advanced equipment. It's only stipulated as part of the rebate. If you look at the HD offer (3 months free), it stipulates only a 1 year agreement. And we're not forced to a 2 year agreement, you can decide when you order-- depends on how important a hundred bucks is vs. the ability to cancel a year earlier.
Of course, if you cancel your agreement early, you just send back the DVR, which was free anyway.
Here's the HD agreement (which means you're obviously buying advanced equipment):
*For access to DIRECTV High-Definition programming, a Triple LNB Multi-Satellite Dish Antenna is required, along with a DIRECTV High-Definition Receiver and High-Definition television equipment. Offer available only to new residential customers who activate the DIRECTV HD Package ($10.99/mo.) and commit to and pay for 12 consecutive months of any DIRECTV TOTAL CHOICE programming package ($41.99/mo. or above)
Here's the DVR rebate details:
REBATE DETAILS: Offer valid between 08/01/05 and 11/05/05 for customers who activate DIRECTV DVR service and purchase 24 consecutive months (without interruption) of any TOTAL CHOICE programming package ($41.99/mo. or above), DIRECTV PARA TODOS programming package ($29.99/mo. or above
