Just bought a DirectTV HD DVR HR21700 through circuit city.

It has two satelite inputs, but I only have one satelite input with my current setup. Do I need to get something else installed by DirectTV, or do I just need some type of splitter?

Also, I don't see a way to order HD DVR service online without also adding a receiver as a package. Am I missing something?

Thanks.

Oh and I was checking last night, this receiver was on sale for $99 last night through directtv, but I just checked right now and it's back up to $199.

If I can get it for $99 through directtv, I'll probably return the one I have at CC. I won't own it, but I still have to pay a $5-6 monthly fee, so I guess it doesn't matter.

It has two satelite inputs, but I only have one satelite input with my current setup. Do I need to get something else installed by DirectTV, or do I just need some type of splitter? You need two wires from your AT9 dish or Zinwell mult-switch. You do have a AT9 (slimline dish) and the proper switch? You can add a special switch that is called a Single Wire Multi-switch but that is about $300.

Oh and I was checking last night, this receiver was on sale for $99 last night through directtv, but I just checked right now and it's back up to $199. You can get your best deal by calling and asking nicely.

If I can get it for $99 through directtv, I'll probably return the one I have at CC. I won't own it, but I still have to pay a $5-6 monthly fee, so I guess it doesn't matter. Most deals from D* include installation, dish and any required switches. And you don't own the one you got from CC, it is a lease as well. There is no more ownership of new D* receivers.

-Robert

If you only have one or two units you won't need the multiswitch.

Oh and I was checking last night, this receiver was on sale for $99 last night through directtv, but I just checked right now and it's back up to $199.

If I can get it for $99 through directtv, I'll probably return the one I have at CC. I won't own it, but I still have to pay a $5-6 monthly fee, so I guess it doesn't matter.

The receiver will be leased regardless of where you obtain it from. The only DirecTV receiver you can currently "own" is the HR21-200 Pro. Even with that unit, you'll still pay a $4.99/month mirroring fee, instead of the $4.99/month lease fee.

Thanks guys. As it turns out, I need a new dish, I thought I had an upgraded one. They're also going to run another line, so that answers my questions.

I'm aware that there is a mirror fee for the receiver, but if you have to pay $199 either way, I figure you might as well have some ownership rights over it. The receiver will likely be outdated when the time comes, but at least I don't have to return it.

I asked about the $99 special they had for this HD DVR, but they blamed it on problems with their website. I didn't really press on the matter.

Thanks guys. As it turns out, I need a new dish, I thought I had an upgraded one. They're also going to run another line, so that answers my questions.

I'm aware that there is a mirror fee for the receiver, but if you have to pay $199 either way, I figure you might as well have some ownership rights over it. The receiver will likely be outdated when the time comes, but at least I don't have to return it.

I asked about the $99 special they had for this HD DVR, but they blamed it on problems with their website. I didn't really press on the matter.

You will have to return it.

Last I heard, it's about $750 to own it outright. Regardless if you get it directly from D* or from a third party, if you are paying a lower fee it's a lease unit.

From what I have been told any HD DVR receiver you may have acquired since 2006, regardless of the source, will be considered a leased receiver. The only exception, as Matt said, is where you buy if from D* or an authorized D* dealer for around $ 750.

Interesting. So they will even try to claim a receiver if I had bought it off ebay?

How do they know where I purchased it from? From the serial number?

This purchase of the HD DVR was made with cash, so no record was left.

When you activate it it will be a lease unless you can show proof that it is owned and that would have to come from an authorized dealer.

Stamped all over the access card packaging is the lease information. By opening the access card you agree to the terms of the lease program. It does not matter where the unit is "purchased" from. As I said, the only one considered owned is the HR21Pro.