I have (had) a HR10-250 and the DTV protection plan. I noticed the PP covers Power surge-related repairs (http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPage.jsp?assetId=3500050).

I paid ~$1,000 for the DVR a couple of years ago.

In the last month a lightning storm fried the internal modem. My understanding is that the modem is integrated into the circuit board and is not serviceable. If this is the case, does DTV owe me some $$$ :confused:.

After the incident I contacted DTV and they offered me a 'free' upgrade to their HD DVR which I took. I still have the limping TiVo in my basement collecting dust.

F

Bump :o

Sorry no one gave you feedback on this, but I don't have the protection plan but thought I'd offer you my opinion anyway.

As DirecTV has gone (or is going to) an all mpeg-4 format for HD, it sounds like them swapping your 10-250 for the HDDVR is the best case scenario for you.

However, I'd ask for that to be labeled as an "owned" receiver rather than a "leased" receiver. While I have no experience with calling D* and asking for this, from what I understand it can be done.

This is a snippet from an FAQ page found on www.weaknees.com:

Can I purchase / own the HR20/HR21 DIRECTV Plus HD DVR, or will any order from weaKnees be considered a lease?
Background: On March 1, 2006, DIRECTV instituted a program under which receivers are leased by default. This change had no impact on customers' bills, and in fact there were many advantages for customers: DIRECTV will provide a dish and installation for customers with new leased receivers. They will also provide support, after the warranty period, at reduced prices vs. the cost of acquiring a new unit. On the other hand, leased receivers cannot be re-sold and DIRECTV will replace them with refurbished units if they require service.

If you order an upgraded HR20/HR21 from weaKnees, you may be able to have DIRECTV characterize the unit as being owned. To do that, you must call 800-DIRECTV and ask for the access card department. Tell them that you ordered an HR20/HR21, give them the price and tell them that you want it to be characterized as being owned. In some cases, the price alone will be enough to have DIRECTV characterize the unit as purchased. IMPORTANT NOTE: If you have a unit characterized as owned, you will NOT be able to get the unit (or a dish) installed for free or at a discounted price. In addition, you will NOT be entitled to any discounted replacement equipment should the unit fail. See below for additional information.

It may not work for your situation, but maybe you can give it a shot and let us know how it went!

Rick

I have (had) a HR10-250 and the DTV protection plan. I noticed the PP covers Power surge-related repairs (http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPage.jsp?assetId=3500050).

I paid ~$1,000 for the DVR a couple of years ago.

In the last month a lightning storm fried the internal modem. My understanding is that the modem is integrated into the circuit board and is not serviceable. If this is the case, does DTV owe me some $$$ :confused:.

After the incident I contacted DTV and they offered me a 'free' upgrade to their HD DVR which I took. I still have the limping TiVo in my basement collecting dust.

F

No, they owe you a replacement DVR - which they gave you.

Make sure that you get it noted on your account that you OWN the new DVR (that is as you apparently owned the HR10-250) so you can possibly sell that down the road (btw, last I saw the HR10-250s were down to around $35 on ebay).

I think I'll just stick with the leasing option. I can't see myself selling an HR21 in a few years for any real $$$. I think it's more likely the unit will die and then DTV will replace it for free...

if you were wise, you'd take the HR22 that you would own.....and a "month or so before it dies" :rolleyes:, call up and put the protection plan on your account for a month or so they replace it for free at that point.

if you were wise, you'd take the HR22 that you would own.....and a "month or so before it dies" :rolleyes:, call up and put the protection plan on your account for a month or so they replace it for free at that point.
Hmmm....:rolleyes: I think I'd sleep better w/o the ruse. Also, I couldn't live without my DVR ;););)