so I was looking to change services from D* to another HDTV provider. They wanted me to sign a 2 year commitment and agree to a cancellation fee if I canceled. When did this happen?

I signed up for Dish 4 years ago and had to sign a 2 year commitment...it really isnt anything new. Most Cable companies dont make you sign an agreement, but Dish, DTV and Verizon usually do.

I signed up for Dish 4 years ago and had to sign a 2 year commitment...it really isnt anything new. Most Cable companies dont make you sign an agreement, but Dish, DTV and Verizon usually do.

Cable companies can sometimes require a commitment if they are offering a too good to be true" level deal or combo package.

Comcast is asking for 2 yrs for it's Triple Play package in some markets.

Wow two year commitment. Geez. Comcast gave me a six-month $40 per month discount, and didn't even require me to agree to stick with them the whole six months if I didn't want to.

Wow two year commitment. Geez. Comcast gave me a six-month $40 per month discount, and didn't even require me to agree to stick with them the whole six months if I didn't want to.

And your point is what exactly?????

Some providers want a commitment, others don't. The OP didn't even bother to mention which providers he was thinking of switching to.

I did a two year commitment to Fios. I'm sure you'll have a problem with that that will lead to bickering.

And your point is what exactly?????To express surprise. What is your point in asking? :confused:

so I was looking to change services from D* to another HDTV provider. They wanted me to sign a 2 year commitment and agree to a cancellation fee if I canceled. When did this happen?

Welcome to 1995.

I beleive the dinosaurs had 2 year contracts as well.

Its been going on for quite a while now.

Agree to the contract/commitment or seek alternatives. It is what it is... ;)

Doesn't Dish still have the non-commitment option? I never had one when I signed up 4 years ago.

I know they still had it up 'till not all that long ago. The only thing was, you wouldn't quite get the same deal.

Welcome to 1995.

It was a 1 year commitment back then for D*. The two year commitments started with the mpeg4 equipment did it not?

And your point is what exactly?????

Some providers want a commitment, others don't. The OP didn't even bother to mention which providers he was thinking of switching to.

I did a two year commitment to Fios. I'm sure you'll have a problem with that that will lead to bickering.
why do you think fios is better than comcast, i'm trying to make decision

why do you think fios is better than comcast, i'm trying to make decision

Fiber has more bandwidth for starters, that leads to more HD content with no need to over compress it.

The worst part about DirecTv is they restart your 2 year contract anytime you add a new box.

It was a 1 year commitment back then for D*. The two year commitments started with the mpeg4 equipment did it not?

No, I had a two year on my HR10-250 when I got it a few years back. They added it with the HD equipment some time back.

No, I had a two year on my HR10-250 when I got it a few years back. They added it with the HD equipment some time back.

I only had a 1 yr commitment with the HR10-250 but you had to BUY it. They went to a 2 year when they started LEASING I think. Perhaps they started leasing the HR10's at the end of their reign. I didnt have a 2 year one until I went to an HR20 when it first came out in 2007.

I bought mine too, would need to go back and verify but I'm pretty sure it was two years. I think they changed their policy at some point that any "advanced" equipment required 2 years, advanced being HD and/or DVRs.

If you want a $0-$199 DVR on either satellite provider, you're required to sign a two-year contract. Both providers heavily subsidize the equipment in exchange for that two-year commitment.

If you are willing to pay full price for all the equipment (i.e. $500 for the DVR and dish), then you can avoid the commitment on Dish Network. I'm not sure whether DirecTV offers the same option. Dish Network won't let you take advantage of any programming discounts without a commitment.

Verizon FiOS joined the commitment game as well. You can get FiOS without a one-year commitment, but then you have to pay a hefty premium on service. You'll pay $85/mo for FiOS Internet + FiOS HD Extreme with a one-year commitment, or $118/mo for the same service without a commitment. CableCard and HD STB/DVR rentals are extra.

No different than signing up with a cell phone plan.

No different than signing up with a cell phone plan.

Actually it is a little different. On my cell phone they restart the commitment whenever I change plans. For example I changed from 1000 included minutes a month to 1500 and it restarted my commitment. On Dish Network they only restart your commitment if you get actual hardware. Any package changes do not restart your commitment. They discussed this on a Dish Network Charlie Chat a few months ago.

Rick R