Ok, the day has come where I finally broken down and got an HD DVR from DirecTV (for free, of course).

Can I still watch stuff I've recorded on the UTV after I've cancelled? Will the unit become unfunctional once it's been disconnected from DirecTV and the wall? Just curious.

If you want to retain the use of the UTV's recordings while DTV service is stopped... just be sure to disconnect the UTV from the SAT and Phone connections, BEFORE cancelling Service. Then the Access Card will retain it's authorization to grant full access to the MY SHOWS recordings.

If you've canceled service on a UTV and you don't have access to the recordings... you could try and "refresh service" using an access card from another receiver (restrictions?) to at least view/dump the recordings... before restoring service to the "working" Receiver again.

What method did you use to get your new HD DVR for free?

Good point Ulfius.

Maybe DTV has a free HD DVR promotion? I know if I saw a DTV ad offering that I'd certainly consider it for my living room's HDTV.

I've heard of ways to get them for free, but wanted to know from someone what worked for them recently. With the new HD channels supposedly about ready, I think it's time to make the switch.

Just threaten to leave. As long as you've been a subscriber for a reasonable period of time, they'll offer to at least give you one HD DVR for free (2 year contract extension, of course).

If they won't do it, hang up and try again a few days later.

OK, I called retention and got a free HR20 (HD DVR), free installation of the dish that's needed, free HD package for 6 months and HBO & Showtime free for 3 months.

Since I don't have any sports packages or premium channels normally, but have been a customer for 10 years, I think I got about as much as I could. I did have to barter for about 10 minutes - first it was just a free DVR, then got offered the HD package, then I told him about the Dish Network package offer and they added the HBO & Showtime.

My install date is Friday morning.

He couldn't give me a date for the new HD channels - other than sometime in September. He told me that he is personally hoping for early September for all the new season shows.