[Cobra 427]

I want to buy a new HDTV to replace my old 27" SD TV in my bedroom. I called Directv and was told it would cost me ~$125 to swap to a new HD box BUT I have to then extend my contract another 24 months. I only have about 13 months left to go and as everyone knows it is much easier to negotiate a better price in 13 months

. She told me I could buy one outright, but it would be around $500 which would be pretty dumb to do...


Am I out-of-line asking this question? Am I missing something here?


Thanks everyone.

 

[mjones73]

What you stated is their policy, if you want to add a new HD box, it extends the contract, really no way around it. I'd still call and talk to retention and see if you can get a better price on the box.

 

[Cobra 427]

So even if you buy a used box, you have to call them to get it activated and then they hit you up for the additional 24 months?


Excuse my ignorance, I thought it was like cable TV where you just plugged in the box and away you went (a legal box not one of those black box things).

 

[mjones73]

All Directv receivers are leased now, I am surprised they would even sell you one outright, if you buy one used now, most likely it's a leased model someone didn't return and they won't activate it for you.

 

[Floyd05]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Cobra 427 /forum/post/16876729


I want to buy a new HDTV to replace my old 27" SD TV in my bedroom. I called Directv and was told it would cost me ~$125 to swap to a new HD box BUT I have to then extend my contract another 24 months. I only have about 13 months left to go and as everyone knows it is much easier to negotiate a better price in 13 months

. She told me I could buy one outright, but it would be around $500 which would be pretty dumb to do...


Am I out-of-line asking this question? Am I missing something here?


Thanks everyone.

I had directv for years. It depends on how much time you want to spend--but believe me if you keep calling you will eventually get a customer service rep that is willing to help you.

 

[Cobra 427]

Well after thinking about it further, I may just keep the current box and just attach an antenna to get the local OTA HD channels.


This tv is for the upstairs bedroom which we really only watch the local news at 6 am and 10 pm for about 30 minutes total a day. I bought a decent size outdoor antenna in July 2005 when I bought my current HDTV. My cable company didn't even provide CBS in HD, so I figured I needed it for the NFL games. By the time September rolled around, they had CBS in HD so I just disconnected the cable to it. Couldn't I just move this antenna into the attic or does it have to be outside to work?


Thanks.

 

[mjones73]

Depends on your reception requirements, type of antenna, etc...


You may want to go to tvfool.com and post your digital only results for better advice.

 

[oktoberrust11]

I second the opinion of calling back until they give you the box for free. Unfortunately, you have to play that game with them.

 

[mjones73]

You may get the box free, I really haven't seen many if any cases where they will bend on the contract extension though...