[Sankar]

I just purchased a brand new Toshiba DST-3000 with ALL accessories etc from Video Only ( www.videoonly ) for $449 + $15 shipping.

I called all the stores listed on the web site .. most of them were reluctant to do a "remote" transaction and wanted me to physically come in (which I obviously could not!), but the one in San Mateo (650-578-1212) had a salesman called John R. Holmes who was willing to do what was needed (he even set the price as $417 on the invoice so that I ended up paying $449 with taxes etc !

Shipping was prompt and I got follow up calls from John and also from Eric in the warehouse giving me tracking details etc. Highly recommended!

 

[ilkevinli]

Thats a great price considering I payed 889.00 for it a couple of months ago.

 

[mchurchm]

I just spoke with John Holmes, and he was very helpful, and I will probably order from him. I was hoping to get it for something close to the $417 price, since I am out of state and should not be charged for sales tax, however, he told me it would be $450 + 15 for shipping. Definitely the best deal I have seen on this unit.

 

[mchurchm]

I have a question: It is not required that you sign up for directv to get this price, is it? I should have asked when I was on the phone, I figure if someone here can answer the question it will save me a long distance call.

 

[Sankar]

Actually the price is $449 + shipping. I had actually ordered from one of the other stores in Seattle for $449 (and no tax), so when I spoke with John, I argued that I'd be better off buying it from the Seattle store (since I am in CA) ... it was for this reason, that he dropped the price to a total of $449 ..


I do not believe that you have to order Directv to get this price. I am an existing Directv customer and nothing in the pkg that I got makes any mention of ordering Directv

 

[shumin_li]

You have to activate the access card within a month, otherwise there will be a charge of $200. Read the fine prints. It applies to all Toshiba DST-3000.

 

[Sankar]

Where is the fine print ? Is it in the manual ?

 

[Sankar]

I just spoke with John at Video Only about activating the card etc .. this is what he said,

1) "We (i.e. Video Only) do NOT charge $200 if the card is not activated .. some dealers do, but we do not"


2) "Toshiba does not either"


So there is no penalty for lack of activation.


Now I mentioned to him that I have a card from my old receiver (Hughes) which I was planning to use with the Toshiba DST3000 and sell the Hughes with the new card from the Toshiba.

He confirmed that this should be fine, but suggested that I walk thru the details with Directv since they keep track of the card serial # and unit serial #s.





[This message has been edited by Sankar (edited 08-16-2001).]

 

[shumin_li]

Thanks for the clarification. I thought all dealers have the same policy.

 

[Greg C]

DirecTV will not allow you to switch cards from one receiver to another unless it is due to a defective receiver and you are exchanging it under warrantee from the same manufacturer.

 

[taron1]

Yes you can and if DirectV gives you any problems just say you brought the new receiver without a card and your old one is defective.


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Meredith (KPHO) SUCKs! Phoenix CBS station with no HD just SD.

 

[ilkevinli]

Quote:

Originally posted by Greg C: DirecTV will not allow you to switch cards from one receiver to another unless it is due to a defective receiver and you are exchanging it under warrantee from the same manufacturer.

Yes you can. I have done it twice.

 

[PaulM9999]

Quote:

Originally posted by Sankar: 1) "We (i.e. Video Only) do NOT charge $200 if the card is not activated .. some dealers do, but we do not" 2) "Toshiba does not either" So there is no penalty for lack of activation.

He's right- neither the dealer nor Toshiba will charge you--DirecTV will. It's pretty clear in the fine print. DirecTV subsidizes the dealer cost, and if you don't activiate the access card w/in 30 days, they charge your credit card $200.


Your new receiver should come with a new access card. Just call DirecTV, tell them you've purchased a new receiver and you'll be all set w/o penalty.


I've done this twice myself on prior receiver upgrades.


Good Luck,

Paul




[This message has been edited by PaulM9999 (edited 08-16-2001).]

 

[taron1]

^


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Meredith (KPHO) SUCKs! Phoenix CBS station with no HD just SD.