Excuse me but I do know because I talked and learned DIRECTLY from DTV on this issue!! I was not happy myself having to get in a contract. I was fully told the FULL price of all the boxes ( add $300 to the lease price) and thats what it cost and YES you are NOT stuck in a contract! The only thing is you can only buy a full purchase thru Dtv not the retail stores and there is no promise you will get a brand new unit. That was the only reason I ended up going ahead and getting a leased box so I could have an untouched/new unit. It is NO damned different once again than the cellphones. Pay the extra money and you dont get stuck with the contracts. Double check your facts before you smart off! Call DTV the next time
OK I am Directv....
1. You can own your equipment but if you take the free pro install, 2 year contract.
2. If you own your equipment and have pay someone out side to do your install, but need a new access card with your equipment 2 year contract.
3. If you own your equipment plus play for some one to install you plus have owned equipment that comes with its orginal cards, then there no contract but you still have to fight with them over it. As calling up and saying hey I dont have an account but I already installed and I purchase my own box does not go over well with them. As they have to basically have you create a fake order , so a account number is taken care of remove all equipment from said fake order and close it work ticket after activating your own box and then you have to get sent to Rentions to figh with them to remove the 2 year as system created the 2 year when it created the account. They will eventually remove it might need a rentions supervisor.
Known facts,
1. we actively discourage buying equipment outright.
2. you can buy owned equpment at a retailer that is new it call a hr21pro....
3. I am mr wonderful