I'm considering switching to DTV soon from Echostar and I'm not sure I understand the "not owning it" thing completely.... Am I just basically buying a 2-year programming commitment with my equipment selection assuming an HD-DVR? Is this payment the same in concept as prepaying what should have been a much higher equipment rental fee? If I discontinue service after the contractual commitment -- do I have to return the equipment or is return of equipment only done when upgrading equipment?
Since I'd be a new subscriber, would it be better to take the current offer which expires Monday or to wait until 1/10 for the HD-DVR price drop?
The up front price is what you pay to have it in your home, this is how D* recoops some of the money they spend on the units.
A HR20 for example cost approx. $750-850 you get it for $2-300 depending on your deal with them, you are obligated to have programming for 2 years on advanced units. After your contract is up, if you decide to leave, you simple send the units back in the box they send to you., you don't own it.
The older units you could by, prior to March 05 I think it was. when you are done with them , they sit in your closet.
With the way technology is constantly changing now, I am glad to be leasing, when my 2 yr contract is up they will probably have something else better that I might want, then you would get the lease rate on that as well, instead of haveing to shell out the big bucks to try it.
It also allows people to get the new equipment easier, I doubt that the HD DVR's would be in the number of homes that it is if they were $800 bucks a piece, I for one know that I would not have more than one if thet was the case.
Jimbo