Free upgrade?

[postalguy]

Just got an automated phone call from D* about how my old HD box can be upgraded for free for mpeg 4.

I haven't kept up with what's what as I haven't been watching TV as much as I used to, and don't really care that I can't get all the HD channels they now offer. I'm free of any commitments and want to keep it that way in case I decide to switch to Dish for the free DVR, (last time I checked, D* wanted full price plus another 2 yr commitment to upgrade to their DVR, despite the fact that I've been with them since they first started, so screw that).

So anyway, is there anything I should know about the new HD box before they install it this Tuesday? I don't know enough about it to ask the right questions. I assume it can still get my local OTA HD channels by plugging my outdoor ant into it, or can it? I seem to remember reading something about newer boxes not having that feature to make you pay to get it through their satellites.

 

[atp1313]

If you get the HR21, you will need the AM21 to get OTA. HR20 is the one with OTA built-in. And as soon as you sign the installation form, you have yourself a brand new 2 year commitment to D*. The contract is assigned per unit, so if you get another new upgrade 6 months from now, that 2 year commitment resets again. Just a heads up on that.

 

[Jimbo]

If you get the HR21, you will need the AM21 to get OTA. HR20 is the one with OTA built-in. And as soon as you sign the installation form, you have yourself a brand new 2 year commitment to D*. The contract is assigned per unit, so if you get another new upgrade 6 months from now, that 2 year commitment resets again. Just a heads up on that.

And I feel this is entirely WRONG.
IF D* calls you and wants to upgrade you , you should NOT be required to have a 2 yr commitment, This IS probably the way it is, but it doesn't seem right.

I would talk to a higher up about this before you accept and see if they can waive that for you.
It's an entirely different situation if I call them wanting to be upgraded.

OP, What type of programming are you in to ?
Does DISH offer the same programming you get with D*, if you need any sports, DISH is NOT for you.
If your into MOVIES, then YES DISH will do nicely.
Just so you know.

Jimbo

 

[atp1313]

And I feel this is entirely WRONG.
IF D* calls you and wants to upgrade you , you should NOT be required to have a 2 yr commitment, This IS probably the way it is, but it doesn't seem right.

Please understand that I DO NOT ADVOCATE the policy, but the policy needs to be known prior to getting into a situation of "no one told me that before I signed the contract". It is what it is.

Personally speaking, I really am not affected by the policy since I have been and continue to be satisfied with my sat service and will likely stay beyond my current 2-year deal anyway (have been with D* since late 90's). Satellite is not for everyone and it is definitely not like cable where you can come and go as you will.

 

[88isgreat]

Just got an automated phone call from D* about how my old HD box can be upgraded for free for mpeg 4.

I haven't kept up with what's what as I haven't been watching TV as much as I used to, and don't really care that I can't get all the HD channels they now offer. I'm free of any commitments and want to keep it that way in case I decide to switch to Dish for the free DVR, (last time I checked, D* wanted full price plus another 2 yr commitment to upgrade to their DVR, despite the fact that I've been with them since they first started, so screw that).

So anyway, is there anything I should know about the new HD box before they install it this Tuesday? I don't know enough about it to ask the right questions. I assume it can still get my local OTA HD channels by plugging my outdoor ant into it, or can it? I seem to remember reading something about newer boxes not having that feature to make you pay to get it through their satellites.

I received a similar call a month or 2 ago. The upgrade receiver they delivered was the H21 which does not have an ota tuner like the H20. I don't know what they would give to you. I did not ask nor do I care, but it appears that because I upgraded from an MPEG2 receiver at their request, they did not require a new 2 year commitment as evidenced by a line on my monthly statement "No annual commitment $0.00". If they give you the H21, then you will not be able to get OTA HD channels without the external tuner that others mentioned.

 

[postalguy]

Thanks for the response. I don't know which box they will give me, but I did tell the operator that I do NOT want another commitment, and he said I would not have one. I took down his name and operater number so I can refer to him if they try giving me one.

That kinda sucks to have to buy an external ota tuner with the HR21. Other than that, is the HR21 a better box than the HR20?

 

[hdtvtechno]

when u get the HR21 call back and ask them to send you a AM21 at no additional cost..
people shouldn't be getting something that is less in value then which they had before..

 

[scottie_h]

That kinda sucks to have to buy an external ota tuner with the HR21.

Others have had luck calling after they had an OTA capable receiver replaced with one that wasn't and got the AM21 for free. (myself included) If they refuse to give it to you for free, it's only $50 if you really want to keep OTA.

 

[atp1313]

That kinda sucks to have to buy an external ota tuner with the HR21. Other than that, is the HR21 a better box than the HR20?

The HR20/21 are identical except for the built-in OTA capability. Other than that, the software is on the same release path and functionality is equal. Or at least they are designed to be equal...some will share an opinion of one over other, but aside form the OTA, they are apples to apples.

 

[scottie_h]

some will share an opinion of one over other, but aside form the OTA, they are apples to apples.

That is if one is a black apple and the other a silver apple.

 

[atp1313]

Alright, you got me there But I was always taught that it's what is INSIDE that matters

 

[postalguy]

Followup:

The D* installer is currently putting in my new slimline dish for the new box, which btw is the newest model, the H23. Next step is to see if D* will give me the external ota tuner.