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Long time member, rare poster, consistent lurker. Quick question.

For the record, we've been with DirecTV for about 7 years as "valued customers". I suppose valued meaning, we have simply always paid on time....

On three, count them THREE separate occassions over the years, I have had to have DirecTV replace defective receivers. Oddly enough, they seem to fail right around the end of our contract term. Except the last one that failed about 1/2 way through the current commitment. Anyway, I have always been perplexed by the fact that having these failed receivers replaced has always resulted in a contract extension of 2 more years. Just thought it was odd and "not right". I mean, why would we be penalized for the equipment, which we pay a montly "lease fee" for? Always seemed like a racket to me.

I consider myself a well educated consumer, I'm techincally adept as well. And while I don't hate DirecTV, I rarely watch it. My wife does though, and I've felt in some ways that for what she watches, I've been hemmed into a constant and endless cycle of receivers eventually crapping out and then me being forced to either replace and renew, or eat a large ETF fee.

However, it has recently come to my attention that I should not have had my contract extended for merely replacing the defective receivers. Is this correct? If so, so much for being well educated I guess, on this one.

I have never once asked for an upgrade or newer model receiver. As a matter of fact, when I have asked what model I might receive out of curiousity, I have always been given the obligatory "we don't know, nor can we guarantee" what model I shall receive line. The last 2 replacements were newer models. Again, didn't ask for a newer model. Was told that the last couple of receivers were discontinued.

So, again, not a bash on DirecTV, I just don't like to be hemmed into a contract so much as I feel we've fulfilled that obligation. But if I have had my contract extended three times when it should not have been, it will be sort of upsetting. As I mentioned, I don't get much use out the system. My wife does, and I like to have options should I ever decide to make a switch. At this rate and the rate of failure on my boxes, I'll be under contract until I die.

Just wanted a bit of input before I call in.