I really don't like the way they handle their receivers and yes you did get screwed a little by getting a HR34 instead of the HR44 and you get the same exact contract to boot. You can't specifically order what you want unless you get it through solid signal or pay for it. If its free its whatever you get and I'm pretty sure its on the order paper work somewhere in fine print.
The only way to do this is to be a nerd like many of us and research research research because if you don't D* can pretty much legally screw you. Well the installer essentially screwed you and took advantage of your ignorance D* was just an accomplice whose policies allowed inferior gear to go to someone that didn't know better.
Your only chance was to cancel the install before you signed the contract.
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Before the 44 came out , it wasn't inferior ...