Community Forums

SSteve · 03-24-2013, 05:55 PM

Has anyone bought a Directv Model R16-300 DVR through another source and moved the current "ID card" from the old to the new? Did it work?

I have said DVR. It is 3+ years old and I'd like to get a new one.

Directv says they'll sell me a new one for $99 plus $20 shipping, but it will cost me $6 more a month for the EXTRA device.

I don't want an EXTRA device. I want to replace the one I have BEFORE it fails. I didn't seem able to get that point across to them.

I spent most of my time with Directv fending off their attempts to get me to upgrade to their newer HD model that comes with more expensive service.

I'm hapy with the service I have. Just want a new DVR.

Steve

ernieh · 03-24-2013, 07:05 PM

I don't understand your problem. They replace receivers all the time. If you are doing a self install, just call them to activate the new one and deactivate the old one at the same time.

Although they do sometimes replace the cards, it's pretty normal for each receiver to come with its own card.

washbob · 03-24-2013, 07:16 PM

A couple things to consider. Directv receivers are now considered leased and therefore owned by Directv. What Directv does if you get a new receiver, you are signed up for another 24 month service contract. There are still some Directv receivers out there that are "owned" and you can activate them without being locked into a new 24 month service agreement. About a year ago I wanted to replace my Directv receiver in the motorhome, but they wanted a new 24 month contract. I found a receiver on eBay that was owned. I got the serial number off the unit before purchasing and called Directv to see if in fact it was "owned". They confirmed that it was and I asked if would be required to sign up for a new 24 month service contract. They stated no, all I needed was to get a new access card from them and they would activate. That is what I did and surprising to me it worked like they stated. No new 24 month contract. I was told that I could not just move the access card, but had to get a new one. I think card cost me $15.00 from Directv.

FlyingDiver · 03-24-2013, 09:06 PM

You can't move the card. It's linked to the S/N of the receiver.

If you get a "new" receiver, it'll be leased and require the 24 month extension to your contract. If you can get a used "owned" unit, as stated above, the extension is not required. Either way, if you deactivate your old one, you'll only be charged for one receiver.

scooterbob · 03-25-2013, 05:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyingDiver

You can't move the card. It's linked to the S/N of the receiver.

If you get a "new" receiver, it'll be leased and require the 24 month extension to your contract. If you can get a used "owned" unit, as stated above, the extension is not required. Either way, if you deactivate your old one, you'll only be charged for one receiver.

I just went through last month. I picked up a receiver for 19 bucks off Ebay, it already had a card in it, called Direct and had old one deactivated and new one activated, no problems..

hamguy · 03-25-2013, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ernieh

I don't understand your problem. They replace receivers all the time. If you are doing a self install, just call them to activate the new one and deactivate the old one at the same time.

Although they do sometimes replace the cards, it's pretty normal for each receiver to come with its own card.

WRT Direct, their receivers are card specific and vice versa.