Having been a DirecTV subscriber for 10 years, I was recently shopping for 3 standard definition receivers to replace my aging equipment especially since I could purchase them at a local Best Buy store. The salesman did explain that the receivers were leased only and that a $5 per month charge was levied on each receiver (with no charge for the first receiver). Fair enough - especially since this replaced the $5 per month mirroring fee. Fortunately, the salesman was new and apparently was not aware of their 'policy' of not informing prospective customers of the 2 year commitment.interestingly, a store supervisor overheard the conversation and took the salesman aside after which I was told that he might have been 'mistaken' about 2 year commitment. Paranoia set in, and I returned home and searched Google for any problems in acquiring DirecTV replacement equipment. Several thousand complaints had been reported on this issue.
Out of curiosity, I visited several more Best Buy stores and inquired about any contract commitments when acquiring replacement equipment and every salesman or sales supervisor responded with the same answer - We don't think there is any commitment, but you can always return the equipment if there's a problem. Even if the equipment is returned, DirecTV will charge an prorated early termination fee.interestingly, there is no mention of a service commitment when purchasing/leasing additional or replacement receivers on DirecTV's website either. I have enjoyed DirecTV service, but will be terminating the service due to the high cost of the replacement equipment (even with a 2 year commitment). I welcome any suggestions for alternate television programming. Thanks.
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