I secured (for $300) from Best Buy a Direct TV HD DVR. It was communicated by all of the in-store Best Buy representatives we spoke with on the day of the transaction that we were "purchasing" this unit.
We have come to find out that the $300 was, according to Direct TV a "One-time lease fee, " none of which is refundable should you terminate service prior to your contract fulfillment.
Best Buy representatives (both at the store and corporate levels) state that the information regarding the equipment actually being a lease and not a purchase is contained on a sales terminal computer screen in the video department and that the customer agrees to the conditions by signing on the electronic pad during the transaction.
Best Buy does not maintain any hard copy of this information, and the sales associates make no effort to emphasize that the customer is leasing, not purchasing the equipment. This means that if you terminate Direct TV service, you must return the DVR to Direct TV.
It is my understanding that other people have run into this same issue with Best Buy, so today's lesson: When it comes to dealing with Best Buy, particularly when they are acting as the agent for another business (e.G., direct tv) let the buyer beware!
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