DirecTV customers getting screwed

[l8apex]

Tell me I'm misunderstanding something.

I'd like to buy an HD DirecTV tuner and dish for my existing
non-HD DirecTV setup (my TV is HD capable). I have read this forum off and on about which tuners are best, etc. I see prices of about $400 and up for the HD receiver and $99 for the 18" disk with 3 LNBs.

The Hughes receiver is $499 and the 18" dish $99. I'll do the install myself ($100 value or so) and it will still cost me $600.

But, now I see an add in a local store's flyer (SoundTrack). If I am NOT a DirecTV customer and sign up, I get the HD receiver ($499), a non-HD receiver (say $100), the dish ($99), install ($100) and a $30 credit (total value $828) for $300.

If you ARE a DirecTV customer, you must pay the full $600. I feel like I'm getting screwed here. Who is ripping whom off here? There is no way this receiver costs anywhere near $500 if it is bundled with a package with other significant items for less than $300.

Sound I cancel my DirecTV service to save hundreds?

Isn't something wrong here?

[l8apex]

I ended up visiting my retailer to see why such a huge discount for new DirecTV customers. They said contact DirecTV.

So, I contacted DirecTV. They have a deal for existing customers where you get either the Hughes HIRD-E86 or the Samsung SIR-TS160, plus dish with 3LNB plus install and warranty for $399.

This still doesn't compare to what new users get - which is the Hughes E86, some other Hughes non-HD receiver, the dish, install and $30 store credit for only $300.

However, the people at DirecTV seemed to care about this and sweetened the deal a bit. They did have and use some flexibility to make it more palatable. I went ahead and ordered.

What is better, the E86 or the TS-160?

[cjhsa]

What is better? The Sony SAT HD200. I got mine for $650. To be honest though, the real reason I bought it was because my Dad has the same one and I didn't feel like arguing the difference with him. Plus he'll know how to use it when he comes to visit, and vice versa.

[namechamps]

Originally posted by l8apex
Isn't something wrong here? [/B]

The reason why new user's get such a good deal is DirectTV pays part of the cost of system. Essentially they are selling the system below cost.

Why?

Because the new user needs to sign a 1 year contract.

So everyone wins. Box maker sells a box and directv get's another customer.

Same thing happens with game systems (xbox, ps2) they sell the system for less make it back on content.

Same thing happens with those CD clubs. 10CDs free, then buy 5 in next years or something like that.

Same thing happens with cellphones. New customers get a cellphone for 1penny etc.

If you are already a customer with a contract then they got you. There is no need for them to be "nice" to you anymore.

Don't take it personal it's just business.

[DoubleDAZ]

Originally posted by namechamps
Don't take it personal it's just business.
Ever think that's the problem?

[namechamps]

Originally posted by DoubleDAZ
Ever think that's the problem?

No. Companies that routinely give products below cost. Run out of money and disapear. That was the big lesson learned by the dot bombs.