crystal_clear

Does anyone know of a place that lets you rent out an STB???
I dont have satellite and my ATT cable doesn't support hdtv at all yet...so my only option is OTA and buying a $600 samsung unit at best buy/circuit city

I just want to check and make sure Im able to receive some good hdtv stations over-the-air before buying one... I already bought a big antenna but since i live in a hilly forested area i dont wanna spend $600 on something i wont be able to use.

any ideas?

57U

I'm sure there are some smaller retailers, and probably some larger ones who would "sell" you the STB on the condition it works and let you return it in a short time if it doesn't for full credit. I keep hearing about "Sears satisfaction guarantee" for one.

Also, there may be a friend, neighbour or acquaitance who would lend one to you for a short time (even if he were present to supervise, you'd be able to see if you were satisfied).

Good luck.

__________________
57U - Toronto, Rogers Cable, SA8300HD, 500GB HDD & Hitachi 61UWX10B HDTV, Yamaha RX-V1 A/V Receiver, Martin Logan Speakers. Photos --> 57U's HT

SA8300HD, 250GB HDD & KDL40W3000 (Upstairs)

Please don't PM me with questions that can (and should) be asked in the forum, thanks. Personal Question? Fire away.

JoeInBH

Both of the retailers you mentioned have no-questions-asked 30 day money back guarantees. Especially with HD receivers, everyone realizes its a hit-or-miss purchase. So buy one towards the beginning of your credit card cycle, return it before the end of your credit card cycle, and you've effectively "rented" it for free for 3-4 weeks. As a sidenote, you can do that over and over again for several months if you so choose. If it works, and when you're ready to buy, please don't pay $600. I assume you're talking about the SIR-T150. You can buy that from Samsung's website for $450. You can pick up one on eBay for $350, or less if you're will to take a used or factory refurbished unit. The big boys still trying to sell that unit for $600 is a total joke. The SIR-T151, which is a newer and slightly more sensitive tuner, can be had for $400 or under from several authorized internet retailers. The major retailers don't yet carry it because they're trying to clear out their T150's. I "rented" a T150 for free for several months while I waited for the T151 to be available, and then bought the T151 as soon as it was released. Couldn't be happier.

Joe

BrentT

I got my STB used from eBay. It was a Samsung SIR-T150. Got it for around $360 figuring if it didn't work I could always resell it for about what I paid. So in effect it is a way to "rent" a box.

crystal_clear

good ideas i will try it... If only my cable company would get with the times. It amazes me how we have to go back in time to get new technology!