Smoking Direct Tivo HD deal.

[Foxman]

For current DirecTv customers, you can get a HD Tivo for $299 and then get a $100 mail-in rebate, making the total installed price $199 + tax. This is a "customer retention" deal, so technically when you call you need to "have a problem" even if that probem is that you are just wanting HD. The number to call is 800 600-8977. They do require you to commit to 2 years of directv.

Perhaps the best part of this is that DirecTv is switching to MPEG 4 down the road, and they have publicly said that they will be upgrading customer equipment at no charge when that happens, so basically you're in the HD DVR game for $199. The $199 price also includes "professional" installation, including a new dish if you need it.

[Azeke]

Foxman,

I spoke with D*TV, and they have said they have not released any information relative to the upgrade to MPEG4. Who provided the information?

Nice package though, they also stated that the rebate is available until 12/05, and they will charge for HD programming $10.99/month for at least a year. Since I don't have HD capable equipment yet, it will have to wait.

Best regards,

Azeke

[Foxman]

I apologize for not responding sooner. I really thought I had read aabout the Mpeg 4 upgrade on another sight. I havent had success finding that information as of yet, but it's good to hear you found this information useful.