Posted on:05Aug2024
Obtaining DIRECTV satellite TV implies that additional equipment is necessary to connect to the system than does a cable system. However, you will also require other components such as a satellite dish that will be installed outside your home and a DIRECTV receiver that will ensure the signal is decoded and sent to the television set. Here is the forecast on the following aspects of DIRECTV receivers: Their Price and Specifications.
DIRECTV receivers explained
A DIRECTV receiver commonly referred to as a ‘set-top box’ is the nerve of your satellite television system. This translates the signal you receive through the satellite dish into programs and shows that you can watch on your television. DIRECTV provides clients with different models of receivers which are equipped with different options and features.
It is important to note that the initial receiver you acquire upon subscribing to the service will often be on lease or for a token fee. If you are using multiple TV connections, you can lease additional receivers at a simpler monthly rate per box mapped in your package. It is also important to note that the company provides standard definition (SD) as well as high definition (HD) receivers. HD boxes give a clearer picture than the normal boxes but they are slightly more expensive than normal boxes in terms of the monthly lease charges.
As for the equipment, you also have the chance to buy it separately and be a DIRECTV equipment owner. Leasing your hardware comes with a constant stream of fees and could end up costing more in the long run if you were to purchase the equipment. Nevertheless, if a cable company purchased their equipment, they cannot avail of the same replacement policy as the leased boxes.
DIRECTV Genie receivers
DIRECTV's most advanced DVR receivers fall under the Genie brand, which comes in three models:
- Genie Mini – allows one TV to communicate with the Genie DVR server
- Genie – HD DVR: It is compatible with up to four TVs.
- Genie 2 – High Definition Digital Video Recorder works with up to 8 TVs
Genie Mini Receiver
The Genie Mini is not a separate DVR but rather a client that connects to the library through a Genie or Genie 2 model. By offering you a chance to view recorded content on extra televisions without being compelled to purchase a specialized DVR service and box.
You also have the option of getting the Genie Mini with the package for free. Or you can buy it at retail shops and electronics shops such as Best Buy for about $59- $99.
Genie DVR Receiver
Like all other DIRECTV equipment, the standard Genie DVR comes free of charge for new signups, given the subscribers’ choice of qualifying packages. For the current customers, it is possible to lease the Genie without coming up with a new account activation or contract renewal, at a fee of $15 per month.
The Genie receiver, if bought at full retail price, is normally priced at $199-$299. But, more often, DIRECTV provides a great discount to the existing clients with the update of the older equipment. With promotional pricing schemes, it may be possible to achieve a purchase cost of between $49 - $99.
Genie 2 DVR Receiver
It’s worth mentioning that the Genie 2 is the most sophisticated receiver manufactured by DIRECTV, and it isn’t offered free of charge for new subscriptions. While some of the packages are as follows, with such packages you may be able to receive an instant rebate on the regular price of $299 to $99. Or better still, you can lease it for about $25 monthly.
Currently, the single receiver Genie 2 is sold at $399 for the latest retail price. Existing customers can further cut the upgrade expenses since like any other DIRECTV hardware purchases, they may be eligible for some promotional deals.
Standard receiver pricing
Along with the Genie series, DIRECTV offers standard DVR and non-DVR receivers:
- DIRECTV HD Receiver – Non-DVR model for recording HD programs
- DIRECTV HD DVR – This is a device that allows recording of Standard definition programs.
Satellite TV subscribers can sometimes come across one of these receivers when they subscribe to the service as part of a package activation. The extra leased boxes are usually going for $7 for the SD models and $10 for the HD equipment.
If purchasing equipment at cost and not acquiring equipment at a discounted price, the cost is $120 - $199 depending on the receiver. Again as mentioned in other DIRECTV equipment purchases, existing customers, who decide to upgrade their equipment, do so at a much cheaper price than the one that’s listed here.
Professional installation fees
If you are not an experienced satellite freak, get a DIRECTV service and you will need a professional to install the necessary equipment. Installation pricing varies depending on your location and other factors, but here are some typical fees:
- Dinner for one room costs $59
- $99 for a two-room area
- It reaches *$125+* for the multi-room setup
As for installation, it can sometimes be reduced with a package activation or there can be other incentives associated with it. Other offers that may be run at various times of the year may also reduce prices for new customers. It’s fine if you have to pay full price for the hardware, but free or reduced installation is usually a substantial savings.
Want to save money? Consider used equipment
It is not possible to buy receivers directly from DIRECTV but you can get them Second hand online which would save you a lot of money on installation charges. eBay offers access to numerous alternatives for purchasing used DIRECTV equipment at greatly reduced prices.
Watch models that are currently selling at the new $200+ price selling for less than $50 used. And I think you can get much older DIRECTV receivers for as low as $20. However, you cannot have the latest features of DVR and HD boxes, but as noted above, buying used DVR and HD boxes is a good deal cheaper than leasing new equipment. As long as this is a ‘purchased’ piece of hardware it will not be an ‘owned’ model still tied to an account.
In summary
The cost that consumers incur in acquiring a DIRECTV receiver depends on whether one opts for getting it through the provider, paying the retail price, or procuring second-hand equipment. Although prom deals with the latest technology in technology directly from DIRECTV is more costly, this comes with added benefits such as professional installation, customer support, and replacement policies. However, purchasing boxes from other firms can significantly reduce the initial costs of a startup.
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