DirecTV Begins Leasing HD Equipment

Before you get too excited, this lease isn't the same deal that DISH Network offers. For starters, current and new DirecTV customers have to pay an installation fee when upgrading to the HD equipment. The fees can range up to $549 for the HD DVR unit. This doesn't include a likely but not confirmed monthly service fee for each receiver.

I talked with a DirecTV sales rep last night about the lease deal, and she wasn't able to confirm an official monthly fee for the receiver. I am speculating that the lease fee will be around $4.99 a month. DirecTV also requires a two year programming committment.

My Thoughts: It seems like DirecTV is giving their customers a little bit of the cell phone business service these days. Maybe they should take notice of their competition, sat-rival DISH Network - a company that doesn't charge outrageous prices for installation and upgrades.

Another issue with the DirecTV high definition service is the $10.99 monthly charge for a whopping 7 HD channels. And, where are those local channels they promised a year ago? So, I must ask you, "Deal or no deal?"