My DirecTV box is 12 years old. I
Bought it (Sony) for $99. For the past month I have been getting "On Screen" & Telephone notifications that my box will soon be rendered inoperative. I "Need to do a MPG Upgrade". I should call 800-531-5000. SO: I Did. DirecTV sent me a new (Standard Def) box for FREE. (I only need ONE SD Box). If you need more than One box it will cost $6 Extra per box per month. There was NO effort to SELL me aditional upgrades such as HD.
Procedure: You just need to unplug your old box and plug in the new one......with the new "Access Card" installed..Then turn ON the TV and Box. A Setup Screen will pop up.
Then you need to call the 800 number to activate. I got a person whose first language is English...So it went well.
SO: The new box is up and running. It has a bright blue "Orb" on the front that indicates it is ON...and it responds to key strokes by flashing when you input a keystroke on the new Remote.
SO: What with all this recent stuff about NSA checking on us...do you think my New DTV BOX has a camera "looking" back at me in my living room...?? Just wondering.
YES Bartender: I will have another adult beverage.
NB
PS: NO INSTRUCTIONS came with the new box.