I bought 2 to replace older existing units based on the previous review he wanted to own them outright, but once they came in and I popped in my existing card, the unit complained about having the wrong card and wouldn't go any further without call calling Directv. A new card was provided but that gave a similar "phone home before proceeding" message. On the box it's written that this is a leased product, you have to return it if you terminate the lease, blah, blah. I tried refreshing the service several times but it looks like the software is locked down enough to prevent getting around calling Directv.
So really there's no point in buying this from anyone but Directv because you'll have to talk to them at some point and get hit with the $5/month charge.
Alt Electronics did do their part, it arrived quickly and well packed. Just would have been good know it was a leased unit BEFORE buying.I saved $4/unit by purchasing this from Alt instead of Directv but I'm just going to use my old units until they breakdown completely. I can find something else to do with that $140 per year in lease fees.
MO'B
Somewhere, MI