I was told I would have to purchase one through a retailer like radioshack but they also said there are offers sometimes for current customers. Has anyone ever gotten a DVR while being a long time customer with dish network?

I was offered one about mid-summer last year. I had called in to pay my bill and had just asked about upgrading to DVR and was offered a few rather nice deals, none of them free, but still not as expensive as buying a one from Radio Shack. I would suggest calling their Sales Department, tell them that your interested in Upgrading to DVR, and find out what deals and offers they have. It won't be free, that I can pretty much assure you of, but they can certainly make you some offers. I've found over the years with them, that unless you ask, they normally don't tell. Also it may depend on how long you have been with them, and how well your payment history has been, mine was ever since PrimeStar sold out, with no late payments.Edit: Both Dish Network & Direct TV either give you the equipment thru a promo, or either charge you straight up for it. However Comcast & Time Warner (Cable) "Rent" their equipment at a per month charge. As long as I've been working in Electronics I've never seen a satellite company "Rent" receivers, however on the same note I've never seen a cable company that doesn't.

Yes. Call around locally to dish network retailers. If no luck call dishnetwork directly they can up grade you or give you a number to a retailer in your area. You will have to give them your account number, name on account and a credit card. They need this cause they have to requalify you for the upgrade. Lot cheeper than purchasing a DVR , $349 + tax and someone to install. I normally charge a hundred cash to install for this type of side job. Use your math skills, go with a retailer who only installs sat tv systems for better service and to save money. STAY AWAY FROM RADIO SHACK.

Your Dish provider should be able to provide you with Tivo or a DVR for a small monthly fee. The DVR should replace your current cable box.

DISH IT UP. that is the name of the promotion you need.
We do it for customers for 50.00. They get a 50.00 credit on their bill. So FREE