Is there a way to utilize a directv receiver for local HD reception without a subscription?

Question:

I am trying to use my friends extra directv hd box and when I set it up, it will scan for local channels and locks them in, however it won't display them. Instead, it displays the subscriber # and tells me the card is not active. Is there a way around this?

Answer:
No, there's not. Older DirecTV receivers were like this but since DirecTV subsidized the cost of the receivers, they didn't want people to buy the receivers without subscribing to DirecTV thus leaving DirecTV to never recoup their subsidy through subscription costs. The new DirecTV receivers now are lease only so they get their equipment back when you cancel these days. I'd sell that box on eBay if you don't want to subscribe. Then buy an old Voom box as many of those will get terrestrial HD still, provided they were still active when Dish bought them. They can be had on eBay for a reasonable price.

Is there a way to utilize a directv receiver for local HD reception without a subscription?

Hot Topic