Newbie lookin for some help

[mudmanjw]

I signed up for directv a few months ago for the quality over cable(much better HD reception). In hindsight I should have gotten more standard receicers with the free install. But I didn't. Now I'm lookin to get 2 more standard boxes in addition to a temporary or emergency (tripod) dish for after storms.

My problem is the tripod dish directv offers only receives from the 101 satellite and my local channels come in on 119. Also it is only good for 1 receiver.
I would like to at least run 2 if not 3 receivers off the temp dish.

What would be my options as far as dishes good for 2 receivers and get local channels? Should I just go ahead and get a spare regular standard dish and put it up myself after the storm?

Also I was doing some reading in the forum and noticed people talking about getting discounts on equipment. How much should I expect to pay for the 2 additional receivers? They wanted $79 (maybe it was $69)each. I think this is a little high for something I don't own.

[say-what]

You can order a 5lnb dish and a tripod from solidsignal.com

As for additional SD boxes, you may be able to use the DVR4U code to get a free R15. Not sure how low they go on SD boxes though.

[mudmanjw]

looked at solidsignal. Nice site. Good info.
Looks like a 3LNB would work for my application. A little cheaper than the Slimline.
Also found some new 3LNB dishes on ebay for less. I know its not a good idea to get receivers off of ebay but I don't really see any negative for dishes.

Am I correct?

[Tom Robertson]

Dishes off ebay should be fine, but there have been reports of dishes without all the screws.

I would suggest thinking twice about just a 3lnb dish, the 5lnb is the current dish for all the programming and will be around awhile. The 3lnb is obsolete these days and HD programming thru that dish will cease sometime next year.

Cheers,
Tom

[msmith198025]

Dishes off ebay should be fine, but there have been reports of dishes without all the screws.

I would suggest thinking twice about just a 3lnb dish, the 5lnb is the current dish for all the programming and will be around awhile. The 3lnb is obsolete these days and HD programming thru that dish will cease sometime next year.

Cheers,
Tom

+1 go with the slimline if you can swing it

[boba]

Dishes off ebay should be fine, but there have been reports of dishes without all the screws.

I would suggest thinking twice about just a 3lnb dish, the 5lnb is the current dish for all the programming and will be around awhile. The 3lnb is obsolete these days and HD programming thru that dish will cease sometime next year.

Cheers,
TomEbay always has risk but if you are a good shopper a 3LNB should be available for $20-25 with shipping. As an emergency dish to get your locals after a hurricane it will work. Just remember your locals may also be knocked out and you may be working off a generator so the number of receivers and TVs may be limited.
If you can wait until you have been with D* for 6 mo. you may be able to get the basic receivers discounted. Otherwise $69 is the lease upgrade price after you become an existing customer.:)