Need help!!!.newbie to directv....

[maucaradepau]

Ok...Forgive my newbieness...I plan on buying a used two room directv system and have gotten as far as figuring out I need a dual lnb dish...and both receivers...I think the dual will suit me fine...Since I intend on ordering just a base package with local channels...Why used system??? My brother is an old directv subscriber...we share an apartment....he got rid of his old system...so with a used system he can order directv again and not be locked up in a one year agreement...so a used system I figured is cheaper....and I definitely want to avoid the one year obligation.....so basically I figure just buy a system...off ebay or something...and install it and call them and get it running...sounds simple....but then ebay has ..."virgin access cards" and P5 cards and P4 cards...and I'm lost...I don't want any doctored cards...when they say virgin does it actually mean virgin..not tampered or is it code for the tampered cards....then I see these ridiculous high prices for a card...and I figure...there must be another reason....anyway...basically I've found two systems...that are fairly cheap..A Hughes Gaebo...and a Philips DSX5540...which would you guys suggest...and for a little more I can get an RCA 435RH......I know this is a long post but I need help...

[gor88]

We will need to know what zip code you live in to determine what dish you might need for locals.

As I understand it, you will have to submit to a year contract even if you activate a used receiver with DirecTV. This is to help deter piracy if I remember right. Other members, please confirm this!

Given this, if you are not getting a TiVo receiver, your best bet is to sign the contract because the equipment will be free. If you go for TiVo (which I recommend highly), they can be bought for an extra $50 as a new customer from Expert Satellite. Depending on where you live, you might need a Phase III dish, which is an extra $20.

Trust me, the year will pass quickly.

BTW, virgin means the card has never been activated or used. That means there is no risk for previous pay per view charges being stuck on it. If you go used, you need a P5 card. I think P4's are being phased out.

[bonscott87]

If you need new cards you just call DirecTV and they will overnight FedEx you new cards. I think they'll charge you $20 but you can get out of it if you talk to retention. *Don't* buy any cards on e-Bay, there is no reason to.

[Skip Towne]

You will have to sign up for a year even with used equipment. You will also have to buy new cards from Directv. You would be much better off taking the free new equipment and upgrade to Tivo if you like.