New D* subscriber needs advice

[HTneophyte]

I'm about to subscribe to D* for Setanta. I'll likely add E* in the summer for what seems to be superior HD coverage (no need now as I'm in the process of a total overhaul of our ancient HT equipment).
I have two rooms that need covered. Each has only one coax but both would be easily converted to two.
Here are a few questions I have and would greatly appreciate any suggestions:
How should I proceed given the fact that I will add E* at some later date? I would like to avoid having more than two dishes on my house if possible? Also, any suggestions on how to handle the multiple receivers for each room once I have both D* and E*?
Should I have them installed on the roof or at a location that I can access?
Is there a particular D* dish I need to request?
Is there a particular D* receiver that I should request? Would the HR20 be best in the event I would prefer D* over E*?
Can I do this without a D* contract in case I should prefer E* once I am a dual subscriber?
How do I find a reputable installer other than word of mouth? Any questions I should ask to determine this?
I assume it is best to order over the phone for the best customer service?
Thanks for the advice! It is much appreciated.

[Michael D'Angelo]

Should I have them installed on the roof or at a location that I can access?

Where ever you will get the best signal. If it is a location that you will be able to access great. It will help if there is anything that you would ever have to do to it.


Is there a particular D* dish I need to request?

5 LNB dish. It will be either a AT9 or a AU9. Does not really matter what one you get.


Is there a particular D* receiver that I should request? Would the HR20 be best in the event I would prefer D* over E*?

Yes the HR20 is there new HD DVR. That is the best receiver out from D*.

Can I do this without a D* contract in case I should prefer E* once I am a dual subscriber?

No. Advanced equipment like HD receivers and DVR's there is a 2 year contract. Standard equipment is a 1 year contract.

I assume it is best to order over the phone for the best customer service?

Ordering over the phone is the only chance of getting any kind of deal so I would do that.

[harsh]

How should I proceed given the fact that I will add E* at some later date?The cable count needs to go up in a big way. How much depends on how many and what types of receivers you're going to use for each room. Generally speaking all Dish Network receivers use a single cable. DirecTV receivers can require anywhere from one to three cables.I would like to avoid having more than two dishes on my house if possible?This depends entirely on where you live. Both Dish Network and DirecTV (to a significantly lesser extent) require two dishes in some areas.Also, any suggestions on how to handle the multiple receivers for each room once I have both D* and E*?You may want to invest in a sophisticated remote control. You'll most likely connect the DirecTV receiver using an S-VHS connection and the Dish Network receiver via HDMI.Should I have them installed on the roof or at a location that I can access?They'll install the dishes where they need to be installed and that depends on your location.Is there a particular D* dish I need to request?You order the service and they will set you up. You shouldn't need to concern yourself.Is there a particular D* receiver that I should request? Would the HR20 be best in the event I would prefer D* over E*?Setanta is not in HD, so you can save a lot of money (and a cable or two) if you go for an SD receiver. You need to decide whether a DVR is important to you.Can I do this without a D* contract in case I should prefer E* once I am a dual subscriber?If you go with a basic non-DVR receiver with D*, you can get away with a 12 month commitment. If you go with a DVR or HD receiver, you'll be saddled with a 24 month commitment.How do I find a reputable installer other than word of mouth? Any questions I should ask to determine this?That's a tough one. Look through the phone directory for someone who has been in business for a while. If you order from DirecTV, they will use whomever they use in your area. If you order through a local storefront, you may be able to take pictures of your home and have them tell you what kind of an install they would do.

It would be a big bonus if you could order both setups (DirecTV and Dish) from the same outfit.

[HTneophyte]

for the advice and comments!