Sony equipment is great but expensive. I halso have to admit IA m in the dark on DD 5.1.

There are three providers of note. One is Direct TV. Equipment is avaialble everywhere Circuit City, Best Buy, Radio Shack etc. This is the well known provider and they advertise heavily. It is also the most expensive provider but the only one to offer the NFL, NHL, NBA or MLB packages.

the second provider is DISH NEtwork. You can buty their equipmet at Sam's Club, Costco, Direct on teh web or at Target or Sears but under other brand names. which receiver is best varies with need but the DIshplayer 500 is currently quite popular---no HDTV compatibility right now though.

Dish is cheaper, and offers a few more basic channels. Until recently there were fewer PPV channels though this has changed. You will save $$$ here but lsoe access to the sports packages. Also if you are brand loyal to SONY this may not be for you. I have a SONY TV with an RM- Y65 remote. It works everything but DISH they refuse to acknowledge it exists. The DISH receivers though come with adequate universal remotes.

The third and least known provider is Sky Angel. This is a VERY limited service. To get it you purchase DISH network equipment and point it at a different satellite. you get 30 religious and/or family friendly channels for $9.95--no sports, no HBO no nudes but if it's your cup of tea more power to you.

Good luck. Betwen DTV and DISh there is no right or wrong. Just depend on whether you want the sports or a cheaper rate---pretty subjective.