If I decide I don't care for DirectTV can I use my same Sony SAT-A3 and A4 receivers, and same dish to get DISH network programming? Just curious.

Dave

Hmm, don't think so.

You will be able to use your sony receivers after you switch to Dish but I reccommend you paint them a dark green first...that way they won't scare the fish when you use them as an anchor for you ski boat.

But seriously, the 18" dish and LNB's are compatable and can be use with the Dish Network setup (coax is OK too) but you will need to re-point the 18" dish to hit the 119 slot.

The receivers are not compatable. both use propriatary systems and cannot use converted to access the other service. There may be a market for the used receivers.

Thanks, Guys.

It's what I suspected, but since I'd never heard or read about DTV/Dish compatability anywhere else I thought I'd ask. It's nice to know that at least the LNBs, dish and cable can stay.

I'm perfectly happy with DirecTV right now. Just wanted to know what my options would be when and if they get greedy like the cable company did. When local cable jumped to $45, the cost of a satellite system and monthly $30 was easy to justify, if not mathematically, then just for CableTV spite.

Thanks again,

Dave

You can use either a sony or dish network dish to get either subscribers programming. In new york direct tv points at 230 degrees meanwhile dish network has the 61.5 and the 119 sat for overseas programming and the regular channels. i have installed both systems before. The difference is the receiver that you have , pretty much both receiver systems give the same line voltage back to the dual lnb.I have direct tv, while customer service stinks, the dish network i think is to new and has problems they still have to work out.so either way good luck