any pros/cons to getting the rca elliptical dish (DS-4282)? I'm ready to buy, so any input you guys have to help me take the plunge is greatly appreciated. thanks!

Do you mean the DS4280RE?
I've just finished an extensive search for a Dolby Digital Satellite system and had to decide between the RCA DS4280RE, the Sony SAS A50D, and the Hughes E4532. Here are my pros/cons of each system:

RCA: I personally dislike the interface. I've noticed my parents system is slow at turning the channel and moving through the menu/guide. Other people have verified this trait. System is DirecTVPlus (multi-satellite) compatible, meaning you can purchase an elliptical dish later and receive the additional channels w/o having to upgrade the receiver.

Sony: I like the interface including the PIP surf feature and the channel logo matrix (a grid of preselected channels shown by their logo which you can select by cursor) Channel changing seemed to be faster than the RCA. System is not DirectTVPlus compatible (meaning multi-satellite is not an option). I've also seen people mention (on this site) that it does not use discrete remote codes (which only matters if you have a Pronto remote).

Hughes: I selected this system after much indecision between it and the Sony. Probably the simplest, most user friendly interface of the 3 (especially the remote). I like the single line surf, with which you can show a single line of the guide and scroll through while covering very little of the screen. Noticeably faster at changing the channel than the RCA (others have confirmed this to me). DirecTVPlus compatible. For Dolby AC3, has digital coax audio output (in addition to the normal optical output).

Have not received mine yet, so take this advice knowing that my experience was limited to frequent visits to various audio stores trying these out in an environment much different than the cozy confines of home...

Good Luck.