I am planning on installing a DSS system. I'm only planning on a simple dual lnb system to start, mainly because I don't plan on being in this house much longer and want to keep it simple.

Anyone have thoughts on which hardware is better than the others, and why?

Thanks for your thoughts.

First, Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) has replaced the acronym DSS since DirecTV was sued a few years ago.

Which provider do you want Dish or DirecTV? Dish has some great entry level systems that look even better with first time subscriber discounts. Check out the prices at www.dishdepot.com . DirecTV has some deals also, like the $99 Philips DirecTivo at Circuit City. They would even throw in an 18" dish for a penny.

Are local channels available in your area? Do you want them? Do you like sports? All of these are valid questions since the programming varies with satellite providers.

Finally, Dish is in the process of buying DirecTV. If the deal goes through, your hardware will be worthless (all of this will take a few years). They are saying that there will be upgrades to equivalent hardware for the new combined system at no cost to the consumer.

-Robert

This message was edited by rlj5242 on 11/02/01 08:55.41.

I have had DirecTV for over 10 years now (was an early adopter) and currently have two dual LNB dishes and 3 receivers (the first RCA unit, a RCA DRD515RB with RF remote and optical sound ot and a RCA DTC-100 HDTV reciever) I even moved the first dish to my current house 6 years ago. All equipment has been near flawless (twice I had to reset the first unit yet it only took 5 minutes). I have had very good luck and like the performance of the equipment.

I'm thinking DirecTV right now. I want the NFL Sunday Ticket which leaves me with DirecTV. RCA has the DS-4240RE with dual LNB for as little as 49.95 on some sites.

Is RCA good enough to start, or should I pay a bit more for another brand or a better product?

Thanks!

Rowen, the Philips DSR6000 is a great unit. It has dual tuners and a TiVo (hard-disc-based 35 hour recorder) built in. You can watch one program while watching another, and even record two while watching a previous recording. There are many more features, too.

I got 3 at Circuit City for $99 ea, plus a dual LNB dish for a penny. Plus, with the sports package at $45/mo, we get the Platinum (all channels) free for 4 months.

I installed our system myself. It took about 15 minutes to put up the dish, and about 10 minutes more to get a 90+ signal strength on all transponders.

The dual-tuner feature requires a free download, by the way, so don't be surprised if it doesn't work out of the box.

Larry