In some areas (Raleigh/Durham, NC, for instance) the local programming is provided on a 3rd satellite, further complicating things.

The eliptical dish comes with a multi-switch that combines and routes the signals from all 3 satellittes. You need to have 1 RG6 running to each reciever from the dish, with a maximum of 4 receivers. (it's technically possible to run more than four receivers, but you need more hardware, and 4 wires to the dish from your distribution.)

from what I understand, the elliptical dish must be professionally installed. It is a bit tricky to get
fine tuned.

also, getting some channels (local) activated takes some time. (4 hours + from the time directv sets up the account).