I have a sony with DD5.1 and it works great although there is still little in true 5.1. Some of the networks like starz is cheating and sending r&l in DD only to save bandwith. I have no problems with either direc pc or direc tv during foul weather and deep clouds and I am in Cleveland, OH. I understand there is little difference in technology between the two except now you need to know where you are and if you will need two dishs for local broadcasts and HD reception. Dish is using two sats far apart and requires two dishes for theirs and direct is using one if you are in 20 of the major cities and two if you are not.