Looking at switching from cable to DSS... Considering Hughes, Sony, RCA receivers with AC3 sound. Looking at the specs of these, all have UHF/IR remote. Does this mean that the DSS uses UHF? Will a MX1000 or MX500 remote work with these? Thanks !

Only the high-end DBS receivers use UHF for transmitting remote signals. Sony is tops for that concern, although there are a couple of IR-to-UHF converters available for any remote to work (RCA cones or adapters that fit on the remote ends, etc). They also work with regular IR remotes at the same time. Of course, if you are looking for AC3 output you are looking near the top-end anyway.

I have experienced all the DIRECTV boxes out there and came back to Hughes receivers. I liked the GUI and the features better at the time, and the quick response the Hughes box gives for menu surfing. Sony makes a quality box and is fast & feature packed, too, but also more expensive. Hughes tended to be less prone to failure than any of the others.

Stay away from RCA/GE receivers... bad GUI, slow and prone to failure! I know from experience in fixing them! Back, I say, BACK!

I have the sony SAT HD-100. the factory remote transmits both ir an rf. you get to choose. my pronto which only transmits ir controls the sony hd receiver just fine

most do both, but there are a few (for saving a few cents) that only do UHF. Even the ones that only do RF can be modified to receive IR.