I know that with a Dish, you can't get the local networks unless have no way to get them with a regular antenna.

We get adequate reception for local channels, so that's not the issue.

I haven't been able to get information from any sales associates at the local stores that sell the Dish, so I thought I'd come here to ask those of you who have the system.

Is having a Dish with the full programming package worth it over cable?

What Dish system is needed for multiple TV households (to watch different channels in two separate rooms).

How about a third TV? Can it be patched from one of the other TV's (same channel I assume) or does every TV need to have it's own Dish and controller?

How much $ do you have into your system. Is it satisfactory or would you do something different if you could do it again?

I have Direct Tv or whatever it's called.

I have a dual LNB 18" dish. One feed goes to a receiver in my living room. The other one goes to a receiver in my bedroom. On the output from the TV in my bedroom, I put on a splitter. One line goes to my TV and the other back to a splitter in the basement with an AMP on it. I have three other TV's all hooked up to that splitter. I also have just basic cable for my local stations. Actually, I only need one local station and that one is not available on the dish (Bruins games) or I wouldn't have cable at all. We are able to get local channels on the dish. They passed a law here that makes it legal. I do not get that but I do get the networks from other areas. I have CBS, NBC and FOX. I have east and west for both. I also have HBO and Starz. I think it cost me about 70 bucks a month. I think it is well worth it. I bought my own receiver for the living room and it supports Dolby Digital 5.1 to go with the rest of my entertainment center. I cannot describe what watching a movie is like in Dolby Digital 5.1 and a 60" TV. It is awesome.

I am considering dropping the movies. I think it would be cheaper to rent one a week from the DTV pay movies than to carry the movie channels. Also, I have a bunch of DVD's in 5.1. Days of Thunder and Top Gun are amazing even though I don't care for Tom cruise. The Matrix scene in the lobby totally overwhelming when it is cranked up.

Sorry so long but I think it is a great system and the dish is a big part of it. It could be partly because our local cable sucks big time. If you have a good cable system with good broadband access it might be an acceptable alternative.