I am also new and the reason I joined is that I am a Directv subscriber and have been for almost 9 years. I currently have the Standard Directv and I want to upgrade to HDTV but I have noticed that when we have bad weather the directv goes out for long periods of time (all evening ) and I only get a usable signal from 2 tranponders.( This is problem that has gotten worse over the last 2 years, when I first got directv I would only have a short outage in very bad weather) I am thinking about moving the dish off of my roof to the edge of my back yard where there are a lot less tress and see if this helps. Directv will upgrade me to HDTV but they want a 3 year contract. I don't want to be locked in for 3 yeas if my signal continues to go out. Any sugestion? Thanks

Jim,
As far as your losing signal, look around and see if you have trees or anything else obstructing the view.
You may want to get your dish tweaked, but you mentioned going to HD, this will automatically move you into the 5 LNB Slimline which D* will install for you. When they come out to do the install, mention to him that you have had signal strength issues and would like the best he can get.
If you decide to move the dish to the back yard with a better view, you should be good to go.
When the installer is done, all your signals should be 85 +, perferably in the 90's, there may be a few that are not, thats OK as you won't get a signal from all of them. Some are low due to not really being in your area.
Go thru your channels and verify that you get them all.
As for the commitment, it's a 2 year commitment, everyone does it when moving to advanced equipment.
If you are at all interested in the HD DVR , go for it, if you haven't used one, you'll never go back to a standard rec. again.
Jimbo