Do you need a special antenna to get HD programming from dish network?

Question

Right now I have SD dish network but I'm thinking about upgrading to HD since I recently got an HD TV, would the dish network people have to install another antenna or change the ones I currently have? Right now I have 2 antennas btw. Will the new HD reciever work with my current antennas?

Answer 1

You will need a multi-LNB dish.  But some HD will come through without it.  Best idea is to talk to dish network.  They will probably arrange something for free if you upgrade to the HD packages.

Answer 2

Dish will need to install a different satellite antennae for your HD content. It will have 3 LNBs on it and will be oval. Regular dishes do not work for HD. You can also use your regular roof antennae if you have one for your local HD programming. It can be connected to your Dish receiver too and it will provide the locals for it. I have Dish HD. SO far it is nice. If you are a current customer talk to customer retention and they will be able to set you up with the HD package for free just like a new customer. You might have to threaten to goto Directv though. Your old dish boxes should work but they may want you to change over to all the new stuff. In any case it would not hurt to call them. They will know for sure.