Does dish network and directtv use the same sateites? Can I switch from dish to direct & keep my current dish

Question

I have dish network all set up at home but feel direct tv has better deals - can i switch and use the current dish that I have on my roof? Or do I need a new dish?

Answer 1

No, no and no - different satellites, dishes, and locations/direction.  Dish is also behind Directv on the number of HD channels available - they've had satellite problems and are still trying to get another HD satellite in the right orbit to catch up to direct.  Anyway - if you switch then Directv will do the installation for free so they'll put up a new dish (you can remove the other one).  I'd suggest going with the HD dish, which is different, so you don't need to pay when you decide to upgrade later.