It's 5 satellites. They told me the same thing. I was checking around between Dish Network, Direct TV & Comcast Cable to upgrade to HD service. Dish Network came out and said even though my current dish was on the back balcony, they would have to put their dish up in the front yard near the road. They also told me that the stations don't even broadcast 1080p, yet. This was only a month ago. Of course, maybe that was just that particular technicians opinion.