We switched to Dish from Comcast back when they first came out with HD DVRs. They were running a special and we got free boxes (or installation, I can't remember which). We have two main boxes (one HD and the other not) and each of those have an additional box connected to them. I have no idea about any of the details, that's Bruce's department. I can ask him anything you'd like to know though. He always does extensive research on things like this before purchasing.

I just asked him about AT&T with each service. He said Dish offers a $5 discount since they come on the same bill. You can get Direct with AT&T but you do not get any discounts they may offer from time to time. And of course you get the separate billings.