Now that everything has gone digital, is it possible to use a dsr 905 as a stand alone unit to subscribe to programing? I have an old receiver that i use to move my dish. Do i have to have a VCII to subscribe?

You can use the 905 as a stand alone. I did for a while
It will control polarity and skew but not move the dish

Nothing is on VCII anymore so its not needed

Yep go for it get some subs :)

It's best to keep it connected to a dish that you can still move for the best selection and EPG.

Otherwise it would work nicely for a satellite such as AMC18 (W5) at 105°. A nice selection of channels all in one place for a second choice.

The only drawback I have with my fixed 4DTV on W5 is the EPG doesn't load from there. It only displays the current program title with no details.

in my spare bedroom, i have a 905 sidecar, pansat 9200 and v box connected to a 7.5' dish. works fine..i use the v box to move the dish then pic the satellite on the 905 and your good to go.