I can see where currently Hopper 3 WA with internationals would be some extra work, being an installation requiring two dishes. I really wanted to upgrade, Compared to what I had, VIP, Hopper 3 is far less cumbersome, multi room coverage is better, and it appears to be economical. Getting all the new additional features is the bonus. Dish has always been the best for me, and to me, and I'm sure they will continue to be.
Dish let me order Hopper 3 even though I have International. At the time I ordered, I didn't really know for sure how the Hopper 3 was going to be set up with international. I had some ideas from what I read in some of Scott's posts. I thought no problem.
The first installer, third party, arrived and was unsure how to install this. I had shared with him what limited knowledge I had. He called Dish technical support for installers and Dish told him "NO!". After consulting with his supervisor and a buddy that used to be a technician this third party installer was inclined to use one dish without the Dish Pro Hybrid LNBF to install the Hopper 3 system. I had limited knowledge, but I said to myself, "that won't work properly with the Hopper 3", so I called it off.
When I called in Dish about this, without hesitation they came through. A second appointment was set up where my system was given their full attention.
I got two regular in house technicians and supervisor for a total of three.
By the time this appointment took place I had started this thread, done more research on here, and was pretty sure I was on the right track. Two dishes, pole mounted were already installed in my configuration because I had separated 129 off of the 1000+ onto it's own dedicated 24" dish to improve the signal. I have a lot of trees. Everything gave the Hopper 3 installation WA with international a big head start. It was only necessary to change my second dish, not install it from scratch. The 1000.2 with Dish Pro Hybrid WA LNBF replaced the 24" dish dedicated for 129. A line was run from 118 on my 1000+ with the older style Dish Pro 500+ LNBF and inserted into the new Dish Pro Hybrid LNBF attached to the 1000.2 reflector that was now where my separate, dedicated 24" dish for 129 had been pole mounted. I believe this made my install easier. My existing wiring was utilized. I am very happy to have this new set up, and grateful to Dish for allowing it. Hopper 3 WA with internationals works great, and I don't think there was an extreme amount of extra work in my case.
Maybe it was a perfect storm of opportunity that allowed this installation to take place. I was able to find out about Hopper 3 technology here, and get it. I love this. It is working great for me. Thanks to all the help and advice. I am very happy.