1) You don't need a phone line after initial setup. (Tivos I think do need a phone line or at least an internet connection(if supported) I believe the DirecTV DVRS get their guide data over the satellite.). (See disclaimer below)
2) I assume you mean, can you get DirecTV with the Sunday Ticket by itself, I don't think you can, but I could be wrong, maybe someone else can give you a better answer. (See disclaimer below)
3) Yes, you can get a DVR, but I think you need the phone line for initial setup, after that I don't think you need it, but once in awhile a nag screen will come up stating it hasn't ben able to dial in. (See disclaimer below)
4) No. But you can split the signal from one receiver to all 5 tvs (no mirror fee)
Or use 2 receivers, one split to 3 tvs(group 1), and one split to 2 tvs(group 2), then at least you can watch different channels on the different tv groups, in this scenario, you'd only have to pay one mirror fee).
Either way, remember, you'd split off the "Out to TV" line of the receiver, NOT the one from the dish).
Buy yourself a remote control relay so you can change channels anywhere in the house.
I have heard what some people do who don't have a phone line, is to bring the dvr to a buddies house with a land line, and initialize the setup from there, then bring it home.
*Disclaimer: Apologies for the vague answers, but I figure it's better than nothing, I recomend checking this thread for replies from more clueful people if my replies are too flakey.
Answer 4 is defiantly correct (sans illegal methods which are not allowed to be discussed here (and rightly so)).
Hope that helped.
