The results may vary, especially if Ciel-2 is fully successful and positioned after November launch. At that time, hopefully a single dish solution (1000.2) works consistantly across the west coast.
As a recent D* to E* convert, I was eligable as a new DISH customer and subscribed to the TurboHD Gold package. With the install, I received a Dish 500 with a DPP Twin LNB that has a connection for a third SAT without a switch. A second 24" dish with a single DPP LNB was used for 129. With that second dish, the signal is fine and HD has been just fine. Once Ciel-2 is up, I expect the signal will be even stronger, so I'll likely stick to the two dish solution anyways.
I suspect that this would be similar for you. However, in Feb 09, likely you'll not require a 24" dish, so likely you'll have a second Dish 500 added with just a single LNB. Or if you negoitate it with E*, you might be able to upgrade to a single dish solution 1000.2.
Since a new SAT comes into play before you'd be eligable, it's difficult to say the final result. I suspect that this is why E* is waiting to upgrade existing customers in Feb 09. Likely the majority will want a single dish solution (1000.2) and the satisfaction of that solution will be significantly greater with the new SAT in play.
Frankly, for me, the two dish solution was fine as it's way up and out of the view unless you stand in a particular spot in my back yard (even then you are craning your neck, guests don't notice until I specifically point it out to them). As for curb appeal, no one would know that I subscribe to any SAT service. Fortunately for me, I've never had to worry about too much snow as it'd be a real pain to brush it off.
