There are lots of threads in here that talk about getting a x22 receiver activated if thats what your talking about. They are suppose to be allowing current cust. to buy or lease them sometime in the early part of 05. So I would wait till then, you might be able to get an upgrade for near nothing(so I hope).
Seems to me most people are having success getting new ones activated, just make sure it's not a leased box you buy. From what I've read most CSR's won't activate it try ceo@dishnetwork.com.