DirecTV uses a format different from DVB, (Fta format). BOTH Direct and Dish use circular polarization AND a different frequency range, (approx. 12.2 to 12.7 Ghz,) from FTA. Fta uses linear polarization, vertical and horizontal, combined with a lower frequency range. (appox. 11.2 to 12.1 Ghz.) You can SEE Dish transponder/channel signal levels, but an FTA receiver will NOT view Dish channel signals due to the Nagravision 3 encoding. Whereas, Direct can be seen with a signal meter, SF-9503, but a FTA receiver will not see the transponder levels, let alone any channels. All of these, Direct, Dish, and FTA are on the Ku band, not C-band. Both paid services require their own authorized equipment in order to watch their channels. I believe this should cover everything. El