I also have a
Mercury II and I am very happy.
PBS on component out with
AC3 audio to the Bose speakers is darn near to a theater experience.
On a Toshiba 27" CRT television, by the way.
Updates were not needed, and Fortec said not necessary. I am waiting until I need one or the warranty expires. I doubt I will need one based on the performance so far.
A 36" dish pointed well is getting me 75-80 on signal, and 70-75 quality on the PBS transponder.
Larry