[lumpkin666]

Originally Posted by GoGiants

Thanks for the great feedback.

1st Quesion: Based on what people wrote, can anyone tell me what a component output is and which brand/type to buy?

Someone wrote that the Mercury Receiver was better "but only if you use the component output" -- and I do not know what that entails.

Component output basically refers to how the receiver is connected to your TV. If you use component cables (RGBY) the quality can be different than using the composite cable (the screw-on cable). It's not something you buy, it's just the method of connecting to your TV - some TV's support both, older TV's support just the composite, some newer tv's don't support composite anymore.

Originally Posted by GoGiants

2nd Question: Is this something that a skilled installer would know readily how to install easily? I won't be able to maintain the dish myself since the roof is way high up.

A skilled FTA installer should have no problem. People who "think" they are skilled just because they install DirecTV or DishNetwork would have a tougher time generally than they would installing their "pizza dishes". If you're going to pay someone, get someone who has a track record of installing Free-To-Air systems - and make sure that they understand that you want someone to install a "true" Free-To-Air system (some people hear "Free-To-Air" and think "Free-To-Hack".... which generally will not require the same attention to antenna installation since they would use the smaller/easier to configure "pizza dishes")

Originally Posted by GoGiants

3rd Question: Let's say you wanted to upload the latest software onto the Mercury Receiver - how is it done? Is there a channel that you go to that lists the latest updates and versions and then hit "download" - is it that simple -- or do you need to use a computer too?

Updating the firmware/software on the receiver requires a computer. Some receivers, like the Mercury, require a serial cable connection (check your PC, it may not even have a serial cable connector), some can update from a usb thumb drive, and some can update over a network connection. Regardless, the typical receiver requires you to load the software from a PC.

Originally Posted by GoGiants

Thank you.

You're Welcome!