I do not remember when I first started but was in the late 80's to early 90's. A 10' one piece spun alum dish.
C Band only. When I moved from that house I left the dish behind (big mistake) and went dishless for many years. Just recently got reactive with dishes again. Have never had cable or DN/DTV. Do not like the picture quality of DN/DTV nor the fact they are nothing more than cable in concept. You are tied to only them and they are free to do as they please. With a big dish I can change providers on a whim. Add channels, drop channels as I desire.
I have always been fascinated by satellite tv and can not imagine not having at least one operational dish.