When buying a used receiver, you need to get the receiver ID # (RID) from the seller and you need to call DirecTV to make sure they will allow you to use the receiver before purchasing the receiver. They will not allow you to use the receiver if:

When buying a new receiver or a receiver with an unused or new access card, you need to get the receiver ID # (RID) from the seller and call DirecTV to determine whether the receiver can be owned, or will be considered a lease receive, which must be returned to them if you cancel service. DirecTV has moved towards supplying leased equipment only with their service. If you want the benefits of owning a receiver, you should avoid purchasing a leased receiver.

To get all channels of DirecTV HD service you need to get a receiver which is capable of handling MPEG4 video. DirecTV is gradually moving its programming from MPEG2 video to MPEG4 video encoding and earlier generation DirecTV HD receivers can not be modified or upgraded or adapted to handle MPEG4 channels.