On october 10, 2006, I called Directv to have them authorize and set up my used equipment. and was informed as a new subscriber, their policy as of march, 2006 , they would not set up new customers with used equipment. but as pre existing subscriber, They would then install and charge the  $4.99 monthly fee for the extra reciever.  They further stated that I wasted money buying used equipment as per their new policy as of March 2006 because I would be a new suscriber and could only use their new equipment.  I HOPE THIS IS HELPFUL TO ANYONE WHO WISHES TO BUY USED EQUIPMENT AND GET AUTHORIZED AS A NEW SUBSCRIBER, BECAUSE DIRECTV WILL NOT DO IT.