I used to work for DirecTV as a new account representative in the Fall of 2005. My experience is that only DirecTV authorized receivers (existing in my computer database) could be used. I would add the receivers to the account and activate them when ...
what a inane question, why don't you ask them why they charge for what.
It doesn't really matter because most receivers can be adjusted in the setup menu to perform as 5.1. HDMI switching is available on a wide variety of receivers in almost any price range. Pick the one you like and it will only take a few clicks on the...