A DIRECTV Digital Receiver is needed to view DIRECTV programming on your television set. The receiver is needed to process the 100% digital signal from your mini-dish. The receiver is smaller than a VCR and blends in well with your existing audio-visual equipment. Each TV must be connected to a receiver, but a single receiver can power as many televisions as you would like through the use of splitters. For more details about how many receivers you will need, please take a look at the multi-room solutions from AMERIDISH.